Resources and Services for Students

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Call 964-4286 or E-mail: aacsvsu@svsu.edu

The Academic Advisement Center provides various programs to help students reach their academic goals.

• Initial academic advisement, course registration and placement testing for all new undergraduates.
• Academic advisement for all continuing undergraduate students to include: course planning prior to registration; explanation of academic policies, rules and procedures; monitoring academic progress using a computerized degree audit; and assistance in choosing a major
• Appointments and walk-in advising are available.
• Academic tutoring by appointment in selected first and second year courses such as beginning accounting, biology, chemistry, economics, history, physics and psychology.
• Coordination of University Foundation Scholars Program, College Success Courses, Basic Skills Testing and Orientation Programs.

Call 964-4200 or E-mail: admissions@svsu.edu

All freshman and transfer students are required to attend an academic orientation and registration program prior to the start of classes. The program consists of three components: University placement testing; advising and registration; and presentations to help students succeed in the classroom. Materials to register for the programs will be sent to students admitted to the University.

Call 964-4196 or E-mail: alumni@svsu.edu

All Saginaw Valley State University graduates are eligible for membership in the SVSU Alumni Association. The Office of Alumni Relations is the link between alumni and the University community. The University and the Alumni Association Board seek to build loyalty and support among SVSU graduates through involvement in social, educational, cultural and political activities. Alumni are significant contributors to the continued growth and improvement of Saginaw Valley State University. Through professional and community experiences, alumni demonstrate the quality of Saginaw Valley State University, bringing distinction to the alumni body and their alma mater.

Call 964-4262 or E-mail: bookstore@svsu.edu

The SVSU Bookstore, located in the Student Center, sells textbooks, paperbacks, class supplies, gifts and clothing.

Call 964-4253

SVSU offers food service for residential and commuter students, faculty, staff and campus guests. The RFoC, Einstein’s food court, Apple Slice café, C-Store, Freshens and Java City offer a wide variety of choices to suit everyone’s palate.

Dates, times and locations of campus programs are available in the Student Life Center. Examples of events sponsored by the Student Life Center are Welcome Week activities, the Cards’ Party, student leadership programs, Homecoming, student club fairs, Red Pride Family Day, and the Student Recognition Celebration. SVSU students are invited to attend or assist with any of these programs.

The Student Life Center promotes student organizations at SVSU by:

• Providing a listing of student organization contact persons.
• Scheduling the Unity and Multipurpose rooms in the Student Center.
• Processing club application materials.
• Equipping each club with a mailbox.
• Allocating available office space to student organizations.
• Approving the posting of club notices.
• Offering activities designed to enhance club growth such as the Cards’ Party, leadership training and student recognition events.

The SLC provides details about campus events, area events and almost any facet of campus life. Students can obtain weekly and monthly calendars listing University events, plus other materials published by the Student Life Center.

Call 964-7295

Campus Recreation sponsors a variety of intramural, extramural and well-ness activities for students, faculty and staff. Numerous opportunities for competition, fun and fitness are available in the Ryder Center, which includes an indoor track; swimming pool; free-weight room; basketball, badminton, racquetball, and volleyball courts; and a dance studio. The Student Fitness Center in the Ryder Center features aerobic exercise equipment (e.g., treadmills, elliptical runners, stair climbers, and stationary bikes), and resistance training machines. Outdoor facilities include lighted tennis courts, an archery range and athletic fields for different sporting events. Campus Recreation organizes a variety of intramural sports leagues. For details on current offerings, visit www.svsu.edu/studentlife/campusrec.html.

Call 964-4170 or E-mail: studentlife@svsu.edu

SVSU encourages students to volunteer their time and talents in service to the community. Students interested in community or campus involvement should seek assistance through the Student Life Center, which is actively involved with Saginaw, Midland and Bay counties, and facilitates Alternative Break Programs each year.

Call 964-4954 or E-mail: careers@svsu.edu

Career Services
Career Planning and Placement provides a number of services to help students make informed career decisions and put into action effective strategies to achieve success. Students may receive one-on-one career advising on choosing a career path, writing a résumé, cover letter, or port-folio, interviewing, professional etiquette and labor market trends. Career Planning and Placement hosts a series of employment fairs and on-campus interviews each year that conveniently bring regional and national employers to campus. The office’s website features advice on choosing a major, résumé writing, networking, and a comprehensive system for online job postings, résumé submittal, and interview scheduling.

Job Shadowing, Internships and Cooperative Education
Relevant experience is one of the most important factors that employers consider when making hiring decisions. By participating in job shadowing, co-ops or internships, students not only better their understanding of their future profession but also increase their value to potential employers after graduation. Career Planning and Placement places students with a variety of employers, or hosts, throughout the region. To learn more about internships or co-ops, visit our website (www.svsu.edu/careers) and click on the “Co-ops and Interns” link, or call to schedule an appointment with a Career Planning and Placement advisor.

Call 964-4286 or E-mail aacsvsu@svsu.edu

The College Success experience is designed to enhance the success of first-year students by introducing them to issues such as time management, study habits and techniques, test-taking skills, classroom decorum, use of the Library and campus computer network, etc. A small, select number of Basic Skills and General Education lecture courses will include a one-credit-hour addition called College Success. For example, this will be seen in the Course Schedule as:

ENGL111 Composition I (3 cr)
ENGL193 College Success (1 cr)

Students must take the designated Basic Skills or General Education Course and College Success Course together.

Call 964-7000 or E-mail disability-services@svsu.edu

The Office of Disability Services assists students with accommodations for learning or physical disabilities. Some of the services available for students with documented disabilities include motorized wheelchairs, F.M. listening devices, T.D.D.s, alternate testing arrangements, tutoring, note-taking forms, screen-readers and large print and specialized computers. SVSU will make every reasonable attempt to meet the needs of qualified individuals, normally within three weeks from the specific request. SVSU does not provide personal care assistance for individuals.

Call 964-4397

Saginaw Valley State University policies and federal and state laws call for equal opportunity in employment and in educational programs and activities. Prohibited under these policies and laws is discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, height, weight and mental and physical handicap. University policy and federal laws require affirmative action to overcome the effects of past societal discrimination against minorities, women, veterans and handicapped persons. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Special Programs is responsible for the implementation of these policies and law.

Call 964-4092

Evening Services is open from 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday to provide the following services to evening students and adjunct faculty members:

• Information on class locations, changes and cancellations
• Information on University programs and special events
• Processing course withdrawal forms
• Assistance with emergencies

Call 964-4271

Health Services assists students with managing or eliminating health problems that could interfere with optimal performance in obtaining their college degree. Services include treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, immunizations, screening tests, referrals and health care education. Located on the second floor of Wickes Hall, Health Services is a free walk-in service staffed by a registered nurse. A nurse practitioner is available by appointment and a small fee for prescriptions, simple physicals, routine allergy injections or more advance health care evaluation. Hours during the fall and winter semesters are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Thursday and Friday; and from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Hours during spring semester are reduced, and the office is closed during July and the first two weeks of August. Students who need health insurance can be obtain student health insurance applications in the Health Services office.

Call 964-7300 or E-mail: athletic@svsu.edu

SVSU is a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA II). The University sports program features football, basketball, golf, bowling, cross-country, baseball, soccer, and indoor and outdoor track for men; and basketball, volleyball, cross-country, softball, soccer, tennis and indoor and outdoor track for women. Offices for the Athletic Department are located on the second floor of the Ryder Center.

Call 964-4240 or E-mail: library@svsu.edu

Named for one of the University’s founders, the Melvin J. Zahnow Library opened its doors in January 1987. In the fall of 2003 the completion of an extensive renovation and expansion project resulted in a fourth floor and many other exciting features. The Roberta Allen Reading Room on the fourth floor is used for exhibits, guest speakers and meetings, as well as study. A café on the third floor offers light snacks and laptop network connections. The Student Technology Center located on the second floor provides tutoring for SVSU students with varying software needs, while STC staff visit classrooms to demonstrate selected software. Group study rooms and collaborative workrooms located on the third and fourth floors provide quiet areas suitable for conversation and special projects.

Resources, services and other information about the library can be accessed from the library’s home page (http://library.svsu.edu). CARD-CAT, the library’s online catalog, allows users to search the library’s collection of 217,000 print volumes; 2,300 periodical subscriptions in print and electronic format; 23,000 media items, including videos/DVDs, CDs, audiocassettes; University archives and more. In addition, through the library homepage, users can search 90 online databases, 7,300 electronic books and selected Internet resources. Many electronic resources can be accessed off campus by SVSU students, faculty and staff, who have registered with the library.

To assist users with the vast array of information, librarians are available in person, by phone and online. Assistance with search strategies, the selection of appropriate resources, navigating online databases and effectively using the Internet is provided at the reference desk, as well as by appointment. The library’s Instruction Program focuses on developing the information literacy skills of SVSU students through sessions held in a 40-seat computer teaching lab. Librarians collaborate with faculty in designing sessions and online tutorials that support the university’s curricula to ensure that the course-related research and information needs of students are met.

Call 964-4648 or E-mail: mathtutor@svsu.edu

The Math Resource Center is located in the Herbert Dow Doan Science Building, room SE 106. Individual tutoring services for mathematics courses numbered at or below the 200-level are offered to all registered SVSU students. Professional and student tutors are available in the center on a walk-in basis. Service also is available on-line, and by E-mail. All services are free to SVSU students.

Call 964-7268 or E-mail: microlabs@svsu.edu

The Microcomputer Labs consist of Windows-based or Macintosh-based computers. Computer software includes word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and other specialized programs. All computer stations provide E-mail and Internet access. Two general purpose “open” labs, equipped with PC and Mac stations, are among several teaching labs and specialized labs available throughout the SVSU campus. Hours for all labs vary during breaks and spring/summer semester. For additional information, visit www.svsu.edu/microlabs.

Call 964-7090

Minority Students Services provides various programs and assistance services to help students reach their academic goals.

• Academic and student support programs and services that include academic advisement and assistance with student service-related issues (e.g., registration, financial aid, student accounts).
• Advisement with personal concerns.
• Advisement to student organizations.
• Participating in, and support of, campus multicultural programs.
• Appointments and walk-in advising are available.
• Minority Student Services offers pre-college day programs (e.g., King-Chavez-Parks, Roosevelt Ruffin Symposium) for area middle and high school students.

Call 964-4255 or E-mail: reslife@svsu.edu

The Office of Residential Life provides opportunities for resident students to enhance their overall University experience and to support their academic goals. Each of the five residential facilities is staffed by professionals and paraprofessionals who are concerned about each resident’s success and satisfaction with his/her residential life experience. The Residential Life staff provide information and assistance regarding opporunities for involvement, special programs and activities, leadership development, roommate concerns, health and safety issues, student services and policies, and referrals to other University offices, as appropriate.

Call 964-4232

SVSU Student Association represents students through participation on many University policy-making committees and the Board of Control. It allocates student fees for activities as well as educational grants. The association also works with campus clubs and organizations to promote social and educational activities.

Call 964-2220

Each student is obligated to abide by regulations for acceptable student behavior. Regulations and procedures governing student behavior are found in the “Student Code of Conduct” section of the SVSU Student Handbook.

Call 964-7000

The Student Counseling Center serves as a mental health and substance abuse referral resource for students. Counseling Center staff provide assessments, crisis intervention, community referrals and psycho-educational classes.

Call Career Planning and Placement, 964-4954

Working on campus as a student employee can be an effective way to earn money while pursuing an education. To be eligible for student employment in the fall and winter semesters, students must be enrolled at least half time during the semester in which they work. For the spring and summer semesters, students must be enrolled at least half time during spring and summer, or be pre-registered at least half time for the following fall semester to be eligible for work. Students interested in working on campus must submit a completed Student Employment Application to the Office of Career Planning and Placement. When an on-campus department has a student employment vacancy, applicants who have relevant experience and skills will be referred on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Call 964-4255 or E-mail: housing@svsu.edu

SVSU currently offers residence hall and apartment living options for students desiring to live on-campus. Freshman, first-time-in-college students reside in designated freshman housing. Current freshman designated housing consists of the First-year Suites, Living Center North and Living Center South. New transfer students and upperclassmen reside in either the Pine Grove or University Village apartment style housing and occasionally in limited areas of either Living Center. All University housing is fully furnished and airconditioned. Many units feature a kitchen or kitchenette allowing for independent meal preparation. Basic utilities, cable television and high-speed internet access are included in the base rental rates.

First-Year Suites consist of seven houses, each containing nine suites and house approximately 425 students. A suite is composed of a living room, bathroom and four bedrooms. Shared bedrooms are rented to two students or when space permits, as private rooms for an additional premium. Quite often the entire suite becomes a cohesive social unit. Members study together, relax together and relate to each other on a personal and friendly basis.

Living Center North and South each house approximately 360 students that are primarily first-time-in-college freshmen. Living accommodations include two and three person efficiency style units along with four and five bedroom suite style units. There is a mix of shared and single bedrooms among the suite style units. Single bedroom accommodations command an additional rental premium and are subject to limited availability. Pine Grove Apartments house approximately 200 residents. Accommodations include shared-bedroom, fourperson apartments and single-bedroom, four-person apartments. Upperclassmen enjoy the quiet natural setting surrounding of this community. The complex is located adjacent to the Regional Education Center and is only a short walking distance from the center of campus.

The University Village Apartments house approximately 800 students. The complex consists of singlebedroom, four-person townhouse-style apartments and a few two-bedroom, two-person apartments. There are also two buildings consisting of single-efficiency units.

Dining Plans
Freshmen, first-time-in-college residents are required to participate in one of three “all you care to eat” meal plans. The meals plans provide for 10, 13 or 19 meals per week and a separate allocation of declining balance dollars. The RFoC residential restaurant is an “all you care to eat” facility and serves as the primary dining room for residential students. The declining balance dollars are expendable in any campus dining operation including the convenience store. Upperclassmen may build a custom meal plan by selecting from a variety of “all you care to eat” meals and declining balance dollar options. Meal plans are accessed by using the ACCESS SVSU card.

Application Procedure
Students who indicate an interest in on-campus housing on their admissions application automatically will receive housing and dining services information that include specific instructions. Students already enrolled should apply at the University Housing Operations office, 113 Curtiss Hall, 964-4255.

Housing Payment
A $200 pre-payment must accompany the Housing and Dining Services application and contract to reserve a space in on-campus housing. In the event of a housing shortage, students will be assigned a room on a “firstcome, first-served” basis (in the order that contracts are received by the University Housing Operations office).

Payment Schedule
The rate and payment schedule applicable to the current school year will be posted on the University Housing and Residential Life website. Payment must be made in full prior to a student receiving their room key and being allowed to move in.

Residence Hall Contract
The Housing and Dining Services Agreement (contract) is for the full academic year (fall and winter semesters), or for winter only for those entering in January. Spring and/or summer contracts also are available. In signing this agreement, the student agrees to abide by published regulations established by Saginaw Valley State University for the safe and efficient utilization of University housing.

Cancellation of Housing Reservation
The resident is obligated to honor the terms of the housing contract. Students will not be released from their contract to move to off-campus housing or commute during the contract period. The University will only release residents from their contracts if they:

• Graduate during the contract period.
• Totally withdraw from classes, in which case they will be required to pay a pro-rated amount for the actual days in residence and a contract cancellation charge of $100.
• Are academically dismissed from the University, in which case they will be required to pay a pro-rated amount for the actual days in residence and a contract cancellation charge of $100.
• Participate in an SVSU study abroad program during the contract period.

It is the responsibility of the resident student to notify the Office of Housing and Residential Life in writing of any change in student status. Students must properly check-out of the University housing in order to complete withdrawal from Saginaw Valley State University. A resident failing to follow proper check-out procedures may be assessed a $100 improper check-out fee. The University at its discretion will consider contract releases outside of the aforementioned criteria only if the circumstances are sufficiently extreme or catastrophic in nature. Requests of this nature must be submitted in writing to University Housing Operations and include supporting documentation. Special requests that are approved will be charged a pro-rated amount for actual days in residence and a contract cancellation charge of $200. Students that are released and re-enroll during the contract period will have their contract reinstated.

Termination of Housing and Dining Services Agreement by the University
The University may terminate the agreement and take possession of housing unit promptly without notice to quit: upon any failure of resident to timely pay any charges required under the contract; upon any failure of resident to comply with terms of the contract; for health reasons; when the resident is no longer enrolled in at least six semester hours at the University.

Call 964-4170 or E-mail: studentlife@svsu.edu

The Student Life Center supports the University’s mission to provide opportunities for individuals to achieve intellectual and personal growth, and to develop students’ personal, leadership and professional skills by providing and supporting quality co-curricular experiences for all SVSU students. These goals are accomplished by sponsoring a variety of cam-pus events, providing the opportunity to practice leadership skills, and facilitating the development of student organizations and their activities. The SLC provides support services to all students involved in co-curricular activities, including program planning, leadership development, organizational and audience development, talent acquisition, posting validation, promotion and publicity, recreation and travel. Students also may inquire about, and sign up for, campus recreation activities as well as investigate volunteer opportunities on campus and in local communities

Call 964-2299 or e-mail: techtutor@svsu.edu

The Student Technology Center, located on the second floor of Zahnow Library, offers one-on-one tutoring to students who need help using course-related software to complete their assignments. Whether students are new to computers or experienced users who want to create a presentation or electronic portfolio, the Student Technology Center can help. It is equipped with state of the art hardware and software. Applications include word processing, web page design, desktop publishing, multimedia and DVD production, spreadsheets, graphics, presentations and more. Assistance in using BlackBoard, campus e-mail, and other university computing resources is also provided. Students have several options for getting help from the STC - walk in anytime the Center is open, call to set up an appointment for an individual consultation with a tutor, e-mail quick questions, or visit the STC web site to find out more about the services offered, staff, and hours of operation (www.svsu.edu/library/stc).

Call 964-4220 or E-mail: admissions@svsu.edu

The Coordinator for Transfer Student Programs and Services assists transfer students as they begin their studies at the University. Articulation agreements with various educational institutions also are developed and maintained by this office.

Call 964-4294

The University Ombudsman’s office is a place where student questions, problems and concerns about the functioning of the University can be discussed confidentially. The office offers informal dispute resolution services, provides resources and referrals, and helps students consider options available to them. The University Ombudsman will listen to student concerns and take one or several courses of action. To resolve a concern, the office may:

• Investigate the nature of a problem.
• Explain the process a student might follow to resolve the problem.
• Refer the student to the appropriate person who can assist with the problem.

Call 964-4141

University Police provides service oriented policing to the SVSU community. Our goal is to maintain a safe environment to work, learn, teach, and enjoy the many aspects that the University has to offer. University Police publishes an annual “Crime Awareness Report,” which can be viewed at www.svsu.edu/publicsafety . We are committed to developing new and imaginative ways to address the broad spectrum of community concerns at SVSU. Some of our programs and services include:

• Bike patrol
• Crime prevention
• Criminal and other investigations
• Critical incident management and supervision
• Emergency response
• Escort services
• Foot patrol
• Operation Identification
• Orientation
• RAD (Rape Aggression Defense Systems)
• Traffic and parking control
• Vehicle assistance

We strive to provide a level of police service to insure a safe environment and, at the same time, improve the quality of life for everyone at SVSU. For emergency assistance, call 9-911 from on campus or 911 from off campus. To contact Parking Services, call 964-4140.

Call 964-4287

Matters related to student services and student life are the responsibility of the Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management, located on the third floor of Wickes Hall. The purpose of the Division of Student Services and Enrollment Management is to enhance the University experience of students by helping them develop the skills to meet their social, academic and personal challenges.

During their course of study, students likely will encounter some situations that are puzzling or troublesome. The University can assist students to find answers to their questions and provide the help they need to resolve any problems they might encounter. Students are encouraged to visit student services offices for assistance. If a question or problem arises that cannot be resolved through normal channels, students are invited to contact the Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management for assistance.

Call 964-1661 or E-mail: writing-center@svsu.edu

The SVSU Writing Center assists all students in developing their writing abilities. The Writing Center’s location is 135 Science East. The Center is open during posted hours; students may walk in or call ahead for an appointment. For more information, call 964-6061, send E-mail to writing-center@svsu.edu or visit www.svsu.edu/writingcenter . On-line tutoring also is available; for further information, visit the Center’s web site.

In the Writing Center, peer mentors help students at all levels of writing proficiency and from all disciplines with planning, drafting and revising all types of writing. The Center’s focus goes beyond simply helping students on the documents they bring; the Center’s goal is to aid in the overall development of students as writers.

The Center’s peer mentors are experienced writers who have been specially trained to meet the needs of SVSU’s diverse student body. Mentors work most effectively with students who arrive at the Writing Center with clear goals for their session and with their instructor’s assignment, their syllabus and text(s), and any previous work they have done. The Center also has a trained specialist in English as a Second Language on staff and a growing collection of both print and electronic resources on a range of writing issues.