Mar 28, 2024  
2011-12 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2011-12 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Life


 

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The goal of the Student Life Division is to promote individual student development by providing an environment which aids students in reaching their full potential. The Division offers a broad array of activities which meet intellectual, personal, social, emotional, spiritual and interpersonal needs. It is dedicated to a student development philosophy which complements and contributes to the mission and goals of the University, offering a broad range of co-curricular programs which provide learning opportunities.

Campus Center

The George H. Ellison Campus Center serves the university community through a variety of cultural, social, educational and recreational activities and programs. Housed in the facility are the Student Activities Office, the Winfisky Art Gallery, student lounges, and student group and club offices. An information center and the Director’s office serve as a clearinghouse for information about campus events.

Major student organizations with offices in the Campus Center include the Student Government Association, Program Council, the Log (newspaper), WMWM-FM (radio), the Hispanic American Society, the Multicultural Student Association, the Alliance, the Florence Luscomb Women’s Center, the student member of the university Board of Trustees and many other student groups. Meeting rooms, large and small, are also available in the Center.

The Campus Center contributes to the educational, cultural and social environment by providing a variety of programs and activities, which enhance university and community life. These programs are coordinated and sponsored by the Program Council, the largest student programming organization, and by the approximately sixty other student organizations. As the heart of co-curricular life at Salem State, the Campus Center strives to include all students as active and involved members of the community, welcoming all to take part in our programs and services. For additional information, go to: salemstate.edu/3531.php.

Student Government Association, Inc.

The Student Government Association, Inc. (The S.G.A.) is the governing body of Salem State students. There is one Senator elected for every two hundred students of each class. The five officers are as follows: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer.

The S.G.A. is the student voice in organizing student services and committees and is responsible for the interests and rights of students in such matters as student life, academic policies and campus judicial procedures. The Tutoring Program, student publications, radio station, social and cultural groups, and professional organizations are examples of student groups supported by the Student Government Association.  For more information go to: salemstate.edu/student_life/5891.php.

Student Activities and Program Council

The Program Council develops, organizes, and presents programs, which serve the cultural, educational, recreational, and social interests of the student body and the university community. The Program Council, run totally by and for students, is a major sponsor of activities on campus. Members have an opportunity to develop as student leaders and expand their human relation skills because of the extensive contact that they have with the entertainment and campus communities.

No experience is needed to apply for the Program Council. For more information on how to get involved with the Council, whether for a coordinator or to be on a committee, come to the Program Council office on the second floor of the Campus Center in Room 217. For more information go to: salemstate.edu/student_life/427.php.

Student Groups, Clubs, and Organizations

Student groups, clubs, and organizations are continually being developed. The following are those organizations currently recognized by the University :

  • Accounting Association
  • African Student Union
  • Alliance
  • American Advertising Federation
  • American Marketing Association
  • Amnesty International
  • Asian Student Association
  • Association for Computer Machinery
  • Atlantic Community Council
  • Bates Board of Governors
  • Biological Society
  • Bowditch Hall Council
  • Campus Crusade for Christ
  • Campus Educators on Sexual Assault
  • Campus Hope
  • Chemistry Society
  • Chess Club
  • Community Service Group
  • Criminal Justice Academy
  • Earth Science Association
  • Economics Club
  • English Society
  • Finance Association
  • Florence Luscomb Women’s Center
  • Future Educators Association
  • Game Club
  • Hispanic American Society
  • Historical Association
  • Honors Program Advisory Council
  • Intercultural Leadership Program
  • International Business Club
  • International Students Association
  • Italian Club
  • Marsh Community Council
  • MASSPIRG
  • Military Support Group for Salem State
  • Multicultural Student Association
  • Music Society
  • Peabody Community Council
  • Philosophy Club
  • Political Science Academy
  • Program Council
  • Public Relations Student Society of America
  • Repertory Dance Theatre
  • Residence Hall Association
  • Salem Geographical Society
  • Salem State Log
  • Scuba Club
  • Sociological Society
  • Soundings East
  • Sport & Movement Science Club
  • Student Action Resource Team
  • Student Commuter Association
  • Student Government Association
  • Student Nurses Association
  • Student Theatre Ensemble
  • Students of Salem for Peace Club
  • Ultimate Frisbee Team
  • Urban Arts Theatre
  • WMWM Radio

Athletics

The intercollegiate athletic program at Salem State University holds membership in the following professional organizations: National Collegiate Athletic Association (Division III), Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference, and the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference. Additional memberships are held in organizations which deal with individual sport programs.

Salem State University’s Men’s and Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic Programs are highly respected on both the regional and national levels. Our college athletic teams have competed in several regional and national post-season tournaments. Additionally, Salem State College is a perennial power within the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference.

Women’s athletic programs include:

  1. Field hockey, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and crosscountry in the Fall.
  2. Basketball in the Winter.
  3. Softball and lacrosse (club) in the Spring.

Men’s athletic programs include:

  1. Golf, cross country, and soccer in the Fall.
  2. Basketball, and ice hockey in the Winter.
  3. Baseball, golf, lacrosse and tennis in the Spring.

To be eligible to participate in the Intercollegiate Athletic Program, students must carry a minimum of 12 credits hours per semester, must pass a minimum of 24 credits hours per academic year, and must be making satisfactory progress toward a degree. Whenever a student athlete fails to pass a minimum of 12 credits hours per semester, a transcript review will be conducted by the academic advisor for athletics to insure that satisfactory progress is being met. Numerous academic support services exist for students to employ. Study table, tutoring, developmental skills laboratories, and time-management workshops are examples of the commitment the University has toward fulfilling the educational goals of its student athletes.

Students seeking information concerning athletic programs should contact the Athletic Director’s office located in the O’Keefe Sports Complex. As an NCAA Division III institution, Salem State University does not offer athletic scholarships. The University does, however, have an extensive  financial aid program based on need, and all prospective student athletes are encouraged to apply.

The Intramural program is open to all students, faculty, staff and alumni. It offers numerous opportunities for participation in organized competitive and non-competitive team sports as well as many individual leisure activities. These activities include ultimate frisbee, volleyball, indoor soccer, flag football, dodgeball, ice hockey, basketball, ice hockey cheerleading, and basketball cheerleading. Individuals desiring to participate are encouraged to register in the Athletic Office 978.542.6562. Please visit salemstatevikings.com for more information.

Career Services

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Ellison Campus Center
978.542.6406
salemstate.edu/1767.php

The Career Services Office is available to support current students and alumni in career related decisions. Assistance in choosing of major, clarifying career direction, exploring internship options and conducting a targeted job search are provided through the services outlined below.

Counseling

Individual appointments are available to assist clients in their career development needs. Through conversation, activities and inventories students will clarify their values, interests, personality preferences and skills allowing for clarification of career goals and ensuring the self-knowledge needed to conduct targeted job searches. Videotaped mock interviews are also available and are a valuable preparation tool for the interview experience.

Seminars

A variety of seminars are offered throughout the year including: resume writing, interview preparation and job search strategies. Registration is required, for a schedule of upcoming programs check our web site, salemstate.edu/3082.php.

Career Resource Center

The Center houses a collection of CD ROM, video and print resources including occupational information, job search resources, directories and labor market information (salary, industry outlook). Internet access is provided to career related sites. The Center also maintains listings of full-time permanent positions and internship listings. Positions are listed online through CSO (Career Services On-Line) on our web site.

Recruiting

Students graduating during the current academic year are eligible to participate in interviews scheduled on campus. To gain access to the list of scheduled companies students must register with Career Services. In addition, the office sponsors an annual job fair held in March.

Counseling and Health Services

Ellison Campus Center
Room 107
978.542.6410/6413
salemstate.edu/chs

The Counseling and Health Services department provides a comprehensive range of services designed to assist students in staying healthy. Located in the Ellison Campus Center on North Campus, the office is open weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm. Most services are available without charge to Salem State University students. For additional information, go to salemstate.edu/chs

Procedures for Nursing, Medical Technology, and Nuclear Medical Technology Students Accidentally Injured at Off-Campus Settings

Each contract between the University and the clinical setting (i.e., hospital laboratory, clinic, etc.) should contain a clause clearly stating that the clinical setting will provide emergency treatment to students accidentally injured while working in their facility. Counseling and Health Services will continue to provide the services that are ordinarily available to all students.

While the University provides certain services through its Counseling and Health Services, this does not constitute an admission of responsibility for any injuries which may occur, or may have occurred as a result of any student’s participation in the clinical process.

The costs of any treatments to students, beyond those cited above, which are required as a result of an accident in their clinical setting, will not be covered by the University. Students will be encouraged to contact their insurance carrier to determine the extent and access of coverage whenever an accident occurs. Students enrolled in these academic programs should contact program officials for further instruction.

Residence Life

Living On Campus

Over 2,000 students currently reside in on-campus living and take part in various activities, events, and experiences held within the residence halls. The Residence Life Program reflects the educational mission of the University, which includes the development of the student’s intellectual, social, cultural and physical potential. The residential areas provide students with a living/learning experience and afford a unique environment for students to interact with individuals from very diverse backgrounds and experiences. The Department of Residence Life is committed to the development of community, heightening awareness, fostering learning, and encouraging empowerment for our students. Residence Life at Salem State University has been nationally recognized by several outside organizations for the quality of staff, student leadership opportunities, and programmatic initiatives.

Traditional Style Residence Halls

Peabody Hall and Bowditch Hall are located on North Campus and house a total of 675 first year students. Each is a co-educational, corridor style residence hall focused on the first year experience supporting students in their transition to collegiate life.

Marsh Hall, located on Central Campus, is the newest residence hall and has been designed to create a living/learning environment for second year students. This pod style community houses students in double rooms, clustered in groups of approximately 36 students. Each pod has a study/social area and several bathrooms. The building also has a fitness room, laundry facility, large ground floor lounge, two faculty-in-residence, and a dining hall. Several theme-communities exist at Marsh Hall including a Service Learning Community and Honor Housing.

Apartment Style Residence Halls

The Bates Complex is a townhouse environment located on South Campus directly across from the Harrington Building. Each apartment has been designed for six occupants. The units include a kitchen, living room, two bathrooms and three or four bedrooms. This living area is limited to upper-class students (juniors and above). Several theme-communities exist at the Bates Complex including Non-Traditional Housing (21+), Gender Neutral Housing, a Transfer Community, and the International House.

Atlantic Hall, located on Central Campus, is an apartment style residence featuring six person apartments, a “smart” seminar room, fitness room and two faculty-in-residence. This living area is limited to upper-class students. Several theme-communities exist at Atlantic Hall including Honors Housing, and Gender Neutral Housing.

Staffing

A full-time Residence Director with either a Master’s degree and/or significant prior residence life experience manages each residential area on campus. The Resident Director assists students in their transition to the college experience and they are responsible for the overall management of the building/area. Resident Directors are committed to creating an environment that enhances the development of each resident on campus. Resident Directors supervise Graduate Assistants who are studying higher education administration and provide support to students in addition to the Resident Assistants and other student staff within the building. The First Year Experience and Sophomore Year Experience residence halls are staffed with Academic Mentors who are undergraduate students trained to provide academic centered programming and resources to the residential community. Each residential area also has its own maintenance staff. Peabody Hall, Bowditch Hall, Marsh Hall, and Atlantic Hall all have 24-hour student desk staff, who answer questions and assist with the security of the building.

Eligibility For Housing

Salem State provides housing for full-time matriculated undergraduate students. There are no on-campus residence hall facilities for married couples or families. Residence Life provides housing for full-time undergraduate students. Any student who would like on-campus accommodations may obtain information at Residence Life; new incoming students interested in housing should speak with the Admissions Office.

Three Year Housing Guarantee

Beginning in Fall 2009, new students who receive housing through the admissions process are guaranteed on campus housing for three years contingent upon the student following the policies specific in the Residence Life License Agreement. After the third (Junior) year, residency will be based on a Housing Lottery if needed.

Residence Hall Occupancy Agreement

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Residence hall students are required to sign a Residence Life License Agreement, which is binding for the entire academic year. The Guide to Living on Campus is an important document, which complements the Agreement and outlines additional policies and expectations. Resident students who live in Bowditch, Peabody and Marsh Halls are required to subscribe to a 14 or 19 meal plan. Resident students who live in the Bates Complex and Atlantic Hall are required to have a Resident Meal Plan but may opt to increase it to a 14 or 19 meal plan (see salemstate.edu/4923.php for more detailed information).

Residence Hall Association (RHA)

 

RHA is the student organization that represents the specific needs and concerns of students living on campus. Each residential living area has a Community Council of elected students who represent the residents’ best interests and serve as voting members of the Residence Hall Association. This group of students’ sponsors educational and social programming within the residential areas as well as for the entire Salem State community, and serves as an advocate regarding student concerns. In addition, RHA is affiliated with the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH, Inc.). Financial support for RHA and the Community Councils is generated from a Residence Hall Activity Fee. Students involved in Community Council have a direct impact on how this money is spent. RHA at Salem State University is a nationally recognized student organization, and has served as a model for RHA’s at other institutions across the country. RHA also serves as an umbrella organization for Omega Zeta Epsilon, the University’s chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary and Weekend Warriors, a programming group which coordinates weekend activities and trips for residential students.

Off-Campus Housing

The Department of Residence Life maintains a listing of off-campus housing opportunities for students who choose not to reside on campus. Residence Life does not inspect, approve, or recommend housing units but acts strictly as a resource/referral service for students. This updated listing is available in the Department of Residence Life, or online at salemstate.edu/reslife.

Fees

See Residence Hall and Dining Hall Fees under Tuition & Fees, salemstate.edu/5898.php.

Food Services

Salem State University offers several dining facilities. The management of the Food Service is assisted in the operation of these facilities by the Food Services Committee, established jointly by the Office of Student Life and the Student Government Association. The committee encourages suggestions concerning all aspects of the Food Services and relays these suggestions to the Food Service managers.

The Commons Dining Hall on North Campus is open for meal cardholders and for those who pay standard meal prices. The South Campus Cafeteria, the Faculty Dining Room and the Sports Complex Cafe are open on a cash or meal card plan basis.

Multicultural Programs

The Office of Multicultural Affairs assists students of color with their transition and continued involvement in the collegiate experience through educational, cultural and social programs. The Office is also committed to developing programs and services to educate the campus community about diversity issues. The following initiatives have been offered as part of the office’s ongoing mission: Advisement of organized student groups of color, assisting in the admissions efforts to recruit students of color, providing leadership and training opportunities for minority students, serving as an ombudsperson for students of color, and providing a variety of multicultural awareness initiatives for faculty, staff and students.

Orientation Program
 

New Student Orientation

The New Student Orientation Program is conducted under the auspices of the Dean of Student’s and Campus Center Office in the Division of Student Life in coordination with the Enrollment Management Office. Student Orientation Navigators play an integral part in the implementation of the program.

The program is designed to welcome incoming students to the University; to acquaint them with campus facilities, services, activities, clubs and organizations; to provide essential information on academic programs, policies and procedures; and to initiate the advising process in relation to registration and the selection of a program of study.

All entering first-year students are required to pay a one-time orientation fee. (see Tuition & Fees ). For further information, see salemstate.edu/orientation.

Family Orientation

The Orientation Program also offers a Family Orientation for the parents, guardians, or spouses of entering students. The program typically includes presentations from University officials; information on academic expectations for students; a panel discussion on university resources and services; and small group meetings with orientation leaders on how to be most helpful to new students. For further information, see salemstate.edu/orientation.

Transfer Student Orientation

Transfer Student Orientation is an abbreviated program designed to introduce transfer students to the University’s programs, services and facilities; to provide information on transfer credits approval; and to aid them in preparing for registration. An academic advising session with a representative of the student’s major department is also offered. All entering students are required to pay a one-time orientation fee. (see Tuition & Fees ).For further information, see salemstate.edu/orientation.

Public Safety

The Salem State University Public Safety Department is responsible for the protection of life and property on and in the confines of the 108 acres and 24 buildings which make up the environs of Salem State University.

The Department operates on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week providing the community with police and emergency services. The Department also offers a wide range of assistance to students, faculty and staff in such areas as parking and traffic control, campus escorts, a crime prevention unit, and police protection consisting of foot, bicycle and marked cruiser patrols.

Vitally concerned with the safety and security of property, the men and women of the Public Safety Department enforce both the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the regulations of the University. Public Safety officers carry firearms and have the full police powers as constituted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For further information, see salemstate.edu/401.php.

Scholarships and Awards

Scholarships

The Student Life Office encourages all students to apply for a variety of scholarships awarded during the second semester each year. Scholarship awards are based on a variety of criteria, which may include scholastic achievement, extracurricular and co-curricular involvement and financial need. The scholarship decisions are made by a Scholarship Committee whose membership includes faculty, administrators and students.

Applications are available in the Fall and may be picked up at various offices throughout the campus. The student newspaper announces the availability of the applications. Students are reminded to adhere to all guidelines as they are strictly enforced.  For additional information, go to: salemstate.edu/news/6955.php

Awards

The Student Life Office is responsible for coordinating the selection of students for the following awards: Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges (national award for Juniors and Seniors) and Silver Key Award and Special Recognition Award (for Seniors only). Juniors and Seniors interested in applying for the Who’s Who Award may check at the Student Life Office for application forms during the first semester. A selection committee comprised of faculty, administrators and students (Freshmen and Sophomores) reviews applications and makes recommendations. All applicants receive written notification of the results.Awards for Silver Key (requiring academic excellence) and for Special Recognition (University involvement) are open to Senior applicants only. At the end of the second semester, the traditional banquet is held to honor student recipients of the awards. 

Student Handbook

The Compass (student handbook) is published by the Student Life Division in an effort to provide students with guidelines and information concerning co-curricular life on campus. The Compass—and any supporting publication to which it directly refers — serves as the authoritative source for student life matters under the supervision of the Vice President for Student Life.  For additional information go to: salemstate.edu/student_life/424.php.

Student Judicial System

The Assistant Dean of Student’s Office is charged with the responsibility of administering the student judicial system in conjunction with the Student Government Association. The judicial structure consists of several student judicial panels and officials. All students should be familiar with the University’s Student Conduct Code, which describes the system in detail. Copies of the Code are available upon request from the Student Life Office, Judicial Affairs Office, Student Government Association Office and online at salemstate.edu/5622.php.