Academic Support Services

Staying in College

Staying in college becomes challenging at times for some students who must work or who have personal or financial problems which make it difficult to continue their education. It is important for these students to know that dropping out of college may not be necessary; Salem State College has committed its resources and services to assist students in completing their degree programs.

Many services and programs are available at no charge: Academic Advising, Student Academic Support Services (SASS), Writing Center, Mathematics Laboratory, Reading Center, Computer Literacy Laboratory, Alternatives for Individual Development, Student Support Services, Developmental Skills, the Counseling Center, Disability Services, and Student Life offer support, advising, counseling, and referrals for students in need of encouragement and assistance.

In addition, Salem State College uses the Freshmen Testing Program to identify students needing services or special placement in Composition or Mathematics. Freshmen should also visit the Counseling Center or Career Services to examine the results of the Strong Interest Inventory which assesses major career potentials. Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor who will work personally with him or her in planning course and program selections.

The College has provided other options for students who feel they cannot continue full-time: leave of absence, part-time day status, and part-time study through the Evening Division. Salem State College wants students to fulfill their academic goals and to earn their degrees — and the College wants to help students to stay in college if they believe that is the right choice for them.

Academic Advising

Academic Advising is the foundation upon which a student develops his or her academic program. Through Academic Advising, students identify and explore the educational opportunities available at Salem State College. Meeting regularly with an academic advisor, students plan their programs, complete degree requirements, and benefit from a mentor/mentee relationship with a member of the faculty or the Academic Advising professional staff.

Day College Undergraduate students are assigned a faculty advisor in his or her discipline. Day College Undergraduate students must schedule an appointment with the faculty academic advisor at least once each semester during the Advising/Registration period to review the major flow sheet or academic program and to select courses for the following semester. These students must obtain the signature of the faculty advisor in order to register for classes.

Continuing Education Undergraduates are advised by the professional advisors in Academic Advising. Continuing Education students can arrange an appointment with a professional advisor as needed, but should do so at least once an academic year.

Academic Advising is located on the first floor of the Administration Building. Appointment hours are available Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Friday, 9:30 am to 4 pm. Appointments are made by calling 978.542.7049. For additional information, see salemstate.edu/advising.

Tutorials are also available here too.

The First Year Experience

All first year students accepted to the college as Undeclared or Bachelor of Liberal Studies are required to successfully complete IDS 189 - Seminar in Interdisciplinary Studies: Foundations of Excellence  during their first year, while other freshmen are encouraged to sign up for the course.

General Course description: Through introducing students to questions and scholarship of a specialized topic using an interdisciplinary approach, this course fosters critical skills that are foundational to a liberal arts education and assists students in developing their identity as college students. Though required for Undeclared and Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS), all first year students are encouraged to enroll. Three lecture hours per week. IDS 189 - Seminar in Interdisciplinary Studies: Foundations of Excellence  fulfills either a DI or DIII on the flowsheet.

College Bookstore

The College Bookstore is located on Central Campus. In addition to textbooks and supplies needed for courses at Salem State College, the bookstore also has computer software, paperback books, stationery, greeting cards, assorted gifts and various clothing items.

For further information, and hours of operation visit salemstate.edu/3529.php or contact the Bookstore at 978.741.3808.

Computer Laboratories

The Computer Science Department operates and maintains three computing labs located in Meier Hall, North Campus: MH202, MH209, and MH210. These computing labs are used primarily as teaching labs to support CSC or ITC courses taught within the Computer Science Department. All workstations in these labs are industry standard windows-based PCs, fully networked, and password-restricted to students enrolled in CSC or ITC courses. When a lab supervisor is scheduled, MH210 is available to CSC and ITC students as an open access computing lab. Hours are posted on the door of MH210 as well as on the Computer Science Department website. For further information, please see cs.salemstate.edu

Information Technology

In addition to the computer kiosks in the Commuter Lounge located in the Ellison Campus Center, there are four general-purpose open computer laboratories offered to the campus community which are maintained by the Information Technology Department. These labs are located in the following buildings:

Meier Hall 201 (North Campus)
Sullivan Building 111 (North Campus)
CC129 (Central Campus)
Harrington Building 100 (South Campus)

Lab hours are posted outside each lab as well as on the IT web page, hours may vary over holidays and during peak-usage periods. Typically, when the College is closed due to inclement weather, the labs will be also. A current SSC ClipperCard is required for admittance to all IT labs. All PC’s run on Windows XP. The computers are configured with standard software configurations based on academic need. Some applications may not be available in every lab due to software licensing costs. Please refer to the web page for lab specific software. Access to the college network is available from all labs. To find more information about IT and our Open Access and department computer labs visit us at salemstate.edu/labs

Information Technology also provides network support to the college residence halls. This support includes both wired connectivity in the rooms and wireless support in lounges and other public areas. Support for Resident Students may be obtained by emailing us at it-helpdesk@salemstate.edu

Wireless network access is provided in all buildings at the college as well as several outside locations. For more information about using a wireless device on campus as well as to sign up for service, please visit salemstate.edu/wireless. Information Technology also provides information and support for the College’s Laptop Initiative. For more information, please visit salemstate.edu/laptop

“Get Connected” to the online student services by visiting salemstate.edu/navigator where you will find help for logging in for the first time, forgotten password help, email activation, registration, add/drop, clipper card access, and WebCT access.

ITS, Media Services

The Instructional Media Center supports faculty, students, and staff who wish to use presentation technology to enrich learning in teaching and instructional settings.

Media Services and Media Engineering offer operation training, repair, and troubleshooting of classroom equipment, and sign out of smaller sized portable equipment. Video Services offers a television studio, computer video editing, duplication of original SSC programs, and video field recordings.

Faculty may borrow laptop computers, classroom data projectors, camcorders, and still cameras. There are also video cameras and computer editing systems available for student use in course related projects.

Many classrooms come equipped with permanently installed data projectors, as well as DVD, VHS, and overhead projectors.

We also feature live, interactive videoconferences to distant sites, as well as a Screening Room for media presentations or video conferencing. We work closely with college areas and outside vendors in the design, installation, and upgrade of presentation technology in all classrooms and presentation areas.

Our staff is available for training and demonstrations on how to use Smart Boards, Video Conferencing, TV Studio, Video Editing, Camcorders, Tech Classrooms, and more. We work with the Center for Teaching Innovation in support of faculty training and support needs. We are eager to help you. Please contact the IMC Office (MH 120, 978.542.6260) or any of our staff for assistance and information.

salemstate.edu/sass

Student Academic Support Services houses academic, student development, developmental and support programs, as well as tutorial and high school programs:

Alternatives for Individual Development Program (A.I.D.)/ACCESS
Student Support Services Program (SSSP)
Developmental Skills Program (DSP)
Upward Bound Program (UBP)
Enrichment Activities to Ready Local Youth (EARLY)
Tutoring Program

These programs provide a variety of support services in a flexible setting that is responsive to student needs.

Student Academic Support Services is located on the bottom floor of the Campus Center, Ellison and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am-5 pm For more information, contact 978.542.6215.

Alternatives for Individual Development Program (AID/ACCESS)

The A.I.D./ACCESS program is a state grant-funded program, which provides alternative admissions opportunities for talented minority, low-income and educationally disadvantaged students, whose lack of traditional academic preparation might restrict their access to a college education. These students are chosen for their academic potential and desire to improve their academic skills.

A.I.D./ACCESS students are offered a variety of support services to enhance their potential to succeed. These services include:

1. Six-week Summer Residential Program
2. Reading/Study Skills Support
3. Science Support
4. Math/Computer Science Support
5. Writing Support
6. Individual/Group Student Development
7. Academic/Career Advising
8. Academic Tutoring

Support Services are selected for each student according to their individual needs.

Academic Regulations for Students Entering as Freshmen under the A.I.D./ACCESS Program

Students enrolled at Salem State College in the A.I.D./ACCESS Program are subject to the following academic regulations:

1. Students enrolled in A.I.D./ACCESS must enroll in a minimum of 12 semester hours of course work, in conjunction with enrollment in skills development classes, tutoring and regularly scheduled academic counseling.
2. A student actively enrolled in A.I.D./ACCESS will be graded according to the normal grading system of the College, and all grades will be recorded on the student’s transcript; however, academic credits will not be granted for courses in which the student receives grades below C-, nor will such grades be included in the student’s cumulative grade point average.
3. Students actively enrolled in A.I.D./ACCESS will not be considered by the Selective Retention Committee for academic dismissal or academic probation.
4. Students will be enrolled in A.I.D./ACCESS for at least eight semesters. Upon leaving A.I.D./ACCESS, students become subject to the standard academic policy of the College for subsequent semesters.
5. Any student whose academic achievement falls below the required level of performance mandated by Salem State and whose participation in A.I.D./ACCESS does not meet program criteria will be subject to immediate dismissal from the College. This decision will be made by the Program Director in consultation with the Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs.

Student Support Services Program

The Student Support Services Program provides comprehensive support services to eligible full-time matriculated students.

Student Support Services offers eligible students comprehensive basic skills training, developmental education opportunities, counseling and a variety of support services. All program activities are designed to meet students’ individual needs and to enable them to develop the skills and direction they will need to fulfill their educational and vocational goals.

Reading and Study Skills Services
Students who need reading skills improvement can enroll in reading classes designed to increase their reading efficiency. The materials used in these classes are adapted from many of the required freshman courses and cover the skills needed for both the humanities and sciences. Study Skills classes are available to help students strengthen their study habits and to learn new study techniques. Reading enrichment services further develop and enhance student’s skills through critical thinking and challenging materials.

Science and Study Skills Services
Students enhance their understanding of science by learning specific study skills geared toward science. Complex concepts are clarified and presented in a simplified manner. Lab work, as well as lecture material, is covered in the tutorials.

Writing and Grammar Services
The Writing Program is designed to address students’ needs in the areas of composition and research. Grammar/ESL students are exposed to grammatical rules, sentence structure, punctuation and editing. Through supportive activities students are encouraged to brainstorm,  re-write, outline, compose, edit and revise.

Mathematics and Computer Science Services
Mathematics and Computer Science skills development is available through individualized and small group support. Students may also use the Mathematics and Computer Science services to prepare for future mathematics and computer courses. Students taking mathematics courses can sign up for tutorials that provide assistance with problems and concepts presented in class.

Computers
Advanced technology and the demand for computers is increasing. Individualized support classes help Student Support Services students to further develop their knowledge of computers and enhance basic programming skills. The Student Academic Support Services Computer Lab encourages students to write and revise papers as well as enrich their academic skills using computerized software programs.

TRIO Student Development Services
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) students are provided with a comprehensive student development services program tailored to meet their individual needs. This includes, among other things, personal counseling, academic planning, financial aid counseling, and guidance in course selection and registration.Career counseling is available to help students choose majors and/or minors. Interest tests are available for those who wish to explore career possibilities. Students at Salem State College participating in the TRIO SSS program are subject to the following academic regulations:

1. Students enrolled in SSS must enroll in a minimum of 12 semester hours of course work, in conjunction with enrollment in academic support services, skills development classes and/or counseling.
2. Freshmen and sophomores actively enrolled in SSS will be graded according to the normal grading system of the College, and all grades will be recorded on the students’ transcripts; however, with the program grading privilege, academic credits will not be granted for courses in which the students receive below C-, nor will such grades be included in the students’ cumulative grade point averages.
3. Students receiving the grading privilege through SSS will not be considered by the Selective Retention Committee for academic dismissal or academic probation. However, students may be dismissed from the Program by the Vice President, Academic Affairs, upon the recommendation of the Director of the SSS Program if they do not progress at a rate which ensures their graduation from the College within a reasonable period of time.

Academic Support Services

Course Tutorials
Active SSS students who need help in particular courses are provided with individualized assistance from a qualified tutor. A student in the SSS program must remain in good standing according to the terms of the signed program Agreement. SSS is located in Ellison Campus Center, Room 008. To apply for SSS, or to learn more about the program, contact 978.542.6770. A student in the Student Support Services Program must remain in good standing in the Program according to the terms of the signed Program Agreement.

Developmental Skills Program (D.S.P.)

The Developmental Skills Program is a Salem State College Program designed for freshmen who need further basic academic skills training. D.S.P. begins with a six-week Summer Program that gives students a head start on the academic year. Academic skills are developed and reinforced by attempting six, nine or twelve credits. Support services, academic advising and mentoring are selected for each student according to individual needs.

During the academic year, basic skills instruction is coordinated with the students’ schedules by enrolling them in pre-selected sections of regular freshmen classes such as History, Composition, Speech, Psychology and Algebra. These degree credits courses are combined with basic skills labs and academic support by use of a reading center, writing lab, and math lab, as well as tutorial assistance in all subjects. Students also work with a mentor to review course selections and student development issues.

The Developmental Skills Program is located in Student Academic Support Services on the bottom floor of the Campus Center, Ellison. To learn more about the Developmental Skills Program, contact 978.542.6215.

Upward Bound Program (UBP)

Enrichment Activities for Ready Local Youth (E.A.R.L.Y.)

The overall goal of the Upward Bound and E.A.R.L.Y. Program is to generate the skills and motivation necessary for success beyond high school among educationally and economically disadvantaged youths, particularly underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities.

The key to the success of Upward Bound and E.A.R.L.Y. has been the individualized approach to Program activities. The Programs are designed to serve sixty-five students from Lawrence High School (UBP) and twenty students from Salem High School (E.A.R.L.Y.) Students are selected and assessed on an individualized basis and are matched with Program services and activities. An individualized educational plan is developed, reviewed and updated to ensure that the proper balance of academic skills development, academic advising, content subject exposure, career interests, cultural activities and individualized counseling is maintained. Upward Bound and E.A.R.L.Y. students are exposed to critical thinking, study skills, test-taking techniques, SAT preparation workshops, micro-computers and a wide variety of workshops/seminars that have a motivational focus.

The Upward Bound and E.A.R.L.Y. Programs include an After School Academic Year Component and Six-week Summer Residential Component. The Upward Bound and E.A.R.L.Y. Programs are part of Student Academic Support Services.

Tutoring Program

The Tutoring Program is free to all full-time and part-time students attending Salem State College. Assistance is available in all courses depending on the number of qualified tutors and the availability of funds.

The objectives of the Tutorial Program are to increase a student’s academic success by providing her/him with a qualified tutor and to help students become independent, self-confident and more efficient learners.

The Tutorial Program is located in Student Academic Support Services. For applications to be a tutor or to request tutorial services, contact 978.542.6215.

Information and Services For Students With Disabilities

Salem State College is committed to providing students with disabilities with a living and learning experience at the College which assures them equal access to all programs and facilities of the College, which makes all reasonable academic accommodations for their disabilities and provides them with maximum independence and the full range of participation in all areas of college life.

All students with disabilities should identify themselves and provide requested and appropriate written documentation to the Director, Office for Students with Disabilities, 978.542.6217, as soon as possible after acceptance to assure accommodation of their disability and smooth coordination of available services.

No otherwise qualified person may be excluded from or denied any program, course of study or any other offering of the College, solely on the basis of disability.

General Information for Students with Disabilities

1. Elevator keys may be obtained by contacting the Office for Students with Disabilities, 978.542.6217, or Equal Opportunity and Human Rights, 978.542.6106
2. Special Parking Permits may be obtained by contacting Campus Police, 978.542.6511. Those with Registry of Motor Vehicles plates or placards receive priority in parking. Temporary Special Parking Permits are available for a limited time.
3. Arrangements for priority registration or to move classes to accessible locations may be made by contacting the Office for Students with Disabilities, 978.542.6217.
4. Students seeking academic aids and accommodations should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities, 978.542.6217.
5. Most major buildings have ramps. Many of the restroom facilities have been adapted for use by persons with disabilities. Most buildings now have elevators or chair lifts. Contact the Office for Students with Disabilities regarding facilities.
6. Special arrangements can be made for students who need routine assistance, e.g. injections, examinations, laboratory tests, from the Health Services Office, 978.542.6413.
7. Athletics/Intramurals: for students with disabilities who wish to become involved with intercollegiate or intramural athletic activities as scorers, timers, statisticians, ticket collectors or sellers, sports writers, etc. please contact the Athletic Director or Intramural Coordinator at 978.542.6570.
8. Food Service: The Food Service may be contacted for information or for special arrangements which are possible during periods of inclement weather, 978.542.6444.
9. Housing: Early knowledge of students with disabilities who plan to live in campus residence halls will allow for arrangements to be made for appropriate room locations. Call 978.542.6416.
10. Transportation: The College has specially equipped buses with lifts which transport students to and from the North Campus, South Campus and the O’Keefe Center. For information, call Campus Police 978.542.6511.
11. Compliance: Concerns regarding the institution’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and specific complaints should be addressed to the Director, Equal Opportunity and Human Rights, 978.542.6106.
12. A handbook for Students is available from the Office for Students with Disabilities, 978.542.6217, and Equal Opportunity and Human Rights, 978.542.6106.

Use of Tape Recorders

Students, who because of disability, need to use tape recorders in the classroom should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities, 978.542.6217. There is a written agreement pertaining to the use of tapes.

Other students who wish to tape record classes should contact Academic Affairs Office, MH250, 978.542.6240.

Hours

The Library is open seven days a week. Hours are: Monday-Thursday, 8 am-midnight. Friday 8 am-5 pm.; Saturday, 9 am-5 pm; and Sunday, 2 pm-11 pm Any changes in hours will be posted at the entrance to the Library. During final exam periods the library is open extended hours.

Books

The Salem State College Library provides a core collection of over 300,000 volumes of print materials to support the academic programs offered by the college. In addition to its own collection, the library provides access to other library collections electronically and through membership in several consortia. Students, faculty and staff of Salem State College with a current validated ID may borrow library materials from Salem State or through interlibrary loan. Salem State College Library materials circulate for three weeks and may be renewed a total of two times.

Periodicals

The library has a collection of over 40,000 electronic journals and 400 print journals with backfiles for most of these. The Periodicals List is available on the SSC Library web page.

Reference Services

Reference librarians are available for assistance with research needs seven days a week, including evenings and weekends. Students in need of reference assistance should inquire at the reference desk on the main floor. For in-depth research assistance, an appointment may be scheduled with a reference librarian.

Electronic Resources

The library web page provides direct links to our databases, the library catalog, staff and departmental information, directions to the library, and Internet resources. The address of the SSC Library web page is salemstate.edu/library. Most databases are available by using a web browser from either on or off campus.

Library Catalog

The library’s online catalog accesses over three million items in the NOBLE database. Remote access requires a current SSC email account. NOBLE, (North of Boston Library Exchange) is a consortium of academic and public libraries located north of Boston. The NOBLE catalog and the library web page serve as a gateway to the Internet and World Wide Web.

Interlibrary Loan

SSC Library offers interlibrary loan to obtain materials available in other libraries. ILL forms are available at the circulation desk upon presentation of a validated Salem State ID. ILL requests may also be made electronically from the SSC Library Web Page or by e-mail to  “moreland@noblenet.org”. NOBLE requests are delivered by courier usually within a few days. Requests for materials outside of NOBLE may take from one to two weeks. Students should plan ahead so that there is enough time to fill these requests before research projects are due.

Reserves

Items placed on course reserve are available at the circulation desk. A current validated ID or library card is necessary to borrow materials. Students may borrow two items at any one time. Items circulate for two hours, twenty-four hours or seven days as requested by the instructor.

Users with Disabilities

The library offers reasonable accommodations to users with disabilities. For the visually impaired the library offers an Optelec print enlarger, audio books, and Zoom, a reading/voice output software on one workstation. In addition, the library has Jaws for Windows and Kurtzweil 3000 software with scanner. The library also offers e-mail reference from its web page to assist hearing impaired users.

The Math Lab

The Math Lab 978.542.6348 is a walk-in resource for all day and DGCE students, located in room 306 of the Sullivan Building. For further information, see salemstate.edu/academics/schools/2854.php

The Preschool

History

The Preschool was established in 1970. It was one of the first campus based preschools on a Massachusetts State College Campus. The Program is state licensed through the Office for Children’s Services. The Preschool is also accredited by the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC) which is achieved by only 5% of programs nationally.

Program

The purpose of the Preschool is to provide a high quality education program to children. The program is based on developmentally appropriate practices, with low teacher/-child ratios (1:6), small group size, (15 children), and high educational and training requirements for staff. Parents are encouraged to become actively involved in the Preschool. The Preschool also serves as a Lab School by providing Salem State College students and faculty opportunities for observations, projects and research.

The Preschool is organized under the academic area of the Schools of Human Services.

For additional information contact the Director at 978.542.6408 or see our website at salemstate.edu/preschool.

Reading Center

The Reading Center staff are prepared to work with students who are having difficulties with assigned readings for any reason. The approach is diagnostic, prescriptive and individualized. Interested students may also improve study skills e.g. test taking, note taking and the SQ3R reading method. The Reading Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm For more information call 978.542.6717.

Supplemental Instruction

We offer Supplemental Instruction in some of our more difficult introductory courses. SI consists of weekly review sessions led by trained students who have a firm grasp of the course material and study skills, Attendance is voluntary and the program is offered to SSC students free of charge. Research shows that participants consistently earn higher grades.

Courses that offer Supplemental Instruction are identified in the Master Schedule each semester by an (SI) to the right of the section number.

Contact Academic Advising 978.542.7049 or go to salemstate.edu/advising for additional information.

Writing Center

The Writing Center (MH220) provides students with individualized assistance in writing. Tutors in the Center focus each session on a student’s particular writing needs, which can range from basic grammatical problems to broader concerns, such as planning a format or developing an  approach to a particular writing task.

Students are welcome to use the Center’s computers to compose, revise and edit their writing or to conduct online research. The computers are available on a first come, first served basis. Laser printing is also available.

The Center operates either by appointment or on a walk-in basis. If a tutor is not immediately available, arrangements will be made for a tutoring conference as soon as possible.

Students who confront writing problems in any of their courses or who anticipate difficulties with required written work are urged to make use of the Writing Center. The Center will also assist students who simply want to develop their writing abilities more fully. For further information contact the Writing Center at 978.542.6491, or visit the Center’s Web site at salemstate.edu/writingcenter.