Academic Support Services

Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons

The Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons at Salem State University. The new facility, completed in 2013, houses the university library and a learning commons that includes a variety of academic support services. The learning commons brings together the Center for Academic Excellence, Academic Advising, TRIO programs, Disabilities Services, the Writing Center, and the Honors Program, and recognizes the synergy between and among these academic services and the library.

The library has been designed to take advantage of evolving pedagogies and technologies. Learning spaces have been planned to meet the varied needs of students and faculty, in a fully networked and wireless environment.

Hours 

The Berry Library is open seven days a week. Hours are: Monday through Thursday, 7:45 am-12 am; Friday 7:45 am-8 pm; Saturday, 12 noon-8 pm; and Sunday, 12 noon-12 am.  Any changes in hours will be posted on the library web page at; salemstate.edu/library/hours and at the entrance to the library.   The library will begin offering extended hours the weekend before final exams.

Books

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

Periodicals

The Berry Library has a collection of over 57,000 electronic journals and 400 print journals with backfiles for most of these. The periodicals list is available on the Berry Library web page.

Reference Services

Subject specialist librarians are available for assistance with research needs. Students in need of reference assistance should inquire at the service desk on the main floor. For in-depth research assistance, an appointment may be scheduled with a professional librarian.

Electronic Resources

The Berry 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 SSU 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 Berry Library’s online catalog accesses over three million items in the NOBLE database. Remote access requires a current SSU 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

The Berry Library offers interlibrary loan (ILL) to obtain materials available in other libraries. ILL forms are available at the service desk upon presentation of a validated Salem State ID. ILL requests may also be made electronically from the Berry Library Web Page or by e-mail to  “ssu_ill@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 Berry Library offers reasonable accommodations to users with disabilities. For the visually impaired the Berry Library offers an Optelec print enlarger, audio books, and Zoom, a reading/voice output software on one workstation. In addition, the Berry Library has Jaws for Windows and Kurtzweil 3000 software with scanner. The Berry Library also offers e-mail reference from its web page to assist hearing impaired users.

Information Technology

Please visit salemstate.edu/offices-and-services/information-technology-services

Center for Teaching Innovation

The mission of the CTI is to build and support a culture of teaching and learning that encourages development of reflective teaching that utilizes evidence-based practices focused on student-centered pedagogies engaging students in the classroom, the SSU community, the North Shore and beyond. We recognize that effective and engaged faculty is necessary to a successful and engaged student population and provide services, teaching resources and host events that promote outstanding teaching.

We serve as a catalyst for a university-wide dialogue that fosters a shared vision of teaching excellence at Salem State and encourage instructional practices that focus on equity, diversity, student learning and development of critical thinking skills.  salemstate.edu/cti

Center for International Education

The Center for International Education services for students include: orientation for English language learners, personal counseling, re-entry training, forums, workshops and individual advice on immigration, employment options, travel, and maintaining legal status. Advising on opportunities for study/travel abroad and an extensive overseas resource library are available. The center administers the Institutional TOEFL test several times a year and offers an Intensive English Language Program which prepares students for academic study and professional work. Students in the college’s graduate teaching programs often observe classes or complete practicum teaching within the program. The International Students Association and the CIE organize international dinners, cultural nights, speakers and other events for the college community.

For more information visit salemstate.edu/cie, the phone number is 978.542.6351; FAX number 978.542.7104

Disability Services

Disability Services facilitates equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating accommodations and support services, cultivating a campus culture that is sensitive and responsive to the needs of students.  For further information or to make an appointment to discuss accommodations, please call 978.542.6217, for Voice, 978.542.7146, for TTY or visit salemstate.edu/disability-services

Writing Center

Please visit salemstate.edu/mary-g-walsh-writing-center

Salem State University Bookstore

The University Bookstore is located on Central Campus. In addition to textbooks and supplies needed for courses at Salem State University, 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/news/explore-our-bookstore or contact the Bookstore at 978.542.3808.

Health Insurance

Graduate students registered for a minimum of 9 credits hours or more are required to produce evidence that they are covered by a qualified student health insurance program. Uninsured students must purchase health insurance from a program available through the college, or purchase a health benefits program with comparable coverage with a carrier of their choice and furnish evidence of this coverage to the Registrar before registration. The health insurance waiver is on the course registration form. Individual and family coverage is available through the college plan. For further information, students may call the Health Services Office, or the Bursar’s office.

Parking

For maps and infomation on parking:

salemstate.edu/parking

Parking decals may be obtained online from the Office of Public Safety. A fee is charged. Emergency temporary registration may be made at Public Safety. Parking zones reserved for handicapped persons, visitors, or guests are clearly designated.

Shuttle Service

see salemstate.edu/community/campus-map/campus-shuttle-bus-information for complete shuttle schedule.

Train and Bus Information

Salem State University is easily accessible by train and by MBTA buses running from Boston, Lynn, Beverly and downtown Salem. For train and bus schedules go to mbta.com or call the MBTA Traveler’s Information Center at 617.222.3200 or 1.800.392.6100.

Cancellation of Classes

In case of a severe storm or hazardous driving conditions classes may be cancelled. Notification will be given on the following:

For University closings and delayed openings:

Television

WBZ-TV Channel 4
WCVB-TV Channel 5
WHDH-TV Channel 7
FOX Channel 25
WLVI-TV Channel 56
Radio
WBOQ FM 104.9 WBZ
NewsRadio AM 1030
WRKO AM 680

Delayed Opening
Regardless of media reports, a delayed opening means classes and work begin at 10:30 am.

Evening and Weekend Policy

Every effort will be made to make the decision for evening classes no later than 1 pm
Please note: If decision to cancel day classes is publicized this does not mean evening classes are cancelled. Please check local media, the college’s Web site or call 978.542.6000 after 1 pm for information regarding evening classes. 
The decision for Saturday classes will be made by 6 am if possible.
When the campus is closed, all weekend and evening activities are canceled.

Further information about cancellation of events will be available at the college’s Web site or by calling the department sponsoring or running the event. It is NOT advised to rely on media outlets for this type of notice. Decisions to close the Library on weekend days will be made by the Dean, Library. Decisions on University weekend or evening events should be directed to the Department sponsoring or running the event. It is NOT advised to rely on media outlets for this type of notice. Students are requested not to call Campus Police or the School of Graduate Studies Office for this information. Students should make their own judgment about hazardous driving conditions in the area.

Student Suggestions

Salem State University School of Graduate Studies wishes to be responsive to student needs. If there is a course or program you would like to see offered, please write to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. We welcome your suggestions.

Special Note

The School of Graduate Studies reserves the right to discontinue any course for which there is insufficient enrollment, to combine classes, to restrict the registration in a course, to reschedule a course, to section and provide additional instructors for any course which is deemed overcrowded, when necessary to change instructors, and to take other necessary administrative actions.

Responsibility Statement

Students are responsible for all information given in the latest catalog and also, for all published and posted regulations, procedures and changes. No deviations from any graduate regulations are permissible unless they are approved first by the appropriate academic department, program coordinator and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

Policy Changes

Changes in institutional policies referenced in this publication may be made periodically by the appropriate governing bodies. All policies contained herein are subject to those changes at the time they are designated as effective.

The Counseling & Health Services Department provides a comprehensive range of services designed to assist students in staying healthy.

Counseling Services has professionally trained staff who view personal concerns as a normal part of the growth process. Counseling is designed to help students solve problems and reduce the physical and emotional stresses which may interfere with academic or personal goals. Students frequently seek counseling for family or relationship difficulties, alcohol and drug use, depression or anxiety.

All services are available in a comfortable and confidential environment without charge to Salem State University students. Appropriate community referrals are provided when necessary.

Location
Suite 107, Ellison Campus Center, North Campus
978.542.6413
978.542.6410
978.542.7121 Fax

Monday-Friday           8 am - 5 pm

Please call for walk-in hours during summer & semester breaks

salemstate.edu/counseling

Career Services

The mission of the Office of Career Services is to offer comprehensive career planning support to all members of the Salem State University community (undergraduate, graduate students and alumni/ae) in identifying, planning and implementing thoughtful career decisions. We are committed to helping students and alumni/ae gain skills which they will be able to utilize throughout their lifetime, empowering our clientele to proactively manage their own career path.

Our counseling and programmatic services encompass all stages of the career development process remaining sensitive to the influence of personal development concerns. We assist clients in conducting thorough self assessment (clarifying values, interests, skills and personality preferences), provide access (print and technical) to occupational, job search, current labor market and graduate school information through our comprehensive Career Resource Center. Additionally we teach job search skills and strategies which enable students and alumni/ae to conduct successful targeted job searches. We seek to collaborate with employers to cultivate strong relationships resulting in challenging employment opportunities for students and alumni/ae while satisfying employer needs.

Ellison Campus Center
978.542.6406

salemstate.edu/careers

O’Keefe Physical Education/Athletic Center

The Richard B. O’Keefe Physical Education/Athletic Center, opened in 1976, is one of the largest facilities of its kind among colleges and universities in Massachusetts. Its different facilities—ranging from an ice arena, basketball courts, dance studio, tennis courts, swimming pool, sports medicine facility, and Gassett Fitness Center—are the bases for improving the academic and athletic excellence of Salem State University. Student fees and generated revenues support a schedule of use covering seven days per week, twelve months of the year. Normal operating hours are 7 am till 9:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and 12 till 9:30 pm on weekends. During the summer the Center is open 9 am - 5 pm on weekdays. Proper identification is always required.
 

Preschool Program