The Campus Experience: Services and Support

Student Affairs Vision and Mission Statement

Working collaboratively with our campus and community partners, Student Affairs empowers students to accomplish their dreams in a diverse and inclusive learning community. 

As educators, Student Affairs staff are dedicated to delivering high quality co-curricular programs and services in an environment that supports students’ holistic growth and acquisition of essential life skills in order to actualize their full potential to be responsible, engaged, and successful citizen leaders in a global environment. 

Student Affairs staff build a collaborative and diverse learning community that enriches the intellectual, social, cultural, spiritual, emotional & physical wellbeing of  students by promoting academic success, personal growth, leadership development, civility, civic, social and environmental responsibility, and respect for diversity.

Student Affairs Staff

The Associate Vice Chancellor serves as the Senior Student Affairs Officer.  The Student Affairs staff members serve as advocates for all students and work to effectively meet the broad educational goals of the university and the individual needs of students.  The Associate Vice Chancellor, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Associate Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students, and all department heads, professional staff and student staff within Student Affairs, work closely with Academic Affairs colleagues to develop and meet student learning outcomes and play a vital role in the holistic development of each student.   For more information visit: http://www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/ or call 508.999.8600. 

Athletics - Intercollegiate Athletics

The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division III, the Little East Conference (LEC), the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC), and the New England Football Conference (NEFC).  The university fields intercollegiate teams for men in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis and track and field (indoor and outdoor).  Intercollegiate teams for women are fielded in basketball, cheerleading, cross country, equestrian, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor), and volleyball.  For more information visit: http://www.corsairathletics.com/ or call 508.999.8720. 

Intramural and Instructional Athletics

The intramural program at UMass Dartmouth presents a variety of athletic activities for students.  Samples of intramural opportunities include the following:  basketball, flag football, co-ed soccer, tennis, volleyball, table tennis, and co-ed softball.  Instructional Programs supported the Fitness Center are cost free for full-time students.  Examples of instructional offerings include Yoga, Pilates, Awesome Abs, Cardio Kickboxing, Shotokan Karate, Step & Sculpt and Zumba.

Facilities

Facilities are available for recreational use by students throughout the school year.  They include the fitness center, gymnasium, swimming pools, running track, various athletic fields and tennis courts.  Schedules are available on-line at www.corsairathletics.com, in the Tripp Athletic Center or by calling 508.910.6910. 

Campus Center

The Campus Center is the home of over two dozen campus organizations and services, including the Division of Student Affairs, SAIL office, Career Development Center, the Campus Store, the UMass Pass office, the Commuter Café and many more. 

At the Campus Center, students can find a variety of restaurants and cafeterias which offer a broad range of foods. Many students enjoy spending their lunch break at the Commuter Cafe, which offers hot dishes as well as salads and sandwiches. If you are hungry for burgers and fries, just stop by the Sky Ranch Grill. Right next to the Sky Ranch Grill, you can satisfy your urge for vitamins: The Garden Toss offers a broad variety of salads. If you want to grab a cup of coffee and a muffin just before class, the Underground Café is the place for you to go. 

The spacious Main Auditorium is the heart of student activities: Due to the professional stage and technical equipment, it is the ideal location for theatrical productions, presentations, or gigs. It provides space for 800 people and the use is free to student organizations, departments, and faculty.  For more information visit:  http://www.umassd.edu/campusservices/  or phone 508.910.6440.

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center (CDC) provides a wide array of career development programs and services to assist all students in setting career goals and developing professional skills.  The CDC provides access to a variety of career-related resources including:

Students may schedule individual appointments to meet with a career counselor by calling the office at 508.999.8661or 8658.  For more information and access to all on-line resources please visit our website: www.umassd.edu/crc/   

Counseling and Student Development Center

The Counseling and Student Development Center offers a safe, supportive place for students to explore concerns, clarify choices, and develop action plans.   Services are confidential.   There is no charge for an initial appointment.   Students’ health insurance will be billed for subsequent appointments when appropriate.   Students will not be charged a co-pay as the university’s health fee is considered the co-pay.   Students can make an appointment by calling 508.999.8648.   Walk-in hours, for students who need to be seen that day, are from 1 pm to 3 pm Monday-Friday.   The Center is located in the Auditorium Annex, right above Admissions, and is open from 8 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday.   Evening appointments are available but must be arranged in advance.

The Center provides individual counseling for personal issues such as relationship problems, homesickness, adjustment to college life, bereavement, depression, anger management, poor self-esteem, procrastination, anxiety, eating disorders, ADD, learning disabilities, academic problems and test anxiety.   A consulting psychiatrist is available to see students who might benefit from medication.   The Center also offers several personal growth or support groups and workshops on topics such as assertiveness, time management and getting to graduate school.   The Center has a large self-help library and reference materials for students researching graduate programs.   The Center has a full-time addictions specialist who works with students who have concerns about their own or someone else’s use of drugs or alcohol, gambling, internet addiction or sexual addiction.

Services are focused and time-limited.   Students in need of long-term or specialized treatment will be assisted in finding off-campus resources.  .  For more information visit: http://www.umassd.edu/counseling/  

Community Service and Partnerships

The office of community service and partnerships coordinates service opportunities such as tutoring youngsters, helping low income people file taxes or alternative spring break programming. A commitment can be for several months, several weeks or just one day.

Our program also informs students on topics such as “full time service opportunities, “service scholarships” and careers aimed at changing society for the better.

UMass Dartmouth is committed to fostering an ethic of service. By participating in meaningful projects and programs our students, faculty and staff are making significant contributions to the community and engaging in rewarding extra-curricular activities.

For more information visit: www.umassd.edu/commserv or call 508.999.8641.                                               

Dining Services

Dining services has location, location, location! Each venue offers different choices for great meals, snacks and beverages that are frosty cold in summer or toasty warm in winter. Whatever the day, whatever the time, we have a location perfect for your need! 

Resident Dining Room (Located in the Resident Dining Building)

Serving a wide variety of items ranging from a made to order vegan/vegetarian station, waffles to order all day, hot entrees, pizza, pasta, deli bar, fresh fruit & yogurt bar, extensive salad bar, made to order stir fry, bagels, cereal, ice cream, yogurt, desserts, juice and hot & cold beverages. 

Maple Ridge Grille (Located in Maple Ridge Residence Hall)

Late night grill serving signature grilled and pressed sandwiches, snacks, Simply to Go items and beverages.

Oak Glenn Grille (Located in Oak Glenn Residence Hall)

Late night grill serving individual pizzas, grilled cheese, chicken sandwiches, snacks, Simply to Go items and hot & cold beverages. 

Garden Toss (Located in the Maclean Campus Center)

Made to order fresh salads. Choose your salad mix, toppings and choice of protein, we put it together, toss it, and serve it to you. 

Underground Café (Located in the Maclean Campus Center)

Coffee, Cappuccino, Espresso, pastry, Smart Market Simply to Go items, cold beverages and a Fruit Smoothie Bar. 

Corsair Cove Juice Bar (Located in the Tripp Athletic Fitness Center)

Organic Coffee, Fresh Squeezed Juices, Fruit Smoothies, Smart Market Simply to Go items, cold beverages and other healthy treats               

Café a la Cart Serves breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, snacks and hot & cold beverages. 

The Commons at Birch (Located in Birch Residence Hall)

Three great tastes under one roof with late night service featuring freshly grilled hamburgers and fresh chicken sandwiches, hot grinders, paninis, Simply to Go items, along with a wide selection of convenience foods and sundries like milk, bread, chips, soda and ice cream! 

Sky Ranch Grill (Located in the Maclean Campus Center)

Freshly grilled 5.3 ounce gourmet burgers, grilled chicken breast sandwiches, portabella mushroom sandwich, French fries and cold beverages. 

Campus Center Café (Located in the Maclean Campus Center)

Serving breakfast and lunch daily. Choose from an entrée prepared in front of you, pizza, calzones, made to order deli sandwiches, Smart Market Simply to Go items, snacks and hot & cold beverages.

Faculty & Staff Dining Room (Located in the Maclean Campus Center)

Serving lunch daily.

Events

A catered event, to be effective, must accomplish the objectives and reflect the style of its host. Each occasion makes its own statement and every detail evolves from a clear understanding of the message you wish to convey. For a handful of people or a cast of thousands, we give distinction to any occasion. Nothing is impossible. 

Today, more than ever, everyone on campus recognizes the benefits of special events - ranging from introductions and receptions to faculty meetings, fund raising galas, holiday parties, and much more… Extraordinary celebrations are our specialty. With a spin of the globe we can bring the world to your door. We’ll arrange for floral spectaculars, linens, personalized service, performers, menu and always-exquisite food. There is no limit! Call it embellishment, call it show biz! We make every celebration “extra special.” 

Visit us online at http://www.umassd.edu/calendar/reservit/ for further information in regards to reserving your event. 

For further Dining Services questions please contact 508.999.8993. 

For further Event services needs please contact the Conference and Events Service office at 508.999.8193.

Frederick Douglass Unity House

The Frederick Douglass Unity House is the first cultural center established on the UMass Dartmouth campus, opening in September of 1995.  The mission of the Unity House is to institutionalize on the UMass Dartmouth campus an environment that nourishes the special academic, cultural, informational and social/communal needs of students, faculty, and staff of color.  All students, faculty, and staff are welcomed and encouraged to share in the development of this vital organization.  

The facility provides a culturally focused library, study area, computer facilities, meeting/conference room, and lounge.  Students play a major role in the operation of the center by creating programs and events that help to achieve the mission of the center.  All members of the university community, especially students, are encouraged to develop activities that will assist the Unity House to fulfill its goals and mission as well as celebrate diversity at UMass Dartmouth.  The Unity House is open year round and is located in the Resident Dining Building.  For more information visit: www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/fduh/welcome.cfm or phone 508.999.9220. 

Health Services

Health Services Office is located across from Pinedale Residence Hall in Roberts Circle, phone 508.999.8982. During the academic year, appointments are available with our physician or nurse practitioners,  including a woman’s health nurse practitioner.  Our Health Education and Promotion office is located in Oak Glen Residence Hall, phone 508-910-6965. We  have a part time nutritionist  available by appointment.  The Health Office is equipped to handle most health related problems, excluding emergencies, that students may encounter while at UMass Dartmouth. Referrals are made to community resources, including all emergencies. 

All matriculated students pay a health fee which entitles students to use health services. Student’s health insurance is billed for appointments in health services. There is no co-pay, nor are students responsible for any  billed services that are uncollected. Health services  contracts for the student health insurance. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires university students to have comprehensive health insurance. Information regarding coverage is included with each student’s tuition statement. See the chapter on Expenses for the policies on the university’s health insurance requirements.    For more information visit: www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/health/  

Medical Leave of Absence

Students in good academic standing who are unable to return to the university or are unable to finish a semester for medical reasons may want to request a medical leave of absence. Requests are initiated through the Director of Counseling for psychological reasons or the Director of Health Services for physical medical reasons. 

The Director of the respective services needs to receive a letter from your physician, therapist, or other health care provider typed on office letterhead. It must describe your condition and verify this as the specific reason for your need to take a medical leave of absence from UMD. 

The student leave form available on the Student Affairs web site needs to be filled out and submitted with your leave request. The Director must have the last day you attended class in order to process your request.

If you receive any financial aid, the effective date of your leave may affect your present and/or future financial aid. Check with the financial aid office. You are also responsible for determining how your medical leave may affect your health insurance. Note: Massachusetts legislation requires employers health plans to offer insurance to dependents under the age of 26. 

Medical leaves are for students who plan to return to the university once they are physically and/or psychologically able to return and complete their academic studies. If you need to take incompletes for a semester, withdraw etc., then please contact the Student Affairs Office.  Medical leave requests must be made before or during a semester  but not after the semester has passed. Medical leaves are approved through the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Students will receive a letter from the Associate Vice Chancellor with the final decision. 

Housing & Residential Life

The Office of Housing & Residential Life is responsible for all phases of resident living on campus. This includes room assignments, educational programming and community development activities, awareness of community standards, and, in general, the promotion of a living/learning environment within on-campus housing.  For more information visit: http://www.umassd.edu/housing/ or call 508.999.8140. 

Traditional Halls, Apartments and Townhouses

The residence halls are more than just places to eat and sleep; they provide the opportunity for students to become part of a community. The university currently houses 4,500 students. On-campus housing provides three different residential options: traditional (First Year & Sophomore), apartment (Upper-class), and townhouse (Upper-class). 

The first year traditional halls have 10-13 person suites with double, single, triple, or quad rooms.  The suite has  either one or two bathrooms. Recreation rooms, mail, laundry facilities, community kitchen, and a full-time Resident Director’s apartment and office are part of each building. 

Within the traditional sophomore residence halls are multi-purpose lounge areas, classrooms, and a community kitchen.  Important support services are also located within the traditional halls including  the Women’s Resource Center, the Office of International Student Affairs, and the Honors Program. 

Apartment style living is found in the Woodlands.  The apartments in The Woodlands consist of two or four single bedroom units that include a common living space, kitchen and two bathrooms. 

Cedar Dell residences consists of five and six person townhouses housing each student in single bedrooms with shared common living space, kitchen, and two bathrooms.  Recreation, mail, and laundry facilities are available in two student community centers. 

The Woodland apartments and Cedar Dell townhouses provide environments that emphasize maturity, autonomy,  and independent living.  These residents often prepare their own meals together.  Priority for this housing option is given to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. 

All residence hall rooms are fully equipped with a bed, bureau, desk, chair, closet, cable TV, telephone connection, and high speed ethernet ports to access the computer network. 

Thematic Housing

Relatively new to residence hall living is thematic housing. Theme based housing designates specific areas in residence halls as quiet housing -  residents maintain a quiet living atmosphere 24 hours a day, substance awareness housing - substance (alcohol and other harmful substances) free environment,  and graduate housing – limited townhouses designated for graduate students.

Smoking

All indoor areas are nonsmoking areas.

Student Involvement

Students participate through the Residence Halls Congress, a collective advisory group representing student interests in the residential facilities. The Residence Halls Congress  also creates program opportunities for the on- campus population, and in many ways works with the Office of Housing & Residential Life to enhance campus life.

Charges

Charges for student housing are shown in the chapter on Expenses and Student Financial Services. The Student Handbook and the housing website provide additional, specific information (umassd.edu/housing/). 

Access to On-Campus Housing

Preference for on-campus housing is given to full-time undergraduate students. Although graduate and non-degree students may apply, priority is given to undergraduates. Special considerations for housing must be approved by the Office of Housing & Residential Life and will be considered on a space-available basis. 

Meals for On-Campus Students

Students living in the traditional residence halls receive meals in the Residence Dining Hall. A student may contract for one of several meal plans which range from 10 to 19 meals per week, including brunch and dinner on the weekends which includes unlimited seconds. There is an apartment meal plan available for students who reside in Woodlands or Cedar Dell, and desire a reduced meal plan option.  There are also several grilles and convenience locations available within the residence halls that serve later night snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. 

Charges for the student meal plans  are shown in the chapter on Expenses and Student Financial Services.

International Student and Scholar Center

The International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) actively engages international students and scholars by providing advice and support in personal and government regulatory matters, and by educating the entire university community through activities promoting international education and a campus internationalization process. 

Once an international student is admitted to a degree or exchange program, the Center issues the paperwork required for the visa application, and provides pre-arrival information. Prior to the beginning of ach academic term, Center sponsored International Orientation sessions offer essential information about the visa regulations, student employment and Social Security, academic expectations and the campus culture. 

The Center continues to serve students year round by providing general advice, assisting with campus life or personal needs, and ongoing support with visa related issues. A variety of employment workshops, sponsorship of cultural events, and other activities of interest are offered annually by the Center.  For more information visit: http://www.umassd.edu/international_students/ or call 508.910.6633. 

Parking on Campus

All members of the community must obtain a parking permit (decal or other permit) for each motor vehicle or motorcycle they operate on campus. All vehicles on campus must have a valid parking decal for the first day of classes. If you have registered your vehicle online and on time your parking decal will mailed to your permanent address.  After the deadline decals will be picked up at Parking Services, located on the ground floor of the Campus Center once you have registered online.  As a student on campus there is fee for your parking decal which payment will be required prior to picking up your decal. 

For further questions please email parking@umassd.edu 

Religious Resource Center

The Religious Resource Center staff coordinates religious activities and serves the spiritual needs of the university community. Clergy and ministers from major religious denominations provide opportunities for worship, spiritual direction and counseling, and programs which enable students, faculty and staff to nurture and integrate their spiritual lives. The staff is available to persons of all creeds and will make referrals to resources of particular religious traditions in the greater community at the request of the individual. 

The office is located in room 210 in the Religious Resource Center on the second floor of the campus center and is open daily on a walk-in basis. An appointment with a specific campus minister may be made by stopping by the office, by telephone, or by email. The office opens Monday-Friday at 7:45am. For more information visit:  http://www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/religious.cfm or phone: 508.999.8872. 

ROTC

UMass Dartmouth undergraduate students may participate in Army ROTC through a cooperative program with Providence College in Rhode Island.  The US Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) teaches leadership, team work, and responsibility through a curriculum that includes elective courses, leadership labs, and physical fitness training sessions.  The Patriot Battalion is located at Providence College which also serves UMass Dartmouth, Bristol Community College, Brown University, Bryant College, the Community College of Rhode Island, Johnson and Wales University, and Rhode Island College.  The ROTC program is designed to prepare men and women for success in college, as an Army Officer or for any chosen career, and offers opportunities for financial assistance in the form of scholarships.

The ROTC program, conducted by agreement with Providence College, has the following features: 

·       UMass Dartmouth students may participate in Providence College’s ROTC program and receive benefits from so doing, including financial aid.

·       Students register for Providence College courses at Providence College.  We do not provide registration services for these courses on the UMass Dartmouth campus.

·      Students can get ROTC courses/credits posted to the UMass Dartmouth transcript using the methodology for Transfer Credit, according to the transfer credit policies of their specific academic department.  Students planning to participate in ROTC should definitely use the Transfer Course Prior Approval process, to receive initial departmental approval of such transfer credit.

·       Students obtain ROTC program advising and access to scholarships through the ROTC program at Providence College. 

To obtain additional information contact, Providence College, Department of Military Science at 401.865.2025 or email patriot5@providence.edu . 

Student Activities, Leadership & Involvement Office 


Are you looking to get involved on campus?  Do you want to join a student organization, or even create your own?  Are you interested in learning more about leadership opportunities on campus, and developing your own leadership skills?  Stop by the Student Activities, Involvement & Leadership Office! We have a wide variety of information available in the office, as well as here on the web.  Please browse around our site in order to get more acquainted with the types of leadership opportunities and student organizations available on campus or call 508.999.8127. 

There are currently over 120 student organizations on campus.  From our academic organizations representing virtually every major to our special interest groups, students can find multiple ways to meet new people, learn new skills, explore different cultures or simply have fun.  For a complete list of all student organizations, please check the current listing at: http://www.umassd.edu/studentacivities 

There are several major organizations that you might want to know more about.  These groups represent the major players on campus who significantly shape student life.  

Student Organizations 2008-09 (partial listing)

Arts and Media

The Torch (Student-run Newspaper)

Theatre Company

20 Cent Fiction (Alternative Theatre Group)

Mental Note (A Capella Group)

Anime Club

Dance Team

Concert Tech

African Drumming and Dance Club

Sculpture Club

Greek Life

We have several active Greek organizations on campus, comprised of both local and national fraternities and sororities.

Culture and Diversity

Asian Student Association

Cape Verdean Student Association

Caribbean Culture Club

Haitian American Student Association

Muslim Students Association

Portuguese Language Club

French Club

Indian Student Association

People of African Descent

Community Service

American Red Cross

Habitat for Humanity

Rotaract

Masspirg

Advocate.  Celebrate.  Educate.

Academic

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Finance Club

National Art Education Association

Philosophy Association

Psychology Club

Students in Free Enterprise

Philosophy Association

Graphic Design Club

Pre-Healthcare Society

Lifestyle and Events

Campus Activities Board

Outdoor Club

Pride Alliance

College Democrats

College Republicans

Shotokan Karate Club

Ski and Snowboard Club

Social Change Society

Christian Fellowship

Rock Climbing Club

Gaming Society

Campus Activities Board

CAB is the largest student organization on campus responsible for providing a large majority of the programming that exists on campus. From movies and concerts, to speakers and comedians, CAB provides programming that is both educational as well as entertaining. General Board Meetings are open to the Campus Community and take place weekly. 

Greek Organizations

The SAIL Office works closely with the fraternities and sororities, as well as the governing bodies and Order of Omega to develop programs and policies. The SAIL Office provides training and support so that groups are meeting University and National Office requirements. 

Student Senate

This is the governing body for all students and offers a forum for debate on matters of importance to the student body.  The Senate appoints students to membership on a wide range of university committees.  Students are active, voting participants on many of the committees that recommend policies and procedures for the academic and social aspects of the university.  This is a great way to get your voice heard.

Scrimshaw Yearbook

The Yearbook is produced entirely by students and captures events, senior portraits and campus life.  It is a great project for design, photography and business majors to get experience or anyone who wants to work on a historical document that will touch all of our student’s lives well into the future. 

Theatre Company

This is the oldest and longest running Theatre Company on campus.  These student productions include musicals, dramatic works, comedies and playwriting festivals.  It includes opportunities to be onstage, back stage or supporting the front of house operations.  No experience is necessary, but much will be gained through this unique performance opportunity. 

The Torch

The Torch is the weekly, student newspaper that is produced solely by students.  Whether you are an English, design, photography or business major, the Torch is a great way to get experience with applying your craft in a very public way.  The newspaper staff is a close-knit group of people who serve as the experts on news and commentary on all things related to the student experience on campus.  Don’t miss the opportunity to make your mark on shaping your fellow student’s opinions on life while on campus. 

Golden Key

UMass Dartmouth has been accepted to charter membership in the Golden Key International Honor Society.  Our students ranked among the top 15% of juniors and seniors are invited to become members.  Activities include participation in regional and national leadership conferences.  Lifetime membership is a tribute to academic achievement and also an investment that can provide leadership training, scholarship opportunities, and career assistance.  

For more information visit: http://www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/gknhs.cfm or call 508.999.8640.

Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution

The Office of Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution is responsible for overseeing the development, distribution, and enforcement of university student conduct regulations and updating the Student Handbook on the University’s website.  The mission of the Office of Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution is to foster the development of community standards and individual behavior through education, with an emphasis on policies and procedures, and student rights and responsibilities.  The Office of Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution is located in the Student Affairs Office, Campus Center, Room 221.  For more information visit: .  For more information visit: http://www.umassd.edu/studenthandbook/ or call 508.910.6402. 

UMASS Pass/Student ID

Your UMass Pass is your student identification card. It is a one card that allows you to access your residence hall, check books out of the library, use your meal plan and snack allowance, purchase items at the bookstore and access to the Fitness Center on campus.

 Each student receives his or her UMass Pass at orientation. Students who are unable to attend orientation may visit the UMass Pass office, located in the Campus Center, during their summer business hours, to receive their UMass Pass. 

There are two kinds of accounts on the UMass Pass. UMD Dollars is the account students can use at any location that accepts UMass Pass, including some off-campus locations. 

The UMD Dollars account is separate from the UMass Pass “snack account,” which resident students receive as part of their meal plans. The “snack allowance” may be used at various food venues on campus. 

You can deposit money into your UMass Pass UMD Dollars account online or at the UMass Pass office. Please visit the UMass Pass web site  at https://umasspass.ugrydnetwork.com/ for more information. 

Please go to the UMass Pass office in the Campus Center right away to report a lost or stolen card. There is a $25 fee to replace a lost or stolen UMass Pass. 

For more information visit: https://umasspass.ugrydnetwork.com/  or  phone 508.910.6913.   We are located on the ground floor of the Campus Center.  

Women’s Resource Center

Founded in 1970, as the second oldest women’s center in the country, the Women’s Resource Center provides resources that help to create an educational atmosphere rich in visible role models & free of sexual bias and inequities where women can grow to their full potential.  The Center offers cultural opportunities that further women’s personal & professional development & promotes a broader understanding of the diverse experiences of all women.  Central to our mission is the recognition that explorations of gender must take place in tandem with explorations of race, class, sexual orientation and other significant aspects of individual identity.  The Center acts as a central coordinating agency for campus & community groups. 

The WRC has a variety of resources including a library containing more than 600 books, references, and recent publications; videos & DVD’s; a lounge for group use.  The WRC is a member of the Women’s Center Committee of the National Women’s Studies Association and can provide information on nationally scheduled events which are held throughout the year, such as reproductive rights conferences, women’s conferences, and political rallies.  Information is also available on lectures and events in nearby communities.  The center collaborates closely with the university’s Women’s Studies program. 

The Women’s Resource Center is staffed by a Director, Administrative Assistant, graduate students, work-study students, interns, experiential learning students, and volunteers.  Volunteers work with the staff to organize resources & plan and attend programs and events. 

The Center is open to everyone and is located in Pine Dale Hall next to the International Student & Scholar Center.  For more information visit:  http://www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/womens_resource.cfm or phone 508.999.4584.

This chapter describes the wide range of academic and student support services available at UMass Dartmouth.

Help with Academic Plans and Goals

Students are aided in their adjustment to academic life and in their decision-making processes through regular conferences with a designated faculty advisor. Each college has an academic advising network for its students.  The campus-wide Academic Advising Center serves students who have not yet declared a major in the College of Arts & Sciences, first-year Liberal Arts majors and first and second year Charlton College of Business majors as well as students in transition between majors. 

The key activities of advising are to help each student formulate academic and career goals, select courses that will meet those goals, and monitor progress toward fulfilling degree requirements. Students also consult their advisors about academic problems and concerns, to arrange special learning opportunities, or for advice about further study or careers. Students meet with their advisors at least every semester, to review their academic progress and plan for the upcoming semester. 

Academic Advising Center

In addition to serving the undecided, first year Liberal Arts and business majors, the Academic Advising Center also assists students with special issues or concerns, provides guidance to those considering changing a major and who need assistance with the university’s advising system. It is located on the ground floor of the administration building and is open Monday through Friday throughout the year. Students may consult the faculty advisors of the Center on a walk-in basis, or by appointment when classes are not in session. The Center is staffed by faculty members drawn from every college in the University and has a Director and Associate Director.

For more detail and offical guidelines, please refer to the “Academic Advising” section in the chapter on Academic Policies and Procedures.

International Study and Travel

Students interested in pursuing a course of study and travel in another country may obtain assistance in academic planning from The Academic Advising Center. Information about foreign and domestic colleges and universities offering these programs is available from the Academic Advising Center, Foster Administration Building, room 008. Students may remain registered as continuing students of this university while they pursue studies abroad, through Withdrawn on Exchange status.

University Honors Program

University-wide honors activities are available to students who demonstrate high academic achievement. This program is described more fully in the Interdisciplinary and Special Programs section of this catalogue.

Pre-Medical and Pre-Law Advising

Students who wish to prepare for admission into graduate schools of medicine or law have many options open to them. By the judicious use of electives, any student within the College of Arts and Sciences can satisfy the course requirements of most medical or law schools. Any student interested in pursuing one of these careers should see one of the following advisors early in his or her academic career:

• Medicine: Professors Alan Bates, or Catherine Neto, Chemistry Department; Robert Griffith or Kenneth Oliveira, Biology Department; Eileen Carreiro-Lewandowski, Medical Laboratory Science Department; Jay Wang, Physics Department; Barry Haimson, Psychology Department. Pre-med advising is available to students, in any major, who are aiming at a medical career.
• Law: Professor Kenneth Manning, Political Science Department

University Enrollment Center

All students (Day, Evening, Summer and Graduate) receive comprehensive enrollment and financial services at the University Enrollment Center.

All in one location, students can

• pay tuition, fees, and housing charges
• check the status of financial aid (and get help understanding it)
• register for classes; add and drop classes; etc.
• check their billing account (and get help understanding it)
• get a copy of class schedule
• check transcript or obtain or order transcripts
• obtain or submit financial aid forms or documents
• obtain enrollment certifications for health insurance or other purposes
• and most importantly, obtain advice and assistance!

By integrating financial and registration services in one location, the university enrollment center:

• assists students with the interrelationships between their aid, registration, and account status
• eliminates the necessity to go to three or four different offices
• refers special problems to the best place for immediate, quality assistance.

The University Enrollment Center is located in the Foster Administration Building Lobby.

Academic Resource Center

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) is an academic support service which provides peer tutoring and small group review sessions for UMass Dartmouth students. These support activities are provided free for courses through the three area centers of the ARC.

• Math and Business Center, Sokratis Koumas, Director, Group I-010, x8716 Tutoring in algebra, calculus, accounting, economics, management science, elemen- tary statistics, and other quantitative courses.
• Science and Engineering Center, John Fernandes, Director, Group II, 217B, x8718 Tutoring in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, nursing, civil, electrical,  computer, and mechanical engineering.
• Writing/Reading Center, Amy Parelman, Director and Noreen Cleffi, Assistant Director, Group I-220, x8710 Tutoring in English, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, English as a second language, essay writing,  research papers, business and technical communication, reading, and study skills.
• ARC Central Office, Thomas Daigle, Director, Group I-005, x8709 The Academic Resource center is open daily when classes are in session. Call for additional information.

Through a federal grant, the Academic Resource Center (ARC) makes the following student support services available to eligible students: mentors, study groups and study partners, assistance in preparing applications for graduate school, individualized needs assessments, cultural activities, and academic enrichment activities.

The U.S. Department of Education awarded TRIO funding to the Academic Resource Center (ARC), which administers grant services to eligible students at UMass Dartmouth. For information concerning eligibility and/or services available contact Thomas Daigle, Director, at the ARC Center.

Office of the University Registrar

Located on the first floor of the Foster Administration building, this office serves the instructional program by preparing, retaining, and making accessible all records pertaining to the academic programs and the academic work of the individual students of the university. Here students register for classes and receive the records of their progress and achievement; when they graduate, all students’ academic records are made available through a transcript-production service. Here the schedules of the instructional program are prepared each semester for the academic departments.

Beyond such services, the Office maintains the record of the university’s academic affairs through the computerized Student Information System and monitors and enforces many of the academic procedures and policies of the university, as described in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this Catalogue.

Services for Veterans

Veterans may receive assistance in the office of the University Registrar. VA programs are approved for benefits available under specified chapters of Title 38, U.S. Code. Eligible students must obtain an application on campus, or from their regional Veterans Administration Office. UMass Dartmouth will issue a Certificate of Eligibility which should be presented to the Office of Veterans’ Affairs for certification of enrollment. It is the veteran students’ responsibility to notify the university of any changes in course credit load or addresses, in a timely manner.

Veterans’ tuition waivers are available for those individuals who are considered Veterans under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7 (43), including WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Lebanese peace keeping force, Grenada rescue mission, the Panamanian intervention force, or the Persian Gulf, provided they meet other eligibility criteria, to include: a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one year and in accord with the university’s residency requirements; not in default of any federal student loans or owing a refund; must be a degree candidate or eligible to apply for degree candidacy.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will limit academic residency to no more than twenty-five percent of the degree requirements for all
undergraduate degrees for active-duty servicemembers. Academic residency can be completed at any time while active-duty servicemembers are
enrolled.  Reservist and National Guardsmen on active-duty are covered in the same manner.