Mar 19, 2024  
Mansfield University 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Services for Students


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Department of Academic and Human Development

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The University provides developmental services to students for the successful pursuit of their academic program and personal development. These services include Academic Advising, Athletic Mentoring, Counseling, Learning Center, Minority Mentoring,  Support Services for CHAMPS Students with Disabilities, and Writing Center. In addition, all faculty within the Department of Academic and Human Development advise students selecting the Liberal Studies major.

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising Center provides services to a wide range of students and special support for underrepresented students of color, through a minority mentoring program called SUPPORT, and student-athletes through Athletic Mentoring and CHAMPS/Life Skills program.  These initiatives support Mansfield’s diversity goals through various workshops and guest speakers. This includes developmental workshops and leadership conference opportunities.

Mission:  The mission of Academic Advising Center is to provide high quality academic advising, that assists students in the purposeful planning of an undergraduate liberal arts education, contributing to an environment that promotes academic, personal, as well as intellectual, and ethical (character) growth. Academic Advising is a decision-making process by which students realize their maximum education potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor; it is ongoing, multifaceted and a shared responsibility of both the advisor and advisee. The advisor, utilizing a developmental, proscriptive or, prescriptive, strength-based approach, serves as a facilitator of communication, a coordinator of learning experiences, through course and career planning and academic progress review, and an agent of referral to other campus services. 

Vision: Mansfield University’s Academic Advising Center aspires to provide an excellent advising experience, through the development of academic and career goals, meaningful collaborative relationships, appropriate academic decision making and navigational skills which will result in students valuing and applying their liberal arts education.

Athletic Mentoring and the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program

Mission: The mission of the Athletic Mentoring and CHAMPS/Life Skills Program is to support the successful academic transition, matriculation, and graduation of the student-athlete.  The Athletic Mentoring component serves to monitor, track and improve the academic standing and progress of the student athlete.  The CHAMPS/ Life Skills component is designed to enhance and support a student-athlete’s development in the areas of:  personal development, career planning, community service, and academic excellence. 

Vision: The vision of the Athletic Mentoring and CHAMPS/Life Skills Program is the graduation of student-athletes with an enhanced academic and personal growth experience through participation in CHAMPS/Life Skills programming and with the support and services of Athletic Mentoring.

Counseling Center

Mission:
The University Counseling Center provides students, faculty, and staff with counseling services for each client’s particular needs. We make available to clients career/academic assessment and counseling to facilitate their career choices; provide a professional response to clients in emotional crisis; provide faculty and staff with consultation and support; assist in developing the emotional, physical and psychological well-being of all clients; advocate for student needs; and support the efforts of students, faculty and staff in improving the university environment. We provide coaching, academic document review, and recommendations for students with disabilities. We provide academic advising opportunities for students in the A.A. and B.A.  Liberal Studies majors.

All services provided by the University Counseling Center are free and respect the applicable confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines of the APA (American Psychological Assocation), ACA (American Counseling Association) and IACS (International Association of Counseling Services).

Vision:
Counseling services are an integral part of the educational mission of the institution and support the mission in a variety of ways, such as consultation, teaching, preventive and developmental interventions, and treatment. The counselors provide clinical and counseling services to clients who are experiencing stress due to academic, career or personal problems which may interfere with their ability to take full advantage of the educational opportunities before them. Counselors are also involved in providing consulting services for faculty and staff; student needs advocacy, program development, teaching, outreach programming, retention activities, and research and evaluation that support the efforts of faculty and staff in enhancing the university environment. 

Gateway Program

Mission: The Gateway Program is designed to support students enrolled in the Associate of Arts (A.A.) Liberal Studies degree with an umbrella of individualized services and opportunities to achieve academic success.  Gateway offers a variety of support services and proactively engages with students on an ongoing basis throughout the academic year.  The program support is a collaborative process in which the student is an active participant in assessing and identifying their needs and progress. 

Vision: The Gateway Program strives to empower students to develop practical strategies that will equip them to successfully meet the challenges they face in collegiate life.  Among the opportunities available to students are: an orientation and transition to college expectations and life, academic advisement with experienced and knowledgeable faculty, educational skills workshops, tutoring, assistance from learning specialists, peer mentoring, counseling, developmental leadership opportunities, supplemental instructors, study groups, study tables, and active links to career planning and cultural events.

Learning Center

The Learning Center (LC) at Mansfield University is committed to helping students achieve their academic goals.  We are dedicated to providing a success-oriented learning environment that focuses on the essentials of what is needed to succeed in college.  Our student support programs are designed to assist students in maximizing their academic potential.

We provide peer tutors, writing center tutors and supplemental instruction study sessions.  Each of these student support programs focus on course content as well as collaborative student learning processes that are designed to actively engage the learner.

The Learning Center at Mansfield University provides helpful study strategies and tips on-line.  We also hold a series of workshops to assist in enhancing your study skills and learning strategies.

Writing Center

The Writing Center is an integral part of the University’s Writing Across the Curriculum program. Peer-writing tutors help students develop effective writing and editing strategies that support the formal writing instruction presented in various courses throughout the curriculum.

Minority Mentoring Program

Mission Statement: The mission of the Minority Mentoring Program is to provide a support system for students of color that will give them the best opportunity to succeed at Mansfield University.  Through the academic, social, and emotional support the Minority Mentoring Program aims to contribute to an increase in persistence and matriculation.  Furthermore, students in the Minority Mentoring Program will become productive leaders in their personal and professional communities.

Vision Statement: The Minority Mentoring Program envisions a learning community in which students will experience empowering relationships with faculty and staff and develop leadership skills that will allow them to become effective community leaders.

Value Statement: The values of the Minority Mentoring Program are derived from the MU creed: Character, Scholarship, Culture and Service. We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and self-worth of all individuals. The Minority Mentoring Program promotes leadership, self-empowerment, personal development, and academic excellence.

Program Goals:

  • Guide and Support minority students at Mansfield University.
  • Increase minority involvement on campus and within the Mansfield community.
  • Assist in the retention and ultimate graduation of minority mentoring participants.
  • Create a socially and academically supportive network of mentors and mentees.

 Interested students should contact program director,  Professor Jason Roscoe (570) 662.4692 for information.

Services for Students with Disabilities

The Office for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is the main advocate for students with disabilities who request academic accommodations at the University. It is our goal to assist you in gaining appropriate and reasonable accommodations, enhancing your ability to pursue a meaningful college experience.

After submitting pertinent documentation, we will attempt to address all reasonable accommodations appropriate to the student’s needs. Current accommodations include, but are not limited to, special residence hall living requests, on-campus transportation, early academic scheduling, a variety of testing accommodations, note takers, readers, interpreters, assistance in acquiring “Books on Tape,” and relocating class sections to aid access.

Students are encouraged to contact the coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities in South Hall to discuss any accommodations. Early notification (with appropriate and thorough documentation) is critical when seeking physical or academic course material accommodations.

Department of Academic Initiatives

The Department of Academic Initiatives houses the federally funded and competitive TRiO Student Support Services grant (which has been established at Mansfield University since 2005).

The Department of Academic Initiatives provides extensive student support for the students enrolled in our programs.  We offer a variety of programming and services to our students, including academic and personal growth workshops, financial aid and financial literacy workshops, cultural and social activities, tutors, peer mentors, career counseling (including preparation for graduate school), and activities focusing on leadership and service.  We are dedicated to providing personalized services to our students to help them gain the skills they need to graduate from college and to reach their personal and professional goals.

Mission Statement:  The mission of the department is to increase the persistence and graduation rates of students enrolled in our programs by offering academic, personal, financial, and career support to help students develop the values of the Mansfield Creed (Character, Culture, Scholarship, and Service). The staff members work diligently to empower the students to become critical thinkers who take responsibility for developing strategies to succeed not only in college, but in their professional lives beyond college.  We work closely with programs across campus to facilitate student success. In doing so, our department helps foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of underprepared college students.

 Department Goals

  • The department will provide opportunities for first year students to successfully transition into college.
  • The department will provide quality one-to-one counseling to TRiO  students through advising, peer mentoring, and quality programming.  In doing so we will provide students with the opportunities to acquire skills necessary to succeed in college.
  • The department will provide opportunities for students to gain leadership skills necessary for successful careers and will prepare students for post-college plans.
  • The department will foster the development of the Mansfield University Creed values:  character, scholarship, culture, and service.
  • 75% of students in the department will remain in good academic standing each semester by maintaining a 2.0 QPA or higher and will achieve a persistence rate equal to or above the university cohort.
  • 55% of new participants served each year will graduate within 6 years.

Program Outcomes:

  • Students will identify resources to help them transition from high school to college.
  • Students will create Individual Success Plans each semester that reflect their personal learning goals.
  • Students will describe the skills necessary to succeed academically, psychologically, and financially in college according to their personal learning goals.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in college.
  • Students will exhibit academic success by maintaining a QPA of 2.0 or above.

Policies and Procedures:

Bookstore

The Campus Bookstore is a non-profit organization operated by College Community Services, Inc. governed by the students. The store is open from 8 AM to 4 PM Monday - Friday and 11 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays during the fall and spring semesters. During the summer sessions, the store is open 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. Also, during the first week of classes, the store is open extended hours, as posted, to aid students in purchasing/renting textbooks, dorm supplies, health and beauty aids, class supplies, clothing, class rings, graduation attire, etc. The bookstore is located on the second floor of the Alumni Hall Student Center. Textbooks are located on the upper level of the store while supplies, clothing MU logo items, stationary, health and beauty aids, etc., are all found the the lower level. Reserve your books online at mansfieldbookstore.com and have the first chance at used textbooks. Or rent your books new or used online at mansfieldbookstore.com.

Career Center

Mission: The mission of the Career Center is to provide students and alumni with exceptional career development opportunities that cultivate leadership tools in preparation for effective, successful, and meaningful life-work.

Vision: Integral to the Mansfield educational experience, the Career Center is the University’s key link to the employment community and the region’s first choice of diverse and talented emerging professionals. We personify a student-centered environment exhibiting professionalism, responsiveness, collaboration, and creativity. We are knowledgeable about the needs of students, alumni, and employers, and are a resource for support and counsel. We will be recognized by the university and professional community as a center of excellence for cultivating students’ potential while discovering their unique talents and passions, leading to meaningful and purposeful contributions to our global society. We create resources and opportunities for career development and exploration through a dedication to our own professional growth and the field of career development.

The Career Center provides students and alumni with a wide range of services, including career exploration and development, career interest inventories, resume and cover letter writing and critique, job search techniques, practice interview sessions, on-campus recruitment interviews, and other various professional development opportunities. A career library of websites, printed, and software-based information covering career options, professional associations, employment trends, internships, job listings, and graduate/professional schools is maintained through the Career Center. Job and internship opportunities are posted electronically through the Career Center via the Mountie Career Connection, an online job board utilized by all 14 PASSHE System University Career Centers. Students and alumni can access this free service at career.mansfield.edu. Students are encouraged to engage in Career Center services and programs early in their academic career.

The Career Center is located on the Ground Floor of Alumni Hall and may be reached at 570-662-4133. For more resources, information about the Career Center and our calendar of events, please visit us online at career.mansfield.edu.

Library

Mansfield University provides information resources both virtually (see Library Website) and in the historic and elegant 19th century setting of North Hall. Our quality resources provide students access to information from around the world. Most of our resources are accessible regardless of your physical location.

The Library is located on the first four floors of North Hall and has several special features to promote the efficient use of information in both printed and electronic forms. The Library has been designed to highlight traditional subject strengths such as those for music and education and also to provide immediate access to electronic information via extensive computer networking. If students need help using the resources housed in the Library, there are several service points with the most comprehensive one being the Information Desk on the second floor, north wing. The personnel who staff this area will be able to help with traditional reference questions on how to use printed and electronic resources and will also provide advice on equipment problems. Other more specialized service sites are: 1) the Circulation Desk in the entrance lobby which includes the printed reserve collection, laptops and other multimedia materials and reserves are located here as well, and 2) the Microfilms/Periodicals Desk in the atrium on the third floor. Printed brochures available throughout the Library provide answers to commonly asked questions about library resources and services.

A wide range of resources and serves are available to support teaching, learning, and research for on-campus students and for distance education. Detailed information about the libraries’ collections and services is available through the home page at http://lib.mansfield.edu/ and more specifically http://mansfield.libguides.com/distance for our online population. Another important contact point is the Information Desk (Reference) Ask a Librarian or libref@mansfield.edu. Distance Education students will be mailed their library access bar code or may find this code at http://lib.mansfield.edu/faq/library-id-number-lookup/.

Library Policies

1. A Mansfield University ID card is necessary each time materials are checked out including library use only reserve items. ID cards and circulation privileges are not transferable and are intended for use only by the person in whose name the card was issued. A lost or stolen ID card should be reported immediately at the Circulation Desk.

2. General circulating materials such as books, curriculum guides, government documents, pictures, and textbooks circulate for a four-week period for students (2-week grace period). Other item loan types include:

  1. Bestsellers - two weeks (1-week grace period)
  2. Laptop Computers - library use only
  3. Media Materials - audio and videocassettes, phono discs, compact discs, and audio and video cassette players - one week (no grace period)
  4. Reserve Materials - loan periods are assigned by the professor and are as follows: library use only, one day, three days, or one week. The Library is now offering electronic reserves so you may access the materials from outside the library and from off campus. Please check with your instructor or the Circulation Desk personnel to determine if the materials you need are available electronically if you cannot verify it yourself.

3. Most items may be renewed in person (please no telephone calls) unless reserved for another patron. Renewals may be made without having the materials present if the patron has a Mansfield University ID card. Patrons also can renew library materials online. (See the Library home page for information on how renew online).

4. A patron may place a hold on any item that is in circulation except for course reserves. When the item is available, the requestor will be notified and the item will be held at the Circulation Desk for one week.

5. After an item has been in circulation for two weeks, it may be recalled at the request of another patron. The recall notice will allow one week for the return of an item to the Library. Items needed for course reserve will be recalled by the Library immediately.

6. All materials should be returned to the Circulation Desk. When the Library is closed, books may be deposited in the book return located on the east wall, right of the front entrance. Please do not place media materials in the book return as these materials are easily damaged.

7. A reminder listing overdue items may be sent to the patron when items are not returned by the due date. Library patrons who return all the listed items within the grace period will not be subject to overdue fines.

8. General circulating items not returned by the end of the grace period are assessed a fine of $0.25 per day from the due date. Overdue reserve materials will incur an immediate fine of $2 per day. Certain types of materials will have higher fines. All media materials except reserves and laptops circulate for one week with no grace period. Fines: cassettes, compact data discs, compact discs, diskettes, kits, overlays, phono disks, models, slides, tests, videocassettes - $0.25 per day; video players - $10 per day. Fines and Fees are subject to change - please see Library Website.

9. All patrons are responsible for replacement fees for lost or non-returned items. Charges will be based on an average price for the item plus a $10 processing fee. Refunds for materials returned to the Library after replacement charges have been paid are given only if the item has not been replaced or withdrawn from the collection. Fines and Fees are subject to change - please see the Library Website.

10. Unpaid fines or an excessive number of overdues will result in a loss of borrowing privileges. Unresolved charges will be turned over to the Revenue Office for collection resulting in a block on future class registrations and transcript requests.

11. The Library uses an electronic security system, which detects any materials that are not checked out. Individuals who attempt to leave the Library with materials that have not been checked out from the Library are automatically referred to the University Police.

12.  Please refer to http://mansfield.libguides.com/content.php?pid=269190&sid=2221928 Library Information, for a more detailed list of Library Operations and Policies/Guidelines as changes occur.

Food, beverage, and tobacco products may not be used in the Library.

 

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