Student Handbook On-Campus Living Guide Student Handbook On-Campus Living Guide

180 Pages·2016·2.05 MB·English

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Skilled
Connected

S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y o f N e w Yo r k a t F r e d o n i a Creative
Responsible
Emergency Evacuation Plan
In Case of Fire or Visible Smoke, Set Off Nearest Fire
Alarm and Call University Police – 716-673-3333
When the Alarm Sounds – ALL Residents Must
Immediately Evacuate the Building

If Your Door is Too Hot to Touch:
Do Not try to open it

If You Can Leave Your Room:
Be sure that you have your room key
Be sure that you wear shoes as stairs may be hot
Carry a towel to cover your face, stay low and crawl should
you encounter smoky areas
Close all doors behind you if you can

If You Cannot Leave Your Room:
Place towels around the base of the door
Open the window wide enough to attract the attention of
firefighters
Hang a sheet from the window
Call University Police – 673-3333

Once You Are Outside:
Move to the primary meeting location for your building
Do Not re-enter until instructed to do so by University
Police or Residence Hall Staff
Report All Emergencies Immediately: Fire – Security – Medical
University Police – 716-673-3333
Fredonia Goes Green!
Fredonia is committed to environmental stewardship and sus-
tainability on our campus. As part of our mission, we explore
the ecological impact of our activities and services in order to
improve our environmental performance. By recycling and con-
serving energy & water, we can all help reduce the harmful im-
pact our daily lifestyles have on our world.
www.fredonia.edu/gogreen/
State University of New York at Fredonia
Welcome to Fredonia, a place where your learning is at the center of
all we do. Through your classes and co-curricular activities, you will
develop the characteristics that uniquely defne Fredonia graduates:
skilled, creative, connected, and responsible.

Faculty, staff, and other students will challenge you in many
ways, encouraging you to grow intellectually, socially, artistically,
interculturally, and athletically. I hope that you embrace these
challenges, looking to push yourself, to try new activities and
explorations, and to use each opportunity to discover your own
strengths, diverse identities, and values.

This Student Handbook, a guide to campus policies and student life
at Fredonia, includes information about many of these opportunities.
Please read it carefully to learn about the many activities, cultural
events, athletics, and governance/leadership roles you can choose.
Your college experience will be richer and more rewarding if you
become involved in these activities and learn beyond the classroom,
studio, and laboratory. Reviewing policies is also important, as
you will be expected to follow these as a member of a safe campus
community.

I hope to meet you informally at campus events and in the dining
halls. I am always interested in hearing about what you are learning,
and I welcome your suggestions and ideas.

With best wishes for your success,

Virginia S. Horvath, Ph.D.
President
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FREDONIA IDEALS
Fredonia is a community of students, faculty and staff dedicated to the
pursuit of excellence through education. In order to accomplish such goals,
the campus community must work together to maintain the high standards,
values and ideals expected in a community of scholars.
FREDONIA STRIVES TO BE:
An Educational Community sharing academic goals, with students, faculty
and staff working together to strengthen teaching and learning;
An Ethical Community refecting honesty, integrity and fairness in both
academic and extracurricular pursuits;
An Open Community welcoming new ideas and protecting freedom of
thought, belief and expression;
A Safe Community respecting each other’s rights, personal safety, privacy
and property;
A Civil Community expressing disagreements in rational and non-
threatening ways and treating all individuals with consideration, decency
and respect;
A Responsible Community accepting obligations under clearly articulated
principles designed to support the common good;
A Just Community seeking to resolve confict and violations of conduct
standards fairly and equitably;
A Healthy Community respecting and promoting physical and emotional
wellness and avoiding alcohol and drug abuse;
A Diverse Community celebrating diversity and learning from differences;
A Socially Conscious Community seeking to contribute to the betterment
of society through service;
A Watchful Community remaining alert and taking steps to eliminate threats
posed by hatred, intolerance, racism, sexism, ageism and other injustices.
Adapted from Ernest L. Boyer’s, Report on Campus Life, The Carnegie
Foundation 1990, the Fredonia Challenge 1995 and from the SUNY
Potsdam Pledge 2001.
Endorsed by the Fredonia Student Association, the Task Force on Academic
Integrity, the Student Affairs Committee and the College Senate in May
2002.
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This Student Handbook & On-Campus Living Guide is intended to
provide information about the University and serve as a resource during
your educational journey at Fredonia. Included are relevant University
policies and procedures and information on how to participate fully in
campus life. The following pages incorporate Six Links to Success, which
will detail student service offces and how they can assist you in your
academic and social success at Fredonia.
This handbook is a guide and does not replace the University catalog which
is the offcial document that contains University policies and procedures.
The information contained in this handbook and other campus resources
are available online at www.fredonia.edu.
*Information in this Student Handbook is Subject to Change.
LINKS TO SUCCESS
1. Making the Connection
Campus Life
The Campus Life Offce is located in the Williams Center. The staff is
dedicated in assisting students as they develop their competencies, autonomy,
identity, integrity, and interpersonal relationships. Students accomplish this
through interactions in and exposure to social, multicultural, intellectual,
and recreational programs. The Campus Life Offce services include:
Student Activities, Leadership Development Programs and Academic
minor, Volunteer and Community Service, University room reservations,
Greek Affairs, International Student Support Services, Commencement and
management of the Williams Center Student Union.
Some student organizations have offces within the Williams Center, as well.
The largest of these groups is the Student Association, the governing body
for all student organizations on campus. The Spectrum Entertainment Board
is Fredonia’s student-run activities board, presenting arts, entertainment,
and recreational programs for the campus and community. The Leader,
Fredonia’s campus newspaper, has its offce on the 2nd foor of the Williams
Center. Fredonia values the religious diversity of its students. The Fredonia
Campus Ministry Team provides spiritual counseling, special events, and
a directory for places of worship for students. There are several places of
worship near the campus that students are welcome to attend.
The Campus Life Offce also provides an off-campus living guide for
students looking for off-campus housing options. This guide aids students
with tips and services for off-campus living. All of the Campus Life
services and associated offces can be found at our website at:
www.fredonia.edu/campuslife.
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Residence Life
The Residence Life Offce is located on the frst foor of Gregory hall.
There are 14 residence halls for students to choose from, including 4 single
gender buildings and 10 co-educational buildings; 2 of which are considered
independent style halls. Students also have a choice of corridor, suite or
kitchen suite living. All residence halls are smoke free and tobacco free.
University Village Townhouses opened in Fall 2014. This newer living
option provides students with an off-campus feel but provides all the
benefts of being on campus. Each townhouse has 4 single bedrooms with
full-sized beds, a full kitchen with dishwasher, and furnished living and
dining area. Each unit also includes a washer and dryer. The townhouses
share a common building, the Village Center. Located in this center is the
central offce, resident mailboxes, lounge areas, a full kitchen, freplaces,
and group meeting areas.
Residence hall living is all about convenience and belonging. Living
right on campus in the middle of everything is the best and fastest way
to become part of Fredonia. Reed Library is a short walk from anywhere
on campus as are Blue Devil sporting events and regular activities in the
Williams Center. It is our goal to make the residence halls feel like home
away from home, a place where you belong. From Hall Council to Meet-
ups to Resident Assistant programs to employment opportunities as a Night
Desk Attendant, opportunities to connect and engage with other students in
the residence halls are vast. We hope that you feel at home here.
Multicultural Affairs
The Center for Multicultural Affairs (CMA), located in E125 Thompson
Hall, is dedicated to the premise that all cultural heritages can be celebrated
on Fredonia’s campus. The Center for Multicultural Affairs plans and
implements educational, cultural, social, and recreational presentations on
diversity to facilitate cross-cultural dialogue for the entire campus. The CMA
often develops and/or facilitates training programs for students to increase
sensitivity to multicultural issues and students of color.
The Center for Multicultural Affairs attempts to encourage the campus
community to investigate and acknowledge the various cultures that exist
on campus, recognize these differences and then celebrate and appreciate
those very things that separate and yet bring such a community together. In
addition, the Center also provides academic, personal, and career counseling,
as well as student advocacy. For more information call 716-673-3398 or go to
http://www.fredonia.edu/cma.
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International Student Services
The mission of the International Student Services Offce is to provide a
seamless, supportive transition for international students and to establish
campus and community connections through programming and advisement in
promotion of intercultural learning and exchange.
Students seeking information about international student services are welcome
to visit the offce or call for an appointment. The offce is located on the
2nd foor, Williams Center in room S226A. The phone number is 716-673-
4975. Fredonia welcomes international students and the contributions they
make to the campus and to our community. Nearly 120 international students
from more than 10 countries around the world chose Fredonia because of
its reputation for excellence. The International Student Services Offce
provides programs and services that are designed to meet the needs of past and
present international students, as well as American students looking to make
connections with those from other countries.
Program highlights include: International Student Orientation, International Themed
Dinners, Weekly coffee/tea hour, and other culturally signifcant activities.
Students seeking leadership opportunities can volunteer for the offce
as “Global Student Ambassadors” and can help with a wide range of
initiatives. Students may schedule personal appointments Monday through
Friday between the hours of 9:00AM and 4:30 PM, or drop in anytime.
Our door is always open. The website for international student services is:
http://www.fredonia.edu/iss
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Offce of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, located in Fenton Hall
143 is dedicated to ensuring the University community understands and
complies with both federal and state laws with respect to equal employment
opportunity and affrmative action. The primary goal of the offce is to create
a campus climate that is favorable to the development of the human potential
of all students, faculty, staff, and administrators. With oversight by the Chief
Diversity Offcer, the CDO, also serves as the offcial Affrmative Action
Offcer, Title IX Coordinator, and ADA Compliance Offcer.
The Offce engages with the community by offering advocacy for all, diverse
training opportunities, and partnering with other departments on campus to
promote the inclusive values of the University. For more information call
716-673-3358, email –
Student Disability Services
The Offce of Disability Support Services (DSS) provides support services for
students with disabilities on the Fredonia campus. The DSS offce coordinates
the services essential for providing the student with a disability the opportunity
to be successful at Fredonia. Services range from academic and classroom
accommodations to assistance with residence life.
The offce also works to insure that “…no otherwise qualifed individual
with a disability shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded
from participating in any of … the activities, courses, programs or benefts”
of the college. These students’ rights are protected by Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as well as Title II of the Americans with Disability
Act.
Students requiring accommodations must self identify by contacting the
Coordinator of Disability Services for Students and provide documentation
of a disability. All accommodations are determined on a case-by-case,
course-by-course, and semester-by-semester basis. In order to receive
accommodations, students are required to complete an accommodation
request through the offce of Disability Support Services for Students, each
semester which accommodations are required. Fredonia does not offer
individual transportation services to and from classes. For more information
contact: Adam D. Hino, Coordinator of Disability Support Services for
Students, located in the Learning Center, Reed Library (4th foor – Reed
Library), 673-3270 (v), 673-4763 (TTY), or visit
www.fredonia.edu/tlc/DSS/dss.htm.
2.Setting Goals
First-Year and Transition Programs
The Offce of First-Year and Transition (FYT) Programs assists new students
in identifying resources, skills and information helpful in starting a successful
career at Fredonia. This offce communicates directly with frst-year and
transfer students via email and social media about academic and personal
support services, special events, campus policies, and university traditions. New
students will be introduced to FYT staff and programs at orientation, new student
convocation, and welcome week. Any frst-year or transfer student needs a
helping hand should know that the FYT Offce is a place for guidance and can be
found on the 6th foor of Maytum Hall or by calling 716-673-3271. Students can
connect to the offce online at: www.fredonia.edu/studentaffairs/fyt.
Academic Advising
The Offce of the Coordinator of Academic Advising and Liberal Arts is
located in the Registrar’s Offce, 1st foor Reed Library, and can be reached at
716-673-3188 or at
Each student is assigned an academic advisor in their declared major.
Academic advising is the process of providing information, guidance, and
encouragement to students to assist them in decision making related to
their educational and career goals. Academic advising includes selection
of courses and overall program planning, monitoring academic progress,
adherence to and other institutional requirements, and referrals to campus
support resources such as the learning center, career development offce or
the counseling center, as needed.
Fredonia requires that every student meet with their academic advisor
periodically to review progress and plan their academic future. New frst-year
and transfer students should strive to meet with their advisor a minimum
of two times per semester. A meeting early in the semester is essential
for introductions and to get to know each other. Another meeting during
advising week is critical for appropriate course selection according to degree
requirements. It is also important for students to meet with their academic
advisor before any change in program of study; e.g. drops, adds, withdrawals,
etc. is decided. In conjunction with a student’s assigned advisor (listed in
“Your Connection”), the Coordinator of Academic Advising and Liberal Arts
is available to help interpret academic policy and procedure.
Fredonia recognizes the advising process as individualized teaching. Students
with declared majors are advised within their academic department. The
Coordinator of Academic Advising and Liberal Arts assigns faculty advisors
from across campus for the Liberal Arts students. The advisors will assist the
students with course selection and provide guidance in the selection of a major.
Academic Affairs
The Provost /Vice President for Academic Affairs oversees all aspects of
academics at Fredonia and works with a team of senior administrators. The
Associate Provost for Curriculum, Assessment, and Academic Support
oversees curriculum development, assessment of student learning, and
academic support areas that include the Registrar’s Offce, Academic
Advising, the Learning Center, the Educational Development Program
(EDP), the Full Opportunity Program (FOP), Disability Support Services,
and the Honors program. The Associate provost for Graduate Studies,
Sponsored Research and Faculty Development provides leadership in
coordinating Graduate Studies Across the four divisions, supports and
assists faculty and student research through such areas as OSCAR (Offce
of Student Creativity Activity & Research), and supports the professional
development of all Fredonia employees through the Professional
Development Center.
There are four divisions in Academic Affairs: the College of Liberal Arts
and Sciences, School of Business, College of Education and the College of
Visual and Performing Arts. Each division is led by a Dean. Information
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Technology Services, Lifelong Learning, and International Education
are also housed in Academic Affairs. The Associate Vice President for
Information Technology and Chief Information Offcer has responsibility
for the management and delivery of technology services across campus.
The Director of Lifelong Learning and Special Programs coordinates non-
credit offerings, as well as summer and J-term sessions. The Director of
Reed Library oversees the library facilities, operations, and professional
and student staff. The Director of International Education oversees various
aspects of the educational experience for international students as well
as for Fredonia students who want to study abroad or participate in an
international exchange program. The faculty, department chairs, directors,
and program coordinators are all members of Academic Affairs.
The Offce of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs is eager to
help you progress in your academic program, although the frst steps in
resolving many issues related to your courses are usually the instructor,
your advisor, a faculty member, department chair, program coordinator, or
the Dean. The Offce of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
looks forward to working with you. For more information, call 716-673-
3335, or stop by the offce located on the 8th foor of Maytum Hall.
The Learning Center
Whether you are looking for the extra assistance you need to pass a class or
you want help boosting your ‘A-’ to an ‘A’, the Learning Center is for YOU. We
offer confdential, free tutoring in most subjects offered at Fredonia. Just stop in
the Learning Center (conveniently located on the fourth foor of Reed Library)
any time during drop-in hours.
Sundays: 6 - 9 PM
Mondays: 1 - 9 PM
Tuesdays: 1 - 10 PM
Wednesdays: 1 - 9 PM
Thursdays: 1- 9 PM
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
The Learning Center offers peer tutoring on a drop-in basis in most subject areas
at no cost to students. Trained tutors work individually or in small groups with
students from a wide range of backgrounds and academic development. While
tutoring is not a replacement for class attendance and study, tutors work to provide a
better understanding of the subject from specifc problems to basic concepts.
In addition to subject tutoring, the Learning Center provides individualized
assistance in English as a Second Language and academic assistance for
students in the Full Opportunity Program and students registered with the
Offce of Disability Services (DSS). For more information and useful tips
visit www.fredonia.edu/tlc/ or call 673-3550.
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