First Year Experience Handbook Banner

On behalf of the entire learning community, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Salve Regina University, to new student orientation, and to new beginnings and experiences filled with challenges, opportunities and friends whom you have yet to meet.

As you now begin your stay as guests on this historic and beautiful island, we extend to you the hospitality of the Salve Regina community - both in the spirit of earlier ocean travelers whose pineapple was a sign of welcome and of the "comfortable cup of tea" of Catherine McAuley, whose Sisters of Mercy sponsor this university. We encourage you to ask questions of the staff, faculty and student orientation leaders who are assisting with orientation. Our primary purpose is to assist you in your transition into the academic and social mainstream of our learning community. We hope this orientation handbook helps you in that transition.

Remember that new student orientation is just your first step on a journey of self exploration. We look forward to your participation now and to working with you in the years ahead for a world that is just, harmonious and merciful.

Peace,


John Rok
Vice President for Student Life

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Academic Advising
The Academic Advising Office offers students assistance in planning their programs of study. However, it remains students' responsibility to read, understand, and fulfill the University's academic requirements indicated in the Undergraduate Catalog. The office's class advisors help with the following:

  • Discussing academic issues
  • Exploring and declaring majors and minors
  • Adjusting course schedules
  • Reviewing graduation requirements
  • Taking leaves of absence or withdrawing from the University
  • Transferring credits to Salve
In addition to a class advisor, each student is assigned a faculty/staff advisor. For new students, the faculty/staff advisor is their New Student Seminar instructor. When students officially declare their majors, their faculty/staff advisors are replaced by departmental advisors in their major field of study.


ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The Academic Development Center assists students who want to enhance their academic performance. Individual and group tutoring is available in a variety of subject areas at no cost to matriculated students. Study groups can be arranged when requested. Students should make appointments in advance. The center also offers assistance to students experiencing difficulty with specific course content, general study skills, and time management.

Through the ADC, peer tutors assist students in honing their writing skills as part of the University's Writing Across the Curriculum Program. Tutors are available by appointment and during drop-in hours on a first-come, first-served basis. They work with students on all phases of the writing process: gathering ideas, locating sources, organizing, developing, revising, and editing.


FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE

As part of the First Year Experience Program, freshmen are grouped into small learning communities enrolled in three common courses. These courses explore themes of personal and social responsibility, as well as personal wellness and community justice.

  • The freshman portal course, Seeking Wisdom: Wonder and Justice
  • The freshman literature course, What It Means to Be Human
  • The New Student Seminar (two semesters)

These learning communities provide freshmen with a common core of resources: the three instructors of the portal, literature, and seminar courses, and the seminar's mentor. A mentor is an undergraduate student who co-facilitates the New Student Seminar that the freshman take. The mentors are a wonderful resource and support system for the incoming first year student's transition to Salve Regina and Newport. As part of the seminar, students participate in the Feinstein Enriching America Program and complete a minimum of 10 community service hours.


McKILLOP LIBRARY

http://library.salve.edu
The goal of the McKillop Library is to support the educational programs and the research needs of the entire Salve Regina University community. To fulfill this role, the library contains traditional library materials such as books, periodicals, CD's and videotapes, as well as online databases, Internet access and other web-based services.

Most of the resources and services of the McKillop Library are available remotely. Off-campus access to online databases is accessible through the barcode of your Salve Regina ID card. The library home page can be found at http//library.salve.edu/. The McKillop Library belongs to the Higher Education Library Information Network (HELIN). Other members of HELIN are Brown University, Bryant College, CCRI, Johnson & Wales University, Providence College, Rhode Island College, Roger Williams University, and the University of Rhode Island. Access to materials is through the web-based HELIN catalog. Materials at other HELIN libraries can be requested and picked up at the McKillop Library within 48 hours.
The library is open seven days a week during the school year with additional hours during examination periods. Current hours can be found at the Circulation Desk of the library, on the library home page, or by calling 341-6736.

The McKillop Library has a number of special collections including rare books, Newport history books, and the Blumen Holocaust Collection. Recently the McKillop Library received the Stephen Pastore Collection, a special collection of materials written by or about the author Sinclair Lewis. Access to special collections is by appointment only. Please contact the Circulation Desk for more information.
Reference Librarians at the McKillop Library support the academic mission of the University by providing formal and informal research instruction for both classes and individuals.

Interlibrary loan of materials not available at the McKillop Library or through the HELIN Consortium is also available by filling out a request form on the library's website.


REGISTRAR

The Office of the Registrar is the University's center for student registration and academic records, and serves as a one-stop location where students can handle much of their routine University business. In addition to registration, friendly and competent staff are cross-trained to help students take care of tuition payments and get up-to-date information on financial aid. Conveniently located on the second floor of McAuley Hall, close to Academic Advising, this office provides the following services for students:

  • Registering students in all courses offered by the University for academic credit;
  • Receiving payments on student accounts, adding deposits for the Salve Card, and answering all sorts of bursar questions;
  • Answering questions about financial aid, providing the needed forms, and helping with financial aid paperwork;
  • Verifying enrollment for students who receive financial aid or for various purposes such as insurance providers and scholarship foundations;
  • Recording course grades and providing online student grade reports;
  • Recording transfer credits for studies at other colleges and universities, as well as credit earned through programs such as Advanced Placement and College Level Examination Program (CLEP);
  • Evaluating degree requirements for graduation candidates;
  • Helping students to access their educational records and protect their privacy;
  • Helping F-1 visa students maintain status and resolve visa questions;
  • Providing transcript service for all current and former Salve Regina students;
  • Helping veterans obtain V.A. benefits

TUTORING CENTER

Tutoring services are offered by peer tutors to assist any student having difficulties in mastering course work. Professors and respective department chairs are asked to recommend the peer tutors. Tutoring is available free of charge to matriculated students. Peer tutoring is available in all academic subjects in the undergraduate curriculum. The purpose and goal of the Center is to review and reinforce content work for those students requesting help.

Support services are for all students and include:

  • Peer tutoring in all subjects
  • Specific subject reinforcement
  • Test services
Support services for students only with documented needs include:
  • Notetakers
  • Taped lectures
  • Readers for test questions
  • Scribes for test answers
  • Special papers: colored, large print, graph
  • Review of academic loads and help to obtain accommodations
  • Extended time on test taking


THE WRITING CENTER

The Writing Center provides an environment for Salve Regina students to improve their writing skills. Located in the ground level of the Library, the Writing Center has flexible hours which include day, evening, and weekend hours. Thus, students have a wide range of times from which to choose.

Focusing on the writing process, the Writing Center's tutors assist Salve Regina students as they brainstorm ideas for papers, organize those ideas into a paper, and then revise the papers to produce well-written final copies. Students struggling with any aspect of the writing process may find help from the tutors at the Center.

Students may come in groups to work in the Writing Center with a tutor. Appointments are recommended for all students but especially for groups. The Writing Center also has handouts on specific writing related topics such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, documentation, etc. Students are welcomed and encouraged to come to the Writing Center for help with their writing.


ATHLETICS

The athletic program encourages students to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle through involvement in activities that require physical, emotional and mental exercise.

Varsity Sports
Varsity sports offer students who possess a high level of athletic talent the opportunity to maximize their ability through daily practice and intercollegiate competition. Intercollegiate competition affords student athletes the opportunity to experience the true spirit of competition through both individual and team play.

Fall Sports
Cross Country (women)
Field Hockey (women)
Football (men)
Soccer (men & women)
Tennis (women)
Sailing (coed)

Winter Sports
Basketball (men & women)
Ice Hockey (men & women)

Spring Sports
Baseball (men)
Lacrosse (men & women)
Sailing (coed)
Softball (women)
Tennis (men)
Track (women)
Volleyball (women)

Intramurals
A comprehensive program of intramural and recreational activities is offered to interested students. Activities are offered in one-day, weekend and semester-long formats to meet the needs of a variety of students.

Programs Offered
Softball (coed)
Basketball (5 on 5, 3 on 3) Tennis (singles and doubles)
Flag Football
Ultimate Frisbee
Golf
Volleyball (6 on 6, 3 on 3)

Recreation
A number of recreational activities are offered to interested students, faculty and staff. They include but are not limited to:
Aerobics
Kick boxing
Swimming (offered at the Newport County YMCA)
For additional information, contact Dawn Hahn, Athletics Department Office Coordinator ext. 2269.


FEINSTEIN ENRICHING AMERICA PROGRAM

The Feinstein Enriching America Program (FEAP), administered by the Vice President for Student Life, is integrated into each student's academic program as part of the New Student Seminar (GST110). First year students are introduced to service learning and participate in group or individually selected projects around Newport as part of the New Student Seminar. Students are provided opportunities for reflection on their experiences by maintaining journals and engaging in discussions within established seminar groups.
The Feinstein Enriching America Program represents the University's introduction of the benefits of service learning to students. Participation in the Feinstein Enriching America Program is a Graduation Requisite and is recorded on a student's transcript. Salve Regina University encourages all students to actively engage in community service not only while at the University, but after graduation as well. Students who establish a community service transcript and commit to a prescribed number of service hours during their time of study are recognized at graduation.


COUNSELING SERVICES

University Counseling Services offer all students the opportunity to discuss any life situation that seems to be impairing success in their social, academic or personal life. The staff of professional counselors offers students a variety of programs that address developmental and mental health issues from a preventive and educational perspective. These services include individual and group counseling, special programs, crisis intervention, community referral, and consultation. Counseling Services assists students with life transitions such as adjusting to college, accommodating change, establishing and maintaining responsible relationships, clarifying values, understanding family and self-esteem issues, and entering post-college life. The services are confidential as required by legal and professional guidelines of the State of Rhode Island.


HEALTH SERVICES

The goals and objectives of University Health Services are to encourage good health practices and to provide programs for disease prevention and clinical care for all members of the community.

The staff of University Health Services integrates the Health Services Office with the Counseling Services Office and strives to recognize and address the needs of all students. All providers adhere to established ethical principles and codes of professional practice, including patient confidentiality, privacy, dignity, and informed consent. Special consideration is given to the needs of the handicapped, minorities, and international students.

University Health Services contributes to the overall responsibility of the University to educate students in the critical areas of lifestyle and behavior in order to promote good health and to prevent disease. A comprehensive health education program involving local, state, and nationally renowned speakers is in place to present topics to the University community. A website presents current information on health issues, and selected videos are used in the waiting room of University Health Services as part of the ongoing health education program.

Health Services offers a comprehensive, cost-effective program including:

  • Physical examination - assessment and treatment of minor illnesses and injuries
  • Allergy Injections
  • Pharmacy Delivery
  • Laboratory Tests - phlebotomy performed and sent to Newport Hospital
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Confidential and supportive assistance
  • Gynecological Services
  • Referral to medical, surgical, orthopedic and dental specialists
  • Counseling services with psychiatric referral if needed
  • Assistance with smoking cessation
Office hours for the Health Services Office are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Appointments are required from noon to 5 pm. Walk-in appointments are taken between 8am and noon. Emergencies are always given a priority. There is a physician available for consultation by appointment between 1 and 2 pm Monday through Friday.


RESIDENTIAL LIFE

The Office of Residential Life promotes a living and learning environment that enhances a student's ability to grow and develop within the Salve Regina University community. The office supports the mission of the University by providing an environment conducive to the development of one's educational, psychological and social development of our residents. Staff attempt to create and nurture this environment through encouragement of respect for the rights of the individual. This is balanced against the rights and interest of the community as a whole. All members of the residence hall community, staff and visitors, are expected to act in a manner that demonstrates respect and consideration of those around them. Respect for community standards is crucial to the smooth functioning of daily living and to the achievement of community. Campus residency is not viewed as a right but a privilege earned by demonstrating a commitment to the University's community standards.

The following general guidelines reinforce the expectation that students will strive to be their best selves, and will assist in bringing forth the best in others. All students, whether they be residents or visitors of residents, are held accountable for adherence to these guidelines and those policies further outlined in the Student Handbook/Planner, which new students receive at the start of the academic semester.

  • Residence halls are to be places of privacy with an atmosphere conducive to study.
  • Only mature adult behavior, in all aspects of living, is tolerated in the residence halls.
  • Violations of security and fire policies and procedures are cause for immediate loss of residency privilege.
  • Possession or being in the presence of alcohol, drugs, weapons, firearms, and explosives of any kind are not tolerated and are grounds for immediate loss of residency privilege.
  • Sound from stereos, radios and television sets must not be heard outside the confines of the room. Headsets may be required to provide quiet for roommates.
  • Guests in the living must comply with hours and sign-in policies and procedures.
  • Except in the case of demonstrated need, freshmen living in residence halls are not permitted to have cars on campus.
  • Beginning at dusk, the Campus Shuttle Service provides transportation to and from campus buildings and various activities.

Personal Property Insurance
While the University carries insurance which covers damage to the physical structures in which students live, that coverage does not extend to the personal possessions of students living in those structures. The University therefore strongly recommends that families obtain personal property insurance to cover loss of possessions. National Student Services, Inc. has designed a full-service, low-cost insurance program, intended to protect the personal property of students living in residence halls and off-campus apartments or houses. For further information concerning the availability of this policy please contact the Residence Office in Miley Hall.

Fire Safety
Fire Safety is a primary concern of the residence staff and Office of Safety and Security. It affects every member of Salve Regina University. Each residence hall is equipped with modern fire or smoke detection systems and auxiliary emergency devices. Fire safety and security procedures are explained in-depth by Residence and Safety and Security Staff and reviewed frequently during the academic year. Fire drills are held in both the residence halls and academic buildings.


STUDENTS with DISABILITIES
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Salve Regina University is committed to making its services and programs accessible to all students. Two offices coordinate assistance to students requesting special accommodations. Students with disabilities who require academic accommodations should contact the Coordinator of Disability Services, 341-3150. Students who need physical accommodation should contact the Dean of Students Office and provide current documentation of their needs.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES
The Office of Student Activities, located in 006 Wakehurst Student Center, is where your co-curricular experience begins! Whether you choose to attend a live performance, participate in a recreational activity or join a recognized student organization, Student Activities encourages you to take full advantage of your college experience by becoming actively involved in campus life. The staff design and implement a wide range of programs and special events, advise and support all recognized student organizations, and promote student involvement in co-curricular activities.

The office sponsors Club Rush, Wakehurst Weekends, international and feature films, and Celebrations, weekly observances of off-beat holidays. In addition, the office participates in New Student Orientation, Fall Festival Weekend, and Open House events for prospective students. Student Activities staff advise the Campus Activities Board (CAB), a volunteer student organization that sponsors live comedy and novelty acts, coffeehouse performances, trips, dances and recreation events. The board is open to all registered, full-time students.

Student Involvement
The Office of Student Activities is committed to helping students identify opportunities for campus involvement that complement their academic pursuits. Out-of-class experiences have a positive and sometimes profound impact on students' learning and development. The benefits of campus involvement are numerous. Research has shown that students who become involved in co-curricular activities are more likely to graduate, develop lasting relationships with peers and express higher levels of satisfaction with their college experience. However, students need to create a balance in their lives without sacrificing their educational goals.

Student Activities is here to help you determine how you can become involved in meaningful campus life experiences. The staff can connect you with the organizations and activities that best meet your needs and interests. By becoming involved you will learn more about yourself and others, develop valuable skills, and enhance your career opportunities.

It's easy to get involved at Salve Regina. Follow these simple steps:

  • Take a moment to think about your previous involvement in high school, at Salve Regina, and in your community. Determine what you want to gain from your out-of-class experience(s) and how you can best obtain your goals.
  • Contact the Office of Student Activities in the Wakehurst Student Center or check out the Student Organization link on the Student Activities home-page. The Student Activities staff can provide you with a complete list of recognized student organizations and activities that are open to registered Salve Regina students. In addition, we can assist you with deciding which organizations and activities may best help you meet your involvemen needs and goals.
  • Once you have the information you need, contact the student organization(s) you are interested in, or go to the campus office that sponsors the activity in which you want to participate, such as intramural sports, theatre or community service. If possible, attend Club Rush in early September. Representatives from each recognized student organization will be on hand to provide you with information about their groups and the level of commitment required to be anactive member.
  • After you have made the commitment to join an organization or take part in an on-going activity, pay special attention to your academic progress to insure your involvement does not interfere with your education. If you notice your classroom performance is beginning to suffer, take a serious look at how you manage your time. Stop by the Office of Student Activities to discuss how to balance and/or prioritize your various activities.

Benefits of Involvement

  • Offers experiences that lead to the development of effective leadership skills
  • Provides an outlet for constructive use of time and energy
  • Assists with the development and clarification of personal values
  • Provides an opportunity to meet new people and develop lasting relationships
  • Assists with the development of effective interpersonal skills
  • Provides an opportunity to be of service to others
  • Offers a practical outlet for experimentation and application of creative thought
  • Provides practical experience in cooperation, teamwork, and being an effective member of a group
  • Offers an opportunity to experience cultural sharing and develop an appreciation for differences
  • Promotes self-initiative, discipline, independence, and responsibility
  • Provides practical experience that can be used to enhance career development
  • Provides an opportunity to have fun

Leadership Development
Student Activities offers leadership programs throughout the academic year designed to assist students with reaching their leadership potential. Structured programs include the Emerging Leaders series for first year students, the Leadership Challenge that incorporates the Social Change Model of Leadership, and workshops for students who currently hold leadership positions in recognized student organizations. In addition, the staff is available to meet with student leaders individually or in small groups to provide additional support and guidance.

Presidents Council
Each month Student Activities sponsors President's Council meetings designed to increase communication and collaboration between recognized student organiza-tions. The meetings, held in 101 Wakehurst, are open to the president or an appointed delegate from each student group. Meeting agendas are generally available no later than noon the day of the meetings and can be found in club mailboxes. In addition, Student Activities offers structured training sessions for clubs and organizations to help them remain viable campus entities.

Recognized Student Organizations
The Office of Student Life encourages students to form and maintain viable organizations that support the mission of the institution and add to the quality of campus life. A list of existing recognized student organizations is provided here; however, students may form new groups by following the guidelines established by the Student Life Committee. For more information about starting a new student organization, contact the Director of Student Activities.

Student Organizations
Accounting Club
Administration of Justice Club
American Marketing Association
Anthropology Club
ARISE
Art Guild
Campus Activities Board
Circle K
Council for Exceptional Children
Cultural Historic Preservation Club
Dance Company
East Bay Special Olympics
English Guild
Equestrian Club
Gay, Straight, Lesbian & Bisexual Alliance
Habitat for Humanity
Mosaic Newspaper
Multicultural Student Organization
One World Society
Orpheus Music Society
Psychology Club
Residence Hall Association
Social Work Club
Stagefright Theatre Company
SAILS
Students for a Democratic Society
Student Government Association
Student Nursing Organization
Surf Club
VIRGO
Willow Literary Magazine

Wakehurst Student Center
The Wakehurst Student Center is a multi-purpose facility that serves the needs and interests of students, faculty and staff at Salve Regina University. Managed by the Office of Student Activities, the center is a comfortable place to relax, attend a live performance or grab a bite to eat.

The Wakehurst estate was built for James J. Van Alen between 1882 and 1888, and is modeled after a 16th century English renaissance manor house that still stands today in Ardingly, West Sussex, England. Both Wakehurst's design and detailing typify the exceptional craftsmanship and elegance characteristic of Newport's "Gilded Age." The building has been designated an official project of the Save America's Treasures by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Wakehurst has made the successful transition from manor house to student center without sacrificing its historic past. The student center remains a special place to gather with friends, faculty and colleagues in the heart of the Salve Regina University campus.

Garden Level

Underground Lounge - The lounge offers a relaxed environment where students can relax, meet with friends or watch television. The lounge includes several computer stations where students can surf the web or view and send email.

Little Theatre - The theatre accommodates 30 people comfortably and features commercial quality sound, lighting and seating. Student Activities uses the theatre for its annual feature and international film series.

Billiard Room - The centerpiece of the room is a fully reconditioned, regulation size Sterling billiard table. In addition, the room features a foosball table, dart board and vending machines. Equipment can be signed out with the Wakehurst building manager staff.

Game Cave - This room, a former wine cellar, has been converted into a state-of-the-art video game center. The Game Cave features a 32" television, PlayStation 2 and Xbox game consoles and stereo surround sound. Student Activities has a growing library of PlayStation and Xbox games that can be signed out with a valid student ID card.

Office of Student Activities - The office is staffed by the director and assistant director of student activities. The office advises the Campus Activities Board, supports all recognized student organizations and designs and implements programs that enhance the quality of campus life.

Resource Room - The central room houses the Wakehurst building manager operation, recognized student organization mailboxes and supplies that can be used by RSO's to create event banners, posters and fliers. The Campus Activities Board and the Mosaic Newspaper have small offices that lead from the Resource Room.

Mailroom - On-campus students can pick up and send mail from the Mailroom located on the Garden Level. Each resident student is assigned a campus mailbox. Box numbers and combinations can be obtained the first week of classes by stopping by the Mailroom window during posted office hours.

ATM - The Bank of Newport operates and maintains an automated teller machine that is conveniently located in the Mailroom. The machine dispenses bills in $5 and $20 increments.

First Floor

Conference Room (Room 101) - The conference room has been renovated to restore the room's original floor to ceiling wood paneling and intricate plaster relief ceiling. Recognized student organizations can reserve the room for meetings and special functions. The room can accommodate 30 people.

Commuter Lounge (Room 102) - The lounge is the perfect place to relax between classes, study or watch television. The room is used by Student Activities and the Campus Activities Board to host coffeehouse performances, comedy shows and special events. The Commuter Lounge can not be reserved for closed or private functions.

International Room (Room 103) - This area is generally used as a dining room for the Global Café; however, the space is available for small scale activities with permission from Student Activities and the Global Café management.

Global Café - The café offers members of the Salve Regina community an alternative to the cafeteria in Miley Hall. The menu includes breakfast items, hamburgers and fries, sandwiches, salads and pizza. The hours of operation are posted beside the café's entrance.

For more information contact the Office of Student Activities by calling ext. 2225, or stop by the office at 006 Wakehurst Student Center.

Hours of Operation
(academic year)
Mondays thru Fridays 7am - 12am
Saturdays and Sundays 12pm - 12am

NOTE: The building is closed on official holidays and during scheduled academic breaks.

Phone Directory

Office of Student Activities
Director of Student Activities
Assistant Director of Student Activities
Student Government Association
Campus Activities Board
Mosaic Newspaper
Global Café
University Mailroom
341-2915
341-2225
341-2215
341-2728
341-2199
341-6397
341-2196
341-2235


ALUMNI/PARENT PROGRAMS
The goal of the Alumni/Parent Programs office is to enhance the relationship between the institution and its constituents (alumni, students and parents) through increased participation in various events, organizations and development activities. The office works to build and sustain networking opportunities between alumni and students, and encourages parent involvement in such support mechanisms. The office is located on the third floor of Ochre Court.

Fall Festival Weekend
Fall Festival Weekend invites family members and alumni to campus to participate in a variety of activities. These include athletic games, the Hunger Concert in Ochre Court and an awards ceremony on Sunday. The weekend is sure to be fun-filled for everyone.

Student Alumni Association (SAA)
Student Alumni Association members act as ambassadors for the Alumni Office both on and off campus. SAA sponsors many on-campus programs throughout the school year. These programs include Hug a Freshman, Kiss a Senior, and Survival Kit.

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