Division of Student Affairs - University at Albany-SUNY

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# Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs provides opportunities that support and direct student engagement and learning that take place outside the classroom in order to create a positive and healthy student experience. The departments within the Division of Student Affairs include: Residential Life; New Student and Family Programs; The University Health Center; The University Counseling Center; Career Services; Student Involvement & Leadership; Campus Recreation; Intercultural Student Engagement; Campus Center Management; The Disability Resource Center; The Advocacy Center for Sexual Violence; Community Standards; and University Police.

#### The Vice President for Student Affairs

The Vice President for Student Affairs has the responsibility for the leadership and administration of all the departments within the Division of Student Affairs and oversees all services, activities, and programs designed to promote a positive total educational experience for every student. The Office of the Vice President is located in University Hall and can be reached at (518) 956-8140.

#### Residential Life

Living on campus is an integral part of the overall college experience. The Department of Residential Life provides both traditional style and apartment style living for over 7,500 students. Traditional residence buildings that are both suite and corridor style are located on both the main campus and downtown campus. All students living in traditional residence halls are required to be on a campus meal plan. There are also three apartment style complexes, equipped with kitchens. All students are provided with cable hook-up and wireless internet connections. Laundry rooms are conveniently located in all buildings and are free of charge to resident students.

Freshmen students who live outside a 50 mile radius are required to live on campus for their first two years and are assigned to areas designed to enhance their first year experience and to build a solid foundation in their first year of college study. The environment for first year students encourages community, promotes responsibility and positive social interaction, and supports solid academic preparation. There are several Living-Learning Communities available for freshmen students. These programs are designed so that students have the opportunity to live with other students who have similar interests and/or majors.

Apartment housing is available to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. There is no family housing currently available. All residence halls and apartments are smoke free.

For additional information, including scholars housing and the availability of Living-Learning Communities, go to the Residential Life website at www.albany.edu/housing.

The Department of Residential Life is located in the basement of Eastman Tower on State Quadrangle and can be reached at (518) 442-5875.

#### New Student Orientation

Orientation facilitates the transition of new students into the University at Albany by preparing them for educational opportunities and social responsibilities, integrating them into the intellectual, cultural, and social climate of the University, and introducing parents and families to appropriate support resources. Students entering the University as newly matriculated freshmen or transfers for the fall semester are invited to participate in a Summer Orientation Program. Transfers attend a one-day program, while freshmen attend a two-day program that includes a one-night stay in a residence hall. Summer Orientation Programs include presentations by University administrators, small group discussions, and an opportunity to meet with advisors and/or representatives in academic departments to finalize fall semester classes. Information sessions for parents of new students are offered concurrently with freshman programs and transfer programs. Students who are unable to attend a Summer Orientation Program will attend an orientation program prior to the start of classes in the fall. All freshmen and transfer students also attend Welcome Week programs in the fall, prior to the beginning of classes. For new students enrolling in the spring semester, an orientation program also occurs prior to the start of that semester.

New Student Orientation is located in the basement of Eastman Tower on State Quadrangle and can be reached at (518) 442-5509.

Note: International Students and students accepted into the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) attend Orientation programs that are offered through those offices. More information can be found at www.albany.edu/isss/ and at www.albany.edu/eop/.

#### Parent and Family Services

Family involvement at the University at Albany is fostered through various programs and services coordinated by the Director of New Student Programs. New Student Programs assists families with their student’s transition from high school to college, as well as with their college experience through graduation. Programs and services include individual parent advisement, Family website, electronic communications, and the coordination of events during Parents' Weekend.

Family services are available in the basement of Eastman Tower on State Quadrangle (518) 442-5875, parents@albany.edu or www.albany.edu/parents.

#### University Health Center

The University Health Center (UHC) is the primary health care facility for registered students. Services include General Medical Clinic, Women’s Health Clinic, Immunizations, Self-Help Center (where over-the-counter medications can be obtained at low cost and charged to the student's account), psychiatric services, and an on-site pharmacy. The UHC is open Monday – Friday and sees students by appointment. Appointments with a health care provider are available for registered students only and are free of charge. Call (518) 442-5229 or visit the Health Center website to schedule an appointment. The UHC is located at 400 Patroon Creek Blvd. Suite 200, across the street from the Uptown Campus. Shuttle bus service is available during regular business hours from Collins Circle and the Social Science Bus Stop. Shuttle schedules are available on the Parking and Mass Transit website. The main office telephone number is (518) 442-5454. Health Center requirements including immunization requirements and additional information can be found at www.albany.edu/health_center/.

#### Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service

Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service is a New York State certified ambulance agency serving the campus community. It is operated exclusively by UAlbany students and funded by the Student Association. Since 1973, volunteers have provided Basic Life Support (BLS) 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the academic year. Five Quad operates two ambulances with 50-90 active members (all certified in CPR and First Aid) and 20-30 members-in-training. In addition, some members are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). The phone number is (518) 442-5555 (for emergencies call 442-3131) and the website is www.fivequad.org.

#### University Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center (UCC) provides psychological assistance to help UAlbany students reach their educational and personal goals. The staff is culturally inclusive, accessible, and available to meet the needs of all students. Staffed by psychologists, the Center also provides supervised training for doctoral interns from throughout the United States and Canada. There is no charge for Counseling Center services.

Psychological Counseling and Consulting: UCC provides psychological counseling (individual and group) and evaluation for emotional, social, and academic concerns. Students may also consult with UCC staff by telephone, email or in person regarding issues that impact themselves or someone they care about. UCC also offers a number of online self-help resources, including anonymous online screenings for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and alcohol and other drug use.

Prevention: To support the success of UAlbany students, UCC offers workshops, informational exhibits, and interactive social media campaigns about alcohol and other drug use, body image and eating awareness, sport psychology and performance enhancement, and suicide prevention. The Center offers resources on reducing stress and supporting wellness and happiness in life, as well as delivers workshops on how students can help other students through a program called STEP UP UAlbany! (www.albany.edu/counseling_center/step.shtml).
As part of prevention services for students, UCC oversees the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program. Middle Earth is a nationally-recognized peer assistance program that trains students to help other students. Through a hotline service, Middle Earth peers lend a listening ear, assist with problem-solving, and provide information or referrals. Middle Earth also provides peer-to-peer workshops and interactive theatre presentations for the campus community as well as a peer career advisement service staffed by students working in Career Services. The Middle Earth hotline (518-442-5777) is open from 1:00 PM to midnight Monday through Thursday, and 24 hours a day from 1:00 PM on Friday until midnight on Sunday while classes are in session. Students providing peer services in Middle Earth earn academic course credit. For additional information about Middle Earth services or how to join Middle Earth, go to www.albany.edu/counseling_center/aboutme.shtml.

The University Counseling Center is located in Suite 104 at 400 Patroon Creek Blvd. near the UAlbany uptown campus. Shuttle bus service is available during regular business hours from Collins Circle and the Social Sciences Bus Stop, Monday through Friday. Please call with questions or to make an appointment (518) 442-5800. Email consultation@albany.edu, or visit www.albany.edu/counseling_center/ for hours of operation, directions, and additional information.

#### The Advocacy Center for Sexual Violence

The Advocacy Center for Sexual Violence provides a dedicated space for student survivors, friends, and family members to seek compassionate support and advocacy services related to all forms of sexual violence including sexual assault, intimate partner and relationship violence, and stalking. The Advocacy Center provides a one-stop, safe and supportive environment for student survivors to get assistance from a staff dedicated to serve as their advocate to manage all of the services they may choose to help them heal. Services may include academic accommodations, residential accommodations, referrals for healthcare needs and counseling, and assistance in pursuing charges either criminally and/or through the campus conduct process. The Center staff also oversees a comprehensive sexual violence prevention education program.
In addition, the Center provides consultation, education and training to students, faculty and staff on a variety of sexual violence, general sexuality and sexual health issues. It is the home of Project SHAPE: Sexual Health and Peer Education program.

The Advocacy Center is located in the back southwest corner of Indian Quadrangle at the bottom of the exterior staircase between Onondaga and Seneca Halls. The office is open Monday through Friday. Walk-ins and appointments are both welcome. Appointments can be made by calling (518) 442-CARE (2273).

#### Project SHAPE: Sexual Health and Peer Education

Project SHAPE: Sexual Health and Peer Education program is comprised of students who volunteer their time to educate their peers on sexuality, sexual health and sexual violence. They conduct more than 100 educational programs and exhibits each year in academic courses, residence halls, and for student groups. In addition, Project SHAPE presents a number of large-scale theme events such as the annual World AIDS Week, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Contemporary Issues in Sexuality Week. Members complete two semester-long training courses in human sexuality and conduct programs on a variety of sexuality topics such as preventing HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, contraception, sexual orientation, gender identity, healthy relationships, communication with a partner, sexual violence prevention and consent. In addition, Project SHAPE is involved in community service by facilitating programs at local high schools and after school programs in the Capital Region. The Project is under the direction of The Advocacy Center for Sexual Violence. For more information about Project SHAPE, go to www.albany.edu/advocacycenter or call (518) 442-CARE (2273).

#### Student Involvement & Leadership

The Office of Student Involvement & Leadership supports the academic mission of the University by emphasizing student involvement in the campus community, which research has proven positively affects student retention, satisfaction, and academic success. The Office focuses on encouraging every student to be engaged in activities outside of the classroom, providing leadership training and opportunities, and providing and supporting shared experiences for the entire UAlbany community. Student Involvement & Leadership also promotes major events and programs and enhances the efforts of the student government, all student groups, and fraternal organizations by providing advisement and assistance. It also coordinates campus programs, including the University Programming Board. The Office motto is: Student Involvement Leads to Success.

This Office of Student Involvement and Leadership is located in Campus Center 130, and can be reached at (518) 442-5566. Visit the Student Involvement website www.albany.edu/involvement or visit myInvolvement to view the calendar of events and browse involvement opportunities.

#### Campus Recreation

The mission of Campus Recreation is to enrich the quality of life of the UAlbany community by offering, and encouraging, participation in recreational opportunities that develop leadership skills, cultivate social relationships and emphasize healthy lifestyles. With its commitment to actively developing a Healthier U, Campus Recreation provides students with:

- Diverse, innovative and stimulating programs
- Exceptional services with integrity and courtesy
- Opportunities for leadership development, including a comprehensive student employment program
- High quality and well-maintained equipment
- An enthusiastic staff dedicated to health and wellness goals
- A commitment to maintain safe and clean facilities

The Recreational Services Office is located on the main level of the Physical Education Building, PE-110A, and can be reached at (518) 437-3739. Visit the Campus Recreation website at www.albany.edu/rec or visit myInvolvement at myinvolvement.org to learn more.

#### Campus Center Management

The Campus Center is the hub of University activity. Student service offices, meeting facilities, student government, as well as dining operations and the University Bookstore, make this a popular destination for the University community and a center of daily campus life. The Campus Center also hosts and facilitates an extensive schedule of meetings, programs, and special events involving both the University and local communities. It is a site for recreational activities and the primary site for University Programming's many activities.

For more information, stop by Campus Center 137, call (518) 442-5491, or visit the Campus Center website at www.albany.edu/campuscenter/.

#### Disability Resource Center

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides outreach and education to the University community regarding disability-related questions and issues, in order to enhance student learning. The DRC provides a broad range of personalized services to students with disabilities, including veterans (learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mental health disorders, mobility, visual, or hearing impairments, medical disabilities, neurological disabilities, physical disabilities, and other disabling conditions).

Services include pre-admission information, mobility tours, referrals to on and off-campus resources, consultation with offices, alternative testing, advocacy, and individual appointments. In addition, the office maintains a library of disability resources. An interactive process based on documentation is used to determine reasonable academic accommodations. Students with disabilities may schedule appointments for assistance with developing study and test taking skills, or to receive coaching in time management and setting goals.

In addition, the office makes recommendations to offices and departments regarding individualized reasonable accommodations. Particular emphasis is placed on assisting students in developing their talents and abilities in preparation for professional and graduate training and for employment. In addition, professional staff of the DRC are available to meet with prospective students with disabilities, and their families, during campus visits to the University at Albany. These services are available to students with disabilities, whether or not they have had IEPs or 504 plans in high school. The DRC also interacts with local, state, and federal agencies concerned with disability issues to support student learning.

The office is currently located the Business Administration Building, BA 120. Please call (518) 442-5490, email drc@albany.edu or visit the DRC website at www.albany.edu/disability/.

#### Intercultural Student Engagement

The Office of Intercultural Student Engagement is committed to developing and maintaining a culturally inclusive campus environment where all students can engage in meaningful relationships with other students, faculty and staff, thereby enhancing the academic excellence, personal growth and leadership development of all UAlbany students.

Additionally, the Office oversees the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (CC 323) and the Multicultural Resource Center (CC 346), safe and respectful spaces for students to learn more about themselves and others and where meaningful intercultural experiences and dialogues embrace the uniqueness of the many identity groups present in our diverse society. These centers also provide support and advocacy for students from historically underrepresented communities, including, but not limited to, students of African, Latino, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) descent, various religious communities, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and Ally community, and first generation college students, assisting them to succeed socially and academically.

For more information stop by Campus Center 130, call (518) 442-2590 or visit www.albany.edu/multicultural/. To contact the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center call (518) 442-5015.

#### Career Services

Career Services assists undergraduate students of all majors and class levels with exploring majors and career options, making decisions about graduate study, and identifying and preparing for internship and full-time job opportunities.

Career Services supports students in specifying career goals, exploring career options and developing job and internship strategies through one-on-one appointments. Students can also take advantage of drop-in hours for quick questions and resume or cover letter feedback. Working closely with academic departments, The Alumni Association, student organizations, and other Student Affairs departments, Career Services provides workshops and events related to a variety of career topics.

Numerous resources for students, to research major and career information, graduate school programs, resumes and cover letters, as well as review part-time and full-time employment and internship vacancies, can be accessed by visiting the Career Services website at www.albany.edu/career.

Career Services also offers an on-campus recruiting program for internships and full-time employment, as well as annual Job and Internship Fairs.

For more information, stop by or contact the office at Science Library G-50, (518) 437-4900, or visit www.albany.edu/career.

#### Community Standards

Community Standards upholds the student code of conduct that establishes standards for students that stress the values of personal and academic integrity, respect for others and property, and the appreciation and acceptance of a diverse community.

To achieve this, Community Standards staff:

- Promote an environment where the respect for the individuality of each student is valued and the principles of justice and civic responsibility are upheld
- Ensure that all students are extended due process regardless of their abilities, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion
- Maintain and disseminate Community Rights and Responsibilities, the student code of conduct
- Educate students with regard to Community Rights and Responsibilities
- Partner and work with University departments and units to provide students, faculty, and staff access to consultation services, conflict resolution and alternative dispute mediation
- Provide student care support services to guide students for maximum success
- Empower community members to embrace and put into practice the restorative principle

This office also supports the safety and well-being of students who live off campus and maintains positive relations between the University and the larger community in which it resides. For questions regarding the University’s student conduct processes and the other functions of Community Standards, please call (518) 442-5501 or visit the website at www.albany.edu/communitystandards.

#### University Police Department

University Police Department is responsible for providing a safe and secure campus environment, one in which students, faculty, and staff can pursue their educational and career goals with a minimum of distraction and disruption from crime. It works closely with the departments of Residential Life, Health and Counseling, Physical Plant, and Student Involvement to achieve the highest levels of personal safety possible. The department has state commissioned and academy trained police personnel as well as uniformed civilian communications and security officers.

They provide an extensive array of law enforcement and public safety services to the University community, including mobile foot and bike patrols, community outreach and crime prevention education, traffic enforcement, K-9 patrol, crime reporting, and follow-up criminal investigations.

UPD is located in the University Police Building. The emergency number is 911 from a campus telephone or (518) 442-3131 from any cellular telephone. The non-emergency number is (518) 442-3132, and their website can be found at police.albany.edu/.

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