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 takes place outside the classroom in order to create a positive and healthy student experience. The departments within the Division of Student Affairs include: The Advocacy Center for Sexual Violence; Campus Center Management; Campus Recreation; Career and Professional Development; Community Standards; Counseling and Psychological Services; The Disability Resource Center; Intercultural Student Engagement; Orientation and Transition Programs; Residential Life; Student CARE Services; Student Health Services; and Student Involvement.

#### 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.

#### 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 the Project SHAPE: Sexual Health and Peer Education program.

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, Sex Sense Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. 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. Project SHAPE 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).

#### Campus Center Management

The newly renovated and enlarged Campus Center, the space on campus that has always been the hub of University activity, is now even more so. Student service offices, meeting facilities, resource centers, student government, and the University Bookstore make this a popular destination for the University community and the center of daily campus life. Seventeen diverse dining venues and several new technologically enriched meeting rooms will expand the availability for social, cultural and educational events and bolster the opportunity for student leadership and engagement. The Campus Center is truly that third space on campus, between the classroom and residence where it all comes together.

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

#### Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation provides diverse, stimulating, and engaging recreational opportunities that enrich the UAlbany experience. These programs include Intramural Sports (like softball, flag football and volleyball), Group Exercise Classes (like Yoga and Boot Camp) and Wellness and Outdoor Programs (such as FitFair, Personal Safety Workshop, Skiing and Hiking).

In addition to the programs offered, Campus Recreation provides great indoor and outdoor facilities. Indoor facilities include three fitness centers available across campus (SEFCU Arena, Indian Quad and Colonial Quad). Each is equipped with aerobic, free weights and circuit machines. Outdoor facilities include lit turf, basketball and tennis courts as well as a softball field at Liberty. Outdoor jogging, walking and biking is made safe and easy at UAlbany with the 2.8 mile loop around campus, appropriately called the Purple Path.

Campus Recreation is here to Actively Develop A Healthier U!

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.

#### Career and Professional Development

Career and Professional Development 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 and Professional Development 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 and Professional Development provides workshops and events related to a variety of career topics.

Career and Professional Development also offers an on-campus recruiting program for internships and full-time employment, as well as annual Job and Internship Fairs. To learn more students should access their Handshake account. Handshake is UAlbany’s modern career development platform. Students can login to Albany Handshake accounts at https://albany.joinhandshake.com.

In addition, 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 and Professional Development website at www.albany.edu/career.

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

#### Community Standards

Community Standards supports and promotes a civil community through the establishment and administration of the student code of conduct, Community Rights and Responsibilities.

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 and insure that all students are extended due process regardless of their abilities, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion.
- Educate students with regards to Community Rights and Responsibilities, the student code of conduct.
- Consult with students, faculty, staff and other constituents on a variety of issues pertaining to the student conduct process and how staff may assist in resolving conflict.
- Empower community members to embrace and put into practice the restorative principles.

This office also supports the safety and well-being of students who live off campus through its Neighborhood Life subunit and works to help maintain positive relations between students and community members in the neighborhoods surrounding the campus. 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.

#### Counseling and Psychological Services

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

Psychological Counseling and Consulting: CAPS provides both individual and group psychological counseling as well as evaluation for emotional, social, and academic concerns. Students may also consult with CAPS staff by telephone, email or in person regarding issues that impact them or someone they care about. CAPS also offers a number of online self-help resources, including stress reduction and wellness apps and free 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, CAPS offers workshops, informational exhibits, and interactive social media campaigns about mental health and wellness, alcohol and other drug use, body image and eating awareness, sport psychology and performance enhancement, and suicide prevention. CAPS offers resources on reducing stress and supporting wellness and happiness in life, as well as offering workshops on how students can help other students as an empowered bystander through a program called STEP UP UAlbany! (www.albany.edu/counseling_center/step.shtml).

CAPS oversees the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program, 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 wellness coaching services, workshops and interactive theatre presentations for the campus community as well as a peer career advisement service staffed by students working in Career and Professional Development. 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 when 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.

Counseling and Psychological Services 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/caps/ for hours of operation, directions, and additional information

#### 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 relocating to Campus Center 130. 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. These experiences enhance the academic excellence, personal growth and leadership development of all UAlbany students.

Additionally, the Office oversees the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, the Multicultural Resource Center, and collaborates with the Department of Residential Life to support the CHARGE Resource Center & the Women’s Resource Center, intellectually engaging and inclusive spaces where meaningful intercultural experiences and dialogues are encouraged and supported. These centers also provide support, advocacy, academic and social support for students from historically underrepresented communities, including, but not limited to, students of African, Latino, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) descent, various faith and interfaith communities, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and Ally community, and first generation college students, assisting them to succeed socially and academically.

More information is available in Campus Center 130, or call (518) 442-5565 or visit www.albany.edu/multicultural/.

#### Orientation and Transition Programs

Orientation and Transition Programs supports the transition of new and continuing students at the University at Albany by encouraging the exploration of opportunities, supporting connections to University resources, promoting a sense of pride in the University, and partnering with parents and families. Students entering the university as newly matriculated freshman or transfer students are required to participate in an Orientation program. Orientation programs are designed to help students as they transition to the social, cultural and academic aspects of the university. Freshman Orientation is a two day program in the summer which includes an overnight stay in a residence hall. Transfer students attend both a one day Transfer Advisement session as well as a separate one day Transfer Orientation program. All new students admitted in the spring semester will also attend an orientation program prior to the start of the semester.

Orientation and Transition Programs partners with family members during this exciting time in their student's life to assist them in understanding the experience their students are embarking upon. Family Orientation programs are also offered concurrently with the student programs and provide the opportunity to learn more about the university and resources available to incoming students.

Orientation and Transition Programs is located in the lower level of Eastman Tower on State Quad and can be reached at orientation@albany.edu or 518-442-5509. More information is also available at www.albany.edu/orientation.

#### Residential Life

Living on campus is an integral part of the overall college experience. The Department of Residential Life provides both traditional and apartment-style living for over 7,500 students. Traditional residence buildings that are both suite- and corridor-style are located on the main campus and the 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.

#### Student CARE Services

Personal challenges and health-related issues do not have to derail students' education. If these issues begin to interfere with academic and personal success, Student CARE Services can help! This service coordinates and connect students to appropriate services based on an individualized CARE Action Plan developed in conjunction with the student, or in more involved cases, with the multi-disciplinary CARE Team. Student CARE Services advocates for students and teaches self-advocacy skills that will help students in both the academic setting and the outside world. The office will outreach to students or respond to a student’s own request for assistance. The goal is to empower the campus community toward a culture of care and concern by encouraging all members to reach out and let Student CARE Services staff know of students in need of assistance. Students don’t have to go through hard times alone! Services are private and comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Students who wish to seek confidential therapeutic counseling services should contact, or will be referred to, Counseling and Psychological Services.

For additional information, go the Student CARE Services website at http://www.albany.edu/ualbanycares/. Student CARE Services is located in Campus Center 361 and can be reached at (518) 442-5501.

#### Student Health Services

The Student Health Services (SHS) 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. SHS 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 Student Health Services website to schedule an appointment. The SHS 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. Student Health Services requirements including immunization requirements and additional information can be found at www.albany.edu/health_center/.

Student Health Services works closely with the student group 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.

#### Student Involvement

The Office of Student Involvement 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. Student Involvement encompasses Student Activities, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and the Center for Leadership and Service and 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 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: Involvement Leads to Success.

The Office of Student Involvement is located in Campus Center West B91, and can be reached at (518) 442-5566. Visit the Student Involvement website www.albany.edu/involvement or visit MyInvolvement.org to view the calendar of events and browse involvement opportunities.

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