Westminster Bound Guide 2022-2023

WESTMINSTER BOUND GUIDE 2022-2023

WESTMINSTER BOUND A Guide for New Students & Their Families Introduction

This booklet helps new students and their families prepare for the transition to Westminster and college life. It is divided into five sections: • YOU’RE ACCEPTED. Go from an accepted student to an enrolled student.

• SUMMER ACTION ITEMS. Keep up with summer due dates and get ready for the fall.

• ORIENTATION. Learn about our Orientation experience and your first few days on campus.

• LIFE ON CAMPUS. Understand the academic calendar and the actions students can take to prepare for a successful first year.

• CAMPUS RESOURCES. Discover the wealth of resources available to students.

This guide is written for students and families to review together, however, when we use the word “you” in this publication, we’re talking directly to our newest Titans.

The transition to college begins when a student deposits to Westminster and often lasts through the first semester. Students transition at different rates, and so do their support networks of parents, family members, and friends. However, all students gain crucial life skills when they take primary responsibility for their college experience, with their family members in supportive roles.

Students, families, and the Westminster community have a common goal for the college experience: for students to develop the independence and competencies associated with successful adults. Parents/families often served as advocates for their children in elementary, middle, and high school. Now is the time for students to learn to advocate for themselves. The campus resources and contacts available in this guide are provided to help families know who they can direct their students to for assistance.

Additionally, families should note that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires the College to communicate solely with students about their education records. Families will not have online accounts to monitor student grades, nor will they receive the student’s report card. Students may grant family members/friends access to various records through an electronic FERPA release. Information is sent out by the Registrar at the start of each semester. Now is the time to discuss how you (students and family members) will communicate with each other about grades and the larger academic experience.

Transition will be successful when done in partnership—students, families and Westminster!

NEW STUDENT TIMELINE Submit your deposit at westminster.edu/deposit.

Accept your financial aid award. See the accompanying Student Financial Services Guide.

Complete new student information forms at westminster.edu/westminsterbound.

Review your class schedule. Faculty advisers began building schedules on April 11, we’ll email you when yours is available.

Attend a Westminster Bound event in-person on June 24 and July 11 or virtually on July 18. Connect with other new students and wrap up all your summer action items. Register at westminster.edu/westminsterbound.

Complete the Summer Reading Assignment. What the Eyes Don’t See can be picked up at the June Westminster Bound or mailed to you on July 1.

Upload your campus ID photo. Look for an email with upload specifications for your Titan Card in May. Get your housing assignment. Available on June 27 at 4 p.m. on my.westminster.edu.

Pay your bill. Bills are available beginning July 1 on CASHNet via my.westminster.edu. Payment is due on or before July 20.

Receive training. Information about a required online alcohol education and sexual violence prevention program will be sent to your Westminster email on July 15.

Orientation and move-in day. ALL new students attend orientation August 19-21. Residential students move in on August 19. Details will be available in July at westminster.edu/orientation.

YOU’RE ACCEPTED

Welcome! The first leg of your Westminster Bound journey begins with the New Student Checklist. All forms are available online at westminster.edu/westminsterbound.

Step 1: Westminster Online Account

One of the first things we do after you pay your deposit is to create your Westminster online account. This one username and password gives you access to all of the following campus resources...

SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT

Step-by-step instructions for setting up your account are available at westminster.edu/newaccount.

Need help? Contact admissions@westminster.edu

Campus Resources: 1. my.westminster.edu The College’s portal, used to provide information to the College, see your housing assignment, access your class schedule, and pay your bill.

2. Your Westminster email. Check it often for announcements and questions.

3. Desire2Learn or D2L Westminster’s online course environment. This summer, you will use it for your Summer Reading Assignment.

Step 2. Westminster Email

Currently, we send email to both your personal email address and your Westminster email address. Once classes begin, we will only use your Westminster email. Email is the primary way the College will communicate with you, so it’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking it frequently.

Note: College students are often targeted by hackers trying to steal personal data. To keep your account safe, Westminster uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), so that someone can’t steal your identity just by stealing your password. MFA is set up at the same time you set up your Westminster online account.

Step 3. Course Preferences Form

Complete this form to provide the information we will use to create your class schedule for the fall semester. In April, faculty advisors begin creating schedules for incoming students based on a combination of the Course Preferences Form, your academic interests, high school experiences, and extra-curricular activities. You’ll be notified by email when your schedule has been created.

Step 4. Residence Life Form

This form asks for information that will be used to assign your room and roommate. You can find potential future roommates with the “Find Your Roommate” quiz available through ZeeMee. (Please note that ZeeMee quizzes are not shared with Student Affairs. Only the Residence Life Form is formally submitted to the housing team.) Residence Life staff will publish housing and roommate information in late June.

We encourage students to come to campus with an eagerness to meet new people and have new experiences. We often see students come to campus with best friends or teammates and they plan to live together. We actually encourage students to consider living with someone they do not know. The safety of knowing a friend is right down the hall, combined with the excitement of making a new connection, can make the first year a fulfilling year.

Step 5. Health Forms

These forms contain physical and vaccine information required for enrollment and oncampus living. Print copies of the forms were included with this guide. The forms must be completed by your primary care physician and submitted by June 15.

Students should familiarize themselves with their medical history and ensure vaccinations are up to date and meet the college requirements. Notify the Wellness Center of any special health care needs.

Students who have a chronic physical or mental health illness and require the care of a specialist should establish care with a provider in the area before arriving on campus. Also, students with prescription medication needs should consider transferring prescriptions to pharmacies near the College. Rite Aid pharmacy, located at 135 South Market Street, is within walking distance of campus.

SUMMER ACTION ITEMS Families get busy when summer comes rolling in, and it’s easy to lose track of time. But there is some important work to do over the summer—and there are some items that need to be addressed PRIOR to your arrival on campus in August.

Westminster Bound Event

Westminster Bound events are exclusively for our new students! Navigating forms, assignments, finances and more can be challenging, but Westminster Bound events gather our experts in one place for the sole purpose of assisting you! In one session, you can receive help with the financial aid forms, adjust your course schedule, and connect with a counselor, Wellness Center, or Disability Resource Office. You might even meet your roommate!

Westminster Bound events also include orientation sessions for parents and families, which are valuable to everyone, but are particularly meaningful for those who are sending their first child to college. We begin with a formal program but save plenty of time for you to individualize your experience.

WESTMINSTER BOUND 2022 Friday, June 24 Monday, July 11 Monday, July 18 (virtual)

Your Housing Assignment

Beginning on June 27, housing information will be available on my.westminster. Westminster is a four-year residential campus, which means that all of our students live on campus in one of our residence halls. The residential experience at Westminster is unique and comprehensive, and our Residence Life staff is dedicated to your success. Everyone on the team is not only well-trained, but also excited and committed to helping you learn and grow.

A small percentage of our students commute from the home of a parent or legal guardian.

If you have qualified for commuter status, please be sure to attend the commuter meetings during orientation to learn how you can make meaningful connections on campus.

Summer Reading Assignment

The class of 2026 is reading What the Eyes Don’t See by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha.

This summer reading book is a required text for Inquiry, our first-year seminar course.

Reading this book and writing an essay about it is your first official college assignment.

So that you have time to read and write, we’ll mail the book to you in early July, unless you’re attending the June Westminster Bound event and pick up a copy while you’re on campus.

Essay instructions will be included with the book. Which is due before you arrive on campus in August!

Your Bill and Financial Plan

Your bill will be available via CASHNet through my.westminster beginning on July 1. It is important that you understand and have a plan for paying the cost of your college education.

Your bill includes tuition, room, board, and fees for student activities, orientation, and certain music courses. There are other expenses associated with college, such as textbooks, supplies, parking fees, laptops and technology, travel, clothing and entertainment. Regardless of who is paying for college, you should have a reasonable budget and know how each item will be paid.

The Student Financial Services Guide, which is included in this mailing, is a more detailed publication that will help you understand your bill, financial aid, and other financial policies.

This guide will be updated annually and emailed to students each year. The Student Financial Services Guide includes helpful websites, contact numbers, and information on topics such as:

Financial Aid:

• Types available and how to apply • Signing financial aid documents • Working on campus

Billing & Payment Information: • • • • • • • •

Explanation of charges Payment Terms & Conditions Viewing your electronic bill Forms and methods of payment Submitting a financial plan Credit balance refunds Financial holds 1098-T tax form

Bill Payment

Your bill is due on July 20. Payments on your account may be made online through CASHNet via electronic check, credit/debit card, and certain 529 plans. A 2.75% convenience fee applies to credit and debit card transactions. The 529 fee is approximately $10, and there is no fee for electronic check payments. You can also stop by the cashier’s window on the second floor of Old Main and pay by cash, money order, or personal check. If your plans include taking loans or using the payment plan, complete those processes before bills are due. The payment plan may only be setup through CASHNet.

Parking Decal

If you bring a vehicle to campus, you need to purchase and display a current parking decal.

The cost for a parking decal for the 2022-23 academic year is $100. To obtain a decal, go to westminster.edu/westminsterbound to complete the online parking pass form and upload a photo of your vehicle registration form. You will receive your decal when you arrive in August.

Parking decals are not valid until they are affixed on the vehicle for which it is registered.

Parking decals can be purchased starting this summer. Information will come out providing more details.

Note: If you are an athlete or band member who is arriving on campus a week or two prior to orientation, you can obtain your parking decal when you arrive. More information will be provided from your coach or advisor.

Titan Card

The Titan Card is your campus ID card and is used for entry to your residence hall, using your meal plan, and checking out resources from the Library.

Like all ID cards, your Titan Card will have a photo of you. Upload your photo through a form available from westminster.edu/westminsterbound as early as May.

Meal Plan

We have two food service venues on campus: the TUB Food Court and Galbreath Dining. Both facilities offer healthy options, snacks, carry out, and made-to-order items. As a first-year student, you will be assigned a default meal plan that features a combination of cafeteria meals, commonly called “swipes,” and Dine Dollars. Swipes can be used at Galbreath Dining, a traditional all-you-can-eat cafeteria, and at Meal Swipe Express, a grab & go counter located in the TUB Food Court. Dine Dollars can be used at both venues. This combination gives you the opportunity to experience the different dining options on campus to help you choose the plan that suits you best. During Orientation, you will have the opportunity to change your plan if you wish.

Once the semester begins, you can keep track of your meal plan balance and add Dine Dollars via a program called Student Link, available at titancard.westminster.edu. More information about Student Link can be found in the Student Financial Services Guide.

Note: Most dietary needs can be accommodated, but you should contact the Food Service Director or Office of Disability Resources for special needs.

Online Training About Important Issues

We’ll send a link to your Westminster email on July 15 that will give you access to an interactive alcohol education and sexual violence prevention program. This personal safety awareness education program is required of all incoming students. These topics will be reiterated during Orientation and in Westminster 101.

Online Textbooks and the Campus Store

The Fall Semester 2022 book list will be available for viewing and purchase beginning July 19. The Campus Store sells textbooks online through our partner, MBS Direct/BNC. Textbooks are not sold in the physical Campus Store, with the exception of the Inquiry Reader, which is required for the first-year Inquiry course.

We work directly with our faculty to ensure that textbooks are adopted and submitted to our online textbook partner, so that there are many purchasing options available on their website. Depending on the course and textbooks required, along with availability, students can choose to purchase new or used textbooks, rent them, or purchase digital versions.

To access the store, go to http://bookstore.westminster.edu, then select Textbooks from the menu at the top of the page. You will have the option to have the books shipped to your home or shipped directly to the College for pickup. Watch for more information about free shipping options this summer.

The Campus Store is located on the first floor of McKelvey Campus Center. It offers a wide variety of apparel, decorative items, Westminster swag, gifts, supplies, snacks, and more.

They also have a TG2 trailer at home football games that offers special merchandise that is not offered in the Campus Store.

Connect with Your Roommate

Not sure how? Here are a few suggestions: If you can, meet in person. If distance prohibits a face-to-face meeting, we recommend a video chat or phone call so you can get to know your roommate beyond their social media pages and text messages.

Talk about logistics with your roommate. It is easy to get a conversation going if you kick it off with who is bringing the TV and who is bringing the microwave.

Think about what you want out of a roommate relationship. Not all roommates are besties, and that’s okay! The best roommates are respectful and open to new experiences.

Make a list of your expectations about living with someone new. Think about what on that list is negotiable and where you can be flexible. The best roommate pairs work together to compromise and find what works for them.

Get excited! From making shopping lists to packing up the night before, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Take time to enjoy the experience, and get ready for all of the adventures ahead of you!

ZeeMee

ZeeMee is a free app for the ultimate college journey. Download it today to chat with other committed Westminster students and connect with current college students.

Shopping & Packing for College

Your room comes equipped with a bed, a desk and chair, storage space, curtains, and a wastebasket. You may have thought already about the stuff you want to bring to make your new room YOURS (bedding, pictures, posters, etc.), but there a few things you can’t do without: ◯ Sheets (twin extra-long) ◯ Pillows and pillow cases ◯ Study lamp ◯ Towels ◯ Small trash bags ◯ Fans

◯ Umbrella ◯ Bath bucket or shower caddy for soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. ◯ Laundry products (high efficiency detergent recommended over pods) ◯ Laptop (see “Laptops & Tech” on next page)

Consider Bringing These Optional Items ◯ Microwave* (UL-approved, 1100 watts maximum) ◯ Refrigerator (UL-approved, 4.3 cubic feet maximum) ◯ Keurig style coffee maker ◯ Plates, bowls, cups, silverware ◯ Memory foam mattress topper (XL twin length)

◯ Comfy chair (i.e., beanbag, papasan) ◯ Area rug (not larger than 10’x10’) ◯ Full-length mirror ◯ Surge protector strip with a 15-amp circuit breaker and safety reset switch ◯ Television (wall mounting is prohibited)

PLEASE LEAVE THE FOLLOWING AT HOME: n

n n

n n

Candles and incense (including candles with wicks removed) Non-LED string lights, halogen lights Open element appliances (toasters, toaster ovens and George Foreman Grills, traditional coffee makers) Air conditioners Pets (except for freshwater fish)

Find a full list of items at: westminster.edu/campus/ around/what-to-bring.cfm

n n

n

n

Curtains/window dressings Personal networking devices, such as wireless routers Chromecast streaming devices (they are not compatible with our WiFi network) Firearms, ammunition, weapons, fireworks, gasoline, flammable materials, and motor vehicles in the halls

◯ Cable cord (RG6 low loss black coaxial, 12-24 ft.) ◯ Streaming media device (Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Roku are supported) ◯ Computer printer ◯ Gaming systems ◯ Small vacuum or swiffertype sweeper for tile floors ◯ Small freshwater aquarium

LAPTOPS & TECHNOLOGY We recommend these two laptops, based on their compatibility with frequently-used software applications, durability, processing speed, and size/weight.

Note: we always recommend at least a 3-year warranty. Your laptop will go through a lot during the next four years. If the unthinkable happens, you want to be able to replace it quickly and without spending a lot of money.

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED REQUIREMENTS 2022 DELL LATITUDE 5421

• 14 inch screen • 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11850 • 512 GB SSD SD • 3-year warranty

MACBOOK • • • •

13 inch screen Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU 16 GB RAM | 512 GB SSD 3-year Applecare Support

If you already have a laptop, we will do our best to help you with basic troubleshooting and maintenance. However, we have found that Chromebooks do not work well for many of our students because we are not a Google campus.

COMPUTER PROGRAMS Office 365

During your time at Westminster, you can download and use the entire Office 365 suite FOR FREE on multiple devices. Even if you are a Mac user, you’ll want to take advantage of this deal because D2L, our online course system, can’t read .pages files.

For more information about this perk, contact Information Technology Services at helpdesk@westminster.edu.

Anti-Virus and Malware Protection

To protect yourself against computer viruses and phishing schemes, it is essential your computer has updated anti-virus software and malware protection. Any anti-virus program will do, but we particularly like Symantec and McAfee. For malware protection, we like Malwarebytes, which is available FOR FREE from www.malwarebytes.com (or www.malwarebytes.com/mac if you have a Mac).

WiFi Connections

Our secure wireless network supports most devices: laptops, phones, tablets, Smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming systems. Hard-wired internet connections are not available in the residence halls.

ORIENTATION

We want you to have the best possible start to your collegiate career, which is why Orientation is required of all first-year students. Transfer students are also encouraged to participate. Orientation is the weekend before the Fall Semester begins, August 19-21. A detailed orientation schedule will be emailed on August 1, but here are a few highlights.

EARLY ARRIVALS

Early arrivals, including athletes (cross country, football, soccer, and volleyball), marching band, and cheerleaders, will arrive on campus prior to the published move-in day. If you are participating in one of the above, you will be contacted by your coach or advisor with specific details.

Move-In Day

Move-in is the opening piece of our Orientation schedule, so it moves very quickly and is jammed packed with sessions and activities. Families are invited to attend Opening Convocation, which is the College’s official welcome of the first-year class. The ceremony is followed by a quick family farewell before we whisk you off to your first session. While we know this is an emotional time, we have confidence in you to be able to move smoothly into this next phase of your college experience.

The First Weekend

Orientation is a fun-filled time where you will meet your classmates, academic advisors, and campus leaders. You will attend sessions that will help you learn your way around campus, meet staff from many campus offices, learn the fight song and alma mater, and attend social events sponsored by Student Government Association and Campus Programming Council.

You will be assigned an academic advisor within your major (or to help you figure out what your major might be). This is a dedicated faculty member who will assist with scheduling and ensuring progress toward graduation. During Orientation, this faculty member can discuss changes you may need to make to your schedule. You can also stop by the Registrar’s Office with any questions you have about your schedule.

Orientation Leaders (OLs) and Resident Assistants (RAs) are teams of students trained specifically to support you in your transition to college. The OLs will assist you through the orientation schedule, helping you make meaningful connections with other Westminster students. RAs are upper-class student leaders assigned to each floor and trained to assist with a wide variety of student needs.

Your New Address

Every student is assigned a campus mailbox which stays the same during your college years. Your mailbox address, which family and friends (and Amazon!) may send mail to, can be sent in the following format: Student Name Box # Westminster College New Wilmington, PA 16172 You can find your campus box number on my.westminster.edu by logging in and clicking “Housing: Roommate Information.”

STUDENT TIP

NODA, the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education, suggests students practice these behaviors before the first day of class: • Learn how to set an alarm clock/alarm on your phone • Hit the laundry room • Manage your own finances • Practice making your own decisions • Learn to manage time effectively • Make healthy choices • Attend Orientation

LIFE ON CAMPUS

When classes begin on Monday, August 22, you’ll have learned a lot about the campus, met some of the staff, and forged many new friendships. Now it’s time to concentrate on understanding Westminster’s academic year and positioning yourself for success.

ACADEMIC YEAR AT A GLANCE

While the high school academic year and the college academic year are similar in some respects, there are significant differences.

Midterm and Holiday Breaks

There are scheduled breaks throughout the academic year for which you will be expected to return home. Residence halls are closed for fall break, Thanksgiving, winter, spring break, and Easter break.

However, with the exception of these scheduled breaks, you are expected to attend every class session. Missing multiple classes for any reason can have a negative impact on your grade. It might be helpful to know that Westminster holds classes on Labor Day.

Midterm Grades

Halfway through the semester, you will receive midterm grades from your faculty. These grades do not appear on your official transcript, but they are an important check-in point.

You can expect to meet with your classroom faculty or your faculty advisor to review your midterm grades.

TRANSPORTATION TIP

Transportation to the airport and Greyhound bus station is available during breaks, but must be reserved in advance. Reservations can be made online or in Student Affairs and email reminders will be sent to students prior to each break.

2022-2023 ACADEMIC CALENDAR Fall 2022 Semester

Friday, Aug. 19 Move-in Day Friday-Sunday, Aug. 19-21 New Student Orientation Monday, Aug. 22 Fall Classes Begin Monday, Aug. 29 Last Day to Add/Drop Classes Friday, Sept. 23 Professional Networking Symposium Friday, Oct. 7 1st 7-Week Period Ends Monday, Oct. 10 2nd 7-Week Period Begins Saturday-Tuesday, Oct. 22-25 Midterm Break Friday, Oct. 26 Last Day to Withdraw from a Class/First-year drop Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 23- 27 Thanksgiving Break Friday, Dec. 2 Last Day of Classes Monday-Thursday, Dec. 5-8 Final Exam Period

Spring 2023 Semester

Monday, Jan. 16 Spring Move-In Day Tuesday, Jan. 17 Spring Classes Begin Tuesday, Jan. 24 Last Day to Add/Drop Classes Monday, March 6 1st 7-Week Period Ends Tuesday, March 7 2nd 7-Week Period Begins Saturday-Sunday, March 11-19 Spring Break Friday, March 31 Last Day to Withdraw from a Class Thursday-Monday, April 6-10 Easter Break Wednesday, April 19 Undergraduate Research & Arts Celebration - No Classes Friday, May 5 Last Day of Classes Monday-Thursday, May 8-11 Final Exam Period Saturday, May 13 Commencement

Summer Session 2023: Monday, June 5 – Monday, July 31

Note: This is not a complete calendar and the dates printed here are subject to change. The official, current calendar is available at https://www.westminster.edu/academics/calendar.cfm

Final Exam Period

At the end of each semester there is a designated four-day Final Exam Period. Because final exam periods are longer than a regular class periods, there is a special Final Exam Schedule that indicates the day and time of the final exam for each of your courses. The Final Exam Schedule is available at https://www.westminster.edu/academics/calendar.cfm.

A few days after the end of the Final Exam Period, faculty will record final course grades for the semester.

Academic Advising and Registration for the Next Semester

This summer, your faculty advisor will create your first course schedule for you. However, registering for your spring classes will be a different process. In October, the Online Registration Schedule for the spring semester is published, which begins the Academic Advising period. You will meet with your faculty advisor to discuss the classes you should take, and they will clear you for registration. The faculty advisors in each major area arrange advising appointments a little differently, so keep in touch with your faculty advisor as the Academic Advising period approaches.

At the end of the Advising Period is the Registration Period. Each class (seniors, junior, sophomores, first-year) is assigned a Registration Day. On your registration day, you’ll log into my.westmnster.edu to create your own schedule based on the plan you made with your advisor. Don’t miss your Registration Day! Many course sections fill quickly and you don’t want to be left scrambling to get the courses you want.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR

There are many different paths to academic success and campus involvement. But there are universal behaviors that will help every student move closer to success in all aspects of college life.

Show Up

One of the obvious differences between high school and college is that you have more choice and autonomy. With autonomy comes responsibility. Sure, it would be easy to stay up all night play video games, and then silence your alarm instead of going to your morning classes. Most courses only meet two or three times each week, so missing even one class can significantly hamper your success. Absences can affect student-athletes’ ability to practice or compete with their teams, as well.

At Westminster, we will get to know you well, and we expect you to show up for classes, labs, rehearsals, and appointments. We expect that for every hour you spend with us in class, you will spend another two hours studying and preparing for the next class or assignment. College is a lot of work (it is your full-time job!) and being present is important.

Speak Up

College classes are just like most things in life, you’ll get out what you put in. Merely being present is not enough. Be prepared for each class by reading materials and working on assignments ahead of time. Be an active, engaged learner who shares knowledge, experience, and insights. Sitting quietly at your desk and never contributing to class discussions deprives us of your perspective. Similarly, being present but holding side conversations, using electronic devices for purposes unrelated to the course, or catching up on missed sleep is discourteous to your faculty and fellow students. Every time you come to a class, lab, or studio, be prepared and ready to learn. If you have an opinion, share it. If you have an answer, give it. We want to hear from you.

Ask Early

Faculty and administrators often find students wait too long to ask for help. Westminster faculty members will evaluate your progress in courses through exams and quizzes, lab reports, rehearsals and performances, and so on. Many of them post your grades on our learning management system (D2L), so you will know your grades throughout the semester.

Even if your professors do not use D2L, you can always ask them to let you know how you are performing in their courses. You do not need to guess at how you’re doing; your faculty will tell you exactly how you’re doing.

But don’t wait until an exam to visit your professors. Instead, visit each professor during the first week to introduce yourself, ask questions about things in the course that you don’t understand, and hear advice for succeeding in their course. Every faculty member sets aside time to meet with students (called “office hours”) every week of the semester. This is the ideal time for you to visit with your professors to learn how you are doing in their courses; to discuss strategies for improving; and to ask questions that were not addressed in class or textbooks.

In addition to the faculty teaching your courses, your academic advisor can also help you find the resources you need to succeed. Those resources include the Academic Success Center, the Disabilities Resource Office, and the Professional Development Center. You should stay in touch with your advisor, especially if you are struggling in your courses.

Own Up

A part of succeeding academically is taking ownership of your education and making choices that help you meet your goals. College requires a level of commitment and dedication to academic work that may be new to you. You may find that the study habits that worked well in high school don’t work here. The solution isn’t to stop studying or to drop out. The solution is to admit to yourself that there’s a problem and to work with your professors and the Academic Success Center to learn new ways to study that will work for you.

Get Involved

Did you know that students who are actively involved are far more likely to manage time effectively, earn good grades, and graduate on time at higher rates? Take advantage of the many lectures, performances, athletic, and cultural events offered on and off campus, and try out at least one organization or activity in your first semester.

But it’s also important to balance your out-of-class activity with academics.

Your goal at Westminster is to earn your academic degree, and that is where your primary focus should be.

Take Care of Your Health

It is critical that you plan for your physical and mental health needs while attending college.

No one plans to become ill, but if it happens, know that our Wellness Center is available for you. Being prepared and becoming familiar with the services available can help you manage an illness much easier when it occurs.

Represent Well

Westminster College was founded in 1852, and we are proud of our history. We are pleased that you have decided to join our community of scholars and alumni. You are a Titan, and we expect you to represent the College professionally and positively in all that you do.

Know that we care deeply about your personal and intellectual development, which is why it’s important for you to appreciate that decisions you make today could have lasting consequences on your future—especially in the practically permanent life of the internet and social media.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center, located in Thompson-Clark, is open for all Westminster students. If you need someone to help you with concepts in a particular course or need help writing a paper, our exceptional peer tutors are available to help you in every subject from Biology to Spanish. Our student tutors have “been there, done that” with most courses and many assignments. Plus, they can share how they improved their time management and study skills. Whatever it is, the Academic Success Center is here to help you succeed.

Disability Resources

The mission of the Office of Disability Resources is to ensure that all students at Westminster participate in a usable, equitable, inclusive, and rigorous learning environment. If you would like know more about academic, medical, and/or housing accommodations, we can help you identify the appropriate campus resources and support.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Office of Diversity & Inclusion seeks to advance diversity and inclusion through advocacy, empowerment, and transformative social justice education. Additionally, the office works to support and retain historically underrepresented students by providing resources and a safe space for identity exploration. The overall vision of the office is to foster, promote, and sustain a positive co-curricular experience to educate, engage, retain and develop students from various identities, which will encourage an inclusive campus community.

Faith & Spirituality

The Office of Faith & Spirituality provides resources for members of the campus community to develop and grow in their own faith journey. This includes delivering weekly non-denominational worship services and a Catholic Mass on campus; providing a listing of places of worship for most religious traditions; organizing opportunities to participate in local and international volunteer opportunities; and maintaining the most up-to-date schedules of campus fellowship organizations and small groups for students to join.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

Even before you arrive on campus, ITS is here to help you with any tech questions or issues.

Whether you are looking for laptop recommendations or you need help connecting to the WiFi, we’ve got you covered. Stop by our physical Help Desk in McGill Library for assistance, or, if you are the DIY-type, you can check out our online guides on my.westminster (look for the word Help in the top menu).

McGill Library

Ralph McGill Memorial Library is more than just books. The library is home to traditional and digital resources and the people who will help you navigate and understand them. The Library supports student learning in a multitude of ways, including individual research consultations, collaborative study spaces, and our brand-new quiet study zone. All first-year students receive an introduction to Library resources as part of the Inquiry course, and discipline-specific instruction is incorporated into many other lower- and upper-level courses. More information about library services and resources can be found at https://www.westminster.edu/academics/library/index.cfm.

Professional Development Center

You may have confidently selected a major or you may have no idea at all. Did you know an average college student changes majors three times during their college career and 80% change their major at least one time? The first year is often one of exploration; during this time many students choose or change their majors. The Professional Development Center offers counseling and assessments to help match your interests and abilities to an academic major. Additionally, you will meet the Professional Development Center staff in your Westminster 101 class, where they will introduce you to important resume building strategies.

Safety & Security Services

The Westminster College Department of Public Safety provides safety and security services to the campus community 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year. Public Safety is led by a full-time director and a qualified team of full-time and part-time officers. These officers have a wide range of training and experience in resolving safety and security issues and emergencies. Help is always just a call away.

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center is an integrated health care facility that provides general health services for illnesses and accidents, short-term mental health counseling services, and wellness promotion for the students of Westminster. While most services at the Wellness Center are available to undergraduate students who pay the student activity fee, diagnostic testing and referral to outside community providers will require the use of individual health insurance.

Registered nurses provide assessment and consultation and a college physician or physician assistant holds daily clinic hours to treat acute illness and injuries. Westminster College strongly encourages all students to carry individual health insurance and to become familiar with their coverage.

Licensed and certified counselors address a wide range of mental health issues and provide referrals to services off-campus. Appointments can be arranged by directly emailing the counselors or through the Wellness Center.

If you currently receive psychiatric services, we recommend that you locate a psychiatrist in the area PRIOR to matriculation for prescription needs, since waiting periods for a first appointment with local providers are no less than three months. For medications that do not require a psychiatrist prescription, a Wellness Center physician may be able to meet those needs. Please note that our campus physicians do not prescribe for ADD/ADHD. If you currently receive counseling services, and would like to meet with a campus counselor, please be sure to provide a release form from your provider.

HOW PARENTS & FAMILIES CAN STAY INVOLVED We provide resources for parents and family members while their Titan is making their home away from home at Westminster College. Our goal is to answer questions, provide helpful resources, and keep parents and families up to date about campus happenings.

Family Events

Parents and families are encouraged to remain connected to campus life by attending sporting events; music, theater, and Celebrity Series performances; Family Day activities; allcampus academic lectures; and special events planned by our Director of Parent Engagement.

Our doors are always open to families who return to campus—so please stop by!

Questions about Campus Life

We strongly encourage families to transfer responsibility for asking questions about their Westminster experience to your student. Once they arrive on campus, they will know the offices and the people who can provide answers. However, we also know at there may be times when a parent needs to support their student in finding an answer or seeking help. If this occurs, please contact Student Affairs at (724) 946-7110 during business hours. During breaks or when the college is closed, please contact Public Safety at (724) 946-7777.

Family Resources

Parent Association Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/WestminsterCollegePAParentAssociation Parent Association Page www.westminster.edu/parents Westminster College Photo Gallery www.flickr.com/photos/westminstercollege/albums Campus News www.westminster.edu/news

CAMPUS CONTACTS Emergency Dispatch 724.946.7777 (available 24/7) or simply call 911 Academic Success Center 724.946.6703 academicsuccess@westminster.edu westminster.edu/academics/learningwriting-services Admissions 724.946.7100 admissions@westminster.edu westminster.edu/admissions Athletics 724.946.7307 athletics.westminster.edu Business Office *Student bills, CASHNet, financial plan 724.946.7140 businessoff@westminster.edu westminster.edu/business Campus Store 724.946.7218 campusstore@westminster.edu bookstore.westminster.edu Disability Resources *Academic & housing accommodations, dietary needs 724.946.7192 disabilityresources@westminster.edu westminster.edu/campus/services/disabilityresources.cfm westminster.edu/campus/health/dietaryoptions.cfm Diversity & Inclusion 724.946.7179 diversity@westminster.edu Faith & Spirituality 724.946.7102 chapel@westminster.edu westminster.edu/campus/spiritual-life Financial Aid *FAFSA, scholarships, grants, loans 724.946.7102 finaid@westminster.edu westminster.edu/admissions/financial-aid

Information Technology Services (ITS) *Email, username/password assistance 724.946.6000 helpdesk@westminster.edu Parent Engagement Connie McGinnis, Director 724.946.7371 mcginncl@westminster.edu westminster.edu/parents Public Safety *Campus safety, security 724.946.6216 westminster.edu/campus/services/safety.cfm Registrar *Course schedules, AP credit, transfer credit, majors/minors 724.946.7138 registrar@westminster.edu westminster.edu/academics/registrar Residence Life *Room assignments, what to bring, campus address 724.946.7110 residencelife@westminster.edu westminster.edu/campus/around/housing Student Affairs *Orientation, campus activities & organizations 724.946.7110 studentaffairs@westminster.edu https://www.westminster.edu/campus/index.cfm westminster.edu/orientation Campus Access Office *Titan Card/Student ID, parking, meal plans Barb Linebaugh, Specialist 724.946.6071 linebabl@westminster.edu westminster.edu/campus/around/dining titancard.westminster.eduE Wellness Center *Health forms, immunization requirements, health & counseling services Melissa Baron, Director 724.946.7927 baronmm@westminster.edu westminster.edu/campus/health/health-center.cfm

GLOSSARY OF TERMS Academic Advisor: a faculty or professional staff member assigned to advise students individually on choice of major and selection of courses.

Academic Integrity: the expectation that teachers, students, researchers and all members of the academic community act with honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility. Plagiarism, cheating, and all other forms of academic dishonesty are not tolerated at Westminster, and can result in suspension or dismissal from the College. See the College Catalog for a full explanation of policies relating to academic integrity.

Academic Probation: threat of dismissal for failing to achieve or maintain a specific level of academic performance. Specific guidelines for can be found in the College Catalog.

Add/Drop: period of time at the beginning of the academic term during which students may make changes to their course schedules without having the changes entered on their permanent record Audit: attending a class without receiving credit or a grade. No fee if enrolled full-time.

Bachelor’s Degree: an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study, typically lasting four years.

CASHNet: the website Westminster students and families use to pay tuition and other fees electronically, view bills, and setup payment plans.

Students access their CASHNet accounts via my.westminster and can create an account for parents or other person helping with their bill.

College Catalog: a campus publication providing information on academic and non-academic programs, institutional policies, student rights and graduation requirements. It also includes the institution’s academic and non-academic calendars.

Course Number: combination of a departmental abbreviation and number that identifies a course (i.e., CHEM 1100 for Chemistry 1100). Course numbers are an indication of the level of the course, with higher numbers representing more advanced courses (e.g., English 100 vs. English 601).

Course Withdrawal: a term used when students choose to unenroll from a course after the last day of the regular add/drop process.

Double Major: the completion of two sets of degree requirements (e.g., Spanish and chemistry). Students interested in a double major should work with their advisor to carefully plan their academic coursework.

Electives: Courses of interest taken for credit. A certain number of elective hours are required for graduation but may not apply toward a major or minor.

Emergency Alerts: messages containing information about any critical situation on campus (e.g., inclement weather, outages). Typically sent to students via text message and email and posted on the Westminster webpage.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): a federal form that determines your financial aid from the government and most colleges. Students and parents of dependent students can use the form to provide information related to personal income and tax liability that is used to determine eligibility for federal grant, loan, and work-study programs, as well as other types of financial aid.

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): specifies parents’ legal rights regarding their children’s educational records. These rights transfer to the student at either age 18 or entrance into a postsecondary institution.

Fraternities and Sororities: social organizations at colleges and universities. Also referred to as Greekletter organizations or, collectively, as “Greek life.”

Full-Time Student: for financial aid purposes, a student must be enrolled for at least 12 units per academic term to be considered full-time.

Galbreath Dining: Westminster’s all-you-care-to-eat student restaurant. Offers a wide variety of entrees, side dishes, gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options, breakfast at lunch, burgers, pizza, salads, and a Starbucks self-serve coffee machine.

Good Standing: a term meaning a student’s career and semester grade point averages meet the minimum standards set forth in the College Catalog.

Grade Point Average (GPA): a measure of overall academic performance. Calculated by assigning individual course grades a point value, typically on a four-point scale, and then dividing the total number of points earned by the number of course credits attempted.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): legislation that protects the privacy of individually identifiable health information. For parents, this act specifies the access they have to their student’s health records.

Hold: the prevention of a student from registering, adding/dropping classes, or receiving transcripts or a diploma. This action is only taken as a result of a student’s failure to complete certain responsibilities.

Inquiry: the shorthand title of INQ 111 Introduction to a Liberal Arts Education. It is a course taken by all first-year and transfer students in their first fall semester at Westminster.

Intellectual Perspectives (IPs): the part of Westminster’s curriculum designed to provide students familiarity with a broad range of human intellectual and creative endeavors. See the College Catalog for more information.

Lab: a required, hands-on course that allows students to test and explore concepts, usually taken concurrently with a lecture course. Typically associated with the sciences, but other courses may also require labs.

Liberal Arts Education: college or university curriculum designed to provide students with general knowledge and to promote the development of general intellectual capacities in contrast to a vocational or technical curriculum.

Major: a primary field of study. Students must complete a specified number of courses in a specialized area of study.

Meal Plans: the purchase of a specified number of meals per week (swipes) and Dine Dollars during the academic term. All students living on campus are required to purchase a meal plan.

Minor: a secondary field of study. In some cases, the minor is related or complementary to the major. my.westminster: online portal for faculty, staff and students where students can see personal information such as class schedules, grades and transcripts; as well as complete forms for various offices across campus.

Net Partner: Website used to view and manage student’s financial aid. Students can access their Net Partner account via my.westminster.

Overload: taking more semester hours than a normal courseload. At Westminster, undergraduate students are limited to 19 semester hours of coursework per semester. Students who wish to register for more than 19 hours may seek approval for an academic overload through the Office of Academic Affairs.

Program of study: the courses students are required to take in order to obtain a degree. Programs of study vary by major and degree sought.

Registrar: administrator who processes and maintains student transcripts and the other official records associated with student attendance and course completion.

Residency Requirement: Westminster has a fouryear residency requirement. All students must live on campus unless they are (1) living at the home of a legal parent or guardian and live within 30 miles of the College, or (2) have participated in housing selection processes for fraternity or (3) have been granted a medical or financial exemption. Residency status has financial aid implications, so students should visit the Financial Aid Office before changing statuses.

Resident assistants (RAs): upperclass students trained to help undergraduates adjust to college.

In addition, they are responsible for enforcing institutional policies related to community living.

Satisfactory Academic Progress: standard for the successful completion of coursework, which must be met to continue to receive financial aid. All students receiving financial aid are required to meet SAP standards.

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory: A class grading system that offers pass or fail determination instead of a letter grade. Students receive a credit for courses with a passing grade, but these courses are not included in the GPA calculation.

Semester Hour: unit used to measure course work.

Students must earn a minimum number of semester hours in specified areas to earn a degree. Also called credit hours.

Syllabus: a professor’s plan of action for a course. It is a schedule of requirements, usually explaining course purpose and goals, listing deadlines and important dates, and outlining the student’s responsibilities (assigned readings, papers, exams, etc.).

Terms and Conditions: financial agreement/rules that are agreed upon by the student prior to registering for classes each semester.

Titan Card: Westminster’s student ID card. It also provides card access to residence halls and is a meal plan card.

Transcript: the official compilation of courses taken and grades received during the student’s college career.

TUB: food court-type dining area on the ground floor of the McKelvey Campus Center that includes grab and go items, a Starbucks, and Meal Swipe Express. The name of the space is a reference to the nickname of the previous student union: Titan Union Building.

Waitlist: a list available during course registration that students can join and wait for open seats in a class. If a student in the class drops, a seat opens up and is filled by a student on the waitlist. Being on the waitlist does not guarantee a seat in the class.

Work-Study Programs: a part-time campus job offered to students who are eligible for federal financial assistance that allows them to earn money to help pay education expenses.

Some definitions adopted from: Mullendore, R., & Banahan, L. (2004). “Navigating the First College Year: A Guide for Parents and Families” Columbia, SC: National Resource Center for the FirstYear Experience® and Students in Transition, University of South Carolina.

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