Campus Resources

THE ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER (TAAC)

The Academic Advising Center, located in O’Connor Hall, is a resource for information on academic programs and support services. Undeclared students, or those who are contemplating a change of major, are especially encouraged to visit the Center. Staff members are available for individual conferences on choosing a major, academic planning in course selection and graduation requirements, and strategies for remaining in good academic standing.

Academic Advising

Each incoming student is assigned a faculty member or professional staff member who serves as the academic advisor. Advisors assist students in relating their interests and abilities to career goals and in developing decision-making skills. They also provide information about University policies, procedures, and requirements, and make referrals to campus support services. Another of the advisor’s primary roles is to guide students in designing their academic program, making course selections, and completing degree requirements.

It is recommended that students meet with their faculty advisors during their office hours on a regular basis. Advisees are encouraged to become familiar with the policies and degree requirements published in the University Catalog and to keep records of their course progress. During the pre-registration period in the Day School, students must meet with their advisors to obtain approval for course selection prior to registering for the following semester. Students should prepare for the advising session by planning a tentative schedule to be discussed with the advisor.

Placement Testing

As required by the Massachusetts State Board of Higher Education, entering students will be tested in order to ensure proper placement in courses. Students will take tests to determine their abilities in languages, mathematics, and writing.

Dates and times for the examinations during the academic year will be determined prior the beginning of each semester. Please contact the Academic Advising Center for reservations. Students may be exempt from each of these tests and place directly into courses based on the following criteria:

Language: All students who plan to study a language with which they have prior experience with must take the Language Placement exam in a semester prior to enrolling in the desired language course.
Students are not required to take the language placement test if they:

• speak another language fluently; or

• have no prior experience with the language they plan to study; or

• have transferred in a language course at the Elementary I level or higher; or

• have satisfied the MassTransfer General Education Foundation Block.

Math Placement Testing

FSU Mathematics Placement Pilot – for eligibility to enroll in MATH and STAT courses at Framingham State University.

1. Numbers, Arithmetic, Algebra (NAA): to determine if Recitation sections of 100-level MATH and STAT courses are required.
   
   A. Two tiers of scoring:
   1. Scores < 70%: Recitation 100-level course required.
   2. Scores ≥ 70%: Eligibility to enroll in 100-level MATH and STAT courses other than MATH 180 Precalculus and STAT 157 Probability and Statistics; no recitation required for 100-level courses; may take Functions Placement Exam.

2. Functions (FNC): to determine eligibility beyond MATH 123 Introduction to Functions.
   
   A. Three tiers of scoring:
   1. Scores < 40%: Eligibility to enroll in MATH 123 Introduction to Functions without Recitation.
   2. Scores ≥ 40% and < 70%: Eligibility to enroll in MATH 180 Precalculus, STAT 157 Probability and Statistics, and STAT 203 Statistics for the Natural Sciences.
   3. Scores ≥ 70%: Eligibility to enroll in MATH 219 Calculus I and MATH 206 Discrete Mathematics I (recommended consultation with the Mathematics Department).

Placement Exams are available on Canvas, offered at specific times during the calendar year; a single retake is possible upon request (must be completed during regular offerings).

Placement Policies: based on incoming HS GPA, adjusted.

• All STEM and AEF majors must take the NAA Placement Exam.

• All incoming students with High School GPA < 3.0: Must complete the NAA Placement Exam in order to be eligible for a 100-level MATH or STAT course without Recitation.
  o If no NAA Placement Exam score is recorded, students are placed into Recitation sections of 100-level MATH or STAT courses and may not enroll in MATH 120 Mathematics for Elementary Educators II, MATH 123 Introduction to Functions (with or without recitation), MATH 180 Precalculus, or STAT 157 Probability and Statistics.

• All incoming students with High School GPA ≥ 3.0: Eligible for any 100-level MATH or STAT course without Recitation other than MATH 120 Mathematics for Elementary Educators II, MATH 123 Introduction to Functions (with or without recitation), MATH 180 Precalculus, and STAT 157 Probability and Statistics.

  • All students interested in enrolling in MATH 123 Introduction to Functions must take the NAA Placement Exam.

Writing: First-Year, transfer, and continuing students will be placed through one of the following methods:

Placement by High School GPA
Three tiers of placement, as follows:

• Students with a High School GPA greater than 2.99 are automatically eligible to enroll in ENWR 110 Composition II.

• Students with a High School GPA between 2.70 and 2.99, inclusive, are required to enroll in ENWR 105 Composition I. However, these students have the option to take the writing placement exam for a more advanced placement during one of the first two opportunities to do so.

• Students with a High School GPA lower than a 2.70 are required to enroll in ENWR 100 Introduction to College Writing with Studio. However, these students have the option to take the writing placement exam for a more advanced placement during one of the first two opportunities to do so.

Placement by Test Score or Prior Coursework
Students with one of the following test scores or prior coursework will be automatically eligible to enroll in ENWR 110 Composition II:

• An SAT Critical Reading score greater than 600 (this is the version offered prior to March 2016)

• An SAT Reading score 32 or greater (this is the version offered since March 2016)

• An AP Language and Composition score of 3. A score of 4 or 5 receives transfer credit for ENWR 110 Composition II.

• Transfer of a course equivalent to ENWR 105 Composition I
  Students without a High School GPA, appropriate test score, or prior coursework will also have two opportunities to take the writing placement exam. If they do not complete the placement exam, they will be placed in ENWR 100 Introduction to College Writing.

ATHLETICS

Athletics, located in the Athletic Center, offers a broad intercollegiate (NCAA Division III) and intramural program for men and women throughout the academic year. On an intercollegiate level, for women, Framingham State sponsors field hockey, cross-country, volleyball, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and softball. For men, the following competitive teams represent Framingham State University: soccer, football, cross-country, hockey, basketball, and baseball. The Athletic Office is located in Room 111 of the Athletic & Recreation Center, phone: 508-626-4614. Visit www.fsurams.com for more information regarding the teams and schedules.

CAMPUS MINISTRY

Religious services, educational programs, and volunteer service opportunities are made available through the Campus Ministry office. The office also provides spiritual guidance and counseling for members of the Framingham State University community who are dealing with issues of faith or morality. The Campus Ministry Office is located on the fifth floor, Room 516, of the D. Justin McCarthy Center.

CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND ACHIEVEMENT

The Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA), located behind Peirce Hall, addresses the diverse academic needs and interests of the University community with programs, services, and facilities designed to promote academic achievement. All students at the University are encouraged to make use of the tutorial services, seminars and workshops, resources, and individual study accommodations offered at CASA. In addition, CASA provides academic support for students with disabilities.

Among the resources offered at CASA are:

The Math Center

The Math Center offers free drop-in tutoring in math to students who need help with the quantitative requirements for any course in which they are enrolled. Workshops and organized study groups are routinely scheduled for math and math-related courses. The Center also offers videotapes and computer-assisted learning modules for student use.

The Writing Center

The Writing Center provides free tutoring in writing, drop-in or by appointment, to students seeking assistance with written coursework. Writing workshops, individualized writing skills assessment, and course-specific writing support groups are also featured.

Students with Disabilities

Framingham State University, in compliance with the mandates of Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, offers opportunities to all students without regard to disabilities. No qualified person shall, on the basis of his or her disability, be denied the benefit of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination under any of Framingham State University’s educational programs, activities, and employment opportunities.

FSU is committed to making such reasonable modifications and accommodations as are necessary to ensure that its programs and activities do not discriminate, or have the effect of discriminating, on the basis of disability. Prior to matriculation, students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Director of Academic Support, via phone at 508-626-4906 to discuss specific accommodations and to request a disability services registration packet that includes the guidelines for documentation.

Students who have documents that support their request for academic and co-curricular support services, such as extended time for tests, note-takers, sign language interpreters, computer transcribers, and textbooks in alternative format, are required to submit their documentation to the Center for Academic Support and Advising (CASA). The file is maintained in the confidential Registry for Students with Disabilities located at CASA. The Director of Academic Support schedules individual conferences with each student to arrange for the appropriate support services. Inquiries regarding academic support should be directed to the Director of Academic Support at 508-626-4906.

There are four TTY’s (telecommunications for the deaf) on campus: Admissions Office at 508-626- 4500 (V/TTY); Disability Services Office at 508-626-4627 (V/TTY); Public Safety and Police Services at 508-626-4911 or 508-626-4008 (TTY); and Whittemore Library at 508-626-4655 (TTY).

COUNSELING CENTER

The Counseling Center, located in Foster Hall, enhances learning and personal development through its professional services which include individual, couples, family, and group counseling as well as outreach programs. Staffed by clinical social workers, social work interns, and a psychiatric clinical nurse, the Center assists students in exploring and coping with personal concerns. Confidentiality is assured to the fullest extent of the law. The Counseling Center is located in the Health and Wellness Center in Foster Hall.

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICE (ETO)

The Education Technology Office promotes and supports the “advanced technology” component of the University’s mission. Office staff members administer Canvas as the University’s Learning Management software for Web-based and Web-enhanced courses, provide planning and support for the academic components of the laptop program, and provide a wide range of professional development workshops in the Leonhard Multimedia Lab. The offices are located in Hemenway Hall G05 and G09.

HEALTH SERVICES

Health Services, located in Foster Hall, functions as a center for the treatment of episodic illness and health maintenance. A staff of nurse practitioners, nurses and consulting physicians provides the management of acute and chronic illness, health education, and preventive medicine. In addition, the department sponsors and coordinates health education programs in cardiopulmonary fitness, weight management, women’s health, substance abuse, skin cancer, integrative health, sexual assault and rape prevention.

Every student must submit the Framingham State University medical form. All students prior to class registration must meet the pre-entrance immunization requirements, based on Massachusetts Law No. 5871. The Medical History and Physical Exam portions must be completed in order to utilize Health Services and obtain resident housing. Specific requirements are detailed in the medical forms. The department also coordinates the Student Health Insurance Program. Questions regarding this state-mandated program may be directed to this office, located in the Health and Wellness Center in Foster Hall. Questions specific to health insurance billing/charges should be directed to Student Accounts.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

Framingham State University provides extensive computing capabilities to its students. The student network consists of a combination of general computer labs, academic/classroom computer labs, and residence hall labs. In addition, Framingham State University’s wireless laptop program requires that all incoming freshman, transfer, and re-admit students own their own personal laptop, a requirement that came into effect in the fall of 2002.

Each student will receive their own Framingham State University network account, which will allow students access to the network. It will also provide students with disk space for the storage of academic related files. Every student will also receive a Framingham State University e-mail account, which can be accessed via the Internet.

A wide array of software is available to students in classroom buildings. Among other applications, each workstation in the general and academic computer labs has Microsoft Office Professional, Microsoft Publisher and FrontPage, and Adobe Reader. Some machines also have special software such as Derive, SPSS and Minitab statistical research packages. In addition, departmental-specific software is available in departmental labs and on selected workstations in the general and academic computer labs.

The Student Helpdesk is located in Hemenway Hall G17, outside of the general computer lab. Staff members as well as Framingham State University students have been trained to assist their peers with computer-related issues at the Student Helpdesk. The Student Helpdesk is the first place for students to visit when needing any computer or technology related assistance. This desk is also available to provide basic troubleshooting and first-level diagnostic and network support for students’ laptops.

Another resource for FSU students is the Laptop Repair Depot located on the lower level of the Arthur Doyle Information Technology Center (adjacent to Whittemore Library). The Laptop Repair Depot is where University-recommended laptops can be serviced and repaired after diagnosis from the Student Helpdesk.

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS - STUDY ABROAD & INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS

The Office of International Programs, located in Dwight Hall, is responsible for all international student programs and upholding the regulations governing their status as students. The Office provides international students with answers to questions and assists them in addressing and resolving issues and concerns that are unique to their status at the University. Support is provided to these students from the time they are accepted at the University throughout their academic experience. International students receive assistance with the many forms required by the Department of Homeland Security and are kept informed and updated on DHS regulations as they apply to their status as F-1 Visa students.

The Office provides Study Abroad Program information on a wide variety of enriching opportunities that are available for students who are interested in studying abroad in many countries throughout the world; in obtaining internships in Europe, Australia and New Zealand; or in participating in exchange programs with universities in Quebec and Nova Scotia. The Office helps students explore their options and select appropriate programs to study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a year. The Office has many catalogs and reference books available for students as they select their programs and complete their applications. It provides students with information that facilitates approval of the courses that will ensure transfer credits toward graduation while participating in a study abroad program. Depending on a student’s major, study abroad is ideal during the second semester of the sophomore year or during the junior year.

The Office is located in Dwight Hall, Room 302. Additional information can be obtained by calling 508-626-4585.

LIBRARY SERVICES

The Henry Whittemore Library provides a combination of traditional and modern resources and services to the University’s students, faculty, and staff. The Library has a main collection of over 200,000 volumes and over 60,000 resources on education in the Curriculum Library. The Library provides access to a variety of online databases and electronic journals for on and off-campus users. The Special Collections include rare books on the history of education, contemporary American poetry and travel, cookbooks, and children's literature. The Christa McAuliffe collection contains letters, documents, and other memorabilia related to the Teacher in Space program and the life of Christa McAuliffe. The College Archives include photographs, videotapes, journals, documents, Massachusetts and education history, and publications pertaining to the history of the University. This basic core of resources supports the curricula of all academic departments of the University and is systematically kept current with new acquisitions as selected by specialized staff and requested by faculty and students.

As a member of the Minuteman Library Network (MLN), the Library’s holdings are supplemented by an online catalog (OPAC) accessing more than 5.2 million volumes held in the combined collections of 41 regional libraries. Inter-library loan requests may be placed electronically, and shuttle delivery moves such items to and from the Henry Whittemore Library. A similar volume of materials is electronically accessed and requested as needed from among the member libraries of the New England Library Information Network (NELINET) and the member libraries of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC).

The Library offers access to approximately 50 electronic journal and newspaper databases with over 15,000 titles in full-text. These databases, as well as Internet access, are available within the library and throughout the campus-wide network.

Reference services, basic and course-related library instruction, and point-of-use guidance support effective delivery of computerized resources, while traditional library skills and research methods are taught as integral to the continuously evolving information technology. Electronic databases are also available to off-site students and faculty.

RESIDENCE LIFE PROGRAM

The Office of Residence Life, located in Corinne Hall Towers, through programmatic and staff support, strives to facilitate an on-campus community environment fostering student learning, personal development, and valuing diversity. All residents are expected to share the responsibility for creating and maintaining positive living and learning environments. These goals require residents to be open to living cooperatively and working actively to cultivate a climate conducive to academic pursuit and respect for all. Please contact the Office of Residence Life to learn more about on-campus housing and the FSU residence life program.

THE CENTER FOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The Center for Student Experience & Career Development coordinates, in conjunction with student clubs and organizations, a full program of social, cultural, recreational, and educational activities. The office emphasizes involving students in the planning process to provide valuable first-hand experience. Several leadership development opportunities are available for beginning to advanced student leaders. Through service and civic engagement programs, students can become actively involved in the local and global community. The office serves as a resource for information about on- and off-campus activities and is located on the 5th floor of the D. Justin McCarthy Campus Center.

Career Development

Located in the McCarthy Campus Center, the office offers a wide range of career planning and job search resources. The office also provides individual career counseling and many career resources. Students are advised to use the office early and often during their studies. Some of the office’s programming includes career panels, and networking with alumni. Job and internship listings are also available on-line through the Career Services website. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in at least one internship, and many departments offer creditbearing courses for these experiences. Career counselors are available to assist with career planning, graduate school decisions, and the preparation of resumes and cover letters.

New Student Orientation

Located in the McCarthy Campus Center, New Student Orientation programs are designed that help acclimate students to the University’s academic, social and cultural expectations. This includes assisting students in their academic pursuits, encouraging involvement in campus life and establishing connections between faculty, staff and administrators that will make their experience a positive one.

OFFICE OF VETERANS SERVICES

The Office of Veterans Services, located in Dwight Hall, recognizes the unique needs of servicemembers and returning veterans. The University welcomes the qualities of maturity, commitment, and leadership developed through military experience. Students are encouraged to use these qualities as active participants in the campus community. The Office of Veteran Services has been established to assist veterans and servicemembers gain the most from their educational experience. While providing assistance and support to promote a smooth transition from the military to the academic environment, the Office collaborates with departments campus-wide to assist veterans with available services.

UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Framingham State University Police Department, located in the McCarthy Campus Center, is committed to providing protection for the lives and property of the University community. The Campus Police are professionally trained police officers that are licensed as Special State Police and sworn in as Middlesex County Deputy Sheriffs. The Campus Police perform the same duties as your local city or town police departments, conducting all investigations of incidents within their jurisdiction. The Department enforces state statutes, town ordinances and the rules and regulations of the University in an effort to promote a secure and safe campus. Some additional services provided by the department include non-emergency transportation to and from the local emergency room, motor vehicle lockouts, traffic control, court appearances and parking enforcement. The Department also provides personal safety-related programs throughout the year. Any group wishing to have a safety program for their organization, club, or class may contact the Framingham State University Police Department at 508-626-4911.

Additional Educational Opportunities:

COLLEGE ACADEMIC PROGRAM SHARING (CAPS)

College Academic Program Sharing (CAPS) is a program for the sharing of academic facilities by the students attending Massachusetts State Universities. Participating colleges include Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, Massachusetts College of Art, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Salem State University, Westfield State University, and Worcester State University.

The primary purpose of this program is to offer the opportunity to students matriculated at one state university to take up to thirty (30) semester hours of college credit at another state university without going through the formal registration procedures. Interested students must file a request form by June 1st for the fall semester and by December 30th for the spring semester. NOTE: Priority seating availability is given to matriculated students at the host institution.

For more information, please stop by the Office of the University Registrar, McCarthy Campus Center, CC 515.

THE WASHINGTON CENTER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Board of Higher Education, has an agreement with The Washington Center (TWC) to provide scholarship assistance to students who participate in this internship. TWC offers semester and summer opportunities in Washington, D.C. for students to work in a government agency related to their career goals and interests. Students successfully completing the program, which includes 30- to 35-hours per week in an internship in addition to other required classes and the submission of a portfolio, earn three (3) Framingham State University course-credits.