Student Affairs Department Information

Athletics

Westfield State University has an extensive, quality program of intercollegiate, club sports, and intramural athletics for full-time matriculated students. Men’s and women’s teams compete under the umbrella of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). In addition to fielding 20 varsity teams in Division III of the NCAA, Westfield State holds memberships in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) and the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). For additional information, please contact the athletics department at 413-572-5405 or www.westfieldstateowls.com.

Varsity Athletics Philosophy

The athletics department is committed to promoting athletics as a vital part of the University experience and athletes as integral members of the student body.

The athletics department is committed to initiating, stimulating, and improving intercollegiate athletics by promoting physical fitness and sports participation while developing leadership and encouraging and teaching social responsibility and citizenship. The athletics department is committed to providing the support necessary for its men and women athletes to achieve high levels of performance on regional and national levels of competition.

Westfield State University supports the philosophy of Division III competition and promotes amateur athletics as defined by NCAA legislation which emphasizes the educational impact the athletics program has upon its participants, rather than satisfying the entertainment needs of the public. The status of any Division III team is independent of gate receipts or other revenues, therefore no team is relegated to the category of a “minor sport.” A student’s athletic ability is not a factor in determining a financial award package.  The athletics department strongly encourages participation by maximizing the number of opportunities for students in varsity, club and intramural sports. 

As a member in good standing of the NCAA, the athletics department is committed to providing a safe, fair, and respectful environment for all participants.  Collegiate athletics provides an opportunity for students to compete with and against others who come from a variety of backgrounds, but all of whom share the common goal of achieving athletics excellence.  Valuing this common ground enhances the social and competitive experience for all and is important to team success and to individual development.  The framework for our commitment to diversity sits within our active prohibition of discrimination in our educational policies, employment, campus services and activities on the basis of age, class, creed, disability, educational background, gender expression, gender identity, geographical location, income, marital status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, work experiences, and all classifications protected by law.  Westfield State University is committed to providing a learning, working and living environment for students, employees and other members of the University community, which values the diverse backgrounds of all people.  The University is committed to assuring that the “university experience” is one that challenges, empowers, supports and prepares its students to live in, work in, and value our increasingly global and diverse world.

The athletics department fosters sportsmanship, positive attitudes, and ethical conduct.  Student-athletes, fans, and staff members are all expected to represent the University in a positive manner.  The athletics department promotes open communication between athletes, coaches, and administrative staff, and supports the tenant that athletic participants are not treated differently from other members of the student body.  The health and welfare of student-athletes is of primary concern.  

Campus Center

The Ely building is anchored by the Campus Center and the Westfield State Library and it provides space for many other College departments, programs and services. Here is brief summary of services and activities available at the Campus Center.

The Career Center

The Career Center is dedicated to assisting students and alumni of Westfield State University develop and implement career and graduate school goals. Career planning is a process of continuous individualized development.  To assist students with this planning process, the Career Center, provides a comprehensive array of programs and services designed to support students and alumni in their efforts to achieve thier personal, academic and professional goals.  Students and alumni engage in a variety of programs and services including career counseling, career-preparation workshops and seminars, professional networking events, career fairs and on-campus recruitment.

Career Advising

The Career Center includes a staff of professional advisors available to assist students at all stages of their undergraduate program. Students are encouraged to begin as early as their first year to explore, evaluate and formulate career plans, and seek out opportunities to test career paths. Advising is available for those seeking a job/internship search, professional resume and cover letter development, and interview preparation. On-line and print resources supplement individual and group advising. Workshops and seminars offered throughout the academic year provide additional guidance.

Career Programs and Services

The Career Center sponsors a wide range of programs and services tailored to meet the varied needs and interests of our students. Many programs are available to students such as the annual “Government, Criminal Justice and Non-Profit Career Fair” featuring federal, state and local organizations open to all academic disciplines; the “Business, Communication and Technology Career Fair” offers internship and career leads in these industries; the annual “Job and Internship Fair” providing additional opportunities in multiple fields; “Career Strategies Seminar for Educators” highlighting the nuances of the job search in the field of education; and the “Career Centers of Western Massachusetts Career Fair” offering opportunities in a wide range of fields.  Other programs available are “Career Talks” in the Ely Campus Center, Professional Networking Nights for 12 majors, Law Enforcement Career Preparation Seminar and many more. 

Career Resources - Print and Online

The Career Center offers career-related literature and tools for career exploration. The Career Center Working Lab features test prep books, guides, and other materials relevant to the career development process.  It also provides a computers to access online resources, research career opportunities and to apply for available jobs and internships. 

Online resources include:

Handshake - Enables students and alumni to easily search over 5,000 jobs and internships and manage multiple resumes, cover letters, a career event calendar and scheduling for on-campus recruitment.

FOCUS II - Our Career and Education Planning Online Program guides students and alumni through a career planning process that helps broaden career horizons and narrow occupational and education choice based on the user’s profile. FOCUS II helps develop an accurate picture of your personal strengths, needs and preferences; and helps to develop a sound career plan.

StandOut - Practice your interviewing skills.  The platform simulates interviews for job seekers to practice both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. 

CareerSpots Videos - Fast, informative, engaging web videos that are conveniently available online. These videos provide expert advice from leading employers as well as clearly illustrate what students need to know BEFORE, DURING and AFTER the job interview.

For a complete listing of programs, services and opportunities, visit our webpage at westfield.ma.edu/careercenter or call for an appointment at (413) 572-5206. Questions can also be sent via email at careers@westfield.ma.edu. The Career Center is located in Lammers Hall Annex.

Commuter Services

Sometimes students feel disconnected, unsupported, uninformed, and alone living off campus. At Westfield, Commuter Services help students to ease these anxieties and to get connected with others, be informed of campus events, and to participate in the life of the University.

Amy Szlachetka is the Director of the Campus Center and Commuter Services.  She is the key resource person on campus for commuters.  So at any time you can contact her to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.  If she is unable to help you, she will be the one to refer you to various staff on campus who have the experience to provide you with further assistance.  Amy can be reached at aszlachetka@westfield.ma.edu.

Student Affairs administrators and staff reach out to commuting students in many ways. We:

• Attend Commuter Council meetings and advise the Council on all matters pertaining to students
• Advocate for student interests advanced by the Council
• Disseminate information to students daily through the Commuter Services website and Outdoor Screens on campus;
• Facilitate planning and production of Council activities and events for commuting students
• Introduce new students to Commuter Services and the Commuter Council during the summer orientation and transfer programs
• Recommend and oversee the annual SGA operating budget for Commuter Council activities and events

The Commuter Council is a group of commuter students who meet on a weekly basis to discuss and resolve issues of concern for the commuters.  In addition, the Council plans exciting events throughout the year exclusively for commuters.  One of the highly attended programs is the Free Commuter Luncheon Series.  These luncheons showcase a variety of office and services on campus.  The luncheons serve as an informal way for commuters to meet staff members from various departments, get informed of events/services on campus, and connect with other commuting students. 

Commuter Council officers continuously seek ways to improve student life at Westfield. Council officers:

• Conduct weekly Council meetings, entertain student issues/concerns and maintain Council records and rosters
• Contribute news and information for the Commuter Newsletter and various College calendars and websites
• Plan, produce and host Council activities and events for commuting students
• Recruit students to serve on the Council and to represent the Council at the Student Government Association

For more information on the luncheons or joining the Commuter Council feel free to contact the Advisor, Amy Szlachetka at aszlachetka@westfield.ma.edu.

The Counseling Center

The Counseling Center, located next to the Career Services Office in Lammers Hall, exists to serve students by offering short-term personal counseling and consultation. Counselors offer individual, group, and couple counseling, and also are available to provide consultation and referral services to any member of the Westfield State University community. The Counseling Center focuses on personal growth and the development of effective life management and problem solving skills. The Counseling Center staff is knowledgeable about the various student support services offered on campus, and often refers students to offices that may be able to address their needs. If students require more comprehensive psychological services, counselors will assist students in finding an appropriate referral in the greater Westfield area or in their home communities. All counseling is strictly confidential except in cases of life-or-death emergencies, or by court order. Information about student clients can be released only with the written consent of the student.

The Counseling Center also provides the contracted services of a nutritionist who is available to any member of the University community. Appointments are made through the Counseling Center’s secretary, and individuals seeking the nutritionist’s services do not have to be clients of the Counseling Center.

The Counseling Center website, westfield.ma.edu/counseling, has a list of resources on various topics related to life management and psychological health. 

For additional information, please contact the Counseling Center office, located in the Lammers Hall Annex, at (413) 572-5790.

Health Services

The Health Services Department is available without cost to all full time undergraduate students regardless of personal health insurance coverage. Patients with medical emergencies are transported to Baystate Noble Hospital by City ambulance or the University’s Department of Public Safety. The Department is staffed by an Administrative Assistant, Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and a consulting Physician, who works part-time during the academic year. Health Services meets the immediate health needs of students and provides follow-up treatment and other health related services inclusive of women’s health care during the academic year.

Allergy immunotherapy is not offered by the Department due to guidelines imposed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunotherapy. Allergy and Immunology Associates of New England (AIANE) can be referred to for allergy immunotherapy in Westfield at telephone (413) 562-2052 (check insurance for coverage benefits).  See AIANE’s website www.allergyimmunologydocs.com for more information.  Also prescriptive medications for students with ADHD must be managed by their own clinical provider, primary care physician. 

The Department of Health Services requires Medical Health Forms to comply with University Policy and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health mandates on immunizations.

Information about the University Health Insurance is distributed with tuition bills and information about the University Student Health Insurance can also be obtained from the website http://www.universityhealthplans.com and westfield.ma.edu/healthservices.

All medical information is confidential and defined as protected health information under federal regulations and cannot be released without written permission from the student.

The University’s Notice of Privacy Practices can be located at www.westfield.ma.edu/privacy-practices. Medical information can be released by Court order but the Office of the Registrar attempts to notify the student of court requests.

Medical Forms And Immunizations

In order to register for classes at Westfield State University, every full-time student must present to the Department of Health Services completed Westfield State University Health Forms, which include a clinician’s certificate of a physical examination and immunizations, a TB Risk Assessment Form and a Meningitis Information and Waiver Form.  Health forms can be printed from the Department’s website at http://www.westfield.ma.edu/healthservices. The Department of Health Services requires Medical Health Forms to comply with University Policy and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s mandates on immunizations. Students may be registered for classes on the condition that the required immunizations be obtained within thirty days of registration (see 105 Code of Massachusetts Regulations 220.600 and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 76, section 15c). Students, who fail to submit the required Health Forms can be administratively withdrawn. A reinstatement fee will be charged after receipt of the required forms.

The Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center

The mission of the Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center is to support religious and spiritual life and to promote interfaith understanding at Westfield State University. During the academic year, Center staff members provide and support opportunities for worship, meditation, spiritual exploration, religious learning, celebration, fellowship and service. In support of the University’s mission to prepare students for life in the global community, the Center seeks to promote respect for and understanding of diverse religious traditions and to help students relate their moral and religious traditions to their personal choices and service to society.

Chaplains and Religious Services

Catholic Deacon Roger Carrier
rcarrier@westfield.ma.edu
413-572-8528

Catholic Deacon James Conroy
jconroy@westfield.ma.edu
413-572-8556

Interfaith Programming and Student Activities

The Westfield State University Foundation, Inc. supports the University’s Interfaith Programming Committee (IPC) for the purpose of offering additional religious, spiritual and interfaith programs on campus.

The IPC also welcomes new student members.  If interested, contact Father Savage at wsavage@westfield.ma.edu.

Interfaith Center Facilities

The Center’s main worship area seats about 90 and authorized groups using the Center are responsible for bringing and removing any symbols or artifacts particular to their faiths. The Center’s chapel features a magnificent pipe organ with two manuals, a pedalboard and three and one-half ranks of pipes. The organ may be played by bona fide musicians familiar with such instruments including students from the University’s Music Department. On the lower level of the Center there are offices for College Chaplains and a lounge for meetings or gatherings. Student members of all faiths are invited to use the Interfaith Center by request through the Chaplains or through the advisers of religious student organizations. 

Parking Privileges

All cars parked on campus must be registered and display a valid parking decal. Commuting students are allowed to purchase one (1) decal that allows parking in the Commuter Lots. When the lots are full, commuters are expected to park in the South Lot, located on Western Avenue, opposite the Dower Center.

Resident students will be allowed to purchase one (1) decal and must park in the South parking lot. First-year students will not be permitted to have vehicles on campus.

All students are required to park at all times in the lot designated by their parking decal. Parking elsewhere on campus is not allowed, and is subject to ticketing and/or towing at the owner’s expense.  Students are responsible for knowing the parking rules and regulations upon becoming members of the University. 

If you have any questions regarding parking, please contact the Student Affairs Office at (413) 572-5400 or Public Safety staff at (413) 572-5262.

Public Safety/University Police

The Department of Public Safety/University Police is responsible for the enforcement of the Massachusetts General Laws and for protecting life and property on campus. The Department is charged with the responsibility of protecting the right of all members of the academic community to learn, to teach and to conduct the normal and necessary business of the institution.

Among the services provided by the Department of Public Safety/University Police are: the investigation of crimes and motor vehicle accidents on campus, the enforcement of University parking regulations, the operation of the shuttle service, and the operation of a lost and found. In addition, Public Safety provides medical transport for students who are injured or ill. University Police officers are also available to present programs to educate students on such issues as sexual assault awareness, crime prevention, alcohol and drug awareness, workplace violence, and the Cleary Act/Campus Security Authorities.  R.A.D. classes are also offered by the Department of Public Safety/University Police. 

Public Safety trains and supervises the Institutional Security Officer staff assigned to campus foot patrol and to maintain the security of the campus residential buildings.

Student Right To Know Act

Westfield State University’s annual security report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by Westfield State University; and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drugs, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. Copies of this report are available from the Westfield State University Department of Public Safety, and through the University website at: westfield.ma.edu/safety.

Public Safety employs and directs a student security force made up of full-time students from the University to assist the regular University police force. Student security officers are used as observers, shuttle drivers, escorts, dispatchers, and to assist the University police.

The Public Safety Office, located in the White House on Western Avenue, is open daily with general business hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and offers twenty-four hour police and dispatcher coverage and response. Additional information is available at (413) 572-5262. For emergencies call 911.

Residential Life

The area of Residential LIfe is comprised of the Department of Housing Operations and the Department of Residential Engagement.  Together we work to create a comprehensive living experience for all residential students.  We provide a variety of secure, well maintained facilities accommodating various styles of living arrangements.  Each hall is staffed by a Professional Residence Director or Area Coordinator, student Resident Assistants and maintenance staff who provide support to students through one-on one conversations, planned events, and incident response.  An elected Residence Hall Association and Hall Councils, as applicable, provide additional leadership opportunities, programming and services for all resident students.

Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership (S.A.I.L.)

The Office of Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership (SAIL) is comprised of three main areas which include leadership development programs for all students, social events for students, and New Student Orientation.  While each has thier own focus, the three areas work cohesively to create a fun, engaging, resourceful, and positive environment for students outside of the classroom.  The office strives to promote programs and workshops based on inclusiveness, leadership, and innovation.  We work to create a welcoming environment that celebrates individuality; a place open to creativity and foward thinking, even as we continue to honor the traditions of the past.  Find us on Social Media and stay in tune to all that is happening on your campus. 

As part of the office, the New Student Orientation program introduces incoming students to the WSU community.  The primary program includes summer orientation sessions for all first-year students, as well as for Champions (parents, family members, and allies), in June that run for a day and a half.  Separate programs are held in August and January for transfer students and their needs.  An overview of the program can be found through the University web page by searching “New Student Orientation”.  For additional information, contact our staff at (413) 572-5619. 

Student Conduct

In the interest of maintaining order on the campus and guaranteeing the broadest range of freedom to each member of the community, some regulations have been developed by students, faculty, and staff acting in concert. These regulations reasonably limit some activities and also proscribe certain behaviors which are harmful to the orderly operations of the University and the pursuit of its legitimate goals. Violations of these regulations will be handled by the University student conduct procedure, which is established to resolve complaints of nonacademic student misconduct. The student conduct procedure is designed to protect due process rights and reach decisions that are in the best interest of both the student and the University. Students charged with misconduct are afforded the right to a written notice of charges, the right to a fair and impartial hearing, and the right of appeal.

Student Conduct Regulations and Student Conduct Procedures may be found in the Westfield State University Student Handbook available at the Office of Student Affairs, Ely Campus Center, Room 209, or online at:
http://catalog.westfield.ma.edu//content.php?navoid=359&catoid=8.

Veteran and Military Services

Veteran and Military Services and the Military Community Excellence Center is a one stop information center where the Veteran and Military Services Coordinator/School Certifying Official is located.  We opened our Military Community Excellence Center in the spring 2017 to better serve our students, faculty and staff who are veterans, active military, guard, reserve and thier family members.  The primary function of the office is to adivse and assist students and prospective students in applying for Veteran Administration, state and military educational benefits and certifying enrollment for current students.  In addition Veteran and Military Services also coordinates Veteran and military specific campus activities and acts as an advocate for our students who are military-connected on campus. 

The Veteran and Military Services Office can also direct our students who are military-connected to appropriate agencies for counseling, financial aid, career placement, and assistance with Veteran Administration health benefits.  If you are a student who is military-connected or a family member anticipating or using veteran or military benefits such as the GI Bill® or National Guard tutition and fee waiver, you need to make an appointment with the Veteran and Military Services Coordinator as soon as possible to ensure your benefits are started in a timely manner and you understand the full implications and restrictions of your benefits. 

Westfield State University adheres to the requirements of and comply’s with S2248 PL 115-407, Section 103.  All students using Chapter 31VA education benefits, are required to ensure Veteran & Military Services has a copy of the 1905 from thier Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor by the first day of classes.  Students using Chapter 33 VA education benefits, are required to submit thier Certificate of Eligibility or Statement of Benefits by the first day of classes.  Students using Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 VA Benefits are required to submit a written request to confirm they want to use benefits each semester.  All of the above are to be submitted to Veteran and Military Services. 

Brochures are available at the Military Community Excellence Center for those students who are interested in joining any one of the armed services. 

The Veteran and Militiary Services Office is located in the Bates Hall, room 15. Call (413) 572-8370 or go to our web page at http://www.westfield.ma.edu/veterans for more information.