2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Academic Services



Academic Advising

The staff and faculty of Westfield State University Graduate Studies office understand and respect the concerns and needs that many adults have about pursuing a graduate degree. We emphasize the importance of good academic advising to both new students and students who are at various stages of completing their Master’s degree curriculum.

Upon admission into a graduate academic program, you are assigned a major advisor. It is your responsibility to arrange an appointment with your advisor as soon as you are admitted to outline your Program of Study, taking into consideration previous experience and your goals and objectives. Although your advisor will assist you in planning your path to degree completion, you must assume responsibility for knowing and meeting the curriculum requirements of your program.

Because we are strongly committed to quality academic advising and holistic support services as an integral component of our educational programs, we encourage you to contact your advisor prior to your first registration or as early as possible during your first semester. We are eager to help orient you to our programs and services and help you develop sound educational plans, designed to fit your motivations for returning to school and any unique concerns you may have.

Career Services

Graduate students are encouraged to take advantage of the services and resources provided by the University’s Career Center. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (school year) and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (summer) and by appointment. Services include career counseling, workshops on preparing for employment (resumes/cover letters, interview skills and job search), career fairs and networking nights. The Career Center website has a variety of resources available, 24/7.  Additionally, programs and event listings can be found on the office social media platforms. For career and major exploration the office provides a variety of software options such as Sokanu, What Can I Do With A Major and other assessment tools. The Career Center is located in the Lammers Hall Annex. For additional information, contact the office by phone at (413) 572-5206 or email at careers@westfield.ma.edu. The Career Center is located in the Lammers Hall Annex. 

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center is located in Lammers Hall Annex. Appointments may be made through the Director by calling 572-5790. The Westfield State University Counseling Center exists to provide counseling and preventive psychological services for WSU students. Their mission is to facilitate self-discovery, personal growth and healing for students in their journey toward whole-person development. The Counseling Center staff seeks to understand and value the individual within the context of community living, offering services through a multitude of pathways: individual counseling, couples counseling, family counseling, group counseling, assessment of needs, referrals to community and other WSU resources, workshops and presentations.

The Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (OSAP) offers both substance abuse counseling and a variety of educational and creative social programming designed to enhance development of responsible decision-making skills on the part of students regarding substance abuse and healthy living. Further information about OSAP may be obtained by contacting the Counseling Center.

Email Accounts

All students are issued a student email account. You must log into this account regularly as much all -university and program information is sent in this manner. Student email is considered an official means of communication. Make it a habit to check your email for important campus updates. You should be aware that advisors may also send pertinent information using this method.

Computer Center (Information Technology Center)

The Information Technology Center is located on the first floor of Wilson Hall. However, there are several computer labs across campus at the following locations:

  • Bates 03 PC Lab. Open general Computer Center Lab hours.
  • Bates 04 Multimedia Lab. Open general Computer Center Lab hours.
  • Ely 316 Mac Lab. Open general Educational Resources Center hours.*
  • Ely Library Mezzanine Mac Lab. Access through the mezzanine (2nd floor Ely) during normal Library hours.*
  • Ely Library Reference Room w/PCs. Open during normal Library hours.
  • Wilson 105 PC Lab. Open general Computer Center Lab hours.
  • Wilson 138 VAX stations, Mac Lab. Open general Computer Center Lab hours.
  • Wilson 139 PC Lab. Open general Computer Center Lab hours.
  • Wilson 234 Tutoring Center. Access during tutoring hours.
  • Wilson 405 Classroom w/PC. Access through department office or when monitored by faculty.
  • 333 Western Avenue PC Lab. Garden-level instructional facility with seasonal student access hours.

Access to the Internet is available through the Library computer system without the need for a server account.

For information about specific hours of operation of any of these facilities call the Information Technology Center at 572-8082 or the HELP desk at 572-4357.

*Starred locations are not accessible to mobility-impaired students or wheelchair users.

Library

The mission of Governor Joseph B. Ely Library is to support the curricular, research, and community-building activities of the University through the effective and efficient provision of information resources, services, and instruction in a supportive learning environment.

To accomplish this, the library:

  • Collects, organizes, and makes information accessible in both traditional and digital formats
  • Teaches students how to identify, retrieve, critically evaluate, and effectively apply information in creative and analytical problem solving
  • Provides a supportive and dynamic research and learning environment, both on campus and online
  • Collects, preserves, and provides access to the history of the University through the University Archives
  • Serves all members of the campus community
  • Collaborates with students, staff, and faculty to ensure the effectiveness of library collections, services, and instruction
  • Recruits and develops a skilled, engaged, and diverse workforce
  • Collaborates with partners inside and outside the University to maximize access to resources and the effectiveness of services
  • Assesses and adapts operations to ensure that the library meets the needs of the University
  • Serves as a resource for the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Dial 413-572-5251 for library hours and to reach any department.

Public Safety 

The Westfield State University Department of Public Safety/University Police, is responsible for the enforcement of the Massachusetts General Laws and for protecting life and property on the Westfield State University Campus. University police officers have the power of arrest in the Commonwealth and are Special State Police with full police powers. The Department is charged with the responsibility of protecting the rights of all members of the academic community to learn, to teach, and to conduct normal and necessary business of the institution.

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, concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. Acquire a copy of this report by contacting Public Safety or by accessing http://www.westfield.ma.edu/offices/department-of-public-safety