2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 08, 2024  
2023-2024 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 Center

 

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 advising, workshops on preparing for employment (job search, interview skills, resumes/cover letters), career fairs and networking nights. The Career Center website has 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 software options such as: Sokanu, What Can I Do With A Major, and other assessment tools. The Career Center is in Parenzo Hall. For additional information, contact the office by phone at (413) 572-5206 or email at careers@westfield.ma.edu.  

 

Counseling Center

 

The Counseling Center is located in Lammers Hall Annex. Appointments may be made by calling 572-5790 or by emailing counseling@westfield.ma.edu. The Westfield State University Counseling Center mission is to facilitate self-discovery, personal growth and healing for students in their journey toward whole-person development. Graduate students may have one appointment with a counselor and may ask for a referral to a counselor in the community. Graduate students can also use the MySSP app (available in any of the usual app stores) for information, resources, and 24/7 chat or phone call with a Master’s level counselor.

Email Accounts

All students are issued a student email account. You must log into this account regularly as university and program information is sent in this manner. Email is considered the official means of communication at Westfield State University. 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 Office of Information and Instructional Technology is located on the first floor of Wilson Hall. However, there are several computer labs across campus at the following locations that are open during normal operating hours*:

  • Bates 03 PC Lab
  • Bates 04 Mac Lab
  • Dower 142 Mac Lab
  • Dower 166 Mac Lab
  • Dower 194 Mac Lab
  • Ely 313 Mac Lab
  • Ely Library  PC Lab
  • Mod Hall 110 PC Lab
  • Wilson 101 PC Lab
  • Wilson 406 PC Lab
  • Wilson 407 Classroom w/PC
    • Access through department office or when monitored by faculty
  • Woodward 240 PC Lab

For information about specific hours of operation of any of these facilities, please visit each specific location for a posting of hours or contact the Technology Support Desk (TSD) by emailing supportdesk@westfield.ma.edu or calling 413-572-4357.

*Each location subject to change

 

Library

 

Ely Library is here to assist you in your educational journey. We provide study space, online scholarly resources, books, and customized research consultations to help you succeed.

The mission of 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
  • Serves as a resource for the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Visit the Library website at https://lib.westfield.ma.edu/home for more information and online assistance.

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 are duly certified to perform the duties as a police officer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pursuant to the Police Officer Standards & Training regulations. 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