Faculty Student Development Guide

Table of Contents

About the Division of Student Affairs

  • Mission & Domains
  • Departments within the Division

Services to Enhance Student Success

  • Advice on Student Adjustment Issues
  • Advice on Student Living in Campus Residence Halls
  • Working with Students who are Disabled
  • Guest Lectures
  • Curricular Activity

Referring Students for Assistance

  • Tips for making a referral
  • Health-related questions or concerns
  • Drug Free Campus information
  • Seeking Support and/or a Safe Space
  • Finances
  • Choosing a Major/Career Development
  • Student Employment
  • Leaves and Withdrawals

Services for You

  • Health & Fitness
  • Family
  • Hosting Conferences and Meetings
  • Hunt Union Amenities
  • Emergency Services and Safety

Community Standards and University Policies

  • Code of Student Conduct
  • Policy Library
  • Academic Integrity Policy
  • Classroom Disruption policy
  • College Handbook
  • Excused Absences

Value Added Opportunities for Students

  • Study Abroad
  • Leadership Opportunities
  • Service Learning/Volunteerism
  • Student Community

About the Division of Student Affairs

Mission and Themes

Our Mission:

The division works in partnership with its academic and administrative colleagues in support of the SUNY Oneonta mission. It is the mission of the Student Affairs Division to provide leadership in developing and maintaining a supportive campus atmosphere through its efforts at fostering intellectual and personal growth supporting cultural diversity eliminating barriers to the educational process creating a nurturing environment promoting self-responsibility and problem solving providing for service back to the community and advocating for the needs of students. The Student Affairs Division enhances the university's overall academic mission by intentionally fostering learning communities that offer opportunities for students that support and challenge individual student growth both within and outside of the formal classroom setting.

4 Domains & Outcomes:

It is the goal of The Division of Student Affairs to facilitate student learning and development in the following areas, through intentionally structured programs and services:

LEADERSHIP - a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of a group of people toward the achievement of a common goal.
Through divisional/departmental programs and initiatives, students will:

  • develop self-awareness of leadership traits/skills/abilities, communication skills, collaborative skills, and the ability to understand risk-taking and risk-management;
  • understand the role of change in an organization and the importance of independence and interdependence in group settings.

INTERCULTURAL APPRECIATION - the ability to describe and demonstrate the value of both your own and other cultures, and to recognize and respond to differences and commonalities in the classroom, in student groups and organizations, in the residence halls and in our communities.
Through programs, events, and conversations, students will be able to:

  • identify and appreciate the contributions of others;
  • acknowledge and respect diverse ideas and viewpoints;
  • appreciate the diversity in our communities- religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation
  • Find and embrace value in others’ experiences and cultures.

HEALTHY BEHAVIOR – A series of thoughts and actions that maintain, attain, or regain the physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing of a person.
Through programs, events, and conversations, students will be able to:

  • develop a personal action plan for mental, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing;
  • engage in activities that enhance personal wellness (physical, intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual);
  • choose environments that promote health and reduce harm;
  • understand the connection between individual health, community health, and health of the natural environment;
  • associate the consequences of behavioral decisions;
  • balance self-reliant behaviors with healthy forms of inter-dependence.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – finding a path to engage in your own college experience through campus involvement and developing a framework for acting within a community for the benefit of self and others. Students will engage with campus traditions, clubs, organizations, residence halls, departments, jobs, as well as events/activities in order to develop their own self-awareness, sense of community, and to further their out of class experience.
Through divisional/departmental programs and initiatives, students will:

  • articulate the importance of their experiences in those activities;
  • develop lasting, positive relationships with members of the community that encourage vulnerability, growth, acceptance, and empowerment;
  • develop an understanding of the importance of service to others and the community as a whole and demonstrate a commitment to civic engagement;
  • articulate how personal actions and decisions effect other individuals, our university community, the environment, and society;
  • view themselves as a member of various communities (local --> global) through thought, deed, and action;
  • participate in development, maintenance, and/or orderly change of community, social, and legal standards or norms.

Departments within the Division

View the individual Directors of each department, and their contact information. Below is a list of departments and their general contact number:

Athletics – 607-436-3594

Counseling, Health and Wellness – 607-436-3368 (Counseling Center) 607-436-3573 (Health Center)

Outdoor Programs – 607-436-3455

Office of Student Experience – 607-436-2255

Residential Experience and Housing – 607-436-2514

Community Standards – 607-436-3353

Student Life and Leadership @ the Hunt Union – 607-436-3014


Services to Enhance Student Success

This section is an orientation to services provided by professionals that you may need as you work directly with students. View the university organizational chart which may help you find the person you're looking for to get information or make a referral.

Student Adjustment Issues

Mental health issues: Anxiety, depression, interpersonal problems, home sickness, etc.

Contact: Counseling, Health & Wellness
ph: 607-436-3368

Academic adjustment: Time management, study skills, tutoring, writing assistance, etc. Contact: CADE (Center for Academic Development & Enrichment)
ph: 607-436-3010

On Campus Living - Residence Halls

Roommate issues, room change or selection, co-curricular programs, etc. Contact: Residential Experience and Housing
ph: 607-436-2514

Working with Students Who Require Academic Accommodations

Faculty Guide to Accommodating Students with Disabilities. Publication b) Call for consultation on providing reasonable accommodations. Contact: Student Disability Services, 209 Alumni Hall
ph: 607-436-2137

Guest Lectures

Don't cancel your class. Instead, invite one of the following offices to do a presentation:

Financial aid, budgeting, and managing debt, credit cards, and student loans.

Contact: Financial Aid - For students: 607-436-2532
Administrative line for faculty use only 607-436-2010

Study abroad opportunities and/or International Students discussing their country and experiences.

Contact: Global Education
103 Alumni Hall
ph: 607-436-3369

Health education presentations

Contact: Office of Health Education
ph: 607-436-3540

Perceptions of students with disabilities and related topics

Contact: Student Disability Services
ph: 607-436-2137

Ethics and academic integrity

Contact: Office of Community Standards
ph: 607-436-3353

Mental health subjects such as: depression, suicide, date rape and sexual assault, eating disorders, gender differences, stress management, academic self esteem, etc.

Contact: Counseling Center
ph: 607-436-3368

Career development, internships and employment

Contact: Career Development Center
ph: 607-436-2534

Leadership and the LEAD program

Curricular Activity

Accessing volunteer project opportunities, Contact: Center for Social Responsibility and Community
ph: 607-436-2098

Planning and coordinating class field trips and activities, Contact: Office of Continuing Education
ph: 607-436-2548

Student Travel for Excellence Program (STEP) - a limited pool of funds may be available to help students who wish to travel for academic and co-curricular conferences/meetings. Contact: Student Affairs
ph: 607-436-2513

Internships, Career Library & Resources, Contact: Career Development Center
ph: 607-436-2534

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) - We are always looking for new LLC partners. Please contact Residential Experience and Housing (607-436-2514) and/or Student Affairs (607-436-2513) to explore the possibilities.

Funding for Student Research


Referring Students for Assistance

Students may approach you with concerns or problems. This section provides suggestions on how to refer a student and what services are available.

Tips on providing referrals:

First and foremost, listen to the student's concerns.

  • Affirm the student for being aware of important matters affecting their academics
  • Lead with care for the student (I'm concerned vs. you have a problem)
  • Normalize problems and help-seeking, assure them they're not alone
  • Define your role: emphasize the importance of seeking expertise with their particular problem
  • Ask if they have sought assistance
  • If they have not sought assistance, suggest that they consider seeking assistance from the locations that you recommend
  • If they have sought assistance, the student might be seeking a referral to another office or they might need help navigating a process, procedure, or policy.
  • Offer help with the referral: give a name and phone number or offer to call and consult on their behalf with someone in an office that may be able to help.

Reporting Students of Concern

The Behavioral Assessment Team is a multi-disciplinary campus committee focused on enhancing student success through identifying needs, removing barriers, and reducing distress. The Behavioral Assessment Team assists in managing situations that pose, or may reasonably pose, a threat to the health, safety, and well-being of the campus community. Through a proactive, collaborative, organized, and objective approach, the Behavioral Assessment Team is able to identify, assess, intervene, and manage disruptive or threatening situations or individuals. The threat assessment process encourages early intervention to manage individuals whose behaviors potentially impede their own or others ' ability to function successfully or safely.

It is the responsibility of faculty, administrators, staff, and students to immediately report any situation that could possibly result in harm to anyone at the university. Any member of the campus community may become aware of a troubling or troubled person or a situation that is causing serious anxiety, stress, or fear and, if so, this information should be provided to the Behavioral Assessment Team through the Office of Student Affairs 607-436-2513 or by submitting a report through Silent Witness

In cases where a person may pose an immediate risk of violence to self or others, please contact UPD at 607-436-3550 or 911 from a campus phone.

Health related questions/concerns

Please Contact Student Health & Wellness Center (607) 436-3573 for the following services:

  • Primary Care Clinicians and Specialists, including Chiropractor, Dermatologist, Massage Therapy, Orthopedist
  • General Services: Birth control counseling, HIV testing, Nutrition counseling, Smoking cessation, Dental Clinic, Optometry Clinic, Physical Therapist, Pharmacy, Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist, Sports Medicine Specialist, Immunization and Travel Services, Women's Health/Gynecologist, Laboratory and X-ray, Substance abuse counseling

Alcohol and Other Drug questions/concerns

Seeking Support and/or a Safe Space

Finances

Choosing a Major / Career Path

  • Direction and decision making
  • Clarifying life and career goals
  • Connecting life and career plans
  • Acquiring employability skills
  • Career inventories and assessments
  • Options and decisions about graduate school

Contact: Career Development Center
ph: 607-436-2534

To discuss a career plan, take a career inventory, get information about internship opportunities, resume writing and interview skills.

Contact: Academic Advisement
ph: 607-436-3390

To make an academic plan, declare a major and/or minor, track Gen Ed requirements, discuss transfer credit, etc

Student Employment

Leaves and Withdrawals

The Office of Student Affairs will talk with students about taking a Non-Academic Leave of Absence or Withdrawing from the institution. Feel free to make referrals to our office or call for information. View forms and information regarding eligibility and the process.


Services for You

The services listed in this section might be beneficial to you personally. (note: Some may be fee-based)

Health & Fitness

Free weights, machines, classes, and pool Contact: Intramural Program and Campus Recreation.

Family

  • Summer Youth Camps and programs - SUNY Oneonta hosts several summer programs for various interests and ages. We host programs in sports, science, and music. Some of our programs are directed by our own faculty, coaches, and students.
    • Contact: Graig Eichler, ph: 607-436-2077
  • Live theatrical entertainment and performing arts at Goodrich Theatre.
  • Beautiful art exhibitions by professionals, faculty and students.
  • Bugbee Children's Center - Bugbee Children's Center offers year-round child care services for children 8 weeks through school age and is associated with SUNY Oneonta. ph: 607-436-2484
  • Discounted tickets available for both on and off campus events, attractions, and transportation
  • The College Camp is located at 119 Hoffman Road, on 276 acres of former farm and woodland. Its purpose is to provide educational, recreational and social opportunities for the members of our College Community.

Hosting Conferences and Meetings

Two facilities can accommodate meetings and large conferences

Hunt Union Amenities

  • Contact: Office of Student Life & Leadership's Website
  • ph: 607-436-3014
  • Hunt Union Ticket Office
  • ATMs
  • Starbucks
  • Movie Theatre
  • Game Room - Dragon's Lair
  • Quiet Lounge
  • Bookstore
  • University Store
  • Living room (sitting area with fireplace and TV)
  • Computer lab and printers
  • Ballroom for large events
  • Electronic recycling bins
  • The Shipping Room for mailing or receiving packages

5. Emergency Services & Safety

SUNY Oneonta has compiled a comprehensive list of safety and security actions, as well as policies and procedures that should be followed in various health and safety emergencies. View these resources.

University Police

Campus safety and security are coordinated by the University Police Department, which has a force of seventeen sworn police officers with full arrest powers. As an armed police department, patrol members respond to all emergencies, dispatched by six professionally trained dispatchers.

State University of New York Police Officers must meet the highest standards in New York State for Law Enforcement Officers. The officers have passed a basic training program administered by the State University of New York State Police Academy in Albany, NY or a local regional Police Academy, and undergo continuous training to upgrade their skills. Officers have been trained in emergency medical procedures and first aid. They conduct foot, bike, and vehicular patrols on the campus and in residence hall areas 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

NY ALERT

At the bottom of the page you can sign up for NY ALERT; which is an emergency communication system used by SUNY Oneonta (and other state agencies). You can elect to receive messages via email, voicemail, cell phone call, and text message. You can also put other phone numbers and email addresses into the system.

Blue Light Phones & Cameras

Strategically placed across campus you'll fine blue poles with a speaker box. When the red button is pushed on the speaker box a direct dial phone call is placed to UPD dispatch and a blue light will start to strobe on top of the pole. You can talk to the dispatcher through this speakerphone to ask for help or report a situation that needs police presence. Cameras are also placed on buildings and poles across campus. There is a live feed, but not all cameras can be monitored at once. The footage from all cameras is downloaded and kept on a server for 3 months to aid investigations.

Escort

The University Police Department provides escort services from dusk to dawn for the safety of anyone walking alone on the campus at night. Call 436-3550 for an escort to or from any campus building or parking lot.

Oneonta State Emergency Squad

EMT level volunteers will respond to and treat any medical emergency in order to stabilize condition for transport to the hospital. Transportation must be done by the Oneonta City Fire Department, but our campus emergency squad will respond and give initial life support and/or first aid treatment. Call 607-436-3550 for the Emergency Squad.


Community Standards/Student Conduct and University Policies

1. Code of Student Conduct

The Code of Student Conduct contains the university's behavioral expectations of students. It also contains a description of the adjudication processes we use at SUNY Oneonta, as well as student rights. View the Code document.

2. Policy Library

The Policy Library contains policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures that are vital to the effective operation of our institution. All policies must be approved by the President's Cabinet or Provost to be included in the library. The Policy Library is also searchable, in case you are looking for a specific policy. View the Policy Library.

3. Academic Integrity Policy

Importance of Academic Integrity

The academic activities of the university, which contribute to the fulfillment of the university mission, are dependent upon the honest and open communication of ideas among students and faculty. Fundamental to academic integrity is a genuine respect for knowledge and intellectual inquiry. The academic community cannot thrive when these principles have been compromised by any of its members; therefore, this policy specifies the procedures to be implemented in cases where violations are suspected.

Violations of Academic Integrity: Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty is defined as any act by a student that misrepresents or attempts to misrepresent to an instructor or any university official, the proficiency or achievement of that student or another student in any academic exercise, or that is intended to alter any record of a student's academic performance by unauthorized means.

A student deemed responsible for an act of academic dishonesty may, depending on the nature of the offense, be subject to one or more of the following measures: failure of the assignment or examination, failure of the course, or dismissal from SUNY Oneonta. Depending upon the severity of the violation, as determined by the university's Office of Community Standards, the student may be referred to the Standing Disciplinary Board. Second offenses will result in a mandatory referral of the case to the Standing Disciplinary Board, or, if the Board cannot be convened in a timely manner, the Director of Community Standards will hear the case. The penalties that may be assessed by the Board are listed under the Procedures of the Standing Disciplinary Board as published in this publication; however, the normal penalty is suspension or dismissal. (The full policy can be found in the Code of Conduct.)

When a faculty member suspects academic dishonesty, it should be reported in writing to the Office of Community Standards. The reporting form can be found on the Community Standards website, in the far left column, at the bottom, under the heading Forms. Click on Academic Integrity, fill out the form and send to the office via email or campus mail.

4. Classroom Disruption Policy

Instructors have a responsibility to maintain an effective learning situation in their classrooms and to deal promptly with any disruptions that interfere with the learning situation. The instructor is in charge of his/her classroom. If he/she feels that a student is interfering with the right of other students to profit from attendance in that classroom or if he/she feels that he/she is being unreasonably hindered in the presentation of subject matter, the instructor has every right to eject the offending student from the class and/or notify the Student Affairs Office of the student's behavior. Either course of action should be taken with discretion and only for reasonable cause.

If a student is ejected from the class, it may be for that class period only and the instructor will immediately submit a written report of the incident to the Student Affairs Office and a copy to the student and the appropriate academic dean. (If the incident involves physical violence, a report should also be made to the University Police.) Upon receipt of the report, the Director of Community Standards will immediately schedule an interview with the student to discuss the incident. Any subsequent incident reported to the Vice President for Student Affairs involving the same student in any class will result in administrative action by the Student Affairs Office and possible referral to the Standing Disciplinary Board of SUNY Oneonta. The consequences of such action may include denying the student further access to the class or other disciplinary action, including dismissal from the university.

5. College Handbook

View the College Handbook in its entirety online and it can also be downloaded from the site as a PDF document.

The College Handbook has been prepared by the Provost's Office in cooperation with SUNY Oneonta-wide divisions, offices, and individuals and presents information on those policies, procedures, and other matters that faculty often need as a reference on a day-to-day basis. Bookmark the site, as you will visit it often. Examples of policies and procedures contained in the handbook are: Personnel policies, Academic and Grading policies, Attendance policy, procedures for Leaves, Withdrawals and Readmission, etc.

6. Excused Absences

See all of the Attendance policies.

In preparing statements regarding class attendance, instructors should be aware of the following official statements and regulations:

Field Trips

Extended field trips may remove students from classes of other faculty members. Instructors should not interfere with the student's right or responsibility to go on any university approved extended field trip. See "Field Trip Policies and Procedures" in the General Information, Policies and Procedures chapter for additional details.

Religious Reasons.

State Education law (Section 224-a) states that any student who is unable, because of his or her religious beliefs, to attend classes on a particular day or days shall be excused from any examinations, study or work requirements. SUNY Oneonta is obligated to provide an equivalent opportunity for students to make up any examination, study or work requirement that he or she may have missed because of such absence (complete text of the law follows).

Military Leave

Students called to military duty should contact instructors immediately and discuss jointly with them and the Office of Student Affairs length of absence if known and if a formal leave would be appropriate.

Jury Duty. Student is required to show proof to instructors.

Intercollegiate Athletics. Students on university athletic teams should not be required to attend class at times that conflict with official intercollegiate athletic events or be denied the same opportunity to make up the work or demonstrate competence that would be given any other students with a legitimate reason for absence, such as illness or a co-curricular field trip. Athletic absences should be treated the same as other excused absences.

Trips of University Performing Organizations

Students absent due to university Performances should not be required to attend classes at times that conflict with these performance schedules nor should they be denied the same opportunity to make up the work or demonstrate competence that would be given any other student with a legitimate reason for absence, such as illness or a co-curricular field trip.

Documented Illness

Student should communicate directly with instructors if they will miss classes due to illness. The Student Health Center will not provide excuses for students who miss classes due to an appointment or walk-in visit at the Center. The Student Health Center will, with documented authorization from the student, be glad to verify an illness or injury if the instructor wishes to call. If a student is advised not to attend class due to long-term illness or serious injury, the Office of Student Affairs will notify instructors.

Death of a Close Relative

Students should contact instructors individually or may contact the Office of Student Affairs who will then notify instructors of anticipated duration of absence.

Inclement Weather

At the request of the College Senate, the following statement is part of the university's policy on inclement weather: "Commuting students who miss classes due to inclement weather will be permitted to make up academic work without penalty."

Other

Natural calamities, accidents beyond student's control, and other appropriate reasons deemed valid by the instructor.


Value Added Opportunities for Students

1. Study Abroad

SUNY Oneonta offers semester- and year-long study abroad and exchange programs through the Office of Global Education in partnership with universities in Finland, Ghana, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. But the possibilities don't end there. Our students also have access to more than 600 study abroad and exchange programs around the world through the SUNY network.

If a student can't commit to a whole semester abroad, consider participating in a short-term faculty-led field course. These trips are usually part of a semester-long or summer course and typically last 10 days to three weeks, offering hands-on learning in your field, plus immersion in another culture. Review details about the program.

Contact Kate Stanley in the Office of Global Education for more information - 607-436-2461

International Internship Opportunities

SUNY Oneonta partners with Academic Internship Council (AIC) and Connect-123 to offer domestic and international internship opportunities in fourteen exciting locations across the globe.

Review details about these opportunities.

2. Leadership Opportunities

LEAD@Oneonta

LEAD @ Oneonta is a comprehensive leadership program based on current research and the Council for Advancement of Standards (CAS). It is designed to provide individual students an opportunity to explore leadership in a manner that gives them great breadth while allowing them to focus on areas important to them personally. Review details about the program.

There are several individual leadership opportunities throughout the Division of Student Affairs. You can review 11 opportunities for students.

3. Service Learning & Volunteerism

Our Center for Social Responsibility (CSRC) has excellent service learning and volunteerism opportunities.

Service Learning is a pedagogical approach, which includes experiential learning via meaningful community service paired with classroom instruction and reflection. It is meant to enrich the academic learning experience for the students, teach civic responsibility, and help the local community with identified needs.

Service learning is different from volunteer and co-curricular activities because it is an integral part of the course, activities are directly related to curriculum goals, reflection is a key component, and the learning component intentionally fosters a sense of social responsibility.

Explore a service learning designation for a course

Volunteer opportunities - Each semester the CSRC receives new volunteer job descriptions for area agencies and organizations. The Center can assist students in getting involved in volunteer opportunities that interest them or best suit their academic needs. It is important that students sign up through the Center in order to make certain that the agencies we work with are kept informed. Please refer students to the Center in Alumni Hall 101C to see our list of volunteer opportunities or call a CSRC Coordinator at X-2651 or 2098 to sign up.

View a list of volunteer opportunities.

Residential Experience and Housing - Programming Pillar of Service

As community is at the forefront of our residential experience, Residential Experience and Housing has developed a programming model unique to SUNY Oneonta, the Programming Pillars. The structure of this model is designed to encompass a holistic approach to residential education and enhance community development. Resident Advisors (RAs) present one large-scale program per month, per residence hall. Each residence hall staff chooses one of the Programming Pillars (Life Skills, Health and Wellness, Multiculturalism and Inclusion, Service, and Elective) around which to design their program.

During the month of April, each residence hall staff program is focused on the Pillar of Service. The service pillar is a powerful platform for student staff and residents to participate in a common shared experience of giving back to our community. Service learning promotes better self and social awareness, social responsibility, community and social justice and the acquisition of 21st century skills. We program around the theme of Keep It Local to encourage the residential students to give back to their greater Oneonta or Otsego County community. Some examples of past Service programs include: garbage clean-up of the streets surrounding campus, fundraising and collection of non-perishable food for The Lord's Table and Saturday's Bread, creating thank you cards and delivering them to the Veterans Club, participation in CANstruction and Into the Streets (sponsored by the CSRC), collecting old t-shirts, creating dog toys and delivering them to local animal shelters, and many more. Throughout each of these programs, we strive to keep residents actively engaged in the learning and giving process.

4. Student Community

Students should make memories that last a lifetime in college. We are dedicated to this idea, not in spite of our scholarly mission, but as a complement to it. Boredom and learning simply are not compatible. This may be our strongest argument for the nearly 100 clubs and organizations on our campus, for the hundreds of hours of entertainment, athletic events and social programming that go on every semester, and for giving our Student Association, created "by the students and to serve the students," an annual budget of over $1 million.

Please visit the website for information about on-campus living, clubs and organizations, Greek Life, Athletics, career development and Dining Services.

Residential Experience and Housing

SUNY Oneonta's residential life community is very active, with all kinds of ways to get involved from joining hall government or working as a resident advisor, to attending one of the many social and educational events offered throughout the year.

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