Student Development and Support

Shawnee State University’s philosophy holds that there is more to learning than academics. Besides attending classes, every student has the opportunity to participate in recreational or athletic activities, which at Shawnee State are intercollegiate, intramural, or individual in nature. You may review the annual report disclosing ‘‘Equity in Athletics,’’ which is available in the athletic office and the office of the vice president for student affairs.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Intercollegiate athletics at Shawnee State University promotes the education and development of student athletes through athletic participation. The athletic department shares the University’s commitment to high standards and embraces the concept of the student athlete. Educational development is the central focus of the department.

We believe that a learning experience is not confined to the classroom or laboratory, but is a combination of your total college experience. That’s why our athletic program is viewed as a cocurricular activity and, as such, is considered an educational experience. Students are involved in our athletic programs as student athletes, student assistant coaches, statisticians, trainers, managers, cheerleaders, and ushers. The goal of the Shawnee State Athletic Department is to insure that the intercollegiate athletic experience is one from which our students can learn and grow.

Athletic policies at Shawnee State conform to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Currently, Shawnee State fields teams in men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, and soccer; men’s golf and baseball; and women’s volleyball, softball, and tennis. The University’s intercollegiate athletic teams are affiliated with the American Mideast Conference (AMC).

Intramural Sports

Competitive sports and recreational activities are a desirable part of your educational program. Through participation, you develop an appreciation of the worthy use of leisure time and a wholesome attitude toward physical activity.

The Intramural Department conducts activities of interest to the men and women of Shawnee State University. The department’s goal is to provide an opportunity for every individual to participate in some activity of his or her own choosing. Intramural activities are organized on a team and individual basis so that everyone can participate. Ability is not the issue; the only requirement is a desire to participate.

The Shawnee State University Bookstore operates on a self-serve basis for the convenience of students, faculty, staff, and the public at large. The Bookstore provides the textbooks and supplies necessary to complete required coursework and also makes available items such as calculators, computer supplies, swimming and racquetball equipment, art and drafting supplies, gift items, and a wide selection of imprinted campus wear.

The Center for Community Service is located in the Student Success Center on the first floor of Massie Hall. The Center focuses on directing students to a wide variety of community service and volunteer opportunities. Community service events can either be on or off campus and assist in improving the community.

The Dr. Miller & Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center at Shawnee State University (CLC) is an NAEYC accredited preschool operated in conjunction with Shawnee State University. The director and members of the CLC staff serve as adjunct faculty for the Department of Teacher Education. Preschool teachers hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with expertise in the field of early childhood education, and teacher assistants are enrolled as full-time students in teacher education licensure programs.

The Center serves both the University and local community.

Academic Support The CLC is an important resource for SSU students enrolled in two-year and four-year early childhood programs. Pre-service teachers observe and interact with children as part of their required coursework. Clinical work may consist of field experiences, practicums, or internships in a specified area of study.

A Community Resource As a model early childhood site, the CLC may be the only point of contact for individuals not associated with Shawnee State University. It is for this reason that the CLC strives to provide positive and effective communication between the University and the surrounding community.

Program Options and Fees

The CLC offers three full-day preschool/prekindergarten classes for 3-5 year olds. The calendar follows SSU’s academic calendar, including summer sessions and university breaks to meet the needs of enrolled children and working families. The CLC offers extended child care hours for enrolled children at a family rate of $5.00 for morning (7:00 – 9:00 a.m.) or afternoon (3:00 – 5:00 p.m.). As a full-day preschool program (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) children attend two to five days a week at the following rates:

SSU Staff/Alumni $24.00
Community $26.00

Fee adjustments apply based on Job and Family Services and/or Pell Grant eligibility (for SSU students).

For More Information

Cynthia Ferguson, M.Ed., Director
Carol Sexton, Secretary

Children’s Learning Center
Shawnee State University
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662-4344

Phone: 740.351.3252
Fax: 740.351.3184
E-mail: cferguson@shawnee.edu

The University provides a variety of counseling services through the different offices of Student Affairs. Placement, financial aid, veteran’s, educational, personal, and vocational counseling are available to you free of charge.

Counseling and Psychological Services

The Office of Counseling and Psychological Services provides a broad range of services to the students of Shawnee State University. Services are offered by licensed clinical counselors in a confidential setting. The focus of the services are developmental, remedial, and preventative in nature. Services are available to any student of the university community, whether they be full-time or part-time, and they are free of charge.

Students may be experiencing a personal problem, which they may wish to discuss with a counselor. The situation need not be desperate or overwhelming. However, understanding a situation before it becomes a crisis often prevents the onset of more serious difficulties. Initially, the student and the counselor work together to assess the situation, develop a better understanding of why it is occurring, discuss alternatives to rectify the situation and then decide how best to proceed. Occasionally, only one consultative session is necessary. Most often, the student will see the counselor on an on-going basis for several sessions.

Students who seek services present a range of issues and concerns. Some of the most common are:

• Feelings of anxiety or depression
• Stress from academic or personal issues
• Misuse of alcohol or drugs
• Problems with food and eating
• Relationship troubles with family, friends, or significant others
• Difficulties managing time effectively
• Anxiety when taking tests

A full range of services is provided to address these or any other concerns that a student may be experiencing. These include:

• Assessment and evaluation
• Crisis intervention
• Individual and group counseling
• Marital/couple counseling
• Biofeedback therapy
• Relaxation/stress management training
• Consultation
• Substance abuse education/counseling
• Safe sex counseling
• HIV/AIDS testing/counseling
• Skills development workshops
• Education/prevention programs
• ACT Residual Testing
• Referral services

Regardless of the issue, help is available from qualified, concerned counselors. Often, finding a way to talk about and effectively deal with these issues can make a difference.

Counseling and Psychological Services, located on the second floor of the University Center, is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 740.351.3213, but every attempt will be made to accommodate students on a walk-in basis. All services are free to Shawnee State students.

Career Services

The Office of Career Services is designed to serve your career planning and job placement needs. You are invited to meet with a career counselor to explore various career options or you may use Self- Directed Search (a career assessment tool) or Discover (an online career guidance program). Both are provided to students free of charge by the Office of Career Services. In addition, the career lab houses many career planning publications, videos, and directories, which students are welcome to use.

As graduation approaches, you are encouraged to take advantage of the job placement services available through the Office of Career Services. Workshops in resume writing, cover letter composition, interviewing skills, and job search strategies prepare you for the job search process.

The Office of Career Services maintains a web page that lists selected job opportunities and is updated regularly. In addition, the annual Career Expos bring employers to campus for the purpose of meeting and interviewing students nearing graduation. Representatives from business, industry, education, health care, and social service agencies regularly attend the Career Expos. Employers also come to campus at other times throughout the year to conduct on-campus interviews.

While you are attending college, the office can assist you in securing on-campus or off-campus part-time employment. Following graduation, the office provides alumni services to accommodate your changing job placement needs.

The office is located on the second floor of the University Center and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office may be reached by calling 740.351.3213 or via fax at 740.351.3551. If you are interested in viewing our web page, please point your browser to www.shawnee.edu and click on Career Services.

Student Support Services

Student Support Services, funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, offers a variety of assistance to qualified Shawnee State students. To qualify for the program, students must meet income guidelines, be a first generation college student, or have a documented physical or learning disability.

Completion of an application form and a personal interview with program staff are required. After students are accepted into the program, the following services are available:

• Professional tutoring in math, English, and science
• Career counseling
• Personal counseling
• Cultural experiences
• Peer tutoring and mentoring
• Loaner calculators, tape recorders, flash drives, and laptops
• Computer lab

Student Support Services is located in the TRIO Center on the first floor of the Administration Building. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Evening appointments are also available upon request. Please call 740.351.4SSS (4777) for further information.

The University provides an on-campus student health clinic for the treatment of minor illnesses or injuries.

The health clinic is staffed with professional medical personnel to assist and treat medical concerns and, if necessary, make referrals to local agencies or the Southern Ohio Medical Center for major illnesses.

Specific information about the health clinic can be found in the student handbook.

University Housing Policy

Shawnee State University is committed to the particular educational value that is provided by a residential campus community. The residential setting offers you an unparalleled opportunity to gain from the social interactions and other life experiences that characterize on-campus housing and dining.

As a condition of admission and continued enrollment, all freshmen students in their first year of attendance are required to live in university housing, to the extent that space is available, and to take their meals in dining facilities as provided in meal plans approved by the University. Exceptions to this policy include married students, single parents, veterans, students over the age of 23, transfer students, students living with their parents, and other extraordinary circumstances as determined by the vice president for student affairs.

Research has shown that maturation compatibility among students is a significant factor in the normal operation of housing and a major determinant of student success and retention. Student housing complements that experience when the age range difference of students in a housing unit does not exceed ten years. Thus, housing applicants beyond the typical age range of 17-23 years need to demonstrate extenuating circumstances and receive approval from the director of student activities to live in university housing.

Housing and dining contracts are drawn for an academic year, or a remainder of a year. Housing and dining rates are established by the Board of Trustees.

Nonexempt first-year students not residing on campus are considered in violation of this policy and may have their records placed on hold with the University, thus preventing future registration.

Living on Campus

The residence life experience is one you will remember for a lifetime, with lasting friendships, opportunities for involvement, and the chance to learn while living with others. Whether you are required to live on campus, or are simply looking at on-campus housing as an option, you will find that our convenience, service, security, and comfort make University Housing a great place to live!

Our apartments offer students an independent living style with residence life staff there to assure maximum safety and service. All of our apartment complexes are within minutes of any university building. Each apartment is furnished, and you will find many luxuries you would not expect in on-campus housing.

Throughout the year, staff offer many events for resident involvement. Previously, the activities have included such things as sand volleyball tournaments, dances, time management seminars, and alcohol education. We try to provide opportunities for students to socialize and take a look at the issues that face them.

On-Campus Dining

The Bears’ Den cafeteria offers Shawnee State students the opportunity to have fresh, nutritionally sound meals in a community atmosphere. Our dining service features an appetizing menu that changes from day to day, a salad bar, a sub bar, and the ever-popular grill items, such as hamburgers, pizza, and fries, which are available every day.

For information on menu choices, visit our web page at http://www.shawnee.edu/off/fs/html/Index or call our dining hotline at 740.351.3150.

Shawnee State University offers meal plans to our housing students as well as those students who are commuting. For more information about food service, please contact the dining services manager at 740.351.3617.

Housing and Residence Life Information

Applications and contracts are issued for a two semester academic year or the remainder of the academic year in which the student applies.

For further information, contact the Office of Student Activities and Auxiliaries at:

Shawnee State University
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662-4344
740.351.3217

The Office of Student Activities and Auxiliaries prepares students for their post-collegiate experience by encouraging responsibility, teaching critical thinking skills, and providing opportunities for personal and social development. In addition, the Office provides facilities and services to on- and off-campus constituencies in an effort to build community on campus and within the surrounding areas. Ultimately, the Office provides an environment that fosters our students’ social, cultural, and educational experiences.

Shawnee State University is dedicated to the principle that many valuable experiences should be provided for college students outside the academic area. The Office of Student Activities encourages you to share your ideas—and then, to help develop the programs that enrich the lives of Shawnee State’s students.

Student activities are a good way for you to meet new friends, develop new interests and skills, and participate in valuable leadership experiences.

Many clubs and organizations are sponsored by the office, including the Student Government Association, the Student Programming Board, and Greek organizations. If you would like information about an existing club or organization or if you’re interested in starting a new activity, please contact the staff in the Office of Student Activities.

University Center

Shawnee State’s University Center was dedicated in the spring of 1992 and is the hub of cocurricular activities at the University and a home away from home for our students. A variety of functions and services are provided at the center.

Staff at the Welcome Center in the main lobby offer a list of campus activities; guide guests and students to their destinations; sell snacks, sandwiches, and salads; provide a list of campus clubs and organizations; and in general, assist you with any problem you may encounter.

Dining facilities for the University are located in the University Center. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, as well as a wide variety of a la carte items. A main dining area is provided for the convenience of diners. The Bears’ Den Cafeteria is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday; and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. A banquet room/study room, located on the second floor, is used for workshops, conferences, meetings, and any activity where food is served.

Two student lounges are provided for relaxing or studying. The Micklethwaite Lounge, on the first floor, is warmed by a copper-clad fireplace. The second floor Baxter Lounge has a disklavier player piano and a TV room and is located near the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall and two conference rooms.

A game room on the first floor has table tennis and pool tables, board games, cards, video games, a big screen plasma TV, and student mailboxes. Also, videos and athletic equipment can be checked out by currently enrolled students with valid IDs.

Offices for Student Activities and Auxiliaries, Housing, Student Government Association, Student Programming Board, Greek Council, Residence Life Council, and other clubs and organizations are located on the first floor. The Offices of the Vice President for  student Affairs, the Registrar, Financial Aid, Career and Placement Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Bursar are located on the second floor.

The building also has ATM and postage stamp machines for the convenience of students and staff.

The University Center’s hours of operation during the academic term are as follows:

Hours during university breaks vary and are posted on the front door.

The University Chronicle—Shawnee State University’s official student newspaper—is packed full of news about the things that matter to SSU students, faculty, and staff. The Chronicle also provides a great means through which students who are interested in journalism and/or communications- related careers can build a solid portfolio that will help them find jobs in the future.

The University Chronicle is always looking for reporters, photographers, advertising sales reps, and layout/design personnel. Some positions are paid, while others receive college credit. If you are interested in becoming a part of the University Chronicle, please contact Terry Hapney, M.A.J., faculty advisor, at 740.351.3112, or via e-mail at thapney@shawnee.edu.

The Shawnee State University Alumni Association is an ever-growing network of over 10,000 graduates of Shawnee State University and its predecessor institutions. The Alumni Association’s main purposes include:

• To serve as a liaison organization between the University and the alumni
• To cultivate financial support for the University from alumni and other constituent groups
• To publish and present appropriate material about and from the University of interest to Shawnee State alumni and the community at large
• To coordinate and implement appropriate services, events, and activities
• To encourage future attendance at Shawnee State
• To assist in career exploration opportunities

Join the SSU Alumni Association

Shawnee State University hopes, upon graduation from the University, you will stay in touch to keep us updated on what’s going on in your life. We also hope you will become an active member of the SSU Alumni Association. For more information on how to become a member, please contact us.

Honors and Awards

The Shawnee State Alumni Association presents three awards each year to deserving recipients:

• The Alumnus of Tomorrow Award is given each academic year to a graduating student (from that academic year) who has displayed commitment to his or her individual endeavors—academic, social, and personal—and who shows great promise toward his or her future endeavors. The award is given at the annual Evening of Honors in May.
• The Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented to an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated outstanding performance in his or her profession and has made outstanding contributions to his or her community. This is the highest honor presented by the Alumni Association and is awarded during Alumni Weekend activities.
• The Alumni Service Award is presented to an alumnus or alumna in recognition of his or her outstanding volunteer service and contributions to Shawnee State and/or the Alumni Association. It is awarded during Alumni Weekend activities.

If you would like to nominate someone for any of these awards, please contact the Alumni Association.

Contact the Alumni Association

Angela Henderson, M.A.J., Assistant Director, Development/Alumni Affairs

Shawnee State University Administration Building, Ground Floor, Room 001
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

Phone: 740.351.3025
Fax: 740.351.3198
E-mail: alumni@shawnee.edu