Student Development and Support

Shawnee State University’s philosophy holds that there are opportunities for educational growth outside of the classroom. Shawnee State sponsors thirteen intercollegiate athletic sports. In addition, all SSU students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of intramural activities.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Shawnee State University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA Division I) and the Mid-South Conference (MSC). As a NAIA Institution we promote the Champions of Character initiative; representing the five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Currently, Shawnee State fields thirteen varsity teams: men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, track and soccer; men’s golf and baseball; and women’s volleyball, softball, and tennis. The athletic department strives to promote educational opportunities for qualified student-athletes in the field of competition.

 Intramural Sports

Competitive experiences and recreational activities are a desirable part of one’s educational program. Participation allows development and appreciation of leisure time and a wholesome attitude towards physical activity.

The Intramural Department strives to provide activities of interest to the students 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 or individual basis so that everyone can participate. Ability is not the issue; the only requirement is a desire to participate. The goal of intramurals is to enhance campus activities by creating a competitive and fun environment which students can participate with or against their classmates.

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.

Career Development is designed to serve your career planning and job readiness needs. You are invited to meet with a career counselor to explore career options or you may use several career assessment tools and on-line career guidance programs. They are provided to students free of charge by Career Development.

When entering the university as a first time student you are encouraged to utilize our many career development services and activities to prepare you for an appropriate academic program leading you to a successful career choice.  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 career 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. Contact the office by calling 740.351.3572 or via fax at 740.351.3643.  For more information visit our website at www.shawnee.edu/off/career-development/index.html.

The Center for Community Service is Shawnee State University’s clearinghouse for community service and civic engagement opportunities.  The Center for Community Service strives to:

• Facilitate student participation on campus and community engagement
• Strengthen community partnerships through active participation and reciprocity
• Support campus partnerships that promote lifelong civic engagement

The following are the programs sponsored by the Center for Community Service:

Alternative Break Trips

Shawnee State University’s Alternative Break Trip Program immerses students in a service experience in domestic communities, and are led and created by students and one staff advisor.  The Alternative Break Trips experience involves direct service to a community, purposeful reflection, relationship building with other students, and FUN!

Campus Wide Service Events

CCS sponsors exciting, service-oriented events for students that take place throughout the academic year.  For an example, join us for 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance in September, or participate in our MLK Day of Service in February.  For a complete list of service days, e-mail Nikki Karabinis at nkarabinis@shawnee.edu.

IMPACT Team

The IMPACT Team consists of student leaders who are committed to making community service experiences more meaningful for involved students.  Team members coordinate and promote CCS sponsored projects and events, facilitate presentations, reflection sessions, and social awareness activities.

Midwestern Campus Compact Citizen Fellow AmeriCorps Scholars (M3C)

The M3C program is a service scholarship program in which students complete 300 hours of community service for a $1,100 education award.

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 740.351.3549 or e-mail Nikki Karabinis (nkarabinis@shawneee.edu).

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 two preschool/prekindergarten classes for 3-5 year olds and one toddler class for 2-3 year olds.. The calendar follows SSU’s academic calendar, including a summer session 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 Students/Staff/Alumni $25.00 per day for Preschool and $35.00 per day for Toddler.
Community $27.00 per day for Preschool and $37.00 per day for Toddler.

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

For More Information

Beth Rice, 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: brice@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 post high school 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, depression, or anger
• Stress from academic or personal issues
• Misuse of alcohol or drugs
• Problems with food and eating
• Relationship troubles with family, friends, roommates,  or significant others
• Anxiety when taking tests
• Bereavement and grief
• Coping with traumatic events
• Victimization
• Thoughts of harm to self or others
• Adjustment issues

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
• Relationship counseling
• Relaxation/stress management training
• Veteran’s Services
• Consultation
• Substance abuse education/counseling
• Safe sex counseling
• HIV/AIDS testing/counseling
• Skills development workshops
• Education/prevention programs
• Referral services
• On-Line Mental Health Self-Assessments, e-Check-Up to Go (e-CHUG and e-TOKE) and My Student Body 

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 - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and evenings by appointment. You are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 740.351.3608, but every attempt will be made to accommodate students on a walk-in basis. For additional information, please visit our website at www.shawnee.edu/off/cps/index.html

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 housing to live in university facilities.

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.

Non-exempt 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, the staff offers 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.

Shawnee State University provides apartment-style residence halls within walking distance of all campus facilities. Students living on campus have access to a full service, buffet-style cafeteria in the University Center. 2013-2014 rates for each residence facility on campus are listed below.

On-Campus Dining

The Fall of 2009 featured the grand opening of new, state-of-the-art dining facilities. Located on the first floor of the University Center, the Bears’ Den provides SSU students the opportunity to have fresh, trendy, nutritionally sound meals in a community atmosphere. Our dining service features an appetizing menu that changes from day to day.

One of the new features in the Bears’ Den is our stone pizza oven which features 2 favorites and 1 specialty pizza daily. There is also a 38 item salad bar with all of your favorite toppings and a deli station where you can have your sub toasted to perfection. The new Den features a grill station where charbroiled hamburgers and warm crispy fries are freshly prepared. For those days when it is chilly outside or you’re just in the mood, we have a soup and bread station with 2 soup choices and a variety of fresh homemade breads. The hot entree line offers students a selection of home cooked delights, along with a rotisserie oven and carving station. Still hungry? Check out the expedition station where one of our culinary experts will prepare your dish as you watch.

The Bear’s Den is open from 7:30am - 7:00pm Monday through Thursday and 7:30am - 6:00pm on Friday. Weekend hours are 11:00am - 6:00pm.

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  Housing Office at:

Shawnee State University
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662-4344
740.351.3222

Multicultural Student Affairs

The office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) addresses the issues of diversity and leadership and also encourages awareness and respect for other cultures. The MSA office serves as an advocate for underrepresented ethnic minorities and students of color, women, and other student groups by offering educational and social programming aimed at personal development, retention, and the success of Shawnee State University and its students.

MSA is advisor to the African, Hispanic, Asian, Native American (AHANA) student club.

MSA offers guest presentations throughout the academic year in celebration and recognition of various cultural and ethnic anniversaries. The highlight of the year is the annual “Heritage Ceremony,” honoring graduating seniors for their academic success as students and the completion of their studies. The Multicultural Student Affairs office is located in the University Center, Suite 222, Room 222G. Phone number: 740-351-3553.

The Office of Student Engagement & Leadership provides resources needed for students to develop knowledge and skills needed for success in the 21st century. The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership  is committed to encouraging and helping students become involved in campus life through a variety of leadership programs and through student clubs and organizations.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is the first experience incoming students will have as a Shawnee State University student. It is our goal to provide an interactive and educational opportunity for students and their families to feel connected to and supported by the SSU community.

Student Government Association

SGA promotes the intellectual, social, and cultural opportunities available to students by representing the interests and addressing the concerns of the student body and by promoting the diversity of and giving voice to the student body.

Student Programming Board

SPB is an organization formed by students to promote student engagement through special events, entertainment, educational and cultural programming, weekend programming, community service and a movie series.

Commuter Advisors

Commuter Advisors (CAs) are students who work with incoming first-year commuter students by serving as a mentor, planning programs that will aid in their transition to college, and work with the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership to plan, promote, and implement initiatives specifically focused on first-year commuter students.

Emerging Leaders

Emerging Leaders is an interactive program for new students at Shawnee State University. A year long program, Emerging Leaders challenges students to develop their leadership abilities through workshops, presentations, service projects and retreats. The Emerging Leaders program creates an opportunity for first-year students to become actively engaged in the campus community through leadership development, civic engagement and self-discovery. It is through achievement, mentoring and co-curricular involvement that students experience an all-inclusive approach to college life.

Student Organizations

Students who join student organizations make connections on campus and maximize their college experience. Students are encouraged to join an existing or start a new student organization, develop leadership skills and promote their interests while in college. 

Shawnee State’s University Center was dedicated in the spring of 1992 and saw an extensive expansion and renovation  project completed in January 2010. It is the hub of co-curricular activities at the University and a home away from home for our students. A variety of functions and services are provided at the center.

The second floor is home to the following offices: Admissions, Vice President for Student Affairs, Student Business Center (Registrar, Financial Aid, Bursar), Dean of Students, Housing and Auxiliaries, Center for Community Services,  Multicultural  Student Affairs, Residence Life, Student Engagement & Leadership,  Student Government Association, Student Programming Board, Greek Life, Career Development, Counseling and Psychological Services.

The building features several meeting rooms with built-in, state-of-the-art audio visual equipment. The Sodexo Ballroom is the perfect facility for large seminars, dances, formal gatherings (weddings, holiday gatherings, etc.) and other social events.

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.

Jazzman’s Cafe

Located on the first floor of the University Center, Jazzman’s Café and Bakery invites patrons to wake up and smell the fresh brewed selection of coffees or kick back and relax to soothing jazz sounds as you enjoy fresh baked pastries, gourmet salads and hearty sandwich or wraps.

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 Melody Sands, faculty advisor, at 740.351-3349, or via e-mail at msands@shawnee.edu.

The Shawnee State University Alumni Association is an growing network of over 13,000 graduates. The Alumni Association’s mission is to:

• Serve as a liaison organization between alumni and university leadership
• Share campus news with Shawnee State alumni and the community
• Coordinate exclusive alumni benefits, activities, and events
• Support admissions to promote new student enrollment
• Provide alumni networking opportunities for career development
• Cultivate giving and other alumni support for Shawnee State

Join the SSU Alumni Association

Contact the Alumni Association for more info on Alumni Council leadership opportunities, exclusive membership benefits, and a calendar of special events.

Honors and Awards

The Alumni Association Awards are presented annually for outstanding Bear leadership and service:

• The Alumnus of Tomorrow Award is given each academic year to graduating students (from that academic year) who display commitment to their individual endeavors—academic, social, and personal—and who show great promise toward their future endeavors.
• The Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated outstanding performance in their profession and have made outstanding contributions to their community. This is the highest honor presented by the Alumni Association.
• The Alumni Service Award is presented to alumni in recognition of their outstanding volunteer service and contributions to Shawnee State and/or the Alumni Association.

Contact the Alumni Association

Denise Gregory (‘76)
Coordinator, Alumni & Retiree Services
dgregory@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University Alumni Association
Berndt Development Suite
Administration Building Room 015
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

Phone: 740.351.3182
Fax: 740.351.3198
E-mail: alumni@shawnee.edu
Website: http://alumni.shawnee.edu

Veterans Services 

Shawnee State University has a long history of providing education to those who have served in the military. SSU is committed to meeting the needs of an increasing number of veterans enrolling in college.

The most important way to help veterans achieve their educational goals is to address their specialized needs by connecting them to identified services. The Veterans Services Coordinator at Shawnee State will work with the veterans to assess their needs and then coordinate the assistance for them.

The Veterans Services Coordinator also offers orientation programs for veterans, assessment of the specific needs of the veteran, a web site for veterans and families, an information resource library, and oversees the Shawnee Student Veterans Association and referral to other on and off campus services.

The Veterans Services Coordinator is located 2nd Floor of the University Center in Room 205 and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. You are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 740.351.3608, but walk-ins are welcome.