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 a process of self-assessment, career exploration, career decision-making, and implementation lasting throughout the duration of your role as a student. Whether you are just starting to ask questions about majors or careers, or whether you have a clear goal and simply need assistance reaching it, the Student Career Development staff can help pave your way to success!

The Student Career Development staff assist current students and alumni in the following areas:

• Career and Major Exploration
• Skills and Personality Indicator Assessment Tools
• Career Skill Building (e.g. interviewing, networking, dining etiquette, et cetera)
• Internship, Job and/or Graduate School Search
• Resume and Cover Letter Development
• Interview Practice

The office is located in the Administration Building in room 036 and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am. to 5:00 pm. Accommodations can be made for students who may not have availability during business hours. Contact the office by calling 740.351.3027, email Careers@shawnee.edu or via fax at 740.351.3643.  For more information visit our website at www.shawnee.edu/offices/career-development/.  

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
• Consultation
• Substance abuse education/counseling
• Safe sex counseling
• HIV/AIDS testing/counseling
• Skills development workshops
• Education/prevention programs
• Referral services
• Psychiatric services
• On-Line Mental Health Self-Assessments, e-Check-Up to Go (e-CHUG and e-TOKE

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.

Dean of Students Office

Dean of Students Contact Information

740-351-3262

The Student Conduct Code can be found on the Dean of Students’ webpage.

The Dean of Students office provides assistance with many areas of the university community. The Dean of Students office has an open door policy, assisting with any issues which a student may have whether it be asking a question, or directing a student to the appropriate office for their needs.  The Dean of Students office aims to provide a friendly and kind atmosphere for all students.  The Dean of Students office assists with numerous issues involving students, but not limited to the following:

• Academic faculty and student issues
• Off-campus issues involving students
• Area to discuss complaints, and offer direction in problem solving
• Excused Absences for students
• House judicial, health & safety, and misconduct files
• Misconduct issues for on and off campus
• Filing reports or complaints in regard to misconduct, harassment, or intimidation
• Event planning for Safety Week, Orientation, Emerging Leaders, AHANA
• Student Holds pertaining to Student Affairs, My Student Body, E-Chug and E-Toke
• Student Code of Conduct (Refer to the Dean of Students’ webpage)
• Felon applicant judicial reviews
• Felon check-in and informational updates each semester
• Non-Academic discharges from previous universities, check-in and follow-up.

Event & Conference Services

The goal of the Office of Event & Conference Services at Shawnee State University is to provide our guests with an environment of excellence through unique and affordable event solutions.  Quality customer service is achieved through attention to detail, professionalism and high standards in accordance with the needs of our clients and the mission of the university.

Online Classes – Non-Credit

Online courses provide flexibility in scheduling and location.  All you need is access to the Internet.  Courses are designed for the student’s personal enrichment and professional development.  All courses are accessed through www.ed2go.com/shawnee.

Your Health is Important!

We at Shawnee State know how important good health is to a successful education and career.  The Health Clinic at SSU is designed to help you maintain good health; to provide treatment for minor injuries and illnesses; and to help you lay a strong foundation for the future.

Using the Clinic

Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.  The Clinic is open to all SSU students enrolled for at least 1 credit hour during the current semester and all faculty and staff members.

Free Services Provided for Students:

• Emergency, first aid, including treatment of minor injuries and basic suturing
• Minor excisions, incisions and drainage
• Blood pressure checks
• Routine physical examination
• STD checks (does not include off-site laboratory testing)
• Pap Smears (does not include off-site laboratory testing)
• Tobacco cessation and counseling, referral to tobacco-support group
• Medication review and management
• Headaches and other routine ailments

Additional Services & Fees:

• Certain types of immunizations (/offices/counseling-and-health-services/health-clinic/immunization-pricing.aspx)
• Laboratory testing (/offices/counseling-and-health-services/health–clinic/laboratory-pricing.aspx)
• Allergy injections (/offices/counseling-and-health-services/health-clinic/media/KDMCInjectionForm.pdf)

Services for Faculty & Staff:

Faculty and administrative/ATSS staff may utilize the University Health Clinic as needed for the payment of $20 per visit.  These payments will be processed through payroll deduction, and employees will be required to complete a payroll deduction authorization form at the time the services are rendered.

Below is a list of services that will be excluded from the $20 fee:

• Referral for hearing and vision screenings to off-campus resources
• Blood pressure screenings and weight checks
• Pap Smears
• Breastfeeding/pumping support
• Contraceptives
• Health education and outreach
• Nutritional information/advising
• Routine immunizations (measles/mumps/rubella, tetanus, flu shots, Hepatitis A/B)
• Confidential HIV testing and testing for sexually transmitted diseases
• Tobacco cessation - information, materials, over-the-counter supplies
• Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs) - information and referral

Employees participating in a medical Flexible Spending Account may request reimbursement of these fees using this form: AmeriFlex FSA Claim Form (/offices/counseling-and-health-services/health-clinic/media/ameriflex-fsa-claim-form.pdf) 

For a quick reference guide of what expenses are eligible for reimbursement: FSA Eligible Expenses (/offices/counseling-and-health-services/health-clinic/media/fsa-eligible-expenses.pdf)

Other charges may be assessed by the health clinic depending upon the services provided.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I take advantage of the services?

Just report to the clinic during regular hours.  You will need to provide registration information (name, address, medical history, chief complaint) and present your student ID.  Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.  Life-threatening emergencies are cared for first.

Can I get allergy injections/medications through the Clinic?

You may have these services at the Clinic if your family doctor has previously evaluated you for allergies, and you are currently undergoing treatment.  You will need to provide a prescription from your family physician.  Please bring your vial(s) of antigens and instructions on your first visit if you receive allergy injections.  We will store these for you and provide the injections according to the physician’s directions.

What if I need care above what is available at the Clinic?

We will refer you to the appropriate resource, depending upon the need.  This may include a referral to King’s Daughters Urgent Care Center, a specialist or family doctor at King’s Daughters Medical Center Ohio.  Please let us know if you have another preference, and we will accommodate your request.

KDMC Urgent Care is open 24/7/365, and is located on the hospital campus at 2001 Scioto Trail, Portsmouth, OH.  More information about the hospital and the urgent care can be found online at kdmcohio.com

What should I do if I need help and the Clinic is closed?

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you feel your life is in danger or you are at risk of serious bodily harm.  Call your family physician or go to King’s Daughters Urgent Care if the situation is urgent.

Are there charges for services through the Clinic?

Clinic visits and some medicines are provided at no charge to students.  There are charges for those tests that are sent to an outside laboratory.

Payment is expected at the time of service.  We do accept many insurance plans, cash, credit cards and checks.

Are the records of treatment I receive at the Clinic accessible to my family doctor back home?

Yes, per medical records request. 

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 and residence life (or designee) 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. 2014-2015 rates for each residence facility on campus are listed below.

On-Campus Dining

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 newer 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 - 6:30pm on Friday. Weekend hours are 11:00am - 6:00pm.

For information on menu choices, visit our web page at http://www.ssudining.com/ 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 Housing & Residence Life at:

Shawnee State University
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662-4344
740.351.3222 OR 740.351.3549

Email: housing2@shawnee.edu

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

Multicultural 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.

The Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs and Student life 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.

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.

Greek Life

Becoming a member of the Greek community at SSU will provide a number of experiences that will not only help prepare you for a career, but also for life. Fraternity and Sorority Life is about being a part of a value system where students strive for similar goals and share the same principles and values. A combination of academics, social life, campus involvement, and friendship can make your college experience valuable and rewarding. 

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. 

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!  For more information, email nkarabinis@shawnee.edu.

Campus-Wide Service Events

Student Life sponsor exciting, service-oriented events for students that take place throughout the academic year.  For 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, email studentlife@shawnee.edu.

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 Residence Life, Event & Conference Services, Multicultural  Inclusion, Student Engagement & Leadership, Student Government Association, Student Programming Board, Greek Life, Counseling and Health 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 15,000 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 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

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.