Mar 28, 2024  
2005-2006 University Catalog 
    
2005-2006 University Catalog [Archived Catalogue]

Student Services


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R. Alan Leffers

aleffers@uarts.edu
Dean of Students
Gershman Hall
401 South Broad Street, Room 309
215-717-6617

Led by the Dean of Students, the Student Services Division is committed to supporting the intellectual and personal growth of student artists through its many programs. Student Services strives to provide a healthy campus experience for students that fosters a sense of community and celebrates civility, support, and respect. The Division delivers fundamental daily services while fostering opportunities for students to develop the interpersonal, leadership, professional, and communication skills they will need to become successful artists. A full description of Student Services programs is available in the Student Handbook.


Academic Support Services

Anita Lam, Director
1500 Pine Street, Room 102
215-875-2262

The University of the Arts makes academic support programs available to all students as a supplement to their classroom instruction. Tutors help students develop skills in classroom strategies, study habits, and all subject areas. The office also provides comprehensive services for international students and for students deemed eligible for the Academic Achievement Program upon admission.

 

Career Services

Elisa Seeherman, Director
Gershman Hall. Rm. 309
215-717-6075

The University of the Arts provides a comprehensive program for students as they develop plans for their career in the arts. Services include career counseling, resume writing, interview skills development, and job search skills. The office also coordinates listings and programs for internships, part-time, summer and full-time jobs.

 

Counseling Services

Brian Hainstock, Director
Gershman Hall, Rm. 308
215-717-6614

The Counseling Center at UArts provides individualized personal counseling and referrals to other professionals. Counseling Services encourages students who were receiving treatment prior to their arrival in Philadelphia to establish a relationship with a counselor on or near campus to provide a more immediate level of care and help monitor symptoms and medications. All counseling conversations and records are confidential except in cases of emergency.

 

Disability Services

Neila Douglas, Director
Gershman Hall, Rm. 309
215-717-6616

The University of the Arts is committed to providing equal educational opportunities and full participation for students with disabilities. Students who would like to access services must self-identify and provide appropriate verification of their disability showing that it currently substantially limits a major life activity. The University determines eligibility for appropriate and reasonable accommodations of either an academic or personal nature on an individual basis. The University of the Arts follows the documentation guidelines established by the Educational Testing Service.

 

Health Services

Anne Whitehead, Director
Anderson Hall, Mezzanine and Terra, Rm. 401
215-717-6230

The University’s Health Services office is open Monday through Friday and staffed with a registered nurse. The office renders first aid, treats minor illnesses, provides wellness/disease prevention counseling and refers students to other professionals within the area. Jefferson Family Medicine Associates (JFMA) provides medical services free of charge for students with a referral from Health Services. Besides treating acute and chronic illnesses, JFMA also provides services for drug abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, birth control and mental health. Students will be charged for specialists, X-rays, laboratory work, ambulance service and emergency room visits; therefore, students are required to have adequate health insurance to cover an unforeseen illness or accident.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires that all colleges and universities screen first-time students for immunizations. Therefore, entering students must schedule a physical exam, have a physician fill out and sign the University of the Arts Health Information Form, and return it to Health Services. Students are also required by Pennsylvania law to fill out the Meningitis Waiver Form. The University is not able to allow students to complete registration, move into University housing or attend classes without proper health information filed with Health Services.

In the event of an emergency after office hours, JFMA physicians are on call and may be reached at 215-955-7190. JFMA is located at 9th and Chestnut Streets.

 

International Student Services

In an effort to meet the special needs of the international student, the University has developed a network of University personnel and offices to provide specialized services to students from abroad. These services are provided through the Office of Admission, the International Student Advisor, the Director of Residential Life, and the Dean of Students.

The University has designated one member of the professional staff as the International Student Advisor. In addition to serving as liaison for students from abroad, the International Student Advisor will assist the student in securing necessary services provided through the support areas of the University. Special programs designed to help international students include the following: ESL tutorial assistance for undergraduates, Immigration Service advisement, and Orientation.

Students interested in participating in the Residential Life program should contact the Office of Residential Life directly, as do all other 284 The University of the Arts Undergraduate and Graduate Course Catalog 2005/2006 entering students. While there is no distinct residential program for students from abroad, special efforts are made by the Office of Residential Life to consider the needs of the international student.

Likewise, the University Health Service, while meeting the needs of all enrolled students, also considers the support needs of international students. All international students should take special note of the University’s requirement that they maintain or secure appropriate medical insurance coverage, either through their family or through the medical insurance plan offered through the University.

All F-1 students are responsible for obtaining immigration information and following all the regulations in order to maintain status. Page 2 of the I-20 explains many of the obligations of an F-1 student.

When in need of assistance, students are advised to contact either the International Student Advisor, Anita Lam, at 1500 Pine Street, Room 102, 215-875-2262, alam@uarts.edu, or the Office of the Dean of Student Services at 215-717-6675.

 

Residential Life

Glenn Smith, Director
1500 Pine, Rm. 100
215-717-5425 or 215-875-2214

The Office of Residential Life oversees the University’s four residential communities: Furness Hall, 1500 Pine Street, 1228 Spruce Street and 311 Juniper Street. Resident Assistants (RAs) assist full-time Area Coordinators in supervising residential students and providing programs to enhance their experience. RAs are trained in peer advising, crisis intervention and mentoring students in their adjustment to college and life in the city.

Almost all student residences feature separate kitchens within each apartment. Students prepare their own meals according to their individual schedules and dietary preferences.

Housing for new students is guaranteed if the housing deposit is received by May 15. Returning student housing is not guaranteed and is allocated through a lottery system implemented in the spring prior to the next academic year.

 

Meals

Almost all student residences feature separate kitchens within each apartment. Students prepare their own meals according to their individual schedules and dietary preferences. In addition, the University maintains a café that serves breakfast and lunch, and has an optional meal plan. Snack and beverage vending machines are accessible at all times.

 

Student Activities

Gershman Hall, Rm. 313
215-717-6615

The Office of Student Activities sponsors a variety of programs to complement the academic and social life of UArts students. Annual events include a Fall Carnival, UArts Late Night Skate, Grocery Bingo and Open Mic nights. The office works closely with the variety of student organizations focused on the many interests of UArts students and advises the UArts Student Council. Student Activities is also responsible for New Student Orientation, held each August and January for entering students.

 

Student Code of Conduct

The University’s regulations governing student conduct safeguard the academic values and common welfare of the student body and promote the best possible environment for study, and the personal and professional development of artists. Membership in the University community is regarded as a privilege, and the student is expected to exercise self discipline and good judgment at all times. By registering, the student acknowledges the University’s authority to define and enforce standards of acceptable conduct. Adjudication of alleged student misconduct is the responsibility of the Office of the Dean of Students and is addressed in either administrative or committee hearings. The Campus Standards Committee, representing the student body, faculty, and administration, serves in an advisory capacity to the Dean. Decisions rendered by a University judicial body are subject to appeal.

Sanctions for violation of the Student Code of conduct range from verbal warning up to and including suspension, dismissal or expulsion. University policy also provides that a student may be required to withdraw from the University for psychological and/or health reasons due to circumstances deemed by the Dean of Students to be disruptive to the University.

Prohibited behavior at the University of the Arts includes, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Academic dishonesty or misconduct including, but not limited to, cheating and plagiarism;
  2. Non-academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to, theft, attempted theft, possession of stolen property, forgery, and falsification of information provided to any University official;
  3. Conduct that threatens the physical or psychological health and/or safety of any person (including the person committing the act) or the sanctity of the campus, including, but not limited to physical or sexual assault;
  4. Damage to public, private, personal or University property;
  5. Violation of policies as described in the Student Handbook and the University Catalog and all other rules governing University facilities, programs and services;
  6. Intentional obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, other University activities or activities authorized to take place on University property;
  7. Disorderly conduct including acts that breach the peace;
  8. Non-compliance with the directions of University, local, state or federal officials performing official duties, including failure to give proper identification when requested;
  9. Violation of a student’s rights or privileges and verbal or written harassment, discrimination, abuse and/or disrespect of any person; and
  10. Violation of the statutes, laws, ordinances and/or regulations of the City of Philadelphia, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (or other states, when applicable) and the United States of America.

A more complete explanation of the University’s judicial process, student rights and responsibilities, and behavior specifically prohibited can be found in the Student Handbook.