Student Affairs

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Dr. R. Alan Leffers
aleffers@uarts.edu
V.P. of Student Affairs & Dean of Students
Gershman Hall
401 South Broad Street, Room 311
215-717-6617

Dr. Maria de Santis
mdesantis@uarts.edu
Associate Dean of Students
1500 Pine Street, Room 102
215-717-6818

Dr. Greg Nayor
gnayor@uarts.edu
Associate Dean of Students
Gershman Hall
401 South Broad Street, Room 311
215-717-6617

The Division of Student Affairs values and supports the unique, transformative educational experience of the University of the Arts. We advocate for and provide a holistic approach to every student with programs and services that foster their intellectual, physical, social, and emotional well-being.  For a complete list of policies and procedures regarding student affairs, please refer to the student handbook, which can be found online at www.uarts.edu/studenthandbook.  
 
We are committed to the values of integrity, diversity, community, collaboration, and inclusiveness. We support students’ total educational experience: their transitions into and out of the University, their creative process, and their professional lives.

With an ethic of care throughout all student affairs departments, we endeavor to help students:

1. Develop realistic expectations of the unique UArts experience, college-level learning and art-making in an urban environment;
2. Foster connections with one another and with others within the campus community;
3. Become fully aware of campus resources;
4. Develop critical thinking schools;
5. Learn to lead healthy lives;
6. Learn to advocate for themselves and become independent adults;
7. Develop an appreciation for those different from themselves;
8. Understand and build connections between their intellectual, artistic and personal lives;
9. Develop personal and professional goals and an effective post-graduate plan.

C. Blanca Gonzales
cgonzales@uarts.edu
Director
1500 Pine Street, Room 102
215-717-6818

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.

Elisa Seeherman
eseeherman@uarts.edu
Director
Gershman Hall
401 South Broad Street, Room 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 of part-time, summer and full-time jobs and is on-hand to assist students with internship and community service opportunities.

Brian Hainstock
bhainstock@uarts.edu
Director
Gershman Hall
401 South Broad Street, Room 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.

Neila Douglas
ndouglas@uarts.edu
Director
Gershman Hall
401 South Broad Street, Room 306
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 follows the documentation guidelines established by the Educational Testing Service.

Suzanne Scott
sscott@uarts.edu
Director
Gershman Hall, 401 South Broad Street, Room 306
215-717-6230

The University’s Health Services office is open Monday through Friday and staffed with a licensed practical 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 either through their own insurance company or through a plan offered by Academic Health Plans and billed through UArts.

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 cannot allow students to complete registration, move into University housing or attend classes without proper health information filed with Health Services.

Mara Flamm
mflamm@uarts.edu
Director
Gershman Hall, Room 412
215-717-6621

In addition to serving as liaison for students from abroad, the Director of International Student Services provides special programs designed to help international students adjust to American culture and to UArts, in particular, including Immigration Service advisement, advisement of the student group Global Friends, intercultural events, and International Student Orientation.

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.