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your guide to the college of charleston | 2014 - 2015
FIRST your guide to the college of charleston
2014-2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION……… 3 welcome……………………4 meet your interns……………6 academic calendar…………8
ACADEMIC LIFE……… 9 academic advising……… 11 general education requirements………… 12 libraries…………………… 13 find your niche…………… 14 Career Center…………… 15 Center for Student Learning………………… 16
College of Charleston North Campus………… 23
GETTING INVOLVED…………… 45
summer sessions………… 24 computers………………… 25
your city, your home…… 47 health, fitness, fun……… 49 • open recreation… 50 school spirit……………… 51 CisternYard Media……… 52 student life……………… 52 community involvement… 53 Office of Institutional Diversity………………… 54 Higdon Student Leadership Center…… 54 Multicultural Student Programs and Services…55 • support services… 55 • Safe Zone………… 55 Religious Life Council…… 55 register to vote…………… 56 Sustainable CofC………… 56
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS……………… 27 Cougar Card……………… 29 bookstore………………… 30 dining on campus……… 32 living on campus………… 34
• laundry facilities…
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• shopping guide…
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• living with a roommate………… 38
provisional program…… 18
packages, mail, etc.……… 40
Center for Disability Services………………… 18
parking on campus……… 41
academic services……… 19 international community…………… 20 registrar’s office………… 21
do you qualify for S.C. residency?………… 41 money matters…………… 42 financial aid and scholarships…………… 44
STAYING SAFE……… 57 CougarAlert……………… 59
emergency call boxes…… 60 Cougar Shuttle…………… 60 safety in numbers……… 61 P.A.L……………………… 61 campus police…………… 62 what to do in an emergency…………… 63 • emergency phone directory… 63 • safety tips………… 64 fire safety………………… 65 students’ responsibilities and rights……………… 66 Office of Victim Services………………… 67 making good choices…… 68 toward a healthy lifestyle………………… 69 Attorney Assistance Program………………… 70 be streetwise…………… 70 register your bicycle…… 71
INDEX………………… 72
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Special thanks to Charleston photographers Mike Ledford, Terry Manier, Leslie McKellar, Lindsay Rogerson ’11, Callie Shell ’83 and Brooks Quinn whose work appears throughout this book.
College. The most exciting time in your life. You’re about to put high school behind you, move out on your own, be your own person and make choices and decisions by yourself. Over the next few years, you’ll continue to develop as a person, both intellectually and socially. While we look forward to taking that journey with you, we won’t always be by your side. So, we’ve put together this guidebook, which will help you “learn” the campus before you get here, and serve as an important resource throughout your first year and beyond.
Be sure to keep First with you as you move along through the College. You’ll find information and tips that will be useful – even toward the end of your college career. And remember, we are here to help you make a smooth transition to the College of Charleston.
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INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION
KEEP THIS BOOK!
WELCOME TO THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON. You’ve chosen to attend a college where the past and future influence life every day of the year. Here, you will have challenging and rewarding experiences in the arts, sciences, humanities, education and business that will prepare you for a career and a fulfilling life. The knowledge you will acquire won’t come simply from sitting and listening. At the College, learning is an active, experiential process. You will stretch your intellectual boundaries, working harder than you ever expected. You’ll be led by exceptional faculty who love to teach. They will involve you in class and mentor you throughout your years at the College and beyond. You’ll learn how your personal identity contributes to true multicultural understanding. You’ll learn how to work together to effect change. And you’ll learn what it means to be a responsible member of a community. With each new activity at the College, you’ll change, you’ll grow and you’ll move closer to finding your place in the world. We’re glad you’re here, and we look forward to helping you build a life and achieve your dreams. [4]
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING BACK TO SCHOOL • FIRST Your Guide to the College of Charleston • COUGAR CARD/ STUDENT ID
WELCOME
Are you excited about beginning your college career? We’re certainly looking forward to August when you officially start your transition to the College of Charleston. There is a lot of “newness” associated with moving from one community to another, of course. You’ll meet new people, some of whom hail from different parts of the world. There will be brand new routines to establish, a campus layout to learn, and quite possibly a new city to navigate. Sometimes, it all can seem a bit overwhelming. Not to worry. This guidebook will be an excellent resource for you to keep on hand – throughout orientation and your first year at the College. Take some time to read it before you return to campus. Start by finding out which office is responsible for what. Scope out the best places to eat on campus (Taking Care of Business section). See what the Career Center has to offer (Find Your Niche
section). And learn all about our CougarAlert emergency notification system (Staying Safe section). If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of New Student Programs. Our staff and orientation interns will be happy to help you or direct you to the appropriate person or office. We are here to make your transition to the College of Charleston go as smoothly as possible. If you still have unanswered questions after you’ve perused the book, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to seeing you! orientat@cofc.edu 843.953.2017
• TEXTBOOKS FOR YOUR CLASSES, IF YOU’VE ALREADY BOUGHT THEM Remember: August 26 is the last day you’ll be able to return textbooks to the bookstore. Be sure you pack your original bookstore receipts when you return to the College. • ORGANIZED CHAOS PACKET (If you will be living in a College of Charleston residence hall) • YOUR STUDENT HEALTH FORM This should be completed and returned to health services before classes begin. Download the form from studenthealth.cofc.edu.
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INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION
… AND DON’T FORGET!!
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MEET YOUR INTERNS
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Interns are hired each year to assist with orientation and first-year activities. Orientation interns welcome new students and families to campus, help with student and family activities during orientation, present information sessions, and refer students and families to appropriate campus resources. Students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 can apply for a paid internship position by completing an application for employment available from the Office of New Student Programs. Details about orientation internships can be found on the New Student Programs website.
NAME
1. Katie Boyle 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 1 0. 1 1. 1 2. 1 3. 1 4. 1 5. 1 6. 1 7. 1 8. 1 9. 2 0. 2 1. 2 2. 2 3. 2 4. 2 5. 2 6. 2 7. 2 8. 2 9.
Matt Corder Hannah Craig Rebecca Drewry Katie Fary Hannah Fralinger Kola George Sydney Grove Devon Gunning Rob Hainey Andrew Harlow Carly Harward Chandler Henry Trevor Jones Katie Kirchoff Dylan Mazelis Fabien McGill Patrick Mitchell Clyde Moser Chris Pennebaker Ansley Pope Victoria Rose Thompson Devon Schmolk Sierra Small Kelli Smiling Chelsea Taborn Rashad Thacker Bryce Tuggle Kat Witcher
HOMETOWN
Rock Hill, S.C. Myrtle Beach, S.C. Rock Hill, S.C. Lynchburg, Va. Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Bridgeton, N.J. Lancaster, S.C. Clemson, S.C. Doylestown, Pa. Cheraw, S.C. Greenwood, S.C. Orangeburg, S.C. Wilmington, N.C. Bowman, S.C. Severna Park, Md. Washington, N.J. Mullins, S.C. Washington, D.C. Blythewood, S.C. Clemson, S.C. Aiken, S.C. Marlton, N.J. Cape May, N.J. Lexington, S.C. Columbia, S.C. Virginia Beach, Va. Roebuck, S.C. Buford, Ga. Anderson, S.C.
MAJOR
Spanish special education communication communication chemistry middle grades education chemistry historic preservation and community planning French/Latin American and Caribbean studies business arts management dance/communication business administration political science data science psychology middle grades education hospitality and tourism management middle grades education public health women’s and gender studies elementary education/anthropology communication public health/biology hospitality and tourism management/business administration communication/theatre studio art/international studies English/public health communication
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INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION • INTRODUCTION
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ACADEMIC CALENDAR FALL 2014
SPRING 2015
AUGUST
JANUARY
18……… 19……… 21……… 25………
Convocation Fall and Express I classes begin Drop/add deadline for Express I classes Drop/add deadline for fall full semester
SEPTEMBER
18……… Last day to withdraw from Express I classes with a grade of “W”
OCTOBER 3………… 6-7……… 8………… 10……… 23………
Last day of Express I classes Express I final exams Express II classes begin Last day to drop/add Express II classes Last day to withdraw from full-semester classes with a grade of “W”
NOVEMBER 1-3……… 4………… 12……… 26-30……
Fall break holiday (*SD) Election Day; no classes Last day to withdraw from Express II classes with a grade of “W” Thanksgiving holiday (residence halls remain open)
DECEMBER 1………… 2………… 3-10…… 12……… 13………
Last day of fall and Express II classes Reading day (*SD) Final exams Final grades available Fall 2014 commencement
12……… 14……… 19……… 20………
Spring and Express I classes begin Last day to drop/add Express I classes Martin Luther King Jr. holiday – college closed Drop/add deadline for spring full-semester classes
FEBRUARY 11……… 27……… 28………
MARCH 8………… 9-10…… 10……… 11……… 13……… 25………
APRIL
14……… 27……… 28……… 29………
Last day to withdraw from Express I classes with a grade of “W” Last day of Express I classes Spring break begins
Spring break ends Express I final exams Maymester and summer sessions registration begins Express II classes begin Last day to drop/add Express II classes Last day to withdraw from full-semester classes with a grade of “W” Last day to withdraw from Express II classes with a grade of “W” Last day of spring and Express II classes Reading day (*SD) Final exams begin
MAY
6………… Final exams end 12……… Final grades available 16……… Spring 2015 commencement * STORM DAY MAKE UP
Dates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to registrar.cofc.edu/calendars
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ACADEMIC LIFE
ACADEMIC LIFE
Many students come to college not knowing what major to declare, and that’s OK! The advantage of a liberal arts and sciences curriculum is that you will have the opportunity to explore courses from an array of academic disciplines before you settle on a particular major. Your academic advisors will help you consider how your interests connect to different fields of study. The Career Center staff is also available to assess your strengths and skills in relation to prospective majors and careers.
ACADEMIC ADVISING You are about to chart your own path on a journey of intellectual discovery. An exciting – and sometimes challenging – part of your transition to college is that you are now expected to take ownership of your educational experience. Academic advisors will guide you through the general education requirements of the liberal arts and sciences curriculum, and the policies of the College of Charleston. You and your advisor will share the job of successful academic planning, but you will have ultimate responsibility for your academic decisions. Incoming students, with a few exceptions, will be assigned to an academic advisor in the Academic Advising and Planning Center (AAPC). Through out your first academic year, you will schedule mandatory advising sessions during which you’ll explore your interests, discuss course options, consider majors, plan for the future and discuss any academic concerns you might have. We strongly encourage you to consult regularly with an academic advisor throughout your college career.
WHEN YOU DECLARE A MAJOR You must declare a major no later than the second semester of your sophomore year. After you declare your major, you will be assigned an advisor in your academic department instead.
ACADEMIC ADVISING AND PLANNING CENTER Lightsey Center – suite 247 PHONE: 843.953.5981 FAX: 843.953.4891 EMAIL: advising@cofc.edu advising.cofc.edu
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UNDECIDED ABOUT YOUR MAJOR?
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS In order to graduate, you will have to earn a minimum of 122 credit hours from among the following areas: • the liberal arts and sciences general education requirements • your major requirements
• electives • an optional minor or concentration • an optional second major
Specific degree requirements and academic regulations are all covered in the undergraduate catalog, catalogs.cofc.edu. It is your responsibility to become familiar with all academic regulations and requirements.
A list of general education requirements follows. Certain majors may require specific coursework within these categories. ENGLISH 110 (4 HRS.) All degree-seeking candidates must enroll in and successfully complete English 110 in the first year. Failure to do so will result in a student having to reenroll in a subsequent semester until this requirement has been fulfilled. FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE (FYE) All incoming students who have not completed one full year of college are required to enroll in an FYE course during their first year. The FYE requirement can be satisfied by successful completion of either a first-year seminar (FYSE) or a Learning Community. Go to fye.cofc.edu for a list of course descriptions, credit hours and the requirements each course meets. FOREIGN LANGUAGES, CLASSICAL OR MODERN (hours determined by placement) Students must successfully complete coursework through the intermediate level (202) or demonstrate proficiency at this level by approved examination.
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HISTORY (6 HRS.) Complete one course in pre-modern history and one course in modern history from an approved list of courses satisfying the history requirement. History courses do not have to be taken from the same department or in sequence. NOTE: You can find a list of specific courses in the academic planning channel on the “academic services” tab in MyCharleston.
HUMANITIES (12 HRS.) Humanities courses are chosen from the following areas: British or American literature; art history (not courses in studio art); history (excluding the classes used to satisfy the history requirement); foreign literature; philosophy (excluding 120); religious studies; music (not courses in practice or performance of music); theatre (not courses in practice or performance of theatre); certain interdisciplinary courses (see the humanities list for specific courses). NOTE: Students may take only six hours in any one area. You can find a list of specific courses and areas in the academic planning channel on the “academic services” tab in MyCharleston.
MATH OR LOGIC (6 HRS.) Approved courses in mathematics or logic, in any combination. Some majors require specific math courses. All students must complete an online math placement test prior to enrolling in a math course. NOTE: MATH 101 counts as three elective credits and may not be used to satisfy the math requirement, however, it may be a required prerequisite.
NATURAL SCIENCE (8 HRS.) An introductory or higher sequence from one of the following: astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, or physics, of which two semester hours must be earned in the accompanying laboratories. Some majors require specific natural sciences. SOCIAL SCIENCE (6 HRS.) Courses are selected from the following areas, including but not limited to: anthropology, communication (selected courses), economics, political science, psychology or sociology. NOTE: You can find a list of specific courses and areas in the “academic planning” channel on the “academic services” tab in MyCharleston.
The cooperative Marine Resources Library at Fort Johnson is made up of the combined marine science holdings of the College of Charleston, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the NOAA/NOS/ CCEHBR Charleston Laboratory.
AVERY RESEARCH CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE (ARC)
LIBRARIES ADDLESTONE LIBRARY As a College of Charleston student, you’ll spend much of your time in the Addlestone Library. It is open more than 110 hours per week and 24/7 at the end of each semester. The library will give you access to millions of books, articles and original source materials, and our friendly and knowledgeable librarians will help you find exactly what you need. There are several ways to get started. • Text: 843.353.1259 • Call: 843.953.8000 • Email: refdesk@cofc.edu
• Chat with us online from the library website or the CofC mobile app. • Visit the research and information desk on the first floor.
Find us on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
LIBRARY SERVICES • First floor: 260 computers • Second floor: group study rooms, the periodical collection and the book collection • Third floor: Special Collections (rare books and original manuscripts), additional group study rooms • Start your college career by taking LIBR 105. This seven-week, one-credit-hour course will teach you how to become a savvy researcher and help you make the most of the library.
MARLENE AND NATHAN ADDLESTONE LIBRARY PHONE: 843.953.5530 FAX: 843.953.6319 library.cofc.edu
This facility is located in a historic building at 125 Bull Street. It houses an archive, research library, small museum and cultural center for public programming. Its archival collections include more than 167 manuscript collections, 800 artifacts, 4,000 photographic images and a large number of audio and video recordings that preserve and exhibit the unique historical and cultural heritage of African Americans in the South Carolina Lowcountry from Colonial America to the present day.
JOHN RIVERS COMMUNICATIONS MUSEUM At the Rivers Communications Museum (58 George Street on the corner of St. Philip Street), you can trace the history of communication. The collection includes telegraphs, telephones, radios, televisions, magic lanterns, projectors, phonographs, thousands of sound recordings, a stereoscope and a theremin, as well as documentary videos.
NORTH CAMPUS AND LOWCOUNTRY GRADUATE CENTER LIBRARY (see pg. 23)
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MARINE RESOURCES LIBRARY
FIND YOUR NICHE The decisions you’ll make about your major(s) and academic courses will have an impact on your career choices. But part-time jobs, internships, service learning and volunteering will also play an integral part in your preparation for the future. That is also why we recommend that you visit the Career Center early and often. During the school year, we offer seminars on such topics as résumés, internships, job searches, choosing a major and networking, and can recommend the appropriate time to begin a job search or make plans for graduate or professional school. [ 14 ]
The Career Center can help you understand yourself better, explore careers, get experience and prepare for a career or graduate/ professional school. PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE If you are thinking about graduate or professional school or would like to know what options exist within a particular field of study, the Career Center staff can direct you to available resources and help you find out what our graduates have done with certain majors.
ON-CAMPUS AND OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT The Career Center keeps a database of part-time, full-time and seasonal employment opportunities. You can search for a position through CISTERNonline, a real-time, Web-based recruiting system. Contact our office to get CISTERNonline access.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Volunteering, internships, cooperative education, informational interviewing, networking and shadowing are other ways
to explore career options and prepare for the “world of work.”
SELF-ASSESSMENT Self-assessment is the starting point for choosing a major or a career. It is much better to search for a career that fits you, rather than try to fit yourself into a career that seems interesting on the surface. If you know what you are good at doing, what you enjoy doing, and what you feel is most important to you in your life, then you will be on firm ground when you select a career. • Strong Interest Inventory helps you identify fields, occupations and areas of study that match your interests. • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator matches your personality to work and learning environments. • FOCUS is a computerized career guidance system that provides personalized career and educational planning information to help you make your decisions.
Here are some websites that provide online access to career assessment inventories. Some of these are free; others require payment of a fee. • keirsey.com • self-directed-search.com • careerkey.org
CAREER CENTER Lightsey Center – room 216 PHONE: 843.953.5692 FAX: 843.953.6341 EMAIL: careercenter@cofc.edu careercenter.cofc.edu
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CAREER CENTER
CENTER FOR STUDENT LEARNING (CSL) The Center for Student Learning (CSL) provides free, comprehensive academic support programs for College of Charleston students. Annually, 45 percent of the student population uses CSL services. WALK-IN LABS (unlimited visits/take your time) Accounting Lab Tutoring assistance in ACCT 203 and 204 (financial and managerial accounting) Foreign Languages Tutoring Lab Meet individually with a peer tutor to review topics discussed in class and learn effective study strategies. All 13 foreign languages taught at the College are covered by either walk-in tutoring or by appointment. Math Lab Peer and faculty tutors are available to help you with most math courses, including algebra, calculus and statistics. In addition, you can prepare for the math portion of GRE®, GMAT®, MCAT® and PRAXIS® tests.
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Writing Lab One-to-one assistance with all aspects of writing essays, research papers, lab reports, personal statements, senior theses and creative writing assignments. Science Tutoring Lab Peer tutors offer help with biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy and geology courses. Students are encouraged to work on their homework and study for tests in the tutoring lab. Speaking Lab We can help you with all aspects of oral presentations including topic selection, organization, use of PowerPoint®, and communication apprehension and delivery. The lab is also equipped with software for taping and viewing presentations.
Supplemental Instruction (SI) Study groups are led by trained, faculty-recommended student leaders who schedule study sessions several times each week. The SI leader stresses not only what material to learn, but also how to learn it. SI is available for historically challenging introductory courses (BIOL 111/112, BIOL 201/201, CHEM 111/112, CHEM 232, PHIL 120, PSYC 213). Tutoring By Appointment Faculty-recommended subject-area tutors are available (by appointment only) for some introductory courses that are not covered by walk-in labs or Supplemental Instruction. Go to the CSL office or its website to see if tutoring is available and to request an appointment. Study Skills Appointments You can make an appointment for individual assistance in time management and study skills. You’ll learn efficient and effective methods of reading textbooks, taking good notes, studying productively and performing well on tests. Study skills appointments can also cover preparation for standardized tests, such as GRE®, GMAT®, MCAT®, LSAT®, PCAT®, DAT® and Praxis.
Study Skills Workshops Each semester we offer a series of study skills workshops that cover various study skills topics. These interactive workshops help you learn about yourself as well as learn effective study techniques. Topics include: • time management.
• textbook reading.
• academic research.
• listening and taking notes.
• test taking.
• planning for exams.
CENTER FOR STUDENT LEARNING Addlestone Library – 1st floor PHONE: 843.953.5635 FAX: 843.953.5798 csl.cofc.edu facebook.com/cofccsl
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OTHER SERVICES
CENTER FOR DISABILITY SERVICES The Center for Disability Services is committed to ensuring equal access to all programs and services provided by the College for students with disabilities (learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, physical or psychological disabilities). If you have a disability that requires accommodation, please apply for services before the semester begins. NOTE: Services provided will vary depending upon the type of disability and the documentation provided.
SNAP SERVICES
PROVISIONAL PROGRAM If you’ve been accepted to the College provisionally, your main point of contact will be the Office of Undergraduate Academic Services. Each provisional student will sign a contract at orientation that outlines requirements that must be met in the first year. Your academic progress will be evaluated at midterm and at the end of the semester when final grades are in. Appropriate recommendations will be made based on your academic progress. For additional information, visit the Office of Undergraduate Academic Services’ website and select the Provisional Program link or call our office to schedule an individual appointment. UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC SERVICES Lightsey 101 PHONE: 843.953.5674 EMAIL: undergrad@cofc.edu undergrad.cofc.edu
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Students Needing Access Parity (SNAP) Services provides assistance and guidance to students with a documented disability. You can find information about the SNAP Services application process on our website. Once you have been approved for services, SNAP might provide: • reasonable and appropriate accommodations specific to individual needs based on the psychoeducational assessment or medical documentation. • communication with instructors, upon request, to heighten their awareness of individual student needs and to seek appropriate accommodations. • academic coaching.
• a testing site for students who need testing accommodations. • alternative courses to the math/logic and foreign language requirement if need is documented by psychoeducational assessment or medical documentation. • assistive technology: Reading software, Dragon Naturally Speaking, JAWS, Zoom Text, and textbooks in alternate formats.
You can find information about the application process for SNAP Services on our website. CENTER FOR DISABILITY SERVICES Lightsey Center – room 104 PHONE: 843.953.1431 – TTY: 843.953.8284 FAX: 843.953.7731 EMAIL: SNAP@cofc.edu disabilityservices.cofc.edu
The Office of Undergraduate Academic Services handles matters related to the academic well-being of all undergraduates. The academic probation system and other matters related to academic standards are coordinated through our office – in addition to leaves of absence and late withdrawals from classes. If you experience difficulties that negatively impact your academic success, please schedule an appointment. We want to help in whatever way we can. YOU’LL FIND SEVERAL VERY HELPFUL GPA CALCULATORS ON OUR WEBSITE. • One will project both a semester and a cumulative GPA. • Your “goal” cumulative GPA can be used to help you calculate the GPA you’ll need to make in a particular semester in order to reach a certain cumulative GPA.
• The minimum standards (2.0) calculator can be used to determine the GPA you need to earn to bring your cumulative GPA up to the minimum standard required for graduation.
UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC SERVICES Lightsey Center – Suite 101 PHONE: 843.953.5674 undergrad@cofc.edu undergrad.cofc.edu
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ACADEMIC SERVICES
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY Our college community stretches around the world. Students from 50 states and approximately 65 foreign countries generally make up the student body at the College of Charleston. Many of our students also choose to broaden their perspectives by studying abroad – during the summer, for a semester or an entire year. You might want to check out the semester programs in Chile, Spain, France, Argentina and Cuba, which the College of Charleston sponsors, or the numerous bilateral exchanges where you can pay College of Charleston tuition while you study abroad. You’ll also have access to more than 30 College of Charleston summer-abroad programs and hundreds of programs sponsored by other institutions and organizations. Several scholarships are available to support your study-abroad experience. Visit the Center for International Education (CIE) to get information on available programs, and for help with the application process,
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scholarships, visas and other travel requirements. NOTE: If you’ll be looking for financial assistance to support your study-abroad experience, you should contact the Office of Financial Assistance and Veterans Affairs early in the planning process in order to be aware of any approval requirement. You must submit a College of Charleston application for summer financial assistance form. The deadline is April 1.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CIE is the place to go if you are an international student and need help with immigration documentation or your visa, or have questions about work and other issues. If you have an F-1 or a J-1 visa, you will be required to attend the new
international student orientation that CIE offers. CIE also hosts activities for international students to help them get to know Charleston and adjust to life in the United States. You might also want to join the International Club. CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION Multicultural Center 207 Calhoun Street PHONE: 843.953.7661 FAX: 843.953.7663 international.cofc.edu facebook.com/CofCInternational
The registrar’s office (RO) maintains student academic records, organizes registration for courses and coordinates students’ direct access to their own records through MyCharleston. You’ll communicate with the registrar’s office primarily through your official, College-issued (campus) email account. You can find many resources that are available to you through the “academic services” tab of MyCharleston. Transcript and graduation information is on the RO website.
COLLEGE REQUIREMENT FOR STUDENT CONTACT INFORMATION All students must provide the College with their local and permanent addresses, local and permanent phone numbers and emergency contact information. If your address is not current, the registrar’s office might place a hold on your account. This would prevent you from being able to enter the registration module of MyCharleston to add, drop or withdraw from classes and other such matters. Upon leaving the College, you will have to update your permanent address. Please continue to read official communications sent to your College email and your permanent address.
Please direct questions to registrar@cofc.edu or 843.953.5668. To review your information – or to change it – log onto MyCharleston. On the “academic services” tab, go to the Banner Self-Service channel. Click on “Banner Self-Service,” then on ”personal information,” where you will see a link to updating your address(es). NOTE: Mail services assigns College addresses to on-campus students only. You cannot update this address through MyCharleston.
(Continued on pg. 22)
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REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
(Continued from pg. 21)
YOUR CAMPUS EMAIL ACCOUNT By now you should have been communicating with the College through your official email account. Once you arrive on campus, your professors and various administrative departments will continue that practice. You will be expected to check your official College of Charleston email account on a frequent and consistent basis in order to keep informed of Collegerelated business. We recommend that you check it on a daily basis. (There are many computer stations and labs around campus that you can use – in the library and near the Academic Advising and Planning Center, for example.) Should you want to have your email directed to another address (e.g., @gmail.com, @aol.com, @hotmail.com, or any other email providers), you do so at your own risk. If you have your email redirected, you are still responsible for all official communications that will be sent to your College account.* It is your responsibility to recognize that certain communications may be time sensitive. “I didn’t check my email,” an error in forwarding email, or email returned to the College with “mailbox full” or “user unknown” are not acceptable excuses for missing official College email communications. If you experience problems with your email account, contact the Helpdesk at 843.953.3375 or email helpdesk@cofc.edu. *The College is not responsible for the handling of email by outside vendors or unofficial email providers.
MYCHARLESTON PASSWORD It is important to keep your MyCharleston password in a secure place. BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT SHARING IT! If you misplace your password, or if
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MyCharleston will not accept the password you enter, either use the “forget password?” link located on the MyCharleston login page or contact Helpdesk at 843.953.3375 or helpdesk@cofc.edu.
minor requirements. DegreeWorks is located on the “academic services” tab in MyCharleston. You should review your degree audit several times during a semester and at least once a semester with your academic advisor.
REGISTERING FOR COURSES
PARENTAL ACCESS TO YOUR STUDENT INFORMATION
The date on which you will be able to sign up for classes for an upcoming semester is determined by the number of earned credit hours you have on file. You can check the schedule on MyCharleston. Once you have registered, you may make changes until the drop/add deadline for that term.** Once the deadline has passed, you may withdraw from courses until the withdrawal deadline. See MyCharleston for the academic calendar by term. NOTE: Failure to attend class does not constitute an official withdrawal from the course and will result in an “F” in the course. For information on tuition reimbursement (when applicable for drops or withdrawals), please contact the Treasurer’s Office at 843.953.5572. **There are some periods of time – during summer orientation sessions and just before classes begin in January – when registration is closed to all undergraduates except those involved in the specific orientation session.
ACCESS TO YOUR GRADES Final and midterm grades will not be mailed to students. Grades are available through MyCharleston after each grading period has ended.
DEGREEWORKS DEGREE AUDIT DegreeWorks is a degree-audit application and academic advising tool that provides a clear and convenient method for you to track your progress toward your degree. DegreeWorks provides you with access to your unofficial degree audit, which lists information regarding your current program(s) of study, including institutional requirements, general education requirements, major requirements (with concentration, cognate or track, if applicable) and
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. In accordance with regulations issued under FERPA, the College provides an annual notification to our enrolled students of their rights to: inspect, review and amend the student’s education record; consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records; opt-out from the release of information designated as directory information by the College; and file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education under FERPA, as well as an explanation of the exceptions under FERPA that allow the College to disclose information from the student’s education record without consent. Find the annual notification at cofc.edu/registrar/FERPA. htm, or request additional information through the registrar (registrar@cofc.edu). You may want to share your MyCharleston password with your family so that they can have continuous access to your academic records. You can also sign a consent form to release non-directory information to your parents or other third parties. You can access this form through the RO website and the MyCharleston “academic services” tab. Be aware that if your parent(s) claimed you as a dependant on their last income tax return and provide proof to the College, they can fill out a form to gain access to your records. This form is also available on the RO website and via the “academic services” tab on MyCharleston.
You may request a complete official academic transcript through MyCharleston or see your unofficial transcript on MyCharleston at any time.
PROOF OF ENROLLMENT Insurance companies, potential employers or loan companies may request verification of enrollment letters as proof of a student’s attendance at the College. The College of Charleston has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide degree and enrollment verification. • studentclearinghouse.org • degreeverify.com PHONE: 703.742.4200 FAX: 703.742.7792 EMAIL: service@ studentclearinghouse.org MAIL: National Student Clearinghouse 2300 Dulles Station Blvd. Suite 300 Herndon, Va. 20171 To get a certification of enrollment (or proof of full-time enrollment), log onto MyCharleston. Locate the Banner Self Service link on the right, and click on “student,” then click on “student records.” Finally, click on “enrollment verification.” Verifications you request are free of charge and will be available immediately following the drop/add deadline for spring and fall terms. REGISTRAR’S OFFICE Lightsey Center – 2nd floor PHONE: 843.953.5668 FAX: 843.953.6560 registrar.cofc.edu
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON NORTH CAMPUS Conveniently located in North Charleston, the North Campus offers flexible learning options for all College of Charleston students: • undergraduate and graduate courses offered during the day, at night, online, and in a condensed, seven-week express format. • Bachelor of Professional Studies degree-completion program for adult students.
NON-CREDIT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES
The North Campus is also home to the College of Charleston Center for Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE), which provides opportunities to learn new skills that will help you while you are in school and in your career. These non-credit courses include: • Personal Development: Majors and Career Exploration • JobBridge Certificates - preparation for internships, employment and job advancement • Online Learning - short courses in skill areas such as Word, Excel, and Photoshop
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE • Free parking • Computer labs and upgraded classrooms with on-site technology assistance • Library offering an extensive array of online resources and on-site librarian.
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON NORTH CAMPUS 3800 Paramount Drive North Charleston PHONE: 843.953.6684 EMAIL: north@cofc.edu north.cofc.edu
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ACADEMIC LIFE • ACADEMIC LIFE • ACADEMIC LIFE • ACADEMIC LIFE • ACADEMIC LIFE • ACADEMIC LIFE • ACADEMIC LIFE
TRANSCRIPTS
SUMMER SESSIONS MAYMESTER Maymester is a brief term between the end of the spring semester and beginning of summer sessions. Classes meet for three-and-a-half hours, each of the 11 days of the term. This concentrated schedule will let you delve into subjects of interest without interruption. A number of study-abroad courses, and courses that are given in conjunction with Spoleto Festival USA, are scheduled during Maymester. May Evening is a six to sevenweek evening term of concentrated study that usually begins a day before Maymester starts. Classes meet two evenings a week.
SUMMER SESSIONS Summer sessions consist of one six-toseven-week evening term concentrated study. Day classes meet five days a week;
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evening classes meet two evenings a week. There are substantial offerings at the introductory and advanced levels in all disciplines of the College curriculum. Students may take summer courses to explore fields of study outside their major concentration, to make up courses missed in the regular terms, or to accelerate their progress toward a degree. Summer sessions information, including Maymester and May Evening, is also available online from February to August each year (see summer.cofc.edu). Registration for Maymester, May Evening and summer sessions classes usually opens no later than the end of February for currently enrolled students and the middle of March for visiting students. We also offer sections of online courses during Maymester, May Evening and summer sessions.
ATTENDING SUMMER SCHOOL AT ANOTHER COLLEGE Before you decide to take summer school classes at another institution, you should become familiar with the College’s policies regarding transfer credit, such as the maximum number of hours that you can earn at a two-year institution, and restrictions on senior-year coursework that can be completed elsewhere. Although these policies are explained in the academic regulations section of the undergraduate catalog, visit the Registrar Office website for more information. SUMMER SESSIONS Craig Hall PHONE: 843.953.4831 FAX: 843.953.7371 summer@cofc.edu summer.cofc.edu
COMPUTING CENTERS All students can use the general-purpose student computing center located in the Addlestone Library. Some academic departments may have their own computer labs for students who are enrolled in their programs.
BUYING A NEW COMPUTER We recommend laptop computers because they are more flexible and can be used anywhere. Information about
purchasing a computer is available online (blogs.cofc.edu/scs/shoppingtips) or you can email inquiries to computerinfo@cofc.edu.
CAMPUSWIDE WIRELESS NETWORK CampusWide provides students with wireless network access within the boundaries of the downtown campus. Set up your device by visiting wireless. cofc.edu before you come to campus and it will be ready to go when you get here. If you have problems configuring
your device for wireless for the campus network, go to the Information desk in the Addlestone Library computer lab. Advanced troubleshooting is available between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
RESIDENCE HALL WIRELESS NETWORK Connect to the ResNet network and follow the on-screen prompts in order to be connected. Toll-free phone support (Continued on pg. 26)
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ACADEMIC LIFE • ACADEMIC LIFE • ACADEMIC LIFE • ACADEMIC LIFE • ACADEMIC LIFE • ACADEMIC LIFE • ACADEMIC LIFE
COMPUTERS
(Continued from pg. 25)
for ResNet is available 24 hours a day throughout the year. Call 855.290.7138. Support is limited to: • answering basic installation and configuration questions. • diagnosing connectivity problems. Restrictions: The use of 2.4 Ghz and 5.3 Ghz cordless telephones in campus residences is prohibited. These phones are known to cause interference with wireless network connections. Also, setting up personal wireless networks in campus residences is not allowed.
SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS Microsoft Office for PC or Mac (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is the standard
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software you’ll need for most of your coursework. You can buy Office and other software products, discounted for academic use, through links on our blog (blogs.cofc.edu/scs/shopping-tips/ deals-and-discounts). You may also have software pre-installed when you order a computer online or buy one from a retail store. Be sure to ask the vendor about academic discounting. Frequently it is cheaper to buy a computer without the software and then buy the software separately. Also, many computers ship with a trial version of Office, so be sure to read the fine print when shopping.
PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY We strongly recommend that laptop owners use locking cables to secure their computers, and that all students
register their computers and other highvalue property with public safety as a deterrent to theft. Contact the Office of Public Safety for more information (843.953.4980) or go to publicsafety. cofc.edu. Never leave your computer or bag unattended in a public place such as the library.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY — STUDENT COMPUTING SUPPORT Addlestone Library Computer Lab 205 Calhoun St. PHONE: 843.953.8000 EMAIL: computerinfo@cofc.edu BLOG: blogs.cofc.edu/scs
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
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Stud
ent
COUGAR CARD The Cougar Card is your official College of Charleston identification card. You should carry it at all times to identify yourself as a College of Charleston student. TAKE CARE OF YOUR COUGAR CARD. DON’T LEND IT TO ANYONE, LEAVE IT UNATTENDED OR CARRY IT NEXT TO YOUR CELL PHONE. Your first card is free. You’ll have to pay $10 for each subsequent card. YOUR FIRST COUGAR CARD If you have your picture taken during orientation, you may pick up your Cougar Card at the College of Charleston Bookstore (Barnes & Noble; 160 Calhoun St.) at the end of the last day of your orientation session. If this isn’t convenient, you may pick up your card at Cougar Card Services when you arrive on campus in August. Cougar Card Services will be open throughout movein weekend, so you can get the card before you move into your residence hall. NOTE: You may use a valid driver’s license as identification to gain access to your residence hall for move-in purposes.
REPLACING A LOST OR STOLEN COUGAR CARD During normal business hours, call or visit Cougar Card Services. At all other times, call public safety (843.953.5609) or stop by their office at 89 St. Philip St.
YOUR COUGAR CARD IS YOUR KEY TO CAMPUS EVENTS, FACILITIES AND SERVICES. YOU WILL NEED THE CARD TO: • enter your assigned residence hall. • check items out of the library. • use fitness center and recreational facilities. • access your meal plan and Dining Dollars account. • attend athletics events. • purchase discounted tickets for campus events.
COUGAR CASH You can use your Cougar Card as a personal debit card to make purchases in the the College of Charleston Bookstore (Barnes & Noble), at all food service locations on campus and at Market 159. Cougar Cash is accepted (Continued on pg. 30)
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Cly Cou de gar
(Continued from pg. 29)
at parking services, mail services, health services, the Copy Center, Addlestone Library and in select soft drink and snack machines across campus. There are no monthly service charges or minimum balances required. EASY. It’s easy to start a Cougar Cash account! Simply make a deposit of $50 or more online by accessing the payment screen of MyCharleston and using a major credit card (we do not accept Visa) or eCheck; the funds will be available for use in two hours. You may also make a deposit of $10 or more in person at Cougar Card Services and you can use the funds immediately. For detailed instructions, go to cougarcard.cofc.edu. NOTE: Deposits made through the Web are not subject to a convenience fee.
SAFE. Carrying the card is safer than carrying cash, checks, ATM and other cards. AUTOMATIC. Transaction time is fast and your funds roll over from semester to semester and year to year. You can check your balance and 60 days of your transaction history on MyCharleston. SAVINGS. You receive a discount when you use your card to make copies at the Addlestone Library.
COUGAR CARD SERVICES Joe E. Berry Jr. Residence Hall Corner of Calhoun and St. Philip streets – entrance on Calhoun Street HOURS: M-F 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PHONE: 843.953.1100 after business hours contact: PUBLIC SAFETY: 843.953.5609 cougarcard.cofc.edu
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BOOKSTORE Barnes & Noble, located in the Lightsey Center, is the official bookstore of the College of Charleston. TEXTBOOKS
Our goal is to offer great deals on textbooks. One way we do this is by acquiring as many used books as we can through buyback (see below) and used book companies. We encourage you to take advantage of our rental program, which can save you as much as 85 percent off the new cost of your textbooks. You can also save 50 percent or more on your textbooks by choosing to read them as eBooks; purchase them through cofc.bncollege.com (see more about online reservations below) or in the store.
TEXTBOOK RESERVATION
Save time and money by ordering your textbooks online and requesting instore pickup. You can use credit, debit and Cougar Cards, as well as financial aid or scholarship packages, and PayPal.
BUYBACK
We buy back textbooks every day. At the end of each semester and during the week of finals, you’ll get the most cash back for your books – 50 percent of the shelf price if we’ll need the title for the next semester.
GENERAL BOOKS
Like any Barnes & Noble store, we carry current bestsellers, classics and a great selection of bargain books, as well as NOOK reading devices and NOOK Study eTextbooks. We also offer an extensive selection of local interest titles and books by College of Charleston faculty and staff. In order to meet specific student needs, we carry study aids, dictionaries, test-preparation manuals, and career and graduate school guides.
We stock computer peripherals such as network cables, USB memory sticks, CDs, DVDs, printer ink, laptop bags and locks, as well as other electronics. Academically priced software is available through our website at savings of up to 85 percent off the retail price.
SUPPLIES
We carry binders, notebooks, pens and highlighters, as well as required laboratory materials and art supplies, calculators and other course-related items. Supplies are also available in our vending machines at the Addlestone Library and in the Stern Center.
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON CLOTHING AND GIFTS
Show your Cougar pride! We stock a wide variety of imprinted clothing and gift items. General merchandise is also available through our website. We operate two additional locations: College Corner, located at the intersection of George and King streets and the Spirit Shop in TD Arena. Both are open during home games and other special events.
FORMS OF PAYMENT
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards with the proper ID. We also accept Cougar Cash, debit cards, cash, checks and Barnes & Noble gift cards. Students who receive financial aid, grants or scholarships, and who have aid in excess of their tuition/fee charges, may charge their books and/or supplies to their account before refund checks are processed for the semester.
REFUND POLICY
During the first week of classes, we will offer a full refund in your original form of payment if you return textbooks with a receipt. The last day for a full refund for the fall semester is August 26. If you bring proof of a schedule change (drop/add paperwork) and a receipt, we will give you a full refund in your original form of payment during the first 30 days of classes. If you purchased medical and specialty reference books and have your receipt, we will give you refunds in your original form of payment within three days of purchase. You cannot return eBooks once they have been accessed. NOTE: We will not give refunds on textbooks without a receipt. Textbooks must be in their original condition. Shipping and handling charges are not refundable.
GENERAL MERCHANDISE
We will give you a full refund on all other merchandise to your original form of payment with proof of purchase. With a receipt, you may exchange or receive a refund on unopened electronics. Electronics that have been opened may be exchanged for the identical item only. Without a receipt, a merchandise credit will be issued at the current selling price. Cash back on merchandise credits or gift cards will not exceed $5. We are unable to issue refunds on gift cards, prepaid phone cards or magazines. NOTE: All merchandise must be in original condition.
BARNES & NOBLE 160 Calhoun Street, Lightsey Center PHONE: 843.953.5518 FAX: 843.953.5602 cofc.bncollege.com (secure ecommerce capabilities) OTHER LOCATIONS: COUGAR SPIRIT SHOP TD Arena (open one hour before men’s home basketball games) COLLEGE CORNER 327 King Street
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SOFTWARE AND COMPUTER PRODUCTS
DINING ON CAMPUS Between classes, work, meetings and your social life, there’s no time to prepare great food. Relax. You do have options! College of Charleston has eight on-campus locations that feature everything – from all-youcare-to-eat dining to national-brand food courts. We can satisfy any of your cravings – breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner or even late-night munchies, because we have it all, right here on campus! All freshmen who live in a residence hall during their first academic year, regardless of the number of credit hours they bring to the College, must purchase a qualifying College of Charleston meal plan. Sign-up is handled through the residence life housing contract. Upperclassmen may sign up through their MyCharleston portal or stop by the Cougar Card Office (Berry Hall). A complete list of the current year’s meal plans is available at charleston.campusdish.com. NOTE: Students can change their meal plan selection for the semester at the Cougar Card Office until the fifth business day after classes begin.
WHERE TO EAT LIBERTY STREET FRESH FOOD COMPANY Corner of St. Philip and Liberty streets This all-you-care-to-eat campus restaurant features great exhibition cooking, authentic ethnic dishes, flame-grilled entrees, a vegetarian station, freshly baked bread, homemade desserts and a great variety of healthy options. For both dining halls, Liberty FFC and City Bistro, you can see the weekly menus at the dining services website, or download our CampusDish app that allows you to view the menu right on your phone! This location accepts meal swipes, Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash, cash and credit.
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CITY BISTRO Berry Residence Hall St. Philip Street City Bistro is our second all-you-care-to-eat restaurant that offers an upscale, rotating menu consisting of items such as delicious seafood, brick-oven pizza, a stocked salad bar, made-to-order sandwiches, decadent desserts and fresh smoothies. This location offers our reusable to-go program, which allows you to take your meal with you. In addition to meal swipes, you can use Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash, cash and credit.
EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS McAlister Residence Hall St. Philip Street This is the perfect spot for buying gourmet bagels, sandwiches and salads, and delicious pastries and desserts – plus Darn Good Coffee! Use Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash, cash and credit at this location. STERN CENTER FOOD COURT Stern Student Center Looking for a quick snack or a leisurely meal with friends? The Stern Center Food Court features Chick-fil-A, Burger Studio, Jolé Molé, Boars Head Deli, fresh sushi, and a variety of snacks and beverages, including a F’real Milkshake Machine. Use Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash, cash and credit at this location. STARBUCKS Addlestone Library This Starbucks is located on the first floor of Addlestone Library. The menu includes amazing coffees from around the world, and other drinks for you to discover and enjoy. Pastries and sandwiches are also available and made with high-quality, simple ingredients. Enjoy your drink and meal while you work or socialize in our comfortable atmosphere. Use Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash, cash and credit at this location. MARKET 159 College Lodge Residence Hall Calhoun Street This on-campus convenience store carries essentials such as milk, cereal, bread, frozen entrees, health and beauty products, fresh fruit, snacks, cleaning supplies and more! Market 159 also
has a great selection of organic and gluten-free options. Use Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash, cash and credit at this location. P.O.D. EXPRESS Education Center St. Philip Street This convenient location offers a wide variety of snack and graband-go options, such as sandwiches, salads, fruit cups and fresh yogurt parfaits! POD also features We Proudly Serve Starbucks Coffee! Use Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash, cash and credit at this location. CHICK-FIL-A Berry Residence Hall Calhoun Street This Chick-fil-A serves a full menu including breakfast, the spicy chicken sandwich and Chick-fil-A milkshakes! Use Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash, cash and credit at this location. NOTE: Email us if you have questions about food allergies or special dietary restrictions. Dining services has a staff member dedicated to meeting with students and making sure they’re comfortable dining on campus.
DINING SERVICES Craig Building (next to the admissions office) PHONE: 843.953.5539 FAX: 843.953.4925 diningservicescustomerservice@cofc.edu charleston.campusdish.com facebook.com/cofcdining twitter.com/cofcdining
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WHERE TO EAT
LIVING ON CAMPUS If you have chosen to live in one of our residence halls, you can look forward to participating in activities and events that will help you meet new people and become an active member of the campus community. Before you move in, you should read through the Guide to Residential Living. This important resource will give you information on residence hall programs, policies, services, rules of conduct, disciplinary actions, fire and life safety violation assessment and the administrative structure of residence life and housing. You can find the guide at reslife.cofc.edu/policies-andprocedures.
MOVE-IN DAY
TIPS AND TIMELINES
In early August, we’ll send you information about moving into your residence hall.
1. BE PREPARED. Read our literature and follow instructions. There is a lot of helpful information on our website. Please review it before you get to the College. If you have questions, let us know!
• Curbside parking is not allowed. You and your family can unpack your vehicle at the curb, then immediately park in one of the garages nearby. In this case, we recommend that one person stay with your belongings – and remain with them while others move everything into your room. Or, you may find it easier to park first and carry your belongings to your room from there. (Keep in mind that the City of Charleston has a five-minute idling ordinance, so it’s best to turn off your car’s engine while unloading.) • When you and your family arrive at your assigned residence hall, you should go to the front desk, fill out forms and pick up your room key.* • Once you’ve moved in, it’ll be time to meet with your roommates/ suitemates and set up your room.
*Only a student may complete a residence life form.
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2. Contact your new roommate(s) through the information on MyCharleston. In order to avoid duplication, decide who will bring which items. 3. YOU CANNOT CHECK IN BEFORE YOUR ASSIGNED TIME. Come precisely when the assigned time begins – or even later during your allotted time period. If you arrive even an hour past your beginning time, your move will be much smoother.
MAINTENANCE If you need maintenance work done on your room, submit a work order online through your MyCharleston account at any time during the academic year.
Free washing machines and dryers are located in all major residence halls and designated houses. Only students who live in a residence hall or historic house are allowed to use them.
If you experience a maintenance emergency during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday) call 843.953.3700 immediately. If there is an emergency after normal business hours, contact your front desk immediately.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ITEMS UNATTENDED! Residence life and housing is not responsible for items left in laundry rooms. Report any missing items to your residence hall director as soon as possible, but remember that you are responsible for your items.
4. Have your College of Charleston ID or state driver’s license ready. You can get your College of Charleston ID at the Cougar Card office during your orientation session. Cougar Card Services will also be open on move-in weekend if you are not able to pick up your ID during orientation. 5. Bring a copy of your health insurance card and/or information. 6. Be ready to sign your name. Checking in is more than just picking up your key. You’ll be asked to read, fill out and sign a number of forms before you can get your key and move your belongings.
ACCESS TO STUDENT ROOMS
7. Leave your family at the door. You are the only one who can sign in. Once you’ve filled out the papers and been given your key, then enlist your family’s help in moving your belongings. 8. BE PATIENT. We do our best to keep things moving, but the truth is, move-in day will be busy and can be stressful. And August in Charleston is hot. On top of that, you’ll be excited about moving in. So keep a cool head and be patient. RESIDENCE LIFE AND HOUSING 40 Coming Street PHONE: 843.953.5523 FAX: 843.953.6590 reslife.cofc.edu
Residence life and housing staff members reserve the right to enter a student’s room at any time as long as they are acting in their official capacity on behalf of the College. This policy applies whether or not the student is present at the time of entry. Residence life and housing staff are required to conduct monthly health and safety inspections, and inspections of the rooms/halls when they are closed for winter and spring break.
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LAUNDRY FACILITIES
SHOPPING GUIDE
See the following lists to determine what you should and should not bring with you. Incidentally, the Department of Residence Life and Housing provides toilet tissue and trash bags. WHAT TO BRING It’s a good idea to talk to your roommate so you can avoid any duplication. NOTE: All electrical items must be Underwriters Laboratories-approved. • beanbag chair • bedspread/comforter • can opener • cleaning supplies • clothes hangers • coffeemaker (automatic shut-off only)
• laundry basket or bag/ laundry supplies
• plastic wall adhesive for hanging posters on the walls
• mattress pad
• posters
• medications
• radio/alarm clock
• message board
• rugs
• multi-plug outlets with surge protectors
• school supplies
• curtain rods (tension only)
• personal computer (with surge protectors)
• desk lamp (non-halogen)
• personal toiletries
• sheets (extra-long twin in Berry, Buist, College Lodge, Craig, Kelly House, Liberty Street, McAlister, McConnell, Rutledge and historic houses; full size in Warren Place and George Street Apartments)
• pictures and picture frames
• small TV/stereo/CD player
• fan
• pillows/pillow covers
• towels (all sizes)
• first aid/wellness kit
• plastic food containers
• utensils
• floor lamps (non-halogen)
• plastic risers (for lifting the bed if the bed is not loftable)
• vacuum cleaner
• curlers/curling irons
• hair dryers • hot air popcorn popper • iron and small ironing board
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• personal calendar
• DVD player
• plastic shelving units
• wastebasket
• plastic storage containers
NOTE: microwave ovens and refrigerators/ miniature refrigerators are provided.
If an unauthorized item is found, it will be confiscated and will not be returned. Cooking is permitted only in residence halls/ houses with kitchens. • alcohol/alcohol paraphernalia
• drum sets
• amplifiers with stereo sets
• electric blankets
• automatic-drip coffeemakers
• electrically amplified instruments
• axes and chainsaws
• explosives/fireworks
• bows and arrows
• extension cords
• candles/incense – anything with an open flame
• firearms/guns (including BB, paintball, pellet)
• cappuccino/espresso machines
• woks
• cinder blocks
• grills (charcoal, propane, George Foreman-type)
• cooking appliances/machines with open coils • curtain rods (screw or nail type that require holes in walls or window frames) • darts and dart boards (any type) • drugs/drug paraphernalia
• lighter fluid or other combustible items • lofts • mini-lights (Christmas type) • multi-plug outlet without surge protector • open coil water/coffee warmers • pets (except goldfish) • plastic or inflatable furniture • power tools
• halogen lamps
• rice cookers
• heating pads
• space heaters
• hot-oil popcorn poppers
• toaster/toaster ovens
• hot plates
• water beds
• incense and incense burners
• weapons
• knives (other than flatware)
*List is subject to change.
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ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME*
LIVING WITH A ROOMMATE (and a few hundred of your closest friends)
Maybe you have shared a bedroom with a sibling. And maybe you haven’t. Either way, having a roommate – and sharing the same residence hall with a few hundred other students – is probably going to be a new experience for you. You’re about to live in close quarters with someone you may meet for the first time on move-in day! You may find you’ve come from different neighborhoods, different parts of the country or even different parts of the world. Your respective cultures, religions or belief systems, habits, lifestyles or customs may take some getting used to. Most likely, you will get to know your roommate and suitemates first. And, through residence hall events and programs, you will get to know others on your floor and in your building. As long as you are considerate of other people’s space, possessions and feelings, you should do fine.
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Upperclassmen who have received training, graduate students and residence life professionals also call the residence halls home. They are there to help you enjoy community living and resolve any issues. The 140 staff members who live 24/7 in the residence halls include: • DESK ASSISTANTS (DA) Undergraduates who staff the information desks which are located near the entrance to most residence halls. They can answer general questions, refer you to the appropriate resources on campus, and they check guests in and out of the building. • RESIDENT ASSISTANTS (RA) Upperclassmen who live on each floor or in the historic houses. They serve as advisors and guide you through conflicts, help build community and refer you to appropriate resources on campus. • RESIDENCE HALL DIRECTORS (RHD) Graduate students who live in each residence hall and supervise the resident assistants and desk assistants. They also can help you with conflict resolution, community development, adjustment issues and crisis management (should that ever become necessary). • AREA COORDINATORS (AC) Full-time professional staff members who live in the residence halls. They supervise the RHDs, select and train staff, and manage the finances, programming and administration for their area. Although respecting one another’s rights is the foundation of positive community development, a good, healthy relationship with a roommate won’t develop overnight. You’ll both have to work at it continuously. Roommate contracts can help you begin discussions about topics that will be important to you as long as you live together. Some issues that you’ll need to discuss: • What we should share • The level of privacy each of you needs • The times you each go to bed and get up in the morning • How often to have guests in the room, and your responsibility for a guest’s behavior
TIPS • When you receive your housing assignment, check MyCharleston for information about your roommate and suitemates. It’s a good idea to contact them right away. Introduce yourself and decide who will bring the TV, stereo, etc., so you don’t wind up with two of everything. • Don’t rely on your roommate to be your whole social life. Be sure to get out and meet a lot of people. Remember: It’s OK if you and your roommate don’t become best friends. • Collaborate with your roommate on strategies that will help you respect each other’s rights and needs. You can include a resident assistant or residence hall director in your discussions. • The No. 1 way to keep problems from arising – or fix them if they do – is to talk openly, honestly and calmly. It’s tempting to ignore or gloss over an issue, but the sooner you talk it through, the sooner you can resolve it. • If you and your roommate can’t resolve the issues on your own, go to your resident assistant or residence hall director. They are there to help you.
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WHO WILL BE THERE TO HELP YOU?
PACKAGES, MAIL, ETC. There will be times when your family members will want to send a package – or even (gasp) a letter! So, if you haven’t received your mailing address by email yet, go to the Office of Mail Services soon after you are on campus to set up your mailbox and pick up your mailbox key. You can access your mailbox anytime between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., seven days a week, and pick up parcel packages between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also buy postage stamps and ship packages through USPS, UPS and FedEx at mail services. SHIPPING YOUR BELONGINGS TO THE COLLEGE If you are an out-of-state student, you may want to ship some of your belongings to Charleston starting July 28. You’ll have to have a campus mailbox number in order to receive them. Please be sure that you address all packages properly (see information below). Any mail or parcel sent to you through the U.S. Post Office or private courier (UPS, DHL, FedEx, and Airborne) must be addressed as follows: STUDENT’S NAME _____________ CofC Complex (this line serves as a street address for private courier services)
Charleston, S.C. 29424
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Anything that is addressed differently might be delayed. If you have a package, we’ll email you through your campus account. In order to retrieve the package you must bring your college ID to the service window. NOTE: If you have to send important documents through the mail, please send them certified, insured or Express Mail. This is the safest and best way to effectively track a piece of mail. IMPORTANT TIP: NEVER SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL!!! Mail services cannot be responsible for lost mail that contains money.
MAIL SERVICES 81-A St. Philip Street St. Philip Street Parking Garage,1st floor
PHONE: 843.953.5534 FAX: 843.953.4946 EMAIL: mailservices@cofc.edu mailservices.cofc.edu
DO YOU QUALIFY FOR S.C. RESIDENCY STATUS?
If you are living on campus and have fewer than 30 cumulative credit hours earned and on file with the registrar’s office at the time that parking assignments are made, you are not eligible to apply for or purchase a College of Charleston parking permit. IF YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A PERMIT • You can find a list of other parking spaces in the downtown area that are leased to students at parkingservices.cofc.edu/ parking/alternative-parking.php. • CARTA bus service is free to all College of Charleston students with a valid Cougar Card. CARTA provides in-town routes as well as express shuttle services that connect the downtown area with key locations throughout the area. See ridecarta.com.
IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A PERMIT Apply for a permit through MyCharleston, but only during the open-application period. You’ll receive notice of the application deadlines through your College email account, and they will also be posted online (parkingservices. cofc.edu). If you miss the deadline, please call parking services or drop by the office to find out what parking spaces might be available. Where you park will be based on the number of cumulative credit hours you’ve earned and have on file with the registrar’s office at the time the assignments are made. If more than one student has the exact same number of credit hours earned, then parking assignments will be made in the order of the dates on which the applications were received. You’ll be assigned a parking space and pay for it one semester in advance. At present, surface parking fees are $400* per semester; garage fees range from $300* to $600* per semester (price is based on garage location). If you park in a garage, you’ll have to pay a separate
$20 refundable magnetic card deposit each semester. Please note: THERE IS NO FREE PARKING ON CAMPUS. All College of Charleston parking lots are permit only, and most are ticketed 24/7. Please refer to the parking map or the signage at the entrance to the lot for specifics about permit restrictions for that lot or location. You should also direct your visitors and guests to park in one of the parking garages on or near campus to avoid being ticketed and/or towed. *Fees are subject to change.
PARKING SERVICES 162-B Calhoun Street Joe E. Berry Jr. Residence Hall PHONE: 843.953.7834 FAX: 843.953.1003 parkingservices.cofc.edu
Requirements regarding establishment of legal residency for fees and tuition purposes are governed by legislation set forth by the South Carolina General Assembly. Under the law, resident status for the purposes of fees and tuition may be established by independent citizens, military/dependents and certain aliens. There are also provisions applicable to resident classification of dependent persons. Physical presence in the state primarily for education purposes does not constitute establishment of South Carolina residency for fees and tuition purposes. LEGAL RESIDENCY Treasurer’s Office 170 Calhoun Street PHONE: 843.953.7312 FAX: 843.953.3906 legalresidency.cofc.edu
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PARKING ON CAMPUS
MONEY MATTERS The College of Charleston is a state-assisted institution. Tuition and fees are based upon appropriations granted by the South Carolina General Assembly. Accordingly, the fees charged by the College will be directly affected by the action of the legislature, and are therefore subject to change without notice. BILLING
All billing is done electronically. EBills will be sent to your official College of Charleston email address and to anyone else you have authorized to receive an eBill. You can view charges and payments through your MyCharleston account. Remember, your MyCharleston account at my.cofc.edu is available 24/7 which makes paying your bill more convenient.
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Use your student login and password to log into MyCharleston and open your “my accounts” tab. You’ll find access to your eBill on the bottom of that page. Once you’ve logged in, you can select a payment plan, add Dining Dollars and/or Cougar Cash, and make payments. You can pay your bill using a credit/debit card or your checking/savings account.
Each online payment by credit/debit card will have a convenience fee attached for 2.75 percent of the transaction amount. (The College currently accepts MasterCard, Discover and American Express.) There is no additional fee if you pay by check online. There is no additional fee attached to payments made by credit card in person at the Treasurer’s Office. Credit card payments cannot be accepted by phone, fax or mail.
AUTHORIZED USERS If your parent(s), a trust fund or bank, for example, will be making payments toward the balance due, we strongly recommend that you make them a designated authorized user and add their email
See treasurer.cofc.edu/ebill/index.php for more information about adding authorized users.
SEMESTER PAYMENT PLANS Perhaps it would be more convenient for you to use a payment plan of equal installments – over a period of time within a semester – to pay your academic fees (including labs), housing and meal plans. Parking fees and fines, bookstore charges, Cougar Card deposits, late fees and other miscellaneous costs are excluded from the plan. You must make the requisite payment(s) no later than the last regularly scheduled day to pay fees. The remaining balance is payable to the College in additional
monthly installments (approximately every 30 days). The College does assess an administrative charge of $40.00 each semester to offset the additional cost of record keeping and billing. Any financial aid you receive or have been awarded through the College must be applied to any outstanding fees. Only the balance remaining after financial aid has been applied can be financed through the installment payment plan.
DIRECT DEPOSITING REFUNDS All refunds of any kind must be deposited directly into a student-designated bank account. To identify the bank account where you want the funds to be deposited, log onto eBill in MyCharleston, select the refund tab and follow the directions. NOTE: MyCharleston is a secured website and this information will remain active until you change it.
CANCELLATION OF CLASSES FOR NON-PAYMENT OF TUITION It is important that payments be received on or prior to the due date as indicated on the eBill. If you don’t pay the requisite amount by that date, your class schedule will be cancelled. If there are third-party payers involved in paying any portion of the bill – such as state tuition plans, military tuition benefits, social services, etc. – it is imperative that you notify the Treasurer’s Office well in advance of the bill due date.
TREASURER’S OFFICE 170 Calhoun Street PHONE: 843.953.5572 FAX: 843.953.5573 treasurer.cofc.edu
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address to the eBill system. We can only release eBills to designated users who you have specifically authorized to receive this information.
FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
CONTACT INFORMATION
FEDERAL STUDENT AID
Department of Education PIN registration pin.ed.gov or 800.433.3243 TTY users call 800.730.8913
If you are enrolled in a degree-granting program of study, you could be eligible for federal grants, work study and student loans. You can find detailed information about federal student aid programs on the U.S. Department of Education website (studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/ student_guide/index.html). The only application you’ll need to fill out to receive financial assistance at the College of Charleston is the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA). Apply online (fafsa.ed.gov). NOTE: Our priority deadline is March 1.
Visit our website (finaid.cofc.edu) for more details.
DISBURSEMENT Any loans you receive for the academic year will be equally disbursed during the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Without exception, the Federal Direct PLUS Loan to a parent of an undergraduate student will be credited to your College account first to pay your tuition and fees, room and board, and any other outstanding charges. Any excess funds from the PLUS loan will be issued to you unless your parent borrower has requested on the PLUS application that these funds be mailed directly to him or her. All other aid, including student loans, will then be credited to your account to pay any other remaining balance. Any excess funds will be issued to you as a refund.
FOR VETERANS The College of Charleston welcomes veterans and their dependents as they pursue a degree in higher education. We want to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice for our country. Please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 888.442.4551 or gibill.va.gov to see whether or not you are eligible for veterans benefits. If you are, you might want to meet with our veterans affairs coordinator to find out how you can use those benefits at the College. Or, go to the financial aid website. If you have any questions, please contact our veterans affairs coordinator at woolumsj@cofc.edu.
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Federal student aid programs studentaid.ed.gov/guide/types or 800.433.3243 TTY users call 1.800.730.8913
Student Loan Support Center https://studentloans.gov or 800.557.7392 TTY users call 800.730.8913 Direct loan servicer nslds.ed.gov or 800.433.7394 TTY users call 800.577.7395 Direct loan consolidation loanconsolidation.ed.gov or 800.557.7392 TTY users call 800.730.7392 Financial planning (budgeting) resources In-school budget calculator: ed.gov/DirectLoan/BudgetCalc/ budget.html Out-of-school budget calculator: mappingyourfuture.org/money/ calculators.htm FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS Office of Financial Assistance & Veterans Affairs Lightsey Center – 1st floor PHONE: 843.953.5540 FAX: 843.953.7192 TTY DEVICE FOR THE DEAF PHONE: 843.953.5484 EMAIL: financialaid@cofc.edu finaid.cofc.edu
GETTING INVOLVED
GETTING INVOLVED
In 2012, Charleston was named the No. 1 destination in the world by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, and for the past three years, the No. 1 city in the U.S. Since the College and the City of Charleston will be your home for the next few years, you should get out and explore your new community, and find out what makes it so special. Here’s a to-do list of places to see, events to participate in and new things to try that will make you feel like a native in no time. Start now. Four years will go by in a flash. [ 47 ]
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YOUR CITY, YOUR HOME
ENJOY THE OUTDOORS • Bike across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and prepare for the Cooper River Bridge Run (10K). • Run to the Battery at sunrise/sunset. • Play Frisbee in Marion Square. • Picnic at White Point Gardens. • Visit the Angel Oak tree on Johns Island. • Check out the local beaches (Folly, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms). • Shoot a round of golf at Kiawah and Seabrook islands. • Kayak, paddleboard or climb the rock wall at a county park.
SPORTING EVENTS • Charleston RiverDogs baseball • S.C. Stingrays hockey • Charleston Battery soccer • Family Circle Cup tennis
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THE ARTS • Spoleto Festival USA or Piccolo Spoleto • Music Farm concerts • Theater 99 comedy shows • Gibbes Museum of Art • MOJA Arts Festival
HISTORY • Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum (USS Yorktown and USS Laffey) • The Charleston Museum – America’s first museum • Fort Sumter – the Civil War began here • Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon • Plantations (Boone Hall, Drayton Hall, Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation, Charleston Tea Plantation) • Charles Towne Landing (circa 1670, the original site of the first permanent English settlement in the Carolinas).
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • Georgestock (August) • Cougarpalooza (April) • Convocation – walk through Porters Lodge • Homecoming Week • CougarNation sporting events • Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art exhibits • intramural and club sports
LOWCOUNTRY FOOD FAVORITES • boiled peanuts • oysters (preferably at a roast) • pralines and benne wafers • She crab soup • Frogmore Stew • shrimp and grits • green tomatoes with/without fried okra • cornbread
The Campus Recreation Services (CRS) program provides a variety of activities that contribute to the overall health and well-being of the College community. RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES • Intramural sports – competitive activities in a number of individual and team sports
• Open recreation – access to facilities and equipment for recreation at your leisure
• Sport clubs – club programs for individuals with a common sport interest
• Fitness – structured and nonstructured opportunities for improving and maintaining physical fitness
• Student employment – career development for students as they practice and develop leadership, management and technical skills
(Continued on pg. 50)
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HEALTH, FITNESS, FUN
OPEN RECREATION
(Continued from pg. 49)
Open recreation hours are scheduled throughout the day so that you can exercise or play during your leisure time. Visit our website for specific activities and times. George Street Fitness Center 50 George Street Spend time in our 15,000-square-foot activity center that is stocked with the latest cardio equipment and an impressive line of free-weight, resistance-training equipment and weight machines. There is also a multi-purpose room for anyone who prefers a quieter workout space. Johnson Physical Education Center 30 George Street • 2 basketball courts • 3 volleyball courts • 5 racquetball courts • 6 badminton courts • equipment checkout • 900-sq.-ft. fitness area
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Silcox Physical Education and Health Center 24 George Street • 2 basketball courts • indoor soccer court • indoor running track • locker rooms
CAMPUS RECREATION SERVICES F. Mitchell Johnson Physical Education Center 30 George Street PHONE: 843.953.5559 campusrec.cofc.edu facebook.com/CofCCRS twitter.com/CofCCampusRec
Our intercollegiate athletics program offers students the opportunity to enjoy NCAA Division I team play at its best. There are 22 varsity men’s, women’s and co-ed teams, plus cheerleading, at the College.
TICKETS
SCHOOL SPIRIT Our students have long been passionate supporters of Cougar basketball. Now, that same spirit has spread to other sports as well. Throughout the orientation process and in the first weeks of school in the fall, information will be available to new and returning students about how to show their Cougar Pride – on campus, at TD Arena and Patriots Point Athletics Complex, and even on the road.
Bring your valid student ID with you to any sports venue and, as space allows, support your favorite Cougar teams for free. For more information, please go to cofcsports. com and click on the tickets button. ATHLETICS AND SPORTS TD Arena 301 Meeting Street PHONE: 843.953.5556 FAX: 843.953.8296 TICKETS: 843.953.COFC (2632) cofcsports.com
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BECOME A FAN
CISTERNYARD MEDIA CisternYard Media consists of four distinct student media organizations and two supporting marketing departments. Each group offers unique ways for students to become involved, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and gain practical training in various media. • CISTERNYARD NEWS, the student-run newsroom, updates cisternyard.com, the flagship website for student media, and produces The Yard, a quarterly feature magazine. • CISTERNYARD RADIO (CYR) is the official, independent, student-operated Web-only radio station. Streaming live 24/7 during the school year, CYR puts the spotlight on local and regional music. Tune in at CisternYard. com or download the TuneIn app. • CISTERNYARD VIDEO is the student-run production group, which presents a range of content in news, sports, comedy and entertainment. Video segments are available at CisternYard.com, as well as on YouTube. • MISCELLANY is an annual, studentproduced, national-award-winning literary-arts journal. Students submit their visual arts, prose and poetry for consideration each spring. cisternyardmedia.cofc.edu/ miscellany • CISTERNYARD SALES is responsible for the advertising efforts of all the media groups and works specifically with CisternYard News. • CISTERNYARD PUBLIC RELATIONS (PR) handles the public relations and marketing efforts of CisternYard Media.
CISTERNYARD MEDIA Calhoun Annex 172 Calhoun St. – 2nd floor PHONE: 843.953.5289 HOURS: M—F 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CisternYard.com @cisternyard
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STUDENT LIFE COUGAR ACTIVITIES BOARD (CAB) Stern Student Center room 411 cab.cofc.edu CAB is the primary, campus-wide programming body at the College. We put on events that are of interest to a broad range of students, and we work with other organizations to help ensure that their events are of the highest quality and reach the largest number of students possible. Offerings include: live bands, films, world-famous speakers and other exciting activities such as CAB’s annual Casino Night and Cougarpalooza. Students who lead the Coffee House, Community Issues, Films, Fun Fridays and Special Events committees make up CAB’s governing board. By getting involved, you’ll have the opportunity to influence what type of entertainment comes to campus! GREEK LIFE 97 Wentworth Street Annex phone: 843.953.6320 greeks.cofc.edu College of Charleston is home to 26 nationally recognized fraternities and sororities. Membership in any of these chapters will provide you
with academic support, leadership opportunities, service learning and career-development resources – and lifelong friendships. Recruiting processes for the organizations within each of the three Greek Councils (IFC, Panhellenic and National Pan-Hellenic) vary. For more information about recruitment – and each chapter – call the Office of Greek Life or visit the Greek life website. STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) Stern Student Center room 401 sga.cofc.edu SGA is the official, undergraduate student government association. Every student who enrolls automatically becomes a member. Each year, the student body elects the SGA officers who provide a strong voice in articulating student concerns, and take an active role in enhancing student life at the College. STUDENT LIFE Stern Student Center 4th floor PHONE: 843.853.5722 FAX: 843.953.1423 studentlife.cofc.edu
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Perhaps you’ve already been involved with service projects of one kind or another. We hope you’ll continue, and make service an important part of your college experience. Aside from improving the quality of life of the people you touch, volunteering can actually make learning come alive. The experiences you’ll have will also reinforce the importance of being actively involved in your community.
• The Center for Civic Engagement matches students, faculty, and staff volunteers with community needs. These volunteer opportunities range from one-day events to yearlong mentoring programs. The center staff also coordinates service events, posts upcoming community volunteer opportunities and facilitates community partnerships. • Volunteer Corps members are dedicated to being active citizens in the Charleston community by planning and participating in service projects. • Service learning courses – service is integrated into coursework in a range of disciplines. • Bonner Leader Program – a prestigious four-year service scholarship program through which students perform upwards of 300 hours of community service and receive leadership development training each year. • Alternative Break is a serviceimmersion experience that takes place in local, national and international locations during academic breaks in the fall and spring. The purpose is to foster conversations that have roots in issues of social justice. • Annual events – Volunteer Fair, Homecoming: Cougars Taking Action, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Dash for Trash, Alternative Break Program, and Spring Into Service CENTER FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Lightsey Center – room 203 PHONE: 843.953.5838 Email: volunteer@cofc.edu servicelearning.cofc.edu
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CHECK OUT SOME OF THE FOLLOWING
OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL DIVERSITY At the College of Charleston, diversity is more than just “human differences.” It is the bond that unites us together as a campus community. The Office of Institutional Diversity (OID) is responsible for creating and maintaining all-inclusive educational, social, cultural and outreach programs. With the support of, and in collaboration with the College communities, OID incorporates the many dimensions of diversity into its programming efforts by offering a number of events, programs and services throughout the year. Some of our signature programs include: • diversity education and training workshops. • annual student diversity conference. • signature speaker series. • critical issues in diversity. • OID student welcome week. • community diversity outreach initiatives. • intergroup dialogues. • National Ethnic Heritage month celebrations. • diversity service award. • diversity/cultural film series. OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL DIVERSITY Robert Scott Small Building 175 Calhoun St., 2nd floor OFFICE HOURS:
M—F, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PHONE: 843.953.5079
EMAIL: OID@cofc.edu diversity.cofc.edu
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HIGDON STUDENT LEADERSHIP CENTER If you are looking for opportunities, activities and experiences that will help prepare you for leadership roles in campus organizations and society, this is the place to be. Our programs offer an interactive learning laboratory for life-skill development while they stimulate a desire for further exploration. Formats range in size from small-group environments to large-group activities designed for 200 or more participants. The following are specific programs we offer to freshmen at the College. COUGAR EXCURSION This three-day retreat takes place in August at an offcampus site and will help you develop leadership skills so that you’ll have a positive first-year experience. You’ll find ways to become involved in campus activities, and learn about the legends and traditions of the College. FALL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE On a Saturday in the late fall, there is a free leadership development conference at a hotel close to campus. The conference itinerary consists of two educational session blocks, lunch and a keynote presentation. LEADERSHAPE INSTITUTE The LeaderShape® Institute reflects the key leadership
components of vision, partnerships, integrity and results. The six-day retreat is held in May at an off-campus location. Sixty freshmen, sophomores and juniors, who want to become more effective leaders in their organizations, gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their own strengths and weaknesses. Program content is based on a national curriculum and participants leave the institute with a LeaderShape Breakthrough Blueprint – a well-conceived vision and plan of action for them to implement in their respective organizations or community.
development and articulate and apply their abilities effectively. They participate in one of the following HSLC programs: Cougar Excursion, Leadership CofC, The LeaderShape Institute and Fall Leadership Conference. They can also attend select workshops and participate in certain other organizations and programs at the College. Their work culminates in the completion of a personal leadership portfolio.
LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE PROGRAM This program helps students successfully set and accomplish their goals, increase their skill
PHONE: 843.953.6356 hslc.cofc.edu
HIGDON STUDENT LEADERSHIP CENTER 69 Coming Street
The Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services (MSPS) is located in the Multicultural Center (next door to the Addlestone Library). The staff focuses primarily on underrepresented populations, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment that meets the particular needs of these students. SUPPORT SERVICES The MSPS staff generates programs and offers the kinds of services that support students as they move from admission to graduation. Some examples include: Mentoring Matters Program Through this program, mentors, faculty, staff and students provide curricular and co-curricular support for freshmen and transfer students. The program also helps students from different backgrounds to learn from one another through shared experiences. The Excellence in Collegiate Education and Leadership (EXCEL) Awards The ExCEL awards program honors students, faculty, staff and local community groups/ individuals for excellence in academic achievement, teaching and athleticism, while promoting excellence and diversity at the College. Multicultural Student Organizations Student organizations and clubs will help you meet new
people who have similar interests, learn new skills, share your talents and help you become connected to campus life. Check out some of the following: Brothers On A New Direction (B.O.N.D.), Gay-Straight Alliance, Women Reaching Independence Through Support and Education (WeRise) and the Student Union for Multicultural Affairs (SUMA). Leadership Development The staffs of MSPS and the Higdon Student Leadership Center prepare students for leadership roles on campus and in the community through workshops and retreats. Financial Aid Opportunities (employment, scholarships and grants) • SPECTRA summer LEADers counselors and interns • Federal and College work study positions • Student office workers • Graduate student assistantships (as funds are available) • Gateway Scholars
SAFE ZONE Student and community groups work together to increase an awareness and understanding of issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, allied, asexual and intersex (LGBTQQAAI) persons. The Safe Zone Program uses education, training and advocacy to share the message of inclusiveness in residence halls, classes, student groups and the community at large. Faculty, staff and students can become allies, and thereby help provide a safe space for all members of the College of Charleston community – in solidarity with LGBTQQAAI communities – free from all forms of discrimination, intimidation, hate crimes, bullying, hostility and intolerance. OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL STUDENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 207 Calhoun Street PHONE: 843.953.5660 FAX: 843.953.5676 EMAIL: msps@cofc.edu msps.cofc.edu
RELIGIOUS LIFE COUNCIL As students learn and grow through the college experience, many wrestle with spiritual questions and want to mature in their faith. Religious Life Council members want students to ask important questions about faith and life and then know where to find the answers. We provide spiritual support and council to any and all students who seek it, and help them see how their faith fits into the “big picture” of college life. We are able to connect students to any of the many houses of worship in Charleston and to any spiritual help they may want or need. RELIGIOUS LIFE COUNCIL Randolph Hall room 305E PHONE: 843.953.2211 go.cofc.edu/rlc
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MULTICULTURAL STUDENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
REGISTER TO VOTE You are an individual who has opinions and ideas. It’s important that public officials and candidates for public office listen to you and pay attention to your opinions on issues that have an impact on you and on our society. You make your opinions known in the voting booth every Election Day. If you are a South Carolina resident, you can vote in Charleston or use an absentee ballot to vote in your hometown elections. You are legally entitled to choose. If you have not registered, you can pick up a South Carolina voter-registration form at either the Office of the Dean of Students (Stern Student Center, 3rd floor) or the Center for Civic Engagement (Lightsey Center, 2nd floor). If you are not a South Carolina resident, have not registered to vote and want to register, you can access a national online voter-registration form from rockthevote. org. If you are not from South Carolina and are registered to vote in another state, be sure to request an absentee ballot well in advance of an election. If you have questions, email cofcvotes@cofc.edu.
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SUSTAINABLE COFC Are you coming to the College hoping to gain résumé-worthy experience while taking part in sustainable actions on campus? The Office of Sustainability, which is student driven, takes a holistic and integratedthinking approach to developing creative solutions for issues both on campus and in the greater Charleston community. Students also benefit from a growing interdisciplinary internship program. Some examples of student-driven initiatives include: • campus bike-share program. • a sustainable urban garden. • Greek life student outreach.
• Synergies online magazine. • campus recycling and composting. • student project funding.
Students can work on specific projects, earn internship credits toward their degree, get a paid internship, and conduct research for academic papers and publish their work in scholarly journals. Simply put, if you think sustainability might be an important part of your future, you can start your career while you’re at the College.
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY 284 King St., room 206 EMAIL: sustainability@cofc.edu sustainability.cofc.edu
STAYING SAFE
STAYING SAFE
In case of an emergency, the College of Charleston can notify students, faculty, staff and parents of a campus crisis within minutes. The CougarAlert system will only be used in the event of a campus crisis or emergency, and it will let the College communicate through: • voice messages to home, work and cell phones. • text messages to cell phones.
• written messages to email accounts. • messages to teletypewriters and telecommunication devices (TTY/TDD) for the hearing impaired. (Continued on pg. 60) [ 59 ]
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COUGARALERT
(Continued from pg. 59)
In combination with our existing communication methods and emergency response plans, this notification system will help the College maintain an environment in which everyone is safe, secure and comfortable. However, CougarAlert is only as good as the information that has been entered into the system. Therefore, it is important that you keep your contact information up-to-date at all times. To update your information, do the following: 1. Log onto MyCharleston. 2. Click on the Academic Services tab. 3. Click on the Banner Self-Service link in the third column. 4. Click on the Personal Information link 5. Click on the update addresses and phones and CougarAlert link. The CougarAlert system will pull the phone numbers in the following order – cell phone with text-messaging option, cell phone without text-messaging option, residence hall room phone number, mailing phone number, home phone number, parent’s first and second phone numbers. If the space for one of these numbers in your student record is blank, the system will select the next number on the list. The system does not pull the following numbers – accounts payable, billing, diploma, fax, non-College of Charleston work phone, pager, purchase order and teletype machine. To update or change a phone number, you will need to access the address under which the phone number is listed in MyCharleston. You can do that by clicking on the words next to the phone number. In an emergency, communications to the campus will be issued in the following priority order: 1. Message to CougarAlert phones and email accounts 2. Recorded message to the College’s Emergency Information Hotline – 843.725.7246 3. Update to the website (emergency.cofc.edu) 4. Printed update sheets to be distributed and posted on campus (if necessary)
COUGARALERT DISPLAY INFORMATION When you receive an emergency message from CougarAlert, you’ll see cougaralert@cofc.edu as the return email address; caller ID will be displayed as 843.725.7246 (the College’s emergency information hotline).
TESTING We will test the CougarAlert system once each semester.
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EMERGENCY CALL BOXES Throughout the campus, you’ll see orange call boxes that will connect you directly to campus police in an emergency. However, you can use the boxes if you need routine assistance such as a flat tire or you’ve locked your keys in the car, etc. Go to publicsafety.cofc.edu to check the locations of these call boxes. And direct questions about the emergency call boxes to campus police.
COUGAR SHUTTLE College of Charleston students love their Cougar Shuttle! The service is available seven nights a week during the spring and fall semesters from 11:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. It is free to all students who show a valid College of Charleston ID. To request the shuttle service, call 888.960.2227. A van will pick you up and transport you to your destination on the Charleston peninsula. COUGAR SHUTTLE Randolph Hall - room 305E PHONE: 843.953.2211 COUGAR SHUTTLE: 888.960.2227 EMAIL: nadele@cofc.edu president.cofc.edu/community-relations/ cougarshuttle.php
No matter where you are – on campus, off campus, on any street anywhere in the world – you should use “street smarts.” You should walk in groups and use the buddy system – especially after dark. If you find you can’t use the buddy system while you’re on campus, you can call public safety 24/7 to request a security escort to or from a class, residence hall or College-owned parking lot/facility.
Through this program, Charlestonarea college students help their peers avoid negative situations that involve alcohol and crime. This program stems from a desire to prevent peers from being victimized or harmed as a result of engaging in behavior that raises their risk level.
• Calls requesting a public safety escort are dispatched immediately. However, our on-patrol officers are serving a sizable campus population, so it may take time for an officer to get to you. If you feel that the delay is excessive, please place your call again.
On Friday nights from 10:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m., PAL volunteers, accompanied by plainclothes city police officers, walk along the upper King Street corridor and through the heavily populated neighborhoods nearby where many students have apartments. They are there to make sure that any students who need help getting home arrive at their destinations safely.
• It’s important that you use the program the way it was intended. Do not think of it as a substitute means of transportation for grocery shopping, to doctor/ dental appointments or to your part-time job. It cannot take the place of your designated driver when you’re out socializing. If you abuse this service, it dilutes the effectiveness of the program for those individuals who have a critical need for a security escort.
PEER ASSISTANCE LEADERS PHONE: 843.607.6300 EMAIL: nadele@cofc.edu president.cofc.edu/communityrelations/pal.php
• To use the campus escort service, call public safety and provide the dispatcher with your name, current location, your destination and your physical description. Remain in your car or wait in the building lobby until a campus police officer/representative arrives.
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SAFETY IN NUMBERS
PEER ASSISTANCE LEADERS (PAL)
Campus police officers are required to successfully complete a 12-week-training program at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Upon graduation, an officer is certified by the State of Carolina as a police officer with full power of arrest. In addition, campus police officers receive all state-mandated training to remain certified by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
OPERATION IDENTIFICATION In order to discourage the theft of your valuables, you’ll want to keep a record of the make, model and serial numbers of these items. Come to public safety and fill out an operation identification form. We’ll keep the original in public safety and you can keep a copy with your records. If any of your valuables are stolen, the information can be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). If they are pawned, the police can track them through the pawnshop database. You can also use your College of Charleston ID to check out an engraver from public safety to engrave personal information on your valuables.
PROTECTING YOUR BOOKS Replacing books that have been lost or stolen affects more than your bank account. You can’t put a price tag on the personal cost – inconvenience, frustration, time and energy spent. • Place an “identifier” inside your textbooks. You might want to put your initials on the page in the textbook that matches the day of the month you were born, for example. Print large enough so that it can be seen, but not so big that you can’t resell the book if you want to. • Keep a list of the books you own – by title and author(s) – in a separate location.
CAMPUS POLICE Campus police officers provide public safety services at the College of Charleston. These professionally trained men and women are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, monitoring the flow of traffic, enforcing parking regulations and patrolling the grounds and buildings. [ 62 ]
• Never leave your books/book bag unattended on tables, desks, floors or in classrooms. Not even for a second. It only takes a second to become a victim. • Report stolen or lost books immediately to public safety (843.953.5609) and the college bookstore (843.953.5518). PUBLIC SAFETY St. Philip Street parking garage, 1st floor PHONE: 843.953.5611 (emergency number) 843.953.5609 (non-emergency number) FAX: 843.953.5132 publicsafety.cofc.edu
COLLEGE EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION LINE 843.725.7246 1. RESIDENCE HALL INFORMATION 843.953.5523
2. CHARLESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT 843.577.7434 3. CRIME ACTION LINE 843.953.4998 (voice-recorded line) 4. COFC EMS 843.953.5611 5. FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY 843.953.5611
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY Things happen. We could one day be dealing with threats of a hurricane, or a fire on campus, a chemical spill in the community, exposure to hazardous material, a bomb threat or any number of incidents that occur in communities. (Continued on pg. 64)
6. PUBLIC SAFETY 843.953.5611 7. PUBLIC SAFETY (NON-EMERGENCY) 843.953.5609 8. HEARING IMPAIRED 843.953.1419 9.
RELAY SOUTH CAROLINA (disability access) • 800.735.2905 (off campus) • 9-711 (on campus) • TYY (disability access) • 843.953.5611 (off campus) • 9-711 (on campus)
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EMERGENCY PHONE DIRECTORY
SAFETY TIPS • Try to use ATMs only during daylight hours. • Have your key ready when you approach your car. Before getting in, look underneath your car and check inside to make sure no one is hiding there. • If you feel you are being followed, drive to the nearest well-lit, public area and call the police. • Always ask service people to identify themselves before you allow them to come into your room/home. • LOCK YOUR DOOR when leaving your room. • LOCK VALUABLES in the trunk of your vehicle. • CALL PUBLIC SAFETY at 843.953.5611 if you have an emergency. Their non-emergency number is 843.953.5609. • If you want to report a crime and remain anonymous, CALL THE CRIME ACTION LINE at 843.953.4998, or go to the public safety website and click on Silent Witness. • CALL PUBLIC SAFETY to report lights that are out and locks that are malfunctioning. • LET SOMEONE KNOW YOUR WHEREABOUTS at all times. Learn your new friends’ full name, not just their nicknames. For a complete list of services, contact points and campus crime statistics, check the public safety website.
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(Continued from pg. 63)
In the event of an emergency, you can go to emergency.cofc.edu for the most up-to-date information. To be well prepared, however, you need to know “what to do if.” First and foremost, you must remember to stay calm, be flexible, use common sense, be prepared to the extent you can be – and listen to the appropriate officials who are in charge.
IN GENERAL, YOU SHOULD: • always keep medication prescriptions filled. • have a family plan for making contact – and stick to it. Don’t wait for an emergency to make plans. • pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative to call as alternate contacts. (Sometimes it is easier to call out of state than within the affected area.) • remember that telephone communications are normally overloaded during emergencies, so call only when it is absolutely necessary. • follow all instructions immediately.
IN CASE OF A MANDATORY EVACUATION If you are an out-of-state or international student, and you have to move temporarily to a location outside the area but you have nowhere to go, the College is prepared to transport you to select housing. If alternative transportation to an off-site location is not deemed necessary or, due to the nature of the emergency is unavailable, and you are a residential student who needs assistance with emergency housing, you should inform the Department of Residence Life and Housing.
If you live in one of the College’s historic houses, we will move you to appropriately designated facilities. If you are a commuter and need help, notify residence life and housing, and you may also be included.
PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW • Know the name and phone number of your RA and residence hall director. You’ll have to contact them to sign up for transportation to another location for alternative housing, and let them know where you will be if the College isn’t going to transport you to another location. • Leave a phone number where you can be contacted. • Bring a pillow, blanket, changes of clothes, towel, prescription medication(s), basic toiletry items and a jug of water. • Register at the door of the bus before you board. If you are transported on a College bus, you must come back to campus on the bus. • If you won’t be using transportation that the College provides to another location, it’s important that you let your family know where you will be staying (with friends or another relative). And, give them phone numbers where they can reach you. NOTE: There will be periodic meetings in the residence halls to keep everyone informed.
STUDENT AFFAIRS Stern Student Center – 3rd floor PHONE: 843.953.5522 FAX: 843.953.5403 emergency.cofc.edu
EVACUATION IS MANDATORY!! Fire spreads quickly. Ignoring alarms can waste valuable escape time. Don’t chance it. Follow these steps immediately! You will not be allowed back into the building until the fire chief or senior fire official declares the building safe to re-enter.
FIRE SAFETY REPORTING A FIRE ON CAMPUS Report all emergencies to 843.953.5611. Always call from a safe location and remain calm! Don’t hang up until the dispatcher has all of the information! Provide the dispatcher with the following information: • Type of emergency (fire, medical, police assistance, etc.) • Location of emergency (address, name of facility, floor, room number, etc.) • A call-back number
• If you see or suspect there is a fire, evacuate and pull a fire alarm on your way out. • If you hear a fire alarm elsewhere, evacuate and pull a fire alarm on your way out. • If you hear the fire alarm, evacuate the building immediately. Never assume that it is a false alarm. • Know not only the primary but the secondary evacuation routes from your room and the common areas as well. The evacuation route you’d normally use might be blocked by fire or smoke. • Don’t use the elevators, use the stairs. • If you have to evacuate in smoke, keep low. Crawl, keeping your head one to two feet above the floor, where the air will be cleanest. • Close doors behind you on your way out. This helps prevent the spread of fire. • Once outside, move away from the building. Follow the instructions of security staff or firefighters. • Remain at your evacuation location so that each student can be accounted for. • Special needs students who require assistance getting out of the building or who use a wheelchair, crutches or a walker, must go to the nearest evacuation stairwell and wait until help arrives. Please let the occupants evacuating the building know your location so they can tell emergency responders when they arrive. If conditions require that you remain in your room, close all the doors. If you have windows, try to wave a coat, shirt or similar item across or outside the window to gain attention. If you don’t have a window, call 843.953.5611 immediately. NOTE: Three resident state fire marshals are assigned to the campus. Emergency medical service and initial hazardous material response are also managed from this office.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS All campus facilities are equipped with fire extinguishers. If you notice a fire, pull/activate the fire alarm or send someone to do so in order to alert other occupants that there is a fire in the building. Only attempt to fight fires in the initial stages. A small trashcan fire is a good example. If you’re uncomfortable with using an extinguisher, or your gut feeling is telling you to leave – get out! Your safety is the No. 1 priority! If you do attempt to fight a small fire, the following procedures apply to most of the extinguishers installed on campus. P.A.S.S P = Pull the pin. A = Aim at the base of the fire. S = Squeeze the handle. S = Sweep the nozzle back and forth until the fire is extinguished. Please visit our webpage to review information about fire safety on campus: fireandems.cofc. edu/fire/index.php Always call public safety at 843.953.5611 to report a fire – even if it has been extinguished. NOTE: Additional information on fire safety programs and services can be found at publicsafety.cofc. edu, or call us at 843.953.5499
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WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE
By enrolling at the College of Charleston, you are responsible for adhering to its regulations and codes. In the spirit of good citizenship and community stewardship, specific rights and responsibilities are detailed in the Student Handbook (studentaffairs.cofc.edu/honorsystem/studenthandbook/index.php). It is your responsibility to become familiar with the academic and conduct regulations that govern your eligibility to continue at the College. Examples include: • Academic Integrity and the Honor Code • Student Code of Conduct • Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy • Alcohol Amnesty Policy • Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing Policy • College of Charleston English Fluency Policy • Student Grievance Procedure • Adjudication of Violations Within the Community • Student Sexual Misconduct Policy
STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS "At the core of the College of Charleston community are individuals from diverse backgrounds whose lives are intertwined in support of the uplifting of the human condition through comprehensive studies. As with all communities, there is a moral code of ethical behavior that binds participants together, and a body of official rules and regulations that defines personal freedoms and responsibilities. The latter is codified in our Honor Code and Code of Conduct. They apply to all members of the college community and are intended to promote an atmosphere of trust and fairness in the classroom and in the conduct of daily campus life.” (Student Handbook)
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The Office of the Dean of Students advocates for students when appropriate, assists students in need, recognizes student achievement and holds students accountable for their actions. Staff, faculty and students, in collaboration with the dean, create, review, disseminate, and enforce the College rules and policies that are set forth in the Student Handbook. The dean helps students who have questions about College policies and procedures and also coordinates the Honor System at the College. The dean also receives reports from peers and others about any form of student behavior that concerns them. We encourage students to let the dean’s office know of any concerning situations so that we can assist them promptly. DEAN OF STUDENTS Stern Student Center, room 306 PHONE: 843.953.5522 deanofstudents.cofc.edu
No matter how careful we are, it’s possible that sometime we – or someone we know – will be the victim of a crime. Or witness a crime. Whether something unfortunate happens to you, your roommate or best friend, there will be fallout related to the initial victimization that will have to be addressed. There will be questions to be answered, decisions to be made, and short- and longterm ongoing needs to be met. The OVS office staff can prove to be an invaluable resource in these circumstances. Our certified victim service providers are available to address the non-counseling fallout from the crime, attend to ongoing distractions or interruptions that can occur if a court process is involved, and work to resolve any matters of concern related to the crime and its impact on the college experience. We provide services within a framework that is attentive, sensitive and knowledgeable, so that no matter where our students live, work and socialize, if there is ever a need, OVS specialists are available to help.
WHAT OVS CAN DO FOR YOU We know that academic obligations and busy schedules sometimes prevent students from getting the information and assistance they need. Therefore, our goal is to make getting that information and assistance easier. OVS offers a wide variety of services at one location. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need our help, regardless of where the incident occurred, or whether or not you’ve filed a report, you’ll find that OVS staffers: • can explain the reporting process and help you, if you’d like, file a report with the appropriate law enforcement agency. • serve as your spokesperson within the College community so that your privacy and dignity are maintained in all aspects of intervention and assistance
and, as necessary, serve as a liaison with individuals off campus. • will work with you to reasonably accommodate any possible disruption to class attendance, classwork, academic schedule, or to initiate (Continued on pg. 68)
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OFFICE OF VICTIM SERVICES (OVS)
(Continued from pg. 67)
necessary changes that may result from the victimization. • offer immediate crisis intervention and initial support. • explain your rights, responsibilities and options. • help locate appropriate oncampus and community resources that will meet your specific ongoing needs. At OVS, we safeguard the rights of victims so that their voices may be heard, their choices will be valued and the recovery process may become a constructive reclamation of life.
CONTACT INFORMATION For non-emergency team assistance consultation (the incident occurred a week or a month ago), or to request information, call 843.953.2273 during normal business hours. Please ask to speak with an OVS victim-service provider. Walk-ins are welcome between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. For emergency consultation (the incident occurred within the past five days or 120 hours), call the 24hour emergency response pager at 843.724.3600. At the sound of the tone, enter the phone number from which you placed the call. A victimservice provider will return your call within a few minutes.
OFFICE OF VICTIM SERVICES 67 George Street rooms 102 and 202 PHONE: 843.953.2273 victimservices.cofc.edu
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MAKING GOOD CHOICES College is a time of choices – about what kind of person you want to become, what strengths and interests you have, and what you can do to realize your potential and use your talents for the benefit of others. It is also a time of almost overwhelming responsibilities, stresses, joys and frustrations. You may not feel that you want to tell your parents, or even your friends, what you are dealing with, and you may not be sure that anyone really cares anyway. WRONG! The staff of Counseling and Substance Abuse Services (CASAS) is here to listen and help. Don’t wait until you feel like you’ve been run over by a bus to consider talking to someone. The professional CASAS counselors have heard it all. They all have a master’s degree or Ph.D., are licensed in their respective fields, and will offer compassion, concern and concrete steps to take so that you can move forward. They can reassure you that what you are dealing with is not necessarily unique, and can provide you with the tools you need to thrive in your circumstances. CASAS offers individual and group counseling, and has a trained team of peer counselors available during evening hours. Counseling is a confidential, supportive relationship that can help you understand yourself and your feelings better, as well as your behaviors and relationships with others. Here are some examples of the types of problems and concerns that we’ve seen in other students who come in for counseling. • Depression, anxiety, panic attacks • Lack of confidence or low self-esteem, problems asserting themselves • Feeling overwhelmed, stressed out • Finding, helping with or ending a relationship • Getting along with others • Puzzling or distressing emotional states, mood swings
• Self-defeating behaviors • Alcohol and drug misuse or abuse • Determining life’s purpose and direction • Making better decisions • Possible learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders (we can evaluate)
SUBSTANCE ABUSE On college campuses, there is a clear relationship between alcohol and drug misuse and poor grades, incidents of sexual assault, episodes of violence, accidents and even psychotic behavior. Some students – a distinct minority – believe that college is all about abandoning their values and responsibilities, and partying (excess drinking and drug use). Although it is easy to get swept up into this lifestyle, you’ll find that most students do not abuse alcohol or drugs, and that having fun doesn’t have to mean being reckless and unsafe. Because the College supports students’ right to live in a safe and healthy environment, you need to become familiar with our policies on substance abuse.
Should you have a problem, the CASAS experts in substance abuse prevention and treatment can help you learn from the consequences of poor or unsafe choices, or addiction. And, they can help you create a new path for yourself. Our substance abuse team does not lecture, but listens for the important motivations you have or might be exploring regarding your decisions about alcohol and drugs. CASAS also presents informal presentations and discussions on alcohol and drugs to classes, organizations and student groups. Topics include how to talk to friends about their drug or alcohol use, safe drinking, and research on the effects of marijuana and other drug use. NOTE: CASAS is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We schedule initial, 30-minute appointments between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. during which we determine the types of services might be best for each student, and include referrals to off-campus counselors or psychiatrists, if necessary. For after-hours emergencies, contact public safety at 843.953.5611 to have the on-call counselor paged. You can find details on all services and programs on our website.
COUNSELING AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Robert Scott Small Building – 3rd floor PHONE: 843.953.5640 Counseling Services: counseling.cofc.edu
TOWARD A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE College is a time in your life when you will focus on developing a healthy mind, body and spirit. In part, you should be aware – if you aren’t already – of the importance of regular health maintenance and of using available health care in a timely and costeffective manner. The Office of Student Health Services (SHS) is staffed by experienced, boardcertified physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered nurses who are dedicated to providing early diagnosis and treatment of the conditions that you might have, or develop, while attending the College. Care is completely confidential and you must sign a written release before we can disclose medical information. Visits to SHS are included in tuition, but you are responsible for fees for referrals, laboratory tests, certain immunizations, medical supplies and prescriptions. If you happen to be in Charleston during the summer, but aren’t taking classes, you still can use the clinic if you pay a summer fee. Clinic hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Call SHS or stop by the clinic to make an appointment. In case of an emergency after hours or on weekends, you should call public safety (843.953.5611) if you are on campus, or 911 if you are off campus. MEDICAL CARE CAN BE VERY EXPENSIVE. We strongly urge all students to have adequate health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, please go to healthcare.gov to see if you qualify for insurance through the Affordable Care Act. If you are covered by an HMO, you should inquire about coverage while you are away from home. All students are required to complete a health form and show proof of immunization. You can download health forms from our website, which is also packed with helpful information about how to make an appointment, alternate care locations, self-care instructions, and lots of other healthfocused suggestions.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES 181 Calhoun St. PHONE: 843.953.5520 studenthealth.cofc.edu
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You can find them in the Student Handbook at: studentaffairs. cofc.edu/honor-system/ studenthandbook/index.php.
ATTORNEY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Nobody expects that going to court will be part of the college experience. Unfortunately, however, legal difficulties can arise quite unexpectedly. To assist with these situations, alumni and friends of the College have brought together a number of attorneys who volunteer their time in a program that offers up to one hour of pro-bono assistance to members of the College community. For more information on how the program works, as well as a list of attorneys that currently participate in this program, please visit attorneyassistance.cofc.edu.
ATTORNEY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PHONE: 843.953.2273 attorneyassistance.cofc.edu
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BE STREETWISE The College of Charleston is an urban campus, and that means that it can often be a jungle out there, with pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, skateboarders and joggers! Remember, as you negotiate the busy streets and sidewalks that surround our active campus, nothing is more critical than arriving at your destination safely. BICYCLES Bicycles are considered by the State of South Carolina to be motor vehicles and violations of any traffic law will be charged as such. A few examples of these violations include: • Riding the wrong way on a one-way street: Citation issued ($107 fine). • Improper turn (not signaling a turn): Citation issued ($107 fine). • Riding on the sidewalk: A bicyclist who injuries a pedestrian can be cited and fined ($107). As the individual responsible for causing an injury, a bicyclist risks civil action by the injured party (financial recoupment of medical bills, etc.). And keep in mind that the City of Charleston has enacted a new ordinance that restricts parking and locking bicycles to streetlights or signs, parking meters, trees or other objects on the sidewalk. Please use the designated bike racks for this purpose.
SKATEBOARDS, LONGBOARDS, ROLLER BLADES No person is allowed to skate on any roadway or sidewalk except those areas designated as skating zones. Violations may result in a fine of $86. For more information about the City of Charleston’s skateboard ordinance and a map of the skating zones, please visit publicsafety. cofc.edu/pdf/city-skateboard-zone-andordinances.pdf.
JAYWALKING Jaywalking is crossing a street illegally or recklessly. An individual who jaywalks and creates an accident will be issued a citation and fined ($60). Also, as the individual charged with responsibility for causing an accident, a jaywalker risks civil action by the other individual(s) involved in the accident.
Making your bicycle 100 percent theft proof is impossible. However, there are some simple steps you can take to decrease the risk of your bicycle or bicycle parts being stolen.
REGISTER YOUR BICYCLE If you bring a bicycle to campus, you must register it with the Office of Public Safety. There is no charge for bike registration. When you do, please bring the bike with you so that all identifying information can be recorded on the registration form. If you should lose your bicycle, or it is stolen, file a report immediately. You’re more likely to get it back if it has been registered. For more information regarding the College bicycle policy, please go to policy.cofc.edu. NOTE: Bicycles that are not properly secured, or have been left unsecured, will be confiscated and taken to public safety headquarters.
• Use a case-hardened “U” lock. Cable locks can easily be cut. • Always secure your bicycle in a well-lit area. • Lock your bicycle to a bicycle rack. • Position your bicycle frame and wheels so that you fill up the opening in the “U” portion of the lock. • Always secure your components and accessories, especially those that can easily be removed (quickrelease wheels or seats, etc.)..
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S TAY I N G S A F E • S TAY I N G S A F E • S TAY I N G S A F E • S TAY I N G S A F E • S TAY I N G S A F E • S TAY I N G S A F E • S TAY I N G S A F E
BICYCLE SECURITY
INDEX TOPIC
WHO
PAGE NUMBER
TOPIC
WHO
PAGE NUMBER
Address changes......................................MyCharleston.......................................................21
Refunds – tuition......................................Treasurer’s Office..................................................43
Advising ...................................................Advising Center....................................................11
Registration information.........................Registrar’s Office..................................................22
Calendar – academic................................registrar’s office......................................................8
Residency status (legal)...........................Treasurer’s Office..................................................41
Computer questions and problems.......Information Technology.......................................25
Safe Zone...................................................Multicultural Center.............................................55
Cougar Card..............................................Cougar Card Services...........................................29
Schedule of courses/course listings.......MyCharleston.......................................................22
Counseling and substance abuse..........Counseling and Substance Abuse Services........68
Scholarship checks ..................................Financial Assist. and Vet. Affairs ..........................42
Declaration of major................................POSM online........................................................11
Scholarships..............................................Financial Assist. and Vet. Affairs...........................44
Degree audit.............................................MyCharleston.......................................................22
Student bill...............................................Treasurer’s Office..................................................42
Drop/add...................................................MyCharleston.......................................................22
Student employment..............................Career Center .......................................................15
Email account...........................................Information Technology.......................................22
Student Handbook...................................Dean of Students.................................................66
Enrollment, proof of.................................MyCharleston.......................................................23
Student information release form..........registrar’s office....................................................22
Foreign language tutoring......................Center for Student Learning................................16
Student health insurance........................Student Health Services.......................................69
Grades – student access ..........................registrar’s office....................................................22 Greek life...................................................Greek Life..............................................................52 Health issues............................................Student Health Services.......................................69 Honor Board/Code...................................Dean of Students.................................................66 Housing information...............................Residence Life and Housing................................34 Internships................................................Career Center or academic departments............15 Jobs...........................................................Career Center .......................................................15 Learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD...........Center for Disability Services...............................18 Leave of absence......................................Undergraduate Academic Services.....................19 Legal assistance........................................Attorney Assistance Program...............................70 Loans and grants......................................Financial Assist. and Vet. Affairs...........................44 Lost and found..........................................Public Safety.........................................................62 Maintenance – halls and houses............Residence Life and Housing................................35 Math tutoring lab.....................................Center for Student Learning................................16 Minority student programs.....................Multicultural Center.............................................55 Parking......................................................Parking Services...................................................41 Payment plan – tuition.............................Treasurer’s Office..................................................43
Student organizations.............................Student Life..........................................................52 Study abroad............................................Center for International Education......................20 Study skills................................................Center for Student Learning................................17 Substance abuse prevention..................Counseling and Substance Abuse Services........68 Summer school registration...................summer sessions ................................................24 Supplemental Instruction (S.I.)...............Center for Student Learning................................17 Transcripts.................................................registrar’s office....................................................22 Tuition information and payments.........Treasurer’s Office..................................................42 Tutoring.....................................................Center for Student Learning................................17 V.A. education benefits............................Financial Assist. and Vet. Affairs...........................44 Victim assistance......................................Office of Victim Services.......................................67 Volunteer work.........................................Center for Civic Engagement..............................53 Withdraw .................................................registrar’s office....................................................22 from class/reg. withdrawal period Withdraw .................................................Undergraduate Academic Services.....................19 from class/after withdrawal deadline
Personal computer registration..............Public Safety.........................................................62
Withdraw ..................................................Undergraduate Academic Services.....................19 from the College
Probation, academic................................Undergraduate Academic Services.....................19
Withholding of student information.....registrar’s office....................................................22
Provisional Program.................................Undergraduate Academic Services.....................18
Writing lab................................................Center for Student Learning................................16
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Office of New Student Programs p. 843.953.2017 | e. orientat@cofc.edu orientation.cofc.edu The College of Charleston and The Graduate School of the College of Charleston are committed to providing leadership in the attainment of equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or other legally protected classification. This effort is in compliance with all federal and state laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 as amended. Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Human Relations and Minority Affairs, College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina 29424-0001.