Dec 08, 2024  
2013-2015 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2013-2015 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Academic and Student Support Services


 

WSSU Teleclass/Conference Facility

The John and Lillian Lewis Microelectronics Center houses the campus Teleclass/Teleconference Facility, which maintains multichannel connections to the state’s two video/data interactive networks: NC-REN (North Carolina-Research, Education Networks) and NCIH (North Carolina Information Highway). The networks provide WSSU faculty, staff, and students with access to a growing number of educational and research resources across the state and beyond. Participants at the WSSU facility can interact face-to-face with individuals at multiple locations across the state. Network sites include four year institutions, community colleges, high schools, libraries, and state agencies. Interactive activities offered through the facility include credit courses, seminars, workshops, and conferences that cover a wide range of subjects and disciplines. The facility operates a satellite dish that is equipped to receive programs from both C and Ku band satellites and, via up link transmission dishes attached to NCREN, and originate programs that can be distributed nationally by satellite. Other facility services include in-class video taping/ playback, tape duplication, and training. In addition, the facility can provide dial-up connections to thousands of video conference centers worldwide.

Located in the Anderson Center, the facility consists of a 20- seat teleclassroom, a six-seat teleconference room and a control area. Both teleclass and conference rooms provide real-time, interactive video connections with multiple sites. In addition to the primary facility, video-audio signals can be routed to three, 30-seat classrooms and two conference rooms in the Continuing Studies wing of the Anderson Center.

Academic Services

Undergraduate Admissions Office

The Undergraduate Admissions Office, located in the Thompson Student Services Center, receives, screens and processes applications from all individuals seeking admittance to the university. In addition, staff provides pertinent information to prospective undergraduate students, sets recruitment activities, and provides additional support specific to the recruitment and enrollment process for undergraduate students.

Registrar’s Office

The general functions of this office, located in the Thompson Student Services Center, include the compilation, evaluation, retention, and certification of students’ academic records. Staff members prepare and issue transcripts, counsel and certify veterans, supervise the registration of all students, and process applications of former students seeking to be readmitted to the university.

C.G. O’Kelly Library

The C.G. O’Kelly Library is named for the second president of the university and is within a moderate walking distance from any campus facility. The building is a modern air-conditioned structure that is handicapped accessible.

The library supports and enhances all university programs by offering a relevant, diverse, current local collection and by providing access to other resources via inter library loan and various electronic services. Information requirements of distant users are met. The staff instructs and assists users with all aspects of library services to foster and instill life-long learning. A readily accessible computerized index is maintained of all library holdings and other appropriate records. Sufficient auxiliary services and equipment are maintained at all times to respond to user needs. The staff strives to preserve resources and provide for archiving of university records and related documents.

The collection totals more than 223,496 bound volumes, 39,364 e-books, and 75,000 e-journals. A textbook collection is maintained for student use. Over 350,000 micro forms are also immediately accessible to patrons and create a good journal research collection across the curriculum. Reader-printers are provided for access of back files of newspapers and journals. The electronic/online resources include 176 databases with full-text articles. The library also subscribes to 21 print newspapers, daily and weekly. A carefully selected video collection is available for teaching purposes. Popular DVDs are also included in the media collection for instructional and recreational use. All traditional library activities including acquisitions, catalog, circulation/reserve, inter library loan, and serials are automated via Innovative Interfaces Online Library System (INNOPAC), installed in 1994. This online system maintains accurate records of all print and media included in the collection, as well as patron activity. Information can be located using author title, subject or keyword searches. Modern hardware and software allow patrons to conduct library research and complete course assignments from the same workstations using Microsoft Office Suite, Blackboard, and the campus pipeline. The library is a wireless environment and has over 60 laptops that can be used in the library as well as over 100 desktop computers which are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Electronic resources include many databases that offer patrons immediate access to full-text articles on the most current topics by keying in valid keyword or subject terms. NC LIVE, Lexis-Nexis, JSTOR, Info Trac and ProQuest-Education Complete, ProQuest Nursing, Science Direct, PsycArticles, and Dissertation Abstracts can be accessed from the library’s home. ERIC, PsycInfo, and EBSCO Host are some of the major research files that can be searched in the NC LIVE database. In most cases, these databases can be accessed off-campus by Winston- Salem State University students and faculty using e-mail name and user password.

When the desired information is not in the collection, students and faculty have access to the extensive resources of other libraries through inter library loan services. Patrons can access  major research university online catalogs beyond North Carolina via the Internet.

A variety of research services are provided to individuals, small groups and classes to acquaint patrons with how to effectively use the resources included in the collection. Basic techniques on developing research strategies are provided through online tutorials, individual and small group sessions. Faculty members can schedule classes for instruction relevant to specific subject literature. Individuals and small groups are given point of use instruction upon request.

The library is open 99 hours per week: Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; and Sunday 2:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. during the regular academic term. Variations to the schedule are posted at the library entrance.

Diggs Gallery

Throughout its history, Winston-Salem State University has supported the arts and served as one of the cultural centers for the Winston-Salem community. For the last two decades, WSSU has witnessed tremendous cultural growth and, through gifts and acquisitions, has amassed an impressive permanent art collection. Composed of the Sculpture Garden, Biggers Murals, and a number of paintings, prints and sculptures, the collection highlights African-American art. Supporting the permanent collection is the Diggs Gallery, a non-collecting exhibition space also emphasizing black culture from around the globe.

Diggs Gallery opened in fall 1990 and is the major cultural center at WSSU, offering 10-15 visual art exhibitions a year, half of which are curated and originate from the university. With more than 6,500 square feet, this venue also hosts interdisciplinary educational programs throughout the year. Exhibitions, publications, and programs address a broad range of artistic expression, with special concentration on African-American and regional art. The gallery is named for James Thackeray “T” Diggs, Jr. (1915-1989), a 1934 graduate of WSSU, a painter, and for more than 40 years a WSSU art professor.

Diggs Gallery evolved from a belief that WSSU should offer a meeting, sharing, and learning place to encourage people from every walk of life to gather together on the common ground of art. Diggs Gallery is a cultural meeting place where art is the common language for discussions about exhibits, programs and social issues: where art can educate and enlighten. The aim of Diggs Gallery is to develop better understanding, tolerance, and celebration of our diverse, global community. It, therefore, becomes a teaching facility, community center, art gallery and meeting place geared to augment and support academic life on campus. Committed to serving the university family, the gallery also exists to increase WSSU’s role in the community and involve the North Carolina audience as the university seeks to make a stronger contribution to the cultural life of the region. The vision of the Diggs Gallery is to become the leading art gallery in the region, known for its exhibits of works of African-American art and the art of black people around the world.

The Virginia K. Newell Academic Computer Center

The hub of computing activities serving the academic programs at WSSU is the V. K. Newell Academic Computer Center, located on the lower level of the Computer Science Facility. The computer complex is a major resource for instructional activities and provides university-wide computing support for research, academic work, and computer skills development. The Academic Computer Center is an open facility which supports the entire university student community. The computers are connected to the campus network as well as to the Internet and students can use the facility for general computing activities 24 hours a day, seven days a week during academic sessions.

The Academic Computer Center provides the WSSU community with state-of-the-art computing equipment and services. The Center has more than 40 personal computers on a fast Ethernet-based network supported by several Microsoft servers, a commercial quality laser printer providing high-speed printing and a color flatbed scanner—everything students need for professional looking documents. The Center also provides group workstations and other general office equipment to better assist the WSSU community in completing projects. Software support for general university use is met by a variety of application packages which include programming language interpreters, compilers, statistical software and office productivity applications. All computers provide access to programming languages (Visual BASIC, Visual C++, Visual J++), application packages (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation graphics, database) and other services like multimedia utilities, disk utilities, web design, desktop publishing, email, web portals and statistical analysis tools.

The Center’s staff is on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist patrons with computer, equipment, and printing needs. Our trained staff enables the Center to operate around the clock throughout the fall, spring and summer sessions. The Center serves about 5,000 students each month.

International Programs Office

The Office of International Programs (OIP) supports and promotes curricular and co-curricular programs, including study abroad and exchanges and international student and scholar services, in order to develop a global perspective that will equip students with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors to live and function in an increasingly interconnected global environment.

The Office serves as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of information on opportunities for experiences abroad, including study, research, internships, service, and teaching for students, faculty, and administrators. The office is responsible for coordinating experience abroad programs for WSSU students through various exchange programs like The University of North Carolina Exchange Program (UNCEP) and the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). Students may participate in these exchange programs for a semester or year by choosing from over 40 countries. Opportunities are also available through approved programs at other accredited universities and study abroad providers. In addition, WSSU co-ordinates experiences abroad through faculty-led programs and direct exchanges with selected institutions abroad.  Faculty may participate in international education seminars through a variety of providers, including the Council of International Educational Exchange (CIEE), the Institute for International Education (IEE), The Council on International Exchange of Scholars [Fulbright], and Brethren Colleges Abroad. Students may obtain credit for approved study abroad in their discipline or as general elective through course substitution or a general study abroad course module with departmental approval.

OIP provides support for international students and scholars on all matters related to admissions, enrollment, and/or employment processes, as well as F-1 and J-1 visa information. The office issues, updates and maintains records of all F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars. It also plans and implements activities associated with orientation, acculturation, and hosting of international students and scholars.

The Office collaborates with academic departments, program areas, schools, and other campus constituents and community agencies to organize a variety of co-curricular activities to promote global and cross-cultural knowledge. These include lectures, presentations, panels, films, exhibits and other cultural events featuring US and international scholars and personalities during International Education Week and throughout the year.

OIP advises two student organizations, the Ralph Bunche Society and Student International Association. The Ralph Bunche Society was established in 2007 in conjunction with Phelps Stokes Inc. to increase minority student involvement in global affairs and leadership development through mentoring, scholarships and internship opportunities. It seeks to develop leaders for a global society, and encourage active and engaged citizenry while fostering the values of global scholarship and activism of Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche, first U.S. Undersecretary-General of the United Nations and first African-American Nobel Peace prize recipient in 1950. The Student International Association involves international other students in co-curricular activities to promote global and cross-cultural understanding. International Programs also works with the Department of Social Sciences to promote Model United Nations activities.

Financial support for study abroad and other international program activities is available through the International Education Scholarship, the Atkins, Gleason, Carew Fund for International Education, the Sara Lee endowment, the Department of Education Title III grant for international education, the Student Affairs Fund for International Programs, and other smaller foundation accounts administered by the Office of international Programs. OIP also assists students in obtaining federal financial aid for approved study abroad and provides information for students and faculty on others sources of funds for international education.

For more information on International Program activities, please contact the Office of International Programs at: Suite 116, Old Nursing Building; Tel: 336-750-3345; Email: internationalpro@wssu.edu; website: www.wssu.edu/oip
 

The News Argus

The University newspaper, edited by students, provides students with an excellent opportunity to learn and practice newspaper techniques. For more information, see Journalism Lab, Department of Mass Communications.

WSNC-FM 90.5

A National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate is an educational radio station duly licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It operates under the auspices of the Department of Mass Communications. Although other faculty, staff students, and community members are involved in its operation, the primary staff is made up of majors within the department.

RAM TV-19

Television facilities include a color studio with state-of-the art equipment. Students are involved in a number of television productions in and out of the studio and in the development of television programming for local media use.

Student Support Services

Career Services

The Career Services Center offers assistance in four major areas: career planning and placement; cooperative education; job location and development; and overseeing volunteer, community service, and service learning experiences that compliment academic preparation and development.  Career Services staff members are available from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Evening hours are posted at the beginning of each semester, and other times may be scheduled by appointment.

Career Planning and Placement

Services are available to students and alumni. The range of services includes career exploration; career advising; seminars conducted by representatives from corporate, business, educational, governmental, and service agencies; interest inventories; on campus and company interviewing by representatives from corporate, business, educational, service, and governmental agencies; visits to job sites; and workshops and seminars to enhance job-seeking skills, job performance, and career advancement.

The Cooperative Education Program

Relates, in a practical way, the student’s course of study to the world of work. Cooperative education and internship placements carry academic credit that is awarded by the academic department. Students who wish to participate in cooperative education must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5, receive clearance from the academic department, and complete the cooperative education employ ability skills training program. Some students are placed in professional positions relevant to their areas. Students also receive pay for their performance, which may then be used to help finance their education. Although the cooperative education program makes the recommendation for placement, the hiring company makes the final decision. Participation in cooperative education has the effect of extending a student’s graduation, but placements in many cases lead to successful employment upon completion of the college degree. Summer internships are employer-sponsored work programs in which the student may earn credit in the academic major. The chairperson of the respective academic department makes the final decision regarding the award of credit.

The Community Service/Service Learning Program (Project G. I. V. E.)

Monitors student involvement in all community service activities. The program consists of volunteer, community service, and service learning experiences that complement academic preparation and social development. All new students enrolled in Freshman Seminar, Freshman Honors Colloquium, or Nursing Strategies courses must complete 15 hours during their first semester. The program also monitors community service compliance for the university’s scholarship programs and partners with Winston-Salem Big Brother/Big Sister program.

University Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center offers a wide range of programs and services primarily for students, both undergraduate and graduate; however, staff, faculty and administrators are welcome to utilize counseling services. These activities focus on the individual needs of the student and present a balance of theory and practice in developing a well-rounded individual. The University Counseling Center has made a commitment to faculty and staff to assist them in their efforts to improve the quality and delivery of information to students in and outside the classroom. With this in-depth learning experience, students can acquire the tools necessary to become an effective, confident and assertive person.

The fundamental mission of the University Counseling Center is to provide for students and assist them in developing a broader awareness of self while facing and negotiating the challenges and obstacles evident of participation in University life. The University Counseling Center supports the University Mission by (1) assisting and offering services that will contribute to the students’ well-being and growth within the educational structure, and (2) providing counseling services to students experiencing stress and adjustment concerns due to personal problems, financial matters, decision making, academic concerns, anxiety and depression or other conflicts with the campus community.

The University Counseling Center handles psychological problems, relationship, family issues, emergencies and crisis situations. It is necessary for students to talk with trained professionals who understand what the student is feeling and experiencing. A Director and Counselors are available and serve as skilled listeners who help the student to clarify issues, discover and explore their true desires and feelings, and deal effectively with problems and concerns at the University. The University Counseling Center staff act as advocates for students and are involved in student development programs, freshman seminar teaching, and consultation activities that support the efforts of administration, faculty and staff in improving the overall university environment.

Specifically, the purpose of the Counseling Services is to assist students with making an adequate adjustment to the collegiate environment, through academic, career, financial, personal, social and vocational counseling. Services are available to students, faculty and staff. In addition, counseling workshops, seminars and other outreach activities promote personal and social growth and enhance the quality of life. All of the services are designed to complement and support students as they pursue an academic career/degree.

Students may request services themselves or through referral. Many services are delivered through individual and group counseling sessions.

The University Counseling Center’s full-time staff consists of the Director, three full-time University Counselors and an Office Assistant. Over the past several years, based on need and funding allocations, the University Counseling Center has employed work study students, supervised and mentored student interns from the Social Sciences Department and Incentive and Chancellor Scholars. The University Counseling Center staff is available from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and other times may be scheduled by appointment. Referrals to external agencies are made as appropriate. Please feel free to call (336) 750-3270 or send an e-mail message to the appropriate staff member. Location: A. H. Ray Building, Suite 155, 815 Bruce Street, Winston-Salem
State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27110.

Solutions Center

Winston-Salem State University has established a seamless, integrated program that bridges the gap between service and processes through the development of the Solutions Center. The Solutions Center serves populations from prospective students through graduate students by providing information on undergraduate admissions, financial aid, academics, and university and campus wide resources. Known as the primary customer service hub of the university, the Solutions Center meets the needs of university constituents, stakeholders, and students through technology, face to face, and telephone service delivery. The Solutions Center collaborates and directly offers resources and core support to Undergraduate Admissions, New Student Orientation, Financial Aid, University College, Registrar, Billings and Receivables, College and Schools, Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, Student Development, Housing and Residence Life, Student Health Services, Alumni Affairs, Informational Resources, Academic Affairs, and Lifelong Learning.

Students may contact the Solutions Center by dialing 336- 750-2709 for general inquiries, including financial aid and banner related questions, or visit the Thompson Center, room 102A, Mondays - Thursdays from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Fridays from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Student Life

Housing and Residence Life

Winston-Salem State University is committed to providing an array of educational opportunities to students who live in its residential facilities. The WSSU Residence Life staff believes that a significant part of higher education is the experience gained through living in the community environment afforded by the residence halls. Residence life at Winston-Salem State University features eight residence halls: one men’s hall, four women’s halls, and four co-educational halls. Campus residence hall facilities provide a safe, comfortable living and learning environment for approximately 2,391 students. The Residence Life staff consists of the following:

  1. Director of Residence Life, responsible for coordinating all aspects of the residence hall program;
  2. Four Assistant Directors:

    1. Two Assistant Directors of Residence Life, who facilitate and coordinate the training and programming aspects of the residence hall program;
    2. Assistant Director of Housing, who facilitates and coordinates the maintenance and housekeeping aspects of the residence hall program;
    3. Assistant Director of Housing Assignments, who coordinates the day-to-day operations of the residence hall program;
       
  3. Residence hall supervisors, whose responsibility is to assist the residence hall assistant directors with overall management of their respective residence hall facilities;
  4. Resident advisors, whose responsibilities as undergraduates are to provide leadership assistance and support to the members of the floor or building to which they have been assigned.

Programming is an integral part of residence hall activities at WSSU. Even though programs are scheduled through the student activities department, programming is a method by which residents and staff contributes to and influences the learning process through creative planning and implementation of educational, social, cultural, and recreational activities.

Any person who has been admitted to and registers as a full time (12+hours) student at Winston-Salem State University may apply for on-campus housing by completing: 1) A Residence Hall Agreement and Application form and forwarding it to the Business Office, along with the required non-refundable housing fee.

Student Personal Property Insurance

The university is not liable for damage to or loss of students’ possessions (whether due to fire, smoke, wind, water, theft, or other causes) and cannot pay students for such losses unless it is determined by the state of North Carolina that the loss was caused by the negligence of a state employee. Therefore, unless coverage is provided under an existing homeowner’s or renter’s policy, students should consider purchasing separate property insurance. Brochures and applications for this type of coverage are available from the Office of Residence Life.

Student Development

The Office of Student Development at Winston-Salem State University promotes students’ intellectual, social, career, and personal development through programs, services, and leadership opportunities. The office works collaboratively with colleagues and faculty to ensure an active co-curricular life. Using student development theories and models, the programming is designed to enhance the interpersonal skills, thinking modes, and personal values of the student while encouraging student involvement in on-campus and off-campus experiences.

Student Health Services

The Alexander H. Ray Student Health Center is a clinical facility providing a variety of health care services to the student population. The center should be your first stop for health care needs. All students enrolled at WSSU are eligible to use the health service. The health center provides services at minimal or no cost. Appointments are recommended and are required for some services.  Walk-ins are accepted for acute injury or illness. Acute injury or illness that requires immediate attention will be evaluated by Nurse Practitioners or Registered Nurses.

The center provides confidential episodic illness evaluation, treatment, health maintenance, and laboratory services. Health promotion and education services including educational materials; health and nutrition consultations; support group, special events; outreach presentations; and referrals are also available. There are services such as special laboratory tests, procedures, prescriptions, immunizations, special injections, and off-campus referrals for which there is a nominal required charge. The health center does not accept cash payment. Payment is charged to the Ram One account and is due at the time service is rendered. Students may schedule an appointment by calling 750-3301 during regular hours. Cancellation requires a two-hour notice prior to the appointment. This will allow another student the opportunity to select the appointment time.

The center’s regular hours of operation are 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. Campus Police handles all after-hours emergency calls between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. The Health link nurse-on-call handles all after hours non-emergency calls between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Students are required to carry the University’s mandatory health insurance paid through tuition unless proof of other active health coverage is provided. After June 1, 2007, students may waive out of the University’s plan by providing proof of current health insurance coverage. It is the student’s responsibility to register for coverage or request a waiver from University coverage by accessing the University health insurance carrier online at www.studentinsurance.com.

All students, including transfer students, are required to submit a complete and up-to-date copy of their immunization record along with a completed Health History/Immunization form directly to WSSU Student Health Services, RM 244, 601 MLK, Jr. Dr. 27110 at least 30 days prior to arrival on campus. See exemptions below. Visit the Student Health Service website to download the Health History/ Immunization form.

Please note that the School of Health Sciences, Department of Education and Athletics may also require a completed Health History form. If this is the case, the student is responsible for supplying a copy of the Health History form to the aforementioned departments and is still required to submit the completed original Health History/ Immunization form directly to the Student Health Service by mailing to the address mentioned above.

Note: Per N.C. Gen Stat. 130A-156 and 157 (2002) Requests for exemption from required immunizations for medical reasons require the submission of a written and signed statement from a physician licensed to practice medicine in the State of NC stating that a required immunization may be detrimental to said person’s health due to one or more of the contraindications adopted by the Commission. For bona fide religious beliefs and opposition to the immunization requirements, a written and signed statement from the adult student or parent/guardian is required. Upon the Student Health Center’s stamped receipt of the signed statement, the person may attend the university. Others exempted from this policy include persons taking night classes only (all classes after 5 p.m.); persons enrolled in outreach programs (not attending classes on campus); and persons taking classes only on Saturdays. The deadline for immunization compliance is thirty (30) calendar days from the date of first registration. Health Services requests that statements of exemption be submitted at least 30 days prior to the student’s arrival on campus.

Failure to comply with the immunization statute will result in blocks placed on accounts and dis-enrollment from the university.

It is the student’s responsibility to later submit the required immunization information should their status change from part time to full-time or the student’s class hours change from evenings and weekends to daytime Monday through Friday. Visit the Student Health Service web page for more information.

We welcome the opportunity to assist individual students and student organizations with health-related projects and programs. A minimum of two weeks advance notice is required.

Opportunities exist at the Health Center. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or a peer health educator, stop by Health Services to apply.

Lyceum Programs

The lyceum program brings to the campus artists, entertainers, guest lecturers, performers and other personalities who are able to contribute positively to students’ education, growth, leadership, and sense of social responsibility.

Faculty, staff members, and students who serve on the Lyceum/Cultural Events Committee are appointed by the chancellor. Members assist the chair in developing the lyceum program and cultural events schedule and in evaluating the effectiveness of these programs. Faculty members are instrumental in promoting student interest and participation in the lyceum/cultural events program.

Student Services Facilities

University Bookstore

The university bookstore, operated by Follett, Inc., is located on the first floor of the Cleon F. Thompson, Jr., Student Services Center. Textbooks, manuals, paperbacks, school supplies, clothing, jewelry, and novelties are available to staff, students, and faculty members at reasonable rates. Bookstore hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Post Office

A branch post office is located on the ground floor of the Cleon F. Thompson, Jr. Student Services Center. The post office provides approximately 3,000 mailboxes and other postal services for students, faculty, and staff. Post office hours are 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Window service is provided on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Student and Employee Access to Computer Products

Properly identified students and employees of the University of North Carolina System may qualify for the purchase of computer products at any campus store at which such products are sold. For the purpose of determining eligibility to purchase these computer products, an individual university student or employee shall be treated as if he or she were enrolled at or employed by the campus at which the purchase is to be made.