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A variety of student services are offered on the campus of Winston-Salem State University to provide a positive graduate experience. The School of Graduate Studies and Research at Winston-Salem State University through the office of Graduate Services is committed to graduate students and recognizes that graduate students have needs that extend beyond that of academics.
Many services are designed especially with the needs of graduate students in mind. The priority of Graduate Services includes professional development, academic enhancement, health and human services, and student development.
Services include:
Graduate Assistantship Program
Graduate Student Housing
Graduate Student Association
Special Need Tuition Reimbursement Program
Professional Development Program
Thesis and Project Preparation Workshop
New Graduate Student Orientation
Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year
Graduate and Professional School Fair
Research Access Conference
Campus Visitations
One-Stop Shop Graduate Student Assistance Program
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 uplink transmission dishes attached to NC-REN, to 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.
Cleon E. Thompson, Jr. Student Services Center
The Thompson Student Services Center was designed to better serve the students of Winston-Salem State University. Named in recognition of Dr. Cleon F. Thompson, Jr.’s tenure as the institution’s eighth chief administrator, the facility is a tribute to his message that “the university is a triangle with the student at the apex.” The Thompson Center allows students the convenience of obtaining admissions materials, registering for classes, paying student fees, visiting the bookstore, and applying for on-campus housing—all under one roof. Additionally, the center serves as a student union with state-of-the-art facilities offering recreational rooms, a food court, and fully-equipped conference rooms. The Center’s multi-purpose room seats 450 and has movable partitions that allow the room to be divided into three separate meeting areas. The projection room and automatic movie screen also add versatility to the multi-purpose room. Other features include a study lounge, game room, Student Government Association offices, and meeting facilities.
Academic Services
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 re-admitted 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 interlibrary 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 microforms 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, interlibrary 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, 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 interlibrary 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.
Curriculum Materials Center
The Curriculum Materials Center is located in the Albert H. Anderson Center. It contains North Carolina state approved textbooks for grades K-12. Other resources such as curriculum guides, teaching kits and audio-visuals appropriate for elementary and secondary instruction are in the collection. All materials are catalogued by O’Kelly Library technical services.
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. Thus, the mission of Diggs Gallery is to become 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. The gallery, 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 Virginia K. Newell Academic Computer Center
The hub of computing activities serving the academic program at WSSU is the Newell Academic Computer Center, located on the lower level of the Computer Science Facilities. The computer complex serves as a major resource for instructional activities and provides university-wide computing support for research and an environment for students to develop both practical and theoretical knowledge of the design and application of digital computers. Housed within the center are three computer laboratories: the Teaching Lab, Open-Access Lab, and Programming Lab. The Teaching Lab consists of 24 personal computers on a Microsoft Ethernet-based network supported by several Microsoft servers.
This laboratory is used mainly to support computer science and management information systems classes that require computer laboratory instruction, but is available to all students when not in use. Also in this lab are Sun SPARC Station 2 workstations connected to the center’s local area network (LAN). These UNIX-based systems are primarily used for computer graphics, numeric processing, and special projects. Classes are also held in this lab for mass communications, English, and other courses when needed. The Open-Access Lab is equipped with PCs and printing is networked. This facility is used to support the entire university community; thus classes are not scheduled in this lab. There are 22 personal computers on a Microsoft Ethernet-based network supported by several Microsoft servers. This laboratory is primarily used by the general university population. The Programming Lab houses 18 personal computers on a Microsoft Ethernet-based network supported by several Microsoft servers. This facility is primarily used for computer programming instruction and computer-based support courses.
The Academic Computer Center also houses several Dell “server” and Compaq computer systems that serve the center’s three labs and other academic units on campus. Other equipment includes an Océ 9248 40ppm printer, a Hewlett-Packard color laser printer and Hewlett-Packard Scanjet flatbed scanner. The two Dell 6350 computers serve as the center’s LAN hub and network file server, which permits access from a PC/terminal in the Center. The 6350s support the major programming languages (Visual C++, Visual Basic, Visual JTT, SAS, and SPSS), software development tools, and other network services (E-Mail, Web Portals).
The center employs student lab assistants and student workers to assist the Director, enabling the center to remain open for more than 85 hours per week. Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 12 midnight Mondays through Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fridays; and 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Office of International Programs
The Office of International Programs at WSSU serves as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of information on opportunities for study, internships, research, service, and travel abroad 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 and the International Student Exchange Program. Students may participate in these exchange programs for a semester or year by choosing from over 35 countries. Faculty may participate in international education seminars through a variety of providers, including the Institute for International Education, Fulbright, and Brethren Colleges Abroad. WSSU participates in a semester direct exchange with the University of the West Indies at St. Augustine (Trinidad and Tobago), Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (South Korea), and Soonchunhyang University (South Korea).
International Programs provides support and immigration services for international students attending WSSU from all over the world. Goals of the Office of International Programs include the development of cross-cultural understanding and an appreciation of the world’s cultures and languages among WSSU students, faculty, and staff. In doing so, the office sponsors a Global Perspectives Lecture Series, celebrates Global Awareness Day and International Education Week, organizes monthly student-faculty forums, and serves as co-sponsor/advisor to the Student International Association and the Ralph Bunche Society (student organizations). The Ralph Bunche Society was established in fall 2006 with a goal of promoting internationalism on campus while fostering the values of Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche, first U.S. Undersecretary-General of the United Nations and first African-American Nobel prize recipient. International Programs also works with the Department of Social Sciences to promote Model United Nations activities.
The office coordinates programmatic activities for the Atkins Gleason Carew Fund (AGC) for International Education. The AGC fund was established in 1999 by Dr. Eliza Atkins Gleason, her husband Maurice Frances Gleason, MD, and daughter Joy Gleason Carew, Ph.D. Dr. Gleason is the daughter of Simon Green Atkins, the founder of Winston-Salem State University. Through the AGC Fund, WSSU students can receive scholarship funds to develop an awareness of the world’s cultures and languages through extended study and research abroad. WSSU junior faculty may also benefit from this fund to undertake professional development/research. Following their international experiences, the Gleason Scholars (students) and Gleason Fellows (faculty) share their experiences with the campus at large through various forums. The Durham Scholarship Life Sciences fund supports study and experiences abroad for Life Science majors—either as rising juniors or rising seniors. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. In addition, an International Education scholarship fund supplements students’ financial resources for studying abroad.
For more information on International Program activities, please contact the Office of International Programs at 336-750-3345, internationalpro@wssu.edu, www.wssu.edu/oip, or visit the Hauser Building, Room 201.
Project Strengthen
Project Strengthen is a university-wide program designed to provide basic research and advanced academic opportunities for faculty and students in health or health-related sciences. The basic concept is that an atmosphere of scientific curiosity, which research engenders, is a critical ingredient for a successful career in medicine, dentistry, or the teaching profession in higher education. Students are given the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and develop the scientific attitudes that are the hallmark of leaders in the health-related sciences. Those who are interested in attending professional school can spend their senior year in a cooperating medical, dental, or graduate school, receiving the bachelor’s degree upon successful completion of that year, then continuing their studies for the professional degree.
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 Services
Test Preparation Courses
Winston-Salem State University offers test preparation courses for the GRE and the GMAT examinations. A comprehensive 28-hour review has been designed to help students develop the skills needed for successful test results. Please contact Continuing Education/Non-Credit Programs at 336-750-2630 for additional information or to register for a test preparation course.
Career Services
The Career Services Center offers assistance in four major areas: career planning and placement; cooperative education; job location and development; overseeing volunteer, community service, and service learning experiences that compliment academic preparation and development. 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 Job Location and Development (JLD) Program assists students in obtaining part-time or summer employment. The job location and development coordinator assists the student by identifying positions commensurate with the student’s interests and skills, informing students of placement opportunities, and facilitating the actual placement. Qualified students are matched with appropriate jobs, and referrals are made to the prospective employer, who makes the final hiring decision. Jobs identified through the JLD program cover a variety of fields. The student does not receive academic credit for participating in the JLD program; however, the career experience is usually relevant to the student’s career aspirations, enhances confidence in his or her abilities, establishes a work history, provides financial assistance in the form of salaried employment, and gives the student an opportunity to improve interpersonal skills. Internships are employer-sponsored work programs in which the student may earn credit in the academic major. The chair of the respective academic department makes the final decision regarding the award of credit.
Career Services staff 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.
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.
Student Life
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.
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 Healthlink nurse-on-call handles all afterhours 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 webpage 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.
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. Mondays through Fridays.
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. Mondays through Fridays. Window service is provided on Saturdays 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. |
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