Student Handbook 2021-22
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Mount Saint Mary College STUDENT HANDBOOK 2021-22 The information contained in the 2021-22 edition of the Student Handbook supersedes all previous editions. Students are expected to be knowledgeable about all college procedures, policies and regulations. This handbook and the procedures, policies and regulations set forth in it are periodically reviewed and changed by the College, in its sole discretion. The handbook does not constitute a contract or agreement but, rather, a resource and guide for students. Changes in procedures, policies and regulations will be communicated to the college community in writing by the appropriate college representative and such notification will be considered as addenda to the Student Handbook. REVISED AUGUST 2021 CONTENTS A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENTS 3 NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION 4 SECTION I: ABOUT THE COLLEGE 5 SECTION II: STUDENT AFFAIRS 6 SECTION III: FINANCIAL AID 23 SECTION IV: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES 30 SECTION V: ACADEMIC INFORMATION 34 SECTION VI: HONORS AND AWARDS 46 SECTION VII: LEARNING ONLINE 51 SECTION VIII: CAREER CENTER 55 SECTION IX: STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT 57 SECTION X: GENERAL COLLEGE POLICIES 72 SECTION XI: STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION 125 SECTION XII: ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES 126 SECTION XIII: CAMPUS DIRECTORY 132 2 Mount Saint Mary College | 2021-22 Student Handbook A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENTS Dear Mount Students, Welcome to Mount Saint Mary College for the 2021-22 academic year! I encourage you to become an active participant in the MSMC campus community. Student Affairs at the Mount seeks to engage students in experiences that broaden the mind, strengthen the body and inspire the spirit. We encourage you to participate in student organizations, service learning, campus activities, community service, recreation and leadership development. We encourage student development through facilitating interactions among students, faculty and staff, with the goal of promoting an inclusive campus culture. I invite you to become engaged and take advantage of the many opportunities the Mount has to offer you. My personal goal is to provide you with a variety of opportunities to grow intellectually, personally, socially, and spiritually, so that you feel like a vital and valued member of the campus community. I look forward to seeing you throughout the year; please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any support to you. Sincerely, Elaine O’Grady Vice President for Students 3 Mount Saint Mary College | 2021-22 Student Handbook NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION In accordance with its obligations pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other federal, state and local laws, Mount Saint Mary College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, age, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, and gender identity or expression or any other characteristic or classification protected by federal, state or local law, in the administration of any of the College’s educational programs or activities, admissions policies, athletics or other school administered programs, scholarship or loan programs. Pursuant to, and consistent with its obligations under Title IX, the College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, and prohibits sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and sexual violence, in connection with any of its educational programs, activities or employment practices. Mount Saint Mary College has designated a Title IX Coordinator, who is primarily responsible for coordinating the College’s compliance with Title IX and other federal, state and local laws relating to sex-based discrimination, as well as handling inquiries and questions regarding the College’s non-discrimination policies. The College’s Title IX Coordinator is also responsible for overseeing the school’s response to Title IX reports and complaints and identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems revealed by such reports and complaints. Mount Saint Mary College’s Title IX Coordinator(s) and Section 504 Compliance Officer are: Title IX Coordinator: Matthew Byrne, Executive Director of Operations and Risk Management, Garden Apartment (GA) 1 room 205, 845-569-3597, [email protected] Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Melissa Caridi, 45 Elmwood Place, 845-569-3229, [email protected] Section 504 Compliance Officer: Alisha McCorvey, Executive Director of Counseling & Disability Services, Aquinas Hall room 100 C-2, 845-569-3641, [email protected] Inquiries or questions regarding the application of Title IX may also be directed to: United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, New York Office 32 Old Slip, 26th Floor New York, New York 10005-2500 646-428-3900 [email protected] 4 Mount Saint Mary College | 2021-22 Student Handbook SECTION I: ABOUT THE COLLEGE HISTORY The Dominican Sisters of Newburgh founded Mount Saint Mary College in 1959, but the Sisters had established an academic presence in Newburgh since 1883 with Mount Saint Mary Academy. The College grew out of the Dominican Sisters’ school for teacher training, founded in 1930. Since opening its doors in 1959, the College’s goals have been the pursuit and dissemination of truth and the development of the capacity to discern and use it. Mount Saint Mary College maintains a firm belief in the value of a liberal arts education and a commitment to the Judeo-Christian traditions upon which it was founded. It retains the spirit of the intellectual, cultural, ethical, spiritual, and social philosophies of its founders. The College remains on sound footing, supported by meaningful academic programs, prudent fiscal management, and a commitment to serving the Hudson Valley. Mount Saint Mary College has a respected position in the region. PREAMBLE TO THE MISSION STATEMENT Mount Saint Mary College is an institution of higher education guided by the Catholic and Dominican traditions of academic rigor, pursuit of truth, social justice, leadership, and service. The College Bylaws indicate that Mount Saint Mary College “aims to give its students a Catholic cultural-professional education in the liberal arts tradition.” This distinctive approach provides the philosophy for our commitment to educating the whole person and to cultivating intellectual achievement, religious and spiritual growth, and the development of moral character. Consistent with these principles, Mount Saint Mary College endeavors to graduate students who: ● are inquisitive and value the free exchange of ideas in pursuit of truth ● are analytical in their approach to problem solving ● are motivated toward self-improvement ● have developed an aesthetic sense ● possess effective leadership and communication skills ● respect the values and ethics of the Catholic and Dominican traditions ● embrace civic responsibility and community service. The deepening of Mount Saint Mary College’s commitment to these principles will involve the leadership efforts of the entire community, within a culture of academic excellence. MISSION As reflected in its motto "Doce Me Veritatem" (Teach Me the Truth) Mount Saint Mary College, founded by the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, is an independent, coeducational institution committed to providing students with a liberal arts education to prepare them for lives of leadership and service. Through a variety of majors and professional programs, students are also prepared for career entry or graduate and professional studies. 5 Mount Saint Mary College | 2021-22 Student Handbook Consistent with Judeo-Christian values and the Dominican tradition of education that values the inherent worth of the individual, the mission of Mount Saint Mary College is to create an environment which fosters close student-faculty interaction that enables students to reach their full potential as lifelong learners. Mount Saint Mary College strives to provide a stimulating environment that promotes the intellectual and personal growth of undergraduate and graduate students. MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGE VISION Mount Saint Mary College will be the most community service-oriented college in the United States, while continuing its tradition of excellence in the liberal arts, the sciences, and pre-professional programs. In all activities, the college will celebrate scholarship, education, and the values and traditions expressed in its mission. A KNIGHT LIVES THE GOLDEN RULE At Mount Saint Mary College, we hope that our students will always treat their fellow students, campus guests, and others with kindness and respect. From the earliest times, Christians were known to those around them by the love they showed for one another and others. Love of God and neighbor has always been the Christian ideal and the foundation for building community. The wisdom of Dominican life is expressed in the four core beliefs of Prayer, Learning, Community, and Service. Building a community that serves others begins with showing love for those around us. We are all called to practice and model love for others in our personal relationships. Loving others means following the Golden Rule—treating them as we would have them treat us. This means showing kindness and respect for others, even when we disagree with them. Actions that are violent or that denigrate or demean another human being not only damages our community but also our character. We want kindness