Student Handbook 2016-2017
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STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016-2017 UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST 2016-2017 Student Handbook STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016-2017 University of the West has made every effort to ensure the information in this handbook and other published materials is accurate. University of the West reserves the right to change policies, tuition, fees, and other information in this handbook, with prior approval from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) where applicable. University of the West strives to inform students and stakeholders of changes in a timely fashion, but reserves the right to make changes without notice. University of the West is a private, non-profit, WSCUC-accredited campus founded by and affiliated with the Taiwan-based Buddhist order of Fo Guang Shan. The University of the West name, abstract lotus logo, and calligraphic logo are copyrighted to the university. Additional information is available at our website, www.uwest.edu University of the West does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, age, race, color, religion, status as a veteran, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or national and ethnic origin in its educational programs, student activities, employment, or admission policies, in the administration of its scholarship and loan programs, or in any other school-administered programs. This policy complies with requirements of the Internal Revenue Service Procedure 321-1, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments as amended and enforced by the Department of Health and Human Services. University of the West 1409 Walnut Grove Avenue, Rosemead, CA 91770 Telephone 626.571.8811 Fax 626.571.1413 Email [email protected] Website www.uwest.edu STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016-2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS About This Handbook President’s Welcome Introducing UWest Campus & Community Mission & Values Institutional Learning Outcomes Programs of Study Open Enrollment & Certificate Programs Student Affairs Message from Division of Student Affairs Meet the Student Affairs Team Student Life Residential Life Wellness Center Student Success Center Disability Services Career Services International Student Services F-1 Student Health Insurance Around Campus Library Computer Facilities Residence Halls Dining Hall Bookstore & Café Meditation Room Recreational Facilities Exercise Room Usage Pool & Spa Student Government UWest Student Government, Inc. Establishing New Student Clubs Student Resources STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016-2017 About This Handbook The Student Handbook contains important information about University of the West and the surrounding community. This information is not only essential to understanding school policies and student responsibilities, but it also explains how UWest can be of service to you. The handbook, however, does not address all policies, regulations, and available services affecting students at UWest. If students have questions or concerns not addressed in this handbook, it is their responsibility to consult the appropriate UWest staff member or to refer to the Academic Catalog, available online at www.uwest.edu. UWest students are responsible for making themselves familiar with university policies and procedures; ignorance of policies and procedures does not excuse any violation of them. In addition, students are reminded to read the Academic Catalog and semester schedules thoroughly. If you have any questions, please come to the Student Life Office for assistance. UWest reserves the right to change, without notice, its services, policies, and procedures. STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016-2017 President’s Welcome At University of the West (UWest) we offer a unique blend of academic excellence and an opportunity for our students to develop their personal values in a learning community that is informed by Buddhist wisdom. As you pursue your studies with our talented faculty, you will be challenged in the classroom and outside the classroom to become the best person you can be. You will grow intellectually and personally as you pursue your chosen field of study. You will be encouraged to expand your store of knowledge, learn to think critically and to solve problems in the context of a values orientation that will guide your decisions and actions. UWest is a diverse community of students and faculty who freely share their cultures and encourage a breadth of understanding that will serve you well as you move into your chosen career. As our world grows closer through instant communication, rapid transportation, and economic and social interdependence, UWest provides a unique environment that bridges Eastern and Western traditions and practices. Our classes are small and we offer a highly personalized learning environment where faculty, students, and staff work closely to provide the experiences and support you need to prepare for both a rewarding and productive career and a rich and successful personal life. This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of University of the West. Throughout the 2016-2017 academic year we shall celebrate our achievements with a number of interesting campus events and activities. We hope you will join us as we mark this important milestone. Stephen Morgan, EdD President STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016-2017 Introducing UWest Welcome to University of the West, or UWest, as we say on campus. UWest opened its doors in 1991 and is celebrating its 25th anniversary as an innovative university dedicated to educating, inspiring, and preparing students to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and globally interdependent world. Founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun of the Fo Guang Shan order, UWest is a pioneering effort among Chinese and American Buddhists to establish a Buddhist-affiliated university dedicated to providing a quality education based on American standards and traditions. One of UWest’s aims is to foster mutual recognition and respect among diverse religious traditions and cultures. For the past two decades, the West has witnessed a strong interest in Buddhism. The university has responded to this interest by providing advanced education in Buddhist thought and practice and by preparing Buddhists for leadership in the West. The Institute of Chinese Buddhist Studies, the Digital Sanskrit Buddhist Canon Project, and the Center for the Study of Minority and Small Business have also been established to further this mission. Today, while continuing to fill a need in the Buddhist community, UWest serves students from all walks of life with our range of programs in religious studies, Buddhist ministry and chaplaincy, business, psychology, English, and liberal arts, including all, excluding none. While at UWest students acquire knowledge and skills to prepare them for success after college. Beyond this, the UWest experience challenges them to become responsible and ethical global citizens. Students also enjoy rich and diverse opportunities for spiritual growth. STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016-2017 Campus & Community UWest’s spacious and tranquil ten-acre campus is located on a hill with a panoramic view of the San Gabriel Valley and the San Gabriel Mountains. Nearby Whittier Narrows is a large regional park with recreation fields, walking and jogging trails, lakes, golf, and other activities. Southern California offers many opportunities for outside adventures including hiking, biking, camping, swimming, surfing, skiing, and more. The campus is located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and the cultural resources of that great city. Beach cities such as Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Newport Beach, and Malibu are all within driving distance of the campus. The campus is located in the city of Rosemead. The surrounding community offers a thriving economy with many restaurants, shopping areas, and entertainment opportunities in a culturally diverse environment. On-campus housing is available and convenient, especially for those students coming from out of state or other countries. Finding a residence off campus is also an option, as off-campus housing is abundant. Information regarding housing both on and off campus is available from the Office of Residential Life. STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016-2017 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016-2017 Mission & Values University of the West’s mission is to provide a whole-person education in a context informed by Buddhist wisdom and values and to facilitate cultural understanding and appreciation between East and West. The values central to this mission are compassion, character, and community. Institutional Learning Outcomes To put the mission into action, the university community created three institutional learning outcomes. Know Students integrate broad knowledge from across multiple academic disciplines, fields, and topics, demonstrate deep knowledge of their chosen profession or field of study, and apply their understanding of multicultural perspectives and practices. Be Students embody a love of learning and articulate a personal mission based on an explicit values system that integrates a community identity with an ongoing cultivation of personal development. Do Students demonstrate mastery of core academic competencies, the ability to apply creatively the methods and practices of their chosen profession or field of study, and exemplify personal, professional, and social ethics. STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016-2017 Programs of Study For comprehensive information on UWest programs of study, see the Academic Catalog, available on the UWest website. Bachelor of Arts Degrees Business Administration: 120 units Concentrations: