2023 Parent-Family-Handbook

PARENT & FAMILY HANDBOOK

Table of Contents Message from the President ................................................................................................................. 1 Welcome from Student Affairs ............................................................................................................. 2 Helping Your Student Aspire Higher .................................................................................................. 3 A Home Away From Home................................................................................................................... 4 Go Pomeroys! Athletics ......................................................................................................................... 5 Learning Resource Center ..................................................................................................................... 6 Rooney Library ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Financial Aid ............................................................................................................................................ 6 Business Office ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Registrar ..................................................................................................................................................... 7 Residential Hall . ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Campus Map .......................................................................................................................................... 8 Landing a Job ........................................................................................................................................ 10 Career Services .................................................................................................................................... 10 Student Employment . ........................................................................................................................... 10 Health Services Clinic ......................................................................................................................... 11 Pomeroy Care ........................................................................................................................................ 11 Counseling Services ............................................................................................................................. 11 Club ’64 ................................................................................................................................................. 11 Campus Ministry ................................................................................................................................... 12 Intramurals and Club Sports ............................................................................................................... 12 Student Clubs and Organizations . ................................................................................................... 13 Public Safety .......................................................................................................................................... 14 Bookstore ............................................................................................................................................... 15 Dining Hall .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Parking 15 Our Professors are ALL IN! ..................................................................................................................16 Technology ............................................................................................................................................. 16 Mailing Address ................................................................................................................................... 16 Academic Departments and Offices ................................................................................................ 17

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Parents and Families,

It is my pleasure to welcome you, your daughters and sons to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC). This is a very exciting time for your family.

An informed and engaged family plays a vital role in the lives of students and their success. Consider this handbook as a useful resource to help you effectively navigate programs and services at SMWC. It is designed to answer your questions and put your mind at ease, as well as prepare you to be our partner in supporting your student academically and personally.

In addition, I encourage you to learn more about The Woods by exploring our website and social media channels.

I look forward to meeting you. May God richly bless you and your family.

Sincerely,

Dottie L. King, Ph.D. President, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

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A WELCOME FROM STUDENT AFFAIRS

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to The Woods Family and congratulate you on your student’s acceptance to Saint Mary-of-the Woods College. Here at SMWC we believe that parents, family members and loved ones are our strongest allies and resources in our efforts to support student success. For the past 18 or more years, you have shared your values with your students. Your work supporting your students will continue to be a great guidebook for their journey. In Student Affairs, we are focused on the education our students receive outside the classroom. Though we are mindful that the

intellectual life will be the core of the enterprise at SMWC, we are dedicated to the idea that learning continues, is enhanced and is made meaningful beyond the threshold of the conventional classroom. This student-centered approach is very much in keeping with our traditions and mission. We are committed to the idea that every experience at SMWC is an element of a student’s education and we feel privileged to be an institution where leaders are educated. To support their out-of-classroom experiences, we have a variety of student affairs units here to help. Students access these resources as they grow as individuals, choose where and with whom to live and decide where to gather — as well as learn how to get involved, give back and thrive as Pomeroys. These areas are Campus Life, Campus Ministry, Counseling and Health Services Clinic. Again, welcome. All of us at Saint Mary-of-the Woods College’s student affairs area are looking forward to seeing you at campus visits and at our orientation program when you arrive on campus.

Sincerely,

Aimee Janssen-Robinson, Ph.D., CHES, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

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Your student will be experiencing changes and challenges in the pursuit of new levels of knowledge, responsibility and independence. The college experience will also bring new challenges to you as a parent. HELPING YOUR STUDENT ASPIRE HIGHER — without the snowplow

The real challenge for parents is knowing when and how to help. Helicoptering has also been referred to “snow plowing” meaning that you can clear the way for your student by solving their problems for them. Students can learn to succeed on their own with gentle nudges and guidance. Encouraging them to find solutions and problem solve on their own will motivate them to greater success in their educational experience and beyond.

Encouraging them to find solutions and problem solve on their own will motivate them to greater success in their educational experience and beyond.

Providing autonomy and independence will ultimately help students to continue to grow into adulthood and develop problem-solving and life skills. This will help to decrease burnout and reduce the pressures of college life.

Hopefully, this guide will assist you to help your student find solutions.

We are so excited that your student chose Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. We know what a big step this is for you and your student. We are looking forward to seeing you on campus when you visit!

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A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

The combination of the beautiful campus, the small classes offering a personal touch from the professors and the friendly atmosphere, SMWC will become a “home away from home” for your student. Traditions traditions, including Ring Day, a ceremony where students are honored for academic success and sacrifice. Top Rankings U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks SMWC as one of the Top Regional Universities in the Midwest as well as top ranking in Best Value Schools. We’ve got more fancy rankings online at smwc.edu/nationalrecognition. A Role Model Your student will learn about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s journey to The Woods, her devotion to education, service to others, perserverance and leadership. Through her story, many students choose Saint Mother Theodore Guerin as a role model during their time at SMWC and beyond. Your student will participate in many long celebrated

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GO POMEROYS!

So what is a Pomeroy? Being a Pomeroy is not so much a thing, but a spirit of athletic excellence and sportsmanship. The Pomeroy name was chosen in memory of alumni and faculty member Sister Mary Joseph Pomeroy. She was a member of the basketball team that played in the first recorded basketball game in school history when SMWC defeated Indiana Normal College (now known as Indiana State University) in 1920. Sister Mary Joseph Pomeroy became a Sister of Providence and was an athlete as well as a scholar, mentor, champion and friend.

OUR ATHLETIC TEAMS

Women’s and Men’s Basketball Women’s and Men’s Cross Country Women’s and Men’s Equestrian Women’s and Men’s Golf Women’s and Men’s Soccer Softball Sprint Football Women’s and Men’s Track and Field Women’s and Men’s Volleyball

SMWC is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

The equestrian program is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). SMWC has two equestrian teams: Western and Hunt Seat.

“ONYX” is SMWC’s mascot and she loves to cheer on the Pomeroys and attend events.

Club ‘64, the fitness center, is located in the Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center and is available for use by all students.

Your student can access athletic events for free.

Pomeroy Pride is the spirit of competition, individuality and teamwork. It means never standing idle on the sidelines, but leading the charge with enthusiasm.

It is the power to create new directions, expand boundaries and make every experience, success or defeat, add to your character.

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Learning Resource Center

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is accessible to any student, campus or online, for personalized instructional support to help students reach their goals. Students are offered academic support services including study skills, writing, math, time management and more. An Academic Support Team with experienced faculty members that can work with individual students in need of additional academic support is also available. The LRC is located in Rooney Library and can be reached at 812-535-5271.

Rooney Library

The library is located in Rooney Center and is an essential part of the academic experience. The library maintains collections and provides service to support teaching, learning and research activity of the College community. Databases can be accessible by remote proxy as well as online searches for books, articles and videos. Students can even Live Chat with the librarian as well as text and email any questions. The Library can be reached at 812-535-5255 or library@smwc.edu.

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid can assist students with grants, loans, military benefits and opportunities state and nationally. If a student receives federal and/or state grants, the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed by April 15 and the FAFSA must be completed each year to reapply. The Office of Financial Aid is

located in Rooney Center and can be reached at 812-535-5100 or finaid@smwc.edu.

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Business Office

The Business Office processes all student accounts, payment plans and stipends/ refunds. As students register for classes and are packaged with financial aid, the Business Office can complete personalized payment plans for each student. The Business Office is located in Guerin Hall and can be reached at 812-535-5124 or businessoffice@smwc.edu.

Registrar The Office of the Registrar provides a variety of specialized services to students including class scheduling, registration, information regarding academic policies, transcripts, records of students and verification of enrollment and degrees. Academic catalogs and academic course schedules can be viewed on the website at smwc.edu/registrar. The Office of the Registrar is located in Guerin Hall and can be reached at 812-535-5269 or registrar@smwc.edu.

Residential Halls

Le Fer Hall may look like a castle but it is complete with the modern conveniences needed to live, learn and work at SMWC. Students enjoy all of the comforts of home with air conditioning, hardwood floors, desks, beds and community spaces. In addition, each floor has equipped kitchens, free laundry machines and computer stations with printers. Les Bois Hall is equipped with apartment-style suites — features bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms. Informal gathering spaces throughout cater to small groups or larger structured gatherings. The prominent courtyard encourages outdoor dining, studying or hanging out. Questions? Please contact campuslife@smwc.edu.

Le Fer Hall

Les Bois Hall

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CAMPUS MAP

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LANDING A JOB Your student will have the opportunity to find work on campus while getting their education. At the beginning of the year, students will be emailed a list of all available positions. This is a great way for them to gain real-world experience, time management skills, earn a paycheck and build their resumé. While at The Woods, your student will also want to visit the Career Center to learn more about the many benefits the Center provides, including resume’ assistance and career fairs.

Student Employment

Career Center

A variety of offices and departments at SMWC will hire student assistants. All students are eligible to work in campus positions. Preference is given to those students who are awarded Federal Work Study, but it is not required to have Federal Work Study in order to work on campus. Students can apply for jobs that interest them and are interviewed by the prospective employer.

The Career Center will help students explore interests, strengths and realize aspirations. As employers express a desire for college graduates with critical thinking skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and the ability to have real-world experience, the Career Center will help students secure internships and prepare for their job search. SMWC’s amazing partnership with alumni is a real asset to assisting students with their job search and much more. The Career Center is located in Rooney Library and may be reached at 812-535-5188 or career@smwc.edu.

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STAYING HEALTHY AT THE WOODS

Counseling Services The Counseling Center has a variety of free services to enrolled students. Services offered include confidential individual, couples and group counseling as well as crisis intervention and consultation services. Students may make appointments by calling 812-535-5102 during office hours or stopping by the office located in Le Fer Hall. Club ’64 Club ’64 is located in the Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center and is a 3,776 square foot fitness center. Club ’64 is named for the Class of 1964 whose donation made this facility possible. The facility is open to all students and has top-of-the line Hammer Strength and Life Fitness equipment. coaching via phone or secure video visits to any web enabled device, such as a smartphone or laptop. Students can go to www.timelycare.com/smwc to register for and access telehealth services. Health Services Clinic The Health Services Clinic is staffed by a nurse practitioner, nurses and support staff and is located in Rooney Library. Most routine services, physical exams, health assessments and treatments and laboratory testing are offered. Over-the-counter and prepackaged prescription medications are also offered. Campus undergraduate students taking nine or more credit hours are eligible to receive services when they present a valid SMWC identification card. TimelyCare TimelyCare is a new telehealth program for campus undergraduate students. The service provides access to 24/7 medical and mental telehealth care, with no cost at the time of visit. Licensed providers are available to diagnose non emergent medical conditions, prescribe medications and offer mental health support and wellness

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SO MUCH TO DO Without question, when you ask students who had a great freshmen year what really made it extraordinary, they all say, “I got involved right away.” Encourage your student to participate and to make the most of their college experience. There are many ways to get involved, share a talent, try something new or to serve others at The Woods.

Campus Ministry As a Catholic-based ministry that serves students of all faiths, Campus Ministry provides a welcoming community atmosphere, peer support and education of spirituality, social justice and religion. It encourages lay leadership, faith ownership and social justice outreach.

Opportunities for service include alternative spring break and fall break mission trips, attending student-planned events sponsored by Campus Ministry as well as service learning projects. The Office of Campus Ministry is located on the garden level of Le Fer Hall and may be reached at campusministry@smwc.edu.

Intramurals and Club Sports Intramurals are a fun way for students to compete amongst themselves while having fun and staying fit. Throughout the year there are competitions that include basketball, dodgeball and bowling. Club sports at The Woods provide a rich campus life experience for students in a team and individual sport competitive atmosphere. In addition to the sheer fun of the sport or the excitement of competition, a student can gain important life skills in leadership, competition, organization, goal setting and other transferable skills. SMWC offers five club sports: eSports, Competitive Cheer,

Dance, Powerlifting, Rowing and Tennis. Each sport is guided by a head coach or instructor. Some clubs may require try-outs for participation while others may have open membership.

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Student Clubs and Organizations The best way for a student to get involved is to join a club or organization. Students may choose from 25 organizations that offer opportunities to explore interests ranging from music, drama, student senate, psychology, sustainability and more! Leadership opportunities abound giving students experiences that will help them after graduation.

• Aurora Literary Arts Magazine • Black Student Association • Book Club • Choral Ensembles • Collegiate Horseman’s Association • Creative Crafts • Drama Club • eSports and Gaming • Fellowship of Christian Athletes • Future Business Leaders of America • Gender & Sexuality Alliance • Indiana Student Education Association • Instrumental Ensembles

• Junior Class Officers •Music Therapy Student Association • Peace and Justice Club • Pomeroy Wellness Program • Psychology Club • Senior Class Officers • Services31 • Sophomore-Freshman Leadership Council

• Student Activities Committee • Student Nursing Association • Student Senate • Sustainability Club

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KEEPING THE WOODS SAFE We take safety very seriously. You can be assured that the public safety staff is on duty twenty-four hours a day, each day of the year. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is committed to providing a safe environment for your student, as well as all students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Public Safety The public safety staff are dedicated around-the-clock to the safety of our students and campus community. While they have an office, they generally are patrolling the campus and checking the buildings to ensure that everything is secure and safe. Le Fer Hall and Les Bois Hall, our residence halls, are secured by a prox card system. The residence halls are locked 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Only residence hall students have a prox card that will allow them into their residence portion of the building.

Each member of the community can also subscribe free to the emergency text messaging alert system. This system is used in the case of emergencies or weather closures.

Should assistance be required, public safety is also in contact with the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police. Note: All public safety officers are uniformed.

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SMWC IS GROWING Les Bois Hall, a new residence hall featuring apartment-style suites, as well as Doherty Dining Center, opened in fall 2021 and sits next to Le Fer Hall. Students now have two residence halls to choose from for their home away from home.

Bookstore

You and your student will want to visit the bookstore in the new residence hall. There is a wide array of items to show your SMWC pride, including clothing, accessories, gifts, supplies and textbooks. Textbooks and digital textbooks are available for rent or purchase. You can shop in person or online at smwc.edu. Questions? Contact the bookstore at bookstore@smwc.edu. Dining Hall The brand-new dining hall is just steps away from Le Fer Hall. In addition to the traditional and healthy dining options, a market for quick bites and after hours dining is available when needed. Certain meal items are also available during lunch at the Woods Café located in the Rooney Center. Pomeroy Points are available to all commuter students to make dining available without carrying cash. There are designated lots for residential and commuter students. All vehicles must be registered and display the decal provided by Public Safety. Cars can be registered by downloading the form at smwc.edu/vehicleregistration. Parking

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Technology Each building is equipped with the latest wireless technology and students have access to wireless printers in each building, including on their residence floor. Through our newly launched initiative, Technology Revolutionizing Educational Experiences and Success (T.R.E.E.S.), all incoming campus based students will receive an Apple iPad Air. The technology fee, included in their tuition and fees, will cover the cost of the tablet, as well as an Apple Pencil, three years of Apple Our Professors are ALL IN! Every professor is committed to the success of students at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Our smaller class sizes, with a student/professor ratio of 13 to 1, allow professors to work closely with students and be available for assistance and encouragement. Students can visit their professors during their posted office hours or can email their professors with questions or requests for assistance.

Care, One Drive file storage, Microsoft Office 365 online and no-cost printing. Each iPad will be 64 gigs of storage and come with Wi-Fi-only capabilities.

SEND A CARE PACKAGE, LETTER OR CARD Who doesn’t love to get mail or a surprise package? U.S. Postal mail is delivered daily. Your student’s mail is delivered to the front desk of Le Fer Hall and is available for pick-up during normal front desk hours. Students will receive an email notifying them when they have a package that has been delivered. Packages will also be held at the Le Fer front desk during regular business hours. PLEASE NOTE: Guaranteed express or other timed early delivery packages are independent of SMWC. Your mailing address should be formatted as follows:

[Student Name] 1 St Mary of Woods Coll Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876

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JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY

Academic Departments

Offices Academic Affairs – Guerin Hall .......................................................................... 812-535-5182 Admissions – Rooney Center................................................................................. 812-535-5175 Advancement – Guerin Hall ................................................................................ 812-535-5270 Athletic Department – Knoerle Center ............................................................... 812-535-5288 Bookstore – Hulman Hall ..................................................................................... 812-535-5228 Business Office – Guerin Hall ............................................................................. 812-535-5124 Campus Life – Le Fer Hall ..................................................................................... 812-535-5281 Campus Ministry – Le Fer Hall ............................................................................. 812-535-5244 Career Center – Rooney Library ......................................................................... 812-535-5121 Campus Counselor – Le Fer Hall ........................................................................ 812-535-5102 Conferences and Events – Le Fer Hall ............................................................... 812-535-5142 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Guerin Hall. ................................................... 812-535-5212 Facilities, Maintenance and Housekeeping ..................................................... 812-535-5213 Faculty Resource Center – Le Fer Hall ............................................................... 812-535-5248 Financial Aid – Rooney Center ............................................................................ 812-535-5109 General Studies – Guerin Hall ........................................................................... 812-535-5193 Health Clinic Services – Rooney Library ........................................................... 812-535-5200 Human Resources – Guerin Hall ........................................................................ 812-535-5284 Information Technology – Guerin Hall .............................................................. 812-535-1157 International Students – Le Fer Hall .................................................................... 812-535-5219 Institutional Research – Guerin Hall ................................................................... 812-535-5273 Learning Resource Center – Rooney Library .................................................... 812-535-5271 Office of Marketing and Communications – Guerin Hall ............................ 812-535-5105 Pre-College Outreach – Rooney Center........................................................... 812-535-5291 President’s Office – Guerin Hall . ........................................................................ 812-535-5296 Professional Advisors/Rentention Navigators – Rooney Center .................. 812-535-5293 Public Safety – Le Fer Hall .................................................................................... 812-535-6400 Registrar – Guerin Hall .......................................................................................... 812-535-5299 Rooney Library ......................................................................................................... 812-535-5255 Title IX Coordinator ................................................................................................ 812-535-5267 Arts & Letters – Hulman Hall. ................................................................................ 812-535-5141 Business and Leadership – Le Fer Hall ............................................................... 812-535-5261 Education – Hulman Hall ..................................................................................... 812-535-5159 English Language Institute – Guerin Hall .......................................................... 812-535-5172 Equine Studies – Stables ....................................................................................... 812-535-5147 Music and Theatre – Conservatory of Music .................................................. 812-535-5154 Nursing – Hulman Hall ......................................................................................... 812-535-1127 Sciences and Mathematics – Hulman Hall ...................................................... 812-535-5147 Social and Behavioral Sciences – Le Fer Hall ................................................. 812-535-5192 Theology – Guerin Hall ........................................................................................ 812-535-5184

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STAY CONNECTED TO THE WOODS Get to know us and our community better by following us on your preferred social media channel. Many SMWC departments also share on social media.

@smwcollege

@smwcollege

@smwc

@Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

@smwcollege

smwc.edu