Freshman year brings a slough of new experiences and issues. In a new environment, studetns can easily run into trouble finding assistance with difficulties that arise. Where should you go if you think you have the flu? How do you get help if you're computer illiterate? Here is a run-down of commonly utilized student services to help you get off the ground at Notre Dame and Saint Mary's.
By KATIE McVOY
News Writer
Office of First Year Students
The Office of First Year Students serves the academic needs of first-year students. Staff members help students with scheduling, credits and requirements, academic advising and monitoring academic progress.
Susan Vanek, the head of the Office of First Year Students, can be reached at x4594.
Writing Center
Saint Mary's Writing Center is a valuable resource for students looking to polish their papers or improve their writing.
The Writing Center, which will announce its hours later this fall, is located in the basement of Le Mans and employs student tutors who offer constructive criticism, ideas and support to students working on papers.
Any Saint Mary's student can make an appointment to see a student tutor or the head of the Writing Center Monday through Friday by calling x4710.
Health Services
Health Services, in the basement of Holy Cross Hall, does its part to ensure the physical wellness of all Saint Mary's students.
"We're here due to our commitment to the health of our students," said Cathi DeCleene, a Health Services employee. "We're here to share in our students' illnesses and health."
Health Services employs three nurses, who are on duty from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and a physician.
All Saint Mary's students are eligible for services with a completed health form. Walk-in and scheduled appointments are available, and extended services such as lab services and referrals are available as needed. Emergencies after hours are directed to local hospitals.
During office hours, Health Services can be reached at x4805.
Counseling and Career Development
Where Health Services leaves off, the Career and Counseling Center picks up.
"We're a blended counseling center in that we have career and personal counseling here," said Kris Pendley, assistant director.
On the personal front, the center offers counseling in all areas from roommate relations to depression and anxiety to academic skills. The center employs a psychologist, two licensed mental health counselors and a psychiatrist also makes regular visits. First-time visits and regularly scheduled appointments are available.
On the career front, the center joins students in exploring and deciding on majors, discovering summer jobs and internships, looking into personal interests and exploring possible careers.
The Career and Counseling center is located in the main lobby in Le Mans Hall and can be reached at x4565.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Department offers financial help and advice. The office, located in the main hall in Le Mans Hall, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Office staff provides students with help filling out FAFSA and Profile applications. This department awards scholarships to first-year students and transfer students; it also offers grants and federal loans to all students. The office will operate during special hours throughout orientation, remaining open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This office also offers on-campus jobs to students as part of a financial aid package.
For more information, contact the Financial Aid office at x4557.
Information and Technology
With the increased importance of technology and the Internet in student life, Information and Technology provides an important service to students.
InfoTech offers students 11 technical classrooms, four collaboratory classrooms and five computer centers. If a student has a computer problem, she should contact a residential computer consultant. The office, located in Le Mans Hall, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During orientation InfoTech will sponsor a ResNet fair in each dorm. Signs will be posted notifying students of times and locations.
Students seeking technology support can reach the Information Technology help desk at x4715.
All News Stories for Saturday, August 19, 2000
