Parent Handbook: Academic Life

Parent Handbook | Academics at Nazareth | Academic Advisement | Disability Services

Academics at Nazareth
The liberal studies core requirements at Nazareth College allow students to explore a variety of courses and gain a broad-based education. In keeping with the college mission to foster a life-long commitment to intellectual, ethical and aesthetic values, every student explores classes in the areas of Fine Arts, History, Literature, Mathematics, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Natural Science, and Social Science.

The Nazareth faculty embraces this mission and with an average class size of 22 students, faculty members get to know their students well and foster relationships on a personal level. Faculty play many roles on campus including the encouragement and development of a desire within students for life-long learning. They spark the curiosity of students to explore the unknown, instill in them the confidence to succeed, challenge them to engage in deep critical thinking, and provide guidance in career and life decisions. In turn students must also take the initiative to actively participate in the educational process. When faculty and students are equally responsible for the shared learning experience, the academic aspect of Nazareth College can be very rewarding.

Academic Advisement
When your son or daughter needs assistance or special help with academic matters, the Academic Advisement Center (AAC) is there to help. Students can get assistance with planning an educational program that is in accord with the college's academic policies and degree requirements as well as help with choosing a major and assessing academic abilities and special interests. The staff urges you to engage in conversations with your son or daughter about their progress in school.

At the end of each semester, grade reports are mailed to your son or daughter at their home address. In addition, grade reports are mailed to all parents of freshmen unless a student requests otherwise. Freshmen also receive fall and spring mid-semester grade reports to inform them of their progress. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act prohibits release of specific information about student grades without written permission of the student or proof that the student is financially dependent according to the IRS definitions. At your request, a staff member from Academic Advisement will contact instructors to inquire about a student's progress and follow up directly with the student. If you need further information or have additional questions, you may consult with the Coordinator of Freshmen Academic Support Services or the Director of Academic Advisement.

Incoming freshmen and transfer students are assigned faculty advisors who assist students until the end of the sophomore year, or until they have been accepted into a major program. After declaring a major, students are assigned advisors within their major department. They don't have to make up their mind about a major until the end of their sophomore year. Generally the first two years can be a time of self-exploration, self-evaluation, and reflection. However, it should be noted that many professional programs do require an earlier decision. Undeclared students are encouraged to use the time to think about their interests and goals while taking general courses that fulfill core requirements and expose them to a wide variety of areas of study and topics. Individual appointments can also be made with students' academic advisors to discuss major and/or career choices.

Any student who is having difficulty with a course should first consult with the instructor about additional help. If tutoring is needed, the student may apply for peer tutoring services in the Academic Advisement Center (Smyth Hall, room 2). Students needing assistance with writing skills, mathematical skills, or science courses are urged to take advantage of the services of the Writing Center, the Math Center, the Science Center, or the Logic Lab. A complete list of academic services and aids is available from the Academic Advisement Center.

It is a good idea to become familiar with the information contained in the Nazareth College Undergraduate Catalog, the Degree Programs Booklet and the Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook. These publications are available from the Academic Advisement Center.

To contact the Academic Advisement Center, call (585) 389-2871 or email: advisement@naz.edu

Linda Searing, Director
lsearin9@naz.edu

Disability Services
The Academic Counselor for Students with Disabilities recommends academic modifications for students who have documented disabilities and connects students with the many support services available on campus and in the local community. A Handbook for Students with Disabilities describes the resources on campus and is available from the Academic Advisement Center.

If you have any questions or have a student seeking these services feel free to contact the Academic Counselor for Students with Disabilities, Annemarie House, ACSW, CSW-R, at
(585) 389-2754 or by email, ahouse7@naz.edu

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