Mar 29, 2024  
Student Handbook 2016-2017 
    
Student Handbook 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG - Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Getting Involved: Life Outside of the Classroom



Strebel Student Center

Strebel Student Center serves as the heart of campus life by serving as a gathering place for the College community, by housing some student organization offices, and by functioning as the location of many of our student and College-sponsored events.  Strebel Student Center also serves as an informal place for activities such as watching movies and television, snacking and socializing. The Center houses the offices and facilities as listed below.

What’s in Your Student Center

First Floor: Ellen Knower Clarke Lounge, Micro-Art Gallery, Office of Campus Safety, Office of Student Affairs, Office of Conduct and Community Standards, Pioneer Pub, Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Computer Lab, Campus Bookstore, UC Emergency Medical Alliance. 

Second Floor: Dining Commons, Office of Campus Dining Services, Office of Career Services, Student Wellness Center (Health Services and Counseling), Office of Student Activities, Student Organization Suite (Student Senate, Utica College Programming Board, Inter-Greek Council), WPNR-FM Studios and Offices

Offices

Office of Student Affairs

315-792-3100
Room 103, Strebel Student Center

The Office of Student Affairs consists of the Dean of Students and Campus Life as well as the Dean for Diversity and Student Development . This office is responsible for coordinating and overseeing all functions of the Offices of Student Activities, Campus Safety, Career Services, Residence Life, as well as Student Conduct and works closely with the Office of Student Success, other student support services such as The Counseling Center and the Student Health Center (both part of the Student Wellness Center),  Learning Services, Opportunity Programs and the auxiliary services of the UC Campus Store, Facilities Management and Dining Services. The Dean of Students and Campus Life and the Vice President for Student Affairs (who is located in the Office for Student Success) are the chief administrators regarding the College’s alcohol policies, student conduct codes, and other student-related policies, rules, and regulations. The Dean of Students and Campus Life currently oversees the administration of student conduct processes when violations of these policies, rules and regulations occur.

The Office of Student Affairs is also responsible for the College’s emergency loan fund. The Dr. Jacob Oser Student Emergency Loan Fund provides students with small, short-term loans to cover emergencies. An Emergency Relief Fund is also available to assist student impacted by natural disasters or similar emergencies. Additional information about the Office of Student Affairs may be found at www.utica.edu/student.

Office of Student Activities

315-792-3037
Room 205, Strebel Student Center

The Office of Student Activities is the place to go to get involved on campus. They advise many of the major organizations on campus, including Student Senate, Utica College Programming Board, Inter Greek Council, Legacy Yearbook and the National Society for Leadership and Success. We have over 90 clubs and organizations on campus, including 9 Greek organizations. Student Activities also works to plan a variety of events throughout the year, including the Student Involvement Fair and International Students Day. This office supports the work of all of the organizations on campus through leadership training & development, event, reservations, and working with service providers on campus to ensure our students have high quality events. All of our student organizations can be found on Pioneer Place, the College’s student organization portal, which is managed out of this office.

Student Activities is also involved in major campus traditions such as Orientation, Homecoming and the Holiday Dinner. This office also produces the Daysheet, the daily newsletter of everything that is going on here at UC, they will sell discount tickets to local events, houses all transportation options for students including tickets for the local Centro Bus, Zip Car and local shuttles to the mall and Consumer Square. This is the office to visit – when you don’t know who to ask, they always find an answer.

Additional information about office hours and services provided by the Office of Student Activities can be found at www.utica.edu/student/activities.

Student Organization Mailboxes

Student organization mailboxes are located in the Student Organization Suite on the 2nd floor of Strebel. Incoming mail and on-campus announcements are delivered daily to these boxes.

Voter Registration

The Office of Student Activities works closely with other offices on campus as well as local organizations to ensure that students are properly educated about the registration process and are able to vote in local and national elections on a timely basis.

Van Service

A student-operated van service shuttles between campus and various designated sites. The schedule changes frequently to meet student needs. The schedule can be found on the bulletin board outside the office or at https://www.utica.edu/student/activities/bbvanschedule.cfm

Opportunities for Getting Involved

Student Involvement

Utica College believes strongly in the concept that a great deal of what students learn in college takes place outside of the classroom. Therefore, at UC, students, faculty, and staff members work side by side to provide a rich variety of social, cultural, and recreational activities. A student who participates fully in campus life can expect to be exposed to various ideas and issues, music and art forms, and styles of life. This is, of course, in addition to simply having a good time.

UC students have a great deal of autonomy in being involved and engaged in the kinds of activities in which they wish to participate. The Student Senate is responsible for allocating funds collected through the student activities fee, and these funds are used for anything from booking a concert to purchasing equipment to be used in a wilderness trek to providing support for a cultural dinner. UC employs professional staff members to advise students in these matters, but the College’s faculty and staff members know that active student participation in the planning of extracurricular activities adds a vibrant quality to UC’s activities program and helps students develop and practice leadership, decision-making, and related skills.

Students also are active in the governance of UC as a whole. All College-wide committees dealing with such issues as curriculum and academic standards have student members with full voting privileges.

UC is rich with opportunities for student participation in activities. The College seeks students who wish to take a step beyond the classroom and become full contributors to the quality of campus life.

By participating in these activities, students can:

•      Meet and learn to work with many types of people;

•      Hold leadership positions and have expanded responsibilities;

•      Gain experience in group activities;

•      Develop contacts for future activities and possible references;

•      Explore various career opportunities;

•      Practice skills and apply classroom learning; and

•      Discover their own capabilities and interests.

A number of opportunities for students to get involved are described below.

Admissions Ambassadors

Students may apply through the Office of Student Employment to become Ambassadors for Utica College. This elite position on campus consists of students who represent the College through interactions with prospective students and their families. Ambassadors assist the admissions staff by providing more personalized and in-depth information to persons interested in attending UC. They conduct campus tours and assist at various Admissions events.  Telecounseling students call students to answer questions and share their UC experience from the perspective of a current student.  For additional information, call the Office of Admissions at (315) 792-3006 or visit utica.edu/admissions.

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)

The Reserve Officers Training Corps programs of the United States Army and the United States Air Force are available to UC students through Syracuse University. For information regarding the ROTC program, scholarships, and course offerings, contact the appropriate ROTC office by consulting the ROTC Web page at www.utica.edu/veterans/rotc.cfm

Volunteer Opportunities

The Office of Career Services promotes volunteerism through hosting an annual Volunteer Fair which is open to all students and alumni. Participants will have the opportunity to meet representatives of local organizations to secure volunteer opportunities in order to experience the satisfaction of helping others, develop a network, and build a well-rounded résumé. Information about the Volunteer Fair and participating organizations may be found at www.utica.edu/student/career/cs/volunteerfair.cfm.

Athletic Activities and Facilities

Office of Athletics and Physical Education

315-792-3051
Harold Thomas Clark Jr. Athletic Center

The Office of Athletics and Physical Education is responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and supervising all sports and athletic programs including physical education classes and activities, intramural sports, and intercollegiate athletics. Intercollegiate sports participation is encouraged for as many students as possible, with an emphasis on competitive excellence, sportsmanship, and positive attitudes.

For a list of UC’s team sports, information on athletic activities and facilities, facility hours and reserving facilities for use, and contact information for athletics staff, contact the Office of Athletics and Physical Education or see www.ucpioneers.com

Governing Bodies, Programming Boards, and Activities

College Governance

College governance groups include the Faculty Senate, the Professional Staff Advisory Council, and Student Senate. Information about these governing bodies may be obtained from the offices of the College’s president, academic deans, or the Office of Student Affairs.

Student Senate

The mission of Student Senate is to enhance student life by breaking down barriers of diversity, by promoting the values of education, and by empowering students through involvement in Student Senate, student clubs and organizations. The Student Senate serves as a liaison between students and the College administration in all issues pertaining to student life and allocates the student activities fee fund in a fair and unbiased manner. By listening to students’ issues and concerns, the Student Senate serves as the voice for students at Utica College. Moreover, the Student Senate encourages school spirit and pride through programming in an effort to build a cohesive community. In April and again in September, elections are held for Senate representatives from the residential and off-campus populations. Elections for executive officers and class officers are held every spring semester.

The Classes

The Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior classes each elect officers and a council. The classes sponsor a variety of social, recreational, and educational activities throughout the year.

Finance Committee

This committee hears club budget requests and recommends annual budget and supplemental appropriations to the Student Senate.

Inter-Greek Council (IGC)

The Inter-Greek Council (IGC) serves as the governance body for the social fraternity and sorority community at Utica College. IGC seeks to maximize the experience of our fraternity and sorority members through participation in a variety of social and educational programs across campus and involvement in community service projects. Through their constitution and by-laws, IGC is responsible for developing quality recruitment and new member education policies and establishing guidelines for the social Greek community that will not affect the uniqueness of each organization but still hold them all to high standards.

The Greek letter social organizations currently recognized by the Inter Greek Council can be found at https://www.utica.edu/student/activities/organizations/igc/igcmission.cfm

Residence Hall Association (RHA)

The purpose of the Residence Hall Association is to bring residents together and promote a positive residential community. The RHA provides a forum for residents to exchange ideas about programming, develop leadership skills, engage in community service, and work together in an effort to further skills, engage in community service, and work together in an effort to further improve the quality of life in the residence halls. Additional information about the Residence Hall Association may be found on-line at www.utica.edu/rha

Utica College Programming Board (UCPB)

This board plans and implements a wide variety of social and cultural activities. Much of the work is done by students planning concerts, special events, comedy, and coffeehouse events. Annual large events include Welcome Week (the first week of Fall semester), Homecoming Carnival, the Autumn Frost Dance (November), Snow Daze (the first week of Spring semester), and Moose Madness (April). The events calendar and contact information for UCPB can be found at http://www.utica.edu/ucpb or on PioneerPlace.Utica.edu

Student Clubs and Organizations

Utica College is home to over 90 student clubs and organizations that involve and engage students with a wide range of interests. All student groups and clubs at Utica College are organized and operated by students; therefore, the level of activity varies from year to year based on student participation. Clubs and organizations in which students participate include academic, major and career-related clubs, cultural organizations, honorary societies, political/social consciousness organizations, recreational clubs, religious organizations, and organizations with special interests.

Utica College maintains an online student organization portal called Pioneer Place, which can be accessed at https://pioneerplace.utica.edu. A list of currently registered clubs and organizations can be found here, in addition to events coming up and more information about how to get involved. All currently enrolled students have access to Pioneer Place with their Utica College usernames and passwords.

Organizations listed on Pioneer Place are all recognized by the Utica College Student Senate and the Office of Student Activities. Students looking for organizations specific to their major but do not find that organization on Pioneer Place are encouraged to contact their department or school office or the Office of Student Activities for further information.

Fraternities and Sororities

Fraternities and sororities are affiliated with the Inter-Greek Council (IGC). The IGC establishes and enforces policies governing the fraternities and sororities. The council also approves fraternity and sorority programs and events. Recruitment is conducted on an independent basis by each organization. Students may join a Greek organization after their first semester at UC provided they are in good academic and conduct standing. For additional information go to www.utica.edu/student/activities/organizations/igc

Religious Activities and Organizations

Utica College respects and protects each student’s freedom to worship and to affiliate with religious organizations. A number of campus organizations offer a variety of religious activities and services to UC students. Those organizations can be found on Pioneer Place; for questions or additional information, please contact the Office of Student Activities or the Office of Student Affairs.

Starting a New Organization

Even with all of our opportunities to be involved, students still look and bring with them new interests.  We make establishing a new student organization on the Utica College campus a simple procedure. Organizers must identify five interested students and a faculty/staff advisor and complete and submit a student organization registration form (available on the Pioneer Place Web site). Organizations will then work with Student Senate to have the new organization recognized. For additional information about the process for recognizing new organizations, talk with one of the professional staff members in the Office of Student Activities and consult the Club and Organization manual at www.utica.edu/student/activities/Club&OrgManual/contents.cfm

Student Media Organizations

Ampersand

Students combine their practical and creative abilities to produce Ampersand, the college’s literary magazine, an impressive collection of Utica College students’ literary and artistic work. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, student editors oversee its production from submission and selection of materials to design and publication. Published once a year, students may submit poetry, artwork, photography, and short stories. Students who wish to volunteer to work on Ampersand should inquire at the School of Arts and Sciences.

The Legacy

This is the Utica College yearbook. There is a large staff of UC students who design, layout, and assemble photos each year, working to produce beautiful books so the Senior Class can cherish their UC memories for years to come. Students are needed to help with photography, layout, writing, proofreading, and artwork. For more information, contact the Office of Student Activities at www.utica.edu/student/activities/legacy.cfm

The Tangerine

Utica College’s weekly student-run campus newspaper is a great place to improve your writing, editing, and photography skills, as well as put into practice the web design and social media principles you learn in your classes. There are many opportunities for students to participate in both the editorial and advertising areas.

Students of all majors are welcome to interview for paid staff positions as writers, editors, layout designers, reviewers, and photographers, and in advertising sales, and can take a one-credit course to earn credit by writing for the Tangerine. For more information, contact Professor Mary Christopher, faculty adviser, at mcchrist@utica.edu, visit the Tangerine website at www.uctangerine.com or follow us on:  www.facebook.com/uctangerine  https://twitter.com/uc_tangerine  and www.instagram.com/uc_tangerine

WPNR-FM

WPNR-FM is a fully licensed educational radio station operated by students under the advisement of a designated Chief Operator among the Communication faculty. “The Voice of the Pioneers” operates year round, 24 hours per day. The format is primarily a ‘modern college radio mix’ of music; but also includes specialty programming, news updates, public service programming, and Utica College athletics.  Opportunities for students will range from learning how to be an on-air radio personality to the operation of various departments (e.g., Music, Sports, Production, Promotions, Public Service, etc.) of the radio station.  Each semester students may take a 1 credit course (COM 130) up to a total of 4 times for a more advanced on-air learning experience.  Prospective students within a 10-15 mile range of campus can find Pioneer Radio on 90.7 FM of their radio dial, but anyone can listen to WPNR-FM by visiting their website www.PioneerRadio.org.

 

Campus Events and Cultural Activities

One of the characteristics of a vital, healthy organization is that it celebrates its traditions together. As a relatively young institution, Utica College has developed a surprising array of traditions, and sponsors a variety of social, cultural, and recreational programs and events on campus throughout the academic year.

Because of Utica College’s culturally diverse population, activities reflecting that diversity and creating an opportunity to share varied experiences are encouraged and strongly supported. Our goal is to provide an environment where differences are valued. Many special programs and events are sponsored by fraternities, sororities, and student club and organizations. Information about those events may be found at http://www.utica.edu/student/activities/eventschedule.cfm and https://pioneerplace.utica.edu/

In addition, the College hosts an array of special events including Homecoming/Alumni and Family Weekend, Holiday Dinner, Convocation, and Commencement. For information on these and other events, please see www.utica.edu/instadvance/marketingcomm/events

Campus Theme Committee

One of Utica College’s most enjoyable traditions is the “Campus Theme,” a year-long opportunity for all members of the College community to explore issues of great social importance from a variety of viewpoints. Events sponsored by other campus organizations, offices, or programs may all participate in and be recognized for “theme related” activities. The theme committee reviews proposals for theme sponsored events and contributes, as approved, to the funding of events that foster the campus theme. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to participate in and suggest public events, including presentations by nationally recognized public figures, classroom discussions, FILMS@UC , and/or topic for All-College forums. Information about the Campus Theme committee and the theme for the current academic year may be found at www.utica.edu/instadvance/marketingcomm/theme/index.cfm 

 

The Arts at Utica College

The Edith Langley Barrett Fine Arts Gallery

Library Concourse
Gallery Director 792-5289

 

Barrett Art Gallery is centrally located on campus in the Library Concourse, lower level between the Library and DePerno Hall.  Fall and spring semesters exhibit works from regional, national, and international artists and cultural collections. Opening receptions are a time for students and the college community to gather with the regional community to celebrate the arts and learn with student docents as your guides. The gallery and Student Senate co-sponsor regional artists and crafts persons in one-day activities in both semesters. Student Employment opportunities provide experiences for our students to develop and host exhibits, hospitality, traditional and online marketing.

The gallery is open in the course weeks of fall and spring semesters and on occasion with special events in the concourse.  More information about the gallery and hours of operation can be found at www.utica.edu/gallery

FILM@UC

This weekly film series - sometimes thematic, sometimes eclectic - challenges our assumptions about and enhances our appreciation of motion pictures. FILM@ UC presents critically acclaimed independent, foreign language, experimental, and classic films throughout the semester, and regularly features distinguished filmmakers discussing and showing their work. Events take place in Macfarlane Auditorium and are free of charge. Students, faculty, staff, and the public are welcome to attend. Descriptions of these films and related programs may be found at www.utica.edu/film.

Harry F. and Mary Ruth Jackson Lunch Hour Series

Sponsored by Utica College’s Social Cultural Committee, this series features readings by acclaimed authors; musical performances from jazz to classical, by professional musicians from central New York; and gallery talks by artists whose work is on display in that Edith Barret Gallery. Events are held on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. Music performances are held in the Library Concourse; reading programs, in Macfarlane Auditorium, and gallery talks in the Edith Barrett Fine Arts Gallery. All programs are free of charge and are open to students, faculty, staff, and the public. Audience members are invited to bring bag lunches. Interested students should check the Lunch Hour Series web page for details on specific programs: http://www.utica.edu/academic/as/culture/jackson/fall2016.cfm

Music and Readings

Entertainment by local rock, blues, jazz, and folk performers is often provided in the Strebel Student Center throughout the year. Musical presentations are given by the UC Band and visiting artists. At least one major concert is sponsored by UC each year.

Theatre Activities

Every semester students have the opportunity to participate in a theatrical performance. Opportunities exist for all students to participate as actors, technicians, and/or student designers, and academic credit may be received for participation in theatrical activities. Shows that are performed alternate between comedies and dramas, although a classic or musical may occasionally be performed. Some students have also developed individual projects based on their interests. Twice a year Utica College also sponsors a trip to Syracuse Stage, our local regional theatre.  For information about auditions, working with theatre crews or Syracuse Stage, please contact Marijean Levering @ mleveri@utica.edu.

Utica College Choir

The Utica College Choir performs a variety of choral music, from classical to Broadway to spirituals. Choir is offered as a 1 credit course (MUS 110) and can be taken up to four times for credit. Students may also participate in choir without taking the course for credit.  Membership is open to staff and community members as well.

Utica College Concert Band

The Utica College Concert band rehearses on Monday nights in the Library Concourse. Membership is open to staff, students, and community members, and may be taken for liberal arts credit. The band performs on campus and in the Utica-Rome area for various functions.

Lectures and Seminars

Utica College provides a number of lecture and seminar series every series every semester, which are listed below. Additional information regarding lectures, seminars, performances and other events may be found on the Cultural Events Calendar page at www.utica.edu/culture.

Asa Gray Biological Society Seminar Series

This free lecture gives students an opportunity to participate in discussions of a biological nature. Sponsored by the Asa Gray Biological Society, the seminars are open to the College community and the general public.

Distinguished Visiting Lecturers Series

This series focuses on a general topic and each lecturer speaks on his or her area of expertise as it relates to the topic. Each school coordinates lectures for the series.

Geotalk

The Geotalk series fosters an awareness of the world, its lands, and its people. Faculty members share insights, pictures, and stories from their time in various countries, cultures and terrain.

Nexus

This seminar series provides an opportunity for UC faculty to discuss their research and scholarly pursuits. Faculty, students, and community members come together to explore new findings and viewpoints.

 

Where to Go for Information

The Daysheet, distributed daily via email to the Utica College Community and available online at www.utica.edu/daysheet

Office of Student Activities

Room 205, Strebel Student Center
315-792-3037

http://www.utica.edu/student/activities/

Office of Marketing and Communications

Champlin House
315-792-3047

http://www.utica.edu/instadvance/marketingcomm/