2014-2015 A GUIDE FOR PARENTS contents 7| 7 8 9 10 12 16 18 19 21 22 25 26 28 28 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 29 | 29 30 30 32 | | | | Akron Guide Comprehensive advice and information for student success Welcome to the University of Akron! Words of Welcome from Residence Life & Housing Housing Availability & Assignments Residence Life & Housing FAQs Living-Learning Communities Campus Map Office of Student Accounts/Bursar Parents’ Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Career Center: Connecting Your Student to Career Success Top Ten Most Frequently Asked Parent Questions Parents & Family Association Athletics UA Counseling Center Office of International Programs Resources Must-have knowledge to navigate your way Academic Calendar 2014–2015 Helpful Phone Numbers Helpful Websites Proud Supporters of Akron www.universityparent.com/uakron 5 Akron GUIDE produced by in partnership with For more information, please contact University of Akron Office of New Student Orientation Phone: (330) 972-2622 www.uakron.edu/nso orientation@uakron.edu About this Guide UniversityParent has published this guide in partnership with the University of Akron with the mission of helping you easily navigate your student’s university with the most timely and relevant information available. Discover more articles, tips and local business information by visiting the online guide at: www.universityparent.com/uakron The presence of university/college logos and marks in this guide does not mean the school endorses the products or services offered by advertisers in this guide. 2995 Wilderness Place, Suite 205 Boulder, CO 80301 www.universityparent.com Advertising Inquiries: (855) 947-4296 ads@universityparent.com Sarah Schupp Publisher mark hager DESIGN michael fahler AD DESIGN Connect: facebook.com/UniversityParent twitter.com/4collegeparents Welcome to the University of Akron! For some of you, the process of sending your student to college will not be easy. For others, you may not be able to wait until your student is off to college. While this may or may not be the first time you’ve sent someone to college, know that all of us at The University of Akron know that it is never easy. The time your student spends in college will be one of the most memorable times in his or her life. As a parent or family member of one of our newest Zips, you play an important role in supporting your student’s success in college. Though many of the experiences your student has in college will happen on their own, we know that it is helpful for students to have the support of parents and family members along the way. © 2014 UniversityParent 6 University of Akron www.universityparent.com/uakron This University Parent Guide has been created with parents and family members in mind. It is meant to be an informative resource and to serve as a conversation starter for you with your student as he or she encounters different opportunities, experiences, and challenges during this first year of college. New Student Orientation is designed to give you a sense of the spirit of the university and an introduction to the vast array of resources available on and off campus to assist your student – and you – in being successful in college and beyond. We thank you for partnering with us to help your student become a successful Zip, and we welcome you to The University of Akron. Sincerely, Carly DeBord New Student Orientation (330) 972-2622 www.uakron.edu/nso orientation@uakron.edu 7 AKron GUIDE We are here to help and look forward to speaking with you about whatever question or concern occurs in the lives of your student. But we are also hopeful you will join us for our family receptions during Homecoming & Family Weekend or during our annual Sibs Saturday. Words of Welcome from Residence Life & Housing One of the things that we hope you and your student will find in the Department of Residence Life and Housing is a cheerful and honest invitation to become engaged in The University of Akron. Sure our residence hall student organizations have won countless national awards over the years, and our residential program collaborates with our academic departments to create “Living Learning Communities.” And sure, we can continue all of these activities, and we will, but right now we are more interested in sharing with your student our most sincere and enthusiastic invitation to become engaged in our opportunities. Whether listening to a singer-songwriter during one of our award winning coffee houses, running for an office in a hall government, or just spending time with their new friends and the resident assistant, our students will have an 8 opportunity to become a part of our traditions. And we hope this process will begin as your student sets foot on our campus during our annual Week of Welcome. One of our proudest traditions, Week of Welcome provides an opportunity for our “emerging leaders” (students participating in the department’s Emerging Leaders Program) to reach out and connect with our new students during their first days on campus. We have learned time and time again that students who learn to laugh with us will also love to learn with us. While we cannot invite the families of our students to be a part of each of these opportunities themselves, we are excited to extend a special invitation to you to partner with us. The love and support you offer your student combined with the guidance and experience of our administrative, hall and student staff makes the realization of your student’s dreams one step closer to reality. In turn, we offer our support to you as well as your student, and encourage you to call, write, or email us often. University of Akron Housing Availability & Assignments All first-year freshman students are required to reside in university residence halls for their freshman academic year (fall and spring semesters) so long as space is available or unless otherwise exempted. All residence hall students are required to have a meal plan, except residents in the Exchange Street Apartments, where kitchen facilities are available. Residents with kitchen facilities may purchase a meal plan if they so choose. On-campus housing continues to be in demand. We encourage students to apply for housing early. Online housing applications are only made available to students who have committed to the University by paying the confirmation fee. Students will receive specific housing assignment information in late July. www.universityparent.com/uakron 9 Akron GUIDE either way by completing the disclosure question when applying for housing. Failure to answer this question may result in an incomplete application. What do I do if my student needs to cancel their housing contract? Contact the Department of Residence Life and Housing by calling (330) 972-7800 or by emailing us at reslife@uakron.edu. What happens if my student was assigned to a building that wasn’t one of their choices? Prior to their arrival, they should contact the Department of Residence Life and Housing. After their arrival please contact their building staff, resident director (RD), residence life coordinator (RLC) or resident assistant (RA). Please note that requests are not guaranteed. Residence Life & Housing FAQ When will my student find out where they are living and who their roommates are? Room assignments are made available to students in late July. We will also include contact information for all of their roommates provided they have given us permission to release their personal information. Please do not purchase coordinating décor until you receive official confirmation of your student’s roommate. We make every effort to assign mutual requests, but are unable to guarantee all roommate preferences. What kinds of stuff does my student need to bring to furnish their new room? Housing will provide a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe or built-in closet. The rest is up to your student’s imagination. 10 Check out our departmental FAQs where you can find a list of items to bring: http://www.uakron.edu/reslife/ move-in-guide/what-to-bring.dot. When does my student move in to their residence hall? Freshmen will generally move in the week before classes start, giving your student an opportunity to get settled and attend activities and events that occur throughout the week and weekend. Does my student have to get the meningitis & hepatitis B vaccinations before they move-in? While your student is not required to have the vaccinations, the university does recommend it. Regardless, they are required by law to let us know University of Akron www.universityparent.com/uakron 11 Akron GUIDE Akron GUIDE Below you will find descriptions of our current Living-Learning Communities. Upon successfully completing a Housing Contract and selecting a LLC preference, students must also complete the Living-Learning Community application to be considered for participation. Army ROTC The Army ROTC Community will provide an additional level of support to first year cadets. This community offers the cadets the opportunity to live with other students that share the same work ethic and values while building better camaraderie and cohesiveness. All members of the community will be required to participate in ROTC and take a military science class. Arts All School of Arts students are eligible to participate in the Arts Living-Learning Community. Artists, designers and other art students can join their peers in an environment that fosters more effective creative development and study, with studio and exhibition space, arts programming and learning cohorts. Living-Learning Communities Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) are established to provide distinctive settings where student academic success is supported through residential experiences. LivingLearning Communities bring academics into the residence halls through on-site classes, advising and referral services, tutors, and special opportunities to interact with faculty. The goal of our Living-Learning Communities is four-fold: 12 • Provide special attention to first-year students while offering mentoring opportunities to upperclassmen. • Focus on academic achievement in a productive and supportive setting. • Foster the joining of the scholarly and social aspects of student life. • Promote collaboration among faculty, staff and students. University of Akron Athletic Training Interested in sports, physical activities, injury treatment, and helping people? Athletic training could be of interest to you. Athletic training is a blend of helping individuals who participate in physical activities and facilitating prevention and recovery from injuries. Students in this community with have the chance to use peer support with academic coursework and the ability to get connected to upper-class students and faculty within the major. Business Considering a career in business? Join other first-year business majors to engage in a common living and an opportunity to take common courses with a shared focus. As a participant, explore the world of business in a growing global economy with chances to engage College of Business Administration faculty, connect with a variety of business majors, and programs designed just for the community! Communications The means of communication continues to evolve and change. From radio, television, and publications, to the internet and social media, the opportunities to share information surround us. Planning on majoring in organizational communication, www.universityparent.com/uakron 13 akron GUIDE Akron GUIDE interpersonal and public communication, media production, journalism, public relations, or radio and television? This community may pique your interest! the semester. Students will test their skills in activities such as team-builders, rock wall climbing, Battleship in the ONAT, bike trips, trail hikes, and more! Dance and Theater Explore your creative and intellectual potential! The Dance and Theatre LLC is your ticket to innovative dance and theater performances as well as specialized programs offered just to LLC participants. This community often attends Broadway productions at E.J. Thomas Performance Arts Hall on campus, hosts a Strike Your Pose photo shoot to build your portfolio, and more! Pre-Law Considering law school or law enforcement? This community is open to any major interested in pursuing a law degree or going into law enforcement after college. Participants will have the opportunity to network with guest speakers, engage in conflict resolution, and host a mock trial. Emerging Leaders Program (EL) Be part of an exciting program that has won regional and national recognition. This group lives in Ritchie Hall, Sisler-McFawn Hall and the fifth floor of the Honors Complex and is part of the Major Events Committee of the Residence Hall Program Board. EL Application is required. Education Seeking the chance to impact the lives of others through the classroom? Whether you are pursuing early childhood or young adult (AYA) education, this community sets out to spark the creative mind with resources to enhance your skill sets for the classroom. First2GO! Are you the first in your family to go to college? This is an exciting time for both you and your family, and this community provides the tools you need to be successful. Students in this community will take a fall semester Student Success Seminar, be provided with individualized mentoring, be offered an opportunity for paid employment to assist with finances, and families will be connected to the community through a monthly e-newsletter. Health Professions Exploring a career in the health professions? Whether you are majoring in dietetics, nutrition, child life, family & consumer science, family development, child, development or Social Work, this community is great opportunity for you! Create a vibrant community, supporting and enriching each other as you advance towards careers in the field. Men in Engineering (MIE) Build, construct, design, formulate, and more in the Men in Engineering LLC! This community is committed to the development of highly-qualified and professionally-responsible engineers. Students in this community will engage with various engineering disciplines through field trips to engineering firms, peer study groups, guest speakers, and more. Nursing “Nursing transforms!” That’s the motto of the School of Nursing. A transformation journey as you embark on your quest to being a Nurse, the School of Nursing and this community provide you the tools and connections to help achieve your goals. Live together and learn together. Participants in this community will take selected prerequisite courses together. Outdoor Adventure Test your limits! Expose yourself to new adventures! Stay active! Interested in physical activities? Join the Outdoor Adventure LLC for thrilling programs throughout 14 University of Akron Pre-Med Is medical school in your future after college? Whether you venture into major in biology, chemistry, physics, etc., join the Pre-Med LLC in a diverse community of academic disciplines. Participants will benefit from peer study groups, specialized programming only open to participants, and the academic resources of upper-class student mentors within the community. Service and Civic Engagement Lead through service to others. This community is a great home for students with a passion for making a difference, a desire to build leadership skills, and a passion to be active citizens in the community. Students in this community will take a fall semester Student Success Seminar and a spring leadership course focused on becoming a servant leader. The ability to change the world begins with you! Join us in our mission to lead through service. Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Designed for speech pathology/audiology majors, participants have the chance to share their passion for helping people with speech and language disorders along with hearing impairments. This community provides students with the opportunity to connect and build immediate relationships with residents in the same major and classes as well as with supporting faculty and staff. Women in Engineering (WIE) Take advantage of mentoring, trips to engineering firms, study support, guest speakers and social activities. Inspired by the popular SEE UA Camp (Summer Experience in Engineering), this community of female engineering students collaborates closely with the Men in Engineering LLC. www.universityparent.com/uakron 15 akron GUIDE Akron GUIDE Campus Map 16 University of Akron www.universityparent.com/uakron 17 Akron GUIDE Akron GUIDE Office of Student Accounts/Bursar The University of Akron tries to offer as many self-service options as possible for the student’s convenience. The Office of Student Accounts/ Bursar has also added the functionality (Parent Access) for parents or other persons if authorized by the student to view the student account balance and pay the bill, or sign up for the university payment plan. The university is governed by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). The University respects students’ interest in their educational records. Therefore, the university limits access to those records except where access is authorized by law or by the student. Students can authorize release of information to a parent/ guardian in person through the Registrar’s Office with a picture ID. This may be a frustration to parents, but parents should communicate with the student and make sure they are aware of issues that are important if they are responsible for paying the invoice. 18 For more FERPA information, visit www.uakron.edu/ogc/legalpolicies-and-procedures/privacypractices-and-policies/ferpa.dot. The Office of Student Accounts recommends that the student refer to their My Akron account online to confirm daily updates of their registration, financial aid, or other changes to their charges such as meal plans and housing. Students are notified by their university email to view their e-Bill online. Paper bills are not mailed. If the student has Anticipated Aid displayed on their account, this amount will be used to reduce the amount due. 25% of the net balance is required as the down payment on the payment plan, along with a $30.00 application fee. Sign up online through student’s My Akron account. The payment plan closes after the first week of the term. If Financial Aid paperwork is complete, Financial Aid will be disbursed 10 days prior to the start of the term. For information about billing, due dates, payment options, refund policy, tuition and fees, visit www.uakron.edu/student-accounts. Parents’ Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects your college student’s privacy and grants him or her exclusive right to view and share education records such as grades, transcripts, disciplinary records, contact information, and class schedules. Under the law, colleges and universities may not disclose education records to anyone other than the student. FERPA’s restrictions often frustrate parents, especially parents who pay University of Akron www.universityparent.com/uakron for tuition. But, as College Parents of America suggests, “Rather than seeing this legislation as a barrier to good college parenting, parents might see this as an important opportunity for meaningful dialogue with a student.” Building a healthy relationship with your student is about giving enough independence to grow, while being there to offer support when a mistake occurs. When it comes to grades, talk to your student as an adult. Voice your opinions, but respect your student’s decisions. There is so much more to being a college parent than just checking in on grades at the end of the semester. And at that point it’s too late to have an impact. 19 akron GUIDE For parents whose students are not forthcoming with grades, there are several things to do to build trust and communication: • Be available early in the semester to help set academic goals for studying and grades. • Show support during stressful times like finals week by sending encouraging emails and care packages. • Ask questions about your student’s classes and what is being learned; show that you’re interested in more than just grades. • • Then, after supporting your student through the whole semester, ask if your student would like to share grades with you. Respect the decision whatever it might be. Continue to support your student academically. Akron GUIDE As far as working within the restrictions of FERPA, support your student in taking personal responsibility for transcripts and financial obligations. Although this legislation restricts parents from involvement in many ways, it also empowers students to grow in independence. Encourage your student to be aware of his or her rights, which will help them to take ownership over their education. Key Things to Remember about FERPA 1. Colleges and universities cannot disclose academic information to parents without written consent from the student. 2. Don’t be frustrated by this law. Use it as an opportunity to help your student grow independent. 3. Support your student academically throughout the year and not just when grades are released. Career Center: Connecting Your Student to Career Success The Career Center assists students and alumni in their career planning and development by offering individual career advising, programming, and testing. Students are encouraged to visit the Career Center for help in choosing a major, finding a summer job, co-op or internship, student employment, and part-time/full-time employment. Career advisors will work with all students providing exposure to career options through a full service career and occupational library, computer-based career development tools and Internet resources. In addition, the Career Center staff works closely with alumni, employers, graduate and professional 20 University of Akron www.universityparent.com/uakron school personnel, and faculty to provide success in the job search and graduate/professional school process. Students seeking employment after graduation benefit from presentations on résumé writing, job search strategies and interviewing techniques through several programs, and from a variety of career fairs offered throughout the year. In addition, the Career Center maintains an electronic database, RooLink, of fulltime/part-time, on-campus, and co-op/ internship opportunities. Students and alumni may view listings as well as upload their résumés for employers to view by registering with our online system. Student Union 211 www.uakron.edu/career (330) 972-7747 21 Akron GUIDE Akron GUIDE Can my student earn a degree in four years? Top Ten Most Frequently Asked Parent Questions Why can’t I go to my student’s advising appointment? In 1974, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was passed as a United States law. FERPA passes the right to privacy onto students when they reach the age of eighteen or attend an institution beyond the high school level. This right to privacy means that you are not permitted into your student’s academic advising appointment today at orientation, even though you may be helping to pay for school. Don’t worry. Because UA’s course registration is completed online, you will have a chance to see your student’s schedule and to talk about the courses that he or she will be taking during the upcoming semester! If a change needs to be made to your student’s schedule, the change can be made online with the permission of your student’s academic adviser. Why is Orientation mandatory? It takes a great deal of hard work, persistence and determination to be successful in college. Students need information about academics, registration, housing/commuting, campus life, 22 financial aid, and student services, all of which will be covered at orientation today! Orientation provides for students all of the tools that they need to be successful at The University of Akron. Earning your degree in four years depends on many factors. Most degrees at The University of Akron require 128 hours of coursework. This can be completed in four years if you complete 16 hours per semester. However, depending on the program there may be additional requirements that coincide with your student’s coursework. For example, students seeking specific engineering degrees must complete a yearlong multisemester Co-Op internship experience in addition to 128 hours of coursework. These specific degrees are designed for students to graduate in five years. Another factor that plays a role in a student’s graduating pace is how much developmental coursework is needed. Developmental courses are designed for students to develop the skills they need for general college level classes. These additional classes are then added to the total number of credit hours required. Moreover, many students have outside obligations that can limit the number of credit hours attempted in one semester. Students that work and volunteer either full-time or part-time, as well as go to school, may not be able to handle 16 credit hours every semester. If a student is not on pace to graduate in four years, summer courses are available and serve as a great way to catch up on coursework. Which is better: living on campus or commuting? Residence Hall life and commuting both have positive aspects. Living in a residence hall provides students with a sense of independence and personal responsibility, even though they have a strong community around them! Living in the halls is a great way to meet new people and to become immersed in the college social life. Conversely, commuting gives students a great opportunity to How safe is UA’s campus? The University of Akron has taken many steps to ensure the safety of its students. We have our own campus police department, along with the City of Akron’s police department patrolling our campus. Emergency phones that have a quick response time in case trouble arises are placed in strategic areas all across campus. Despite the many safety precautions in place, however, students need to be smart when they are on campus, especially after dark and in more secluded areas of campus. Students are cautioned to walk in groups. If students need to be on campus alone, they can call UA’s police department for a campus escort to walk them to their cars or residence hall rooms until midnight every night. Students should use caution at all times, just as they would in any city at night. University of Akron www.universityparent.com/uakron 23 akron GUIDE save money and focus on schoolwork, while adjusting to the many challenges of college life and academics. UA provides excellent services for students that do not live on campus such as Off Campus Student Services, located on the first floor of the Student Union. Off Campus Student Services makes sure that our non-residential students get to meet new people and become immersed in the college community! Does my student need a car on campus? Unlike some schools, UA’s freshmen are allowed to park on campus. Each student taking more than five credit hours per semester is charged a $160 transportation fee that covers the cost of a parking permit and use of the Roo Express Campus Shuttle Service. Having a car on campus has its positives and negatives. On the plus side, it allows students to go home on the weekends, explore the city and surrounding areas, and go to nearby shopping areas when necessary. On the negative side, with so many commuters and staff who have to park on campus every day, parking can become a bit tense at times, especially in the lots right next to residence halls. Also, everything your student would need is readily available on campus. Akron GUIDE How can I get money to my student? Should my student bring a desktop computer or a laptop? The easiest way to give your student money (and to know what it’s being used for!) is to put it on his or her Zip Card. Your student’s Zip Card can be used like a debit card anywhere that they are accepted, including locations such as, on-campus eateries, campus fast food restaurants, pizza places, and health services on campus, just to name a few! You can add money to your student’s Zip Card by going online to www.zipcardonline.net. It’s all about preference! A student does not need to have his or her own computer to be successful at UA. We have computer labs in almost every building, and because the Student Union and the library have laptops available for checkout during their hours of operation, there are computers available all over campus! Many students, however, prefer to have their own computer. Desktop computers are a good choice because they are easy to upgrade and have a very small chance of being left behind or stolen. There is a hardwire Ethernet connection available in all residence hall rooms, along with wireless Internet, which are provided free of charge. Laptops, on the other hand, are very convenient, because students can take them to class to take notes on or to complete homework wherever they are on campus. What is there to do around campus? The City of Akron has a great deal to offer! The Akron Rubber Ducks play baseball in their state-of-the-art stadium downtown. Free concerts are given at Lock 3 Live all summer long. UA is also home to E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall where Broadway shows and the UA Forum Speaker Series are presented throughout the year! All locations are a short walk from campus. If the city doesn’t offer enough, there are three shopping malls within a half hour’s drive from campus: Chapel Hill Mall in Akron, Summit Mall in Fairlawn, and Belden Village Mall in North Canton. Even Cleveland is only about forty minutes away! Should my student have a job? Having a job will obviously take time away that could be spent studying; however, many students either want to work to have spending money or need to work to help pay for school. The best suggestion is an on-campus job at UA. On-campus jobs have very flexible hours because our offices recognize that their employees are always students first! There are many work study and non-work study positions available on campus. Visit www.uakron.edu/career/studentemployment for a list of both on and off campus jobs, and be sure that your student applies early! Working is a great way to make connections in different offices on campus, and it also gives your student an opportunity to learn to manage his or her time effectively. Parents & Family Association The Parents & Family Association looks forward to working with you! The Association is coordinated by university staff and guided by the needs and interests of our parents and families. We provide timely information and additional support for our parents and families with our monthly electronic newsletter and Facebook page. We also maintain a website focused on the priorities of our families, and we have provided a phone number and email address for you to use to contact us with specific questions or concerns. We look forward to hearing from you! https://www.facebook.com/ZipParents pfa@uakron.edu http://www.uakron.edu/pfa (330) 972-PFA3 (7323) 24 University of Akron www.universityparent.com/uakron 25 Akron GUIDE Akron GUIDE Attend Games Admission is free to home Zips contests for UA students with a valid Zip Card. Simply swipe in at the student gate to get in — and you automatically will earn points that can be redeemed for great prizes through our ROO-WARDS program! Visit GoZips.com/ROOwards for more information and to register for free. Family and friends of UA students can purchase tickets and accompany the student in general-admission seating areas. Tickets can be purchased at ZipsTickets.com or by calling 1-888-99-AKRON (25766). Athletics World-Class Facilities The University of Akron’s Department of Athletics sponsors 19 varsity intercollegiate teams with 450 student-athletes and 175 coaches, staff, administrators and graduate assistants. With a unique nickname in college athletics, the Zips are known nationally because of the success of our teams and the passion of our fans, so much so that other schools “Fear The Roo!” We belong to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and are members of the Mid-American Conference. We won the 2010 NCAA title in Men’s Soccer, the school’s first team 26 national championship, and both basketball programs have recently captured MAC titles as well. In December 2013, Zips Athletics unveiled its strategic plan, titled IMPACT 2020, which includes our new mission statement: To have a positive and meaningful impact on the people and communities we serve. More information about IMPACT 2020 is available at GoZips.com/IMPACT2020. The University has built or renovated numerous on-campus athletic facilities in the last decade, providing a firstclass experience for the studentathletes as well as the student body. Our student fan group, the AK-Rowdies, is nationally known for their loud and proud presence at Zips basketball, football and soccer games. Here’s where the Zips compete on campus: • FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field (soccer) • InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field (football) • James A. Rhodes Arena (basketball, volleyball) • Lee R. Jackson Field complex (baseball, softball, outdoor track and field) • Ocasek Natatorium (swimming and diving) • Pinn Shooting Range at Shrank Hall (rifle) • Stile Athletics Field House (indoor track and field, golf indoor facility) • Tennis Outdoor Courts (expected to open in 2014) Find us Online The best source for everything you need to know — schedules, statistics, stories and more — about Zips Athletics is the department’s official website, GoZips.com. The Zips also have a strong presence in social media, especially Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Visit GoZips.com/ Connect to connect with the Zips! University of Akron www.universityparent.com/uakron 27 akron GUIDE RESOURCES UA Counseling Center The Counseling Center offers free, confidential and comprehensive psychological services to students. Academic Calendar 2014–2015 2014 Fall Semester Our diverse staff of licensed psychologists and doctoral trainees provides counseling and psychotherapy, career decision making counseling, psychological assessment, psycho-educational outreach and consultation to the university community. Our testing personnel administer a variety of national standardized and on-campus tests. College can be an exciting and also stressful time for students. The Counseling Center counseling and psychotherapy services teach students to adapt to the multiple roles of becoming a college student, manage stress, increase self confidence, enhance relationships with family and friends and decrease depression and anxiety. Students can also attend psycho-educational workshops on various topics such as study skills, substance use and eating concerns. Career decision making counseling is available for students who need to choose or decide to change their major. They may meet individually with a psychologist, in a group and/or use an extensive array of online services on the webpage. Mon., Aug. 25 Labor Day Mon., Sept. 1 Veterans Day Tues., Nov. 11 Veterans Day Observed Tues., Nov. 11 Thanksgiving Break Thu.-Sun., Nov. 27-30 Classes Resume Mon., Dec. 1 Final instructional Day Sun., Dec. 7 Final Examination Period Mon.-Sun., Dec. 8-14 Commencement Fri.-Sat., Dec. 12-13 Fall Semester Grades Due Tues., Dec. 16 2015 Spring Semester Day and Evening Classes Begin Mon., Jan. 12 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Mon., Jan 19 Testing is used to assess ADD/ADHD and learning disorder concerns to help students identify their academic strengths and growth areas. National standardization tests such as the ACT are administered. Additionally, be sure to check out the CLEP Exam that gives students college credit. Presidents Day Observance Tues., Feb. 17 Spring Recess Mon.-Sun., March 23-29 Classes Resume Mon., March 30 Final instructional Day Sun., May 3 For more information, please visit www.uakron.edu/counseling. Final Examination Period Mon.-Sun., May 4-10 Commencement Fri.-Sun., May 8-10 Spring Semester Grades Due Tues., May 12 Law School Commencement Sun., May 17 Office of International Programs Education Abroad Students at The University of Akron have a wide variety of education abroad program options in almost any academic field and geographic location, including exchanges, faculty-directed programs, internships, servicelearning programs and programs through outside partners. Program durations vary from a few weeks to a full academic year. Scholarship and grant information is available. Planning ahead helps the student to determine the best fit academically, personally and financially. Potential benefits of education abroad are many and varied. Students may develop greater independence and self-awareness, gain an alternate view on their chosen subject and develop intercultural skills coveted by employers. Polsky 483 www.uakron.edu/oip/studyabroad (330) 972-6349 28 Day and Evening Classes Begin University of Akron 2015 Summer Intersession Day and Evening Classes Begin for Intersession Mon., May 18 Memorial Day Mon., May 25 Final Instruction Day for Intersession Sun., June 7 2015 Summer Session I Day and Evening Classes Begin for First 5-week (5WI) and 8-week (8W) Terms Mon., June 8 Independence Day Fri., July 4 Final Instructional Day for First 5-week (5WI) Sun., July 12 Final Instruction Day for 8-week (8W) Sun., Aug. 2 2015 Summer Session II Day and Evening Classes Begin for Second 5-week (5WII) Term Mon., July 13 Final Instructional Day for Second 5-week (5WII) Sun., Aug. 16 Final Instruction Day for 8-week (8W) Sun., Aug. 2 Commencement Sat., Aug. 15 Summer Grades Due Tues., Aug. 18 www.universityparent.com/uakron 29 RESOURCES Helpful Phone Numbers DEPARTMENT PHONE Summit College (330) 972-7220 Undergraduate Admissions (330) 972-7100 Career Center (330) 972-7747 Counseling Center (330) 972-7082 Financial Aid (330) 972-7032 Cashiers (330) 972-7219 New Student Orientation (330) 972-2622 University Registrar (330) 972-8300 Zip Card Office (330) 972-5637 Dean’s Office (330) 972-7066 Off Campus Student Services (330) 972-5500 Student Life (330) 972-7866 Residence Life & Housing (330) 972-7800 Campus Operator (330) 972-7111 University Bookstore (330) 972-7624 University Police (330) 972-7123 Student Health Services (330) 972-7808 Multicultural Development (330) 972-6769 Helpful Websites 30 DEPARTMENT WEBSITE Center for Academic Advising and Student Success www.uakron.edu/advising Admissions www.uakron.edu/admissions Career Center www.uakron.edu/career Computer Solutions www.uakron.edu/computersolutions Counseling Center www.uakron.edu/counseling Department of Residence Life & Housing www.uakron.edu/reslife F.E.R.P.A. www.uakron.edu/ogc/legal-policies-and-procedures/ privacy-practices-and-policies/ferpa.dot Financial Aid www.uakron.edu/finaid First Year Experience www.uakron.edu/nso/first-year-experience Parking www.uakron.edu/parking Post-Secondary www.uakron.edu/colleges/univcoll/PSEOP.php Student Employment www.uakron.edu/career/student-employment Student Conduct and Community Standards www.uakron.edu/studentconduct/ Student Life www.uakron.edu/studentlife/ Student Recreation and Wellness Services www.uakron.edu/srws Tutoring www.uakron.edu/tutoring University Police www3.uakron.edu/police Zip Card Office www.uakron.edu/zipcard University of Akron This Guide brought to you by these Proud Supporters of Akron Places to Live 22 Exchange Crossroads Management Realty Fir Hill Towers Buchtel Place Town Homes Executive Properties University Commons 22 E. Exchange St. Akron, OH 44308 (888) 819-1525 www.22exchange.com Please see ad on inside front cover. 711 Carroll St. Akron, OH 44304 (330) 990-4019 www.buchtel-townhomes.com Please see ad on p. 4. 333 S. Main St. #702 Akron, OH 44308 (330) 762-4840 www.crossroadsmanagement.com Please see ad on p. 26. 733 W. Market St. Akron, OH 44303 (330) 376-9546 www.execprop.com Please see ad on p. 20. 55 Fir Hill Dr. Akron, OH 44304 (866) 777-4238 www.burtoncarol.com Please see ad on p. 27. 600-602 Sherman St. Akron, OH 44311 (330) 762-1074 www.bowerymgmt.com Please see ad on p. 5. Where to Shop Campus Book & Supply 450 E. Exchange St. Akron, OH 44304 (330) 762-2665 www.campusbookonline.com Please see ad on p. 11. Macy’s 2000 Brittain Road Akron, OH 44310 (330) 633-0800 www.visitmacysusa.com Please see ad on p. 23. Student Services Canal Place - Akron Self Storage METRO RTA CU Student Loans Summit Federal Credit Union 520 S. Main St., Suite 2502 Akron, OH 44311 (330) 434-8656 www.canalplace.com Please see ad on p. 3. (866) 256-2207 www.custudentloans.org/ universityparent Please see ad on p. 12. 4331 Lakepointe Corporate Dr. Stow, OH 44224 (330) 945-4160 www.stow.hamptoninn.com Please see ad on 24. www.UniversityParent.com 100 Wheeler St. Akron, OH 44311 (330) 376-3626 www.summitfcu.com Please see ad on p. 13. What to See and Do Places to Stay Hampton Inn Stow University Parent E-News 631 S. Broadway Akron, OH 44308 (330) 762-0341 www.akronmetro.org Please see ad on p. 9. Value Place Akron 3325 Fortuna Dr. Akron, OH 44312 (330) 245-0600 www.valueplace.com Please see ad on p. 11. E. J. Thomas Hall‚ The University of Akron 198 Hill St. Akron, OH 44325 (330) 972-7570 www.uaevents.com Please see ad on inside back cover. For advertising inquiries, please contact UniversityParent at (855) 947-4296 or email: ads@universityparent.com www.universityparent.com/uakron