2015–2016
A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
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University of Akron Guide
Comprehensive advice and information for student success
Welcome to The University of Akron!
Words of Welcome from Residence Life & Housing
Residence Life & Housing FAQ
Living-Learning Communities
Office of Student Accounts/Bursar
Parents’ Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Career Center: Connecting Your Student to Career Success
Parents & Family Association
Top Ten Most Frequently Asked Parent Questions
Athletics
Campus Map
UA Counseling and Testing Center
Office of International Programs
2015–2016 Academic Calendar
Helpful Phone Numbers
Helpful Websites
Akron Area Resources
www.universityparent.com/uakron
5
WELCOME TO
The University of Akron!
Words of Welcome from
Residence Life & Housing
Sending a student off to college
is a time of both excitement
and anxiety for many families.
For some of you, this may be
your first child heading off on
a new adventure; for others,
this may be a process with
which you are already familiar.
Either way, all of us here at UA
know that there are a lot of
questions that come up as this
major life change takes place.
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.
The time your student spends in college
will be one of the most memorable times
in his or her life! As the 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 students have
in college happen on their own, we know
that it is so helpful for students to have the
support of parents and family members
along the way.
6
This UniversityParent Guide has been
created with you 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.
We hope you will use this resource, along
with the many others provided to you
during your New Student Orientation
program, to help start and continue
those important conversations with your
students. Parents are often our greatest
allies in student success! We thank you
for partnering with us to help your student
become a successful Zip from day one to
graduation day.
Sincerely,
Carly DeBord
New Student Orientation
(330) 972-2622
www.uakron.edu/nso
orientation@uakron.edu
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.
www.universityparent.com/uakron
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
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.
7
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.
We are here to help and look forward
to speaking with you about whatever
questions or concerns occur in the life of
your student. But we are also hopeful you
will join us for our family receptions during
Homecoming and Family Weekend or
during our annual Sibs Saturday.
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
8
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.
We are here
to help and
look forward
to speaking
with you about
whatever
questions or
concerns occur
in the life of
your student.
The University of Akron
Residence Life &
Housing FAQ
Q:
When will my student find out where they are
living and who their roommates are?
A:
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.
Q:
What kinds of stuff does my student need to
bring to furnish their new room?
A:
Housing will provide a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe or built-in
closet. The rest is up to your student’s imagination. Check out our
departmental FAQs where you can find a list of items to bring:
www.uakron.edu/reslife/move-in-guide/what-to-bring.dot.
Q:
When does my student move in to their residence hall?
A:
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.
www.universityparent.com/uakron
9
Q:
Does my student have to get the meningitis and
hepatitis B vaccinations before they move-in?
A:
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
either way by completing the disclosure question when applying for
housing. Failure to answer this question may result in an incomplete
application.
Q:
A:
What do I do if my student needs to cancel their housing contract?
Q:
What happens if my student was assigned to a
building that wasn’t one of their choices?
A:
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.
Living-Learning
Communities
Contact the Department of Residence Life and Housing by calling
(330) 972-7800 or by emailing us at reslife@uakron.edu.
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:
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The University of Akron
•
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.
www.universityparent.com/uakron
Below you will find descriptions of our
current Living-Learning Communities.
Share these with your student, as they
are written “to” them!
Upon successfully completing a Housing
Contract and selecting a LLC preference,
students must also complete the LivingLearning 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.
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Athletic Training
Emerging Leaders Program (EL)
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 upperclass students and faculty within the
major.
Be part of an exciting program that has
won regional and national recognition.
This group lives in Ritchie Hall, SislerMcFawn 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.
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,
interpersonal and public communication,
media production, journalism, public
relations, or radio and television? This
community may pique your interest!
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!
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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 and
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.
The University of Akron
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.
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
Test your limits! Expose yourself to new
adventures! Stay active! Interested in
physical activities? Join the Outdoor
Adventure LLC for thrilling programs
throughout the semester. Students will
test their skills in activities such as teambuilders, rock wall climbing, Battleship in
the ONAT, bike trips, trail hikes, and more!
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.
Pre-Law
Women in Engineering (WIE)
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.
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.
Outdoor Adventure
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.
www.universityparent.com/uakron
Living-Learning
Communities bring
academics into the
residence halls.
13
Office of Student
Accounts/Bursar
Parents’ Guide to the
Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA)
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.
14
For more FERPA information, visit
www.uakron.edu/ogc/legal-policiesand-procedures/privacy-practices-andpolicies/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 $35.00 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.
The University of Akron
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.
www.universityparent.com/uakron
FERPA’s restrictions often frustrate
parents, especially parents who pay
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.
15
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.
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.
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.
Career Center: Connecting
Your Student to Career Success
The Career Center assists
students and alumni with
career planning by offering
programming and individual
career advising as early
as their freshman year!
Our Career Center staff is knowledgeable
regarding current employment trends and
job search strategies.
Key Things to Remember about
FERPA
•
•
•
Colleges and universities
cannot disclose academic
information to parents
without written consent
from the student.
We actively assist students
at every stage of their career
search with:
Don’t be frustrated by this
law. Use it as an opportunity
to help your student grow
independent.
Support your student
academically throughout
the year and not just when
grades are released.
•
Choosing a major and
career path
•
Resume and cover letter
writing skills
•
Interview preparation
and mock interviews with
employers
•
Finding relevant learning
opportunities such as
internships and co-ops
•
Part-time employment while
in college
•
Preparation for graduate
school
•
Professional job search
strategies
The University of Akron strongly supports
relevant learning! Relevant learning helps
students gain experience related to their
major and increases their marketability
upon graduation.
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The University of Akron
www.universityparent.com/uakron
17
Top Ten Most Frequently
Asked Parent Questions
Please encourage your student
to explore relevant learning
options such as:
•
Internships and co-ops
•
Student organization
leadership and campus
involvement
•
Volunteering
•
Faculty-led research and
projects
•
Clinicals, practicums, field
experience and student
teaching
•
Study abroad
•
Service learning
•
Career related student
employment
Students should also take advantage
of dynamic and interactive Career
Center programming, such as Career
Fairs, Etiquette Dinners, workshops and
employer info-sessions. Many of these
events include on-campus interviews
and networking with employers who are
specifically seeking to hire UA students!
In addition, the Career Center maintains
an electronic job board, Career Link, with
full-time/part-time and co-op/internship
opportunities. Students and alumni may
register online and upload their resumes
to view listings and allow employers to
view their resume.
Please encourage your student to start
visiting the Career Center as a freshman to
help prepare for their future!
Student Union 211
www.uakron.edu/career
(330) 972-7747
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Parents
& Family
Association
The Parents & Family
Association looks forward
to working with you! The
Association is coordinated
by university staff, advised
by the newly formed Parent
Council, 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.
Q:
Why can’t I go to my student’s advising appointment?
A:
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.
Q:
Why is Orientation mandatory?
A:
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, 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.
We look forward to hearing from you!
www.facebook.com/ZipParents
pfa@uakron.edu
www.uakron.edu/pfa
(330) 972-PFA3 (7323)
The University of Akron
www.universityparent.com/uakron
19
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Q:
How safe is UA’s campus?
A:
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.
Q:
Can my student earn a degree in four years?
A:
Earning a 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 they 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 multi-semester
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.
The University of Akron
Q:
Which is better: living on campus or commuting?
A:
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 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!
Q:
Does my student need a car on campus?
A:
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.
Q:
How can I get money to my student?
A:
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.
www.universityparent.com/uakron
21
Q:
A:
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
Athletics
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!
22
Q:
Should my student bring a desktop computer or a laptop?
A:
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.
Q:
Should my student have a job?
A:
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/student-employment 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.
The University of Akron
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 MidAmerican Conference.
www.universityparent.com/uakron
We won the 2010 NCAA title in Men’s
Soccer, the school’s first team 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.
(continued on p. 26)
23
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www.universityparent.com/uakron
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Ohio Route 8
The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution © 2014
Bulger Residence Hall BRH
Exchange Street Residence Hall EXC
Honors Complex HC
Orr Residence Hall ORH
Ritchie Residence Hall RRH
Sisler-McFawn Residence Hall SMRH
South Hall SH
Spanton Residence Hall SRH
Spicer Residence Hall SPR
Quaker Square Inn QSI
Alpha Delta Pi Sorority (ΑΔΠ)
Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority (ΑΓΔ)
Delta Gamma Sorority (ΔΓ)
Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority (ΚΚΓ)
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity (ΛΧΑ)
Lone Star Fraternity (ΠΚΕ)
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (ΦΔΘ)
Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity (FIJI)
Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity (ΦΚΤ)
Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity (ΦΣΚ)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (ΣΑΕ)
Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity (ΤΚΕ)
Theta Chi Fraternity (ΘΧ)
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Orchar
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St.
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Crouse
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Carroll
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Forge St.
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Roadway Building RDWY
Robertson Dining Hall RD
Schrank Hall North SHN
Schrank Hall South SHS
277 South Broadway Street Building BROD
32 South College Street Building SUP
Simmons Hall SI
Louis and Freda Stile
Athletics Field House AFLD
Student Recreation and
Wellness Center SRWC
Student Union STUN
Thermal Storage Tank TANK
Townhouses TOWN
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall PAH
Trecaso Building TRE
Quaker Square QSQR
West Campus Parking Deck WCPD
West Hall WEST
Whitby Hall WHIT
Wolf Ledges Engineering Building WLEB
Zook Hall ZOOK
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Administrative Services Building ASB
45 Mary Gladwin Hall MGH
Akron Polymer Training Center APTC
40 Goodyear Polymer Center GDYR
Auburn Science and Engineering Center ASEC
28 Guzzetta Hall GH
Ayer Hall AYER
91 Honors Complex HC
Ballet Center BC
6 Hower House HOW
Bierce Library LIB
99 InfoCision Stadium/Summa Field ICS
Buchtel Field BF
44 Knight Chemical Laboratory KNCL
Buchtel Hall BH
52 Kolbe Hall KO
Buckingham Building BCCE
51 Leigh Hall LH
464 Carroll Street Building CSBL
7 100 Lincoln Street Building LINC
Carroll Street Substation ESUB
18 Martin University Center PMUC
Center for Child Development CCD
27 McDowell Law Center LAW
College of Arts & Sciences Building CAS
3 National Polymer Innovation Center NPIC
College of Business
65 Ocasek Natatorium ONAT
Administration Building CBA
34 Olin Hall OLIN
Computer Center COMP
10 Olson Research Center OLRC
Crouse Hall CRH
76 Parking Deck East PDE
Exchange Parking Deck EXPD
20 Parking Deck North PDN
Express Building EB
102 Parking Deck South PDS
Fir Hill Plaza FHP
13 Physical Facilities Operations Center PFOC
Folk Hall FOLK
12 Polymer Engineering Academic Center PEAC
178 South Forge Street (Wonder Bread) WBB
22 Polsky Building POL
Forge Street Substation FSUB
56 James A. Rhodes Health and
Gas Turbine Testing Facility GTTF
Physical Education Building JAR
E.
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Academic, Administrative
and Multipurpose Buildings
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St.
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Martin Lu
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Jr. Blvd.
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llege
S. Co
S. Unio
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S. Union
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Kath
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The University of Akron
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Fir Hill St.
Mar
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Goodkirk St.
Goodkirk St.
24
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(continued from p. 23)
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!
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)
•
Outdoor Tennis Outdoor
Courts
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
GoZips.com/Tickets or by calling
1(888) 99-AKRON (25766).
UA Counseling and
Testing Center
College can be an exciting and also
stressful time for students. The counseling
and testing 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.
The Counseling and
Testing Center offers
free, confidential and
comprehensive psychological
services to students.
Our diverse staff of licensed
psychologists and doctoral trainees
provides counseling and psychotherapy,
career decision making counseling,
psychological assessment, psychoeducational outreach and consultation
to the University community. Our testing
personnel administer a variety of national
standardized and on-campus tests.
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.
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.
For more information, please visit
www.uakron.edu/counseling.
World-Class Facilities
The University has built or renovated
numerous on-campus athletic facilities
in the last decade, providing a first-class
experience for the student-athletes 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.
26
The University of Akron
www.universityparent.com/uakron
27
2015–2016
Academic Calendar
Office of
International
Programs
Study Abroad
Students at The University of
Akron have a wide variety of study
abroad program options in almost
any academic field and geographic
location, including exchanges, facultydirected programs, internships,
service-learning 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.
Studies have found that Study
Abroad aids in improved academic
performance upon returning to home
campus, higher graduation rates,
improved knowledge and awareness of
culture practices and helps rather than
hinders academic performance for atrisk students. New studies are showing
a 97% employment rate within 12
months of graduation for students who
study abroad. Study abroad can play
an integral part in a student’s academic
and cultural success at The University
of Akron.
Simmons Hall 305
www.uakron.edu/oip/studyabroad
(330) 972-6349
28
The University of Akron
2015 FALL SEMESTER
Aug. 31
Day and Evening Classes Begin
Sept. 7
Labor Day
Nov. 11
Veterans Day
Nov 11
Veterans Day Observed
Nov. 26-29
Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 30
Classes Resume
Dec. 13
Final Instructional Day
Dec. 14-20
Final Examination Period
Dec. 18-19
Commencement
Dec. 22
Fall Semester Grades Due
2016 SPRING SEMESTER
Jan. 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 19
Day and Evening Classes Begin
Feb. 16
Presidents Day Observance
March 21-27
Spring Recess
March 28
Classes Resume
May 8
Final Instructional Day
May 9-15
Final Examination Period
May 13-15
Commencement
May 17
Spring Semester Grades Due
May 22
Law School Commencement
2016 SUMMER INTERSESSION
May 23
Day and Evening Classes Begin for Intersession
May 30
Memorial Day
June 12
Final Instruction Day for Intersession
2016 SUMMER SESSION I
June 13
Day and Evening Classes Begin for First 5-week (5WI) and 8-week (8W) Terms
July 4
Independence Day
July 17
Final Instructional Day for First 5-week (5WI)
2016 SUMMER SESSION II
July 18
Day and Evening Classes Begin for Second 5-week (5WII) Term
Aug. 7
Final Instruction Day for 8-week (8W)
Aug. 20
Commencement
Aug. 21
Final Instructional Day for Second 5-week (5WII)
Aug. 23
Summer Grades Due
www.universityparent.com/uakron
29
Helpful Phone Numbers
Helpful Websites
DEPARTMENT
www.uakron.edu/advising
Admissions
www.uakron.edu/admissions
Career Center
www.uakron.edu/career
Computer Solutions
www.uakron.edu/computersolutions
(330) 972-7111
Counseling Center
www.uakron.edu/counseling
Career Center
(330) 972-7747
www.uakron.edu/reslife
Cashiers
(330) 972-7219
Department of Residence Life &
Housing
Counseling Center
(330) 972-7082
F.E.R.P.A.
Dean’s Office
(330) 972-7066
www.uakron.edu/ogc/legal-policies-andprocedures/privacy-practices-and-policies/
ferpa.dot
Financial Aid
(330) 972-7032
Financial Aid
www.uakron.edu/finaid
Multicultural Development
(330) 972-6769
First Year Experience
www.uakron.edu/nso/first-year-experience
New Student Orientation
(330) 972-2622
Parking
www.uakron.edu/parking
Off Campus Student Services
(330) 972-5500
Post-Secondary
www.uakron.edu/pseop
Residence Life & Housing
(330) 972-7800
Student Employment
www.uakron.edu/career/student-employment
Student Health Services
(330) 972-7808
www.uakron.edu/studentconduct
Student Life
(330) 972-7866
Student Conduct and
Community Standards
Summit College
(330) 972-7220
Student Life
www.uakron.edu/studentlife
Undergraduate Admissions
(330) 972-7100
www.uakron.edu/srws
University Bookstore
(330) 972-7624
Student Recreation and
Wellness Services
University Police
(330) 972-7123
Tutoring
www.uakron.edu/tutoring
University Registrar
(330) 972-8300
University Police
www.uakron.edu/safety/police
Zip Card Office
(330) 972-5637
Zip Card Office
www.uakron.edu/zipcard
DEPARTMENT
Campus Operator
30
WEBSITE
Center for Academic Advising
and Student Success
PHONE
The University of Akron
www.universityparent.com/uakron
31
Akron Area Resources
For more area resources visit www.universityparent.com/uakron
Places to Stay
Comfort Inn Akron South
2873 S. Arlington Rd.
Akron, OH 44312
(330) 645-1100
www.comfortinn.com
Please see ad on p. 21.
Hampton Inn Stow
4331 Lakepointe Corporate Dr.
Stow, OH 44224
(330) 945-4160
www.stow.hamptoninn.com
Please see ad on p. 23.
Radisson Hotel
Akron/Fairlawn
200 Montrose West Ave.
Akron, OH 44321
(330) 666-9300
www.radisson.com/akronoh
Please see ad on p. 31.
Places to Live
22 Exchange
22 E. Exchange St.
Akron, OH 44308
(888) 819-1525
www.22exchange.com
Please see ad on inside
front cover.
Crossroads Management
Realty
333 S. Main St. #702
Akron, OH 44308
(330) 762-4840
crossroadsmanagement.com
Please see ad on p. 27.
Fir Hill Towers
55 Fir Hill Dr.
Akron, OH 44304
(866) 777-4238
www.burtoncarol.com
Please see ad on p. 10.
King Apartments
What to See & Do
Don Drumm Studios
& Gallery
437 Crouse St.
Akron, OH
(330) 253-6268
www.dondrumm.com
Please see ad on p. 26.
669 Carnegie Ave.
Akron, OH 44314
(330) 848-0084
www.kingapartments.com
Please see ad on p. 30.
University Commons
600-602 Sherman St.
Akron, OH 44311
(330) 762-1074
www.bowerymgmt.com
Please see ad on p. 16.
University Town Homes
of Akron
660 E. Buchtel Ave.
Akron, OH
www.utofakron.com
Please see ad on p. 4.
Additional Services
Canal Place Akron Storage
520 S. Main St., Suite 2502
Akron, OH 44311
(330) 434-8656
www.canalplace.com
Please see ad on p. 3.
METRO RTA
631 S. Broadway
Akron, OH 44308
(330) 762-0341
www.akronmetro.org
Please see ad on p. 28.
Summit Federal Credit
Union
100 Wheeler St.
Akron, OH 44311
(330) 376-3626
www.summitfcu.com
Please see ad on p. 8.
UniversityParent E-News
www.UniversityParent.com
Where to Shop
UniversityParent College
Laundry Bag
www.amazon.com/gp/product/
b00k0ustye
UniversityParent’s Guide to
Supporting your Student’s
Freshman Year
www.amazon.com/GuideSupporting-Your-StudentsFreshman/dp/0692027440
produced by
in partnership with
About this Guide
For more information,
please contact:
University of Akron
Office of New Student
Orientation
Phone: (330) 972-2622
www.uakron.edu/nso
orientation@uakron.edu
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
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logos and marks in this guide does
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products or services offered by
advertisers in this guide.
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