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RESOURCES AND SERVICES
The Library serves the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning by providing Francis Marion's students, faculty, staff, and regional citizens with access to scholarly information. By providing this access, the Library is able to contribute uniquely to that portion of the mission of Francis Marion University that stresses its support of scholarly pursuits in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Rogers Library is the largest library in northeastern South Carolina, and its holdings include nearly 400,000 volumes, 1,600 current periodicals, 500,000 microforms, and numerous electronic databases to access information from almost anywhere. Academic Computing Services provides information technology resources and services for the instructional and research missions of the University. Principally through the operations and development of the Academic Computer Center and the campus network, the department provides digital content, access to that content, and guidance for its use. The Academic Computer Center is open to all enrolled students, faculty, staff, and active alumni at FMU. Access to the laboratory requires a valid University ID Card. In addition, most academic departments have their own student computer labs distributed across campus. Students must supply their own diskettes, CDs, or flashdrives for saving their data. The most commonly used computer software is the Microsoft (MS) Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), but other specialized programs are available for use in the main computer laboratory. The software and documents available are copyrighted products and may not be reproduced, in part or in whole, for any purpose. Netscape and Internet Explorer are available for web browsing. Email for Students – Email accounts are available for all currently enrolled students. Students may request accounts and find information about using email by visiting the Academic Computer Center. The Cauthen Educational Media Center is dedicated to improving teaching and learning opportunities by providing non-print resources, technological support, and media-equipped teaching and conference facilities for the faculty, students, and staff of Francis Marion University. The Center supports the academic program by providing study facilities and instructional space in the Resource Area, supplying and maintaining media equipment, scheduling media-equipped classrooms, providing production facilities, and hosting campus and community activities. This facility contains two high-tech distance learning classrooms featuring two-way audio and video communications as well as the Ashpy Lowrimore Auditorium. The Dooley Planetarium is located on the second floor of the Media Center. The Department of Mathematics offers a mini-lab generally in the afternoons Monday-Thursday for students enrolled in the Math Lab (the self-paced mathematics courses). These self-paced courses have two technology labs with both VCR tutorial tapes for all courses and a computer-assisted tutorial program for the Math 105 and Math 111 courses. The Department of Mathematics has created a computer lab for use as a classroom and a student resource center for mathematical work. These computers contain mathematics programs (MAPLE, MINITAB, EXCEL, GEOMETER'S SKETCHPAD, etc.) to empower students in the areas of mathematics and probability and statistics. The FMU Writing Center is available to help all students improve their current writing abilities and acquire the skills needed to succeed at writing tasks in academic and professional communities. English department faculty consultants and trained student consultants provide one-to-one assistance on a wide range of writing tasks and projects, including research papers for all disciplines, literary analyses, creative writing, lab reports, resumes, business letters, and graduate school applications. Students are invited to meet with a consultant at any stage of the writing process for guidance on generating a topic, building an argument, incorporating research, revising a draft, or learning about grammatical errors. The Writing Center encourages students to use writing as a means of personal expression and as a tool for learning in and beyond the university environment. The Writing Center offers more than 40 hours of tutoring services each week and several writing workshops each semester. Tutorials are available by appointment or on a drop-in basis. To meet with a tutor, please call 843-661-1528 or visit the Writing Center in Founders Hall 114-C. Writing Center consultants are also available in the evenings at the Tutoring Center, located in the Study Hall of the Allard A. Allston Housing Office Complex. Students are invited to visit the Writing Center's website for more information and links to on-line writing resources: www.fmarion.edu/academics/wcenter. The Tutoring Center is a free service available to all students. Located in the Study Hall in the Allard A. Allston Housing Office Complex, the Tutoring Center offers students the opportunity to seek assistance in all academic areas from trained peer tutors. Assistance is available to students on a walk-in basis from 3-9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, or by appointment (843-661-1675). The Teaching Materials Center supports the Teacher Education Program by providing a representative collection of curriculum materials. The collection ranges from pre-kindergarten through high school and contains materials that are current and appropriate for each subject area, each grade level, and each professional program. The comprehensiveness of this collection has been augmented by the Materials Center having been designated as an official Public Review Site for public school state-approved materials. Copies of all materials considered for approval by the State Department of Education are sent to the Center for review, and many of them are included in the collection. This extensive collection allows preservice teachers to create a broad range of lesson plans and activities. The Office of Career Development supports the educational goals of the University mission statement by providing a comprehensive, educational approach to career development and preparation as a life skill. Specialized services, programs, and strategies are designed and targeted for FMU students and alumni. The Office of Career Development develops and maintains relationships both internally (faculty and staff) and externally (business and community) and plays an integral role in the activities of these sources to facilitate the blending of academic, personal and career development of students, while providing a link for students to the world of work. A state-of-the-art resume referral service is available to seniors seeking full-time employment. The service includes resume postings on the Francis Marion University Internet Resume Book and is linked to a national job listing service, both available to employers on the World Wide Web. The DISCOVER career guidance program and other resources allow students to explore careers, research employers, and develop the skills and tools needed to conduct successful job searches. Job listings for part-time, summer, and experiential learning opportunities are also available, in addition to career workshops and "practice interviewing" opportunities. Students are encouraged to start using these services during their first year of enrollment to begin exploring their skills and interests as they relate to specific career fields. The Office of Counseling and Testing is responsible for meeting the personal counseling needs of Francis Marion University students. Professional counselors are available to help with personal, relationship, or emotional issues (with referrals made to community agencies as needed). The Office also coordinates the advanced-placement testing program and administers several standardized tests utilized in certification by graduate and professional schools. The Office of Counseling and Testing serves as the focal point of academic services for students with disabilities. All students with disabilities should contact the Office of Counseling and Testing prior to registration at 843-673-9707. SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Francis Marion University is committed to making programs and activities available to qualified students with disabilities. The University makes efforts to ensure that the University grounds, major buildings, and classes are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Director of Counseling and Testing coordinates services for students with disabilities, assists students in determining reasonable accommodations on the basis of disability, and acts as a liaison between students and faculty/administration on concerns relating to appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities. The Director of Counseling and Testing is also available to meet with prospective students to discuss services available at Francis Marion University. Appropriate documentation of each disability is required in the form of psychological evaluations and/or medical histories and should be provided to the Office of Counseling and Testing at least two weeks prior to initial registration of classes. Learning Disability/ADD/ADHD – The University attempts to make reasonable accommodations for students with learning disabilities, ADD, or ADHD to help equalize their chance for success. The following are examples of accommodations that may be granted to students with such disabilities:
It is the student's responsibility to inform the Director of Counseling and Testing of any need for services in adequate time to allow for their arrangement. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis by the student and the Director of Counseling and Testing. Accommodations are based on the information contained in appropriate documentation (preferably, up-to-date psycho-educational evaluation not more than three years old), which the student is responsible for providing. A Consent for the Release of Confidential Information must be signed by students to inform professors of the accommodation(s) the students may require. It is also necessary that the student discuss with each professor how the student will receive the accommodation(s) for which they may qualify. Although the University is committed to providing academic accommodations to students with learning disabilities, there is no specific program for students with learning disabilities at the University. Students with learning disabilities may find that the support services available to the general student population are also useful to them. Tutorial services, the Writing Center, Mathematics Lab, Peer Tutoring Laboratories, Career Development, the Office of Provisional Programs, and the Office of Counseling and Testing are some of the support services students with learning disabilities students may find to be particularly helpful. Visual Impairment – Services available for students with visual impairments include:
It is the student's responsibility to inform the Director of Counseling and Testing of any need for services in adequate time to allow for their arrangement. Visually impaired students may wish to contact the Director of Counseling and Testing to arrange for a tour of the campus, including building locations, classroom locations, and pathways. Hearing Impairment – Services available for students with hearing impairments include:
It is the student's responsibility to inform the Director of Counseling and Testing of any need for services in adequate time to allow for their arrangement. Physical Disabilities – Services available to students with physical disabilities include:
The majority of the campus is accessible to the physically disabled. Accessible routes are identified on the map in the Handbook for Students with Disabilities. Due Process – When a student with a disability strongly feels that reasonable accommodations have not been made, that student should seek resolution within the administrative channels for the area in which accommodation is in question. The student should first contact the Director of Counseling and Testing if he or she is unhappy with his or her accommodations. If a satisfactory outcome is not attained, the student may request a meeting with the Vice President of Administration, who is also the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, for recommendations towards a solution of the matter. It is the policy of Francis Marion University to provide equal educational and employment opportunity to all present and future employees and students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Francis Marion University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. For Additional Information – Students needing more information should contact the Director of Counseling and Testing at the address below. If there is a need for special assistance, it is the student's responsibility to inform the Director of Counseling and Testing in sufficient time (at least two weeks in advance of the start of classes) to allow for the arrangement of services. Prospective students should feel free to contact the Director of Counseling and Testing to discuss services available at the University. Additional information is available in the Handbook for Students with Disabilities (available from the Director of Counseling and Testing, 121 Evander Street, Florence, SC 29506, 843-673-9707). Francis Marion University is committed to providing professional and cost-effective health care for its students through Student Health Services. The goal of Student Health Services is to promote and maintain the health of students by providing preventive services, health education, acute and chronic medical care, and referral assistance so that students can best meet their educational objectives. There is no fee for being seen in Student Health Services. There are modest fees for off-site laboratory services. Fees for any off-site ancillary testing or referral physician visits are the responsibility of the student receiving care. Detailed information regarding health services can be found in the Student Handbook.
The FMU ID Card is an important part of campus life, providing opportunities for students to take advantage of a wide variety of services that are convenient and practical. The card allows students to:
The FMU Identification Card is issued during a student's initial registration at no cost and remains valid as long as he or she is officially enrolled and has paid all fees. Replacement cost is $15 and is generally non-refundable (marriages, name changes, or defective cards excepted). The card has the capability of carrying monetary value (debit account) and can be used by the person who holds the card to make purchases on campus without having to carry cash. The Patriot Bookstore, Ervin Dining Hall and the Grille are equipped to use the debit portion of the card as payment. The card offers a 10 percent discount on all food purchases. Francis Marion University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of the campus community and our guests. The University operates a Campus Police Department to provide around-the-clock police protection for the campus community. Campus police officers are certified police officers (state constables) with full arrest authority for violations of state laws. Officers enforce all university regulations and policies. Officers are responsible for law and traffic enforcement, crimes and traffic accident investigation, fire and medical emergency response, and campus evacuation for severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes. Outdoor emergency telephones and callboxes are strategically located throughout the campus to aid our crime prevention efforts and individual assistance program. A series of policies and procedures have been developed to ensure every possible precautionary measure is taken to protect all persons on campus. The university annually publishes the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act Report. This report is available to everyone. If you wish to review the report on the web go to http://www.fmarion.edu/about/police then choose "Clery Report" and/or "Crime Statistics." The Clery Report contains topics such as Access to Campus Facilities; Alcohol & Drug Laws and Policy; Crime Reporting, Crime Prevention suggestions; Sexual Harassment Policy, Sexual Assault Procedures; and Weapons Possession prohibitions. Anyone may obtain a paper copy of the report by contacting Campus Police at (843-661-1109.
UNIVERSITY HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE Francis Marion University offers a progressive residence life program to meet the needs of a diverse student population. The Housing and Residence Life Office promotes academic success by providing safe, comfortable, attractive, modern, and well-maintained residential facilities and quality management operations. Housing facilities include traditional residence halls and apartments capable of accommodating 1,369 residents. Campus housing is designed to accommodate full-time undergraduate students (registered for 12 hours or more) and graduate students (registered for at least six hours). Part-time undergraduate students and graduate students registered for less than six hours may receive assignments on a space available basis. Freshmen and sophomores are typically assigned to residence halls where students live two to a bedroom in a suite arrangement, sharing a common bath area. Juniors, seniors and graduate students may live in residence halls or choose an apartment unit in one of the university's two apartment complexes - the Village Apartments or the Forest Villas Apartments. The Village Apartments offer two options: students may choose an apartment for four with four single bedrooms or an apartment for two with one bedroom. Village Apartment residents share living, dining, bath, and kitchen facilities. Amenities in all facilities include air-conditioning, basic utilities, local telephone service, cable television and Internet access. Housing facilities are equipped with smoke detectors, fire sprinklers and/or fire extinguishers. All units are furnished with basic furnishings (beds and mattresses, wardrobes, desks and chairs, carpeting and window treatments). Apartment commons areas are equipped with stoves, refrigerators, microwave ovens, dining table and chairs and sofas. Forest Villas apartments also include a dishwasher and garbage disposal. Residence halls and apartment buildings house both men and women; however, individual units are not coed. All residential facilities are conveniently located near Ervin Dining Hall, Rogers Library, academic buildings, computer labs and recreational facilities. All students are allowed to have a vehicle on campus and ample parking is available. Students should apply for housing immediately after acceptance to the University. Housing contract periods are: Fall, Spring, Late Spring, Summer I and/or Summer II, and run from the first day of the term until the last day of the term. Campus housing generally opens the Sunday prior to the beginning of classes for the fall and spring terms. The Smith University Center provides comprehensive athletic and recreational facilities as well as Office space for Student Affairs, Athletics, the Student Government Association, the student newspaper, and the Patriot Bookstore. Facilities include a 3,100-seat varsity gymnasium, an eight-lane varsity swimming pool with three diving boards, a University commons with game room activities, a television/card playing room, four racquetball courts, a physical fitness room, a sauna, and related areas. Exterior athletic and recreational facilities include Cormell Field, a lighted baseball complex; Kassab Courts, eight tennis courts, four of which are lighted; a regulation softball field; two natural grass intramural fields; and an outdoor recreational pool. The Patriot Bookstore exists to serve the textbook and supply needs of students, faculty, and staff. In addition to textbooks, the Bookstore offers FMU apparel, greeting cards, paperback bestsellers and magazines. Also available are personal fax sending and receiving services for a nominal charge. The Patriot Bookstore is a source of graduation supplies (caps, gowns, and hoods, invitations, and University class rings). Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students living on campus are assigned a campus mailbox number and a key to a mailbox. Mail is posted in mailboxes by 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Outgoing mail with proper postage may be placed in U.S. Postal Service boxes located on campus or taken to the University Mail Center in the Office Services Building. The Mail Center also offers stamps for purchase. The University provides telephone service to students living in residence halls. Local service is provided at no added cost, and residents may subscribe to the Student Long Distance Service and receive direct-dial, long-distance discounted rates through an agreement that is offered by FMU. There are two pay telephones located on the campus (one in the Smith University Center and one in Rogers Library), and emergency phones with direct access to Campus Police are strategically placed around campus. For the convenience of residential students, there are two laundry facilities, one located adjacent to Ervin Dining Hall, open 24 hours a day, and one located in the Forest Villas Community Center building. Coin-operated washers, dryers, vending machines with necessary laundry products, and beverage/snack machines are all in the complex. Other vending machines for beverages and snacks can be found at several other locations on campus. Refund information is posted at each location. The Ervin Dining Hall, located near the campus housing facilities, provides a variety of meal plans from which to choose. Meals can also be purchased individually for a reasonable price. Hot meals are served daily in addition to a complete salad and sandwich bar. A full assortment of beverages and a dessert bar are also available. The Campus Grille is located in the new student activity center adjacent to the outdoor pool. The Grille provides a wide variety of menu options including pizza, salads, sandwiches, and grill items. A full assortment of beverages is also available. Spurred by the voluntary efforts of the Ecology Club, FMU has tried to be as environmentally responsible as possible through the years. FMU has an active campus-wide recycling program in place that was initiated in late 1995 in response to a call by the South Carolina legislature to reduce solid waste in the state. At that time, South Carolina residents were producing more than six pounds of solid waste per person per day. The University recycles Office paper, newspapers, cardboard, aluminum, plastic, and glass. Of these items, paper creates the largest volume of recycling waste on campus. From the classrooms to the offices to the residence halls, recycling is encouraged throughout campus, with readily available drop-off points in all buildings.
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