The Sacred Heart University academic experience can be rigorous. Even the best scholar needs a helping hand now and then, and on our campus the help you need is never more than a few steps away.
Academic Advising: The Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences coordinates academic advising for all first-year students while the Director of Academic Advisement oversees the advisement for incoming transfer students and undeclared students. First-year students are assigned a faculty advisor from one of the Freshman Advising Programs. Once a student declares a major, he/she will be assigned a departmental advisor. In addition, the Office of Academic Advisement monitors the Early Warning and Mid-Term Warning Systems.
At Sacred Heart University, the advisors are available to help students not only with academic issues, but also with the personal issues that inevitably accompany the transition to college life and the stress of pursuing a degree. Many students maintain a close connection with their advisors long after graduation.
English as a Second Language (ESL): If English is not your primary language, the ESL program offers credit and non-credit courses that teach the form and function of American English. Its purpose is to help students improve their oral and written communication skills in English, preparing them for successful study in an American academic institution. Placement into the ESL program is based on TOEFL, MELAB or SAT scores, University placement tests, an oral interview and the student's language profile.
GE Foundation Scholars Program: The GE Foundation Scholars Program at Sacred Heart University is funded by the General Electric Foundation. The program has a scholarship and a retention component. The scholarship provides a $3,000 annual award to academically-talented minority students. In addition to the financial support, students receive academic, social and career counseling, as well as a variety of enrichment and service activities to enhance their growth and University experience. Each academic year since 1994, the GE Foundation Scholars Program has supported approximately 24 students
Honors Program: The Honors Program offers gifted students challenging coursework in an environment of enlightened inquiry. Honors graduates are designated as University scholars, receive special recognition in the Commencement program, receive a special diploma and an Honors designation on their permanent transcript.
Information Technology and Student Mobile Computing Program: Recognizing the increasingly important role of technology in our society and education, Sacred Heart has made a commitment to, and a serious investment in, computers, networking and it's support technologies. All fulltime undergraduate students lease a notebook computer, which is replaced every two years to insure students have the latest hardware and most current software available. In order to promote its "Anytime, anywhere learning" initiative, Sacred Heart implemented one of the first wireless network campuses in New England. In addition, student computer labs dispersed throughout several buildings provide 24/7/365 access for Sacred Heart University students, faculty and staff.
Jandrisevits Learning Center (JLC): Located in the lower level of the Ryan-Matura Library, the JLC offers you a wide range of learning support services. The Office of Special Services offers an Adaptive Technology Lab and a variety of support services for students who are learning-disabled or physically challenged. The Office of Academic Support provides tutorials and monthly workshops taught by faculty and peer tutors who can assist you in study skills such as reading, listening, note-taking, test-taking, public speaking, time management and English as a Second Language.
Newcomer Program: The Newcomer Program, the largest of SHU's Freshman Advisory Programs, provides academic advising for all freshmen not enrolled in one of the University's specialized programs. Faculty advisors in the Newcomer Program provide academic advice and support, assist with course and program selection, and make referrals, when appropriate, to other University support services. For the first semester, a student's Newcomer Advisor will be a full-time faculty member who also serves as the professor in one of the student's freshman courses. This allows for regular and continuous interaction throughout the semester. Students and advisors will also meet regularly outside of the class for additional support and guidance.
Registrar's Office: All your student records, including grades, transcripts and registration, will be handled in the Registrar's Office. The Registrar's Office also compiles Dean's List and Probation List information, application and approval for graduation.
Ryan-Matura Library: The Ryan-Matura Library is the resource for information. Whether it's the answer to a factual question or assistance with research for a term paper, our librarians are available to assist our students. Instruction sessions are conducted for class groups to make them familiar with the library, with subject-specific research and the research process. Librarians will also assist students with finding information in other libraries, in commercial databases or on the Internet. The Ryan-Matura Library houses approximately 125,000 print volumes, 50,000 nonprint items and more than 15,000 periodical subscriptions. These include a significant number of full-text journals available on more than 50 online index and abstracting databases that can be accessed 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs: Recognizing the commitment of Sacred Heart University as a whole to the obligation of service to the community, our Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs also offer you opportunities to develop your academic and leadership skills in real life situations. Projects have included teaching children and adults, building houses with Habitat for Humanity and working in various shelters. Whatever programs you choose to participate it, they may be the most personally rewarding learning experiences you'll ever have.
Student Mentor Program: The Mission of the Student Mentor Program is to ensure that the learning process at Sacred Heart University extends outside the walls of the classroom. We strive to enrich the lives of our students with a focus on their holistic development. The Mentor Program draws on Sacred Heart's Mission as a model of student development. In addition, the Mentor Program serves as a support system for the entire Freshman Class. We understand the challenges and obstacles that Freshmen , and it is our aspiration to make the transition from high school to college as seamless as possible.