Division of Student Affairs

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Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (The Rotunda SW Wing, 924-7984, www.virginia.edu/vpsa)  This office provides administrative leadership that supports and complements the academic and service mission of the University. The office seeks to expand the intellectual, social, and cultural horizons of the student body through a broad range of support services and programs that parallel the University’s formal academic curriculum. The Division of Student Affairs supports maintaining a diverse student community that consists of the ablest and most promising students from the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond, and is committed to expanding the educational opportunities that maximize student learning and promote student development.

Office of the Dean of Students (Peabody Hall, Second Floor, 924-7133, http://www.virginia.edu/deanofstudents)  The Office of the Dean of Students provides oversight, direction, and vision for the six offices listed below. In collaboration with other departments and offices around the Grounds, this office responds to the needs of students in a variety of ways and identifies resources to meet those needs.  The Office of the Dean of Students serves as an advocate and a support for the student body, student organizations, as well as for individual students.

The Office of the Dean of Students is a place where any student or family member can turn when uncertain about where else to go.  The core purpose of the office is most fully realized when students are able to turn ideas into realities, overcome hurdles, or solve personal problems.

Office of African-American Affairs (OAAA) (Luther P. Jackson House, #4 Dawson’s Row, P.O. Box 400132 924-7923, www.virginia.edu/~oaaa)  The mission of the Office of African-American Affairs is to assist the University in providing a welcoming environment for African-American students. To this end, it works in partnership with academic and student affairs' offices and departments.

In addition, the OAAA offers a variety of programs. For example, its nationally acclaimed Peer Advisor Program provides personalized and sensitive outreach to assist first-year and entering transfer students with their college transition. The Student-Faculty Mentoring Program offers nurturing experiences for students' intellectual and career-related development. The Tutorial Service gives support in academic areas ranging from chemistry to foreign language. In areas of cultural growth, the OAAA's Luther Porter Jackson Cultural Center offers University-wide workshops, lectures, performances, and exhibitions related to the African-American experience. The Nat Turner Library is a repository for print and audiovisual materials documenting the black experience in the United States. The Harris-Bland Computer Lab offers opportunities for expanded Internet research.

The OAAA also has a variety of services, including academic monitoring, outreach, and recognition; personal counseling and advising; University orientation; alumni networking; and student advocacy.

And finally, the OAAA works with parents through its Parents Advisory Association.  The organization provides additional support through a variety of activities, such as annual meetings with the administration and faculty, get-acquainted events for incoming families, and emergency loans.

University Career Services (UCS) (Bryant Hall at Scott Stadium 924-8900, www.virginia.edu/~career)  The primary mission of this office is to ensure that undergraduate and graduate students achieve their career-related goals, whether those goals are to continue their education, secure employment, or some combination of the two. UCS accomplishes this mission by providing a variety of programs and services designed to help students explore career options, experience future work environments, learn career decision-making and effective job searching strategies, and make connections with employers.

Within the context of exploring career options, students have the opportunity to begin by assessing their personal values, interests, and skills-a foundational process often referred to as self-assessment. To support students in the self-assessment process, UCS offers individual and small group advising, career planning courses for academic credit, an extensive career resource library with numerous materials in both print and electronic formats. It also maintains a network of more than 25,000 U.Va. alumni who have volunteered to provide career advice to currently enrolled students.

UCS offers several programs that allow students to experience future work environments as they continue to clarify their career goals. Foremost among these is the Extern Program, a one-week opportunity in which students gain exposure to specific career fields. Many students use UCS resources to seek internships and gain experience that may or may not be directly related to their academic majors or career interests. A number of programs and services support both externships and internships, the most popular of which is the Internship Job Fair. Annually, approximately 400 employers from a variety of fields visit the Grounds to meet students who may be invited to work for their organizations.

Toward the completion of most academic programs, students find themselves planning their futures. Some pursue graduate or professional schools, while others seek permanent employment opportunities. UCS provides services and programs to support both goals. Students pursuing admission into graduate or professional schools often take advantage of the pre-medical, health professions, pre-law, and graduate school advising services. Students pursuing permanent employment participate in such programs as On-Grounds Interviewing, Minority Career Day and other job fair programs, and electronic job listing services. They also attend numerous workshops covering topics from writing professional resumes to conducting effective job interviews.

Information about all UCS programs and services for University of Virginia students is available on the UCS Web site. This site also connects students to worldwide career and job search information and employment listings, graduate school databases, and the affiliate career services offices supported by the McIntire School of Commerce, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of Architecture.

HELP Line (A Program of Madison House, 295-TALK, http://scs.student.virginia.edu/~madison/Help/mhopen.htm)  Individuals use this service to speak with trained volunteers who are non-directive, non-judgmental, confidential, and empathic listeners. Referrals to professional and long-term assistance are available. The hotline operates during most of the academic year, Monday through Friday, from 12:00 noon to 7:00 A.M., and 24 hours a day on weekends.

Students with Disabilities (243-5180/V or 243-5189/TTY, Fax: 243-5188, http://www.virginia.edu/vpsa/services.html) Students who have any physical or emotional impairment that may require reasonable accommodation at the University should contact the Learning Needs and Evaluation Center (LNEC) in the Department of Student Health. Such disabilities may include (but are not limited to) impaired vision, hearing, or mobility, or a specific learning disability, such as dyslexia or ADHD. Students with disabilities must submit appropriate documentation in support of a request for accommodations. As the University continues to make the Grounds and its facilities convenient for everyone, students are assured accessibility by reassignment of classroom space through a need-based program. Students seeking academic accommodation are advised to make early contact with the LNEC to ensure minimum disruption of classes and progress toward their degree program. For more information about LNEC, please see the section on Student Health.

Student Legal Services Program (204 University Way, 924-7524, http://www.student.virginia.edu/~stud-leg/)  Legal counsel is available through this office to those students who pay the student activities fee. One lawyer and an administrative assistant, supported by student clerks and interns, assist students with a wide variety of civil and criminal legal matters, including contracts, criminal/traffic, consumer, uncontested divorce, landlord/tenant, name change, non-profit organizations, and wills. The program also provides referrals for issues outside of its domain (e.g., bankruptcy, estates, immigration, real estate, personal injury, taxes). The initial consultation is free, and subsequent fees are very low.

Transfer Student Peer Advisor Program (TSPA) (Office of Orientation and New Student Programs 1 Poe Alley, 982-4555)  The primary goal of this program is to assist transfer student integration to the University. Every year, approximately 30 students are selected to serve as TSPAs. Each initiates contact with 15 to 20 transfer students during the summer and then serves as a primary resource and guide for these students as they enter the University.

Department of Student Health (Elson Student Health Center, 924-5362, www.virginia.edu/studenthealth)

Student Health provides outpatient care in general medicine, gynecology, and counseling and psychological services to enrolled students. Confidentiality is strictly observed consistent with applicable law. When necessary, students are referred for specialty services and hospitalization. Through its Office of Health Promotion, the professional staff and Peer Health Educators of Student Health provide education and support programs within the center and on Grounds.

Eligibility and Costs  All students who pay the UVa. comprehensive fee along with tuition are eligible for services at Student Health. Students in the School of Continuing and Professional Education or students who pay a reduced fee to maintain “non-resident” status are NOT eligible. The comprehensive fee covers the costs of professional services described below. There are fees charged for lab tests, medications, and some medical supplies and equipment. Call 243-2794

Hours of Operation  Student Health is open from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 A.M. to 12:00 noon on Saturday. Hours vary during breaks and summer session. Clinicians are seen by appointment. When Student Health is closed, telephone consultation is available for urgent advice and health questions (call 972-7004). The University of Virginia Hospital Emergency Room will provide emergency treatment.

General Medicine  The clinical care staff in General Medicine provides primary care services to students for a wide range of medical problems. In addition to diagnosis and treatment of illness, health education and disease prevention are emphasized. Students are seen by appointment (call 982-3915), and acute care is available without an appointment for students with urgent medical problems. Students are urged to make appointments to avoid long waits.

Gynecology  The clinical staff provides comprehensive preventive and problem-oriented primary care gynecology services to students. Referrals are made within Student Health for non-gynecologic problems detected during the visit or to providers outside of Student Health if the need for consultation or specialized care is indicated. Appointments can be made by calling 924-2773. Education and outreach activities are conducted by the Gynecology and Health Promotion staff and through the Peer Health Education Program.

Harrison Bowne “Tersh” Smith, Jr. Memorial Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)  The center provides a broad and comprehensive range of psychological services: psychological and psychiatric assessment, referral, individual and group psychotherapy, psychiatric medication consultation, 24-hour on-call crisis consultation, emergency walk-in and crisis intervention, and consultation to administrators, faculty, students, families, and allied professionals. A substance abuse clinician provides consultation and referral to students concerned about their use of alcohol and other drugs. CAPS provides suicide prevention programming and outreach to numerous faculty and student organizations. For an appointment, call the center from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at 924-5556. For an after-hours emergency, call 972-7004.

As with all other clinical services at Student Health, CAPS abides by laws regulating confidentiality.

Learning Needs and Evaluation Center (LNEC)  For students with diagnosed disabilities, the LNEC mediates academic accommodation with faculty and deans; provides reading services, word processing and written language assistance, interpreters, and class notes during periods of absence related to the disability; and serves as liaison with standardized test bureaus, Recording for the Blind, and agencies for specific disabilities or rehabilitation. Students with disabilities should be prepared to submit appropriate documentation in support of a request for accommodations. The LNEC also offers limited screening services to identify and address academic problems of matriculated students. Brief individual and/or group study skills assistance is available each term. Please call 243-5180.

Health Promotion  The Office of Health Promotion staff works in partnership with students, helping them learn the skills and knowledge required to achieve optimal health. Through direct services, collaboration, and public relations connections, the Office of Health Promotion works toward building and supporting a healthier university community. Services include: health consulting, nutrition consultations, research and social marketing, academic and other courses, patient education, outreach, data collection and special events. All services are provided by health education and nutrition faculty as well as Peer Health Educators and interns (specially trained students). For information or appointments, call 924-1509.

Exclusions  Student Health provides professional services only. Lab tests, prescriptions, medical supplies, and all services outside of Student Health are not paid for by the University. A student’s health insurance is always billed first for services provided outside of Student Health. The student is responsible for charges not covered by insurance.

Students in Continuing Education pay no health fees and are not eligible for Student Health services.

Student Health Requirements

Anyone with questions relating to the health of students should write to the Director, Department of Student Health, 400 Brandon Ave., Box 800760, Charlottesville, VA 22908.

Student Services

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In addition to the academic advisory services available to students in their departments and schools, the University provides student services through the following offices.

Office of Undergraduate Admission (Miller Hall, 982-3200, www.virginia. edu/~admiss/ugadmiss)  The Dean of University Admission is responsible for implementing established admission policies. The services of this office and the guidelines for admission to the regular session of the University are set forth in chapter 2.

Cavalier Advantage Debit Card Program (O’Hill Dining Hall, Lower Level, 982-5735, www.virginia.edu/cavalieradvantage)  This program allows students to use their ID card as a debit card for University provided services. The debit card function is activated by depositing funds into the student’s account. Deposits can be made by:  visiting the website and making on-line deposits; visiting or contacting  the Cavalier Advantage Office, the UVA Bookstore or TJ’s Locker; or depositing cash at one of the six cash deposit machines located Grounds-wide. Cavalier Advantage is accepted at all University dining locations, all bookstore locations, laundry, vending and copy  machines, and a variety of other services on-grounds. For additional information, visit the website or contact the Cavalier Advantage Office .

Cavalier Computers (Bookstore Branch: Fourth Floor, Central Grounds Parking Garage, 924-3475; Hospital Branch: 1222 Lee Street, 924-4600; www.cavcomp.virginia.edu/)  A division of the University of Virginia Bookstore, Cavalier Computers is dedicated to supporting information technology at the University by providing students, faculty, departments, and staff with high-quality, educationally-priced computer hardware and software, along with outstanding customer support. Offering computers from Apple, Dell, Gateway, and IBM, as well as printers from Epson and Hewlett Packard. Cavalier Computers is an active participant in UVa’s Desktop Computing Initiative (DCI); it is the sole provider of net-ready computers configured to meet all UVa DCI established standards.

Cavalier Computers services all equipment that it sells, and its service personnel are factory trained and authorized. In tandem with ITC, Cavalier also provides user support on all equipment it sells.

The store accepts cash, personal and traveler’s checks, Visa, MC, Discover, and Cavalier Advantage. Hours of operation, pricing, and ordering information are available online.

University Child Development Center (Children’s World Learning Center, Copeley Road, 293-6110, www.virginia.edu/~child)  Child care services for faculty, staff, and students are available at the Child Development Center. Information on rates and the eligibility priority system can be obtained from the Center’s Director.

Consumer Information (1939 Ivy Road P.O. Box 400727, (434) 924-3417)  The University’s Consumer Information Officer (CIO) is available to assist students or prospective students in obtaining information about financial aid programs, the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial aid under one of the many programs, the cost of attending the University, the refund policy currently in effect, the University’s academic programs, student retention data, and student program completion data (if available). The CIO may be contacted by writing to George A. Stovall, Director, Institutional Studies, 1939 Ivy Road P.O. Box 400727, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4727; gas5a@virginia.edu.

Courts and Commerce (First Floor, Slaughter Hall, North Grounds, 924-3333)  A division of the University of Virginia Bookstore, Courts and Commerce is the provider of new and used textbooks for all classes at the Law and Darden Schools. The store also features an extensive selection of magazines and journals, law guides and reviews, and a general books section primarily devoted to works on law and business. Courts and Commerce also sponsors distinguished guest lecturers and author signings.

Each year, surpluses from the University’s bookstores are returned to the University in the form of an endowment to be used for, among other things, need-based scholarships. Additional surpluses from these stores’ operations support student programming.

Courts and Commerce carries a full line of office and school supplies, greeting cards, and Law and Darden gifts and clothing. It also offers fax services, UPS package delivery, dry cleaning, video rental, and film processing.

Courts and Commerce accepts cash, personal and traveler’s checks, major credit cards, Student Charge, and Cavalier Advantage. Hours of operation during the school year are 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Monday through Thursday, 8:30 A.M to 5:30 P.M Friday. A calendar of store hours and events is available online through www.bookstore.virginia.edu.

Office of Equal Opportunity Programs (EOP) (Washington Hall, East Range; 924-3200, www.virginia.edu/eop)  This office is both an administrative unit of, and a resource center for, the University community. While the EOP develops policies and procedures, it also provides leadership, coordination, and oversight of the University’s equal opportunity and affirmative action initiatives.

The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Students who believe that they have been discriminated against because of their status as listed above, or who have questions about prohibited conduct, are welcome to visit or call the office. Although the staff is always available to answer questions or provide information, appointments are recommended in order to better serve students’ needs.

International Studies Office (ISO)  (Second Floor, Minor Hall, P.O. Box 400165, 982-3010, www.virginia.edu/iso)  The University considers the admission of students from other countries part of its educational  mission. To that end, this Office and the International Center serve the University's international community of over 2000 members. International students and research personnel are required to register at this office upon arriving in Charlottesville as a part of their immigration procedures. Information on immigration policies and advice on immigration issues  are two of the office's principal functions.

Equally important are the office's services as liaison between the international student, the University, and the Charlottesville-Albemarle community. It aids students in their personal adjustment to American life and seeks solutions to housing, financial, and other problems that may arise during their stay at the University.

The International Center, 21 University Circle (924-7983), offers social and cultural activities  in an informal setting where students may spend leisure time.

Intramural - Recreational Sports (Aquatic and Fitness Center, 924-3791, Fax: 924-3858, www.virginia.edu/ims)  Intramural-Recreational Sports provides comprehensive recreation facilities 7 days a week with a variety of recreation programs to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, and their spouses. Programs include competitive intramural sport leagues and tournaments; fitness programs, such as aerobics classes, weight training workshops, personal training services, and fitness assessments; recreation instruction in aquatics, racquet sports, martial arts, relaxation, dance, first aid, and CPR; outdoor trips and workshops in hiking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, and skiing; experiential learning and training programs; youth sports instruction and summer recreational day camp for children; and approximately 50 student-organized club sports.

Facilities include the Aquatic and Fitness Center, the Slaughter Recreation Center, Memorial Gymnasium, the North Grounds Recreation Center, the Outdoor Recreation Center, the Snyder Tennis Center, the Park, the Dell outdoor tennis/basketball courts, and numerous outdoor playing fields. Together, these facilities house cardiovascular and strength training equipment, as well as basketball, volleyball, squash, racquetball, handball, and walleyball courts, an indoor running track, swimming pools, whirlpool, saunas, multi-purpose rooms, showers and locker rooms, an outdoor equipment rental center, and a resource library.

Full-time University students are eligible to use facilities and register for programs using their student ID card. Student spouses must purchase a recreation membership in order to participate. Recreation memberships may be purchased in person, by mail, or by fax at the Intramural-Recreational Sports Office at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, Monday-Friday, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.

University Ombudsman (Washington Hall, East Range; 924-7819; www.virginia.edu/eop/ombudsman.html)  The ombudsman is a confidential resource available to assist students with unresolved problems or complaints. The ombudsman assists in identifying University resources or departments that address specific problems or concerns; explaining University policies or procedures; and resolving problems or complaints through inquiry or other informal means. The goal of the ombudsman is to see that all members of the University are treated fairly.

Student Identification Card (University ID Card Office, Observatory Hill Dining Hall, 924-4508)  Each student registered at the University (except through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies) is entitled to receive a student identification card. The privileges associated with this card depend on the number of credits for which the student is enrolled. Full-time students receive all benefits, including circulation privileges at the libraries, use of Student Health facilities, access to recreational facilities, charge privileges at the University Bookstore, admission to football games and eligibility to purchase student guest tickets, passage on University transit, access to Student Legal Services, and a supply of ARTS$. Upon payment of the appropriate fees, the card can also be used as a meal pass and a Cavalier Advantage debit card.

Part-time or research-only students do not receive access to athletic events or Student Legal Services. Students enrolled for non-resident status or through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies do not receive any ID card privileges.

Students are provided one ID card at no charge, usually during orientation. Lost, damaged, or stolen cards can be replaced at the card office in the Observatory Hill Dining Hall weekdays between 8: 00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. for a fee of $15, which may be paid using cash, check, or Cavalier Advantage. Payment must be made before the card will be produced. Cards replaced due to malfunction or a change of name or identification number are provided at no charge with the return of the existing card.

Students in the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing who need access to medical facilities are also provided a UVa Health System identification card by the UVa Health System ID Office.

T.J.’s Locker (1st Floor, Aquatic and Fitness Center, 924-0628)  A division of the University of Virginia Bookstore, T.J.’s Locker supports the activities of the Aquatic and Fitness Center, as well as faculty, staff, and student life on the West Grounds. T.J.’s prides itself on enhancing life at the University through sponsorship of academic and athletic programming.

T.J.’s carries a full line of athletic wear and shoes from Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Asics; swimwear and accessories from Speedo; tennis racquets by Prince and Gamma; and a wide variety of other sports equipment. In addition, T.J.’s offers a selection of school and office supplies, popular literature, magazines, CDs and cassettes, toiletries, greeting cards, and University of Virginia gifts and clothing. It also offers tennis racquet restringing, film processing, video rentals, and a bus service to Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Northern Virginia. The online store can be accessed at www.bookstore.virginia.edu.

T.J.’s accepts cash, personal checks, all major credit cards, and Cavalier Advantage.  Among its most popular methods of payment is Student Charge, which enables students to charge their purchases using their student ID card. Bills are sent home on a monthly basis. Hours of operation and a calendar of T.J’s events are available online.

University of Virginia Bookstore (Fourth Floor, Central Grounds Parking Garage, 924-3721, www.bookstore.virginia.edu)  Owned and operated by the University, the University of Virginia Bookstore is the primary source of new and used textbooks and custom-published course materials for all classes (with the exception of the Law, Medical, and Darden schools). Its general book department (The Bookshop) features the most extensive selection of academic and scholarly works in the area, as well as popular fiction and non-fiction, bestsellers, travel, and children’s books. The Bookshop also offers an out-of-print search service and a complimentary special order service for those books not normally in its inventory. All students qualify for free membership in its Frequent Reader’s Club: purchase 10 books from The Bookshop and receive a $5.00 discount on the next purchase. The Bookshop discounts BookSense Bestsellers (20%), staff recommendations (10%), and all titles in its New Fiction and New Non-Fiction sections (10%). It supports the University’s academic mission by hosting and sponsoring academic programs, lectures, and readings by new and established authors. It supports the Virginia Film Festival, The Virginia Festival of the Book, Public Television, and the University’s radio station (WTJU).

Rounding out the Bookstore’s offerings is a very extensive selection of UVa clothing and gifts, as well as toiletries, sundries, and school, office, and computer supplies. In addition, the Bookstore provides a UPS and U.S.P.S. mailing and packaging service, an engraving service, photocopying and faxing, a film processing service, video rentals, a dry cleaning service, and bus service to Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Northern Virginia. It also accepts deposits made to Cavalier Advantage accounts. The Bookstore’s full service online store can be accessed at www.bookstore.virginia.edu.

Each year, surpluses from the Bookstore are returned to the University in the form of an endowment to be used for, among other things, need-based scholarships. Additional surpluses from the store’s operations support book grants and student programming.

The Bookstore accepts cash, personal checks, all major credit cards, Student Charge, and Cavalier Advantage. Hours of operation during the school year are 8:30 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., Monday through Friday; 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Saturday; and 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Sunday. A calendar of store events and hours is available online.