Campus Services and Student Life

Student Affairs is committed to developing the potential of all students through curricular and co-curricular experiences. The staff works to provide these opportunities for all students, believing that intellectual growth and educational development are achieved through community involvement, service, leadership, and experiential learning. By challenging and supporting each student, individual growth is facilitated, as well as the creation of a cohesive campus community that embraces diversity among its members. Students are empowered to clarify their values and establish their identity as a responsible adult.

Hours indicated below apply to fall and spring, while classes are in session. The University reserves the right to make changes as needed.

Campus services

Academic Advisement

Information on Academic Advisement is included in the Academic Policies and Procedures  section. Academic Advising is part of Student Academic and Career Services, which also houses the Center for Academic Excellence, Career Development and Accessibility Services.

Alumni Association

As a USJ graduate, you are - and always will be - an important member of the USJ community. The University of Saint Joseph Alumni Association is represented on the University’s Board of Trustees and is overseen by the Alumni Council. The Council membership includes representation from the four-year Women’s Program, the Graduate Programs, the Program for Adult Learners, the School of Pharmacy and the current student body, thus supporting the total population of the University.

The Alumni Council works with the Alumni Relations Office to effectively represent and serve the needs of graduates while encouraging their volunteer efforts on behalf of the University.

Archives

The Sister Mary Consolata O’Connor Archives, located in the Bruyette Athenaeum, collects and makes available materials that document the history of the University of Saint Joseph. Its collections include, but are not limited to catalogs, yearbooks, student publications, photographs, and artifacts. Contact archive@usj.edu.

Art Museum

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed Monday

The Art Museum, located in Bruyette Athenaeum, houses a collection of more than 2,000 paintings and works of art on paper. The core of the collection consists of American paintings and prints of the early 20th century, including works by Thomas Hart Benton, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Milton Avery (the gift of Reverend Andrew J. Kelly in 1937), and European and American prints from the 15th to the early 20th centuries, including work by Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt, George Bellows, Mary Cassatt, and Childe Hassam (the bequest of Reverend John J. Kelley in 1966). Since 2001 the collection has doubled in size to include later 20th century and contemporary art. The Dr. Vincent J. and Gloria Marcello Turco ‘45 Print Study Room (open by appointment) makes the collection of works on paper accessible for study and research.

The Art Museum, described as “one of the liveliest campus museums in the state” by The New York Times, presents regular exhibitions drawn from its permanent collections, as well as loan exhibitions of historic art or contemporary work by artists of national and international stature. It offers a variety of student internships and work opportunities, and its collections and exhibitions provide rich resources for teaching.

Athletics - The O’Connell Athletic Center

Monday - Thursday: 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 6:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Interested students may take part in intercollegiate team sports or intramurals. The University of Saint Joseph athletic programs have established themselves as regional powers since we joined the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 1993.

The University of Saint Joseph is a member of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). In keeping with the University’s educational and athletic mission statement, all varsity teams compete at the Division III level. Students must be in good academic standing as determined by the University and must also maintain full-time undergraduate status for eligibility on a varsity team.

The goal of athletic participation is to develop women academically, competitively, physically, and emotionally, including the development of leadership skills. The University of Saint Joseph offers varsity programs in the following sports: basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming/diving, tennis and volleyball.

Intramural sports include badminton, basketball, soccer, dodgeball and both indoor and sand volleyball. For students who are interested in other health and wellness opportunities, these recreational programs exist: couch to 5k program, inner tube water polo, kickboxing, knockerball, swimming, water aerobics, total body immersion, yoga and Zumba along with contests like the Holiday Challenge and the Blue Jay 5k fun run.

Bookstore

Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The bookstore carries a full line of supplies, clothing, gifts, snacks, health and beauty aids, and postage stamps, in addition to course-required textbooks. Students may purchase or rent their textbooks, as well as select clothing and gift items, through the Bookstore’s website: www.usj.bkstr.com. The bookstore buys back textbooks at any time, the price to be determined by supply and demand. Summer hours differ.

Campus Ministry

Office hours are flexible; appointments can be made by calling 860.231.5269

In keeping with the integrity and values of a Catholic institution, Campus Ministry promotes the spiritual growth of students, faculty and staff of all faith traditions by providing an atmosphere where all members of the community can celebrate, explore and act on their faith. The community’s celebration of faith is encouraged by the Liturgies and special celebrations sponsored by Campus Ministry. Retreats, prayer groups, Bible studies, guest speakers and spiritual direction foster the exploration of faith. Campus Ministry provides opportunities for student leadership and collaborates with the Office of Community and Civic Engagement to provide service opportunities. Students, faculty and staff, no matter their religious/spiritual affiliation (or lack thereof), are encouraged to use the Multifaith Prayer, Meditation and Reflection room, McAuley Hall, basement, Rm. 17. You can also visit the Campus Ministry Office, McGovern Hall, 2nd Floor, Rm. 7.  For more information, contact Lynnette Colón, director of campus ministry, at lcolon@usj.edu.

Career Development Center

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Evening appointments are available if prearranged.

The Career Development Center provides students/alumni with the needed support to create, develop, achieve and manage professional and personal goals. The Center offers a holistic approach to counseling and coaching to encourage students and alumni to make more informed career decisions, overcome potential barriers and improve job performance. Experienced career development professionals provide guidance with writing resumes that get interviews, developing effective job search strategies and successful interviewing techniques that win the job. Additional services include: vocational and occupational interest assessment, career planning and management workshops, on-campus recruitment, career fairs, credit and non-credit internships, graduate school applications and help with selecting an academic major.

Contact us at: careercenter@usj.edu or 860.231.5893

Carol Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities

The Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities

Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; open for performances and events

Opened in 2001, the Autorino Center hosts a year-round array of music, theater and dance performances, films, poetry readings, lectures, conferences, classes and seminars. Bruyette Athenaeum features the 364-seat Hoffman Auditorium, the Art Museum, the Winifred E. Coleman Lobby, an audio-visual lecture hall, a formal reception room, the University Archives, an art studio and music rehearsal rooms.

Lynch Hall features seminar rooms, classrooms, faculty offices and a lounge/study area. Linking both buildings is an outdoor sunken garden used for outdoor performances, and a patio that is a popular gathering place for students, faculty and audiences.

The Autorino Center serves both the academic needs of the University and the cultural needs of the community. Students may participate in a variety of artistic and cultural events. The center is home to student performance groups, including the Dance Ensemble and Queenes Companye (theater), and is the home venue for several regional performing arts organizations. The Autorino Center is one of the largest student work-study sites on campus, with many student ushers, ticket sellers and technicians.

Additionally, the Center features a Performing Arts Series, which includes annual events such as the 5 X 5 Dance Festival, the outdoor summer Capital Classics Shakespeare Festival and the Chapel Series concert.

Center for Academic Excellence

Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Summer and break hours vary.

The CAE serves as a resource to foster the academic success and the growth of learners and leaders. Professional and peer writing tutors assist students with writing and revising papers at all stages of the writing process, and support other writing needs including research documentation. Professional and peer tutors in content areas such as biology, chemistry, nursing, history, and fine arts, offer one-on-one and group tutorial appointments and study table sessions to help students review course content, develop papers and presentations, and prepare for tests and other assessments. The CAE also offers literacy support for college-level reading skill development and academic success support in areas such as time management, test-taking strategies and note-taking. The CAE also provides support to students working to achieve success on the Writing Portfolio , an undergraduate degree requirement administered by the Interdisciplinary Writing and Reasoning Center. Additionally, the CAE employs and trains 25-30 undergraduate tutors each semester, providing aspiring academic leaders an exceptional opportunity for personal and professional development. The CAE is part of Student Academic and Career Services, which also houses Academic Advising, Career Development and Accessibility Services.

Community Engagement

The Office of Community Engagement promotes, supports and facilitates service as an integral part of the teaching and learning experiences of students, faculty and staff. Community service and service learning enable students to expand their learning beyond the classroom by combining academics with social consciousness. The goal of this office is to raise the awareness of the University community to social justice issues through hands-on involvement in outreach and service projects. To make an appointment, please contact Sister Beth Fischer at 860.231.5449.

Counseling and Wellness Center

The Counseling and Wellness Center provides confidential counseling, assessments and referrals free of charge to all students enrolled at USJ. The Center is open during the 9-month academic year while classes are in session and offers limited availability to students enrolled in 12-month programs. The Center provides short-term counseling with the number of sessions dependent upon the needs and the mutual goals for treatment agreed upon between the counselor and the student. Sessions (except for emergencies) are by appointment, typically last for 45-50 minutes and occur once a week at a regularly scheduled time. The fees for off-campus referrals are the responsibility of the student.

Students seek counseling for many reasons including, but not limited to: stress, relationship issues, adjustment problems, depression, anxiety and other psychological concerns. The personal growth, mental health and safety of our students are important to our entire campus community. Therefore, it is common for other students and members of the faculty and staff to refer students for counseling.

Anonymous online screenings for various psychological problems can be accessed on the Counseling and Wellness page on MyUSJ. The staff also provides training, outreach and consultation on various mental health topics to faculty, staff and students.

Health Services

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  (Extended hours one evening per week. Please consult MyUSJ for the most current information.)

The University provides health services for enrolled, eligible students. We do not provide services to staff, including staff who are also registered students. All full-time students, including pharmacy, physician assistant and other graduate students, who have submitted the University of Saint Joseph medical history and physical form are also eligible to receive treatment on campus. The staff is composed of a physician consultant, registered nurse, nurse practitioner and nutrition consultant. First aid for injuries and care for episodic illnesses is provided. Other than vaccines and some laboratory testing fees, there is no fee for services provided in the office. Students are referred to nearby medical laboratories, specialists or hospitals as the need arises.

All matriculated students must submit records for MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) and Chickenpox (Varicella) to Health Services according to state law (Connecticut Public Act 89-90). Meningitis vaccination is required for students who live in campus residence halls. Immunization requirements apply to all matriculated students including students in off-campus degree programs and certificate candidates.

Immunization Chart

All students must submit the required quantity and type of vaccines and/or laboratory reports demonstrating immunity. If vaccine records are incomplete or the laboratory results do not show full immunity, then additional booster vaccines are required.

Recommended Immunizations

Hepatitis B vaccine is not required but is recommended for all students except for Health professions students, who must formally decline if earlier vaccine records are not available and revaccination is not desired. It is also recommended for students in other academic programs where exposure to blood or body fluids is possible. One dose of Tdap (adult tetanus with pertussis) vaccine is recommended for all adults over the age of 19 who did not receive it as an “adolescent booster” and is also required for Health professions students (Pharmacy/Nursing/Physician Assistant/ Dietetics). An additional meningitis vaccine is now available for “serogroup B”. It is not required, however we recommend that students discuss the benefits of this vaccine with their primary care provider, especially if the student will be living in a campus residence hall.

Immunization Exemptions

Graduate students in online programs are exempt from this requirement. As noted above, birth-date related exemptions may apply to some students. Students born outside of the United States are not eligible for Varicella exemption. Health professions (Nursing, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant and Dietetic intern) students may not claim birthday or natural disease exemptions for Varicella or MMR. Students who have a medical condition that prevents receiving an immunization must submit a letter from their physician or other health care provider to Health Services. Students claiming religious exemption must provide Health Services with a letter of explanation.

Possible Sanctions

Students who do not submit immunization documentation may be excluded from campus activities under circumstances of specific disease outbreaks, according to public health guidelines and directives. Additionally, any student who does not complete all immunization requirements are subject to an “Immunization Hold,” which will impede a student’s ability to register for classes.

Other health requirements

All full-time undergraduate students, dietetic interns, physician assistant and pharmacy students are required to submit a physical examination form at enrollment. International students from high risk areas and health sciences students must provide a record of a baseline skin test (PPD/Mantoux test) or a Quantiferon (QFTG) ® or T-Spot® blood test for tuberculosis. Pharmacy, nursing, physician assistant and dietetic intern program students should consult department materials as additional requirements will apply. Program for Adult Learners students are subject to the immunization requirements, but do not need to submit a physical examination form unless the student is in the RN to B.S.N. program, including those in the online RN to B.S.N. program.

Insurance requirement 

Students in these categories are required to participate in the university process for student health insurance:

• All full-time undergraduates including Program for Adult Learners
• All residential students 
• All international students, including graduate students
• Students in the Pharmacy and Physician Assistant programs

A student health insurance fee is applied to the student accounts of all students in those categories. Students who are covered by another plan must complete the annual online waiver before the published deadline. This must be done every year to receive a credit for this fee. All international students, including graduate students, are required to purchase and be enrolled in the University-affiliated plan unless the student is enrolled in a qualified, U.S.-based plan and files an annual waiver of coverage using the comparable plan.

Information Technology

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closed Sunday

Information Technology provides technology solutions and support for students, faculty and staff. All students, faculty and staff are given a Microsoft Office 365 account, which includes email, access to Office products, and cloud storage. The office also provides computer labs and virtual desktops, specialized software, and manages a centralized Help Desk where students, faculty and staff can request technical support. The Help Desk is in the main computer lab, lower level of McDonough Hall.

Interdisciplinary Writing and Reasoning Center

The Interdisciplinary Writing and Reasoning houses the Critical Thinking and Writing Portfolio  program, a requirement for all USJ students. To assist students with the portfolio requirement, as well as their academic achievement, the IWR produces the TARGET booklet, a guide to developing and strengthening critical thinking in and through writing. The booklet offers support for students working with assignments that emphasize critical thinking, as well as their portfolios. The IWR also offers one-on-one consultations for additional portfolio help. To support faculty, the IWR offers development opportunities for enhancing critical thinking and writing outcomes. 

Pope Pius XII Library

Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - Midnight
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 2:00 p.m. - Midnight

The Pope Pius XII Library supports the University of Saint Joseph community both on and off campus. A professional reference staff assists patrons in meeting their information and research needs through a variety of resources, including an online catalog and electronic books, journals and databases. Interlibrary loans and document delivery supplement the collections.

Located within a graceful Georgian brick building, the newly renovated Library offers space for group or individual study. The School of Pharmacy Library is located at the Hartford campus.  It supports the research and information needs of the Pharmacy faculty and students in a quiet and comfortable environment. A medical reference librarian is available for research and instruction. 

Public Safety

The Public Safety Department has a staff of 15 full-time officers, a full-time and a part-time shuttle drivers. The department provides security on our West Hartford campus 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The office is on the first floor of McGovern Hall.

The department also has officers on duty at the School of Pharmacy,  229 Trumbull St. in Hartford, when it is open, seven days a week. 

Contact information;

• Emergency Line 860.231.5222,  24 hours, 7 days a week
• Anonymous Tip Line 860.231.5742
• Routine Calls 860.231.6766
• Director 860.231.5396, Mon. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Student Accessibility Services

Appointments may be made by calling 860.231.5481. The Student Accessibility Services, located in the Center for Academic Excellence, recommends reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. As required by law, eligibility for accommodations must be supported by appropriate educational, medical or psychological documentation. It is the student’s responsibility to self-identify and request accommodations and support services each semester. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis using information contained in the official documentation provided by the student. Students must obtain a letter from the Coordinator of Student Accessibility Services to be officially supported; accommodations are not retroactive. The Coordinator of Student Accessibility Services assists students with disabilities in their growth as self-advocates and in arranging for their individualized accommodations. Accessibility Services is part of Student Academic and Career Services, which also houses the CAE, Academic Advising and Career Development.

Teaching and Learning Center (Faculty)

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
Also by appointment

The Teaching and Learning Center works with faculty to enhance and develop all aspects of pedagogy and instructional design to meet the needs of USJ’s diverse learners. It encourages the effective use of technology as a teaching and learning tool and helps faculty in scholarly pursuits and supports their professional development. The center provides support with the development, delivery, and student engagement in USJ’s traditional, hybrid, and online courses and programs.

Student life

Commuter Students

The University community is dedicated to serving the needs of its commuter students. All University lounges and dining facilities are available for the comfort and convenience of commuters. The first floor of McGovern Hall is a designated lounge for the entire University community. This lounge includes computers, a printer, a television, and microwaves. University parking decals are required for student vehicles and may be purchased at the Office of Public Safety. All events and programs are open to commuter students.  As members of the Student Government Association, commuter students are encouraged to attend meetings.

Commuter Mentors

Commuter Mentors are student leaders who create events specifically for commuter students. Each semester the commuter mentors plan a series of events for the commuter population. They also distribute a commuter newsletter to keep commuters informed of USJ events and information.

Convocation and Investiture

Convocation is a University-wide event scheduled during the first week of the fall semester. During this ceremony new students and returning students are welcomed to the institution and the new academic year in a traditional academic ceremony.

A unique tradition at the University of Saint Joseph is Investiture, which the Oxford English Dictionary defines as the “action or ceremony of clothing in the insignia of an office.” This ceremony, usually held in October, marks the University’s recognition that juniors have achieved advanced academic standing. Students who have completed 54 credit hours by the end of the semester prior to Investiture are clothed for the first time in the cap and gown, the garb of the scholar.

Residential Life

The University of Saint Joseph strives to create an atmosphere of community within its residence halls. The University provides on-campus living accommodations for full-time undergraduate women. In this atmosphere, students develop life management skills and learn the art of responsible personal choice. Residence halls are staffed with residence coordinators and student resident assistants. Hall staff members guide the students in adjusting to University life, provide them with ongoing support, and help establish and maintain a fully functional residential community.

Returning students reserve rooms during the spring semester each year at room selection. A $250 non-refundable deposit is required for a double or a single room. Students are notified during the summer of their residence assignments and roommates. New students are assigned a roommate on the basis of information provided to the Residential Life Office on the Housing Application.

All new students requesting to live on campus must complete and submit to Health Services all required health forms by August 1 for the fall semester and January 5 for the spring semester. These forms must be on file in Health Services before a student will be permitted to pick up keys and move into a residence hall.

The University provides rooms to resident students when the University is in session, beginning at 2:00 p.m. on the day before classes begin and ending within 24 hours following the student’s last final exam. All residents must enroll in a meal plan each semester.

The residence halls and the dining hall are not open during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring or Easter vacations. The University reserves the right to determine whether the residence halls or the dining hall will be open during any recess of one day or more.

The University assumes that students who choose to live in a residence hall agree to live within the norms established to insure the rights and responsibilities of each student. It is important, therefore, that students who contract for living space on campus understand that if they choose a lifestyle not consonant with the guidelines for residence hall living, the director of Residential Life and the vice president/dean of students have the obligation to require that they live elsewhere.

Office of Student Involvement and Orientation Programs

The Office of Student Involvement and Orientation Programs helps students to develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally through active involvement in leadership positions, group membership, and event planning. Students who participate in student activities benefit from meeting diverse people and questioning ideas, beliefs, and assumptions regarding campus-based and global issues. They also develop their interpersonal, communication, and social skills.

Under the advisement of the Office of Student Involvement and Orientation Programs, the Student Programming and Events Council (SPEC) is responsible for providing diverse programming of recreational, social, cultural, and educational activities that reflect the varied interests of University of Saint Joseph students and the community at large.

Student Government Association

As the representative body of the students, the Student Government Association works for effective communication among students, faculty, and administration. It channels student opinions, ideas, and concerns to the administration for consideration and action. In addition, students representing SGA sit on a number of joint faculty, administrative, and student committees. SGA encourages leadership by providing funds annually for students to attend workshops, by encouraging students to take leadership roles in organizations, and by ensuring that each student has a voice on campus.

Student organizations, under the umbrella of the Office of Student Involvement and Orientation Programs and the Student Government Association, are created to enrich the academic and co-curricular interests of our students. Students hold all leadership positions and are offered guidance by a staff or faculty advisor. Organizations can be centered around academics, such as the Student Nurse Association. Their focus can be on social and global concerns, diversity and cultural issues, and community service. Students can enrich their gifts and talents through Dance Group, Voices of Praise Gospel Choir, and TriBeta Biology Honor Society. Students publish a literary magazine, Interpretations. The Office of Student Involvement and Orientation Programs encourages students to make suggestions and develop new student organizations that meet their needs and interests.

The Student Government Association constitution, by-laws, and outline of students’ rights and responsibilities are published in the Student Handbook.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is a comprehensive program sponsored by Student Involvement and Orientation Programs, and the Academic Advising Office. Orientation is supported by a team of student orientation leaders along with staff, faculty, and administration. The program is an introduction to student life and the academic expectations of the university experience. Orientation provides students with information on the resources and services available to them by combining opportunities for information gathering with programs for social interaction. All first-year students are expected to attend. Orientation sessions take place in the summer as well as just prior to the beginning of classes.

Transfer students to the undergraduate Program for Women are encouraged to attend Transfer Orientation. Transfer students will register for classes during the summer. They will have a more extensive orientation just prior to the beginning of classes in August. The program acquaints students with the resources available at the University of Saint Joseph, connects them with other students, as well as provides them their University ID, parking decal, etc.