Campus Services and Student Life

All campus services are committed to developing the potential of all students through a variety of curricular and co-curricular experiences. Believing that intellectual growth and educational development are achieved through community involvement, service, leadership, and experiential learning, the staff in Student Affairs works to provide these opportunities for all students. 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. Through efforts in the areas of social, cultural, vocational, intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional wellness, each student is educated as a total person. Students are empowered to clarify their values and establish their identity as a responsible adult.

Hours of availability 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.

Alumni Association

All graduates automatically become members of the Alumni Association, which is governed by the Alumni Council. The Council membership includes representation from the four-year Women’s Program, the Graduate Programs, the Program for Adult Learners, 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

Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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. Use or a tour of the Archives is by appointment.

Art Gallery

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 Gallery, located in the 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 Gallery, 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 also a member of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), and 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 basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. For students who are interested in other health and wellness opportunities, these recreational programs exist: flag football, inner tube water polo, kickboxing, Zumba, swimming, water aerobics, weight lifting, and yoga along with recreational contests like the Holiday Challenge and the Exercise Buddy Contest.

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, greeting cards, 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.

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, the Office of 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 invites action as a response to faith by providing opportunities for student leadership and by working with the Office of Community Outreach and Civic Engagement to provide opportunities for service learning and volunteering.

Career Development Center

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 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, personal financial management, graduate school applications, and help with selecting an academic major.

The Carol 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 Carol Autorino Center hosts a year-round array of music, theater and dance performances, art exhibitions, films, poetry readings, lectures, classes, and seminars. The Bruyette Athenaeum features the 364-seat Hoffman Auditorium (site of the Bruyette Athenaeum Performing Arts Series), the Art Gallery, the Winifred E. Coleman Lobby, an audio-visual lecture hall, a formal reception room, the University Archives, numerous music practice rooms, and classrooms. Lynch Hall features seminar rooms, classrooms, faculty offices, a lounge/study area, and an indoor atrium garden. 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.

Through extensive programming options the Autorino Center serves both the academic needs of the University and the cultural needs of the greater community. Students have the opportunity to attend and participate in a wide variety of artistic and cultural events. The Center is home to student performance groups, including the Dance Ensemble and Queenes Companye (theater), and is a 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 the Bruyette Athenaeum Performing Arts Series, and the annual 5 X 5 Dance Festival, “Hartfolk” Festival,  the outdoor summer Capital Classics Shakespeare Festival, and the Arts Integration/Multiple Intelligences (AIMI) Project in collaboration with the National Dance Institute.

The Autorino Center has been honored with the Noah Webster Award for “Extraordinary Commitment to Community” from the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, the Distinguished Achievement in Dance Award from the Connecticut Dance Alliance, a Proclamation from West Hartford Mayor R. Scott Slifka, and Official Citations from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, and the Connecticut General Assembly.

Center for Academic Excellence

Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. during fall and spring semesters
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Writing tutors assist students with writing, revising and editing papers and other writing needs including research documentation. Professional and peer tutors in writing and in the content areas offer one-on-one or group sessions to help students review course content, develop papers and presentations, and prepare for tests and other assessments. In addition, the Center for Academic Excellence provides support to students working to achieve success on the writing portfolio, an undergraduate degree requirement.

Office of Community and Civic Engagement

Office hours are flexible. To make an appointment, call 860.231.5449

Service learning enables students to extend their learning beyond the classroom by combining academics with social consciousness. The Office of Community and Civic Engagement promotes, supports and facilitates service as an integral part of the teaching and learning experiences of students, faculty, and staff.

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. At the University of Saint Joseph, the belief in the importance of community service stems from the desire to affirm the value and dignity of all people.

Counseling and Wellness Center

During the academic year, the Counseling and Wellness Center provides confidential counseling, assessments, and referrals free of charge to all students enrolled at USJ. The Center works in a short-term model of 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.

The Office of Disability Services

Monday, 11:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Appointments may be made by calling 860.231.5428. The Office of Disability Services 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 Office of Disability Services to be officially supported; accommodations are not retroactive. The Coordinator of Disability Services assists students with disabilities in their growth as self-advocates and in arranging for their individualized accommodations.

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 students throughout the nine-month academic year. All full-time students, including pharmacy and 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, 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). Immunization requirements apply to all matriculated students including students in off-campus degree programs, certificate candidates and locally residing students in some online degree programs.

Immunization Chart

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

Recommended Immunizations

Hepatitis B vaccine is not required but is recommended for all students except for Health Sciences students, who must formally decline if they don’t wish to obtain or can’t provide records for this vaccine. It is also recommended for other students in 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 Science students (Pharmacy/Nursing/Dietetics).

Immunization Exemptions

Other than locally residing students, 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 sciences (Nursing, Pharmacy and Dietetics) students may not claim birthday or natural disease exemptions for Varicella or MMR. Students who have a medical condition that prevents 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. Students who do not submit immunization based on these exemptions may be excluded from campus activities under circumstances of specific disease outbreaks, according to public health guidelines and directives.

Other Health Requirements

All full-time undergraduate students, dietetic interns 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) test for tuberculosis. Pharmacy, nursing and dietetic intern program students should also 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.  

Insurance Requirement

All full-time undergraduate (including Program for Adult Learners) residential, pharmacy and dietetic intern students must provide proof of health insurance coverage. 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.

The Network Center

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.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Network Center provides access to technology and computing support for students, faculty, and staff. The Network Center provides computer classrooms, a faculty development room, and a main computer lab. There are more than 110 computers, seven laser printers, two scanners, LCD projectors and whiteboards for teaching. All computers have access to a high-bandwidth Internet connection. All students can access the network and email by obtaining a user ID and password. The Network Center is in the lower level of McDonough Hall, main campus.

The 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 serves the University of Saint Joseph community. A professional reference staff assists patrons in meeting their information and research needs through a variety of resources, including an online catalog and electronic databases.

Located within a graceful Georgian brick building, the library offers books, journals, and audio-visual materials to patrons. Electronic books and full-text databases are provided both on campus and off by the library. The library supplements its collection with interlibrary loans through WorldCat Resource Sharing, a system of 10,000 libraries in 40 countries.

The School of Pharmacy Library is located at the Hartford campus. It supports the research and information needs of the School of Pharmacy faculty and students in a quiet and comfortable environment. A professional reference librarian is available for research and instruction.

Public Safety

The department of Public Safety is a private security force trained to respond to emergencies on campus. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The Public Safety Office provides services such as ID cards, parking permits, and shuttle service for residents to nearby shopping areas and to courses at Consortium colleges. Contact an officer by calling 860.231.5222 or 5222 from a campus phone.

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 commuter students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities that clubs and organizations offer, as well as the numerous activities sponsored by the University. As members of the Student Government Association, commuter students are encouraged to attend meetings.

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 and Housing

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.  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 Housing and the Vice President/Dean of Students have the obligation to require that they live elsewhere.

Office of Student Programming and Orientation Programs

The Student Programming and Orientation Programs support and complement the academic experience of 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 people and questioning ideas, beliefs, and assumptions regarding campus-based issues, as well as developing their interpersonal, communication, and social skills.

Under the advisement of the Office of Student Activities 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 (SGA) 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 Activities 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, such as the Green Team. Students can enrich their gifts and talents through the Choir, Dance Ensemble, Voices of Praise Gospel Choir, and TriBeta science organization. Students publish a literary magazine, Interpretations. The Office of Student Activities 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 Activities and Orientation Programs, and the Academic Affairs 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 required 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.