Orientation
ORIENTATION SESSIONS offer the student an opportunity to consult faculty advisors for course planning, to take necessary tests, to meet other entering students as well as upper-class leaders, to become acquainted with various campus programs, policies, and regulations, and to meet with University officials. These early planning sessions permit a smooth transition from high school to college. The programs are planned and carried out by Concord students advised by the Student Center Office. For these reasons, the University believes that orientation is the first step in a continuous process that helps assure a successful college career. Thus, all new full-time students are urged to attend and participate in Orientation.
Counseling Center
The Concord University Counseling Center provides a variety of services free of charge to all currently enrolled students. Services include individual, group and/or family and couples counseling. A Vocational Rehabilitation counselor is available as needed. All information shared in counseling sessions or in referrals is held in the strictest of confidence. The Counseling Center is located on the second floor of the Bonner House. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments may be made by coming to the Counseling Center or phoning 1-304-384-5290.
Health Services
The University, in cooperation with Princeton Community Hospital, has entered into an agreement whereby all Concord students may use the services of Athens Medical Center during the semesters in which they are officially enrolled. Students visiting the Medical Center are required to show their validated Concord University Identification Card. Students will be expected to provide satisfactory evidence of health insurance at the time of treatment; otherwise, a nominal co-pay may be required by the clinic. Charity care may be available to those who qualify.
Services include minor routine examinations and medication. Services do not include or assume the cost of special services such as treatment of a serious illness, surgical cases or unusual medication. The University does not assume the cost of such special services. The cost of the regular health services is met through a student fee which is paid at the beginning of each semester.
University medical services are not provided during official holiday and recess periods, or when the University is not in session.
Concord University along with several other colleges/universities in West Virginia have available for their students a voluntary Accident and Sickness Insurance plan which is available at a reasonable cost. Further information on the coverage of this insurance may be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs.
Office of Public Safety
Public Safety Officers patrol all campus areas and buildings daily. Uniformed foot and vehicle patrols are utilized, and the University police vehicle is well marked for easy identification by all persons. The Concord University Office of Public Safety exists to help maintain the safety and welfare of all members of the University community.
English Language Training Program (ESL)
The English Language Training Program (ESL) strives to offer programs and services that enable students to meet personal, academic, and professional goals through English language study at Concord University. Sessions begin in January and August of each year and are seventeen weeks long. A ten-week session is offered which begins in June.
Most current students are preparing to enter Concord University or another university. Concord requires munimum TOEFL scores of 173 on the computer- based test or 500 on the paper-based test. The English Language Training Program prepares students who have not met this requirement, offering classes in reading and writing, listening and conversation, grammar, and TOEFL preparation. Students attend class eighteen hours per week.
Advanced students with scores above 133/450 on the TOEFL may take one class in the regular degree program at Concord while enrolled in eighteen hours of class in the English Language Training Program.
Career Services
Students undecided about career objectives may utilize Career Services resources for further career exploration. Graduating students who desire assistance with their job search or admission to graduate or professional school may utilize the services of the Career Services Office. Services are available for individual job search plans, resume writing, interviewing, assistantships/fellowships, internships and graduate/professional schools. Representatives from public school systems, business and industry, and graduate/professional schools are on campus during the school year to discuss employment and graduate/professional school study. Job opportunities are also provided through regional, state and interstate job fair participation. Freshmen through seniors, and alumni, are encouraged to take advantage of the services, programs, and resources.
Credential files for education graduates are maintained in Career Services for ten years following the date of graduation. Graduates should request in writing to have the credential files sent to prospective school systems.
Career Services maintains a website at http://students.concord.edu/cccareer/. The site contains full- and part-time employment opportunities, internships, summer jobs and a calendar of career related programs offered throughout the school year.
Child Development Center
Concord University, in partnership with Community Action of South Eastern West Virginia (CASE), operates a licensed day care program, conveniently located on campus for children aged 12 months through 13 years. The CASE/Concord Child Development Center offers a developmental curriculum in a safe, nurturing, and fun environment. Teachers and caregivers have years of experience and many hours of training, including yearly certification in first aid and CPR.
The Center is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Children can be enrolled at any time during the semester.
The philosophy of the Center is one that includes the teaching of tolerance and appreciation of differences. This is enhanced through regular programs provided by faculty and community members. The Center also serves as a practicum site for various University programs that require experience with young children. These students, in addition to work-study students, Covenant and Bonner Scholars, supplement the regular staff. For enrollment or other information contact 1-304 384-5386.
TRIO Programs
MCNAIR SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is a federal TRIO program designed to prepare students to pursue a Ph.D. The program provides enriching experiences to prepare undergraduates for graduate school including a research internship, seminars and workshops, interactions with faculty and the opportunity to attend and present their research at national and regional meetings.
A major component of the program is a graduate level research project the student conducts with a faculty mentor. In addition, the McNair Program guides students through the graduate school application process and helps prepare students for the social climate of graduate school. There are many benefits to being a McNair Scholar including receiving academic credit, access to fee waivers, office support, computers, a $2,800 research stipend, and travel to graduate schools and conferences. The McNair Program accepts sophomores through seniors in any academic field. To qualify for this program, you must either be a first-generation college student and in financial need, or underrepresented in your academic field (currently defined by the federal government as a member of one of the following groups: Hispanic, Black, American Indian or Alaskan Native).
For more information check the McNair web site at www.concord.edu/McNair, or contact the McNair Office located in Conference Room E of the Student Center or call 1-304-384-6019.
The McNair Program is a federal TRIO program, fully funded by an allocation from the U.S. Department of Education.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Student Support Services at Concord University is a federally funded TRIO program that offers free academic support to low-income, first generation college, or disabled students. Designed to help students succeed in college and beyond, SSS offers a broad range of services to assure degree completion. Services include individual and group tutoring; counseling; college reading, writing and study skills; a freshman year success program; mentoring; computer lab, basic technology instruction, and a laptop loan program; and cultural activities.
Tutoring is provided each semester by peer-tutors who have a 3.0 or better grade point average and faculty recommendation. Drop-in, individual, or group tutoring is available for most courses offered at Concord. To facilitate student success, a professional counselor is available to provide personal, academic, career, and financial aid counseling, and referral assistance. Peer mentors are assigned to all SSS freshman to ease the transition to college life. Students may explore their career interests through discussion, written information, vocational testing, and arranged visits to community workplaces. Assistance with graduate school exploration, application, and financial aid processes is available. EDUC 091 is a college level reading course offered by SSS through Concord’s Division of Education. The class is a non-graduation credit class that focuses on comprehension skills, vocabulary development, reading speed, effective study techniques, effective writing, critical thinking, and the skills necessary to read on the college level. Participation in cultural events is an integral part of the Student Support Services Program. Free trips are offered to SSS students for enrichment in fun, educational settings.
Application forms for participation in Student Support Services are available by telephoning, writing, e-mailing support@concord.edu, or stopping by the Student Support Services office located in the Student Center. More information on Concord’s SSS program is available on the program’s website http://students.concord.edu/support.
CLASSIC UPWARD BOUND
Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program offered to 95 students from the local area in grades 9 through 12 who show academic potential to succeed in education beyond high school. These students come from a population that is statistically unlikely to attempt higher education. Two-thirds of the students are from low-income and first-generation homes. The other one third of students must come from low-income homes or be potentially the first ones in their family to earn a college degree. Upward Bound helps prepare these students academically for college and broadens their horizons so that they can see college as a desirable and attainable goal.
Students receive tutoring during the regular school year; personal, career, and academic counseling; assistance with college admissions and financial aid applications; trips for cultural and career exploration; ACT/SAT preparation; and numerous enrichment activities such as tours of colleges and universities, zoos, concerts, and plays. Enrolled students also participate in a six-week summer residential program at Concord University, providing an opportunity to experience a college setting and receive instruction in appropriate academic courses. Graduating seniors participate in a Bridge Program that consists of earning six college credit hours the summer following high school graduation.
Studies have shown that Upward Bound students are four times more likely to earn an undergraduate degree than students from similar backgrounds who did not participate in TRIO. For more information call 1-304 384-6036, e-mail upwardbound@concord.edu, or stop by the Upward Bound office in Sarvay Hall. Applications are also available in the Guidance Offices at local high schools.
MATH & SCIENCE UPWARD BOUND
Math & Science Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program offered to 55 students in grades 9 through 12 who show academic potential to succeed in a math or science related field in college. Students receive tutoring during the regular school year, personal and career counseling, assistance with college admissions and financial aid applications, trips for cultural and career aspirations, ACT/SAT preparation, and numerous enrichment activities. They also participate in an intensive six-week summer residential program at Concord University, providing an opportunity to experience a college setting and receive instruction in appropriate academic courses, especially math and science. Graduating seniors participate in a Bridge component where they can earn up to six hours of college credit.
For more information about the Math & Science Upward Bound program, email msub@concord.edu, call
1-304 384-6074, or stop by the office in Sarvay Hall.
Concord University Research and Development Corporation
The Concord University Research and Development Corporation was established under authorization from Article 12, Section 18B of the West Virginia State Code, and operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization authorized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The Board of Directors of the Research and Development Corporation are faculty, staff, and administrators appointed by the President of the University who sits as the Corporation’s chairperson.
The Corporation’s primary functions are to serve as a fiscal agent and administrative mechanism with which to receive and manage federal, state, and foundation grant funds for research projects and initiatives, creative activities, and public service functions. Currently, the Corporation serves as administrator for several research and service projects involving both faculty and students.