Student Affairs

Services

   Division of Student AffairsThe Division of Student Affairs is a student-centered partner in the SDSU learning community. Education is enhanced, both inside and outside of the classroom, through quality support services and programs that advance student access, learning, and retention.

   The division contributes to academic and personal success, encourages independent civic responsibility, and promotes the welfare of all students. Student Affairs helps connect students to the university and to their future, building alliances that foster retention and loyalty beyond graduation.

The Division of Student Affairs consists of the following departments:

Academic Advising Admissions and Records Career Services Disabled Student Services Financial Aid Health Services International Programs Ombudsmen

Scholarship Office Student Recruitment and School Relations Student Rights and Responsibilities Test Office Transfer Center Veterans' Affairs

ACADEMIC ADVISING

Imperial Valley Campus students should see an adviser prior to registration each semester. Completing requirements for your degree in a timely manner requires planning. Academic advisers can help you develop your academic plan. Academic advisers may be consulted at any time on specific questions concerning programs of study, general degree requirements, or students’ evaluations. The following chart lists the advisers for each major.

WHY IS ACADEMIC ADVISING SO IMPORTANT?

Completing the requirements for your degree in a timely manner requires PLANNING. Academic advisers can help you develop your academic plan. Don't wait until you have a problem to see an advisor - let the adviser help you prevent any problems! Planning saves time, money and aggravation.

Requirements, policies and procedures may change from year to year. Advisers can clarify which
changes will affect you and which will not.

WHERE TO GO FOR ACADEMIC ADVISING

 

UNDERGRADUATE

 

GRADUATE

M.S. in Business Administration
Miriam Ungson (760) 768-5505

Master of Public Administration
Dr. Richard Ryan (760) 768-5537

Admissions and Records

Admissions and Records provides information regarding admission to the university and processes all applications for admission. An admission evaluation is completed for each applicant based upon transfer coursework. The office receives all transcripts and assistance with registration is also provided. All students’ files are maintained in this office. The office is located in Student Affairs or call 760-768-5667 for more information or visit the website at http://www.ivcampus.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/ADMISSIONSmain.asp.

Career Services

Career advisers assist students in the exploration of their skills, interests, and values as they develop a career plan. Services include cover letter and résumé write-up assistance, interview preparation, choosing a career path, and finding possible employers.

A centralized listing of career advancement opportunities such as paid part-time and full-time jobs, volunteer positions, internships on and off campus, and career fairs are available through selected posted information flyers on the campus bulletin boards and other designated areas which are placed throughout the semester. Career Services is located in Student Affairs. Call 760-768-5668 for more information.

Disabled Student Services (DSS)

Disabled Student Services provides support services for students with mobility limitations, learning disabilities, hearing or visual impairments, psychological disabilities, and other disabilities. Counseling is available to help students plan an SDSU experience to meet their individual needs. They assist students in making personal, academic and vocational choices, and show how best to utilize campus facilities. Prior to receiving this assistance, appropriate medical documentation must be submitted to Disabled Student Services. Services available include:

   Orientation for students – Priority registration for students with special needs – Accessibility information, maps, and library study rooms – Reader services and assistance with books on tape – Testing assistance for visually impaired, learning disabled, and dexterity limited students – Tutoring and notetaking services – Referral to off-campus agencies for mobility orientation, financial benefits, and other services.

For more information, call 760-768-5509 or visit the office located in Student Affairs.

Financial Aid

   Student financial aid programs are intended to provide assistance to students who do not have the necessary financial resources to meet educational costs. Most students qualify for some type of assistance. Information about all state, federal, and institutional aid programs is available from the Financial Aid Office, located in Student Affairs or call 760-768-5507. More information on financial aid is also available on the website at http://www.ivcampus.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/Financial_aidMain.asp.

Health Services

   All regularly enrolled SDSU students have prepaid a health fee as part of their tuition and fees which entitles them to basic medical services. In the Imperial Valley, the university contracts with outside agencies to provide these services to students. See the Student Health Services Office for details.

   Additional health services are available from the Student Health Services at the San Diego campus, including medical care by physicians board certified in family practice, internal medicine, orthopedics, psychiatry, dermatology, and preventive medicine, and by primary care nurse practitioners; nursing, x-ray, optometry, and laboratory services; a pharmacy which dispenses prescriptions and over-the-counter items at cost; health-related counseling and campuswide health education programming offered by the Health Promotion Department. Students are responsible for the cost of their medical care.

All medical care provided at Student Health Services is strictly confidential. No one, on or off campus other than Student Health Services staff, has access to medical record information without written permission from the student. For more information, call 760-768-5602 or visit the office located in the Administration Building.

REQUIRED: Proof of Immunity Against Measles, Rubella, and Hepatitis B

All new or readmitted students born on or after January 1, 1957 must provide proof of immunity against measles and rubella (German Measles) during their first semester at SDSU. The minimum requirement is proof of at least one immunization for measles and rubella given after the first birthday and after 1968. (All students are encouraged to consider a second measles immunization.)

Students may fulfill the immunization requirement by bringing or sending medical documentation as proof of immunization to Student Health Services. Positive laboratory evidence of measles and rubella is also a way to prove immunization status. Students may also receive free immunization at Student Health Services. For more information, call 760-768-5602.

Important: Students who have not complied with this California State University mandate prior to the registration deadline will not be able to register for their second semester.

Hepatitis B

All new students who will be 18 years of age or younger at the start of their first term must provide proof of immunity against hepatitis B during their first semester at SDSU. Hepatitis B vaccination consists of a three timed doses of vaccine over a minimum four to six month period. (All students are encouraged to consider immunization against Hepatitis B.)

Students may fulfill the immunization requirement by bringing or sending medical documentation as proof of either previous illness or immunization to Student Health Services. Students may also receive free immunization at Student Health Services. For more information, call 760-768-5602.

Important: Students who do not comply with this California State University mandate during their first semester at SDSU will not be allowed to register for a second semester until they provide proof of immunity or begin the immunization series. Students who have not completed the immunization series by the end of their third semester will no longer be able to attend SDSU. Students must provide proof of completion of the vaccine series to Student Health Services.

Immunization documentation should be mailed or brought to SDSU, Imperial Valley Campus, Admissions Office, 720 Heber Avenue, Calexico, CA 92231. Documentation may also be faxed to 619-594-7469 (include name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and student ID number).

In addition to demonstrating immunity to measles and rubella at Student Health Services, some students may be further required to present documentation to other campus officials. Students subject to this additional screening include:

• Students who reside in campus residence halls;
• Students who obtained their primary and secondary schooling outside the United States;
• Students enrolled in dietetics, medical technology, nursing, physical therapy and any practicum, student teaching, or fieldwork involving preschool-age children and/or school-age children or taking place in a hospital or health care setting.

Meningococcal Disease

Each incoming freshman who will be residing in on-campus housing will be required to return a form indicating that they have received information about meningococcal disease and the availability of the vaccine to prevent one from contracting the disease and whether or not he or she has chosen to receive the vaccination.

Although immunization against this infection is not a requirement, all entering freshmen, particularly those living in residence halls, are urged to consider vaccination. The current vaccine is fairly effective against the majority of the strains of this bacterium, but unfortunately its immunity effect declines over a few years. Luckily, the risk of becoming infected with meningococcus also declines with age. Consequently, there is less of a reason to immunize older students, although they may do so if they desire. The meningococcal vaccine is available at Student Health Services at a reduced cost.

Strongly Recommended Health Screening

Immunization from the following diseases may also protect students against potentially severe infections: tetanus, diphtheria, polio, mumps, chicken pox (varicella), and hepatitis A. Like measles, these too can be particularly harmful in the college- age group. The chicken pox vaccine is available for students who have not had the disease. These immunizations are available at reduced cost at Student Health Services. Flu shots are available annually, as well.

Entering students from developing countries are also strongly encouraged to have a screening test for tuberculosis (TB). The TB skin test is offered free at Student Health Services.

Accidents and Student Insurance Coverage

First aid or urgent medical care is also provided to faculty, staff, and campus guests for accidents and injuries occurring on campus. Accidents requiring treatment and/or transportation to Student Health Services or a local hospital should be reported immediately to the SDSU-Imperial Valley Campus, Business Affairs, 760-768-5515.

SDSU students are regarded by the university as adults. Accordingly, students are responsible for their own safety and health in connection with participation in campus activities and should exercise good judgment and due care at all times.

Specific questions regarding insurance coverage for campus programs, institutional safety regulations, and potential risks inherent in academic programs and student activities should be directed to the responsible faculty or staff member in charge of the activity.

Students participating in required or elective academic programs such as internships or practica may be covered under the university’s Worker’s Compensation program provided an internship agreement between the university and the facility has been executed by an authorized representative of the university. If the facility requires interns to provide and maintain professional liability insurance, it is the student’s responsibility to secure professional liability insurance at their own expense. The university does not cover students’ liabilities. This coverage is available through various companies, accreditation agencies, and memberships in professional organizations. Students should confirm the facility’s requirement for this insurance and maintain acceptable limits in full force during the term of placement. The university makes no warranties as to the nature or quality of the coverage or the financial integrity of the insurers. The information on the availability of coverage is provided as a convenience to the students.

The university does not provide liability, accident or health coverage to students. Through the Associated Students, a supplemental health insurance policy is available and recommended to students having no private medical or accident insurance coverage. The insurance includes hospitalization benefits and specified medical and surgical services. The policy may be purchased per semester or yearly basis. An open enrollment period is available the beginning of each semester. Brochures are available in the ASC Student Center or visit the Web site at http://www.csuhealthlink.com. The university makes no warranties as to the nature or quality of the coverage or the financial integrity of the insurers. The information on the availability of coverage is provided as a convenience to the students.

International Programs

International Programs offers students the ability to study at foreign universities. The program also brings foreign students to the campus to create international experiences for SDSU-Imperial Valley Campus students as they learn from students from other countries. For more information, refer to the International Programs section in this bulletin or call the International Programs Office at 760-768-5505 or visit the International Programs website at http://www.ivcampus.sdsu.edu/MPrograms/International_Programs/ .

Ombudsmen

Becoming a student at SDSU-IV Campus also means becoming a member of a special community that includes students, faculty, staff, and administrators. As a member of this community, students are responsible for knowing and complying with established rules and regulations.

The ombudsmen are independent and impartial agents who help individuals and groups seeking the resolution and correction of complaints. The ombudsmen act as liaisons between students and the university, assisting students through formal grievance procedures and functioning to mediate and reinforce other means of redress when possible. This office does not supplant existing avenues of redress. It exists to encourage appropriate and timely access to those existing processes which may best resolve the problem.

Examples of student complaints that have been resolved through this process include disputes over grades, faculty or staff conduct, academic disputes, appeals or waivers, administrative policies, and institutional compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Should a complaint not be resolved at the referral level, the ombudsmen may act as mediators and suggest compromise solutions between parties. If the problem is still unresolved, the student may file a grievance with the student grievance committee. No student grievance can be filed with this committee later than the last day of the semester (excluding summer term) after the semester during which the student was allegedly aggrieved.

The Office of the Ombudsmen is located in Student Services, Room 1105, on the San Diego campus; telephone: 619-594-6578. The assistant dean for student affairs represents the ombudsmen’s office on the SDSU-IV Campus; telephone 760-768-5502 or

Scholarship Office

Scholarships reward academic excellence and are not generally based on financial need. All students, regardless of nationality, citizenship, or residency status, are eligible, with appropriate grade point average, to apply for scholarships. For more information, call 760-768-5507 or visit the office located in Student Affairs. More information on scholarships is also available in the Regulations section of this bulletin. More information on financial aid is also available on the website at http://www.ivcampus.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/Scholarship_main.asp

New Student Orientation

The orientation is held prior to the start of each semester to provide information and survival skills to new students in order that they have a successful academic experience. The orientation consists of presentations providing campus and program information and various workshops. All transfer applicants are invited to attend. For more information, call 760-768-5502.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities incorporates compliance and judicial procedures, two distinct components. The center serves to clarify for students their role as members of the campus community, setting forth what is expected of them in terms of behavior and contributions to the success of the university. This center also serves to further San Diego State University’s commitment to maintaining a campus environment free from harassment and promoting a policy of non-discrimination.

The center is charged with investigating complaints filed by students alleging discrimination or sexual harassment, providing sexual harassment prevention workshops, reviewing university policy, monitoring campus disputes, and serving as a resource to the administration on issues of regulatory law, constitutional law, and risk management.

The judicial component is responsible for acting on behalf of the university president regarding all aspects of student discipline.The office receives reports of alleged student misconduct relative to Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and investigates complaints in order to determine whether university disciplinary action is to be pursued. University disciplinary action may run concurrently with civil or criminal action initiated by the court system. Campus related violations include both academic and non-academic misconduct. The assistant dean for student affairs acts as liaison for the SDSU-IV Campus for the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities.To review SDSU’s statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, visit http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/srr/statement.

Student Testing, Assessment and Research(staar)

The Office of Student Testing, Assessment and Research is an important resource for the entire university community, serving both students and faculty by administering paper and pencil and computer-based tests for the purpose of admission, class placement, competency for graduation, licenses, and credentials. Test scoring and analysis services are provided for classroom tests. The office also conducts a comprehensive program to measure the needs, attitudes, perceptions, behaviors of students, identify factors affecting retention, progression to degree, academic success, and assess the effectiveness of Student Affairs programs and services.

Test dates for SDSU-IV Campus competency and placement tests are available at this office or from academic advisers. Advance reservations as well as fee payments are required for most tests. The Office of Student Testing, Assessment and Research will provide students with test dates and registration procedures for major national examinations in the form of a bulletin of information or with the address of the testing service. Reservations for computer-based tests can be made at the Office of Student Testing, Assessment and Research 760-768-5667. Students who are interested in assessments for counseling or career planning must contact Career Placement. Special arrangements for disabled students are made through Disabled Student Services.

Although competency test requirements are monitored by various offices on campus, the Office of Student Testing, Assessment and Research will attempt to assist students in signing up for the required examinations or refer them to the proper agency.

Transfer Center

The Transfer Center is a project that provides support services to identified and potential transfer students from accredited institutions. Information is provided by a professional counselor about programs and services available at SDSU-IV Campus. The project works with all students but has as its goal to increase the number of underrepresented students in higher education. Underrepresented students are minorities, disabled, low income, and others not appropriately represented among the transfer population. For more information, call 760-768-5506 or visit the office located in Student Affairs.