Dean: Dr. Zary Mostashari
Library and Learning Services facilitates learning, teaching, scholarship, and lifelong learning opportunities by providing Marymount University students, faculty, staff, and the community with access to information and a variety of educational support services. Its facilities are the Emerson G. Reinsch Library, the Ballston Center library extension, and the Learning Resource Center.
The Emerson G. Reinsch Library is an integral part of the learning resources of the University. The collection and services reflect both the curricula and the general informational needs of the University community. The Library offers
The Library’s goal is to respond to the changing needs of students, faculty, and staff who comprise the University community. Library faculty and staff work closely with colleagues in academic departments to ensure that the Library’s resources and services meet the needs of the Marymount community.
Marymount University’s membership in the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC) allows students and faculty members to also borrow from the collections of American University, The Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, George Mason University, The George Washington University, Georgetown University, The University of the District of Columbia, and Trinity University. Library consortium members share an online catalog of collections, and loan requests are made online and delivered to the student’s home institution or via the Internet. Interlibrary loan requests from libraries throughout the United States can be arranged if materials are unavailable in the collection.
The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is a year-round academic counseling and learning center designed to support and enhance Marymount’s instructional programs. Staffed by full-time learning specialists and by graduate and undergraduate peer tutors, the LRC provides tutoring assistance in writing, science, mathematics, and study skills for a broad range of courses.
Faculty can arrange for Supplemental Instruction or Guided Study Sessions to help their students review specific course objectives. The LRC also provides a variety of testing services for Marymount students including diagnostic tests, validation exams, and accommodations for students with disabilities.
Information Technology Services supports the academic and administrative functions of the University. Computer labs are located on the fourth floor of the Ballston Center, in St. Joseph and Gailhac Hall on the Main Campus, and at the Reston Center.
Information Technology Services (ITS) provides computing infrastructure facilities and support for students, faculty, and staff. ITS is a service provider, a technical support provider, and a consulting resource for those seeking technical assistance. ITS units offer a wide variety of services and programs that support the data, voice, and video communication needs of Marymount students, faculty, and staff. ITS also oversees the divisions of E-Learning Services, IT Support Services, and Information Systems.
All lab devices are connected to the campus fiber-optic ethernet backbone that provides each of these computers with access to the Internet; local computing resources; Blackboard, the online course-management system; Marynet; the Reinsch Library; and the academic Novell network. Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX systems are available. Trained computer technicians and professional staff provide assistance to students and faculty, as needed. Services offered include individual tutoring and free seminars on many popular software packages.
E-Learning Services includes the administration of the University’s course-management system, the operations of the computer labs, the operations of the E-Learning Services Center, and training resources. This unit concentrates on the important tasks of training students, faculty, and staff in the use of technology. Special emphasis is given to supporting pedagogical uses of technology and the associated equipment and software.
IT Support Services manages a centralized technology support telephone line; configures, installs, and repairs computers, printers, and other equipment; installs and tests software; maintains equipment inventory; researches and explores new technologies; and offers consulting services.
Information Systems supports the campus network infrastructure, enterprise servers, wireless network, and information systems. This unit strives to provide timely, reliable, and secure access to the campus network from classrooms, residence halls, and offices.
Students, faculty, and staff may also purchase computer hardware and software for a discount through a special University program.
Wireless connections are available in Gailhac Hall, the Emerson G. Reinsch Library, the Lee Center, the Lodge, Rowley Hall, the Ballston Center, and the Reston Center.
Students enrolled in an online program or course should be familiar with course technology requirements prior to enrollment and registration. These requirements can be found on the Information Technology Services Web site at www.marymount.edu/its/orientation.
Library and Learning Services also assists distance education students through its “Services for Distance Learners” Web page. It can be accessed through the Library’s home page, www.marymount.edu/lls.
Using the specialized equipment of the E-Learning Services Center, students have access to media instruction and production. The Center provides workshops on varying topics throughout the semester. Additional services include
Graphic Arts — Space and materials to produce digital images, 35mm slides, overhead transparencies, color prints and copies, presentation posters, lamination, signage, etc.
Multimedia Production — A wide range of production capabilities including current hardware and software for video editing, Web page development, computer-based presentations, and graphic design.
Video Production — Studio, digital cameras, lights, microphones, backdrops, etc. for the production of videotapes and video segments for multimedia. The E-Learning Services staff will also provide assistance in a nonlinear Edit Suite to edit, add titles, narration, and special effects to video projects.
Career advisors provide individual guidance, career advising, and vocational assessments. The Career and Internship Center (CIC) offers frequent seminars and programs on establishing educational goals suited to career and internship plans, choosing careers, developing a résumé and cover letters, supporting internship site selection, gaining employment, and interviewing. A schedule of career and internship programs is offered throughout the year, including job fairs, career exploration events, networking opportunities, and on-campus recruitment sessions. Students are also invited to participate in area career programs sponsored by The Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.
The CIC, located at the Ballston Center, houses a library containing information on all facets of the career and internship development process as well as self-directed computer programs to support students’ career planning and job searches. Several hundred local, regional, and national employers, as well as the federal government, publicize position openings at the CIC. Students can also find career information, job search links, and a database of current job and internship opportunities on the CIC Web site, www.marymount.edu/ studentlife/career.
Outstanding internship experiences are available throughout the Washington area with corporations, government agencies, schools, hospitals, and retail establishments. Marymount University is committed to helping students identify and secure appropriate internship opportunities, and supports this goal through its Career and Internship Center.
Faculty and academic internship advisors work in collaboration with the Career and Internship Center to help students prepare for and successfully complete an internship. Firms and agencies sponsoring the intern are expected to provide a supervised, structured, and suitable experience consistent with the student’s major field.
All undergraduate students who have advanced in their major are required to complete an internship. Waiver of this requirement may be authorized by the dean of the School on the presentation of compelling evidence. If a waiver is obtained, coursework at the 300-400 level in courses within the major will be substituted for the internship.
The Student Health Center, located in Berg Hall, provides care for those illnesses or accidents that may occur while the student is a campus resident and to coordinate with the resident student’s personal physician in continuing treatment initiated at home. Emergency care is available to commuter students. Health Center personnel strive to maintain a healthful environment for all students through health-education programs.
During the fall and spring semesters, the Health Center is staffed by registered nurses. A University physician schedules regular clinic hours. Psychiatric consultation is available by appointment. Referral is made to specialists or clinics in the Washington area, as appropriate.
Because immunization records and adequate health information are essential to maintaining the health of the student and the entire college community, a confidential medical form, including a record of updated immunizations, is required for all undergraduate students. Failure to complete the medical form may impact a student’s registration. The form is available from the Admissions Office, the Health Center, or online at www.marymount.edu/studentlife/health. Regulations governing the Center are published in the Student Handbook.
Health and accident insurance is available through a commercial underwriter for all students taking nine or more credit hours. It is provided for resident students as part of their room and board fee. For more information about “Insurance, click here.”
The Counseling Center employs licensed mental health professionals who provide personal counseling services for students who may be experiencing personal or emotional issues that are interfering with their ability to perform well academically or socially. Counselors assist students with identifying and solving problems, increasing self-understanding, improving academic performance, adjusting to university life, developing and maintaining relationships, and managing stress. Counseling sessions are private and confidential, and are available to all actively registered full- and part-time students by appointment. Students experiencing crises will be seen on an emergency basis. In addition, the Counseling Center offers group counseling and psychoeducational workshops on a variety of topics. Counselors are also available to consult with students, faculty, staff, and parents regarding student mental health concerns.
The International Student Services (ISS) staff provides an extensive orientation program for new international students as well as confidential cross-cultural advising on personal matters. ISS staff also provide immigration advising and assistance, including information on F-1 visa regulations, school transfers, work permission, travel, extension of stay, and Social Security. ISS also coordinates a variety of cultural and educational programs, including receptions, trips, coffee hours, International Week, and more.
The Student Campus Employment Office connects students seeking on-campus jobs with professors, library faculty and staff, coaches, and other staff who need part-time office assistance. The Office serves students seeking employment through the Federal Work-Study Program and through Campus Employment, which is available to students who do not qualify for Federal Work-Study. More information on these opportunities.
The Academic Success Center advises students who have not declared a major, who wish to change majors, or who are enrolled in the University Studies program. It also counsels students who are not in good academic standing. The Center answers questions about University policies and procedures and responds to student concerns. See additional information about the Academic Success Center.
The University Studies Program is designed for undergraduate students who show academic potential, but have not met the academic standards required for regular admission to the University. The program also assists those students who would benefit from intensive advising and mentoring. The program equips students with the tools needed to be successful and prepares them to qualify for enrollment in one of the University’s degree programs.
Students in the University Studies program will undertake a foundation curriculum and an academic seminar. They will also receive support services and benefit from the guidance of an academic advisor, all aimed at helping them become self-reliant and successful learners. See additional information about the Academic Success Center.
As with many University support services, the University Studies Program works collaboratively with other campus offices. The program proactively provides referrals to the Office of Student Development, the Learning Resource Center, and the Counseling Center.
Disability Support Services (DSS) are available for all eligible students. The director of DSS assists students with disabilities in determining reasonable accommodations and is available throughout the year for information, referrals, and advising. DSS complements, but does not duplicate, services offered to all students through other campus offices.
To receive services from DSS, the student must give the director typewritten documentation from a qualified professional that describes the clearly diagnosed disability and its current functional impact on the student relative to academics. Marymount does not provide testing and/or diagnosis, but will make appropriate referrals.
The types of accommodations a student is eligible to receive are determined on a case-by-case basis by the student and the director using information contained in the student’s documentation. Students wishing to receive accommodations must develop a Faculty Contact Sheet (FCS) with the director of Disability Support Services. This should occur at the beginning of each semester. However, students may consult with the director at any point during the academic year. The student must then present this contact sheet to each of his/her instructors and discuss the accommodations documented on the FCS. This document helps students and instructors work together to develop effective accommodation strategies. Some accommodations made in the past have included allowing extended time for examinations; the use of readers, volunteer note-takers, and sign language interpreters; and the option to tape record lectures.