Family Zooms

Family Zoom-Most Frequently Asked Questions

Family Zoom-Most Frequently Asked Questions                                        

Panelists

Q: How do students schedule appointments with their advisors?
A: The Class Deans have advising hours available. It is required for students to meet with their Class Dean. If sign-ups are full on calendly (a modern scheduling platform for eliminating the back-and-forth emails to find the perfect time to schedule meetings), students should reach out to their Class Dean directly to schedule an appointment. The Class Deans are Mary Beth Horvath, Associate Dean for First Year Experience, Melissa Giess, Assistant Dean of Sophomore Experience, Baru Roberson, Assistant Dean of Junior Experience, and Akirah Fenimore, Assistant Dean of Senior Experience.

Q: Are first-year students assigned an academic advisor?
A: Yes, all first-year students are assigned and encouraged to meet regularly. Mary Beth Horvath, Associate Dean for First Year Experience, communicates with first year students as early as June along with the rest of the First Year Experience staff, Andrew Wilbraham, Assistant Director of First Year Experience as well as our Graduate Assistant. Mary Beth will meet with every student and offers 12 sessions in the fall for students to sign up to meet in groups. Newsletters and emails are sent out to students regularly.

Q: Is it common for a first-year student to not have purchased hard copy books?
A: No, faculty let the students know what the students need for class and in some cases, they may not need to purchase any books.

Q: When do students declare a major?
A: Students declare their major during their sophomore year. During a student’s First Year we want them to get a variety of different subjects and experiences until they focus on what their major would be. Students can declare their major as early as October of their sophomore year.

Q: When are final exams?
A: Students have access to the schedule for final exams. Dates are publicized on the registrar’s page on the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï website.

Q: What is the best way to know how a student is doing academically?
A: Parents and guardians will need to ask their students directly. Students can access their grades on Bionic. Staff and faculty cannot offer that information to a parent or guardian. Grades are posted at the end of the fall semester, usually during the first week of January and by the end of May for the spring semester. There are great tutorials on the registrar page of how students can access their grades.

Q: What are the dining hall hours and meal plans during Thanksgiving and Winter Break?
A: Dining halls are closed and there are no meals available during Thanksgiving and Winter Break. The school will be closed on Thanksgiving Day November 28th and November 29th. Winter break begins Friday, December 20th at 6pm, the last day of classes and the college reopens January 2nd. Dining will offer limited lunch options along with some grab and go options during Thanksgiving break for breakfast and dinner. There will also be sign-ups available for Thanksgiving dinners for students to join. This is an ongoing conversation, and we are currently reassessing options. There is no extra charge during breaks.

Q: If a student has an off-campus job, can they be approved for winter break housing?
A: Yes, having an off-campus job does not mean they are not eligible to live on campus during winter break if they are an athlete or international student. If a student needs to live on campus during winter break, they should contact ViAnna Bernard, Assistant Dean for Residential Life and Student Engagement directly.

Q: If a student comes across a facilities issue in their dorm, who should they contact?
A: Facilities are located on campus in the Ward Building between Schwartz Gym and Park Science. Any repairs, maintenance, housekeeping etc. can be directed to facilities. Students can fill out a request form or email facilities directly. Information can be found here. If the problem isn’t resolved, they can share concerns with Residence Life and Student Engagement.

Q: Is there a prescription policy at the health care center for ADHD medication?
Most colleges have a policy about distributing ADHD medications. Students can walk over to the counseling center and ask how they can get on the schedule with the psychiatrist along with their diagnosis paperwork. Some students will be recommended to go off campus if they do not have the proper paperwork. This is a common issue, but the triage counselor is the best way to get the problem solved.

Q: How do students become peer counselors?
A: Students are welcome to apply! It is a paid campus position 6-8 hours a week each semester. Students who are interested can come to The Nest in The Well and get more information from the Wellness team.

Q: What is the role of a CDA?
A: A CDA or Community Diversity Assistant helps to amplify cultural events on campus and live in every residence hall. CDAs have office hours every week and often advertise culture events on Instagram @inclusion_bmc.

Q: How will the community address and process the results of the election?
A: We have encouraged all students to vote. We offered shuttles to the polls if students were registered under the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï address. We are offering election themed events throughout the week that can be found .

Q: What advice would you give to students who might feel isolated or having a difficult time?
A: Students can reach out to their class dean. Students also have access to our new wellness room. Hall advisors are also available to encourage students to get involved in clubs and getting to know their customs person in the hall is highly encouraged. You can send students to ViAnna Bernard to check in with the students as well. We also encourage students to explore things on their own, be willing to break out of their comfort zone, and say yes to new and different opportunities. A lot of students experience this, and we remind them often that they are not alone.

Family Zoom-Most Frequently Asked Questions                                                                            

Panelists

Q: How do students schedule appointments with their advisors?
A: The Class Deans have advising hours available. It is required for students to meet with their Class Dean. If sign-ups are full on calendly (a modern scheduling platform for eliminating the back-and-forth emails to find the perfect time to schedule meetings), students should reach out to their Class Dean directly to schedule an appointment.

Q: Is it common for first-year students to have a busy workload?
A: Yes, first-year students are working on college requirements. Students are encouraged to work on their time management. Meeting with the class dean can be a reliable resource.

Q: What are the dining hall hours and meal plans during fall and spring break?
A: Dining hall hours vary during fall and spring break. We have added meals during spring and fall break, because students are not required to be here, options are limited. This is an ongoing conversation. We maintain records and rely on data from dining services to help manage meal option during breaks. Data shows to the fullest, whatever options are provided during breaks. There is no extra charge during breaks.

Q: Is there room and board coverage for any student leader positions?
A: No, there is no room and board coverage for any student leaders, however we have recently increased stipends for hall advisors.

Q: What is a Dorm Campus Safety Representative?
A: This is a liaison position between the students in the dorm and campus safety. The representative collaborates with campus safety with activities and shares information.

Q: Are the dorms air conditioned?
A: Some of the older dorms do not have air conditioning. Most rooms have window units, however some on specific floors in Rockefeller for example cannot install a window unit due to the window size. Students are encouraged to bring fans, however if a student is having a difficult time due to the heat they should contact the Office of Residence Life and Student Engagement.

Q: If a student comes across a facilities issue in their dorm, who should they contact?
A: Facilities are located on campus in the Ward Building between Schwartz Gym and Park Science. Any repairs, maintenance, housekeeping etc. can be directed to facilities. A request form can be found here.

Q. Can a student change their dorm?
A: Yes, a student may get a room change if there is no other solution and f we have extra rooms. If there is a conflict, students should talk with their Hall Advisor. We typically do not make room changes until October. If it is a facilities issue, students should contact the office of Residence Life and Student Engagement and Facilities.

Q: Is there transportation available late at night to and from Brecan Hall?
A: Yes, students can always call campus safety for a ride, or the lantern van is available which is operated by a student driver.

Q: When will study away students receive housing information for the spring?
A. Students will receive a form in November/December. This is a mini room draw. Students will find out about housing in the second week of January.

Q: Is there a list of Affinity clubs?
A: A list of Affinity clubs can be found here.

Q: Are there any updates about Design Your Life (DYL)?
A: Career and Civic Engagement is prioritizing Design Your Life and there will be many initiatives forthcoming. We are also infusing DYL with the Undergraduate College Division.

Q: Does the college provide vaccinations?
A: Yes, for example, Health Services hosted a flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster clinic on Wednesday, October 2, from 8am-8pm in Old Library Great Hall. This year, Walmart Pharmacy Services required students, faculty, and staff to present current health insurance information via an insurance card or apps directly to information. 

Q: Is there a schedule for Owls Fest?
A: Information and updates about Owls Fest can be found here.

Q: What advice do you have for students who may not have experience navigating public transportation going into the city?
A: Septa provides maps, and the college is working on taking trips with students during the fall semester. Most Faculty and staff can also provide helpful insight navigating the city.

Q: What advice would you give to students who might feel isolated or having a difficult time?
A: Students can reach out to their class dean. Students also have access to our new wellness room. Involvement in clubs and getting to know their customs person in the hall is highly encouraged. We also encourage students to explore things on their own, be willing to break out of their comfort zone, and say yes to new and different opportunities. A lot of students experience this  and we remind them often they are not alone. Take a leap of faith and explore!

Q: How is ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï managing the conflict concerning the middle east, its impact on campus life, encampments, and the honor code?A: We support and encourage students with freedom of expression. We are doing everything possible to make space and provide resources for our students and continue to educate and support students who may feel uncomfortable. As people ask about consequences, related to possible infractions, we must balance students right to express themselves with ensuring students are adhering to the honor code. To that end, it is going to take the entire year to revisit the honor code and engage the community with best practices. We have reached out to outside consultants, students, faculty and staff who will participate in a review of the honor code to ensure the policies and practices align with our values and more nuanced nature of living in a diverse community. This is meant to be a community process, and we will continue to give updates. As of right now, we have not heard about any encampments. 

Q: How has the Supreme Court decision on Affirmative Action affected Admissions?
A: We continue to admit the best and brightest students. Over the years, the college has increased partnerships with community based organizations, community colleges, as examples. The more diverse the pool, the more the college is able to admit talented students from diverse backgrounds.

Q: When is the next Family Zoom?
A: The next family information session will be held on Monday, November 4th 9-10am or 7-8pm EST.