Frequently Asked Questions
Campus Recreation
Career Center
Counseling Center
Dean of Students
Health Services
International Student Services
Residence Life
Security
Student Activities
Campus Recreation
Q. Are aquatics and fitness classes free?
A. Yes. At this time classes are free to all SAU students and employees.
Q. Can my family members and friends attend aquatics and fitness classes?
A. At this time, participation is limited to currently enrolled, fee-paying SAU students, and employees of SAU.
Q. Do I have to attend all aquatics or fitness sessions?
A. No. Participants attend at their convenience. There is no penalty for not attending.
Q. How can I sign up for an intramural team?
A. Roster Cards must be completed in order to participate in intramural sports events.These forms are available in the Campus Recreation Office. Roster cards received after the entry day wait listed and placed as, time and space permit. To ensure a participant/team gets into a league/tournament, roster cards should be turned in on entry day, even if signatures are still needed on the back of the form. All players must sign the roster card before participation is allowed. Player additions to roster cards are not allowed on-site.
Q. How can I sign up a person if I already submitted my roster card?
A. Roster addition cards are used to add someone to a team once the league/tournament has started. These forms are available in the Campus Recreation Office. Players approved to rosters must still sign the roster card before to participate. In leagues followed by post-season play, roster acquisitions are not allowed after the last league game/match.
Q. Can I add someone to my roster at a game?
A. No. All roster additions must be approved at the Campus Recreation office not at a game. Players must complete a roster addition card in order to alter a team roster.
Q. If I can't fill or find a team,can I still play on a team?
A. Yes. Participants who wish to participate in a team sport but cannot fill or find a team need to sign up as a free agent and do that on the Campus Recreation web site. Available free agents are posted online so team captains can acquire them as needed. At times entire teams are created solely of free agents. Though the department cannot guarantee all free agents play, the department works diligently so that all can participate.
Q. How many different divisions can I play in?
A. No player can participate on more than one team within the same division for the same sport. This includes simultaneously participating in a competitive league and a recreational league. Players may however simultaneously participate on either a men's or women's team while participating on a co-rec team.
Q. How do I get involved with Outdoor Recreation?
A. Outdoor trips are scheduled throughout the year. Some trips are one-day trips while others are overnight. Participants pay for their own trips, but often receive discounts that the department has negotiated with site vendors. Sign-ups are held in the Campus Recreation Office.
Q. How can I work for Campus Recreation?
A. Campus Recreation positions are available through the University work-study program and part-time employment. Student employees learn valuable skills that serve them throughout their lifetime. Applications are available in the Campus Recreation Office and kept on file for one year. A listing of all available positions is posted on the departmental web site.
Q. Where is the Campus Recreation Office?
A. The office is located on the 1st floor of the Rogalski Center just past the food court. The office is in a shared suite with Student Activities.
Career Center
Q. How many students use the services the Career Center provides?
A. 73% of SAU graduates report using the services offered by the Career Center. We offer direct assist-job postings sent directly to email addresses for alumni, career assessment, career counseling, education credential file maintenance, graduate school assistance, internship/co-op education listings and placement assistance, job listings: full-time and part-time, job shadowing, job search assistance, mock interviews, mock phone interviews, on-campus interviewing, work study placement, career coaching on-line (Blackboard), and ask-a-career-center-professional a career related question services.
Q. Am I eligible for work-study?
A. Check with the Financial Aid Office or access your financial aid information on-line.
Q. How many hours per week do work-study students typically work?
A. Most students work 8 hours per week depending on their work-study position.
Q. How much is a work-study student paid?
A. The majority of students eligible for work-study are awarded $1,600 per academic year.
Q. When do I learn where my work-study position is?
A. Students must take the initiative to visit the Student Employment Coordinator in the Career Center for placement. Come in early so you can set up interviews with the work-study supervisors.
Q. I was awarded a work-study position. Is the employment guaranteed?
A. No. Students returning to offices are placed before new work-study assignments are arranged. Many supervisors interview students for positions. Students available during regular office hours with office skills are hired more quickly.
Q. I was awarded work-study aid and did not receive employment? What do I do?
A. Students can contact the Career Center once a week to inquire about open work-study positions as well as other on and off campus employment options.
Q. What does the job market look like for today’s college graduates?
A. This year there were 17.3% more job openings across the US. There is significant competition in the job market but participating in Career Center events, getting internship experience, work-study and job shadows prepare students for their job search.
Q. I do not know what I want to do so how do I select a major?
A. Career counseling can help you explore areas of interest to select a major as well as provide tips and ideas of ways to achieve your career goals.
Q. Should I work my first year in college?
A. Yes. By working on campus, students interact with other students, staff and faculty. Students learn to manage their time as well as other responsibilities. Students who work on campus generally perform better academically and remain in school.
Q. Can I get a job on campus where I can do my homework?
A. Some campus jobs require students to answer phones or assist when needed so students may have some time to study. The purpose of the work-study program is to teach what is expected in a work environment so many positions that allow time for homework are being phased out.
Q. Will the Career Center help me prepare a resume?
A. Yes. Make an appointment with the Career Center. Prior to this appointment, complete the resume packet (available online or in the office) and create a draft resume in Microsoft Word.
Q. How many students get an internship?
A. The majority of our students get at least one internship while at SAU.
Q. When should I look for and how do I prepare for an internship?
A. Students typically get internships their junior year; however some students start internships as early as their sophomore year. Students should prepare for the internship by completing a resume, application, as well as participating in mock interviews, career counseling and job shadows.
Counseling Center
Q. What is the Counseling Center?
A. The Counseling Center is a resource for members of the St. Ambrose community who are looking for help in resolving personal problems and learning about themselves and their relationships with others.
Q. Where is the Counseling Center located?
A. The St. Ambrose University Counseling Center is located on the second floor of the Rogalski Center.
Q. Is it confidential?
A. The Counseling Center stresses strict confidentiality. You do not need consent from anyone to receive services, and the center operates independently of faculty or administrative offices. With certain caveats, no information can be released to anyone without your signed consent.
Q. How do I make an appointment?
A. Appointments can be made by calling 333-6423 or in person at the Counseling Center reception area on the second floor of the Rogalski Center.
Q. What does it cost?
A. Counseling services are free to all members of the St. Ambrose University community.
Q. Will I have to wait?
A. Usually an appointment can be made within a day or two. In cases of immediate need, all efforts will be made to see the individual the same day.
Q. What kind of services do you provide?
A. Individual, couples and family counseling; group counseling; consultation; substance abuse screening and referral. In addition, the Center provides referral to appropriate medical, psychiatric or psychological services when needed. We are also available to students for group presentations/interaction involving areas of expressed concern.
Q. What kinds of issues do you deal with at the Counseling Center?
A. The following list indicates examples of some of the situations the Counseling Center deals with: relationships with others, stress management, anxiety issues, family relationships, loneliness, couples conflict, sexuality issues, depression, problem habits or behaviors, and academic and social adjustment.
Q. If I come to the Counseling Center, does it mean that I am “crazy”?
A. On the contrary, from time to time all of us experience difficulties in our daily lives. When these difficulties occur, they can sometimes become stumbling blocks that affect our relationships with others or prevent us from realizing our abilities, potential and goals. The Counseling Center is staffed with licensed, professional counselors who can be of assistance in sorting out issues. The emphasis in counseling is not to provide pat answers or to make decisions for you. Rather, it is a cooperative effort that explores new insights or ways of thinking, alternatives and possible new directions.
Q. What if I am hesitant about coming for an appointment on my own? Is it appropriate for someone to accompany me?
A. Certainly. There have been situations where a friend, roommate, suitemate, Resident Advisor or Hall Director accompanies a student for their initial appointment.
Q. What if I have a concern about a friend or suitemate? Can I seek the services of the Counseling Center for advice on that type of matter?
A. The Counseling Center provides consultation to any member of the St. Ambrose community insofar as strategies, directions to take with a friend, etc.
Dean of Students
Q. How do I get a package from home?
A. Friends and family can mail items to you at 518 W. Locust St., Davenport, IA 52803. Your address will remain the same as long as you reside on campus. The post office staff will place a slip in your box to let you know a package has been delivered. Simply turn that slip into post office staff and they will retrieve the package for you.
Q. How can I get more information on the Quad Cities?
A. Check out www.visitquadcities.com for information about the community.
Q. What do I do if I’ve lost my student ID?
A. It is important that each SAU student have their ID with them at all times. Your student ID will allow you to eat in the cafeteria, check materials out of the library, and gain access into your residence hall each evening. If you lose or misplace your ID, a temporary ID may be obtained from the Dean of Students’ office and is valid for 24 hours. You may purchase a replacement ID at a cost of $20. Additionally, many local businesses provide SAU students with discounts. A list of these businesses is on the Student Government website at www.sau.edu/sga.
Health Services
Q. When should I turn in my Health Form?
A. Turn in your Health Form to the Office of Health Services by the first day of classes. Download forms from our web site at http://web.sau.edu/healthservices/. This information is kept confidential and is only available to the staff in the Office of Health Services unless a written release is signed by the student.
Q. Is the meningitis vaccine required for entrance to St. Ambrose?
A. The meningitis vaccine is not required but is recommended for first year students who live on-campus to reduce their risk of meningococcal disease. Students with an immunodeficiency such as complement deficiency or asplenia should receive the vaccine every 3 to 5 years. Information on meningitis and the vaccine is available at http://web.sau.edu/healthservices/meningitis.htm.
Q. Do I need to have an appointment to see the nurse in the Office of Health Services?
A. No appointment is needed. Patients are seen on a first-come, first serve basis. Located on the second floor of the Rogalski Center, the Office of Health Services is open between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Q. What if I need to see a doctor?
A. The nurse in the Office of Health Services assesses your health needs. If it is necessary for you to see a physician, you are referred to the Davenport Clinic. SAU pays for the first office visit upon referral by the Office of Health Services.
International Student Services
Q. How does SAU define international student?
A. An international student is a student who requires government authorization in the form of a visa to legally study in the US.
Q. Can an international student work?
A. The primary goal of an international student is to study, so the federal government greatly restricts what employment is allowed. Students can only work on campus. Any employment off campus requires work authorization.
Q. Why is it important for there to be international students on campus?
A. We are functioning in a world that is more global in scope. There is greater access to international news, countries are more interdependent, and the people we interact with are more diverse than ever. To prepare for a more diverse world, we need to expose students to different thoughts, beliefs, and cultures. Students need to learn to successfully interact and communicate with those much different from themselves.
Residence Life
Q. When are housing assignments mailed out?
A. Mid to late July — we do this to give students anopportunity to select room mates during the June orientations.
Q. Can I live with my friend?
A. Feel free to request a roommate — the request must be mutual, so we need a request from both parties, and we need to know which is most important your roommate request or your building selection. We honor the contract date of the later of the two contracts received to determine building placement. Submit the request in writing, mail, fax or email (or fill out a form in our office during orientation).
Q. What if I don’t like my roommate?
A. If you have troubles with a roommate share your concerns with the RA of your floor. The RA will work with the Hall Director to find a solution in everyone’s best interest.
Q. What if I did not get my first choice of housing?
A. We keep a list for students that are not placed in their first choice of housing. As openings occur we contact students based on the date the contract was received to discuss the possibility of moving.
Q. How do I change my housing?
A. Request a change in writing (email is fine) and we will try to accommodate you based on availability and the housing process (contract received date is first priority).
Q. Can I get a single room?
A. Based on availability.
Q. Do the rooms have carpet?
A. All rooms except Hayes Hall are carpeted.
Q. I have allergies so is Davis right for me?
A. Yes you can live in Davis if you have allergies. You need to submit a note from your physician outlining any medical conditions that require special accommodations — such as A/C — the air conditioner cannot be more than 115 volts, or between 5,000-6,000 BTU’s and less than 6amps.
Q. What happens if I get in trouble?
A. Students are documented in an incident report for an alleged violation of campus policy. This incident report is sent to your Hall Director to discuss the situation with you. An appropriate response is decided on based on your input and consultation with the student handbook. Our goal is to have an educational response to policy violations.
Q. What is a Hall Director (HD)?
A. The supervisor of a residence hall, the Hall Director is a full-time professional staff member and a great resource for parents and students. The HD not only supervises RAs, but also focuses on hall safety and improving the overall experience of residents.
Q. What is an RA?
A. RA or Resident Assistant is a student staff member living in the residence hall. They work to create a welcoming and positive community. RAs are a trained to assist with academic, personal and behavioral problems. They help residents develop holistically and act as a resource to answer questions and offer sound advice. The RAs also enforce campus policy (e.g., quiet hours, visitation, alcohol, etc.).
Q. Is there storage in the halls for my bike?
A. Unfortunately, the residence halls do not have space for bike storage.
Q. How early can I move in?
A. Some students are required to move in early based on team or campus work obligations. Early move ins are kept at a minimum as Residence Life staff use the time before halls open for training. If you are not required to move in early, you are welcomed to move in on August 24. Specific check in times will be included in your assignment letter sent in July.
Q. What can I expect move in day?
A. Welcome Week starts on Friday, August 24 when the residence halls open at 9:00 a.m. Check in at your assigned residence hall where you will be greeted by staff and find move in assistance. You will receive your room keys and meet your RA and HD.
Q. What is a good gift for a student living in a residence hall?
A. A full length mirror, quarters for laundry, gift certificate to Hy-Vee, Target, Wal-Mart or a local restaurant. Also consider decorations or posters.
Additional information is available on the SAU Residence Life website, including room dimensions, a list of things not allowed in the residence halls, accommodation information, etc. Go to www.sau.edu/residencelife.
Security
Q. Where are you located and when are you open?
A. Security is located on the second floor of the Rogalski Center and is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The campus is regularly patrolled by trained personnel. There are always two Security Officers working on campus. To provide this service SAU uses a combination of non-sworn officers, sworn officers (off duty Davenport Police Officers and Scott County Sherriff Deputies), student officers and contract guards.
Q. When should I contact your office?
A. Contact us anytime you have a question or need help. Call immediately anytime you see something you believe is suspicious, potentially dangerous, or criminal. If you have been the victim of a crime we also encourage you to contact the Davenport Police Department
Q. How can I contact you?
A. If you are in danger, have been injured, need to report a life threatening situation, or see a crime in progress dial 911 from any campus phone. There are 7 blue light phones placed strategically around campus. Pressing the button on these phones activates a 911 call and sends your location to Security. An officer is immediately dispatched to help you. For all other concerns or requests call 333-6104. You may also contact the Director Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by dialing 333-6260.
Q. How is access to facilities controlled?
A. Controlling access to campus facilities is the first tier in providing for a safe secure environment. All members of the community are responsible in ensuring doors are not propped and that guests follow the appropriate policy for that building. Security locks academic buildings at 10:00 p.m. and unlocks them at 6:00 a.m. Residence halls are locked at 7:00 p.m. and unlocked at 7:00 a.m. During this time, a guard is posted at the front desk of each building. The exceptions to this policy are the townhouse apartments and houses. These areas do not have a front desk and are responsible for keeping there doors locked at all times. Hosts are to escort their guests at all time and both parties are responsible for conduct during visits.
Q. Can I get an escort on campus?
A. A walking escort is available from any location on main campus to any other location on main campus. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no charge. Escorts are provided by uniformed personnel. Please understand that due to campus emergencies and incidents escorts are sometimes delayed. If there is a delay, we inform you when you call.
Q. Do you provide any educational programs?
A. We offer a number of programs each semester. The intent of these programs is to raise the awareness and enhance the safety of campus community members. These programs consist of general campus safety, risk reduction, personal protection and computer/internet safety. To request a program contact Security. We also coordinate a women’s self defense class for credit. The program called Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) is offered by nationally certified instructors.
Q. How will I know about crime on campus?
A. If a violent or serious crime occurs and it appears that it poses a continuing risk to the campus community, then alerts are issued using posters and campus emails. SAU makes every effort to release alerts as soon after an incident as possible and usually within 72 hours of an incident. At the request of police alerts may be delayed so as not to jeopardize an on-going investigation. In accordance with federal regulations a crime log is available. This log is available in the Security Director’s office during normal business hours. This log contains basic information to protect the confidentiality of those involved.
Q. What can I do to enhance my safety while on campus?
A. Being safe takes active participation of everyone, and even the best planning cannot prevent all crime. To reduce your risk:
- Lock rooms, offices and cars when you leave, even for a few minutes. Thieves can take your property and be gone in a matter of seconds. Keep first floor windows locked and curtains closed when you are not there.
- Do not leave personal belongings unattended in public areas.
- Record the serial number, make, and model of any items of value and make two copies of the information. Keep one in a safe location off campus. This information can be invaluable in helping to catch the perpetrator and identify stolen property
- Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. Make sure to properly dispose of any documents with sensitive information such as your bank account or credit card numbers. Be very careful when giving out personal information such as bank account, or social security numbers to vendors and never give it out over the phone. Be careful what information you post in areas such as Facebook or Myspace as these sites can be accessed by almost anyone and the information you provide can help them target you.
- Sales by non-SAU organizations are not allowed in the Residence Halls. If someone approaches you to sell an item do not give them any information and contact Security immediately.
- There is safety in numbers. Travel in groups. When this is not possible, get a Security escort to any place on campus.
- If you attend a social gathering know the content of anything you ingest. Open your own cans or bottles, and keep it in sight at all times. Do not drink from common sources such as punch bowls. Today criminals have a variety of drugs that can facilitate crimes. If you or someone you know is drugged get to a safe location and immediately get medical attention. Contact the Davenport Police or Security as soon as possible.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid potentially dangerous situations or persons. Trusting your instincts and using common sense are your best protective techniques.
- Any time you notice suspicious activity or persons, call Security as soon as possible.
Q. Do I need a permit to park on campus?
A. Yes, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every faculty, staff, or student vehicle (even if you are taking only 1 class) must have a valid SAU parking permit to park on property owned or operated by SAU. This includes all parking lots, driveways and roadways. You must park only in designated areas; if it is not explicitly marked as a parking area then it is not available.
Q. Where can I park if I am not faculty, staff or student?
A. There are a limited number of visitor parking spaces available in the visitor lot (first lot off Ripley St), in the faculty/staff lot by the Rogalski Center, and in the circle between McMullen and Ambrose halls. All these spaces are marked visitor only, and these spaces are available for 2 hours. If all these spaces are full, please contact Security at 333-6104. If you need to be here more then 2 hours please contact Security for a temporary permit.
Q. How much does a permit cost and how long is it valid?
A. We have a number of different permits available: 1) Temporary permits are valid in any student lot and are sold for $2 per day or $4 per week, 2) Evening permits are valid from 3:00 p.m. to midnight in any student lot and are $25 per year, 3) Annual permits are valid 24 hours per day in any student lot and cost $45 per year, 4) ACCEL discounted permits are valid in any lot and cost $25 per year.
Q. How do I buy a permit?
A. Temporary permits are available in Security located in the Rogalski Center, and long term permits are only available online. See the link on the Security homepage http://web.sau.edu/security/parking.htm.
Q. Does a permit guarantee a space?
A. No, there are times when the lots may be full. If this happens you will need to find legal parking on the street. We try to minimize these disruptions but please plan additional time to make sure you can find parking.
Q. Where can I park on campus?
A. Students can park in any lot designated as student parking. Areas for visitors and faculty/staff are not available for students. Please see the map located at http://www.sau.edu/generalinfo/maps/SAUmap.jpg.
Q. Can I get a permit if someone is coming to visit?
A. Temporary permits are available in Security for a nominal charge. Please call 333-6104 for more information.
Q. What should I do if I have a vehicle break down or flat tire?
A. Immediately notify Security at 333-6104 if you find your vehicle is inoperable. Often times we can lend a helping hand or help you find the phone number to a garage. This is particularly important to avoid tickets if you have broken down and are in a faculty/staff or visitor lot.
Q. What should I do if my car is damaged or broken into?
A. Immediately contact Security and the Davenport Police. Do not move your car before contacting these agencies. If you are not sure how to contact the police we can help.
Q. Do you ticket cars on campus?
A. Yes, in order to help make space available for those who have purchased a permit and to help keep the campus safe, tickets may be issued every 4 hours until the vehicle is moved.
Q. How do I appeal a ticket?
A. Ticket appeals are generated electronically by following the instructions at www.scapay.com. You cannot appeal a ticket until 1 business day has passed and tickets must be appealed within 7 days of the date of issue. Tickets older then 7 days may not be granted an appeal.
Q. How do I pay a ticket?
A. You may pay for tickets online at www.scapay.com or in the Student Accounts office. If paying in person, please bring the ticket with you.
Q. Do you tow or immobilize cars?
A. Unauthorized vehicles in the following areas can be towed at the owner’s expense: disabled spaces, fire lanes, 24-hour reserved areas, faculty staff lots or those vehicles found blocking roadways and garage doors. Additionally vehicles found on sidewalks, lawns, blocking other vehicles or those with $100 or more in unpaid fines are subject to being towed.
Q. Do you have disabled parking?
A. Yes, there are a number of spaces designated. Contact Security or the Office of Disability Services for more information. If you suffer an injury and need temporary special accommodations please contact the Office of Disability services.
Q. Does the Cosgrove lot flood?
A. During periods of heavy rain the rows closest to Cosgrove hall may flood. If you park here please keep track of the weather and be prepared to move your car. If you are not sure where to move your car, contact Security. All special parking accommodations made during storms will end as soon as the storm is over.
Student Activities
Q. How many clubs and organization are there on campus?
A. St. Ambrose has over 35 student run clubs and organizations in which students can get involved. The clubs and organizations are broken down into special interest groups, service organizations, recreational groups, departmental clubs, and honor societies. Student Activities also offers students the opportunity to start a club if it is not currently offered. To see a more complete list of the clubs and organizations visit our website at http://web.sau.edu/activities/clubs.htm
Q. Is it easy to get involved?
A. Absolutely! Twice a year Student Activities in collaboration with the Campus Activities Board holds Club fest. Club fest is where clubs and organizations share information about their group. It’s a great opportunity to look at all the clubs and organizations and pick one that is right for you!
Q. Can you be involved and still get good grades?
A. Yes, you can still get great grades. Some students say involvement in a club or organization helped them get better grades because it taught them organizational and time management skills. It is all about finding a balance that works for you whether it is as an executive member or as an active member in a group.
Q. What is the difference between Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Student Government Association (SGA)?
A. CAB and SGA are the two of the largest student run organizations on campus. CAB is group of student chairpersons and committee members that handle a large portion of the campus weekend social events. CAB’s events include bringing in bands, comedians and other fun events to entertain our campus community. CAB hosts a free event almost every week. They also plan Homecoming (October), Family Weekend (November), and Siblings Weekend (February). SGA consists of students from each academic college and class that govern the student body and their concerns! They meet weekly, serve on faculty committees, provide input on university policy and offer financial assistance to clubs and organizations. SGA freshman elections are held every September, and there are four seats open for the freshman class.
Q. What is there to do on weekends?
A. There are a number of things to do on the weekend both on and off campus. On campus entertainment varies from enjoying a play or band concert at Galvin to watching one of our Fighting Bees sports teams compete. There are also numerous events by the Campus Activities Board as well as other clubs and departments. The Quad Cities also offer students an abundance of activities. The Figge Art Museum, Putnam Museum and North Park Mall are great places to spend time whether rain or shine. The Mark holds concerts as well as the Adler Theater. If you don’t have a car, Davenport has a public transportation system that is just right for a student budget!
Q. What is Welcome Week?
A. Welcome Week is designed to greet new members of the SAU community. It starts on Friday, August 24th when the residence halls open at 9:00 a.m.. Students can enjoy a session with Michael Miller from High Impact Training on adjusting to college life and meet your New Student Seminar classmates. First year students also have an opportunity to participate in activities and discussions on this year’s book, “Mountains Beyond Mountains” by Paul Farmer. Events also include a hypnotist, Celtic band, service project, and picnic. All of these opportunities are a great way to mix with your new classmates and learn about SAU.
|
