Resources for Students
Apex (Advising, Planning, Experiential Learning)
APEX integrates and coordinates the resources and activities that help students develop intentional educational plans and thoughtful career paths. APEX complements our one-on-one faculty advising system by providing a centralized location for programs and resources. By combining the offices of Academic Advising, the Learning Center, the Registrar, Experiential Learning, Entrepreneurship, Career Planning, and Off-Campus Studies, APEX fosters the cultivation of self-reflective and intentional learning throughout students’ four years at Wooster and prepares them to be lifelong learners and responsible global citizens. One of the goals of APEX is to enable students to translate their liberal arts education at Wooster to life after college through experiential learning programs that foster the integration of theory and practice.
Academic Advising
The Office of Academic Advising complements our faculty advising program and provides an additional resource to students to help them develop intentional and comprehensive educational plans. Staff in the office are available for individual meetings and provide programming to promote student awareness of resources related to academic planning. For more information, please contact Michelle Johnson, Associate Dean for Academic Advising (mjohnson@wooster.edu); or Cathy McConnell, Senior Associate Director of Experiential Learning and Academic Advising (cmcconnell@wooster.edu). You may also call the front desk in APEX at: 330-263-1919.
Learning Center
Located in the APEX, the Learning Center offers academic support to any student on campus. The Learning Center is staffed by professional consultants who work with individual students in scheduled sessions. The sessions focus on time management, organizational skills, and effective study strategies tailored to meet students’ academic needs in specific courses. Students may also take advantage of quiet space for study and computer use at the Learning Center.
The Learning Center is also the office of support for students with disabilities. The College recognizes that students with physical or learning disabilities may have certain needs that require specific accommodations. To ensure equal access to all courses and programs at the College, students are encouraged to submit professional documentation of the disability to the Learning Center. Reasonable and appropriate accommodations will be arranged after students meet with Learning Center staff to review their documentation.
The Learning Center is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no fee for this service and students are encouraged to schedule appointments with the Center early in the semester. The Director of the Learning Center is Amber Larson. For more information, please call 330-263-2595.
Registrar
The Registrar’s Office maintains the academic records of current and former students. The office plays an integral part in academic advising, registering and working with students toward the goal of degree completion. A complete list of provided services is available on the website.
Office hours are M-F 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For additional information, please contact Suzanne Bates, Registrar (sbates@wooster.edu) or Kristine Jamieson, Associate Registrar (kjamieson@wooster.edu) at 330-263-2366.
Experiential Learning
To learn experientially is to make meaning out of direct experience. Wooster expresses experiential learning in a three-tiered model (Exploration, Investigation, and Immersion) incorporating a range of activities including volunteering, job shadowing, field experiences, internships, collaborative research, and mentored team consulting. These opportunities provide students with a situation in which they can employ knowledge, creativity, and judgment to solve real-world problems. Students are expected to link prior knowledge and academic experience to practical situations in a manner which exhibits a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. In addition, effective integration of theory and practice also requires students to utilize a variety of concepts, skills, and problem- solving techniques in an intentional and self-reflective manner. For more information about experiential learning opportunities, please contact Ryan Ozar, Director of Experiential Learning (rozar@wooster.edu), at 330-287-1919.
Center for Entrepreneurship
The Center for Entrepreneurship strives to empower students to pursue their passion (regardless of academic discipline) by learning about and creating entrepreneurial ventures that generate economic (for-profit) and/or social (non-profit) value. The Center for Entrepreneurship wants students to value and understand how important e-ship is to this culture, government, and country. The Center offers workshops, programs, and summer opportunities for entrepreneurial education.
The Center has offices in two locations on campus: Morgan Hall, Entre - preneurship Collaboration Space (first floor), and APEX, lower-level of Gault Library. Students are welcome to drop in and meet with the Director, Peter Abramo (pabramo@wooster.edu), or for more information call 330-263-2224.
Career Planning
Career Planning guides students by offering a wide variety of career development activities, programs, and networking opportunities fostering a seamless student transition from college to the professional world. Our main goal is to help students create a career plan that integrates their academic, personal, and professional goals.
We serve students from the time they register for their first fall classes through their senior year and beyond. We provide resources, tools, and programs to help students develop a professional skill set tailored to their career path. We offer information about careers and majors, access to internships and summer jobs, the opportunity to practice interviewing, attendance at networking events on and off campus, assistance with creating a resume, and implementation of a job search and/or graduate school plan.
For more information, please contact Lisa Kastor, Director, or Lucinda Sigrist, Administrative Coordinator, at 330-263-2496 or email career@wooster.edu.
Off-Campus Study
Off-Campus Study (OCS) seeks to facilitate meaningful off-campus opportunities for students by offering semester-long and short-term programs both domestically and internationally. OCS offers a choice of over 120 semester-long programs in 40 different countries, so students of any academic discipline can find a program to enhance their educational experience.
Our short-term programs (formerly known as Wooster Ins…) are now known as TREKs - Think, Re/search, Engage, Know. TREKs are led by Wooster faculty and vary by theme and location. Some TREKs are embedded in a semester long course at Wooster with the experience abroad taking place during a school break, and some are stand-alone programs that combine the entire course and the experience abroad. The time spent abroad on a TREK program varies from 2-6 weeks, and TREK offerings change each academic year.
Intercultural understanding is becoming more important in our increasingly interconnected world, and an experience off-campus can give students the skills they need to thrive in a globalized society. The College believes that every student should have the opportunity to go abroad, regardless of academic interest or financial situation, and OCS advises students with their academic and professional goals and interests in mind in order to find the best match for each individual. For more information, contact Candace Chenoweth, Director of Off-Campus Study, at 330-263-2074 or see Off-Campus Study.
Math Center
The Math Center in Taylor Hall, Room 301, supports students in introductory level math courses. Staffed by a math professional and/or peer tutors, the Math Center provides walk-in tutoring (no appointment required). Math Center users typically ask for assistance understanding concepts and examples from the text and/or class lectures, preparing for exams, or completing homework assignments. Some students choose to complete all of their math homework at the Center to have immediate access to the Center’s resources, while others bring in problems after attempting an assignment. While the Math Center cannot explain economics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, etc., it can help students from non-math courses solve an equation or complete an integral.
For more information, please contact Ronda Kirsch, Director of the Math Center, at 330-263-2490.
Writing Center
Two ideals figure prominently in a Wooster education: successful writing and independent students. The Writing Center is essential to both. From First-Year Seminar to Senior Independent Study, from receiving a writing assignment to final editing of a paper, from constructing an argument to documenting sources, from process to product, the College Writing Center provides one-on-one guidance, resources, and support for student writers as they work through their academic careers. We strive to enable student writers to make informed, successful, and independent decisions about their writing. The staff includes experienced student writers, knowledgeable professional staff, and professionals in the field of writing. Regular appointments for many Sr. I.S. students and most students working repeatedly with the Writing Center are the best indicators of its importance. The Writing Center also offers a range of programs and writing retreats for First-Year and Senior I.S. students. There is no charge for working in the Writing Center.
Writing is a process that moves from generating ideas for writing to proofreading, and the Writing Center can help at any stage of that process. The Writing Center strives to provide educated readers who ask common-sense questions and point out issues of focus, organization, and tone, as well as mechanics. The staff works from the ideal that repairing one paper is productive, but helping writers to better understand and take control of successful writing provides much greater benefit. Our goal is to help students learn to look at their writing more critically through their identifying writing strengths and our guiding their improvement elsewhere. The Writing Center is located on the first floor of Andrews Library adjacent to CoRE. Appointments are not required, but they are recommended.
Students are encouraged to call Alicia Brazeau, Director of the Writing Center, at 330- 263-2205 or to visit the Writing Center’s website.
CoRE (Collaborative Research Environment)
The Collaborative Research Environment (CoRE), located on the first floor of Andrews Library, is a vibrant and creative environment geared toward collaborative work by students and faculty. CoRE is a place to brainstorm ideas, develop collaborative projects using digital and traditional media, sketch out a new concept, or practice a presentation. Students can consult the Research Help desk in Gault Library, work with consultants at the Writing Center on a script, visit the Digital Studio to create green-screen footage, and then move to the Digital Media Bar to have a Student Technology Associate help with the editing of your dynamic video presentation. Students are encouraged to bring group projects to the CoRE, as it is equipped with multimedia tools for sharing work, along with individual collaboration rooms for a more private collaborative setting. The Cube, a multipurpose room in the center of CoRE, provides a space where students and faculty discuss proposals, present research, and explore new teaching techniques.
For more information, email core@wooster.edu or call the Director of CoRE, call 330-263-2204.
Center for Diversity And Inclusion
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is a nexus of programs and offices coordinated to encourage and foster development of intercultural competency among all campus community members. Merging student life and curricular development with programming and outreach, the Center reflects the College’s ongoing commitment to building an institution which truly reflects our social, cultural, and political heterogeneity. Liberal arts education demands a global perspective, an understanding of the local situated in a broader world context. The CDI aims to foster such perspectives across a range of fields on campus and beyond. For more information, contact Yorgun Marcel at 330-263-2262. The CDI is housed in Babcock Hall and includes the following programs and offices:
Office of Interfaith Campus Ministries (OICM) seeks to challenge and nurture the spiritual and religious life of the campus. For more information, see Student Affairs - Religious and Spiritual Life on Campus.
Office of International Student Affairs (OISA), located in Babcock Hall, supports international and exchange students, global nomads, and language assistants as they adjust to a new culture. OISA also encourages and celebrates their unique contribution to the campus community and beyond. OISA’s goals include: supporting the academic and social success of international students; advocating on behalf of their unique needs and interests; educating international students about their legal rights and obligations; and encouraging intellectual growth campus- wide, with a particular focus on global perspectives and competence. For more information, please contact Yorgun Marcel, Director, at 330-263-2262.
Office of Multi-Cultural Student Affairs (OMSA), located in Babcock Hall, strives to be a key partner in building a diverse and inclusive campus community by celebrating, supporting and advocating for the success of domestic students of color at The College of Wooster. We accomplish this by collaborating with faculty, staff and students to provide thought-provoking programming, excellent service and challenging outreach opportunities.
For more information please contact Shadra Smith, Director, at at 330-263-2067.
Office of Sexuality and Gender Inclusion (OSGI), located in Babcock Hall, works with all members of the College community to ensure an inclusive and affirming living and learning environment for all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations. OSGI hosts events and programs to encourage critical thinking about sexuality and gender. We provide support, training, outreach, and leadership development for all students, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+), as well as allies. For more information, please contact Melissa Chesanko, Director, at 330-287-3263.
Ambassadors Program, annually selects four geographically diverse international students or global nomads to serve as Ambassadors for their homeland. The Ambassadors investigate selected topics pertinent to their home countries in order to become “student experts” in these subjects. Ambassadors receive training and funding, and create presentations covering their countries, cultures and current events that are available to the local community at no cost. These presentations occur on campus, in local primary and secondary schools, and at community events. The Ambassadors Program also provides campus-wide programming aimed at bringing the world to Wooster. For more information, please contact Nicola Kille, Associate Director, Office of International Student Affairs, at 330-263-2074.
Safe Zone Practicum, is a course designed to create a team of student educators to assist in Safe Zone training workshops, development of trainings, and other activities throughout the semester in residence halls, classrooms, student organizations, and around campus. This course seeks to address the concepts of gender, gender identity and sexual orientation while combating inequity, stereotyping and discrimination based on: transphobia, cissexism, homophobia, heterosexism, biphobia, sexism, racism, classism, ablism, and xenophobia. Interdisciplinary course materials and topics with focus on leadership, interpersonal communication, group facilitation, multiculturalism/social justice, and queer theory. Students of all identities are welcome in the course.
I-Seminar, showcases senior Independent Study projects that address CDI themes in a setting where faculty, staff and students from diverse perspectives can engage in dialogue within and across academic disciplines. Projects highlighted during I-Seminars address CDI themes such as: inclusion, collaboration, and respect; global engagement, such as projects that study the interaction between diverse peoples and cultures, or problems posed by globalization; international and domestic diversity, including race, class, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, abilities, etc. and minority and historically undeserved communities. I-seminars provide students with useful feedback from multiple perspectives to enable them to determine how best to move forward with their projects and also help students develop public speaking skills. For more information, please contact Erica Weber, Administrative Assistant, at 330-263-2434.
Cross-Cultural Connections (C3), located in Westminster Cottage, seeks to actively engage students in a Living-Learning Community that broadens their understanding of issues of social justice, identity, and global engagement. This is done through a selection of 4 cohort topics that members research throughout the year and present at the end of the Spring semester. For more information, please contact HerBrina Shepherd at 330-287-1910 or Kendra Morehead at 330-287-3511.
The College of Wooster Art Museum (CWAM) in Ebert Art Center
The College of Wooster Art Museum (CWAM) supports and enhances the College’s goals of teaching, research, and service through exhibitions, scholarship, collection preservation, and public engagement. Because artists play a crucial role in all aspects of culture and society, direct experiences with original works of art actively support the teaching of critical thinking and visual literacy through engagement with art-from ancient to contemporary-presented within a social and historical context. The museum program promotes campus-wide collaborations and interdisciplinary dialogue and acts as a catalyst for creative engagement both on campus and between the College and regional and national audiences.
Located in the Ebert Art Center, the CWAM presents four to six exhibitions each academic year in its two galleries-the Sussel Gallery and the Burton D. Morgan Gallery. These exhibitions include those by national and internationally renowned artists, course-embedded student-curated projects, the annual Studio Art Senior Independent Study group exhibition, and faculty sabbatical exhibitions. With a permanent collection of over 8,500 objects, the CWAM organizes at least one collection exhibition annually and collection materials are available for faculty, student, and classroom study.
For more information about The College of Wooster Art Museum visit: wooster.edu/cwam or contact Kitty McManus Zurko, Director/Curator at 330-263-2290.
Information Technology
Information Technology (IT) at Wooster facilitates access to and use of information, communication, and collaboration technologies. IT strives to provide technology resources that are appropriate in the context of Wooster’s liberal arts tradition, its mission, and its core values. The use of information technology resources is integral to students’ development in each of Wooster’s Graduate Qualities.
Students, faculty, and staff have access to information resources, communications and multimedia tools, software applications, and specialized computing environments. They are supported in their endeavors by a team of professional staff and a team of Student Technology Assistants.
Wooster’s campus network provides access to campus technology and Internet resources. Pervasive wired and wireless networks make it possible for students to use their notebook computers anywhere on campus for research, study, work, communications, and entertainment.
For additional information about Information Technology at Wooster, please visit the Information Technology section of the College’s website.
Libraries
The College of Wooster Libraries consist of the Andrews Library (1962), made possible largely through a gift from the late Mabel Shields (Mrs. Matthew) Andrews of Cleveland; the Flo K. Gault Library for Independent Study (1995), made possible by a major gift from Stanley and Flo K. Gault of Wooster; and the Timken Science Library in Frick Hall, the original University of Wooster Library (1900-62), the gift of Henry Clay Frick of Pittsburgh, and renovated in 1998 largely through the gift of the Timken Foundation of Canton, Ohio. The libraries provide seating for nearly 780 library users, including over 400 carrels for seniors engaged in Independent Study. Sixteen group study rooms allow small groups of students to work collaboratively. All libraries have secure wireless access to the Internet.
The libraries’ holdings are approximately 1.7 million items including physical and electronic books, periodicals, microforms, recorded materials, media, newspapers, and government publications. The libraries are a selective depository for United States government publications. There are several special collections. Most notable is the Wallace Notestein Library of English History; others include the McGregor Collection of Americana, the Homer E. McMaster Lincoln Collection, the Paul O. Peters Collection on rightist American politics, the Gregg D. Wolfe Memorial Library of the Theatre, and the Josephine Long Wishart Collection of women’s advice literature, “Mother, Home, and Heaven.” The extensive microtext collections include the Atlanta University-Bell & Howell Black Culture Collection, the Library of American Civilization, Herstory, and the Greenwood Science Fiction Collection.
Wooster’s library catalog is part of CONSORT, an electronic catalog shared with Denison University, Kenyon College, and Ohio Wesleyan University. CONSORT, in turn, is part of OhioLINK, a network of 120 academic and public libraries throughout the state. Wooster faculty and students may order any of over 43 million books and other materials directly from any CONSORT or OhioLINK library via the online catalog and receive them within 2-3 working days. Interlibrary loan of books from out-of-state libraries or periodical articles is also available but may take more time to receive.
The CONSORT and OhioLINK catalogs, as well as more than 568 other electronic databases, many including full text articles, are available in residence halls and faculty offices via the campus computer network. The campus’ Virtual Private Network provides Wooster faculty, staff, and students with worldwide access to electronic library resources.
The libraries also include classrooms, computer labs, a digital curation lab, and the Collaborative Research Environment (CoRE) which houses the Digital Studio (one button video production, podcast studio, and production editing suite), plus the Educational Technology run Media Bar and makerspace with 3D printers.
Librarians are available to assist users in navigating the research process and creating new information. Aid is given at the research help desk, via course-related presentations, or in individual consultations. An active information fluency program equips students at all levels for independent research.
For more information, please contact Irene Herold, Librarian of the College, at 330-263-2152.
Campus Council
In the spring of 1969, a Campus Council was created, which joined in its membership students, faculty, staff, and administration to legislate in the areas of student life and extracurricular affairs and to issue advisory opinions and make recommendations to the President of the College, the Board of Trustees, and other organizations. One of the Council’s responsibilities is to charter all student organizations and allocate their budgets.
Since its creation, the Council has become an increasingly effective forum in which ideas are heard, exchanged, and coordinated into action. A contribution of major significance was the Council’s sponsorship of the drafting and its continued oversight of the Code of Academic Integrity and the Code of Social Responsibility.
Intercollegiate Athletics and Intramural Sports
The College of Wooster believes that all phases of physical education (instructional classes, intramural sports, and intercollegiate athletics) are integral parts of the total educational program. All intercollegiate athletics are under the direction of the Department of Physical Education and Athletics.
The College is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the North Coast Athletic Conference; its conduct of men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletics is governed by the policies of these organizations. The men’s program includes eleven sports: baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, indoor and outdoor track. The women’s varsity program includes twelve sports: basketball, cross-country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, and volleyball.
Tuition includes free admission for students to all regularly-scheduled intercollegiate contests held in Wooster (excludes tournaments and post-season).
A varied intramural program is offered for both men and women. Activities include flag football, bowling, volleyball, golf, soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee, floor hockey, billiards, swimming, tennis, and softball, among others. The intramural department encourages individual students as well as student groups to suggest new activities.
A student group desiring to use one of the College’s intercollegiate practice or game fields or facilities must obtain prior permission from the chairperson of the Department of Physical Education and Athletics. For more information, please contact Keith Beckett, Director, or Ashley Reid, Assistant Athletic Director, at 330-263-2183.
Music
The Scot Marching Band is an organization of about 170 musicians which plays at all home football games and one invitational band festival. The Scot Symphonic Band (about 80 members) gives three home concerts each season and tours during a portion of the spring vacation. The Scot Pipers and Dancers perform with the Marching Band during football season, make appearances around the state during the school year, and tour with the Symphonic Band in the spring. Membership in the Marching Band is open to all students. Symphonic Band membership requires an audition.
Wooster Chorus, the College’s premier choral ensemble, presents several concerts both on and off-campus throughout the academic year, including a week-long domestic tour in the spring. Membership is for the full academic year, and is open to all students by audition.
Wooster Singers is a mixed-voice choir open to all students without audition. This ensemble explores choral music of a wide range of styles and historic periods. At least one performance is scheduled each semester.
Wooster Symphony Orchestra is a college/community ensemble of over 60 musicians made up of students, faculty, and local citizens which plays three subscription concerts each season. Wooster Symphony membership requires an audition.
Jazz Ensemble is an organization of 18-20 players which performs three home concerts per year in addition to occasional outside appearances. A variety of musical styles is included, and there is opportunity for members to contribute original compositions and arrangements. Jazz Ensemble membership requires an audition.
Jazz Combos are performing ensembles composed of three to ten instrumentalists devoted to the study and performance of small-group jazz (hot, swing, bebop, cool, progressive, and fusion).
Ensembles are smaller groups, such as string, woodwind, brass, and percussion ensembles, which function in addition to the above groups as there is a demand or requirement.
For more information on student music groups, please contact the Department Chair, or Donna Reed, Administrative Coordinator, at 330-263-2419.
Religious and Spiritual Life on Campus
The religious community at The College of Wooster is diverse. A variety of groups, programs, and services are provided for religious expression and spiritual growth seeking to deepen conversations about life’s big questions. Religious & Spiritual Life (RSL) strives to increase religious literacy, provide opportunities for inter-group dialogue, and develop deep communities. Student organizations offer a variety of ways for students to integrate their spiritual and religious development with their intellectual, social, and personal growth.
The Chaplain coordinates religious and spiritual life for the campus. The Chaplain and RSL team seek to nurture the spiritual and religious life of the campus. Campus-wide programs include Interfaith Scholars, Worthy Questions, Sacred Spaces, as well as a range of volunteer service and social justice opportunities both locally and outside of Wooster. The Chaplain and other RSL staff are available for individual conversations with students, for programs dealing with questions of faith and meaning, and as a resource for religious life and observances. Visit RSL’s webpage available on the college’s website under the Student Affairs section. The offices are in the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.
Worthy Questions invites students to meet weekly to explore with others the ‘quest’ for purpose and meaning that serves to integrate diverse aspects of one’s life. Mentors from the community join the students in the process of learning to “ask questions worthy of the person they may become.” The program accepts applications annually.
Interfaith Scholars is a group of freshman and sophomore students who meet six times a semester to learn about each other’s faith traditions and to improve their skills at interfaith dialogue. The group also takes field trips to various local places of worship. Students apply to the program at the beginning of their first year.
Newman Catholic Community offers services, activities, retreats, social justice programs, and speakers. All are open to all students at the College.
UKirk is the community co-sponsored by Westminster Presbyterian Church. Monthly dinners, weekly “Agape Latte” coffee conversations, and an annual winter break trip are part of this group.
Wooster Christian Fellowship is affiliated nationally with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. The group meets weekly for worship, teaching, and fellowship as well as offering occasional retreats, conferences, and camps. The group also sponsors a number of small group Bible studies, and affiliated student groups like WordUp!.
Wooster Quakers meet for Quaker worship and fellowship weekly at 10:45am on Sundays in the basement of Westminster Church House.
Jewish life on campus centers around the Hillel group. It works to increase the appreciation and observance of Judaism, welcoming non-Jewish students who are interested. The group sponsors activities for the entire campus, including traditional Jewish religious celebrations, guest lectures, movies, and discussions. The activities of the Hillel community are supported, in part, by the Lottie Kornfeld Endowment.
Muslim life on campus centers on Noor. Noor exists to inform the campus community about the rich Islamic tradition and heritage; as such, its membership is open to all members of campus. It also provides a community for Muslim students and arranges periodic trips to the area mosque, special meal arrangements for Ramadan, and observances of major religious holidays.
Unitarian Universalist life is supported by the Wooster Unitarian Universalist group. This group meets weekly for dinner and discussion and participates regularly in social justice activities.
Westminster Presbyterian Church is the congregation-in-residence at The College of Wooster. The congregation meets for worship on Sundays at 10:45 a.m. in The Westminster Church House. Students are invited to be active in the congregation as full or associate members. Westminster sponsors various campus programs in conjunction with Religious & Spiritual Life and other religious groups on campus.
Congregations in the Wooster area welcome students to their services and to their community life. A number of congregations welcome student participation in their choirs or offer employment opportunities. A directory is available on the RSL webpage.
For more information, please contact Alex Serna-Wallander, Chaplain and Director of Religious & Spiritual Life, at 330-263-2558 or rls@wooster.edu.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) is the formal assembly of the student body that is an advocate for student concerns through five committees; Outreach and Diversity, Public Relations, Student Services, and Student Advocacy. Additionally, SGA provides various campus services, such as transportation to/from Cleveland-Hopkins and Canton-Akron airports at College breaks. The Senators (elected by specific graduating years) and the Cabinet members (elected by the entire college) each have specific responsibilities and participate in weekly Senate meetings and Cabinet meetings. For more information, please contact Monét Davis, Student President, mdavis19@wooster.edu.
Student Organizations
Approximately, 100 active student organizations are chartered by Campus Council. These organizations are open to any interested students and provide a variety of activities for students to participate in outside the classroom. They include academic, art and culture, club sports, faith based, fraternities and sororities, honorary, media, multi-ethnic, performance, special interest, and volunteer/service organizations. If a student wants to start a new student organization, that is also an option! For more information, please visit the Lowry Center and Student Activities Office in Lowry Center or visit our website.
Student Publications
The College of Wooster supports a variety of student publications. These publications enrich the cultural life at Wooster and provide students with a range of avenues to engage in the creative and thoughtful expression of ideas. They also offer students hands-on experience in managing, editing, and publishing.
Black & Gold is an undergraduate, multidisciplinary journal committed to showcasing outstanding research and writing of faculty-mentored College of Wooster students.
The Goliard is the College literary and art journal. It is published annually and is staffed by students from all classes.
The Index is the College yearbook, published annually and staffed by students from all classes.
Sapere Aude is the Wooster Journal of Philosophical Inquiry and is in its third year.
The Voice is the College weekly newspaper, staffed by students from all classes.
Year One Journal is the annual publication of the First-Year Seminar Program. It features prose, fiction, and visual art produced by first-year students. It is staffed by upper-class students under the guidance of the Director of the Writing Center.
For more information regarding student publications, please contact John Barnard of the Publications Committee.
Theatre and Dance
Each year auditions for two faculty directed theatre and two faculty directed dance productions are open to all College of Wooster students regardless of major or year of study. Additional opportunities often include I.S. productions, staged readings of new works, and Directing class projects. Actors and dancers are selected based on their talent/ability and appropriateness for the specific role or dance piece. It is not uncommon for first-year and sophomore students to be cast in major roles or selected for concert pieces alongside upper class students since juniors and seniors are immersed in their Independent Study projects. For more information, please contact the Department Chair, or Patrice Smith, Administrative Coordinator, at 330-263-2541.
Women’s Clubs and Men’s Sections (Greek Life)
There are six local social clubs for women and four local social sections for men on campus. In a variety of ways, these groups function similarly to local sororities and fraternities. Any student in good academic and social standing is eligible for membership. The general functioning of the sections and clubs, including rushing, bidding, and new member education, is under the jurisdiction of the Inter-Greek Council and the Committee on Selective Organizations. The latter holds the final authority for the policy affecting these organizations. Approximately twelve percent of the student body is involved in sections and clubs. Sections and clubs may apply for College housing each year. Currently, nine groups are housed as units in College housing. For more information, please contact Joe Kirk, Director, at 330-263-2342.
Wooster Activities Crew (W.A.C.)
The Wooster Activities Crew (W.A.C.) is the campus programming board, run by students for the Wooster community. The group’s purpose is to plan, promote, and produce entertaining and socially engaging events that both provide academic relief and unite the student body. W.A.C. brings innovative and novelty events to the College, as well as plans annual events such as Party on the Green, Winter Gala, and Springfest.
Wooster Volunteer Network
The Wooster Volunteer Network(WVN) is run by a student board advised by The Director of Civic and Social Responsibility. It serves as an umbrella organization to coordinate and encourage service in the broader Wooster community and beyond. Opportunities include monthly information and networking meetings, regular weekend service activities, annual off-campus break trips, service themed residential houses overseen in partnership with The Office of Residence Life. Students who are interested in creating projects or getting involved in community service are encouraged to come to the monthly meetings, visit volunteer.wooster.edu, or contact the Director of Civic and Social Responsibility.
Campus Dining and Conference Services
Food is provided to College of Wooster students on a meal plan by the College owned-and-operated Campus Dining and Conference Services department. Students may select the meal plan that best suits their lifestyle and their dining habits. The meal plan choices incorporate a mix of traditional, all-you-care-to-eat meals in Lowry dining hall and Flex Dollars that can be spent like cash to purchase food and drinks at campus food locations.
Meal counts are expressed in number of meals per semester, and are not limited to number of times per day or week they can be used. Neither the unused dining hall meals nor the unused Flex Dollars will roll over from semester to semester or year to year. Students must present their College I.D. card in order to utilize their meal plan. Students approved to live off-campus are welcome to subscribe separately to the meal plan contract. Students may also utilize any balances they may have in their COW Card Debit account for food purchases at Lowry, MacLeod’s, Knowlton Cafe, Mom’s, Old Main Café, Pop’s, and vending machines.
Lowry Center Dining Hall is located on the top floor of Lowry Center and features an all-you-care-to-eat food-court style meal contract service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Dining hours and menus can be viewed online at www.wooster.edu/Student-Life.
MacLeod’s Coffee Bar and Convenience Store is located in the Lowry Center main lounge and offers freshly brewed Erie Island drip coffee, espresso-based drinks, and a host of convenience store products. Hours of operation can be viewed online.
Mom’s is located on the ground floor of Lowry Center and features ala carte grill foods, cold salads, coffee, fruit smoothies, sandwiches, soups, fountain drinks, and milkshakes. Mom’s accepts cash, COW Card Debit, Credit/Debit Cards, and meal plan Flex Dollars. Hours of operation can be viewed online.
Old Main Café, located on the “Garden Level” of Kauke Hall, provides students, faculty and staff with a relaxing oasis, whether they are seeking a break between classes or a comfortable coffee-house atmosphere. The Old Main Café offers an extensive menu of coffee, featuring Erie Island espresso-based drinks as well as drip coffee, teas, hot chocolate and bottled beverages. Treat yourself to muffins, dessert bars and cheesecakes. Freshly-prepared salads and sandwiches are available daily and include vegan and vegetarian specialties. Cash, COW card, department charges, Credit/Debit cards, and meal plan Flex dollars are accepted as forms of payment. Sorry, we do not accept meal plan swipes.
Pop’s Sub-Stop is located on the ground floor of Lowry Center and offers quick, grab-n-go convenience for lunch, Monday through Friday. Gluten-free and vegan options are availalbe. Cash, COW card, department charges , Credit/Debit cards, meal plan Flex dollars, and meal plan swipes are accepted as forms of payment. Hours of operation can be viewed online.
The Knowlton Café, located in the Ruth W. Williams Hall of Life Science, offers locally roasted Erie Island coffee and espresso-based drinks, bottled beverages as well as muffins, whole fruit smoothies, freshly-prepared salads and sandwiches, and two hot soup options. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are available. Cash, COW card, personal/department charges and Flex dollars on meal plan are accepted as forms of payment. We also accept credit and debit cards. Sorry, we do not accept meal plan swipes.
Campus Dining and Conference Services can provide Catering services and onlocation catering in any campus building or on the campus grounds at a reasonable cost. The Campus Dining Services Customer Service Office processes all catering requests, and administers all meal plans. The Customer Service Office can answer questions and resolve problems with regards to the meal plan. More information about catering can be viewed online. The Campus Dining Services Customer Service is located on the lower level of Lowry and may be reached by calling 330-263-2358.
Housing and Residence Life
The College of Wooster is a residential college; all students live on campus for their entire College career. Students must be enrolled full-time (three full course credits or more) to reside in College housing. Students must live in College housing unless they are granted off-campus living permission by the Dean of Students or their designee.
When a student’s course registration drops to fewer than three full course credits or a student’s status is changed to “Leave of Absence” or “Withdrawn,” then the student must immediately vacate the College’s residence hall or program house. Written exceptions to this requirement may be granted by the Dean of Students or their designee. Exceptions will be granted only for compelling reasons.
The College reserves the right to remove or relocate students living in College housing when circumstances warrant such action.
A variety of housing options for individuals and groups are available, including coeducational and single-gender floors, and program-oriented halls. Housing options include the Senior Specialized Housing, and Club and Section Housing among many others. All College residence halls and program houses have access to the computer network.
Residence hall rooms vary in size, configuration, and styles of the furnishings. Rooms have a study desk, chair, bed, mattress, dresser, and window shades. Bedding, pillows, rugs, and other equipment are provided by the resident(s). Students provide and care for their own bed linen. Washers and dryers are provided for all College housing.
The College is not responsible for loss or damage to clothing and personal effects in student rooms. Consequently, students are encouraged to carry their own insurance on personal property and to lock their room doors when out of the room.
In addition to living in traditional residence halls, a number of students are housed in program houses located throughout campus. These houses accommodate groups of four to thirty people. Students are required to complete a special application to be considered for residence in these units. Groups living in Wooster Volunteer Network houses participate in volunteer activities that serve the campus and local community. All housing options are administered by the Office of Residence Life.
In each residence hall and cluster of program houses, Resident Assistants are available for the support of the students in these communities. RAs are second semester first-year, sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are trained to provide guidance, peer advising, and referral to campus services for students. Professional staff also live within the residential community to aid the residents.
For new students, a room reservation is made when an applicant has been accepted for admission, paid the enrollment and security deposit, and submitted the appropriate housing materials. New students must maintain a residence in College housing unless they apply for an exception. Housing assignments for new students will be completed and mailed in late July/early August by the Residence Life staff.
College residential facilities are open to students through the entire academic year, with the exception of winter break. Students who do not have special permission to engage in a special College activity (graduation, sporting events, etc.) are asked to vacate their rooms at the close of a semester, no later than twenty-four hours after their last examination. During the second semester, those who are graduating may remain on campus until commencement ceremonies have concluded.
Information on fees may be found in the Catalogue section entitled Expenses. Information on housing may be acquired by calling the Office of Residence Life at 330- 263-2498.
Lowry Center
Lowry Center, the College’s student union, opened in the fall of 1968 as a memorial to Howard Lowry, President of Wooster from 1944 to 1967. In the “Role of the College Union”, the Association of College Unions International states the following:
The union is an integral part of the educational mission of the College. As the center of the college community life, the union complements the academic experience through an extensive variety of cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs. These programs provide the opportunity to balance course work and free time as cooperative factors in education.
Lowry Center provides students with a range of services and contains a variety of multi-purpose areas including the bookstore, post office, information desk, MacLeod’s convenience store, game room, main lounge, art exhibit area, meeting rooms, the gallery of international flags, dining facilities, 24-hour printing center, and Mom’s Truckstop snack bar. Also located in the building are offices for the College newspaper, Student Government Association, and Wooster Activities Crew.
Security and Protective Services
The Security and Protective Services Department provides law enforcement response, crime prevention education, and security services to the campus community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The department also works closely with the Wooster Police Department, Wooster Fire Department and other College and City offices to provide such services and resources to the Wooster community. Primary duties include the safety and security of students, grounds and facilities. The department also monitors the College’s 911 system, fire safety systems, and campus access system. The SPS department is responsible for upholding the College policies found within The Scot’s Key as well as local, state and federal laws.
The office is located on Wayne Ave., just east of the Longbrake Student Wellness Center, and is staffed 24 hours a day. The Department seeks to promote and preserve the security and safety of the College community. Our philosophy is based on the concept that officers and members of the College community work together in creative ways to help solve problems related to crime and fear of crime. Our goal is to have a positive presence here on campus based on mutual understanding and respect. Foot patrols inside buildings and bike patrols around campus are opportunities to become closer to our community. Establishing and maintaining a mutual trust within the College community is used to improve our ability to prevent crime and solve problems. Policy enforcement and intervention activities will be conducted in such a way as to provide a positive learning experience when possible.
The Security Department also provides numerous services to the campus community including: safety escorts, property engraving, residential education programs, fire safety programs, vehicle and bicycle registration, student security patrols, CPR/First-Aid, a rental car program (Hertz-On-Demand), and other programs. The Security and Protective Services Department is also responsible for the enforcement of parking regulations on campus. All vehicles parked on the College of Wooster campus must display a valid permit. Permits can be obtained at the Security office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For information on parking, visit http://www.wooster.edu/students/security. Requests for services can be made by contacting the Security and Protective Services Department at 330-263-2590.
Student Wellness Center
The Longbrake Student Wellness Center (LSWC) provides comprehensive health services for College of Wooster students enrolled on a full-time basis. The staff consists of physicians contracted from the Cleveland Clinic Wooster, professional psychological counselors, a certified health educator, certified athletic trainers, an office administrator, and registered nursing staff to maintain 24-hour service during the academic year. Services include physician appointments, GYN appointments, nurse evaluations, blood draws, medications, EKGs, allergy injections, hydration IVs, counseling appointments, cold care and first aid center, and overnight student beds. There is a contracted nutritionist and a massage therapist who can be scheduled through the front desk, and paid for by the student.
Physicians are available to students by appointment Monday through Friday 8:30am to 11:30am at no out of pocket charge. Confidential counseling services are available at the Wellness Center (no fee for the first five counseling sessions per semester, 20$ per session after). The athletic trainer evaluates non-varsity student athletes at the Wellness Center by appointment. The Cold Care Center/ First Aid center is an educational, self-treatment room within Wellness for evaluation and treatment of respiratory infections (colds) with over the counter medications.. The First Aid section is available for treatment of minor injuries, with band-aid and anti-bacterial ointments. The Cold Care Center/ First Aid Center is accessible 24/7 on a walk in basis. Programing out of the Health Education office includes two lunch time yoga programs on Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00am to 11:50am in the PEC, and other programs throughout the academic year are done by peer educators. The Health Education office also provides TIPS training for student organizations to teach party monitoring and bystander intervention.
The student is required to have health insurance coverage through a parent or individual plan. Insurance will be used if the student needs to be seen at a medical facility outside of the LSWC.
For more information, please contact the Longbrake Student Wellness Center at 330-263-2319.
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