Student Life and Support Services
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The Student Community
Rivier University is a Roman Catholic co-ed institution, founded by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. The University trusts that all students enroll voluntarily with the knowledge and understanding of Rivier’s mission. The University makes every effort to maintain the highest standards of conduct and to promote among its constituents the spirit of loyalty to the University and its commitments. True to its aims and ideals, Rivier University endeavors to uphold moral and scholastic standards.
All members of the Rivier community share the responsibility to ensure conditions conducive to the stated missions, processes, and function of the University. The University has the duty to develop policies and procedures that provide and safeguard its daily activities and to develop them within the context of general standards and with the broadest possible participation of the members of the University community.
University administrators welcome dialogue on current issues and on University policies. They ask only that students respect established channels of communication. The Student Government Association is the primary channel through which full-time students’ views and opinions reach University officials. For additional information regarding SGA, consult the Student Handbook.
For students in the evening programs, the primary channel of communication is through a member of the Academic Affairs staff or through a member of the Student Affairs staff.
These processes of positive student involvement in campus life are viewed as integral to the educational experience.
Commitment of self-discipline and mutual respect towards one another are expected of all members of the University community and are essential elements of a Christian-principled, Christian-centered environment. University rules and regulations are a means toward that end.
Sanctions are not considered the primary means of developing responsible student conduct. Example, established policies, procedures and communication are believed to be more effective agents for encouraging mature and responsible student behavior. When these fail, however, the University must assert its disciplinary authority. It is the responsibility of the Vice President for Student Affairs (or designee) to enforce all social regulations and to impose appropriate penalties for misconduct when necessary.
Rivier provides professional academic advising to students in order to assist them in course selection and program progression requirements. Students are advised by faculty in their major regarding course selections relative to the major. Academic & Career Advisors provide guidance to undergraduate students for course selection in the core, electives or exploration areas that balance out their major selections. The goal of the academic advisors is to assist students in selecting courses that will best meet their major progression requirements, as well as facilitate their scheduling needs and serve as a facilitator of identifying and connecting academic and campus support services to ensure each student’s academic success. The Academic & Career Advisors also provide registration services, assist with add/drop/withdrawals, major changes and adding a minor, graduation requirement assistance, and academic counseling and referral assistance. Students are required to meet with their academic advisors when withdrawing from classes or the school in order to receive counsel regarding the impact of their decision on their financial aid, housing, athletic status, and other campus-related issues. The Office of Academic & Career Advising is open full-time for undergraduate day and professional studies students.
Academic Support Center
The Academic Support Center provides individualized academic services and is staffed by professional writing consultants, graduate students, and peer tutors. Assistance is available for writing, academic skills, and course content. Academic Support services can be accessed through reserved, drop-in, and Zoom appointments and reserved and drop-in hours for content-specific tutoring (including math, history, nursing, modern languages, psychology, biology and chemistry). All services are offered at a variety of times weekdays and evenings.
The Academic Support Center also sponsors special workshops for classes and individual students and maintains files containing current course syllabi, assignments, and sample papers for use with students. There are no fees for undergraduate and graduate students who take advantage of the Center’s services.
All full-time faculty announce and post office hours during which they are available for student consultation. Students should take advantage of this opportunity for clarification of class material and guidance in instruction. At the beginning of each semester, part-time faculty announce the manner in which students may consult with them. Students are invited to consult often with their instructors on course matters. Those who may be experiencing academic problems are especially encouraged to discuss the matter directly with the instructor involved.
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The Employment Promise Program, started in the fall of 2016 for all full-time undergraduate students, is intended to provide career preparation and employability of students in all academic disciplines. The program includes mentorship through Rivier’s Office of Career Services, an agreement of investment goals and expectations, and a specialized four-year, academic and professional development plan that incorporates experiences proven to increase overall employability and success in the job search process.
The EPP is structured around academic, leadership, professional development and service experiences which are woven throughout students’ four years at Rivier. In the program, students focus on a progression of development goals, from first year to final year: Acclimate, Leverage, Prepare and Succeed (ALPS). Advisement throughout the program is provided by faculty advisors in all disciplines, academic advisors, and career services advisors. Career investment goals include graduating with a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.000 cumulative GPA; involvement in leadership, community service and internship experiences; and participation in career counseling and professional development opportunities.
For more information, students should contact the Office of Admissions, Office of Career Services, or the Office of Academic & Career Advising.
New Student Orientation
At Rivier, all first-year, undergraduate transfer and international students are introduced to university life during an orientation program. The program is an opportunity for students to begin building relationships with faculty, staff, and peers. Orientation assists students in succeeding academically and understanding the University culture. Rivier recognizes that students have individual needs and tailors special information sessions for students who are commuters, transfer students, and/or resident students. In order to gain a thorough understanding of the curriculum and services, all students are expected to attend their specific orientation program.
Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry, located in the Dion Center, serves the spiritual, social, and personal needs of the campus community, providing opportunities where values are challenged and faith is affirmed. Rooted in the Roman Catholic mission of the university, Campus Ministry is concerned with faith formation, service, spiritual and personal growth, peace and social justice, and leadership development. Persons of all faiths are welcome to participate in various religious and service opportunities.
- Faith Formation: Opportunities for faith sharing and ongoing formation are offered by Campus Ministry.
- Service: Campus Ministry promotes the principles of Catholic Social Teaching by providing opportunities for direct service to others as well as advocacy for the poor and marginalized.
- Spiritual and Personal Growth: Retreat and prayer opportunities for personal and spiritual growth are offered. Campus Ministry celebrates life, helps reflect on its rhythm, highlights holy days, ritualizes key moments of transition, and celebrates Eucharist. Preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation is available for those who are interested in becoming members of the Catholic Church.
- Peace and Social Justice: Through workshops, discussions, and fundraising, Campus Ministry aims to raise an awareness of the needs of the global community and to discern appropriate response to these needs.
- Leadership Development: Campus Ministry offers opportunities for servant leadership; leadership based on the belief that we are called to serve and not be served. These opportunities include roles at liturgies and prayer experiences, oversight of various volunteer projects, and program development and implementation.
Career Development
The Career Development Center provides assistance regarding career planning efforts, including pursuit of employment. Online resources provide information on target industries and occupations, potential employers, job seeking techniques, and general career planning.
Programs, workshops, and individual career advising sessions are offered to assist students in the career decision-making process, as well as job search strategies (e.g. resume writing and interviewing skills). An annual job fairs are held during the spring semester. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this annual event. The Career Development Center is located in the Learning Commons. Visit our website at www.rivier.edu/cdc or contact the Center by phone (603) 897-8227 or cdc@rivier.edu.
Counseling and Wellness Services
The services of a mental health counselor are available to all full-time students. These services are designed to assist students in maximizing their collegiate experiences; the emphasis is on promoting wellness and enabling students to safeguard their own well-being. Services include short-term individual counseling, group counseling, workshops on personal growth issues, and referrals to appropriate off-campus agencies.
Information shared in a counseling session is confidential and will not be disclosed to any outside party without the student’s prior written permission. There are exceptions to the student’s right to confidentiality: The University has a legal and ethical obligation to protect the student if it believes the student is likely to harm themselves or others. The University is legally obligated to report to the appropriate authorities if it believes the student is physically or sexually abusing a child or vulnerable adult.
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Alcohol and Drug Prevention
Rivier uses an on-line education tool aimed at education and prevention on topics such as alcohol and drug use. Through readings, exercises and on-line assessment, students will explore their perceptions and misperceptions about alcoholism and drug abuse. In addition, students will identify their own risk factors for substance abuse. This is a required class for all new incoming students. In addition to the Alcohol/Drug course, the classes also provide students with education and information on tobacco, nutrition, stress and sexual assault prevention.
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A student who requires accommodations for a learning or physical disability is encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services at (603) 897-8497 to inquire about services available.
Rivier University recognizes that learning styles differ from person to person. Physical, perceptual, or emotional challenges experienced by students may require additional supports and accommodations to equalize opportunities. Rivier University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. To accomplish this goal effectively and to ensure the best use of resources, the University expects students to provide timely notice of a disability to the Office of Disability Services for verification and for evaluation of available options. Any student whose disabilities fall within Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should inform the instructor within the first two weeks of the term of any special needs or equipment necessary to equalize their access to the course. To obtain current information on this procedure, contact the Director of Disability Services or visit our website https://www.rivier.edu/academics/support-services/disability-services/ .
ID Cards
Prior to the beginning of classes all new students must obtain a valid University ID, which is issued by the Department of Public Safety and Security Office, located at the Dion Center, Room 204.
- ID cards are required for checking materials out of Regina Library, admittance to computer labs, admission to all University events on campus as well as to social/cultural functions or sporting attractions in Boston and surrounding areas and for Nashua Transit transportation in the City of Nashua.
- Some ID cards can be used as an electronic door key for access to the residence halls and around campus.
- ID cards can also be used for printing services and some vending machines on campus.
- ID cards are also useful to students for obtaining meal discounts at the Library Café and in the dining hall. In order to use the ID cards at the Café and dining hall appropriate arrangements must be made at the Student Accounts Office, located in Adrienne Hall.
- Lost or stolen ID cards should be reported to the Department of Public Safety and Security Office immediately; replacements will be issued and a replacement charge will be assessed if deemed appropriate for $15.00.
- Falsifying or in any way altering an ID card is considered a serious infraction of University policy.
International Students
International students from around the world are encouraged to apply. International students who wish to study with F-1 student status must be accepted to a Rivier University degree program and have submitted all required regulatory documents under U.S. federal law before an immigration form I-20 is issued. Those requirements can be found in further this catalog or on the University’s website. All international students in either the day or professional studies evening program, must be admitted to Rivier University as full-time students and must maintain legal Fl student status for the duration of their study at Rivier University. The Director of Global Engagement serves as the International Student Advisor in the Office of Global Engagement. She provides all assistance to international students after acceptance for admission. The advisor assists the students from admissions inquiry until the international students obtain their F-1 student visa abroad or with their change of non-immigrant to F1 status in the United States of America. The International Student Advisor advises international students with matters such as immigration regulations issues pertaining to F1 status, pre-arrival assistance, housing, social security numbers, personal issues, driver’s licenses, cultural adjustment, employment, and advising on re-entry. A comprehensive orientation is offered to all new international students. The orientation provides an introduction of student services on campus, workshops that help them navigate the US classroom and also help them maintain their legal non-immigrant status in the United States of America.
Muldoon Health and Fitness Center (HFC)
Linda Robinson Pavilion
Joanne Merrill Field
Raider Softball Field
The Muldoon Health and Fitness Center houses the university gymnasium and fitness room. It is the university space for athletics, recreational activities, and intramurals. The Linda Robinson Pavilion and Raider Softball Field are home to the university field sports. Recreational activities and intramurals in the gym and fitness room and fields are open to all Rivier students, faculty, and staff when the schedule permits. There is no fee for students, faculty, and staff, but a Rivier University ID card must be presented to use the Muldoon fitness room.
Rivier University is a member of the NCAA Division III and the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). Universities in Division III place highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of all students’ academic programs. The University seeks to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s athletic activities are conducted as an integral part of the educational experience in an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among athletes and athletics staff.
Full-time bachelor’s degree students are eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Women compete in Soccer, Field Hockey, Cross Country, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Basketball, Softball, and Lacrosse. Men compete in Soccer, Cross Country, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Volleyball, Baseball, and Lacrosse.
Information about any program is available in the Athletics Department offices in the Muldoon Center or at www.rivierathletics.com.
Multicultural Student Engagement
The Office of Multicultural Student Engagement’s purpose in support of the University’s Mission is to develop and lead co-curricular programs and services that link issues of diversity, multiculturalism, inclusion, social justice, intersectionality, globalization, and internationalism to holistic student development. Through culturally and socially enriching programs and activities, the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement prepares the Rivier community to respond to our culturally diverse society with sensitivity, insight, and skill. The Office encourages the students to take an active role in identifying programs that meet the needs of our diverse campus, enhancing the education of the whole student.
The Office of Multicultural Student Engagement focuses on accomplishing three major goals within the academic year:
- Provide minority student support and advocacy;
- Educate the Rivier community about topics on diversity and inclusion;
- Collaborate with the local community, fostering relationships to help which organizations promote cultural awareness.
The Office of Multicultural Student Engagement continues to develop and strengthen partnerships with local and statewide agencies, as well as identify which organizations promote cultural awareness.
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Residential Life
Any interested, full-time undergraduate student is eligible to live on campus. First-year students and transfers live in double or triple rooms in traditional-style residence halls. Each hall has lounges, kitchenettes, and recreation areas. Student rooms have wireless and wired internet options along with Xfinity streaming for live TV or content from other apps on smart devices. Other available housing options include three-person pods (1 double room & 1 single room) with a shared bathroom, and a suite-style residence hall with 4 doubles and 1 triple, with 2 bathrooms and shared common areas, and Rivier Village, 4-person apartments featuring 4 single rooms or 2 double rooms, with a full kitchen, living room, two bathrooms, and in-unit washer/dryer.
The Residence Life staff includes undergraduate resident assistants, full-time resident directors for each building, and a Director of Student Life/Housing Services who coordinates the Student Life and Housing program. All staff members live on campus in each of the residence halls. The staff are responsible for helping students adjust to and maintain life outside the classroom while living on campus.
Students take advantage of a number of social and educational opportunities as well as leadership positions, While living at Rivier, and each student is encouraged to become an active member of the residence hall community by participating in programs and activities. Living in the University residence halls is a privilege and not guaranteed by enrollment at Rivier. All students are required to follow the student code of conduct outlined in this handbook and other University publications. Accordingly, the University may decide not to offer, or to cancel a residence hall agreement as necessary.
Student Engagement
Programming for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities includes social, cultural, spiritual, professional and intellectual development opportunities. On-campus concerts, symposia, and lectures enhance academic life and provides a well-rounded balanced co-curricular education. In addition to co-curricular programs, there are many organized and varied social activities that provide frequent opportunities to meet other students. Many campus activities and programs are sponsored by the Student Government Association and/or planned by student-run clubs and organizations.
Sr. Mary Anne Quibin Student Health Services
A major component of health promotion begins with educating students so they may develop a healthy lifestyle unique to their personal needs, schedules, and interests. Part of the mission of Quibin Student Health Services is to provide health-related information to students on topics such as: nutrition, exercise, illness prevention, and stress management/relaxation.
Quibin Students Health Services, located on the first floor of Guild Hall, is open Monday-Friday during the academic year. Hours are posted weekly but can also be found by calling (603) 897-8295. The clinic is staffed by nurse practitioners that diagnose and treat common illnesses and assist students with management of chronic illnesses. Other services available at the clinic include: non-sports clearance physical examinations, first aid assistance, and point of care testing. Students are referred to local physicians, medical specialists, dentists and hospitals as needed. Two local hospitals and a walk-in medical clinic are available to students for after-hours medical care. If a student has difficulty obtaining transportation to after-hours medical care, they are encouraged to contact the Public Safety Department on campus.
All resident students and non-resident commuter students registered for nine credits or more, must submit evidence of the following immunizations -Tdap within the last 10 years, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) (or titer), Meningitis A and B vaccine, Varicella vaccine (or titer), COVID-19 vaccine and the Hepatitis B series. Please also submit the TB Requirement. Resident students must also provide a health history, physical exam less than 1 year old, and consent to treat documentation and patient’s bill of rights form as required by the State of New Hampshire. All required medical forms are found in the student health portal accessible on the University webpage. *in the event of public health emergencies, the university may require other vaccines or a testing regime as directed by Nashua Public Health and the University’s Emergency Operations Committee.
- Athletes and Nursing Students
Athletes must provide copies of all the required health documents to Quibin Student Health Services as well as the athletic department. All nursing students must provide copies of all required health records to both the nursing department and to Quibin Student Health Services.
Student Health Insurance
Rivier University requires all full-time undergraduate students to have some form of health insurance. Several options exist:
- Stay on Parent’s Plan - Full-time students may be eligible to remain on their parent’s plan. If parents are handling the bills staying on the parent’s plan could be easier, but this option could also be more expensive than other coverage options.
- Individual and Family Plans - Students can purchase an individual and family health plan on the online “exchange” (subsidized coverage through the Affordable Care Act). Individual and family health insurance is a type of health insurance coverage that is made available to individuals and families and offers a range of coverage benefits depending on the plan selected.
Student Health Records
All health records and health-related information are held in strict confidence. No information may be released unless the student signs a release of information form. Quibin Student Health Services is required to report the incidence of certain communicable diseases to the New Hampshire Department of Public Health, however individual patient names are not included in this reporting.
Student Parking
All students must obtain a parking permit for their vehicle(s) in order to park on campus. Vehicles that are borrowed or rented must also be registered by obtaining a temporary parking permit. Failure to comply with current published guidelines may result with the issuance of a parking citation and/or the loss of the privilege to park a vehicle on campus. Parking permits are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Public Safety Office, located in room 204 of the Dion Center.
University Bookstore
The bookstore is a one-stop destination for Rivier merchandise, school supplies, residence hall supplies, graduation gear and of course textbooks. Shop online at https://www.bkstr.com/rivierstore/home/en. The website also has updated bookstore news and store hours. Acceptable forms of payment in store are cash, credit cards, campus cards (not flex cash), gift cards and financial aid in the store. Online purchases can be made by credit cards, campus cards, and gift cards.
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