The Undergraduate Academic Experience

Learning Resources

Bridgewater State University’s undergraduate program provides fundamental knowledge in different areas of study as well as specialized, in-depth knowledge and skills in a major area. Each student acquires the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively, think logically, work quantitatively, and evaluate and assimilate information from a variety of sources. These skills are critically important to a life of learning and personal and professional growth.

The core of the Bridgewater State University academic experience is the study of liberal arts. Every student, regardless of major, completes the core curriculum – a general course of study that provides a foundation for studies in each major. Distribution requirements include fine and performing arts, humanities, natural sciences and social/behavioral sciences. Most of the core curriculum is completed during the first two years, with the last two years focused on the major field of study.

Emphasis is placed on reading, writing and oral communication skills. Business executives rank proficiency in communication as the most important skill an employee can possess. The ability to collect and integrate information, organize ones ideas, express these ideas logically and clearly, and respond to the ideas of others is rooted in language skills.

The university has a rich and varied array of majors, minors and program options. For the undergraduate student, there is a broad spectrum of more than 100 such possibilities.

The Academic Achievement Center

The Academic Achievement Center houses a variety of programs and services, some of which are listed below, that support the adjustment to university life and the academic success of students. The Academic Achievement Center is located on the ground floor of the Maxwell Library.

The Haughey Academic Advising Program

The advising program serves freshmen, new transfer students and all other students who have yet to declare an academic major. Freshmen and transfer students are introduced to the advising program during orientation. Freshmen continue to participate in advising sessions throughout the first semester of enrollment. The advising program strives to help each student plan a program of study and make a successful and happy transition to university life.

A variety of services is available to help strengthen skills most essential to effective learning both in the University and throughout life. Learning assistance services are based on the university’s commitment to provide students with every opportunity to build upon strengths they have while correcting any deficiencies. This assistance is provided through specialized courses in English and mathematics and through the following services offered in the Academic Achievement Center:

Accounting and Finance Lab – assists with mastery of entry-level accounting skills

Communication Lab – assists with preparation of oral presentation through services that teach strategies for topic selection, outline development and research, as well as through opportunities for presentation practice

Mathematics Services – students participate in individual or small-group tutoring to support mastery of content in any mathematics course

Academic Coaching and Research Services – Learning assistance in Academic Coaching and Research provides assistance to students regarding general study, organizational and research skills; time management; use of electronic databases found on the Maxwell Library website; organization of course notes; note-taking strategies; highlighting of key text information; strategies for combining class lectures with textbook information; and test-taking strategies

Writing Studio – students are provided individualized assistance to strengthen skills at all stages of the writing process

Second Language Services – assists students who are developing college-level English language skills through consultation, tutoring and conversation partners

Disability Resources – serves students with documented disabilities through academic counseling, peer mentoring and classroom accommodations

Math Readiness Program

Students may be assigned to a math readiness course as a result of the students’ high school records, SAT scores and performance on a placement examination generally given during Freshman Orientation. A student may also request this assistance, which the University is pleased to provide.

Math readiness courses are graded on a (S) satisfactory/(U) unsatisfactory basis and will not be calculated in the student’s cumulative grade point average. Students assigned to a readiness course must complete the course successfully before attempting any other course in mathematics. (The credit earned in any Introductory College Skills: Mathematics may not be used to satisfy Core Curriculum Requirements nor may it be applied toward the minimum number of credits required for graduation in any major.)

The University provides two math readiness courses, and each student should select the one appropriate for their major. No student will be permitted to take both. Students who wish further information about these courses should consult with the chairperson of the Department of Mathematics, the Director of Mathematics Services or the Director of the Academic Achievement Center.

MATH 090 - Math Readiness  - Fundamental principles of arithmetic, algebra and geometry. Provides preparation for non-precalculus-based college-level mathematics only.

Continuing and Distance Education

Continuing and Distance Education offers students an opportunity to complete a degree started years ago, take courses around a busy work or family schedule, further their knowledge, gain professional experience or learn something new for personal enjoyment. The Office of Continuing and Distance Education works closely with the academic colleges to provide credit courses offered after 4 pm, off campus, on weekends, during intersession and during the summer. The office is responsible for all undergraduate and graduate courses offered via distance learning. Continuing and Distance Education also provides noncredit online courses and certificate programs. For more information, contact the Continuing and Distance Education Office at 508.531.2788 or visit the website at www.bridgew.edu/cde.

Technological Resources

Bridgewater State University strives to remain in the forefront of educational technology. A wireless network across campus, an array of technology-enhanced courses, classrooms and laboratories that integrate technology, a robust residence network service, and a program for student notebook computers combine to give Bridgewater State University students an advantage in our technologically based society. See “The Educational Environment ” section of this catalog for additional details.

The Computer Notebook Program

The university’s computer notebook program, initiated in fall 2004, builds upon the university’s strengths in technology to engage all students at Bridgewater State University in a technology-rich educational experience and to help students develop skills that will be invaluable before and after graduation. Students can access the Internet using the university’s wireless network, find and view course information and communicate with their classmates, and stay connected at home to keep up on e-mail and homework.

Beginning with freshmen entering in the Fall of 2004 and applying to all subsequent entering classes, the university requires new full-time undergraduate students to own a notebook computer. This policy also applies to full-time transfer students whose accumulated credits place them in a graduating class for which notebooks are required. Students may purchase a computer on their own that meets the minimum specifications or may purchase their notebook through the university’s agreement with a selected vendor offering competitive prices and the standard suite of office software. More information about the notebook program can be found at http://notebooks.bridgew.edu/.

Residence Network

The Bridgewater State University ResNet program is an all-in-one education and entertainment package provided to resident students. ResNet includes high-speed Internet service (wired and wireless), cable TV services, on-demand and premium movies, telephone service and residence hall printing stations.

• BSU offers wired and wireless network access to resident students. The wireless network is state-of-the-art and offers connectivity across the entire campus. Wired service is offered by request. 
• BSU cable TV provides resident students with cable television service. Our cable TV service is delivered in standard digital and high definition digital consisting of 100+ channels. Our premium channels include Showtime and HBO.
• BSU offers Residence Life Cinema movie channels and Residence Life Cinema on-demand movie viewing. ResLife Cinema provides BSU residents with newly released movies on their television. The Residence Life Cinema ‘on-demand’ service allows resident students to watch selected movies at any time of the day or night on their computer.
• In the common room lounges, we offer Netflix streaming and Blu-Ray DVD players.
• BSU telephone service is provided by request to resident students. BSU telephone service allows local and room-to-room dialing. Long distance dialing is allowed, however, students must purchase a calling card.
• One print station is located in each residence hall. This service is provided for both Mac and Windows operating systems.

The ResNet fee, charged once per semester, provides these services and support to resident students. Complete ResNet program information can be found at http://resnet.bridgew.edu/. For further information and news, “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BSURESNET.

Opportunities for Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Honors Program - Cultivating Engaged Citizen Scholars

The Honors Program at Bridgewater State University offers incentives and resources to support students by helping them achieve their highest potential as scholars and campus leaders. Honors students are able to enroll in small classes that cultivate close student-faculty relationships. Honors courses foster the vigorous and thorough exchange of ideas and develop the investigative, analytical and creative skills necessary for scholarly research. Additionally, Honors students have the opportunity to build community, promote social justice and encourage academic excellence through the development of Honors programming and events. Honors students serve as campus leaders, mentor students new to the Honors Program, and serve as role models to all students. The program does not require students to complete additional course work beyond the credit hours necessary for graduation; instead, students earn honors credits by taking honors sections of regular courses and/or honors colloquia during their freshman and sophomore years, and by undertaking individualized research programs with faculty mentors during their junior and senior years. For information on funds available to support student research, see “The Office of Undergraduate Research and the Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research” below.

For all honors work completed with a grade of B (3.0) or higher, students receive honors credit on their transcripts, and those who complete the program receive an honors degree – a goal worth serious effort both for the intrinsic satisfaction it brings and the advantages it provides at a time of strong competition for graduate and career opportunities.

Commonwealth and Departmental Honors

Students can participate in the Honors Program by undertaking all of the requirements listed for Commonwealth Honors or by undertaking the requirements listed under junior and senior years for Departmental Honors only. Commonwealth Honors thus runs throughout a student’s undergraduate career, whereas Departmental Honors takes place only in the student’s last two years. Commonwealth Honors includes the requirements for Departmental Honors. A student might undertake only Departmental Honors if he or she transferred to Bridgewater State University or developed an interest in pursuing honors work during after their freshman year.

A complete description of the opportunities and requirements for the Honors Program is available at www.bridgew.edu/honorsprogram/ or the “Undergraduate Academic Programs ” section of this catalog.

The Office of Undergraduate Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) advances the culture of scholarly and creative excellence at Bridgewater State University by supporting curricular and co-curricular undergraduate research; educating students about how research fits into a university career and the role it can play in realizing post-university goals; and, in cooperation with the Adrian Tinsley Program, creating mentored research and creative opportunities for any student in any major with the spark of interest and the commitment to see it through. For information, contact us at 508.531.2303 or visit the OUR website at www.bridgew.edu/our.

The Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research

The Adrian Tinsley Program (ATP) provides financial support for undergraduate research, scholarship or creative work in all disciplines, conducted over the course of a semester, summer or longer. The project may include laboratory research in the physical and life sciences; research in education, mathematics or business; scholarship in the humanities and social sciences; creative writing; or stage performances, displays or research in the visual arts and design. Students conduct their own independent research under the guidance of a BSU faculty member, librarian or instructor, and share their results in a public forum. ATP supports undergraduate research through a variety of opportunities outlined here. For complete information on available grants, see our website at www.bridgew.edu/ATP.

Summer Grants are awarded to students for ten weeks of in-depth research work conducted during the summer under the mentorship of a full-time BSU faculty or librarian mentor. The grant includes a stipend for the student, additional money for research expenses, and a stipend for the mentor.

Semester Grants are awarded each semester to individual students or small groups to offset the costs of research-related supplies and travel.

Travel Grants support students who present their research at regional or national conferences, by funding travel, lodging, registration and related fees.

The National Conference on Undergraduate Research. BSU sends students to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), held in a different location each year.

The Undergraduate Research Symposium takes place in April each year in the Moakley Center and showcases undergraduate research through oral and poster presentations and displays. Faculty, staff, students, administrators and guests are welcome.

The Undergraduate Review: A Journal of Research and Creative Work publishes undergraduate research annually. For more information and submission guidelines, see http://www.bridgew.edu/OUR/.

Mid-Year Symposium for First and Second Year Students takes place each December and showcases early experiences in research by individuals and groups at the university. Faculty, staff, administrators and guests are welcome.

The Bridge: A Student Journal of Fine Arts

The Bridge is a journal of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama and visual art created and published by undergraduate students and alumni. Once each year, students and alumni are invited to submit their creative works which are competitively selected by a student editorial board. For more information, contact The Bridge at thebridgejournal@bridgew.edu.

Internships

Internships consist of both on- and off-campus work experience with a site supervisor/employer for academic credit under the guidance of a faculty member or noncredit through the Internship Program. Internships allow students to gain career-related experience while still an undergraduate, an important factor in finding the first professional position. Students interested in internships should first check with their academic department if they wish to receive credit. Credited internships are usually tied to a student’s academic major. Students need to have completed a specific number of credit hours and go through a formal approval process before credit can be awarded. To determine possible internship sites, students should check with their academic department as well as the Office of Career Services’ Internship Program, which maintains a database of internship opportunities in the region. Some students who choose to do an internship, but do not need credit, may want to meet with the career services internship adviser to help locate opportunities, prepare for the internship interview, develop a cover letter and resume and learn important tips for getting the most from the experience. These services are offered to any student looking for an internship whether or not it is for credit. For further information, see the “Undergraduate Academic Programs ” section of this catalog.

Community Service and Service-Learning

Bridgewater State University believes firmly in the relevance and importance of experiential learning in all of its academic and co-curricular programs. A number of faculty incorporate service-learning into their courses fostering its value as an effective pedagogy in developing our students’ knowledge, skills and self-awareness. As a teaching method that uses community service to help students gain a deeper understanding of course objectives, acquire new knowledge and engage in civic activity, service-learning enhances students’ learning experience on campus and in the local and global community.

Service-learning courses address a community identified need and involve student service to a community agency, institution or organization. Students enrolled in a service-learning course are required to participate in at least ten hours of service-oriented activity and individual or group exercises reflecting on the experience, demonstrating a connection between the service activity and the course objectives. More information about service-learning courses is available at http://www.bridgew.edu/servicelearning/.

The University’s Community Service Center is currently located in the Burrill Office Complex, within the Institute for Social Justice. It’s focus is to engage the regional and national community, with a focus on addressing and solving social problems. Student leadership programs run through the Community Service Center include: Jumpstart, Friends and Mentors (FAM) for Change, domestic alternative break trips, and programs that focus primarily on poverty and homelessness, youth development and education. More information about the Community Service Center, including service-learning and volunteer opportunities is available at http://www.bridgew.edu/CommunityService/.

Children’s Physical Developmental Clinic

For more than 40 years, Bridgewater State University has sponsored the Children’s Physical Developmental Clinic (CPDC), a nationally recognized academic program fostering professional engagement, service learning and leadership development. The CPDC affords students from all majors a challenging opportunity to volunteer as student clinicians working with children and youth with disabilities, ages 18 months to 18 years.

The aim of the clinic program is to improve the “total development” of children with disabilities by enhancing vital physical, motor and aquatic skills and patterns. In addition, the program stresses the improvement of children’s self-esteem by strengthening emotional-social aspects of their personalities through successful involvement in play, recreation and sport activities.

Over a hundred students serve as clinicians and group leaders each semester, making the CPDC the largest student organization on campus. Over the years, BSU students have determined that the CPDC not only augments their professional preparation; but, upon graduation, is most critical to them when seeking employment and entrance to graduate school.

Study Abroad and National Student Exchange

The Bridgewater State University Office of Study Abroad offers over 75 study abroad programs in more than 35 countries all over the world. Students can study as far away as China or as close as Canada, in a small village, on a coffee plantation, or on a large ship at sea. A student might take courses at a university in Ireland, Hong Kong or Australia; student teach at a school in England or Puerto Rico; study business in India or art in Tanzania; conduct field research or community service in Cambodia, Nicaragua or Cape Verde; or study with BSU students in France, New Zealand or Spain. The university has affordable semester exchange and affiliate programs, academic year programs, student teaching practicum programs, summer programs and faculty-led study tours. Students can spend a winter, summer, semester or year abroad and graduate on time. Through the National Student Exchange, students may spend up to one year attending an NSE member college or university in the U.S. and its territories at the in-state tuition rate. Scholarships are available, and financial aid may be used for all study abroad programs. Information is online at www.bridgew.edu/studyabroad. The Office of Study Abroad is located in the Minnock Center for International Engagement, third floor, Maxwell Library.

Campus Life

Getting Started: Orientation for New Students

Bridgewater State University’s orientation program has been designed to introduce new students and their families to the campus community. Through collaborative efforts between the divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, orientation provides programs that are conducive to the academic and developmental success of new students. The goals of orientation are to develop and coordinate programs that promote academic success, to enhance personal and social development, and to provide families and their students with information about services, support systems and issues facing university students.

Orientation is divided into two different programs. The initial program is provided to different audiences of new students. The program for first-time students takes place in June and is a comprehensive two-day overnight introduction to the university with an emphasis on placement testing, academic advising and registration for fall classes. Students also have an opportunity to meet with faculty and staff and learn about the resources available at the university. A one-day concurrent family program provides parents with information about services, support systems and resources for their students.

The program for transfer students is a comprehensive one-day introduction to the university with an emphasis on academic success including an introduction to their academic college and department. Students have an opportunity to meet with faculty and staff and learn about the resources available at the university. Students also have an opportunity to learn about services and support systems.

The second program is prior to the opening of classes in the fall when students are given the opportunity to meet new friends, learn the traditions of Bridgewater State University and receive assistance with transition to university life.

University Events and Special Programs

Literally hundreds of interesting programs, projects and events are available at Bridgewater State University throughout each year. Academic, cultural and social activities and programs are sponsored each year by students, faculty, staff and alumni of the university and include, but are certainly not limited to Homecoming, Family Day, Convocation, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, Honors Week, Springfest and the annual Holiday Concert. The Bridgewater State University website and Community Announcements will provide more details on campus events throughout the year.

Cultural, Social, Athletic and Recreational Activities

In addition to classroom instruction, Bridgewater State University offers students a full social, cultural, athletic, recreational and spiritual life. Art exhibits, lectures, concerts, movies, plays, workshops and sports events are part of the daily activities at the university. (Please refer to the Involvement Network site www.bridgew.edu/IN for a complete listing of clubs, organizations and a calendar of campus events.)

Through programs sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, the Student Government Association, the Program Committee and other organizations, members of the university community have opportunities to attend events featuring significant public figures and internationally acclaimed performing artists.

The Art Building and Maxwell Library feature galleries where exhibits are displayed and the Rondileau Campus Center offers special programs such as performances by the University Chorale Society and the Bridgewater State University Dance Company. For students who enjoy the theater, Bridgewater State University has much to offer. Major productions are presented by students in the Department of Theater and Dance throughout the year.

Bridgewater State University has a strong athletic tradition which has grown to include 21 intercollegiate varsity sports teams, a full range of intramural athletic programs and a number of club sports programs. The Adrian Tinsley Center features a state-of-the-art fitness center, a walking track and multi-sport surfaces. The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) and the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC).

Community members keep abreast of events and programs through a variety of campus media. The student newspaper, The Comment, and the university’s home page focus on news and feature stories highlighting campus life and individual achievements.

The campus radio station, WBIM-FM 91.5, provides coverage of events plus a full range of musical and special interest programming. Resident students have access to a cable television local access channel offering university news and information.

Spiritual Life

The university supports student pursuit of spirituality both individually and in groups. The university provides groups of students the opportunity to form student organizations so they may utilize university facilities for meetings and events as well as request funding from the Student Government Association. The Catholic Center (122 Park Avenue) and the Christian Fellowship Center (29 Shaw Road) are independent entities that offer students both group and individual opportunities for worship and service.

Services to Students

Students face many decisions involving housing, finances, health, work, academic programs, post-undergraduate study and career goals. The Division of Student Affairs, and the University as a whole, includes a number of departmental offices that provide services and assistance in making these decisions including: Career Services, Health and Counseling, the Children’s Center, Student Involvement and Leadership, Financial Aid, Student Employment, Residence Life and Housing and Commuter Services. To learn more about these areas and to find out where they are located, consult the Bridgewater State University website.

Children’s Center

The Children’s Center provides high-quality child care and preschool learning experiences to children 2.9 - 5 years of age. Our calendar year begins with the fall semester in September and continues until the middle of August. We offer several enrollment plans to meet the needs of the students and employees of BSU as well as the greater community. The program is licensed through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The Center serves as a model program for observation, fieldwork and data collection to enhance the educational studies of BSU students. The Children’s Center is located in Burnell Hall, room 135. For additional information visit the center at www.bridgew.edu/childrenscenter/ or contact the Children’s Center at 508.531.1244.