Clement C. Maxwell Library
The Maxwell Library is a hub of activity conveniently located on West Campus. The library provides a variety of information resources and electronic tools for student and faculty use in a comfortable and inviting environment. Open more than 90 hours each week, the library is staffed by highly qualified professionals and support personnel skilled at satisfying research, reference and general interest requests.
The library’s core collection of print and electronic materials is complemented by a substantial collection of videos, DVDs and CDs. Students and faculty can discover the wealth of books, newspapers, periodicals, sound recordings and movie titles using the library’s online public access catalog, Webster. With approximately 300,000 volumes, more than 31,000 periodical subscriptions and nearly 100 electronic bibliographic and full-text article databases, the library provides students and faculty with access to a breadth of information sources supporting their classroom and research needs. The library is dedicated to providing resources in all subject disciplines taught by the university’s faculty.
Because the library has both hard-wired and wireless networks, students can work anywhere in the building using their notebook computers. They can also use the desktop computers to search the catalog and library website. Since most of these computers include a suite of applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, students can find information resources and complete their course assignments at the same time. The library is a place for learning and a portal to knowledge.
Disability Resources
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Bridgewater State University is committed to making its facilities, services and programs accessible to all students. The Disability Resources Office offers support and assistance to students with disabilities who are enrolled in the University.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to identify with the Disability Resources Office and provide appropriate documentation that is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Services and academic accommodations may include, but are not limited to, adaptive technology, testing accommodations, alternate format materials, interpreter services, priority registration, peer mentoring and leadership advocacy.
Students must request services in a timely manner each semester by contacting the Disability Resources Office, located in the Academic Achievement Center in the Clement C. Maxwell Library, or call 508.531.2194 or TTY 508.531.6113. Further information about the services, programs and policies of the Disability Resources Office may be found on the website.
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.
MATH 095 - Precalculus Readiness - Individualized, self-paced review of fundamental techniques of beginning and intermediate algebra. Provides preparation for precalculus courses.
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.
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.
Moodle, Blackboard and InfoBear
Many of the courses at Bridgewater State University are enhanced by course websites developed through Moodle and Blackboard learning portals. Using their personal Moodle/Blackboard account, students enroll in their course websites; gain access to course syllabi, materials and other information posted by the professors; engage in online discussions; collaborate with fellow students; view grades on assignments and tests in a course; and, at times, take quizzes or prepare for exams in the online environment.
InfoBear is a Web-based service provided by Bridgewater State University to allow quick and convenient access to each student’s course enrollment, transcripts showing progress toward graduation, course grades and other information. Students also register for courses through InfoBear, which is available through the university website and requires a student identification number and personal identification number.
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.
- ResNet now offers Carbonite automatic and secure cloud backup service to protect student files.
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 and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at @BSURESNET.
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