Student Support Services

THE CENTER FOR LEARNING AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Website: www.washburn.edu/services/class

Morgan Hall, Room 122
(785) 231-1010 ext.1299

Using the broadest definition, the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) focuses on the learning enrichment of all Washburn students. CLASS staff facilitates the personal growth and development of students through personal and educational counseling, teaching stress management skills, providing personality and vocational interest testing, and crisis consultation. Academic assistance offers academic advising for undecided or undeclared students, virtual libraries, supplemental instruction, academic program planning, study skills development, an early warning system, and the Fresh Start Program (academic forgiveness). Students can explore various careers through career fairs, graduate school searches, job search assistance, undergraduate and graduate school admissions testing, and choosing, changing, or confirming a major. CLASS is open 8 to 5 Monday-Friday.

Academic Advising
Academic Advising, in the Center for Learning and Student Success, provides advising services for students who have not yet declared a major, prospective, transfer, probationary, reinstated and oversees the Academic Fresh Start program. Professional advisors assist undecided students with academic concerns; provide information about university policies, regulations, services and course selection specializing in the General Education requirements. Academic Advising is located in Morgan Hall, Room 122. Advisors are available Monday-Friday from 8 to 5, so students may drop in at their convenience, or by appointment by calling 231-1010, ext. 1942. Visit www.washburn.edu/services/acadadv for more information.

Career Services
The staff of Career Services-located within the Center for Learning and Student Success-provides students and alumni with the assistance needed to find employment. Whether the student is a freshman seeking part time opportunities, a senior rapidly approaching graduation, or an alumni considering a career change, the CS staff are here to serve students' and alumni job search needs.
Career Service personnel lead presentations and provide individual counseling on writing a polished resume. They teach interviewing fundamentals and provide information on jobs and employers.
Career Services offers other convenient and useful services. It posts current job listings, sponsors area employers in informational sessions, arranges on-campus interviews, refers resumes of registered students to potential employers, and provides important contact names.
As part of CLASS, CS is open from 8 to 5 Monday-Friday and during the noon hour. We encourage students to call (785) 231-1010, ext. 1450 for an appointment or visit our website www.washburn.edu/services/career.

Counseling and Testing
Counseling and Testing services, located within the Center for Learning and Student Success, Morgan 122, serves Washburn students in three primary areas: personal counseling, learning skills development, and major and career choice.

Students experiencing difficulty at Washburn may find it desirable to utilize the counseling services at an early date to address concerns such as: adjusting to college, building self-esteem, establishing successful relationships, succeeding in college, or coping with crisis. Workshops and presentations are offered on a variety of topics relevant to student needs, e.g., coping with test anxiety. Confidentiality is maintained for all types of counseling.
Washburn students function within a highly competitive intellectual environment and, due to the rigorous demands of study, the typical student may need help in gaining and maintaining an adequate level of academic proficiency. CLASS assists students in developing learning strategies and effective study skills through workshops, individual assistance, and virtual libraries (www.washburn.edu/services/le). CLASS sponsors the Supplemental Instruction Program for selected high risk courses in conjunction with professors and academic departments.

As part of the counseling process, testing is available to aid students in the exploration of college and career interests and related personality characteristics and abilities Occupational information, computer-assisted career exploration, and graduate school information are also provided.

Counseling services are available in the Center for Learning and Student Success, Morgan 122, from 8 to 5, Monday - Friday. Students may drop in or call for an appointment at 231-1010, ext. 1299. Visit our website for more information, www.washburn.edu/services/ct.

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Website: www.washburn.edu/its/

Information Technology Services (ITS) provides voice, video and computing services at Washburn University. The Technology Support Center is located in Bennett Hall, providing e-mail, telephone and walk-in support for services offered by Washburn’s technology team.

Students admitted to Washburn University are given access to Washburn’s Web portal, MyWashburn (my.washburn.edu). Tools available in MyWashburn include campus announcements, e-mail, class registration and online materials related to coursework. MyWashburn may be accessed from any Internet connection, at home, on campus or on the road.

On campus, students may connect to the Internet and computing resources using equipment in computer labs or via wireless using a personal laptop near one of our many wireless access points. Residential Living students may opt for wired connections to the campus’ high-speed network from their rooms.

Behind the scenes, ITS provides the staffing and infrastructure for students accessing the campus network operating at a backbone speed of 1000Mbps full duplex and delivering 10 or 100 Mbps full duplex to each desktop device. The network is used for streaming video, IP conferencing, data and some voice communications.

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HEALTH SERVICES

Student Health Services is located in Morgan Hall. Medical advice and general health services are available to all enrolled students. The University physician and nurse practitioner are available on a full-time basis for health counseling and the treatment of ailments or injuries. A low cost health insurance program is available, on a voluntary basis, to students taking at least 5 credit hours. Insurance information may be obtained in the Health Services Office and/or the Student Life Office.

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SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The Student Services Office coordinates and provides services to students who have either a permanent or temporary disability. Students who request services for more than one week must present written documentation from a certified professional, which should include a statement identifying the disability as well as recommendations for accommodations. Services, based on the individual needs of the person, may include note-takers, readers, library assistance, recorders or other necessary accommodations. Requests for services may be made by contacting, at least one month in advance, the Services for Students with Disabilities Office (SSWDO) in Morgan Hall 150 or by calling (785) 231-1010 ext. 1629, TDD (785) 231-1025, or by e-mailing student-services@washburn.edu.

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VETERANS AFFAIRS

Washburn University participates in all Veterans Administration educational assistance programs; therefore, the Washburn Veterans Affairs (VA) Office processes and submits the necessary forms for student/veteran eligibility. In order to establish educational entitlement for most benefit programs, the applicant should contact the Washburn Veterans Affairs Office, Morgan 150, or call (785) 231-1010, ext. 1629, TDD (785) 231-1025, or by e-mailing student-services@washburn.edu.

The enrollment of each eligible recipient of educational assistance must be certified each semester by the Washburn VA Office to assure continuous benefits. All veterans and eligible persons receiving VA benefits are required by law to report promptly by the Washburn VA Office any changes which may affect the amount of money being received. These changes, which include dropping of individual courses, not attending class, and not formally withdrawing from the University, are relayed to the regional VA office for proper disposition. The Veterans Administration expects the veteran not only to make satisfactory progress, but to pursue an educational objective and regularly attend classes.

Veterans - Reminder: TV and independent study courses must not exceed one-half of the total hours attempted for the semester. Students enrolling in short-term courses will be paid only for the duration of the course.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

Undergraduate Admissions

  1. A completed Washburn University International Application Form
  2. $60 (USD) non-refundable application fee
  3. A balanced TOEFL score of at least 520 (52, 52, 52) or 193 (19, 19, 19) of CBT for students from non-English speaking countries. (Certain departments may have higher TOEFL requirement.) Students who cannot meet this requirement will be admitted conditionally through the Intensive English Program.
  4. Completed “Financial Disclaimer" and certified documentation of the student's ability to finance studies while in the U.S.
  5. Official transcripts of completed secondary education
  6. Official transcripts of any university level course work

Graduate Admissions

Please contact the graduate program about requirements before submitting the application.

  1. A completed Washburn University International Application Form
  2. A completed application form of the graduate program
  3. GRE scores (GMAT scores for the MBA program)
  4. Two or three letters of reference depending on the program
  5. $60 (USD) non-refundable application fee
  6. A balanced TOEFL score of at least 550 (52, 52, 52) or 213 (22, 22, 22) of CBT for students from non-English speaking countries. (Certain departments may have higher TOEFL requirement.) Students who cannot meet this requirement will be admitted conditionally through the Intensive English Program.
  7. Completed “Financial Disclaimer" and certified documentation of the student's ability to finance studies while in the U.S.
  8. Official transcripts of completed secondary education
  9. Official transcripts of any university level course work

International Student Transfer Student Admissions
(from another U.S. school to Washburn)

  1. A completed Washburn University International Application Form
  2. A completed Washburn University Transfer Form
  3. A copy (both front and back) of the I-20 form issued by the school last attended
  4. $60 (USD) non-refundable application fee
  5. A balanced TOEFL score of at least 520 (52, 52, 52) or 193 (19, 19, 19) of CBT for students from non-English speaking countries (550/213) for graduate students). (Certain departments may have higher TOEFL requirement.) Students who cannot meet this requirement will be admitted conditionally through the Intensive English Program.
  6. Completed “Financial Disclaimer" and certified documentation of the student's ability to finance studies while in the U.S.
  7. Official transcripts of completed secondary education
  8. Official transcripts of any university level course work

School of Law Admissions
First, please contact the Law School using the following information. Then submit to the International Student Office requirements 1, 2, and 4 of "undergraduate admissions".
Washburn School of Law, 1700 College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621, U.S.A.
Tel. 785-231-1185
Fax. 785-232-8087
http://www.washburnlaw.edu

ESL Program Admissions
1. A completed Washburn University International Application Form
2. $60 (USD) non-refundable application fee
3. Completed "Financial Disclaimer" and certified documentation of the student's ability to finance studies while in the U.S.

Transcript Requirement
Applicants must provide original transcripts which should have detailed addresses of the issuing schools for verification. The transcripts must be sent to Washburn by the issuing school in the school's official envelope and stationary.

In countries where original transcripts cannot be obtained, all transcripts must be evaluated by ECE. Application forms can be obtained by writing to ECE, P.O. Box 514070, Milwaukee, WI, 53203-3470, USA, or by contacting the Office of International Student Services. Before an official report is sent to Washburn directly from ECE, the application is considered incomplete and cannot be processed.
Applications with transcripts not meeting the above requirements will be denied.

Note: If you have college credit from foreign countries and wish to transfer it, you must arrange to have them analyzed by a Washburn-recognized evaluating agency. Washburn recommends the ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.) and requires a "course-by-course" report. Application forms can be obtained by writing to ECE, P.O. Box 514070, Milwaukee, WI, 53203-3470, USA, or by contacting the Office of International Student Services.

English Proficiency Requirement
Students whose native language is not English must meet Washburn's English proficiency requirement. Any one of the following can be used to satisfy this requirement.

  1. A minimum balanced TOEFL score of 520 (52, 52, 52) or 193 (19, 19, 19) on the Computer Based TOEFL, and 4.5 on the essay rating. Students are required to take intensive English courses in the deficient area (if any) indicated by the section score.
  2. A bachelor's degree or higher earned at an institution of higher learning located in the U.S. ( An associate degree alone does not satisfy this requirement.)
  3. Pass the English Proficiency Test administered at Washburn University. The test includes listening comprehension, speaking, grammar/structure, reading, and writing.
  4. Complete both Level I and Level II of all the intensive English courses with grades of "C" or better.
  5. Complete an Intensive English Program in another U.S.--based institution comparable to Washburn's.
    Washburn's IEP staff will determine the compatibility.

Please note:

  1. Graduate students may have to fulfill different requirements. Please contact the department for more information.
  2. Students who cannot meet the above guidelines will be placed in the intensive English classes by the staff of the program based on their test scores, transcripts, and other evidence. They must enroll in the required IE courses as early as possible.
  3. First time students are required to take a speaking and understanding class regardless of their TOEFL score unless the Intensive English Program (IEP) grants a waiver.
  4. Transfer students also must fulfill the English Proficiency Requirement by TOEFL or taking the proficiency test whether or not they have completed Freshman Composition at another institution. They must enroll in the IE courses as early as possible if deficiency is determined.
  5. Full-time students in the IEP are NOT eligible to take other academic courses. Students needing only part-time enrollment in IEP can take other academic courses with IEP approval only.

International Student Advisor
The international student advisor is involved in the preliminary acceptance of international students, aids the students in preparation of their academic programs, counsels them in completion of their required visas and governmental records, and maintains contact with them during their academic careers. Call 231-1051 or e-mail
international@washburn.edu for more information.

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MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS

The Multicultural Affairs Office (MAO), a unit of Student Life, serves any individual or group who wants to develop an appreciation, respect, and understanding of the similarities and differences represented in Washburn University's diverse community. In addition, MAO assists multicultural students (African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, Native American) in their overall development as they pursue a course of study.
The Multicultural Affairs mission is two-fold:

MAO also assists multicultural student organizations and the Topeka community with planning social, cultural, and educational activities throughout the year. The Multicultural Affairs Office is located in Morgan Hall, Room 110. Contact information: (785) 231-1010 ext. 1622 or www.washburn.edu/mao.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES & GREEK LIFE

Located in the lower level of the Memorial Union, the Student Activities & Greek Life Office provides a wide range of activities at Washburn designed to enhance the academic life of the campus through recreational, leisure, social, entertainment, cultural, and service programs. The Office assists student groups in program planning and leadership development.

It provides: information on existing student groups; establishes guidelines for developing new organizations; offers advice on setting organizational goals and objectives, fund-raising, or developing a constitution; assists in scheduling speakers, events and meetings; acts as a clearinghouse for students to express a need and for students to receive help in finding answers.

With over 100 student organizations and clubs under its auspices, Student Activities & Greek Life provides an opportunity to serve the University and community. A list of these organizations can be found at the following: www.washburn.edu/getalife.

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WASHBURN STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (WSGA)

The Washburn Student Government Association (WSGA) exists to serve the students and registered student organizations with any problems or concerns they may have. Members of the student body are automatically members of WSGA.

The WSGA Senate is the student government arm of the association. There are 28 senators: 21 that are elected by the student body in the spring and seven freshman senators that are elected by the freshman student body in the fall. Senators may also be appointed by the executive staff throughout the year as vacancies occur. Applications for appointment are available in the WSGA office. Senators must maintain a 2.0 GPA and be enrolled in at least three hours as an undergraduate.

The president and vice president of WSGA are elected each spring by the student body. They, in turn, appoint an executive staff which is responsible for carrying out the decisions of the senate.
The senate is funded by a portion of student activity fees. These fees help provide student services, such as intramural sports, concerts, and an annual student planner. All registered student organizations are eligible to request funding for their group's activities from WSGA.

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD (CAB)

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is the student organization directly responsible for planning, implementing, and providing university-wide student activities and events at Washburn. Membership is open to all university students. The organization regularly plans special programs, comedy nights, lectures, tournaments, and a variety of other entertainment for Washburn students. Sponsored by the Office of Student Activities & Greek Life, CAB members work actively as the official programming board of Washburn University. The office is located in the Memorial Union. (Phone 231-1010, ext. 1721).


GREEK ORGANIZATIONS

Washburn University is home to 4 fraternities and 4 sororities. The Greek community of Washburn University provides a comprehensive educational and social learning experience for its members through the promotion of brotherhood & sisterhood, leadership and personal development, academics, and service to the University and the Topeka community.
National statistics show that students who participate in fraternity or sorority life increase their chances of graduating; build long lasting relationships with friends and with their university; serve in more leadership roles on campus; and, on the average, obtain higher grade point averages.
Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council, are the governing bodies for the chapters on campus and are comprised of members from each organization. Panhellenic Council sponsors fall formal recruitment activities where female students may participate in formal membership recruitment during August. In addition, female and male students can participate in open membership recruitment during the school year. The sororities at Washburn are: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Zeta Tau Alpha. The fraternities at Washburn are: Alpha Delta, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, and Sigma Phi Epsilon. Room, board, dues and social costs for men and women living in the fraternities and sororities are approximately $325 per month.


HONORARY ORGANIZATIONS

Washburn University sponsors a Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, a nonprofit honor society that promotes the pursuit of excellence in all fields of higher education and recognizes outstanding achievement by students, faculty, and others through election to membership, and through various awards for distinguished achievement. Membership is open to scholars of sound character from all academic disciplines. There are several other honor societies at Washburn. Please contact the Student Activities and Greek Life Office for information.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

Board of Publications
The Board of Publications is a committee that consists of three faculty members and four students. The committee hires the editors of The Review and KAW, the business manager and advertising manager. The board approves expenditures of the newspaper and yearbook and offers advice. Students are selected to serve on the board each spring. Contact the director of Student Publications if interested.

The Washburn Review
The Review is the student newspaper. Publications are weekly during the fall and spring semester. Washburn's award winning student publication has a long history of offering the student body and faculty current news, interesting features, and lively opinions. The Review staff is open to all interested students to apply; visit the office in the basement of Memorial Union. The paper is distributed free in all of the main buildings on campus.

Kaw Publications
WU offers a unique opportunity for students to become involved with the annual student magazine, the KAW. Both The Review and KAW provide opportunities to learn marketing, computer layout and design, writing, editing, advertising, sales and leadership qualities.+

Inscape: The Washburn Literary Arts Review
A student staff produces the annual Washburn literary magazine, Inscape. Short Stories, drawings, photographs and poetry by students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community are considered for publication. Inscape is published each spring, and is available for sale in the Washburn Bookstore and the English Department throughout the year.

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
Washburn University offers a variety of athletic programs for both men and women.

Men's Sports: Baseball, basketball, football, golf and tennis.
Women's Sports: Basketball, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball.

Washburn is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

HOUSING

On-Campus Housing
The Residential Living Office is located in the Capitol Federal Center for Learning. All meals are served in the Stauffer commons. A description of on-campus housing can be found in the Campus and Facilities section of the catalog. For a housing contract or further information, contact the Residential Living Office, Washburn University, 1801 SW Jewell Ave., Topeka, KS 66621.

Off-Campus Housing
Many students prefer to live in apartments and residences in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the University campus. Several apartment complexes are within easy walking distance of campus, and Topeka offers a large selection with easy access to campus. Rental costs of approximately $400/month and up should be anticipated. These costs are often shared by two to four students thus reducing the per student cost. The University maintains an apartment listing service to assist students in finding off-campus housing. For more information on this service, contact the Residential Living Office.

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