Do parents routinely receive copies of student
grades?
No. Grades are available on-line through Web Advisor. Contact
the Registrar's office with questions.
Is class attendance mandatory?
The College does not have a universal policy regarding class
attendance. Each instructor may set his/her own standards for
attendance.
Can students change classes?
Yes. Students may add classes during the first two weeks of
each semester and may drop classes anytime during the first
five weeks.
How does the advising system work at Allegheny?
All first-year students choose a First Seminar from the array
of options offered. The professor for that course is the Faculty
Advisor for each of the 15-16 students in the class. The First
Seminar booklet comes in the mail as part of the series of
mailings each new student receives. Each student writes
an introductory letter to his or her faculty advisor prior to
Orientation. During Orientation, students and their faculty
advisor meet to discuss Allegheny's academic program as
well as the individual student's course schedule. Contact
between students and advisors is built upon the time spent in
the seminar classroom. Students are encouraged to initiate
other contacts with their advisors. Faculty members post
their office hours and are quite accessible for making special
appointments. Once students declare their majors, they may
choose their faculty advisors from within the department of
their declared major.
Where do students buy their textbooks and other
school supplies?
The College Bookstore is located in the Campus Center and
stocks textbooks for all courses, as well as other books, school
supplies, and Allegheny sportswear and memorabilia.
My student is receiving financial aid from Allegheny
College. Do we need to apply every year?
Need-based financial assistance is determined on an annual
basis. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must
be completed every year. Tax returns and other requested
documentation must be submitted directly to the Financial Aid
Office. Merit-based financial aid is renewed annually for up to
four years, contingent on full-time enrollment.
Is continuing financial aid contingent on academic
performance?
In order to receive federal financial assistance, satisfactory
progress is required. Students are expected to successfully
complete at least 24 credits during the previous academic
year in order to maintain eligibility. A minimum grade
point average of 2.0 is required after four semesters
of enrollment. One semester of probationary federal
assistance is allowed if these requirements are not
satisfied.
Is work-study income taxable?
Yes. It must be added to other wages earned by the student
when filing a tax return. However, when applying for financial
aid, it is deducted from wages prior to determination of
financial aid eligibility for the following academic year.
Should Allegheny students carry health insurance
coverage?
Absolutely! Although many services at our Health Center are
free (visits to the College physician or nurse practitioner),
students may need throat cultures, X-rays, lab work, etc. It is a
good idea to find out the extent of your policy's coverage out of
your area. This is particularly important if you have an HMO or
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). Speak with your doctor
about his/her willingness to approve out-of-town services.
If your out-of-town coverage is not what you'd like it to be, you
may purchase a supplementary policy through Allegheny at a
reasonable cost. This helps to cover routine problems like sore
throats and sprained ankles.
International students on F-1 and J-1 visas are automatically
enrolled in a health insurance plan that meets US federal
government regulations. This insurance is also available
to non-immigrant aliens with a different visa status (e.g.,
A-1, H-4). J-1 and F-1 students who do not want coverage
through Allegheny must supply evidence that their homecountry
insurance meets federal regulations. Please see the
International Student Advisor for more information.
How are students with disabilities accommodated?
Students with special learning/physical/psychological needs
may require support services to ensure equal access to
Allegheny's educational programs.
The Associate Director of the Learning Commons serves as a
central resource for these students. Complete documentation
of the special need must be received before consideration
of appropriate assistance in each course can be determined.
Depending on the documentation, consultation with the
student and the expectation of each instructor of each class the
student is enrolled in, such accommodations requested from
faculty might include extended time for tests, use of a notetaker,
and others that are appropriate to the documentation
and the student's experience. Regular consultation with the
Associate Director by the student is encouraged.
The Associate Director will correspond during the summer
prior to your student's matriculation and ask that the student
come see him soon after arriving on campus. They will work
together to secure the necessary accommodations. Your
student will be notified that his/her advisor will be informed so
they can begin to discuss special arrangements that may be
needed. Special housing and other needs are addressed before
the student arrives on campus. The Associate Director of the
Learning Commons is John Mangine, (814) 332-2898.
Whom can I talk to if I have a concern about
my child?
The Dean of Students Office, (814) 332-4356, is able to provide
general information. They are also able to refer parents to other
appropriate offices that can discuss specific concerns. Please
refer to page 28 for more information.
In addition, Allegheny has a phone line dedicated to parents'
use only. The Parents' Helpline, (814) 332-2955, is answered
by the Dean of Students Office. The staff will attempt to answer
any questions you may have or to refer you to the office/person
who will have an answer.
What happens if there is an emergency and
I need to reach my child when campus offices
are closed?
The Security Office operates 24 hours, 7 days a week, and
can assist you in an emergency. They can be reached at (814)
332-3357.
What happens if students have problems with
their room or roommates?
If students have physical problems with their rooms (e.g., light
bulb, broken shelf), they can contact their Resident Advisor,
who will submit a request to the Physical Plant. If a student is
having problems with his/her roommate, the Resident Advisor
and Resident Director are able to offer mediation and support.
The Area Coordinator can assist the student by providing other
room options if a decision is made to change rooms. Room
changes should occur after the Office of Residence Life grants
permission, and will be allowed only during approved room
change periods.
What about laundry?
All residence halls have at least one laundry facility located on
the lowest level of the building. There is no charge to students
for use of the machines.
What is Family Weekend?
This weekend is designated to give parents and other family
members an opportunity to experience Allegheny with their
student. A broad range of activities and entertainment for
families is planned, with plenty of free time for informal
enjoyment. There are opportunities to meet Allegheny College
President Richard Cook and other faculty and staff. Family
Weekend 2006 will be held September 29 through October 1.
The Dean of Students Office coordinates this weekend.
Email Jennifer Foxman
for more information.
Where can I find information about crime on
campus?
The Safety and Security Office publishes an annual report of
all crimes reported to their office. Any incident that occurs
on campus and violates state or federal law is reported
to the Safety and Security Office. For more information,
contact (814) 332-3357 or visit www.allegheny.edu/
administration/security.
Can students living on campus have a car?
Yes, students can register vehicles for $25. Vehicles must be
parked in the appropriate lot. The Security Office provides
complete information about registering vehicles.
What's the weather like in Meadville?
The weather in Meadville is best described as
unpredictable. Because we are close to Lake Erie, we
receive a fair share of precipitation, though we are located
just south of the "snow belt." Generally, the weather is mild
through October, but turns cold in November. The winter
months are cold and snowy. April begins spring, and the
weather turns warmer and sunnier in May and June.
How can I help my child make good decisions
regarding alcohol usage?
The partnership between Allegheny College, you, and your
student is especially important in the area of alcohol use.
Acknowledging that preaching to students to abstain from
alcohol use is not effective, Allegheny has established a Plan
for Addressing Student Alcohol Use that emphasizes the
importance of students making healthy, responsible choices
regarding alcohol use. In addition to educating about health
issues related to alcohol, we are trying to empower students
themselves to influence their peers to be responsible in their
use or non-use of alcohol. One focus of this plan is to make
students aware that most college students do not abuse
alcohol and that many choose to completely refrain from
alcohol use. We are trying to get away from the attitude that
"everyone else is doing it so why shouldn't I" by emphasizing
that not everyone else is doing it. While the College can
focus on decision-making and healthy choices, the students'
personal values are still the basis for any decision-making they
do. This is where parental involvement is so imperative.
It is important that you have ongoing discussions with your
son/daughter about alcohol use. Share your values and beliefs
with your student, as well as your own experiences, positive
and negative, with alcohol use. Be clear in what you expect of
your student regarding issues like attending classes, drinking
and driving, financial responsibility, choices regarding drinking,
study time vs. social time, and staying in touch. Another
aspect to discuss is how you expect your student to behave
as a member of the greater Meadville community; your own
neighborhood would probably not tolerate loud parties, public
drunkenness, and destructive behavior, and it is reasonable to
hold your student to a similar standard. Start the discussion
prior to your son/daughter leaving for college, and then keep
the conversation going. The first few months of college are
very liberating for a new student, but also a risky time when
support is really necessary. This is a good time to establish a
habit of keeping in contact with your son or daughter; write,
call and email frequently. Staff of the College also provide
support to students to help them learn to deal responsibly with
their newly found independence. If we work together, we can
empower our students to make healthy, informed decisions.
Please contact the Residence Life Office at (814) 332-3865, if
you have further questions.
Is alcohol abuse a problem at Allegheny?
Alcohol abuse is always a concern at any college campus, and
as a parent of a college student, you have probably wondered
about your son or daughter's potential for use and/or abuse
of alcohol. Media reports and statistics suggest that concern
is warranted; about 73% of college students use alcohol on a
regular basis (consumed alcohol in the last 30 days; Source:
Core Institute). There is some good news in this, though the
majority of college students drink at safe levels or choose not
to drink at all (for example, most Allegheny students drink 0-4
alcoholic drinks per week: 2001 Core Survey). As a college
community, we strive to help students make healthy choices
regarding alcohol use and to support those who choose
not to use alcohol at all, while addressing issues of abuse
and high-risk drinking behavior. Alcohol use and abuse is a
challenging issue throughout our society, but as a college, we
are committed to working with our students and their families
to prevent tragedy and future problem behaviors.
