Student Support Services

Bookstore

The campus bookstore is an academically oriented resource, where the need for, and interest in, reading and study engendered in the classroom can be supported and reinforced. It is also an on-campus source of many goods and services required by a university community. The main purpose of the campus bookstore is to provide for the sale of books and supply requirements connected with the academic programs of the university.

Computer Facilities

All facets of the hardware and software environment are upgraded and expanded to enable our students to keep pace with technology. Students have ample access to a personal computer environment throughout the main campus. Over 135 computer workstations are available for use including: 30 laptops and 18 ipads in the library, a commuter lounge with 2 systems, and eight computer labs containing 105 workstations. Additionally, students are able to print to any computer lab from anywhere on campus. Wireless access is provided throughout the campus. Wireless is constantly reviewed to address the academic needs and quality of campus life for our students. In addition, there is a computer teaching lab for up to 21 students in the library and a 15 student iMAC communications department lab. Each workstation has internet access, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint) and academic department software installed. All residence rooms are provided with the ability to connect to the campus network and thus the internet. Students are provided with a portal account, by which they have access to an e-mail account, calendar, current semester courses, clubs and committees, their own personal headlines, and are able to receive personal and campus announcements. Also, students are able to access their current semester grades, academic record, curriculum guide, profile information, billing data, class schedule, and register for courses online. A student technology help desk is available to students, where all commuter and residential student computer problems, residential internet connections, ID card, Email, online learning, and phone issues are addressed. The helpdesk also provides assistance with several of the antivirus programs a student may use. Students by virtue of connecting devices to the network, be it wired or wireless, agree to comply with all University policies.

Software and programming languages include SPSS, R, Java, Visual Basic, C++, C#, PHP, various Visual Studio 2015 Express products, and MySQL, SQL Server 2012 R2 Express.

Library

We welcome all in the tradition of Mercy and guide those who gather information, raise inquiry and embrace discovery. 

The Mary Kintz Bevevino Library is located at the heart of the campus between Mercy Hall and McHale Residence Hall. The library is named in honor of alumna Mary Kintz Bevevino, a 1987 graduate of Misericordia University. Dedicated in 1999, the Bevevino Library is a state-of-the-art research facility with wireless internet access, computers, and a variety of study environments.

The library’s webpage (library.misericordia.edu), provides access to the library’s online catalog, research databases and library services. The library offers casual seating, study carrels and tables throughout the building, and group study rooms on the second and third floors. The main circulating collection is on the first and third floors. The circulation desk, multimedia room, and the Alden Trust Computer Classroom are located on the first floor. The second floor of the library houses print periodicals, a children’s literature collection, and the Center for Nursing History. The Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle Archives and the Catherine Evans McGowan Room are on the third floor. The Catherine Evans McGowan Room is used for seminars, multimedia presentations, community meetings, and other group activities.

The library offers information in a variety of formats including books, periodicals, electronic databases, microfilm, and DVD. The library houses over 80,000 print volumes, over 2,000 DVDs and an expanding collection of electronic resources. Librarians are available to provide research assistance. Individuals may request assistance by appointment, and faculty are encouraged to bring classes to the library for research instruction. Laptop computers and iPads can be borrowed from the circulation desk. Printers are available for printing.

The library’s schedule accommodates the academic schedule of the university. A valid Misericordia University identification or library card is required to borrow library materials. The library extends borrowing privileges to members of the local community with participation in the Friends of the Library membership.

Archives

The Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle Archives is located on the third floor of the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library. The archives was created in 1990 and named in 1997 for the founding archivist, Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle. The objective of the archives is to collect, preserve, and provide access to records pertaining to the history of Misericordia University (formerly College Misericordia) and the university’s founders the Sisters of Mercy. The archives serves as a central resource for information collected about the diverse functions and historical records of Misericordia University offices, departments, campus organizations, and student activities. The archives contains over 1,000 linear feet of records and publications, and 50,000 photographic images. 

The archives has grown as a result of generous donations from students, alumni, and the university community. The archives actively collects paper and electronic records, photographs, scrapbooks, publications, interviews, recordings, and other university memorabilia that support the library’s mission to better serve the needs of the university community. Contact the archivist at [email protected] or visit the Archives webpage at http://libguides.misericordia.edu/univ_archives for more information.

Student Success Center

The Misericordia University Student Success Center (SSC) enhances learning through our collaborative, compassionate, and personalized approach.  We seek to empower students through the development of academic and social skills, connection to resources, and the encouragement of self-efficacy.  As campus liaisons, we strive to create an environment that welcomes all, and to develop relationships that promote student persistence and success.

Our free services include:

• Small group tutoring in the Tutoring Center, or in some cases online via Smarthinking
• One-on-One writing conferences in the Writing Center
• Academic coaching, planning and recovery options through individual support, special programs, and workshops
• Access through the Office of Students with Disabilities

Additionally, the SSC oversees the First Year Experience course, the Choice program for undeclared students, houses the Office of Students with Disabilities, and manages the Student Alert Program.  Academic intervention programs for students on academic probation or for those who are not satisfied with their level of performance are also available. The SSC is located in the lower level of Alumnae Hall.

Office for Students with Disabilities

Misericordia University is committed to creating an environment where all are welcome and does not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, educational process, or treatment of students. In the spirit of hospitality and justice, we comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended.  In order to receive services, students must self-identify their disability and provide documentation from a healthcare professional. Eligibility for accommodations such as academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aides is determined through an individualized, interactive process in the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).  

The OSD is located in the SSC, on the lower level of Alumnae Hall.  Individuals seeking accommodations may call 570-674-6408 or email Kristen Ricardo, Assistant Director SSC/Office for Students with Disabilities at [email protected]. 

ALTERNATIVE LEARNERS PROGRAM

The Alternative Learners Program (ALP) is a fee based program for services offered in addition to those Misericordia University is required to provide students under Section 504 and other applicable laws. ALP services include an eight-week course in Learning Strategies and individualized support provided by a program coordinator on a weekly basis.  See the university fee schedule for more information. 

Academic Support Services

TUTORING CENTER

Misericordia University offers individual and group tutoring in most core curriculum courses and some professional courses. Additional services are available online via Smarthinking. All services are free of charge. For more information, please visit the SSC.

WRITING CENTER

The Writing Center offers support service for students’ writing-related needs through one-on-one tutorial consultations tailored to specific aspects of the writing process. In tutorial consultations, all relevant aspects of the writing process are addressed, from brainstorming activities to assistance with organization, development, grammar, and even citation formats. For more information, please visit the SSC.

ACADEMIC COACHING

Students desiring help building academic skills such as time management, note taking or test taking strategies may benefit from academic coaching.  These sessions are offered by professional staff, as well as peer educators, and provide students with the opportunity to develop skills that will assist them as they seek to master classroom content.

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE (FYE 101)

The First-Year Experience (FYE) program provides first-year students the opportunity to acclimate to the university experience during their first semester at Misericordia. Through weekly classroom workshops, all first-year students will explore topics such as the charisms of the university, our Mercy heritage, success skill building, information literacy, Misericordia University’s Guaranteed Placement Program (GPP), and advising and registration.

MAPS (FYE 197)