Student Services

Counseling & Psychological Services is open from 9:00-4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Disabled Student Services (DSS)

Student Services Building, Room 1661, (619) 594-6473;
TDD: 594-2929

Disabled Student Services provides support services for students with mobility limitations, learning disabilities, hearing or visual impairments, psychological disabilities, and other disabilities. Counselors are available to help students plan an SDSU experience to meet their individual needs. They assist students in making personal, academic, and vocational choices, and show how best to utilize campus facilities. Prior to receiving assistance, appropriate medical documentation must be submitted to Disabled Student Services.

Services available to all DSS students include a writing center/assistive computer technology lab (the High Tech Center) where -students may use standard or assistive computer technology for assignments and may receive tutoring assistance with their writing. Other services available when appropriate include information on attendants; priority registration for students with special needs; close-in parking; transportation on campus and information about off-campus transportation; government benefits counseling; accessibility information, maps, and library study rooms; reader services and assistance with books on tape; sign language interpreters for deaf students; testing assistance for visually impaired, learning disabled, and dexterity limited students; loan of educational support equipment (tape recorders, amplification equipment, wheelchairs, etc.); tutoring and notetaking services, referral to off-campus agencies for mobility orientation, financial benefits; and other services.

In addition to these services, DSS offers a series of classes aimed at helping students achieve academic success and fulfill university requirements. Rhetoric and Writing Studies 92A is designed to help students develop their writing skills and meet the lower division writing requirement. General Mathematics Studies 90A and 90B are review classes designed to help students meet university mathematics competency requirements. Rhetoric and Writing Studies 98A is designed to teach students effective test preparation, notetaking, and other strategies to help them improve their academic performance.

Educational Opportunity/Ethnic Affairs (EOP)

Student Services Building, Room 2209, (619) 594-6298

The Office of Educational Opportunity/Ethnic Affairs (EOP) at SDSU has helped many students with the potential for academic success and who are from low-income backgrounds enroll in and graduate from college. EOP assists students who have historically been underrepresented in higher education institutions. It is the purpose of the program to support those students who have the interest and motivation to obtain a college education, but who have not been able to realize their full potential due to economic, educational, or cultural factors.

Student services provided by EOP include preadmission counseling, summer program, priority registration, academic advising, personal counseling, referral services, individual tutoring, study groups, academic skills courses, work study, and multicultural activities. Financial aid is available through the Financial Aid office.

To apply for the program, students must complete the CSU Application for Admission and check the appropriate box for EOP. Supplemental application forms will then be sent to students indicating interest. For assistance in filling out the application forms, or for further information about the program, please contact one of the EOP recruiters in the Student Outreach Services office, (619) 594-6966.

Health Services

Corner, Campanile Drive and Hardy Avenue, (619) 594-5281

http://shs.sdsu.edu

All regularly enrolled SDSU students have prepaid a health fee as part of their tuition and fees which entitles them to basic medical services. Some services, including annual Pap smears and pharmacy, require a minimal fee. Charges associated with these services are usually dramatically lower than those found elsewhere. This care is provided at Student Health Services, an on-campus center where health care providers offer a wide range of programs and services. Services include:

REQUIRED: Proof of Measles and
Rubella Immunizations or Immunity

New or readmitted students born on or after January 1, 1957 must present proof of immunity to measles and rubella (German Measles) during their first semester at SDSU. Students who have not complied with this California State University mandate prior to the registration deadline will not be able to register for their second semester.

Measles and rubella immunization is now required because both of these diseases continue to cause disability and sometimes death in college-age individuals. Epidemics have occurred on many college campuses during the past few years because a sizeable percentage of students lack immunity to measles and rubella. The minimum requirement is proof of at least one immunization for measles and rubella given after the first birthday and after 1968. All students are encouraged to consider a second immunization for measles prior to enrollment.

Students may fulfill the immunization requirement by bringing or sending documentation as proof of either previous illness or immunization to Student Health Services. Students may also receive a free immunization in Student Health Services. For more information, call (619) 594-6684.

Strongly Recommended Health Screening

Immunization from the following diseases may also protect students against potentially severe infections: tetanus, diphtheria, polio, mumps, and hepatitis B. Like measles, these too can be particularly harmful in the college-age group. The chicken pox vaccine is available for students who have not had the disease. These immunizations are available at reduced cost in Student Health Services. Flu shots are available annually, as well.

Entering students are also strongly encouraged to have a screening test for tuberculosis (TB). The TB skin test is offered free at Student Health Services.

Appointments

Students without acute or urgent problems are encouraged to make an appointment. Those with problems requiring immediate medical attention should walk in. Student Health Services is open twelve months of the year. During the fall and spring semesters, the clinic is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. During the summer, clinic hours vary. It is best to call for hours of service and to ask about the availability of services (594-5281). All medical care provided at Student Health Services is strictly confidential. No one, on or off campus, other than Student Health Services staff has access to medical record information without written permission from the student.

Student Health Advisory Board

Students can participate in the clinic activities and offer important feedback about services through membership on the Student Health Advisory Board (SHAB) sponsored by Associated Students. Members not only work with clinic staff on a variety of health education projects, but also act as liaison between the SDSU student body and Student Health Services. SHAB keeps Student Health Services staff focused and current on major student health issues. Membership from all academic majors is encouraged.

Accidents and Student Insurance Coverage

First aid or urgent medical care is also provided to faculty, staff, and campus guests for accidents and injuries occurring on campus. Accidents requiring treatment and/or transportation to Student Health Services or a local hospital should be reported immediately to the SDSU Department of Public Safety; telephone 594-1991.

SDSU students are treated by the University as adults. Accordingly, students are responsible for their own safety and health in connection with participation in campus activities and should exercise good judgment and due care at all times. The University does not provide accident, liability, or health insurance coverage for students. This includes those participating in extracurricular activities, intramural sports and required or elective academic programs such as laboratory courses, workshops, theatrical productions, internships or practica. Specific questions regarding insurance coverage for campus programs, institutional safety regulations, and potential risks inherent in academic programs and student activities should be directed to the responsible faculty or staff member in charge of the activity.

Through the Associated Students, a supplemental health insurance policy is available and recommended to students having no private medical or accident insurance coverage. The insurance includes hospitalization benefits and specified medical and surgical services. The policy may be purchased per semester or yearly basis. An open enrollment period is available the first thirty days of each semester, and the policy may be purchased at the Aztec Center Ticket Office.

Housing and Residential Life

6050 Montezuma Road, (619) 594-5742

Each of the various housing alternatives available to SDSU students offers unique advantages. SDSU considers the student residence an integral part of the educational experience. Students are strongly encouraged to live on-campus at least two years while studying at SDSU. Since family housing is not available on campus, off-campus housing serves the needs of families. For assistance in finding housing most appropriate for each student, the Housing and Residential Life office is the campus resource.

Residence Halls

On-campus residence halls are conveniently located on campus and offer students a 10 to 15 percent better chance of doing well in college than those who live off campus according to research done by the American Council on Education.

Residence halls offer a variety of accommodations including double rooms and apartments. Special interest housing includes graduate, international, upper division, Aztec engineering residence, extended quiet, Freshman Living/Learning Center, and housing over the breaks.

There are five coeducational residence halls on campus offering students various living situations and meal plans. Zura Hall is a nine-story highrise with 594 residents, Tenochca Hall has eight floors for 365 students. Chapultepec Hall has eleven floors for 560 students. The three other halls are three-story, red-brick buildings accommodating 218 students each. These halls provide sleeping and study facilities on a two-students-per-room basis, with a limited number of single rooms available. Villa Alvarado is an apartment-type facility housing 354 students in furnished two-bedroom suites. Student government within the residence halls provides residents an opportunity to run their own programs, gain leadership experience, and maintain standards of behavior.

For the 1997-98 year, the cost for room and board is $5,098 (10-meal plan, double occupancy). Fees for Villa Alvarado, which do not include board, are $3,934 for the academic year. Rates for all halls are reviewed and adjusted annually to meet cost-of-living increases.

TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION FOR HOUSING, STUDENTS SHOULD TELEPHONE OR WRITE TO THE HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE OFFICE AT THE UNIVERSITY BEFORE THEY ARE ADMITTED TO SDSU OR THEREAFTER.

Housing applications are available in November and thereafter for the fall term of the upcoming academic year. For the spring semester, applications are available in September and thereafter. Confirmation of a room reservation is made after the following requirements have been met: (a) the student has been admitted to the University; (b) the signed contract has been returned to the Housing and Residential Life Office; and (c) the first payment has been received as specified. Though consideration will be given to a student's request for an individual hall and roommate, a specific assignment cannot be guaranteed.

During the Summer Sessions, rooms are available on a receipt-of-check date priority. Full payment must accompany the application. Students should contact the Housing and Residential Life Office in mid-April for information concerning Summer Session housing.

Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus housing accommodations in the San Diego area include apartments, houses, rooms in private homes, etc. Listings of available dwellings and also of students seeking roommates are located next to the Housing and Residential Life Office.

Residential Greek Letter Organizations

Fraternities and sororities offer students opportunities for friendship, small group living, social and recreational activities, community service projects, and development of leadership skills. At SDSU there are approximately 30 residential sororities and fraternities from which to choose. Chapter houses provide accommodations for about 25-50 percent of their members. New members should generally not plan on living in chapter houses until at least their second year.

International Student Center

International Student Center, (619) 594-1982
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/isc/home

More than 650 international students from 75 countries attend SDSU. Through the support provided by the International Student Center, these students can find assistance in reaching their educational goals. Services include prearrival advising, orientation to campus life, academic and immigration advising, and a housing referral service. Support is also provided for prospective international students interested in applying to SDSU.

The International Student Center also coordinates a variety of activities designed to foster intercultural goodwill, understanding, and friendship. One such activity is provided by the Intercultural Ambassadors, through which selected international students make home-country presentations in San Diego schools. The ISC also provides opportunities for international students to get involved in the San Diego community through the InterNational Partners Program which links students and local community organizations in mutually beneficial relationships. In addition, the ISC invites faculty, staff, and the community to become American Friends to international students new to the SDSU community and to participate in the many events listed in the ISC Calendar of Intercultural Activities. These include the International Coffee Hour, the International Festival, the Intercultural Exchange Camps, and the International Film Festival.

Ombudsmen

Student Services Building 3635, (619) 594-6578

Becoming a student at SDSU also means becoming a member of a special community which includes students, faculty, staff, and administrators. As a member of this community, students are responsible for knowing and complying with established rules and regulations.

The Ombudsmen are independent and impartial agents who help individuals and groups seeking the resolution and correction of complaints. The Ombudsmen act as liaisons between students and the University, assisting students through formal grievance procedures and functioning to mediate and reinforce other means of redress when possible. This office does not supplant existing avenues of redress. It exists to encourage appropriate and timely access to those existing processes which may best resolve the problem.

Examples of student complaints which have been resolved through this process include disputes over grades, faculty or staff conduct, academic disputes, appeals or waivers, administrative policies, and institutional compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Should a complaint not be resolved at the referral level, the Ombudsmen may act as mediators and suggest compromise solutions between parties. If the problem is still unresolved, the student may file a grievance with the student grievance committee. No student grievance can be filed with this committee later than the last day of the semester (excluding summer sessions) after the semester during which the student was allegedly aggrieved.

Student Athlete Academic Support Services

Professional Studies and Fine Arts 144, (619) 594-4743

Involvement with inter-collegiate athletics on campus presents many challenges for students. This office provides guidance and assistance for these student-athletes in the areas of admission, registration, New Student orientation, eligibility, counseling, study hall and academic advising. This individualized program is designed to create an academic support network to insure all student-athletes comply with NCAA and University requirements.

Student Outreach Services

Student Services Building, Room 2307, (619) 594-6966

FAX: (619) 594-1511 EMAIL: sdsusos@sdsu.edu

http://www.sdsu.edu/sos/sos_home.html

Student Outreach Services (SOS) is SDSU's official representative in the community beyond the University, linking SDSU with schools, colleges, and communities. Through the -programs which make up SOS-school and college relations, the recruitment component of EOP, and special programs-important facts about University life are provided to prospective students. For guidance in college selection and preparation, or information about admissions requirements, academic programs, or other student services, SOS is the campus resource.

Specific services provided by SOS include:

Student Outreach Services invites all prospective students and interested members of the community to take advantage of the services and programs offered. To find out how, please contact SOS.

Student Resource Center

Student Services Building, Room 1602, (619) 594-5221

(1)	Programs and services

		Academic Information Day - assistance with course selection, General 
			Education and competencies requirements, and registration (for 
			freshmen and transfer students).

		CONTACT - orientation to University programs, services, traditions and 
			history; opportunities for involvement on campus (for freshmen and 
			transfer students).

		Freshman Success Programs - includes Academic Information Day, CONTACT, 
			and Emerging Leader Program. Also, the Living/Learning Center, Integrated 
			Curriculum, and University Seminar (see Special Programs and Services section 
			for complete description).

		Annual Leadership Institute - workshops and seminars presented to students and
			advisors from universities throughout the Western United States.

		Emerging Leader Program - leadership skills and campus involvement opportunities 
			for freshmen.

Leadership and Personal Growth Workshops - sessions on a 
wide variety of topics are presented by SRC staff as 
requested by student groups.
Leadership Class - a three unit, upper division class, offered 
through the College of Education (Counseling and School 
Psychology 310.)
Leadership Council - plans and promotes the Leadership Institute; social and service activities.
Project Progress -student diversity awareness program.
Quest for the Best Vice Presidential Awards - this student service award is presented annually to outstanding students 
and the faculty they nominate.
Ambassadors - the University service society.
Campus tours.
Student internships for class credit.
(2)	Information services
General campus and academic information.
Publications for parents, students, visitors, sponsors, etc. News 
for Aztec Parents, a newspaper for parents and families of 
SDSU students, is published by the SRC. To subscribe 
(home delivery), call 594-5221.
Response to mail inquiry.
(3)	Student activities
On campus status for clubs and organizations.
Implementation of University policies and procedures with 
regard to student activities.
Approval of all on-campus club activities, including fundraising 
events.
(4)	Parent/family and community programs and development
Parents' Association orientation programs, interaction with 
administrators, regional meetings, liaison officer, in support 
of parent involvement with the University.
Promotions and fundraising to directly support student 
programs.
(5)	Student services' research and evaluation
Surveys of student needs, attitudes, and behaviors.
Evaluation of SRC and other Student Affairs programs and 
services.

Test Office

Student Services Building, Room 2549, (619) 594-5216

The Test Office is an important resource for the entire University community, serving both students and faculty by administering tests for the purpose of admission, class placement, competency for graduation, licenses, credentials, and career planning. A library of standardized assessment instruments is maintained for use by faculty and students in testing classes, and test scoring and analysis services are provided for classroom tests.

Test dates for San Diego State University competency and placement tests are listed in the Special Tests section of the current Class Schedule. Advance reservations as well as fee payments are required for most tests. The Test Office will provide students with test dates and registration procedures for major national examinations in the form of a bulletin of information or with the address of the testing service. Students who are interested in assessments, assisting with the counseling process, or career planning must contact Counseling & Psychological Services or Career Services. Special competency and national testing arrangements for disabled students are made through the Disabled Student Services office.

Although competency test requirements are monitored by various offices on campus, the Test Office will attempt to assist students in signing up for the required examinations or refer them to the proper agency.

Veterans' Affairs

Student Services Building, Room 1510, (619) 594-5813

Students who are eligible for veterans, dependents, or reservists V.A. education benefits should visit SDSU's Veterans Affairs Office (VAO). Services available through the VAO include assistance in applying for education benefits, coordinating the V.A. work/study program, and processing tutorial assistance paperwork.

Students planning to attend SDSU should contact the Veterans Affairs Office two months before the beginning of their first semester; they may be eligible for an advance payment of the first V.A. education check. For additional information, about the VAO or the services provided, please telephone or visit the office.

Top of Page