Graduate & Continuing Studies Undergraduate Catalog and Handbook 2006-2007

Student Life
Program Format :: Advising :: Library Use :: Textbooks :: Email Policies and Procedures

Program Format

Programs offered through the Division of Graduate & Continuing Studies are considered "blended" combining online and classroom experiences. Undergraduate courses are offered in eight and fourteen-week formats for the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer sessions are eight or ten-week semesters.

To participate in courses, students must use their Stephens GCS E-mail account and have regular access to the Internet. Using the online Blackboard system, students may review the syllabus, readings, and notes from the instructor. Students communicate with fellow students and the instructor through discussion boards and e-mail. While students are expected to log-in regularly to the course web site they are not required to do so at particular times.

Advising

Upon acceptance to Stephens College Graduate & Continuing Studies, each student is assigned an academic adviser who will work with the student until graduation. The adviser is a professional member of the Division of Graduate & Continuing Studies staff. The adviser and the student work together to develop a degree plan. The adviser also serves as a liaison for the student to all campus constituencies. The adviser must approve all courses in the student's degree plan. The adviser also assists the student with any problems that may arise and, when necessary, refers these problems to the appropriate administrative offices. The student is urged to have frequent contact with his/her adviser. While the adviser oversees the student's degree plan, the student is responsible for knowing and completing all necessary degree requirements.

Any concerns about advising should be referred to the Executive Director of Graduate & Continuing Studies.

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Library Use

The Hugh Stephens Library, located on the Stephens College campus, serves the learning needs of Stephens College students and faculty by providing access to print and electronic materials. The library can be accessed through the Stephens College web site at: www.stephens.edu/library.

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Textbooks

Students have the option of buying their textbooks from the Stephens College Bookshelf web page, http://www.stephensbookshelf.com

Textbook Policies
Students must order the required texts following course enrollment. They must be prepaid or purchased by credit card before the Bookshelf can send them to the student.

• Textbooks will be posted on the Stephens College Bookshelf web page. The textbook listings will be updated during enrollment periods.
• Students may order their books from the Stephens College Bookshelf web site.
• For students in the Health Information Administration degree or certificate programs, a separate list of required textbooks can be found on the Health Information Administration advising site, under Enrollment Information.

Additional considerations on textbook orders:

Shipment of Texts

Texts will be sent by United Parcel Service. If UPS does not deliver in the student's area, books will be sent parcel post (book rate), which normally takes five to seven business days for delivery. Textbooks can be sent by first class mail, but the cost is quite high. Students are free to indicate a preference. Note: The Bookshelf cannot send books COD.

Delays

If textbooks are not in stock, the Bookshelf must order them from the publisher. This delay may take as long as four to six weeks. If possible, it is best to anticipate textbook needs at least four weeks prior to the first day of class.

Textbook Return Policy

Required course textbooks may be returned for full refund providing the following conditions have been fulfilled:

1. The return must be received by the Bookshelf within 2 weeks of class starting.
2. A receipt showing date of purchase and Bookshelf imprint must accompany the return.
3. All price labels must be intact
4. If the textbook is a new textbook, it must not contain writing, be mutilated or creased in any way. If it has been damaged, the book will be repurchased at the used selling price.

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E-mail Policies and Procedures

Stephens College will provide E-mail accounts to all active Graduate & Continuing Studies students. All communications from Stephens College will be sent to this E-mail address. It will provide more rapid communication among faculty, students and staff, and as a result, will facilitate student learning. E-mail accounts will be issued automatically upon a students' acceptance to the college. This account will remain active during your course of studies at Stephens College.

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