2.10

The institution provides student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission that are intended to promote student learning and enhance the development of its students. (Student support services)

Compliance Judgment

X In compliance Partially compliant Non-compliant

Narrative

Consistent with its mission, Francis Marion University provides a full range of student support programs, services, and activities that promote undergraduate and graduate student learning and enhance student development. Francis Marion emphasizes an individualized approach to education through low student-faculty ratios and personalized attention to academic advising and career development. According to the Catalog 2017-2018, “The University provides students with special learning opportunities, such as an honors program, internships, study abroad, and cooperative degree programs” [1].

According to the university’s mission statement, “Our goal of an academic experience built on inquiry and research as well as the transmission of information allows students to develop their ability to think and communicate, to gain knowledge and skills, to pursue a career or further study, to appreciate the creativeness of the human mind, to be aware of the human and natural environment of the world and to have the capacity to pursue a life of learning and understanding” [2].

To achieve these goals, “We provide traditional and, when appropriate, non-traditional instruction, access to an excellent library as well as electronic resources, and staff members committed to student learning and success” [3].

To enhance the university’s achievement of its mission, Francis Marion provides student support programs, services, and activities which are designed to ensure that students experience an intellectually stimulating enjoyable, safe, and comfortable environment. The University is committed to supporting students enrolled on campus and our online programs.

The programs and services offered are assigned to one of seven categories for presentation in this report:

Academic Success and Advising
Administrative Services
Artistic
Cultural and Recreational Opportunities
Athletics
Campus Environment
Personal Development and Assistance and Technology Services.

Some programs or services apply to more than one category, but the primary description of a service is limited to one category. Throughout this section, references to the university catalog and university webpages illustrate the range of student support services and programs at Francis Marion.

Academic Success and Advising

Academic Advising

Academic advising is provided to all students at the University. As stated in the Catalog 2017-2018, “Academic advisors provide guidance to students as they pursue their degree programs. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisors to discuss their academic progress and any questions they may have about the university and its programs. Students also must meet with their advisors prior to registration for courses each fall and spring semester” [4].

First-year students in the Honors Program are assigned to an honors faculty member for advising [5]. All other first-year students are assigned to an advisor in the Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA), located in Founders Hall 220 [6].

Following their first year at Francis Marion, all students are assigned a faculty advisor within their major or disciplinary specialty. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisors regularly. Faculty advisors are typically available for all students via phone, email, and in-person appointments.

Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA)

The Center for Academic Success and Advisement, founded in 2016, “offers students a one-stop resource for assistance with advising questions, academic support, and career services” [7]. The Center is located in Founders Hall 220 and is home to Advisement, the Career Development Office, the Tutoring Center, as well as the Writing Center (located downstairs in Founders Hall 114-C) [8, 9]. The Center for Academic Success and Advisement connects students to “a network of knowledgeable and friendly professionals who can help with questions they may have while at the university” [10].

The Center for Academic Success and Advisement also operates “in conjunction with University Life 100: First-Year Seminar, providing first-year students with valuable information to help them become acquainted with the university, build connections on campus, learn about strategies for being successful students, and make the most of their time at FMU” [11]. In addition, The Center for Academic Success and Advisement also houses the Patriot Mentor program, “a staff of undergraduate peer mentors who work with new students in First-Year Seminar courses” [12].

Advisement

The Center for Academic Success and Advisement’s advisors “work closely with first-year students to ease the transition from high school to university life,” assisting students in “navigating the university, choosing majors, finding career paths, selecting courses, and exercising habits that lead to academic success” [13]. All first-year students (non-honors) are assigned to a dedicated advisor who helps them with course registration, answers questions about the university environment, and connects them with “resources that will help them be successful during their academic careers at FMU” [14].

The Center for Academic Success and Advisement’s advisors are also assigned to students on academic probation to help them improve their academic progress at the university [15].

The Center for Academic Success and Advisement’s advisors also handle general queries by all students about course registration, majors and minors, career planning, time management, and study skills [16]. These advisors regularly communicate with students via email, phone, and in-person appointments.

Career Development Office

The Career Development Office “provides a comprehensive, educational approach to career development and preparation. Career services and programs are available for all FMU students and alumni” [17, 18]

Staff members meet with “students exploring their skills and interests as they decide upon their majors and plans for specific career fields. The Career Development Office also provides links for students pursuing employment opportunities through employer visits and a resume referral service available to students and alumni. Career guidance workshops allow students to explore occupations, research employers, and develop the skills needed to conduct successful job searches. Mock interviews are also available for student job seekers” [19].

In addition, the Career Development Office hosts a job fair each semester, “connecting students and alumni with a variety of employers” [20]. Advertisements for on-campus and off-campus jobs and internships are posted regularly outside the Career Development Office. The Career Development staff also provide guidance and information sessions for students interested in pursuing graduate school or pre-professional programs [21].

The Director of Career Development regularly communicates with students in person as well as through phone and email conversations.

Tutoring Center

The Tutoring Center “provides all students with learning assistance for a variety of subjects, including math, sciences, social sciences, and humanities courses.” The Tutoring Center is staffed by faculty members and trained peer tutors who meet with students “to review course content, practice problem-solving skills, and discuss study strategies. The Tutoring Center offers more than 40 daytime and weeknight hours of services each week” [22, 23]. Students are welcome to meet with tutors in person or talk with tutors via phone.

Writing Center

The Writing Center, located in Founders Hall 114-C, “is available to help all students improve their writing abilities and acquire the skills needed to succeed at writing tasks in academic and professional communities” [24, 25].

Staffed by English Department faculty consultants and trained student consultants, the Writing Center “provides one-on-one assistance on a wide range of writing tasks and projects, including research papers for all disciplines, literary analysis, creative writing, lab reports, resumes, business letters, and graduate school applications. Students are invited to meet with a consultant at any stage of the writing process for guidance on generating a topic, building an argument, incorporating research, revising a draft, or learning about grammatical errors” [26].

Students can book their appointments for weekday, weeknight, and weekend hours through the Writing Center’s webpage. “Consultants are available for both face-to-face and online tutoring services” for all on campus and online students [27].

James A. Rogers Library

The James A. Rogers library provides Francis Marion University “students, faculty, staff, and regional citizens with access to scholarly information. By providing this access, the library is able to contribute uniquely to that portion of the mission of the University that stresses support of scholarly pursuits in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina” [28, 29]. The library holds “more than 398,000 volumes, 343,000 accessible e-books, 35,000 e-journals, 550 print subscriptions, 377,000 volumes of microforms, and 142 electronic databases to access information from almost anywhere” [30].

Rogers Library’s holdings consist of resources that support the curriculum of all the undergraduate programs as well as the graduate programs offered by the University. Librarians are available to assist students and faculty during all regular hours of operation, as well as through special sessions for library skills instruction. Librarians are available for assistance via phone, online chat, email, or in-person visits [31].

Students and faculty can access records of Rogers Library’s holdings and databases through its website [32]. Additional resources can be accessed through interlibrary loan [33]. Students who take classes online can also access books through the Partnership Among South Carolina Academic Libraries (PASCAL) Delivers, a free service through which books and e-books can be checked out at students’ home libraries [34].

Math Resources

As stated in the Catalog 2017-2018, the Department of Mathematics “has a computer lab for use as a resource center for mathematical work. The computers contain mathematical software such as Maple, Minitab, Excel, and Geometer’s Sketchpad for students in the areas of mathematics and probability and statistics” [35]. Students needing assistance for mathematics courses can also receive one-to-one assistance in person or by phone in the Tutoring Center [36].

Administrative Services

These offices provide students with the administrative services necessary to move from prospective student to graduate, guiding them in completing the paperwork necessary throughout that process.

Admissions and Orientation

The Office of Admissions processes applications from prospective undergraduate students and guides them into successful admission and transition into the campus community. Located in Stokes Administration Building, the Office of Admissions addresses questions from prospective students in person or via phone and email. The student application process is handled online through the Office of Admissions website [37].

Orientation sessions for new undergraduate and transfer students are held each summer and immediately prior to the spring semester. At Orientation, students and their parents are introduced to multiple offices on campus, including The Center for Academic Success and Advisement, the Office of Financial Assistance, the Registrar’s Office, Campus Technology, the Office of Counseling and Testing, the Office of Housing and Residence Life, and other needed services [38]. Students are also registered for classes and introduced to Swampfox Web, an online web portal that facilitates student registration, access to degree audits, and billing [39].

Students in online and graduate programs receive an online Orientation with their respective departments. The Office of Admissions also provides a Pre-Orientation Booklet to guide students who are online or are otherwise unable to attend Orientation [40].

Cashier’s Office

The Cashier’s Office assists students with a variety of financial services, including processing university payments, distributing paychecks to student workers, and cashing personal checks [41].

For assistance, students can visit the Cashier’s Office in Stokes Administration Building or call to talk with an office representative. Students can also process university payments online using Swampfox Web [42].

Financial Assistance

The Office of Financial Assistance, located in Stokes Administration Building, provides a range of assistance for Francis Marion students, including “1) providing information services to prospective students and their families, 2) assisting students and their families in the financial assistance application process, 3) determining eligibility for assistance and making financial assistance awards, and 4) facilitating the timely delivery of financial assistance proceeds to students” [43]. The mission of this office is “to provide access and retention opportunities for students choosing to pursue a course of study at FMU” [44].

Students can communicate with Financial Assistance counselors in person or via phone or email. Information about financial aid, scholarships, and student loans can be found on the Financial Assistance webpage [45]. All students can also access their own financial assistance information online through Swampfox Web.

Provost’s Office

According to the Provost’s page on the university website, “The Provost is the chief academic officer of FMU and with the assistance of the associate provosts, school deans, and department chairs, oversees the undergraduate and graduate programs of the University” [46]. The Division of Enrollment Management (Admissions and Orientation and the Registrar) and the Center for Academic Success and Advisement (Advisement, Career Development, Tutoring Center, and Writing Center) also report to the Provost’s Office.

The Provost’s Office facilitates students’ questions about academic programs and refers students, as needed, to various academic units and personnel on campus. In addition, the Provost’s Office manages issues related to academic honesty. Students can contact this office with questions in person, by phone, or via email.

Registrar’s Office

The Registrar’s Office, located in Stokes Administration Building, is “the steward of the university’s academic records” and “is responsible for the creation and/or collection, maintenance, security, and appropriate transmission of students’ academic records” [47].

The Registrar’s Office regularly processes transcripts, transient credit requests, and applications for graduation. In addition, this office also facilitates degree audits, which are also available online through Swampfox Web, as well as a Senior Review of credits prior to graduation [48].

In addition to using Swampfox Web online, students with questions can also contact the office in person, by phone, or via email.

Artistic, Cultural, and Recreational Opportunities

Artistic and Literary Activities

The University offers a variety of opportunities designed to enrich and develop a student’s appreciation of aesthetic values.

Students can also participate in several instrumental music ensembles, theatrical productions, and choral performance groups offered by the Fine Arts Program. Students are also welcome to engage in numerous concerts and recitals hosted by the Department of Fine Arts each year. These programs and events are housed in the Peter D. Hyman Fine Arts Center, which features the Adele Kassab Recital Hall and the University Theatre. The Adele Kassab Art Gallery Series, also located in the Peter D. Hyman Fine Arts Center, presents exhibitions in three venues representing local, regional and national artists. All events are listed on the university’s Arts Events Calendar [49].

Students may also choose to attend a variety of events offered through the Artist and Lecture Series, as well as the Francis Marion University Cinema Series and the English Department’s Film Series.

The English Department also hosts the Pee Dee Fiction and Poetry Festival each November. During this event, Francis Marion has hosted a number of award-winning novelists and poets who have performed readings of their works, visited select classes, and interacted with Francis Marion students [50].

All university art and literary experiences are designed to be contributions to individual perceptions, intellect, and emotion. In conjunction with coursework and other university offerings, they promote inquiry and reflection of aesthetic knowledge and understanding.

Campus Recreation Services

Campus Recreation Services is located in Smith University Center. Its mission is to “enhance participants’ fitness and wellness, knowledge, personal skills, and enjoyment by providing opportunities for a variety of activities that may contribute to individual physical fitness and wellness, opportunities for cooperative and competitive play activity in game and nongame form, and access to quality facilities, equipment, and programs” [51]. A variety of sports and events, including basketball, flag football, table tennis, and billiards, are offered as intramural competitions. In addition, the basketball court, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, a weight room, and other facilities are available for student use [52].

Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center

The Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center, located in downtown Florence, South Carolina “is an educational facility. The academic wing is used by the Department of Fine Arts for teaching students and assisting them in achieving their highest potential. Its practice rooms and technology lab provide opportunities to explore the arts and encourage creativity. Students also benefit through interactive use of the mainstage and performance lab facilities equipped with the latest technology” [53]. The Performing Arts Center hosts a number of regionally, nationally, and internationally acclaimed performances, theatre productions, and touring shows. Many student events, including Francis Marion University’s Music Industry Ensemble Concert, are also presented at the Performing Arts Center.

Francis Marion University Recording Studio

The Francis Marion University Recording Studio, located in downtown Florence, South Carolina, also permits Music Industry students the opportunity to record their work. The studio is equipped with a variety of analogue and digital equipment and “features two isolation booths and a great room large enough to handle ensembles of any size” [54].

Multicultural and International Student Affairs

The University supports a diverse student population through Multicultural and International Student Affairs, which is led by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. According to the Catalog 2017-2018: “The Student Affairs Office provides leadership in the University’s effort to support students, inform the campus community of the values of multiculturalism, and assist in encouraging a campus environment that is conducive to diverse student learning. The purpose of the office is to amplify the academic, social, and cultural development of students as well as plan and implement programs that facilitate opportunities for self-expression and cultural harmony” [55].

In addition, international students entering Francis Marion University as degree-seeking or exchange students “receive support and guidance regarding immigration documentation, curricular and optional practical training and general counseling” through Multicultural and International Student Affairs [56]. In addition, the Coordinators of International Programs provide direct assistance to international exchange students visiting the University [57].

All students may contact this office via phone, email, or in-person appointments.

Student Life

According to the Catalog 2017-2018, “The University provides a balanced student life program which contributes significantly to the total educational experience of its students. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities designed to enhance their sense of community responsibility and their capacity for leadership. In addition to co-curricular activities, several University offices exist specifically to provide support and activities to increase student success levels” [58, 59].

Francis Marion University’s Student Government Association and numerous student organizations and publications “are not only a vital part of the operation of the institution but an important part of the total student educational experience” [60]. Students are encouraged to “choose activities wisely and to balance academic activities with participation in service, spiritual, athletic, social, and recreational pursuits” [61].

The Division of Student Affairs holds “general administrative responsibility for the student life program” [62] at Francis Marion. However, the creation, development, and fostering of “organizations and activities appropriate to the educational purposes of the University, as well as in implementation of programs that have been planned, is a shared responsibility of students, faculty, and staff” [63].

As stated in the Catalog 2017-2018, the Division of Student Affairs “is committed to enhancing the student experience by providing services and support for students as they engage in their collegiate career and connect with the university community. Recognizing that the academic mission of the University is preeminent, programs and services are designed to support the academic success of Francis Marion students. The divisional mission is to foster student development by engaging students in learning opportunities that encourage their personal, social, cultural, moral, physical, and cognitive growth” [64].

This division of the campus community publishes the Student Handbook each year, in print and online, to provide up-to-date student life information [65]. In addition, a full list of student organizations is available in the university catalog, available in print and online [66].

Student Publications

Published regularly by and for students of Francis Marion University, The Patriot newspaper provides a record of campus news and events and an outlet for students seeking practical experience in journalism. Students are encouraged to become involved with The Patriot, which is staffed by student editors, writers, photographers, and managers [67].

In addition, the Department of English, Modern Languages, and Philosophy publishes The Snow Island Review, which is “a campus literary journal featuring the work of FMU students and is published on a semester basis” [68]. The journal publishes essays, short stories, poems, photographs, and artwork.

University Programming Board

“The University Programming Board is responsible for providing a variety of events throughout the year for the student body of FMU. UPB is comprised of student volunteers and advised by the Student Affairs Office. UPB hosts an array of “concerts, performances by comedians, dances, educational programs, holiday activities, festivals, and homecoming” [69]. The University Programming Board also coordinates events in partnership with other student organizations and academic departments.

Athletics

Francis Marion University “strives to build a balanced, competitive athletic program” for its students [70]. The University “is affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with one sport (men’s golf) competing as a Division I independent, and the remaining 13 as Division II members” [71, 72].

Table 1 lists all Francis Marion University Athletic Teams:

Francis Marion University Athletics Teams
Women's	Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball
Men's	Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Baseball, Tennis, Track and Field, and Golf

Table 1. Francis Marion University Athletic Teams

The University is also a member of the Peach Belt Conference, competing in 11 intercollegiate conference sports. The Francis Marion University Patriots have twice been acknowledged for “having the best all-around program in the league” by winning the Commissioner’s Cup of the Peach Belt Conference [73]. The Peach Belt Conference offers, “through its dependent collegiate members, a forum for student participation in athletic, academic and co-curricular events under the auspices of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Division II” [74]. In addition, “FMU also ranks among the conference leaders in the number of student-athletes named to the PBC Presidential Honor Roll (3.0 grade point average or B average)” [75].

Campus and community participation in athletic events enhances school spirit and camaraderie. All students are welcome to attend these events, many of which are hosted at Sparrow Stadium, Hartzler Soccer Field, and Smith University Center [76]. Online students and the community can also keep up with Patriot Athletics through its website and live streams of Patriot athletics competitions [77].

Campus Environment

Campus Police

“FMU is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the campus community and our guests” by operating a Campus Police Department that provides 24-hour police protection for the campus community [78]. Francis Marion University Campus Police Officers are “certified state police offers with full arrest authority for violations of state laws” [79].

Students can contact Campus Police in person or via phone or email. “Outdoor emergency telephones and call boxes are strategically located throughout the campus to aid our crime prevention efforts and individual assistance program. Several outdoor emergency siren towers are located around campus in order to notify campus community members during an emergency” [80]. In addition, students can anonymously report incidents through the Silent Witness Report webpage hosted by Campus Police [81].

Housing and Residence Life

The University offers a residence life program that meets the needs of a diverse student population. As stated in the Catalog 2017-2018, “The Housing and Residence Life Office promotes academic success by providing safe, comfortable, attractive, modern, and well-maintained residential facilities and quality management operations” [82]. Students live in Residence Halls, the Village Apartments, or the Forest Villas Apartment Complex, which are all conveniently located near Ervin Dining Hall, Rogers Library, and recreational facilities [83]. Students can apply for housing using the Francis Marion University website [84].

Personal Development and Assistance

Counseling and Testing

The Office of Counseling and Testing, housed in the Education Foundation Building, seeks to meet the counseling needs of Francis Marion students [85]. According to the Catalog 2017-2018, “professional counselors are available to help with personal, relationship, or emotional issues (with referrals made to community agencies as needed). The office also coordinates the advanced-placement testing program and administers several standardized tests utilized in certification by graduate and professional schools” [86].

In addition, “Counseling and Testing serves as the focal point of academic services for students with disabilities.” According to the Catalog 2017-2018, “FMU is committed to making programs and activities available to qualified students with disabilities. In addition, the University makes efforts to ensure that the University grounds, major buildings, and classes are accessible to individuals with disabilities” [87].

In fact, the most recent report on disabled accessible areas from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education indicates that 90.39% of the assignable areas on Francis Marion University’s campus, totaling 667,240 area square feet, are accessible to persons with disabilities [88].

According to the Catalog 2017-2018, “The Director of Counseling and Testing coordinates services for students with disabilities, assists students in determining reasonable accommodations on the basis of disability, and acts as a liaison between students and faculty/administration on concerns relating to appropriate accommodations. The Director of Counseling and Testing is also available to meet with prospective students to discuss services available at FMU” [89]. The Catalog 2017-2018 details the range of services available for students with learning disability/ADD/ADHD, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and physical disabilities [90].

Staff members are available for in-person appointments and contact via phone and email.

Student Health Services

As stated in the Catalog 2017-2018, “FMU is committed to providing professional and cost-effective health care for its students through Student Health Services. The goal of Student Health Services is to promote and maintain the health of students by providing preventive services, health education, acute and chronic medical care, and referral assistance so that students can best meet their educational objectives [91].

Student Health Services is located in the Education Foundation Building. Services provided in Student Health Services are free of charge to students, and there “are modest fees for off-site laboratory services” [92].

Technology Services

Campus Technology

Campus Technology, headquartered in the Stanton Academic Computing Center, “provides information, technology resources and services for instructional and research missions of the University” [93]. These resources equip both students and faculty in their work across campus.

Campus Technology “provides digital content, access to that content, and guidance for its use through public computer laboratories and support in the Stanton Academic Computer Center and the John K. Cauthen Educational Media Center [94].

Computer Labs

There are two main computer labs located at Francis Marion, not including the library, although several departments have public computers for use as well. The Stanton Academic Computer Center lab hosts 28 computers and the John K. Cauthen Educational Media Center hosts 44 computers for “all enrolled students, faculty, staff, and active alumni at Francis Marion University” [95].

In addition, Rogers Library has more than 60 computers available for student use and 21 laptops available for student/patron checkout. The Writing Center, the Tutoring Center, and eleven departmental computer labs across campus also host another 166 computers for student access.

Technology-Enriched Classrooms

The Stanton Academic Computer Center also hosts four technology-enhanced classrooms with 97 computers that are regularly used for scheduled courses. Other departments also host technology-enhanced classrooms for instruction, ranging from full computer labs to classrooms with computers and digital projectors.

Email

According to the Catalog 2017-2018, “All currently enrolled students are provided a Swamp Fox Mail email account. These accounts are powered by Google and come with all of the current Google applications” [96]. Help for all technology issues is provided both in person at the Help Desk and online on the university website [97].

Blackboard

Francis Marion University contracts with Blackboard for course management functions [98]. Many faculty use Blackboard to interact with students, host course content, conduct assessments, and gather assignments. Blackboard is also used for online course delivery.

Cauthen Educational Media Center

According to the Catalog 2017-2018, the Cauthen Educational Media Center “is dedicated to improving teaching and learning opportunities by providing non-print resources, technological support, media-equipped teaching, and conference facilities for the faculty, students, and staff of Francis Marion. The Center supports academic programs by providing study facilities and instructional space in addition to a computer laboratory in the Resource Area, supplying and maintaining media equipment, scheduling media-equipped classrooms, providing production facilities, and hosting campus and community activities” [99].

Ashpy Lowrimore Auditorium, located on the first floor of the building, hosts a variety of lectures, educational workshops, films, and arts events. And Dooley Planetarium is located on the second floor of the Media Center and hosts a wealth of space-related programming for students, faculty, staff, and the local community [100].

2.10 Student Support Services