Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Studies Catalog 2010-2011 
    
Graduate Studies Catalog 2010-2011 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Resources


The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library

Opened in 1992, this 80,000-square-foot, five-story building is named for Harry and Jeanette Weinberg. Library holdings include 499,289 volumes, 35,296 print and full-text online journals, and 540,374 microform pieces. The facility includes group-study rooms; quiet study areas; a twenty-four-hour study room with computer lab; and the Heritage Room, a large reading room on the fifth floor overlooking the campus and community. There is a Java City Coffee Bar in the Pro Deo Room. Over 152 databases are available on the World Wide Web. A virtual tour of the Library and its services is available at http://academic.scranton.edu/department/wml/library_tour.html. A proxy server gives users remote access to databases.

The University Archives and Special Collections houses University historical records, rare books, faculty publications, and other special collections. The Media Resources Collection, located on the third floor, holds 16,257 non-print items. In addition to the Library’s own Online Public Catalog, users can use PALCI, Pennsylvania Academic Library Consortium Inc., and EZ-Borrow, a direct borrowing program. With PALCI members, the Library also shares 1,900 full-text books that users can read or borrow online. An additional 12,000 full-text books are available through Access PA. There are 88 Internet workstations in the Library, including 33 machines available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the Pro Deo Room and 20 laptops that are available at the circulation desk. Throughout the building, there is wireless connection to the Internet for laptops equipped with a network card.

Library hours are posted on campus, on the Internet, and on a recording, which can be heard at 570-941-7525. It is open 95.5 hours per week, with extended hours during exam periods. For information about the Library, its services, and resources, see the Weinberg Memorial Library homepage on the World Wide Web (http://www.scranton.edu/library) or select the Library from the University’s homepage (www.scranton.edu). Some required readings for courses are available through ERes, an electronic reserve reading database over the Internet. The Library conducts an extensive information literacy program to orient and instruct students in resources and research techniques. Users can call the Reference Desk (570-941-4000) to schedule an appointment or submit questions to “Ask a Librarian” http://academic.scranton.edu/department/wml/ask_a_librarian.html.  Librarians are available by IM all hours the Library is open. Live Chat with American Jesuit College and University librarians is also available 24/7. Special services for delivery of materials are available for distance learners.

Career Services

Career Services staff advises students on career-development issues, assists students and graduates in job searches, and helps students plan for further academic work following graduation. During the academic year, the office presents workshops on resume/interview preparation and career planning. A career library containing occupational information and some graduate school catalogs are also available. The Career Services Office coordinates the on-campus recruiting program. The Career Services Office also maintains the College Central website (http://collegecentral.com/scranton/) where graduate students can search for advertised positions and post their resumes; and where employers can evaluate the resumes posted by Scranton students. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Friday; and 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Contact Career Services in Ciszek Hall (570-941-7640) to arrange appointments. Alumni, off-campus students, and online students can contact the Career Services Office at careers@scranton.edu to inquire about post-graduate career possibilities or to schedule a tele-counseling appointment.

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides a safe, comfortable, caring and confidential place for students. Sometimes students have personal concerns they may wish to discuss with one of our staff. These may be related to relationships, transition, coping, development, school, self-concept, family dynamics, etc. Other concerns may be alcohol and other drug use/abuse, anxiety and/or depression, etc.

The Counseling Center is staffed by licensed psychologists, counselors, a social worker and a part-time psychiatrist who are available to help students make the most they can out of their years at the University. Finding ways to identify and cope with these concerns can make a difference in the life of a college student.

The Center, located in McGurrin Hall, second floor, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Later evening sessions may be available by appointment. The Counseling Center does not provide online therapy services. After hours emergency crisis consultation with a clinician is available on a 24-hour basis from September through May while classes are in session by contacting Public Safety 941-7777. For Counseling Center appointments, students may call (570) 941-7620 or stop by the Center. Our web site address is www.scranton.edu/counseling.

Center for Health Education and Wellness

The Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW) encourages healthy lifestyle choices by providing in-house educational programs, as well as referrals to campus resources.  Students are encouraged to assess and improve their health in each of the eight dimensions of wellness: spiritual, social, physical, intellectual, occupational, multicultural, environmental, and emotional. In addition, student leadership and peer education opportunities are available through the Center’s Coalition of Peer Educators in the following areas: Physical Activity, Nutrition, Mental Health, HIV/AIDS, Late Night Programming, and Alcohol and Drug Prevention.  Program offerings are posted on campus and on our webpage (www.scranton.edu/chew) each semester. Visit or contact the Center for additional information. CHEW is located in the Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Campus Center – Room 205K. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and evenings by appointment (570-941-4253).

Computer Facilities

The University provides an excellent array of computing facilities, both hardware and software. A listing of the facilities is provided below. Details regarding equipment, software, support services, and hours are published by Information Resources at the beginning of each academic year. Up-to-date information can be found at http://academic.scranton.edu/department/diresources/dir/labs.shtml.

General Access Computer Labs:

Pro Deo Room, Weinberg Memorial Library (24-hour access)
2nd Floor Weinberg Memorial Library
Study Rooms on 3rd and 4th Floors
 

Other Computer Facilities:

Career Services, Ciszek Hall, Room 113*
Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence Lab, St. Thomas Hall 590
Chemistry Lab, Loyola Hall, Room 317
Communications Lab, St. Thomas Hall, Room 464
Counseling/Human Services Lab, McGurrin Hall, Room 436
CPS Instructional Lab, McGurrin Hall, Room 110*
Education Macintosh Lab, McGurrin Hall, Room 120*
English Instructional Lab, Hyland 204 and Hyland 304*
Foreign Languages Lab, O’Hara Hall*
Health/Human Resources Lab, McGurrin Hall, Room 406*
Literacy Lab I, St. Thomas Hall, Room 475*
Literacy Lab II, St. Thomas Hall, Room 375*
Math Lab, St. Thomas Hall, Room 161
Nursing Instructional Lab, McGurrin Hall, Room 336
Occupational Therapy Lab, Leahy Hall, Room 2002
Physics/Electrical Engineering CAD/CAM Lab, St. Thomas Hall, Room 170
Physical Therapy Lab, Leahy Hall, Room 010
Political Science Lab, O’Hara Hall, Room 426*
Psychology Lab, Alumni Memorial Hall, Room 202
Psychology Instructional Lab, Alumni Memorial Hall, Room 214
Kania School of Management Instructional Lab, Brennan Hall, Rooms 101 and 201
Writing Center Computer Lab, Literary and Performing Arts, Room 224*

*Signifies an Instructional Lab; permission from the department should be sought prior to using the room.

Further information and assistance may be obtained from the Information Resources Technology Support Center, Alumni Memorial Hall, 570-941-HELP. Up-to-date information is available online also through The University of Scranton Web Server (http://www.scranton.edu). Online students are offered technology support by the University through the Technology Support Center.

Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence

The University’s Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence (CTLE) is located on the 5th floor of the Harper-McGuiness Wing in St. Thomas Hall. The mission of the CTLE is to provide academic support services for students and opportunities for faculty to enhance teaching and learning. The CTLE offers services to assist graduate students to achieve academic success. The CTLE can assist graduate students who reside in Northeastern Pennsylvania with: improving their reading comprehension and retention abilities, writing skills, and overall learning strategies; and learning how to use the instructional technologies that are available on campus. Workshops are offered in the areas of time management, organizational skills, effective study techniques and learning styles. The CTLE also offers opportunities for faculty and students to engage in teaching mentoring experiences through the Student/Faculty Teaching Mentorship Program (SFTMP). Any graduate student with a documented disability, and who is registered with the CTLE, receives academic accommodations such as extended test-taking time, note taking and computer use for examinations. To assist students achieve academic success, individual consultations are encouraged with the CTLE Reading Enrichment Specialist, the Learning Enrichment Specialist, and the Writing Consultants.

To learn more about the CTLE’s programs and services for students and faculty visit the Web site at www.scranton.edu/ctle or phone 570-941-4038.

Byron Recreational Complex/John Long Center

Any graduate student may use both the Byron Recreational Complex and the John Long Center by paying a fee of $70.00 each semester. Facilities in the Byron Recreational Complex include three gymnasiums that may be used for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and tennis; indoor pool and locker rooms containing saunas and steam rooms; racquetball/handball courts; a dance/aerobics room; and a fitness center housing 46 pieces of individual fitness equipment. The John Long Center facilities, located adjacent to the Byron Complex, include a gymnasium, weight room, wrestling room and locker rooms. Contact the Recreational Center at 570-941-6203 for more information.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services is located in the Roche Wellness Center at the corner of Mulberry Street and N. Webster Avenue. Graduate students who come to campus have the option of utilizing on-campus services by paying the health fee of $65.00 each semester. Payment of the health fee may be made at the Bursar’s Office after signing a request form at Student Health Services. On-campus services include health and wellness information, nursing assessment, treatment of routine illnesses and injuries, medical services provided by physicians and a certified nurse practitioner by appointment, as well as referral to community healthcare providers for services beyond the scope of a student health facility. Students may telephone or e-mail requests for general health information but diagnosis or recommendations for treatment are not done by telephone or e-mail. Further information may be obtained by contacting Student Health Services (570-941-7667) or visiting our Web site at http://academic.scranton.edu/department/healthsvs/.

Graduate Student Housing

The University of Scranton offers comfortable and competitively priced accommodations for full-time, on-campus graduate students. Space is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. These furnished apartments are within walking distance to the campus and downtown Scranton. For more information please contact the Office of Residence Life at (570) 941-6226 or visit their website, http://academic.uofs.edu/department/reslife/graduate-housing.html for specific information on housing for graduate students.

Graduate Assistantships and Other Financial Support Information

Employment of graduate students as Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants, and Graduate Assistants enables them to pursue their graduate education, strengthens the quality of their educational experience, and helps the University develop the quality of its graduate programs. GTAs, GRAs, and GAs also provide valuable and necessary services to the University. However, because GTAs, GRAs, and GAs are primarily students, their duties should have a direct relationship to their academic program of study.

GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTS (GTA)

A faculty member has the primary responsibility for determining all aspects regarding course content and delivery. A Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) assists faculty members in the teaching and delivery of course content. This may include grading papers, classroom or laboratory teaching, conducting help sessions, providing academic support services for students, or serving an apprenticeship under the supervision of a faculty member. A Graduate Teaching Assistant may engage in one or more of the following activities:

• Set up and lead a laboratory
• Lead a discussion section
• Respond to students’ questions
• Assist in grading student work
• Tutor students
• Assist with the administration of a course
• Assist faculty in the development of new material for a course

A GTA receives a stipend of $8,800/year and a tuition scholarship that provides for full tuition and fees (registration fees, laboratory fees, and any other specific course related fees) in support of the registration of the student not to exceed the number of graduate credit hours required for the student’s particular degree program.

A graduate student must apply for vacant GTA positions no later than March 1. In all cases, a GTA must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, must be regularly admitted as a graduate student into a graduate degree program, and is selected based on his/her previous teaching experience or his/her academic potential to be an effective instructor in his/her field of training.

Exceptional graduate students may be offered a GTA position at the time of recruitment. Departments that choose this option must develop a rubric that will be used to evaluate these GTAs and provide evidence that these individuals possess both the academic knowledge and pedagogical skills required to serve as a GTA.

All GTA must participate in a GTA workshop prior to the start of the fall semester. The required service commitment of a GTA is 600 hours during the academic year.

GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (GRA)

A Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) conducts research or performs research-related activities. A GRA may be employed either by an academic department or an administrative/research unit. A GRA employed by an academic department usually performs research for a faculty member and often times works with the faculty member in conducting a research project. A GRA may also be employed by a research or administrative unit outside his or her department. In such situations, the GRA should bring certain knowledge or skills of value to the project. A Research Assistant may engage in one or more of the following activities:

• Perform independent research under the direction of a faculty member
• Engage in literature searches
• Perform data analysis
• Design an experiment
• Assist in a faculty member’s laboratory
• Co-author a research paper

A GRA receives a stipend of $4,400/year and a tuition scholarship that provides for one-half tuition and full fees (registration fees, laboratory fees, and any other specific course related fees) in support of the registration of the student not to exceed the number of graduate credit hours required for the student’s particular degree program.


• A graduate student may be awarded an academic GRA position at the time of acceptance into a graduate program in recognition of his or her outstanding academic credentials.
• A graduate student must apply for an administrative GRA position no later than March 1.
• A candidate for a GRA position must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, must be regularly admitted as a graduate student into a graduate degree program, and is selected based on his/her level of academic preparation.


The required service commitment of a GRA is 300 hours during the academic year.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTS (GA)

A Graduate Assistant (GA) may be employed either by an academic department or by an administrative office to manage special projects or work in a paraprofessional capacity. Non-departmental offices may select candidates from many areas of graduate study. A Graduate Assistant may engage in one or more of the following activities:

• Perform a variety of administrative tasks including preparation of Power Point presentations, data entry
and analysis, web site development, collating marketing materials and presentations.
• Provide assistance with event planning
• Facilitate projects in an office with other students
• Serve on short-term college project teams
• Support departmental processes related to student recruitment including contacting prospective students,
creation of marketing materials, peer advising/mentoring, conducting campus tours and orientation
activities, and delivering presentations
• Supervise a computer laboratory
• Configure and manage servers used in the delivery of distance courses

A GA receives a stipend of $4,400/year and a tuition scholarship that provides for one-half tuition and full fees (registration fees, laboratory fees, and any other specific course related fees) in support of the registration of the student not to exceed the number of graduate credit hours required for the student’s particular degree program.


• A graduate student may be awarded an academic GA position at the time of acceptance into a graduate program in recognition of his or her outstanding academic credentials.
• A graduate student must apply for an administrative GA position no later than March 1.
• A candidate for a GA position must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, must be regularly admitted as a graduate student into a graduate degree program, and is selected based on his/her level of academic preparation.


The required service commitment of a GA is 300 hours during the academic year. If a GA is assigned to a group of faculty or staff members, it is the responsibility of the supervisor to coordinate the service commitment expectations of the GA so that he or she does not perform at a level or in a period beyond what is expected in the contract.

GTAs, GRAs, and GAs are expected to register for at least six graduate credits during each academic semester (fall semester and spring semester). Fewer credits may be taken during the GTA, GRA, or GA’s final term. If a student who is a GTA, GRA, or GA is dismissed from the University for either academic or non-academic reasons, the GTA, GRA, or GA contract is voided concurrent with the dismissal.

Stipend payments are made in equal monthly allotments on the first day of the month following a month of service. Withholding of federal, state, and local income taxes are similar to those pertaining to ordinary income. During the academic semesters in which a graduate student holds a GTA, GRA, or GA position, he/she is not permitted to hold any full-time or part-time employment at the University.

GTAs, GRAs, and GAs assigned to academic departments are expected to satisfy their service commitment during each of the academic semesters (including the week prior to the start of the semester, the constituent weeks of the semester, and the week of final examinations). In administrative units, GRAs and GAs may satisfy part of the service commitment during periods other than the academic semesters (e.g., during intersession). In such cases, the service expectations should be stated in writing by the supervisor at the time of the appointment. An appropriate schedule should be worked out between supervisors and GRAs or GAs well in advance to clarify expectations.

A GTA, GRA, or GA is awarded for the academic year and is renewable for a second year if the GTA, GRA, or GA has maintained a 3.0 GPA or better, has made sufficient progress towards completion of degree requirements, and has performed at an acceptable level of service during the first year. GTAs, GRAs, and GAs will be evaluated annually by their supervisors. A GTA, GRA, or GA whose performance is judged unsatisfactory is subject to having the assistantship rescinded.

In such cases, the supervisor should meet with the GTA, GRA, or GA, discuss the deficiency with him/her, and develop a corrective plan. The meeting should be followed by written notification to the GTA, GRA, or GA from the supervisor specifying the problem, what corrective action is needed, and a timetable, usually 30 days, by which to correct the problem. The assistant must be informed that failure to correct the problem could result in termination of the assistantship. If after the corrective period expires, the problem persists, the GTA, GRA, or GA may be dismissed.

A GTA, GRA, or GA may also be dismissed for failure to remain in good academic standing. Each semester the Graduate School will review the academic progress of assistants to determine if any fall below the required 3.0 GPA. If an assistant is placed on academic probation, he/she must meet with the Graduate Program Director of the home department and, where appropriate, the Graduate Dean. The decision to allow an assistant to continue with an assistantship while on academic probation will be made by the Graduate Dean in consultation with the Graduate Program Director taking into account the individual circumstances of the student holding the assistantship.

Financial Aid for Graduate Students: Students accepted to a graduate studies program may apply for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program and the Federal Work Study Programs. When a determination of eligibility is made, an email will be sent to the student’s University of Scranton email account advising them to view their Electronic Aid Notification Letter on the Self Service UIS system.

Required Applications: Graduate students applying for any federal financial aid listed above, must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at www.fafsa.gov. Students applying for federal work study must complete our Online Work Study Application available on the Self Service University Information System (UIS). For both the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program and the Federal Work Study Program, you must indicate your request on the FAFSA. Students must also complete an eMPN at the Federal Direct Loan Website. Visit www.scranton.edu/financialaid and click on Loans & Financing Options. Under the Graduate column, click on Federal Direct Stafford Loans and click on Apply Now to design your Electronic Master Promissory Note. The eMPN is valid for 10 years, but the FAFSA must be filed each year.

Aggregate and Annual Loan Eligibility for Graduate Students: The annual maximum Stafford Loan for graduate students is $8,500 and $12,000 for the additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Graduate students will be certified for the maximum eligibility based on cost of attendance for the loan term. Should you not want the maximum, please notify the Financial Aid Office in writing from your University of Scranton email account, on the amount that you wish to borrow. Loan proceeds are credited to the student’s account at the beginning of each semester depending on when the loan was processed. Students will be notified when funds have been disbursed to the account. Eligibility is also dependent on Satisfactory Academic Progress and the aggregate amount a student has already borrowed for their educational career. Graduate students are limited to an aggregate of $138,500.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are available to credit worthy graduate students. Students may apply for up to the difference between their cost of attendance less the total of all other financial aid received. Students are required to complete a FAFSA and should first utilize the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program prior to borrowing under the Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan program. Students must notify the Financial Aid Office of their request to apply under this program and must also complete an eMPN at the Federal Direct Loan website, which is valid for 10 years. Visit www.scranton.edu/financialaid and click on Loans & Financing Options. Under the Graduate column, click on Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loans.

Loan Counseling must be completed for the Federal Direct Stafford and Graduate Plus Loans at the Direct Loan Servicing website. Visit www.scranton.edu/financialaid and click on Loans & Financing Options. Under the Graduate column, click on Federal Direct Stafford Loans and then click on Entrance Counseling. Please read and complete all required items.

Loans for Students Enrolled in Teacher Certification or Pre-Professional Coursework: Students admitted in a Teacher Certification Program and not in a Master’s Degree Program are eligible to borrow up to $5,500 in the Stafford Loan and up to $7,000 in the Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan (if eligible under this program). Students admitted under a Pre-Professional status who are enrolled in prerequisite courses for admission into an eligible graduate or professional program, may be eligible to borrow up to $5,500 through the Direct Stafford Loan Program and up to $7,000 through the Direct Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan (if eligible under this program). Students are limited to one loan for one consecutive 12-month period for these maximum amounts for pre-professional coursework. In addition to the required financial aid application process, students enrolled under a Pre-Professional status must submit a letter from their advisor stating that the coursework is required for admission into a graduate or professional degree program.

International Students may apply for Private Educational Alternative Loans to help finance their educational costs. Students must be credit worthy and must also apply with a credit worthy U. S. citizen or a permanent resident who has resided in the U. S. for the previous two years. Information is available at www.scranton.edu/financialaid and click on Loans & Financing Options.

Enrollment Status for Graduate Students: Graduate students are considered to be full-time students if enrolled for a minimum of six credits per semester. Students who are enrolled for a minimum of three credits per semester are considered to be half-time students. For additional information, please refer to our Comprehensive Guide to Financial Aid Programs and A Guide to Your Electronic Eligibility Notification for Graduate Students found on the Financial Aid section of www.scranton.edu.

ROTC: Graduate students who have two full years of study remaining may be eligible to participate in the ROTC Program administered by the Military Science Department, College of Arts and Sciences. There are numerous opportunities for full ROTC scholarships that pay full tuition, $1200 for books and $4,500-$5,000 for spending money annually. Students participate in adventure training, leadership instruction, and leadership internships. Contact the Military Science Department at 570-941-7457, fax 570-941-4340, e-mail ROTC@scranton.edu, or visit our homepage in the Academic section of www.scranton.edu/rotc.

Graduate Tuition Guarantee Program: In order to provide a basis for personal economic planning for graduate course work and to encourage the completion of graduate degree requirements at The University of Scranton, a graduate student initiating a course of study will be eligible for a guaranteed tuition rate based on the initial academic term (either fall semester, intersession, spring semester, or summer sessions) for a total of three calendar years.

  1. The tuition rate for the initial term of registration will be assessed for subsequent registrations in the University’s next three academic terms.
  2. In order to be eligible for this Graduate Tuition Guarantee in the second 12-month period, the student must maintain and successfully complete a total registration of at least nine graduate credit hours for the initial 12-month period (the four academic terms included in the 12 months commencing with the student’s initial registration term).  Successfully completing at least nine graduate credit hours is interpreted to mean earning a grade of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, S, or IP (In Progress for thesis work) in each of the courses comprising those nine credit hours.
  3. If the student satisfies the requirements for the Graduate Tuition Guarantee for the second 12-month period, then he/she is eligible for a third 12-month period.  As in item #2, in order to be eligible for this Graduate Tuition Guarantee in the third 12-month period, the student must maintain and complete a total registration of at least nine graduate credit hours for the second 12-month period (the four academic terms included in the second 12 months following the student’s initial registration term).
  4. The Graduate Tuition Guarantee will cease at the end of the 36-month period following the initial graduate registration or if the student fails to satisfy the nine-graduate credit-hour registration expectation in the previous designated 12-month period.
  5. When the Graduate Tuition Guarantee ceases, the tuition rate for that current academic year will become effective.
  6. A student is eligible for the Graduate Tuition Guarantee only at the outset of studies and after the Graduate Tuition Guarantee Agreement has been signed by the student and returned to CGCE Office.

This policy does not pertain to HR Online, MBA Online, Nurse Anesthesia, Scranton Education Online or tDPT students.

Voucher Program: As partial recognition for work conducted by field supervisors in various areas (Counseling, Education, Health Administration, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy), The University of Scranton will award a non-transferable Graduate Tuition Voucher which may be used to pay for graduate credits taken at The University of Scranton.

This policy does not pertain to Nurse Anesthesia or Scranton Education online students.

Tuition Policy for Senior Citizens: Persons 60 years of age and older may audit courses at The University of Scranton at no tuition charge, on a space-available basis. Such persons may take courses for credit at 50% tuition. These reductions are applicable only after the person has applied for and receives any form of financial assistance normally available, e.g., state and federal assistance and employer reimbursement. Fees and other costs of courses, e.g., textbooks, are assessed at the normal rate in all cases. Students must be formally admitted into CGCE in order to pursue graduate courses.

This policy does not pertain to HR Online, MBA Online, Nurse Anesthesia, Scranton Education Online or tDPT students.