Mar 19, 2024  
2016-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2016-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Life and Development


The Division of Student Affairs at Providence College promotes the educational development of the student outside of the classroom. In addition to providing services which address the students’ personal needs while attending college, these efforts include the social, cultural, and recreational resourc­es which make for a complete college experience. 

The Division of Student Affairs seeks to help students discern and prepare for who they ultimately want to be by seeking growth in four key areas known as The Friar Four Pillars: Human Flourishing, Cultural Agility, Contemplation & Communication, and Integrated Learning. Programs and services built upon these pillars include the office of the dean of students, personal counseling, career education & professional development, residential life, student health, safety and security, community standards, citizenship & off-campus life, recreational sports & fitness, and student activities, and cultural programming. Comple­menting student affairs is the Office of the Chaplain/Campus Ministry, which focuses on students’ spiritual growth and development.

Student Resources

Office of the Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students provides a critical support system for students and develops programs to enrich students’ overall experiences. The office works with students and families to respond to crises and requests for leaves of absences, and serves as the supervisor of the CARE (Campus Assessment, Responsibility, and Evaluation) Team. The office coordinates the following programs: the Peer Mentor Program; the annual Horizons Fall Retreat for first-year and transfer students of color, and international students; and, Agape Latte, a program that facilitates reflection about faith. The office also advises Student Congress, BMSA, and campus media groups, specifically, The Cowl, WDOM, and PCTV.

Student Congress

Student Congress is the only organization on campus that represents the entire student body in all facets of College life. The Student Congress also has representation on various standing committees of the College. The president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary are elected annually by all students. Class officers and representatives are elected by each class. All officers serve for a one-year term.

Board of Multicultural Student Affairs (BMSA)

BMSA is a student-led organization that brings cultural awareness to the PC campus. BMSA has over ninety student leaders and functions as the umbrella organization that oversees clubs such as Afro-Am, Asian-Am, Circolo Italiano, Gaelic Society, MESA (Middle-Eastern Student Association), and OLAS (Organization of Latin American Students). SOAR (Society Organized Against Racism), ISO (International Students Organization), Motherland Dance Group, and SHEPARD (Stopping Homophobia, Eliminating Prejudices And Restoring Dignity) are affiliated organizations with BMSA.

Personal Counseling Center
Students face a number of challenges in their years at Providence College, and the Personal Counseling Center is here to help them meet these opportunities to integrate their personal, social, intellectual, and moral development. The Personal Counseling Center serves the needs of students seeking assistance around issues including, but not limited to: depression, self-esteem, anxiety, substance abuse, stress, eating disorders, sexuality, family pressures, crisis intervention, victimization, thoughts of suicide, life crisis, and critical life decisions. The Center offers individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, substance abuse assistance, workshops and outreach activities. All counseling services are confidential within the limits of the law and professional ethics. To find out more about how to make an appointment, click the following link: http://www.providence.edu/personal-counseling.

Health Services
The College provides health services to its students during the academic year. The Student Health Center is staffed by four providers. Appointments are necessary to meet with one of the providers. The center provides laboratory services but does not provide x-ray or surgical services, treatment for major illnesses, or allergy shots. The staff refers students who need those services to either a local hospital or off-campus provider, and students assume financial responsibility for those services.

When the center is closed, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. (Monday through Friday) and 24 hours on Saturday, Sunday, and some holidays, emergency medical services are provided by on-campus emergency medical technicians.

Complete Medical Record: All incoming freshmen and transfer students are required to submit a complete medical record on forms supplied by the College and signed by their provider. It is the responsibility of each student to update his or her medical record whenever there is a change in health status, insurance, or other relevant information. Every student is required to have medical insurance and must provide proof of insurance.

Services for Students with Disabilities

“Providence College seeks to reflect the rich diversity of the human family…and affirms the God-given dignity, freedom, and equality of each person.” (The Mission of Providence College). Consistent with this mission the College strives to offer equal educational and employment opportunities to all members of the College community. To this end we offer reasonable accommodations for the needs of persons with disabilities, meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. 

An individual with a disability is someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. “Substantially limits” means being unable to perform a major life activity or significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which a major life activity can be performed, in comparison to the average person or to most people. “Major life activities” include, but are not limited to such functions as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

Providence College employs a decentralized approach to providing accommodations to persons with disabilities. It is designed to preserve medical privacy as much as possible.  At the same time, it allows administrators most closely connected to the needed accommodation to understand your disability and the accommodations that will help you achieve equal access to work, living, and learning opportunities. Click here to learn more about where to direct requests for disability accommodation (academic, transportation, dining, and residential life).

The Providence College Student Handbook provides information regarding the grievance policy related to accommodation requests.

The Office of Public Safety

The Office of Public Safety provides service to the campus community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Office strives to ensure that members of the College community learn, work, and live in safe and secure environments. Members of the community share this responsibility and are expected to help the Office of Public Safety identify and report behavior that constitutes a violation of College policy and/or criminal law, and to take reasonable safety precautions. Providence College’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://www.providence.edu/safety/Documents/safety-report.pdf.

Policy on Drug-Free Campus

Providence College, in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989, has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees of the College, which includes enforcement of policies and standards of conduct with respect to behavior on College property, and behavior at any College-sponsored events. The College undertakes educational initiatives to inform students and employees of these policies. The College also employs a range of prevention-oriented activities to reduce the risk of alcohol or drug abuse.

The Center for Career Education & Professional Development: Discerning & Preparing for Who You Will Be

Self-Insight & Exploration, Professional Skill Development, and Market Readiness are the key “game plan” elements of the Center for Career Education & Professional Development. A typical game plan will include many, if not all, of these elements, and will be repeated through the four years of college and throughout life.

During Self-Insight & Exploration students identify their top five strengths using the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment. Students discuss their passions, skills, and major, job, career, and market prospects in coaching meetings with career coaches.

Professional Skills Development occurs when students participate in learning experiences outside the classroom that enhance classroom learning, build skills, and foster professionalism, and in skills-gap programs that supplement a student’s academic experience, making them more employable.

Students will feel confident in their Market Readiness for jobs and/or professional school through research projects, interview preparation for jobs and professional school, career/graduate school document preparation, and dining etiquette programs, which all prepare students to enter the market. 

​​​​​​​The Center for Orientation, Transitions & Leadership

The Center for Orientation, Transitions & Leadership focuses on the preparation, progression, and success of Providence College students from the moment they step onto campus. The Center’s staff is dedicated to providing students a solid foundation for academic, personal, and professional excellence, and our various programs and leadership opportunities reflect this commitment. The Center’s programs include Advising & Registration Days and Fall Orientation for first-year students, the Dirigo Honor Society, the Leadership Fellows Program, and various other transition and leadership programs.

The Office of Community Standards

The Office of Community Standards helps students who have violated standards of behavior reconcile with themselves and the community. Guided by behavior change theories, Community Standards seeks to mitigate things preventing students from human flourishing. The office is committed to education, meaningful dialogue, accountability, and adherence to a disciplinary forum that is transparent, fair, and committed to student development. 

Residence Life/Student Housing

All members of the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes must reside on campus, with the exception of those who commute from the home of a parent or guard­ian, are married, or have a compelling reason to reside off campus. All students who reside on campus must be full-time students in the day school and regularly attend the classes for which they are registered. All stu­dents who reside on campus must do so for the entire academic year; thus, residential students are respon­sible for all charges associated with that one-year com­mitment.

Students who have been approved for participating in study abroad or the Washington Semester program and require on-campus housing for one of the two semesters during the same academic year must apply and receive permission from the Office of Residence Life. Exceptions to the provisions in this paragraph are for extraordinary circumstances only and rarely granted, and must be obtained in writing from the Office of Residence Life.

The housing contract for resident students is binding for the entire academic year. Students residing in an apartment complex are charged a room fee and may elect any meal plan offered by the College. Students residing in the traditional halls or suites are required to purchase at least a minimum meal plan as prescribed by the College. The contract for room and board terminates 24 hours after one’s final examination in May. However, exemptions may be granted by the Office of Residence Life.

In the apartment complexes, suites, and traditional halls, rooms are fully furnished. Students are respon­sible for bringing their own linens, pillows, blankets, and personal items. The apartment complexes, suites and traditional halls follow the academic calendar and are closed during the vacation periods. Any exceptions to the aforementioned must be approved by the Office of Residence Life.

Every residential building provides Internet and cable TV access, a laundry facility, and study lounge space.

Traditional Residence Halls

The College has eight traditional residence halls with single, two-, three-, and four-person rooms, predomi­nately occupied by freshman and sophomore students. These traditional halls are gender-specific by floor and/or building and are secured by the College’s card access system. Each building has its own unique setting and environment.

Apartment Complexes

The College has five apartment-style student residence buildings. Three buildings are comprised of six-person apartments, wherein there are three two-person bed­rooms, while two buildings are comprised of four-per­son apartments (two bedrooms with two students per room). All apartments provide full kitchens (including a dishwasher) and are fully furnished. A garbage disposal and microwave are not included in the kitchens. Students are responsible for providing their own cookware, eat­ing utensils, and cleaning supplies.

The Suites

In addition to apartment-style living, the College offers suite-style residence living. The suites feature two- or three-person bedrooms, with an adjoining common living area that accommodates four, five, six, or seven persons per suite (two to three bed­rooms). Each suite provides an efficiency-style area equipped with a refrigerator, a microwave, sink, and countertop space.

Citizenship & Off-Campus Life

The office of Citizenship and Off-Campus Life provides support for students living off-campus. The office advises the Off-Campus Coalition as well as serves as a liaison for the neighborhood. Providence College expects all students to abide by the “Good Neighbor Policy”. A cornerstone of off-campus living is citizenship in which students are provided opportunities to engage in on-going service in the community. The office also supports service groups and coordinates Urban Action, a three-day volunteer project for incoming first-year students.

All freshman, sophomore and junior students are required to live on-campus. Only seniors are allowed to apply to live off-campus. Students are advised not to sign leases until that permission has been granted. Graduate students, married students, and local students living with parents are exempt from this permission requirement.

All students living off-campus, including commuter students, are required to register their local off-campus address, current telephone number, emergency contact phone number, and email contact information with the Office of Citizenship and Off-Campus Living by the beginning of the second week of classes by emailing housing@providence.edu.

Office of the Chaplain/Campus Ministry

The chaplains, staff, and student leaders who make up the Campus Ministry team at Providence College bring together students, faculty, and staff for prayer, worship, and learning. Campus Ministry promotes the building of a genuine Christian community through a vibrant sacramental life, which includes Sunday and daily celebrations of the Eucharist and regular opportunities to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. Through its many services and programs, Campus Ministry helps students explore their faith and serve their community. The goal of Campus Ministry is to help students integrate spiritual, academic, and personal growth.

The chaplain of the College is a Dominican Friar, who together with the other chaplains and campus ministers, is responsible for the pastoral care of the entire College community. The chaplain is always available to help and support students in times of crisis or difficult decision making.

The chaplains and campus ministers reach out to students of all faiths to offer pastoral support and promote full spiritual and personal development. Recognizing the impact we can have on society by working together and sharing the gifts with which we have been blessed, Campus Ministry offers members of the College community many opportunities to work for social justice through reflection groups, prayer vigils, and direct volunteer service to the local community.

Campus Ministry also seeks to help train future leaders for society and the Church. This is done through the peer ministry and retreats program, as well as through lectures, workshops, and opportunities for involvement in ministry to the College faith community.

Recreational Sports, Activities & Organizations

Intramurals, Club Sports, and Recreational Fitness
Students who wish to participate in non-varsity sports have a wide variety of intramural, club, and recreational sports to choose from at the College.

Intramural sports provide physical competition in a variety of sports and skill levels and encourage respectable competition and good sportsmanship. The Intramural Athletic Board (IAB) is composed of approximately 15 students who support the Department of Recreational Sports in organizing, scheduling, and overseeing intramural competition.

Among the sports currently offered to both men and women are: flag football, ice hockey, soccer, 3-on-3 basketball, 5-on-5 basketball, softball, and wiffleball. Co-ed sports include tennis, volleyball, and ultimate. The IAB frequently hosts a number of one-day tournaments to introduce new sports for participation.

Club sports include men’s and women’s rugby clubs, men’s and women’s volleyball, ultimate, men’s ice hockey, racquetball, golf, figure skating, wrestling, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s lacrosse, cycling, running, and the sailing club. Physical fitness, recreational activities, and fitness classes are also provided based on established interest. A variety of fitness classes are offered, as well as personal training.

Student Activities & Cultural Programming
The College provides a vibrant calendar of educational and social events. The College also supports over 100 organizations for students to build relationships, expand their knowledge, gain leadership skills, and try something new. At the beginning of each semester, the Involvement Fair provides information about clubs, and an opportunity for students to speak with current members to learn more.

Board of Programmers
The Board of Programmers (BOP) sponsors cultural, social, and recreational programs designed to promote human flourishing and to complement academic programs. Popular programs include bi-weekly coffeehouses, lectures, concerts, and trips to the Providence Performing Arts Center, Fenway Park, and Broadway.

Varsity, Athletics, Recreational & Leisure Facilities

Varsity Athletics
Providence College has a rich athletic tradition. The Friars play an active role in intercollegiate athletics through membership in the NCAA, ECAC, HOCKEY EAST Association, America East Conference, and The BIG EAST Conference. The Dunkin’ Donuts Center, with a seating capacity of just under 12,000, serves as the home court for the men’s basketball team.

On-campus athletic facilities include the Peterson Recreation Center, the Joe Mullaney Gymnasium in Alumni Hall, the recently renovated Schneider Arena, and four large field and recreational areas. These include the Marjorie D. Lennon and Rev. Joseph L. Lennon, O.P. Field (an artificial-turf field) for intercollegiate and recreational purposes, and the new Hendricken Field, which includes the Ray Treacy 100-meter track, as well as a turf field for rugby and soccer.

Peterson Recreation Center
The Peterson Recreation Center is the hub of all intramural athletics and recreational activity at Providence College. The Center is available for use by all eligible members of the College community. It is home to the Cuddy Racquetball Complex, and the Taylor Natatorium, a 25-meter pool. The Cuddy Racquetball Complex has three courts with observation windows and a fitness studio where a wide variety of group fitness classes are taught.

Alumni Hall-Joe Mullaney Gymnasium
Alumni Hall is the home of Joe Mullaney Gymnasium, which has a 2,620-seat capacity and serves as the home court for the women’s basketball and volleyball teams. It also serves as the practice court for the men’s basketball team. It provides offices for the athletics and military science departments. It also houses strength and conditioning facilities, a food court, and other learning and training facilities.

Concannon Fitness Center
Opened in September 2007, the Concannon Fitness Center is a 23,000-square-foot addition to the Peterson Recreation Center and Alumni Hall. It features a three-story glass atrium, 11,500 square feet of space on the first level for cardiovascular and selectorized strength equipment, 4,600 square feet of space on the second level for cardiovascular equipment and plate-loaded strength equipment, and 2,700 square feet of space on the second level for free weights. The Center also includes a 3,600-square-foot varsity athletics weight room.

Friar Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex
The Friar Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex is an artificial-turf facility that opened in September 2005. This multi-million dollar facility serves as the home of the Friar field hockey and lacrosse teams. It also is used by intramural teams. The artificial-turf field was dedicated as the Marjorie D. Lennon and Rev. Joseph L. Lennon, O.P. Field in 2010. Located beneath the complex is the Peterson Garage.

Schneider Arena
Schneider Arena, with a seating capacity of 3,030, is the home of the Friar hockey teams. The arena provides student activities such as ice skating and intramural hockey.

Slavin Center
Slavin Center, the student union, is one of the main hubs of the Providence College campus and is home to the College’s many student organizations and clubs. It also houses a variety of offices and facilities that provide services to students, from the Office of Student Housing (Residence Life and Off-Campus Living) and the Providence College Bookstore to the Center for Career Education & Professional Development, the Dean of Students Office, and ‘64 Hall, which serves as a meeting room, lecture hall, and function hall. The Alumni Hall Food Court is accessed through the lower level of Slavin Center. The Balfour Unity Center, also in lower Slavin, features multicultural art, hosts programs, is a place to study, and a popular meeting space for student clubs and organizations. The Living Room, in lower Slavin, features a fireplace and is a cozy place to study or hold informal meetings, and Dunkin Donuts is also located in lower Slavin. During the academic year, Slavin Center is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

McPhail’s Entertainment Facility
Slavin Center houses McPhail’s Entertainment Facility, a multipurpose student facility where students can gather throughout the week to socialize with friends, grab a snack, shoot a game of pool, or watch the big game on a wide-screen TV. A number of special entertainment offerings are promoted on a weekly basis throughout the academic year.