Academic Support

Academic Computer Services

Whether you want to write a term paper using a personal computer, conduct research by accessing electronic databases, explore the Internet, send electronic mail, or perform complex statistical analysis,  you will find the resources to meet your computer needs at Temple University.

More than 30 computer labs are located throughout Temple's campuses. The Student Computing Center, located on the ground floor of Wachman Hall, has Windows-based and Macintosh personal computers. The computers offer word processing, spreadsheet, and database software as well as access to the Internet. The labs are open during day and evening hours.

Students are eligible to obtain an account on one of Temple's large-scale Unix systems. These systems are connected to the Internet. Using the Internet, you can send and receive electronic mail, participate in discussion groups, browse the World Wide Web, and create your own web page. You can access the Internet and your account either on campus or from your home computer via a modem. Temple also has a Compaq 8200 Digital Unix system and a 3090 IBM mainframe for statistical research and programming. Programming languages available on these systems include SAS, SPSS, C, C++, Java, Fortran, and COBOL.

Computer Services also offers a "Help Desk" for technical assistance and provides free seminars on many computer topics. Bits & PCs newsletter is published four times a year to keep you informed about computing at Temple.

Temple's Computer Guidebook, available in campus computer labs and from the Computer Services Department on the 7th floor of Wachman Hall, is a reference book that provides full details about computers at Temple. The Computer Guidebook, along with specific information about using computers at Temple, is available online on the Computer Services web site at http://www.temple.edu/computer_services/.

Advising

It is recommended, and in some cases required that students consult with an adviser prior to registration. The adviser reviews the proposed coursework and attempts to keep students informed of the requirements for graduation. In addition, the adviser helps the students achieve breadth in the curriculum and provides other assistance needed.

Academic advisers strive to avoid errors when advising students about program requirements, although the college cannot assume liability for errors in advising. Students must, therefore, assume primary responsibility for knowing the requirements for their degree and for acquiring current information about their academic status.

Students are required to meet with an adviser when they don’t meet the academic standards set by their college. See the Academic Policies section of the Bulletin: Warning and Dismissal, for detailed information.

Each school, college, and campus of the University offers a range of academic advising for students. Professional advisers and/or faculty advisers help students plan curriculum, choose majors, make vocational and post graduate plans, and resolve a variety of academic issues. Students should consult the specific advising unit in their colleges and schools for services and policies that apply to them. Please refer to your school or college section of this Bulletin for locations and specific information about these units.

Some of the services offered by the advising centers are:

· New Student Orientation for freshmen and first semester transfer students.

· Curriculum advising for continuing students who have completed fewer than 30 credit hours. Students with a declared major and more than 30 credits should see their school or college Advising section of this Bulletin to determine advising policies that apply.

· Students enrolled in the University Honors Program may also be advised in the Honors Office in Tuttleman Learning Center until they have completed 60 semester hours with the exception of the Fox School of Business and Management. All other students are advised in their departments.

· Registration Assistance for students ineligible for phone registration. This includes online processing of original registrations and/or schedule revisions, and course withdrawals through the ninth week of the spring/fall semester and the third day of the summer sessions.

· Academic counseling for students to develop a meaningful education plan compatible with life goals. Through contact with departmental faculty, students gain an in-depth appreciation of a specific discipline and discover opportunities associated with their field of interest. Students can also meet with advisers to discuss a variety of academic concerns and develop some possible solutions. Students experiencing academic difficulty work with advisers to learn strategies for overcoming the obstacles to success.

· The counseling centers  help students understand the policies and procedures that are integral to achieving a successful and fluid transition through university life. This includes such things as Academic Good Standing, Grievance procedures, registration policies, etc.

· Intra-University Transfer (IUT) Advising for students changing programs at Temple.

· Withdrawal and Readmission interviews.

· Graduation Reviews for students entering their senior year.

· Petition Requests are initiated by the advising center on behalf of the student and include: attending another university for a semester or summer course, grading in one course on a credit/no credit system, registering for an overload, evaluating life experience credit and credit by examination, reviewing of transfer credit evaluation, considering DARS exceptions, and receiving approval for an exception to policy.

· Referral to other services. Advisers make referrals to such services as financial aid, career development, counseling, tutoring, disability services, testing, etc.

· Preparation for Registration. Advisers aid students in the period during the fall and spring semesters when currently enrolled students register. Prior to the processing of their registrations, students should meet with advisers to review their DARS documents and discuss course selections for the upcoming semester. DARS for all students are available on the Web through Owlet.

Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS)

Debbie Bennett-Kenney, DARS and Transfer Systems Coordinator
Sheila Lawson, DARS Encoder
dars@temple.edu
http://www.temple.edu/dars/

DARS stands for the Degree Audit Reporting System. Students and advisers can
use DARS to both track and plan students' academic progress toward completion of an undergraduate degree in their declared or proposed major. DARS shows students how their Temple University courses, transfer courses, and courses in progress apply toward degree requirements. It enables a student to explore alternative academic programs and gives detailed and accurate information about the student's academic record.

DARS is updated every week on the second business day. Students can access and print out their individual DARS document though OWLnet. Students can learn more about DARS at the DARS web site,
including the schedule of updates, information about how to interpret the DARS, general information about the DARS office, and general information about the system.

Pre-professional advising and programs:

In addition to the Post-Baccalaureate Program in Health Professions described below, please also see RCC resource center for a pre-graduate school program, and School of Education for Teacher Certification Programs.

Post-Baccalaureate Program in Health Professions
William Nathan, Director
Academic Resource Center
215 204-8669
mailto:nathan@euclid.math.temple.edu
http://www.temple.edu/healthadvising

This program is designed to help recent college graduates prepare to enter professional schools in medicine and dentistry. The ideal candidate is a recent college graduate with a strong academic record in a field other than science. This is not a remedial program or a program for those wishing to raise their academic records. The core program consists of four year-long courses: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Biology, and General Physics.

Normal Temple University undergraduate tuition schedules and fees apply. Financial aid loans are available for qualified students. For more information contact the Director.

The University Libraries

Carol Lang, University Librarian's Office
(215) 204-8231/8211

The Libraries of Temple University form an extensive network of services and resources to support the educational and research needs of the University's students and faculty.

The combined collections of the Temple University Libraries include more than 2.9 million volumes and 20,000 current serial subscriptions, as well as extensive collections of microforms, maps, photographs, and audiovisual materials.

The University participates in the Federal Depository Library Program, and receives 65 percent of the publications issued by the U.S. Government Printing Office. Special collections include the Urban Archives, which document the development of the Philadelphia metropolitan area since the mid-19th century; the Blockson Afro-American Historical Collection; the Rare Books and Manuscripts Collection; the Contemporary Culture Collection; the Science Fiction and Fantasy collections; the Philadelphia Dance Collection, and the University Archives.

Information retrieval:  Research databases, full text resources, the online catalog, electronic reference, and other information and services are at library.temple.edu. The online catalog (diamond.temple.edu) lists library holdings and course reserves and their circulation status, and links directly to selected electronic course reserve materials.

Expert assistance in using the libraries is provided by reference staff. Students are introduced to basic research skills through a self-paced online tutorial, the completion of which is a requirement of the University's Core Curriculum for all incoming freshmen and transfer students. Librarians also provide user education classes tailored to individual courses.  Individual questions are answered in person, as well as by phone, e-mail, and TalkNow, the Libraries' online reference chat service.

When local resources do not supply needed material, Temple students and faculty may directly request books from other universities and colleges through the PALCI E-Z Borrow Program, or request article copies and books indirectly via the Temple Libraries' interlibrary loan service.

Locations:

The resources of the University Libraries are housed in Paley Library (the main library) and in a number of separate facilities serving specific disciplines and campus locations.  Hours and information for the following are on the Web.

·        Ambler Library, 580 Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, PA 19002, (215) 283-1383

·        Biology Library, 248 Biology Life Sciences Building, Main Campus, (215) 204-8878

·         Blitman Resource Center (Communications and Journalism), 218 Tomlinson Hall, (215) 204-7350

·        Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Historical Collection, Sullivan Hall, Main Campus, (215) 204-6632

·         Chemistry Library, Beury Hall, first floor, Main Campus, (215) 204-7120

·         Engineering and Architecture Library, College of Engineering, 2nd floor, Main Campus, (215) 204-7828

·        Harrisburg Library, 234 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17101, (717) 232-6400

·         Mathematical Sciences Library, 407 Wachman Hall, Main Campus, (215) 204-8434

·        Paley Library, 1210 W. Berks Street, Main Campus, (215) 204-8211

·         Physics Library, 209A Barton Hall, Main Campus, (215) 204-7649

·         Temple University Center City, 1515 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, (215) 204-6950

·         Tyler School of Art Library, Beech and Penrose Avenues, Elkins Park, PA 19027, (215) 782-2849

·         Zahn Library (Education and Social Administration), 139 Ritter Annex, Main Campus (215) 204-8481

Reading rooms and libraries are also maintained by several academic programs. The following facilities are located on the Main Campus.

·        College of Liberal Arts Educational Technology Center, AL-21 Anderson Hall, (215) 204-8265

·        Esther Boyer College of Music Alice Tully Library, Rock Hall, (215) 204-5531

·        Esther Boyer College of Music Listening Library, 100 Presser Hall, (215) 204-8338

·        Social Science Data Library, 863 Gladfelter Hall, (215) 204-5001

Math and Science Resources Center (MSRC)

Mona Zaoudeh, Director
17 Curtis Hall
Monday and Tuesday, 8:30am-8:30pm
Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30am-7:30pm
Friday, 8:30am-2:30pm
Saturday, 10:30am-2:30pm
(215) 204-8466
Web Site: http://www.temple.edu/MSRC

The Math and Science Resources Center's (MSRC) mission is to create an effective learning atmosphere for all Temple undergraduates. The MSRC is not only for students experiencing difficulties in their studies, but also for those excelling in their academic endeavors. The Center offers free, one-on-one tutorial and enrichment assistance to all students enrolled in any Core mathematics, science (biology, chemistry and physics), or statistics course. To demonstrate the MSRC's commitment in helping all Temple students achieve academic excellence, the Center offers a various array of additional resources beyond individual-based tutoring.

At the end of each semester, final exam review sessions are coordinated for classes with high enrollments. After input from faculty, tutors use past exams as guides to review fundamental principles introduced throughout the semester. During these sessions, peer tutors address specific questions students may have and reinforce previously presented material.

The dedicated computer laboratory/classroom is designed for mathematics, science, and other students required to complete coursework electronically. The workstations have access to the Internet and a scanner, as well as connections to both color and laser printers. The computers can also be utilized in Distance Learning/Tutoring.

Students who are physically unable to attend the Center can receive tutoring via the Internet at http://www.temple.edu/msrc. A tutor will address submitted questions and respond to inquiries within twenty-four hours.

In addition to the computer laboratory, the MSRC houses a resource library where students may borrow materials, such as textbooks, student solutions manuals, reference books, and programmable calculators.

MSRC tutors are all graduate and upper-level undergraduate students who major in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and other related fields. These highly motivated students are specially trained to deliver comprehensive instruction in their specified field of study. Tutors are particularly sensitive to students who are taking these courses for the first time or who are new to the University atmosphere. Tutors are eager to help students achieve their academic goals!

Appointments are never necessary! Students can walk-in to the MSRC at any time. A valid Temple student ID is required.

The Russell Conwell Educational Services Center

Michael Stokes, M.Ed., Director
202 Vivacqua Hall
(215) 204-1252
http://www.temple.edu/rcc

Do you want to do better academically or review/prepare for a class?  Come to the Russell Conwell Educational Services Center, commonly referred to as the Russell Conwell Center (RCC).  The RCC is a network of programs providing university access and facilitating student retention and graduation.  The RCC fosters a community of scholars who are engaged in their university and surrounding community.  The RCC provides Temple University students with comprehensive academic support to facilitate their academic, co-curricular, and professional development.   Throughout the academic year, specialized assessments, educational workshops, tutorial services, certificate programs, professional development seminars, peer mentoring, leadership enrichment, academic counseling, and multiple computer labs are available to students.  Furthermore, the RCC serves as the home of the Supplement Scholarship Committee, providing annual scholarships to over 100 Temple University students.  These services, which improve student satisfaction, retention, and graduation, are available to all students regardless of college, matriculation status, or year of admission.  In addition to providing the academic year program, the RCC offers a six-week Summer Bridge Program for entering freshmen through its “Freshmen Admission Programs” described below.  The RCC also provides a simulated graduate school experience with preparatory services to Temple University students who desire to pursue a doctoral degree through its Ronald McNair Program (see below), as well as serves Philadelphia high school students who aspire to attend college through two Temple University Upward Bound Programs.  The RCC employs numerous students as tutors, Assistant Teachers, and instructors during the year.  If you are interested in enhancing your skills, while providing service to your peers, we encourage you to submit your resume.

Freshman Admission Programs to the Russell Conwell Center [Act 101, Student Support Services, and Educational Services Component]:

These three university access programs provide academic support and retention services for talented high school graduates who have demonstrated the potential for academic achievement at Temple University. The primary distinctions between the programs are established by state or federal requirements, reflecting the somewhat varied program foci. Students admitted by the Temple Office of Undergraduate Admissions and assigned to the RCC for services and support begin their university experience during a six-week Summer Bridge Program prior to their fall enrollment.  Upon successful completion of the Summer Bridge, students matriculate as Temple University freshmen in the fall semester and receive academic support and service from the RCC throughout their undergraduate career. The Summer Bridge Programs provide academic skill preparation in mathematics, computer science, technology, English, and library skills, along with academic assessment and counseling to facilitate student's successful transition into the collegiate academic, social, and cultural milieu, creating a foundation for academic excellence.

Pre-Graduate School Program [Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program]:

This pre-graduate school program for undergraduate students (funded by the U.S. Department of Education) is designed to prepare 20 junior and senior students for successful entry into, and graduation from, a doctoral program. Prospective participants must aspire to enroll in graduate education and have an interest in teaching at the collegiate level. In addition, students must be a first generation college student with a low-income economic status (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education) or be from a group that is underrepresented in graduate education. Students will participate in a simulated graduate school experience during the academic year and summer program.  While they live in the residence halls during the summer program, students will complete a faculty guided research project, enhance their academic skills as they assist a faculty member teach a course in “Intellectual Heritage,” prepare for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), become learned in the graduate application process, and visit various graduate programs.  Students will culminate their participation by presenting their research at the McNair Scholars Summer Research Conference, as well as additional conferences throughout the nation.  McNair Scholars will receive a stipend during their program participation.  RCC also provides a simulated graduate school experience with preparatory services to Temple University students who desire to pursue a doctoral degree through its Ronald McNair Program (see below), as well as serves Philadelphia high school students who aspire to attend college through two Temple University Upward Bound Programs

Pre-College Programs [Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math Science Programs]:

These programs prepare Philadelphia high school students for successful entry into, and graduation from, college. During the academic year and six-week Summer Bridge Programs, students participate in numerous activities, including academic enrichment, core mathematics, English and science classes, workshops, tutorial services, and leadership development. A full range of academic assessment and counseling is also provided with a focus on academic, career, financial, and personal development. During the Summer Bridge Programs, students reside on campus at Temple University during the week to gain insight into, and experience the nuances of, college life. In addition, the programs provide extensive field trips, college tours, and site-visits to educational, cultural, and science-related institutions. Students also have the opportunity to conduct scientific, biological, mathematical, or technological research and present their findings at various Science Fair events.

Tutoring Services

Tutoring at no charge is available in the following schools, colleges, and departments:

Accounting
382 Speakman Hall
(215) 204-8110                                                                                                                                                              

Alliance for Minority Participation (AMP) Bridges to Baccalaureate Program
A306 Barton Hall (Tutoring takes place at the MSRC in Curtis Hall)
(215) 204-4550          

College of Health Professions
1316 Ontario St.
Jones Hall, Room 518
(215) 707-8214Economics
626 Ritter Annex
(215) 204-8880

Engineering
Engineering and Architecture Bldg. Room 323
(215) 204-7818

Finance
205F Speakman Hall
(215) 204-8451          

French
Anderson Hall, 512
(215) 204-8266

Intellectual Heritage
215A Anderson Hall
(215) 204-1770          

Kinesiology (formerly Physical Education)
Tutoring is available to students enrolled in C100 or C101, Anatomy and Physiology.
(215) 204-1947

Management Information Systems
29 Speakman Hall (BizTech lab)                                                                                                  

http://gefund.temple.edu/tutor

Mathematics and Sciences Resources Center (MSRC)
Walk-in basis, no appointments necessary
Curtis Hall, Room 18
(215) 204-8466
http://www.temple.edu/MSRC/

Pharmacy, School of
Tutorials available for undergraduate students in the School of Pharmacy.
3307 N. Broad Street, Room 141
(215) 707-4900

Praxis Tests
Office of Student Services
College of Education                                                                                                                                                         

(215) 204-6010

Ritter Management and Insurance (RMI)
479 Ritter Annex
Tutoring is available for RMI 100         

Russell Conwell Educational Services Center
Group and individual tutoring are available in numerous courses upon request, as well as the opportunity to join ongoing, structured study sessions.
202 Vivacqua Hall
(215) 204-1251
http://www.temple.edu/rcc

Social Administration, School of
New Career Ladders in Social Work
521 Ritter Annex
(215) 204-7611
William Thompson Communication Skills Instructor
650 Ritter Annex
(215) 204-6029

Statistics
203 Speakman Hall
(215) 204-8144
Ambler Campus, 123 West Hall
(215) 283-1399

University Writing Center
201 Tuttleman Learning Center
(215) 204-0702          

Ambler Campus
Office of Academic and Career Development
109 West Hall
(215) 283-1237

Statistics
123 West Hall
                                                                                                                                                          

Math
201 Bright Hall

Writing
204 Bright Hall

Center City Campus
Statistics
Second Floor, 1515 Market St.

Other Tutoring Sources

o Instructors may be able to recommend tutors, often graduate students working toward master's or doctoral degrees in the department.

o Departmental offices generally have lists of qualified tutors available to work with undergraduates.

o The Student Assistance Center, first floor, Student Center, Main Campus, maintains a list of students available to tutor in a variety of subjects. These tutoring services often are available for a nominal hourly fee, arranged with the tutor.

o At the Ambler campus, the Office of Academic and Career Development, 109 West Hall (215-782-2780), maintains information about tutoring services.

The University Writing Center

Lori Salem, Director
Eli Goldblatt, Faculty Co-director
http://www.temple.edu/writingctr

Locations and Hours:

Main Campus
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am  to 8:30 pm
Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to4:00 pm
201 Tuttleman Learning Center
(215) 204-0700

Ambler Campus
Call (215) 283-1347 for hours
204 Bright Hall

The University Writing Center provides services to students and faculty across the University and to the surrounding community. These services include tutoring, technology, a computer classroom, a resource library, workshops, and seminars. Many of these services, including tutoring, are accessible online through the Center’s Website. All services are free-of-charge to Temple students and faculty. Tutoring services are offered on a drop-in basis or by appointment.

Center staff include faculty, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates from a variety of fields and disciplines, including English, Education, and Honors. All are selected based on their demonstrated writing ability and teaching aptitude. Staff participate in regular professional development sessions.

Services to Students:

Students can work one-on-one or in small groups with Center staff on writing being done for any course. They may also bring writing being done outside of coursework. Center staff work with students at any stage of a writing project. They encourage students to focus on specific aspects of their writing, such as organization, sentence clarity, or paragraph structure. Writing Center staff cannot edit students’ papers for them.

Students can also use the Center’s computer laboratory for help at any point in a writing project. They can use desktop publishing software to write and print papers; plan, outline, revise, edit, and proofread; and format and generate bibliographies and citations. The lab is connected to the Internet; students may access the Web and all library research facilities. Help is available for using these technologies. The lab also includes hardware and software designed to assist students with disabilities.

The Center maintains an interactive website . Students can download materials, meet with other writers online, and access online reference materials. Tutoring via the Internet is available through the Center’s website. Students can get responses to their writing within 24 hours via e-mail

Services to Faculty:

Faculty can use the Center to offer in-class workshops. They can use the Center’s resource library to support teaching writing and writing-intensive courses. They can reserve the Center’s computer classroom to introduce information technology into a writing-intensive course.

Faculty teaching a writing or writing-intensive course can request a workshop on a wide variety of topics. Center staff tailors each workshop to the assignments and student needs identified by the faculty member. Each workshop is "hands on." To request a workshop, faculty can call the Center or access the Center’s website.

The Center maintains an extensive library of resource materials. Faculty can request books and articles related to the teaching of writing in the disciplines. The Center’s Website offers resources organized by course.

Faculty teaching writing-intensive courses are invited to request use of the Center’s state of the art computer classroom. This 27-station classroom is organized in a seminar style, with access to projection and to the Internet. Faculty can use software that facilitates collaboration, revision, peer response to work in progress, and online discussion groups. Technical support for faculty using this facility is also available.

Outreach:

As an arm of the University Writing Program, the Center is involved in a variety of projects that reach across and beyond the University.

Together with the Writing Program and CITE, the Center sponsors a Writing Associates program. Writing Associates are specially selected upper-division undergraduates carefully trained to work as peer tutors with students in first-year writing courses. This project provides extra support to students struggling with the challenges of University demands and supports the professional development of students who plan to become teachers.

In collaboration with the College of Education, the Center offers a variety of internship experiences to graduate and undergraduate students, especially to TESOL students. Masters and Doctoral students in the TESOL program work with the large number of students using the Center whose first language is other than English.