The Sacred Heart University Graduate Student Advisory Committee, also referred to as GSAC, is an advisory organization that fosters support and interaction among graduate students, faculty, the University, and the community-at-large through intellectual and social events. It provides a voice for graduate students by embracing the academic, social, cultural, and general diversity of its members.
Membership to the GSAC is open to all part-time and full-time graduate students looking to become more involved within the graduate student body on campus. GSAC meetings will typically take place once a month rotating to a different evening to accommodate various graduate class schedules.
Regardless of the amount of time you can contribute to GSAC, there are numerous ways to have an active role on the committee. As a voice for your program, you can assist in making enhancements to the graduate student experience and suggest appropriate graduate student programs and events. Remember, it’s never too late to join!
Campus Ministry
The Office of Campus Ministry provides opportunities for persons of all faiths and religious traditions to share their faith in the life of the University community. Campus Ministry serves students, faculty, staff, and the local community through daily liturgies, pastoral counseling, community outreach, educational programming, and special projects, events, and retreat programs
Campus Ministry responds to student needs for worship, integration, reflection time, social interaction, meaningful discussion of life issues, responsible social action for justice, and exploration of moral, religious, and relational issues.
The Eucharist is celebrated on Sundays and weekdays during the academic year. In addition, University-wide liturgical celebrations mark special days and seasons. Other interfaith worship and prayer opportunities are provided regularly.
Career Development and Placement Center
The Career Development Center offers a variety of services to enhance graduate students’ professional development. Students matriculated into graduate degree programs can receive individual assistance and participate in group workshops for résumé creation or critiques and interviewing development.
Additional services include:
- Online Job Postings: The Center maintains an online job bank and job-search management website exclusively for Sacred Heart University students.
- Job Fairs and On-Campus Interviewing: On-campus recruitment events are offered each semester.
- Internships: Assistance is available in locating opportunities to complete internships in the student’s field of study.
- Employment: Individual assistance is available in locating part-time and full-time employment opportunities.
For additional information on the Career Development and Placement Center, call 203-371-7975 or visit our website at www.sacredheart.edu/career.
Council of Graduate Students
The Council of Graduate Students serves as a voice to the University administration on behalf of the graduate student community. Its membership includes representatives from each graduate area of study and meets regularly with members of the faculty and administration. The Council sponsors programs to improve the quality of the graduate student experience.
Dining Services
The University has a contract with Chartwells, a professional food service corporation, to provide meals to students. The food court at the Linda E. McMahon Commons, 63’s, Cambridge Commons, and the Outtakes Convenience Store offer dining service à la carte throughout the day and evening. Einstein’s Bagels located in the Martire Business and Communications Center also provides dining services. Also, Starbucks Café on the first floor of the Ryan Matura Library provides à la carte services throughout the day and evening during the academic year.
International Student Visa Certification
An international student requesting an application for a student visa (F-l) must be accepted to the University in a full-time program of study. Since federal and/or state financial assistance is not available to international students, the student is also required to present certified evidence of sufficient funding to cover education and living expenses.
If, after attending the University, the student decides not to return, notification must be made in writing to the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) in the Office of Student Life. If a student wishes to travel during the authorized time of study at the University, he or she must present a current I-20 form to the PDSO for certification prior to departure. A student not following the regulations of the U.S. Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service is considered out of status and may be subject to deportation from the United States.
Public Safety and Parking
The Department of Public Safety, located in the Academic Center, is committed to fostering an environment in which all those who live, study, work, or visit within the University campus are able to do so in a safe and secure environment. The department is committed to providing professional, timely, and efficient public safety services to all its constituents on a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week basis.
Public Safety officers patrol the buildings and grounds of the University via vehicle, bicycle, and foot. Services provided by the department include personal safety escorts, motor vehicle assistance (unlocks and jump-starts), and emergency medical response and treatment, as well as maintaining a lost-and-found department. Public Safety also enforces parking and traffic regulations, provides key control and locksmith services, and investigates and documents incidents on campus. Public Safety is the emergency response department on campus and acts as the liaison with the local police, fire, and ambulance services.
All vehicles parked on campus must display a University decal, which can be purchased at the Bursar’s Office in the SC-Wing of the Academic Center. Temporary parking passes are also available at Public Safety and the Visitors Parking Pass Public Safety website portal.
Department of Public Safety Telephone Numbers
Routine Business: 203-371-7995
EMERGENCIES ONLY: 203-371-7911
Fax Number: 203-396-8372
Information Line Phone: 203-365-SNOW (7669)
Visit: www.sacredheart.edu/publicsafety
SHU Print and Delivery (SHU PAD)
The SHU PAD can handle all of your document needs. We print, copy, and scan documents. Need something notarized? Look no further. Traveling abroad? We’ll bring the USPS on site to process passport applications. We’ll print your posters, banners, and even make signs for your next event. Interested in mailing something? We’ll show you how to save money by designing mail pieces correctly to achieve maximum postage discounts. We manage the copiers located throughout the campus and accept your SHU ID card for any services rendered. We receive and distribute your mail and packages and will let you submit jobs through our digital storefront. If interested in any of our services, please call (203) 365-7540 or e-mail gerckensa@sacredheart.edu.
Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic
The University operates two physical therapy and hand therapy clinic facilities, one on campus affiliated with the academic program in Physical Therapy and one in Shelton, Connecticut. The on-campus clinic is located in the William H. Pitt Health and Recreation Center. The clinics provide physical therapy and hand therapy services to students, employees, and the public. Clinic staff include members of the Physical Therapy program faculty as well as several staff members who are advanced clinicians in orthopedic, sports physical therapy, and hand therapy. All are licensed physical therapists. The clinics operate five days a week, 12 hours a day.
Clinic service is also closely affiliated with the University’s Athletic Training program to serve the rehabilitation needs of our student athletes. The clinical facility features the latest technological equipment in isokinetic testing with a new Biodex II system, a full range of orthopedic and sports physical therapy evaluation resources, a therapeutic pool, and a full-hand rehabilitation center. Patients may take advantage of the comprehensive fitness facilities of the William H. Pitt Health and Recreation Center under the supervision of a physical therapy staff member. The clinics are authorized providers for most major medical insurance carriers. For further information, call 203-396-8181.
Student Activities
The Office of Student Activities sponsors concerts, lectures, and other activities for the University community. Graduate students are welcome to participate in these and other campus activities, such as band, chorus, and cocurricular interest groups. Throughout the course of the academic year, the Council of Graduate Students provides a series of programs and activities for the graduate student population. Fees or admission charges may apply.
Wellness Center
Meningococcal Vaccine Law
Beginning with the 2002–2003 academic year, the State of Connecticut requires that all students who reside in on-campus halls must be vaccinated against meningitis. Proof of this vaccination must be presented to the appropriate University officials before a student can obtain entry to their residence hall. This new guideline for Connecticut colleges and universities is provided in Public Act 01-93. For additional information, call the University’s Health Services at 203-371-7838.