The out-of-class life on the campus offers a significant number of opportunities for students to participate in social, cultural, recreational and athletic activities. Many activities and events are organized for student development, participation and enjoyment. The College has traditionally held that the out-of-class environment makes a significant contribution to a student’s overall experience.
Research and theory note that each student enters college at a different developmental level. As is the case in many aspects of academic life, an effort is made to consider individual preparation levels. Students are urged to become involved in their personal development in a manner that complements academic development. We expect each student to take the initiative necessary to become an involved campus citizen, and access the many resources available for personal development. We strongly encourage students to seek out opportunities to develop leadership skills, such as active involvement in Student Association, class officer elections, and service on executive boards of clubs and organizations.
Orientation
Elmira College has a unique series of programs designed to introduce new students and their families to the College community. During the summer, members of the new class are encouraged to attend one of our Summer Orientation programs. At this time, students will work with an academic advisor to complete their course registration for the Fall Term. Parents are encouraged to participate with their student and will have an opportunity to meet many members of the College community. Our goal is to provide vital information about the College.
Prior to the beginning of classes for the Fall Term and Winter Term, the College holds an orientation program for all new students. Orientation is designed to help students transition to college life. This event is designed to support the academic and social success of our students.
Residence Requirements
All students will be required to reside in College housing. Exceptions to this policy include the following:
- Married students
- Part-time for the academic year
- Veterans of military service (having been deployed and/or providing DD214 paperwork (those in ROTC, Reserves, or basic training do NOT receive exemption)
- Home ownership (student name is sole name on mortgage) in Elmira or within commutin distance.* Houses owned by investment groups or corporations (groups or company name is on mortgage) of which a student or family member is a part will NOT be considered for automatic permission.
- Students residing with their parents/guardians or biological children within commuting distance*
- Students twenty-three years of age or older on/by the start of Term I
*Commuting distance: Students enrolled in Elmira College prior to/before the Fall 2024 Term may live off campus if they live within thirty (30) miles from campus. Students enrolling to Elmira College on/after the Fall 2024 Term may live off campus if they live within sixty (60) miles from campus. This is subject to change prior to the Fall 2025 Term.
Students currently residing on campus who meet the above criteria and wish to live off campus must complete the Request to Live Off Campus form available in the Office of Residence Life. The request will be reviewed by the Assistant Dean of Students.
All students over the age of twenty-three desiring on-campus housing will need to meet with the Assistant Dean of Students before housing is provided. A determination will be made as to whether or not the residence halls will suit a non-traditional aged student’s needs. Final decisions are also based on available space in the residence halls and the suitability of living requirements.
Part-time students are those persons who register for fewer than 9 credits during Fall Term or Winter Term, or who enroll for fewer than 4 credits during Spring Term or Spring A Term. Part-time students who wish to live in a college residence should contact Assistant Dean of Students, Office of Campus Life, Campus Center, (607) 735-1821, for further information. To qualify, students must be matriculated and registered for coursework on at least a half-time basis.
Any student whose housing is revoked will be dismissed from the College unless the student lives within commuting distance* and the student resides with their parents.
Room selections are generally made for the academic year. The Spring Term is viewed as an extension of the Winter Term, and those students who select Fall Term housing will be obligated for the remainder of the year.
Students who are dismissed for academic reasons are eligible for a refund according to the refund policy. Students who are dismissed for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for any refund for the currently enrolled term.
Center for Academic and Professional Excellence
CAPE is an integrated academic support unit committed to life-long learning and educational exploration. The program’s services are available to all students who wish to maximize their academic performance and career potential. It is our mission to continually assist in improving academic progress and personal goal building, giving students the power and opportunity to design a specific higher learning experience that will contribute to success now and long after graduation.
The CAPE Commitment:
- Supporting students in your academic, personal, and professional pursuits.
- Assisting in designing a life plan for individual success both in and out of the classroom.
- Providing tools and resources to help you start and direct your journey to success as you prepare for your career here at Elmira College.
Career Services
The Carol and Robert Morris Office of Career Services offers a variety of resources to assist students and alumni in the career exploration and development process. Students experience personal and professional growth by utilizing the following services:
Self-Assessment of Interests, Skills, Values and Personality through:
- Career coaching and counseling
- Community Engagement
- Job shadowing networking and field experience opportunities
- Completing and discussing results from the MBTI, Strong Interest Inventory and Strengths Finder
Development of Career Exploration and Search Strategies through:
- Career-Related Internships
- Mock interviews
- Workshops on various career planning
- Resume/CV and cover letter assistance
- Planning for Graduate School
- Networking and conducting informational interviews with alumni and friends of the College
- Recruitment and networking events
The Office of Career Services is located within the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence (CAPE) on the first floor of the Gannett-Tripp Library. Students, alumni and employers are encouraged to visit the office or contact Career Services at eccareers@elmira.edu or 607-735-1830 to learn more about services and opportunities offered.
Student Success
The Office of Student Success is part of the Center for Academic & Professional Excellence (CAPE) and is located in the Gannett-Tripp Library. The services offered promote the academic success and development of Elmira College students by fostering academic growth in a comfortable and supportive environment.
The goal is to increase the persistence and success of our students by providing the following services:
- Success Coaching
- Peer Tutoring through the George L. Howell Tutoring Center
- Supplemental Instruction
- Referral to appropriate campus resources
Academic support is provided in cooperation with faculty by utilizing trained peer tutors and supplemental instruction leaders as well as professional student success coaches. Academic Success coaches help students develop strategies that strengthen academic skills in such areas as note-taking, study habits, test-taking strategies, time management and more. For more information or to seek direct support from Student Success and Tutoring Services, contact studentsuccess@elmira.edu or call (607) 735-1808.
The Writing Center
The Writing Center at Elmira College, located in the Gannett-Tripp Library, supports student work in all forms of writing across the academic disciplines. Through one-on-one consultations and workshops, we are committed to offering effective feedback and strategies to help students improve each stage of their writing, from brainstorming to the final draft, all free of charge.
Our goal is to make the Writing Center a warm, friendly environment that encourages students from all majors and disciplines, both full-time and part-time students, to become more effective, more confident writers.
To see tutor availability and make an appointment during the regular academic calendar (Fall, Winter, and Spring Terms), use the scheduling options in Navigate. Contact the Writing Center with questions at writingcenter@elmira.edu.
English Language Learners (ELL) Program
Elmira College is dedicated to ensuring our English Language Learner students are prepared for successful participation during and after their higher education experience. The Manager of Student Success will take appropriate measures to assess each student’s ability to participate and benefit through the English Language Learner Modification program. Students may qualify for additional support including testing and classroom modifications, academic advising, support, and coaching. Based on the assessment of English language comprehension, and after coaching or advising sessions, students are then placed within language improvement programs designed to empower and enrich their overall English language acquisition. For additional information, contact the Office of Student Success at studentsuccess@elmira.edu.
Accessibility Services (Accommodations)
Elmira College is committed to providing access and accommodations to all students with documented academic, medical, emotional, and/or physical disabilities, who require temporary or permanent accommodation. Students must provide current documentation in a timely manner attesting to the specific nature of their disability to the Academic Accommodations Coordinator, at accommodations@elmira.edu. We encourage you to schedule a meeting with the coordinator to review documentation, discuss accommodations, and receive assistance with the process. For additional information or questions concerning accommodations, please contact your instructor, academic advisor or the Academic Accommodations Coordinator via e-mail at: accommodations@elmira.edu.
Clarke Health Center
Success as a student at Elmira College is as important to the institution as it is to every student and their parents. The College realizes that although good health does not ensure good grades, poor health is a frequent cause of poor grades. We define wellness as not merely the absence of disease, but as productive physical, mental and social well-being.
Health care has changed drastically in the past decade and the future holds exciting options for individuals to enter a partnership with their health care providers. One of our goals at the Clarke Health Center is to educate students so they can knowledgeably enter into such a relationship and take their places as informed health care consumers.
The Clarke Health Center is staffed by registered nurses and a full-time Nurse Practitioner, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services available at the Clarke Health Center include assessment and treatment of illness and injury, referrals to higher level of care-specialists, wellness programs and health education, allergy injections, prescription management, immunizations and on-site laboratory testing including mono, throat cultures and blood glucose testing.
Medical Forms Required
In order for the Clarke Health Center to provide competent and thorough treatment, we require all students to submit a completed Health History prior to arrival on campus.
The New York State Department of Health requires proof of immunity against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. In addition, Elmira College requires the Meningitis vaccine (MCV); these immunizations are required unless you supply a medical or religious exemption. Failure to comply within thirty days of arrival to campus will result in the withdrawal of the student from classes until the mandated documentation is provided.
The required health information can be completed on the health portal, which is found at elmira.studenthealthportal.com. The student will use their Elmira College username and password to log into the portal. Click the “my forms” tab and complete the listed forms. The student will also need to upload a copy of a recent physical exam, a complete list of all immunizations, including COVID immunization, and the front and back of the insurance card that will be used. These documents will be uploaded under the “document upload” tab.
Health Insurance
Visits to the Clarke Health Center are billed to insurance, similar to the process that your primary care provider uses. All students must carry health insurance while they are a student at Elmira College. Every student is automatically enrolled in the College Health Insurance Plan. Students are STRONGLY encouraged to call their insurance carrier to ensure that you are adequately covered during your time at Elmira College. If there is not adequate coverage in this area, we encourage students to take advantage of the College’s health plan. If the student is covered by their own family policy, the student has the option to waive the College plan. The waiver procedure must be completed at the beginning of each academic year. Students who do not waive the insurance by the deadlines published by the Business Office will be responsible for paying the full cost of the plan. All International students MUST carry the College insurance, as travel policies will not be accepted.
Tuition Insurance
Elmira College has partnered with GradGuard™ to provide students with a tuition insurance option. This coverage expands the scope of our refund policy by ensuring reimbursement for tuition, room, board and other fees for covered illness/injury or mental health condition withdrawals at any time during the term. Students must opt-in and enroll in the insurance plan. The deadline to apply is the day before the first day of classes each term. Interested students may obtain a quote for a tuition insurance plan by visiting https://gradguard.com/tuition/elmira. Additional questions may be directed to GradGuard customer service at 866-724-4384.
Transcripts
Students may request an official transcript of all academic work taken at Elmira College by completing the online request through the National Student Clearinghouse. The link is available on elmira.edu.
No one, other than the person themselves, may request a copy of an individual’s transcript. Copies will be sent to other parties only upon a student’s signed request.
Veterans’ Information
Veterans or Veteran’s benefit member who wish to enroll at Elmira College should contact their local Veterans Administration field office or local office of the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs at the Veterans Affairs main web site at http://www.va.gov, or phone 1-888-GIBILL-1 or 1-888-442-4551, VA Regional Office, P.O. Box 4616, Buffalo, New York 14240-4616. Elmira College participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), Elmira College adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA, for all Elmira College student VA benefit recipients, who have been identified as eligible by the VA, Elmira College will not:
*Prevent nor delay the student’s enrollment;
*Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
*Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
*Deny the student access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution, including but not limited to access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities.
For all new Elmira College students, VA benefit student recipients, who are attending Elmira College for the first time will qualify for this provision, when students provide:
*Copies of original and updated Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
*Respond to all written requests asking if you wish to be certified with the VA, to be sent from your Elmira College email address. The request to respond to will come from the Registrar@elmira.edu email by an Elmira College School Certifying Official.
*Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies, such as change in course registrations and changes in majors.
For all returning Elmira College students, VA benefit student recipients, who are attending Elmira College after their first term will qualify for this provision, when students:
*Respond to all written requests asking if you wish to be certified with the VA, to be sent from your Elmira College email address. The request to respond to will come from the Registrar@elmira.edu email by an Elmira College School Certifying Official.
*Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies, such as change in course registrations and changes in majors.
Elmira College also partakes in the Tuition Assistance (TA) Program for Active Duty, National Guard and Reservist within their branch of service. Please contact your service branch Education Counselor or Education Services Specialist (ESS), or Education Services Officer (ESO) for more information.
The Department of Defense requires the return of unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the course regardless of the reason for withdrawal (service-related or otherwise). The return of any TA funds will be returned directly to the military service, not to the service member. The requirement to return unearned TA funds on a proportional basis applies to the TA portion only. Any calculation performed by the institution would consider only TA program funds.
Elmira College is a member of Service members Opportunity Colleges (SOC), a consortium of national higher education associations and institutional members. SOC functions in cooperation with the Department of Defense, the Military Services, including the National Guard and the Coast Guard, to help meet the voluntary higher education needs of service members. Certification is ultimately handled through the Office of the Registrar, McGraw Hall, room 113, (607) 735-1895.
“GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Students Called to Active Military Service (LOA)
Being called to active military service during any term will trigger:
- Credit for the full term of tuition, room, fees for future enrollment.
- Credit pro rata for board fees to future enrollment.
- Analysis, on an individual basis, of coursework and class standing to maximize the awarding of academic credits for work in progress, or to allow work to be completed upon return to classes after the active military service is complete, depending on which approach is more appropriate.
Tuition will be charged pro rata for all credits awarded under this provision.
- As long as student is on active duty, he or she will remain in good standing with the College.
- Before the student departs for active duty, no matter the military branch or DoD Tuition Assistance (TA), students need to contact The Office of Student Success at studentsuccess@elmira.edu and The Office of Registrar at registrar@elmira.edu. The student must provide an official copy of the military orders or other official military documentation containing the date the student needs to report for duty.
- Students looking to return to Elmira College after active duty, no matter the military branch or DoD Tuition Assitance (TA), will need to contact The Office of Student Success, studentsuccess@elmira.edu and The Office of the Registrar, registrar@elmira.edu, to complete their return.
Campus Engagement
Activities and events at Elmira College are many and varied. Participating in campus events is an effective way of developing, practicing, and refining leadership and interpersonal skills. Participation in student activities can range from attendance at events, to membership in a club, or leadership in the organization that plans the programs. Students can develop a wide range of useful skills through increased involvement in organizational leadership and especially through participation in program planning. All campus programming groups are open to student membership and feedback about the types of programs that students would like to see on campus.
There are more than fifty student organizations, student government organizations, and honor societies on the Elmira College campus. New organizations are formed each year, and you can begin one if you have an interest that is not currently being addressed by our wide range of existing organizations.
The activities are limited only by your imagination. We encourage you to get involved. Contact the Coordinator of Campus Engagement to become an active and participating member of the student body.
Elmira College Athletics, Intramurals, and Recreation
The athletics program at Elmira College complements the co-curricular experience by providing an environment in which the student-athlete can achieve academic success, cultivate and enhance physical, psychological and social growth and development. Athletics provides theory and practice beyond the classroom to graduate responsible global citizens and leaders prepared for a lifetime of careers and personal growth; outcomes include: skills in communicating, leadership, team work, critical thinking, mathematical quantitative reasoning and community engagement .
We encourage student-athletes to practice and compete to their full potential, with emphasis given to sportsmanship and fair play. Elmira College maintains the highest safety standards to ensure the health and well-being of all student-athletes who participate, values cultural diversity and provides equitable participation opportunities for our men’s and women’s sports programs. We believe students need a variety of athletic and recreational opportunities with options ranging from well-structured and highly competitive varsity sports to the informal nature of the intramural activities program. Intramural Activities change from time to time, depending, in part, on student interest. Some annual events include: Hoops Hysteria, Term III Softball, pickleball, etc.
Transfer Student Athletes
Per NCAA legislation, a student-athlete who transfers while academically ineligible at their previous institution is not immediately eligible for competition but may regain eligibility after one regular full-time term at the Division III institution if it is confirmed that they meet the institution’s academic standards for all student-athletes (Bylaw 14.5.5.1.1).
Additionally, per the March 24, 2008 interpretation, the residence requirement applies specifically to competition and would not preclude a student-athlete from participating in practice during the semester in residence. During their time in residency, the student athlete is permitted to practice with the institution’s intercollegiate athletics teams provided the student athlete is enrolled full-time per 14.1.8.1 and all other applicable requirements (institutional, conference) are satisfied. However, the student-athlete will utilize a season of participation if they participate in practice during or after the first contest in the traditional segment.
NCAA ineligible transfer shall be able to practice with the team during their time in residency as long as they are enrolled full time. First year transfer student athletes shall earn an Elmira College cumulative GPA of 1.85 or higher in their first term at Elmira College and second year transfer students shall earn an Elmira College cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater thereafter.
Elmira College holds membership in the NCAA (Division III), Empire 8, NEHC (men’s and women’s ice hockey), and UVC (men’s volleyball). Intercollegiate sports teams include:
Baseball (men)
Basketball (men and women)
Cheerleading (competition team)
Club Ice Hockey (men’s)
Dance (competition team)
eSports (coed)
Field Hockey (women)
Golf (men)
Ice Hockey (men and women)
Lacrosse (men and women)
Soccer (men and women)
Softball (women)
Volleyball (men and women)
Wrestling (men and women)
Student Conduct Matters
Student conduct is an area which straddles the line between autonomy for individual expression and interdependence of community membership. We believe that each student is a responsible member of the community and, therefore, subject to the consequences of choices of behavior. We think that ideal conditions for development are created when each individual in a community guides behavior by balancing the need for individual expression against the rights of peers. The primary desired outcome from any conduct incident is educational in nature. It is the goal of the conduct system to be supportive of the curricular and co-curricular environment at the College.
More specific, detailed information about the College’s conduct system is provided in The Elmira College Code of Conduct, which is available online at Elmira.edu. Questions about the conduct system or expectations of students should be directed to the Chief Conduct Officer.
Illegal Drugs
Possession, consumption, provision, or sale of illegal drugs or possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited. Penalties associated with drug violations range up to and including suspension or dismissal.
Additional information on this topic is available in the Policies and Procedures section of The Elmira College Code of Conduct.
Alcohol
New York State law prohibits the possession or consumption of alcohol by anyone under twenty-one years of age. There is an institutional expectation that all members of the College community will abide by the State law. Violators of the law will be subject to disciplinary action by the College up to, and including, the possibility of suspension and dismissal.
Additional information on this topic is available in the Policies and Procedures section of The Elmira College Code of Conduct.
Smoke-Free Policy
To provide a healthy environment that promotes health, well-being and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors on university-owned or rented property by minimizing the negative effects of secondhand smoke; to improve fire safety; and to encourage a more sustainable and clean environment tobacco use, marijuana use, and the use of vaping products is prohibited everywhere within the perimeter of Elmira College property, both indoors and outdoors, as well as in college-owned vehicles and in any vehicle on Elmira College property.
The use of smoking products or devices is prohibited at all College-sponsored, off campus events.
The College will not accept advertising, marketing, distribution, or promotion of tobacco products.
General Social Guidelines
The Elmira College Code of Conduct is considered to be an extension of The Elmira College Catalog and, therefore, part of the series of documents intended to govern life on campus. The College expects all students to be familiar with the information provided in this publication and to govern their conduct by the guidelines in it. A copy of The Code of Conduct is available on the Elmira College website and MyEC.
Relation to Civil Law
Elmira College cannot protect students or other members of the College community from prosecution under the law when there is a clear violation of Federal, State, or local laws. At times, Elmira College will also take disciplinary action when such violations have been committed.
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