Parent Resource Guide (PDF) - Emerson College

PaRENT 

RESOURCE 

GUIDE 2012–2013

Table of Contents 

Letter from the Dean 1 

Letter from the Vice President 

for Academic Affairs 2 

Letter from Orientation 3 

Understanding the Transition 4 

Resource List 4 

Just Like Clockwork 5 

Texting Tips for Parents 5 

Things to Expect 6 

New Beginnings 7 

Holiday Homecoming 8 

Campus Life 9–11 

Mail Services Information 11 

Academic Information 12–13 

Campus Resources 14–21 

The Off-Campus Experience 22 

Crisis Communication 23 

Local Information 24 

Parent-Specific Events 25 

Academic Calendar 

Parent Programs and the 

27 

Parents Leadership Council 28 

Save the Date 

Parent Orientation 

(For families of students entering 

Emerson College in Fall 2012) 

International parents are 

welcomed to attend International 

Parent Pre-Orientation: Sunday, 

August 26, 2012 

All families (International and 

Domestic) are welcomed to attend 

Parent Orientation: Tuesday, 

August 28, 2012 

emerson.edu/orientation 

Register your family for this 

program online at 

emerson.edu/student-life/ 

orientation/fall-orientation/ 

parents/parent-orientation-rsvp. 

Campus Telephone 

Directory 

Main Telephone 617-824-8500 

Academic Affairs 617-824-8570 

Advising Center 617-824-7876 

Career Services 617-824-8586 

Center for Health 

and Wellness 617-824-8666 

Center for Spiritual Life 617-824-8036 

Counseling Center 617-824-8595 

Dean of Students 617-824-8640 

Dining Services 617-824-8554 

Disability Services 617-824-8592 

GLBTQ Student Life 617-824-8637 

Greek Life 617-824-8637 

Housing and 

Residence Life 617-824-8620 

International 

Student Affairs 617-824-7858 

Multicultural Student 

Affairs 617-824-8637 

Off-Campus Student 

Services 617-824-7863 

Orientation 617-824-8638 

Parents Leadership 

Council 617-824-8542 

President’s Office 617-824-8525 

Public Safety 617-824-8555 

Registrar 617-824-8655 

Student Financial 

Services 617-824-8655 

Student Life 617-824-8637 

Writing and Academic 

Resource Center 617-824-7874

1 

Dear Emerson College Families: 

On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, I am pleased to welcome you as a 

member of the Emerson College community. 

I am confident that your son/daughter will find Emerson to be an engaging and 

supportive environment conducive to academic learning, professional 

development, and personal development. There are numerous involvement 

opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom to broaden one’s views, 

hone one’s craft, and enhance one’s intellectual and social maturity. However, we 

recognize that there may be times when your student encounters an academic 

problem or unanticipated personal crisis during his/her days at Emerson. Be 

assured that the faculty and Student Affairs staff are here to assist your student 

through such difficult times. 

We believe that by orienting you to the transitions through which college students 

routinely pass, the support services available at the College, and general academic 

and student life information, you can be a significant partner in our efforts to 

encourage your student’s academic success and personal growth. With this in 

mind, the Orientation staff has developed this Parent Resource Guide. It is 

designed to help you become better acquainted with Emerson College and better 

prepared for some of the challenges that lie ahead for your student. I encourage 

you to familiarize yourself with its content. For those of you wishing to review 

additional information relative to the college transition, we have included a 

resource list on page 4 of this guide. 

We hope to see you at Parent Orientation on Tuesday, August 28, and I look 

forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the course of the next few 

years. If at any time my staff or I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call 

on us. 

Sincerely, 

Ron Ludman, PhD 

Dean of Students

2 

Greetings, 

On behalf of the faculty, the Dean of the School of Communication, the Dean of 

the School of the Arts, and the Dean of Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies, I 

am pleased to welcome you to the Emerson community. I know from my own life 

as a parent that the years of college as experienced from a distance can be filled 

with joy and at the same time tempered by concerns. 

At a time when our country is responding to new economic challenges, those 

areas of concern are, no doubt, expanded. Our history at Emerson tells us that 

students attend Emerson because they have a particular professional aspiration for 

which our various curricula will well prepare them. What they tend to overlook is 

that we also want to prepare all of our students to be actively engaged citizens 

who possess the abilities to adapt and adjust to whatever paths the future 

provides. 

To that end, we strive to challenge students to become better critical thinkers, to 

evaluate and analyze information at a higher level, to challenge thoughts 

respectfully, and to be able to communicate effectively. We encourage students to 

think and explore beyond their majors. 

Please know that there are strong support systems for our students, many of 

which are outlined in this document. The most important support system is a 

combination of these well-staffed offices, our faculty, and you. 

Welcome to the Emerson team! 

Best regards, 

Linda Moore, PhD 

Vice President for Academic Affairs

3 

Dear Emerson College Families: 

On behalf of the Office of Student Life and the Undergraduate Orientation staff, 

we are pleased to be among the first to welcome you to the Campus on the 

Common. 

While your students may be leaving their hometown, home state, or in some 

instances, home country, they will not be alone. They are joining a family of 

talented faculty and Student Affairs staff professionals who will guide their career 

and meet their needs. And please keep in mind that they are not exploring this 

new phase of life without you. Your encouragement as parents has made this time 

possible for them and your ongoing support will see them through. 

Advising young adults is a specialty of the Office of Student Life. It is a specialty 

that we are pleased to share with you, and this resource book is an excellent place 

to start. The campus calendar will allow you to stay abreast of your student’s 

schedule and to facilitate transportation home for the holidays, breaks, etc. The 

Academic Information section will help you understand the College’s expectations 

and academic standards. The Campus Resources section will identify the specific 

names of people and departments that are here to support your students while 

they are with us. Years of knowledge and experience from involved students, 

faculty, and administrators have gone into this guide, and it will be a fantastic tool 

as your students take this next step. 

The world of communication and the arts is a remarkably unique one, and 

Emerson is proud to be a leader in these fields. The world outside the classroom 

here is just as interesting and exciting. Co-curricular and extracurricular activities 

at the College provide spectacular opportunities for practical application and 

excellent avenues for your children to meet other students with similar interests. 

Orientation Week is their first introduction to these opportunities, and their full 

participation is strongly encouraged. 

If you have any questions about Orientation, Emerson College, or Boston, please 

call the Orientation Hotline at 617-824-8638, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 

5:00 pm. 

Warmest regards, 

Mady Scolnick ’13 

Orientation Chairperson 

Sharon Duffy 

Associate Dean of Students

Understanding the Transition 

Adjusting to college is different for 

each person. College represents 

freedom, eagerness, and anticipation of 

new experiences. For some, this 

transition also includes nervousness and 

anxiety. Overall, it is a time that will 

involve a shift from the familiar to a 

new, different, and unfamiliar 

environment. 

Students are faced with many new 

challenges when they arrive on campus. 

Adjusting to new routines and different 

kinds of people can be stressful and 

awkward for anyone. 

Developing the ability and discipline 

needed to effectively manage time and 

balance multiple demands will emerge 

as one of the significant challenges of 

the first year. No one will tell students 

when to go to bed, get up for class, get 

a haircut, or when and how to do their 

laundry. This increased degree of 

independence can initially be 

overwhelming for some and may 

require some trial and error. As 

students are exposed to new values and 

behaviors, they also may try new 

things. Many students will do their 

share of making what may later be 

regarded as naive choices. 

Students will learn to take initiative, to 

accept responsibility, and in so doing, 

begin to relate to peers, instructors, 

and parents in new ways. A sense of 

independence grows out of this 

process, which assists students in 

building confidence and discovering 

their values, interests, and strengths. 

4 

Throughout the first year of college, 

students will have to meet a series of 

challenges and all are part of an 

important period of exploration and 

discovery. 

You, as a parent, have done a fantastic 

job—your son or daughter has made it 

to college. Even though you will not be 

around to guide him or her on a 

day-to-day basis, there will now be new 

people to whom he or she can go for 

answers to questions and guidance 

while away from your care. These staff 

members look forward to assisting your 

student with making a positive 

transition to Emerson and having a 

productive and successful college 

experience. 

Resource List 

Below is a list of books and other 

resources the Student Affairs staff has 

compiled to provide additional 

information on the college experience 

for both parents and college students. 

What to Expect from College 

By George Dennis O’Brien 

Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send 

Money 

By Helen Johnson and Christine 

Schelhas-Miller 

Making the Most of College 

By Richard Light 

Step by Step to College Success 

By Jeweler and Gardner 

She’s Leaving Home: Letting Go as a 

Daughter Goes to College 

By Connie Jones 

Bringing Home the Laundry: Effective 

Parenting for College and Beyond 

By Janis Brody 

Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to 

Understanding the College Years, Fifth 

Edition 

By Karen Levin Coburn and Madge 

Lawrence Treeger 

When Your Kid Goes to College: 

A Parent’s Survival Guide 

By Carol Barkin 

A New Beginning: A Survival Guide for 

Parents of College Freshmen 

By Kaye Bernard McGarry 

The Launching Years: Strategies 

for Parenting from Senior Year to 

College Life 

By Laura Kastner and Jennifer Wyatt 

Helping Your First-Year 

College Student Succeed: 

A Guide for Parents 

By Richard H. Mullendore and 

Cathie Hatch 

Useful websites: 

collegeparents.org 

Emerson’s Undergraduate Student 

Handbook and a listing of policies and 

procedures: emerson.edu/student-life/ 

support-services/resources-policies.

Just Like Clockwork 

The Rhythm of College Life 

Fall Semester 

August/September 

• Excitement 

• Testing newly found freedoms 

• Frequent calls home 

• Homesickness and loneliness 

• Anxiety about roommates, professors, 

classes, time management, auditions, 

coursework, and exams 

October 

• Students question: “Do I fit in here?” 

• First test grades returned 

• Relationships at home may change 

• Consequences of decision making 

experienced 

• Involvement in co-curricular projects 

begins 

November 

• Midterm grades returned 

• Spring registration 

• Examinations, papers, and projects 

due before Thanksgiving 

• Excitement and/or anxiety about 

going home for Thanksgiving break 

• First series of campus-wide illness 

(cold, flu, strep) typically hits 

December 

• Preparation for finals 

• Excitement and/or anxiety about 

going home for the holiday break 

• End-of-semester on- and off-campus 

festivities and holiday celebrations 

• Strong sense of familiarity with 

campus and Boston 

Spring Semester 

January 

• Fresh start mentality sets in 

• Satisfaction and/or disappointment 

with fall term grades 

• Relief to be back at school 

February 

• Winter doldrums set in 

• Campus buzz around residence hall 

room selection 

5 

March 

• Excitement over Spring Break plans 

• Midterm exam stress 

• Summer plan preparations begin 

• The search begins for off-campus 

apartments 

April/May 

• Fall Registration 

• Student leadership elections 

• Final exam anxiety 

• Apprehension about returning home 

• Concern over summer employment 

• Excitement over completing the first 

year 

In addition to these more predictable 

stressors, students may experience the 

following concerns throughout the 

academic year: 

• Missing family birthday and holiday 

celebrations 

• Missing participation in family 

traditions 

• Wanting involvement with family 

maintained, but expecting their desire 

for complete freedom to be respected 

(Blimling 1999). 

(Adapted from National Orientation 

Director’s Association) 

How Families Can Help 

Remember to be continuously loving, 

supportive, and caring. 

Carefully select reminders of “what to 

do.” 

Listen, listen, listen. 

Send packages often. 

Remember HOW (Honesty, 

Open-mindedness, Willingness) when 

talking with your student. 

Texting Tips for Parents 

If you are new to text messaging and 

want to know what your student is 

saying, here are some common 

abbreviations you might see. Text 

messaging is currently the most 

common way for students and their 

parents to communicate. But remember 

that no one should ever text while 

driving. 

Here are some basic text abbreviations: 

B4N: Bye for now 

BBS: Be back soon 

BC or CUZ: Because 

BIF: Before I forget 

BTW: By the way 

CM: Call me 

CMB: Call me back 

FB: Facebook 

FYEO: For your eyes only 

G2G: Gotta go 

HRU: How are you? 

JW: Just wondering 

LOL: Lots of love/luck/laughter; 

laughing out loud 

NMU: Nothing much, you? 

OMG: Oh my gosh! 

OTP: On the phone 

RUOK: Are you okay? 

SM: Senior moment 

S2U: Same to you 

TY, THX, TX, or THKS: Thank you 

TTYL: Talk to you later 

TMB: Text me back 

TOM: Tomorrow 

YW: You’re welcome 

2nite: Tonight 

Things to Expect 

1. However Quietly, 

They Miss You 

Whether they want to admit it or not, 

most students do experience some 

homesickness. The myth of college, 

however, holds that they should be 

celebrating in their newfound freedom. 

But even if they don’t tell you, they will 

miss you. Don’t ask them if they are 

homesick but be open to them when 

sharing this revelation. Homesickness 

usually hits hardest after the initial 

wave of orientation activities subsides 

and new students have more time on 

their own to reflect. 

2. Write (Even if They Don’t 

Write Back) 

Write as often as you can. Despite the 

fact that they are starting a new phase 

of their lives, students love to hear 

from home. Send them stories from the 

local paper, updates on family and 

friends, news from their old schools, 

etc. Be sure to send family pictures and 

cards, and care packages if possible. 

Email is an excellent way for students 

to stay connected to their families, and 

all Emerson students have email 

accounts; most use Facebook and other 

social media outlets. 

3. Ask Questions (But Not 

Too Many) 

New students often resent interference 

with their new lifestyles and freedom. 

This is not to say that they don’t want 

to know that you care or don’t want 

you to know what is happening in their 

lives. Try to ask open-ended questions 

and listen with your heart as well as 

your ears. Let them know that they can 

share anything with you, but that you 

won’t try to solve all of their problems 

for them. 

6 

4. Expect Change (But Not 

Too Much) 

Your student will change. This change 

may happen rapidly, slowly, or 

somewhere in between. This is often a 

challenging process for both you and 

your student. It is normal, and the best 

advice is to be patient. There may be 

times when your child wants to take on 

the world by him- or herself and other 

times when he or she will want you to 

make everything better. By giving your 

student space to change and by 

supporting him or her through the 

difficult choices, you show that you 

trust him or her and encourage his or 

her independence. 

5. Expect Them to Be Anxious 

at First 

Parents often find themselves getting 

phone calls where all the responses are 

monosyllabic and others where 

students unload all the frustrations and 

anxieties that they are carrying. Once 

again, be patient. Listen and withhold 

judgment. This is easier said than done. 

Try to steer your student to resources 

on campus that might help solve his or 

her problems. To assist with this, we 

have provided a list of Campus 

Resources in this guide. 

6. Visit (But Not Too Often) 

Always let your son or daughter know 

when you are going to visit. Never 

show up unannounced. Give notice, as 

your student will take great pride in 

showing you his or her campus and will 

appreciate your interest in his or her 

new environment. It is usually best to 

wait until Family Weekend for your first 

visit. This will give your student plenty 

of time to clean his or her room. 

7. With New Freedom Comes New 

Responsibility 

College is the dream of many parents, 

the ultimate gift they can give their 

children. Many families make enormous 

sacrifices for this opportunity. It is 

common for parents to remind their 

students of this fact and may even tend 

to resent it if this experience is not 

utilized in the way it was intended. Try 

to avoid this trap. Stress and workloads 

are relative. So are the concepts of 

freedom and responsibility. As easy and 

carefree as you may perceive this time 

to be for your student, he or she is 

experiencing very real pressures and 

stress. He or she will need support and 

encouragement and may respond 

negatively to hearing “how good he or 

she has it.” 

8. Trust Them 

The process of gaining independence is 

a difficult one, requiring a huge degree 

of trust from parents. Trusting in the 

decisions that your student will make 

may require a great leap of faith. He or 

she is not always open to the wisdom 

gained through your years. Your own 

experiences at this age may either 

provide you some comfort or be cause 

for additional concern. There is no easy 

advice to give to parents of college 

students. Patience really is a virtue. In 

the end, you will need to trust them for 

that is ultimately what is in your 

control. 

(Adapted from National Orientation 

Director’s Association)

New Beginnings 

October 10 

Mom and Dad: 

Thanks for the care package; those cookies were the talk of my 

suite! I’ve been so busy! There are so many things to tell you. 

Boston is different than I remember it when we came to tour 

Emerson—that seems like it was so long ago. The people, the food, 

the accents are so different from home. I like to take walks around 

and I often find that when I get lost, I am finding some really cool 

things to do in the city. Don’t worry...I always bring my roommate 

with me on my adventures. I’m making some really good friends 

here and I’m definitely coming out of my shell. Orientation was a 

whirlwind of experiences, but it really helped me get comfortable 

with the campus and the city of Boston and it helped me feel 

comfortable in introducing myself to new people. I still see my OL 

(orientation leader) and she is still someone I can go to with my 

questions! My roommate and I are getting along great. I know we 

were a little worried; she is pretty much the opposite of me, but 

I’m finding we have more in common than anyone would have 

thought!! We pretty much do everything together now. My other 

suitemates are nice—sometimes they take too long to shower—but 

we’re getting used to each other and our schedules and we’re 

getting along great! We really like our RA (resident assistant) and 

our RD (resident director) who are all great resources and help us 

out with any questions we have. 

The other morning my roommate got sick and looked like she was 

going to pass out! It was scary, and I ran to get my RA and I went 

with her to the Center for Health and Wellness. She’s feeling much 

better now. I was really worried, but she was well taken care of. 

Classes are good so far. I feel like I’m getting the hang of balancing 

my schedule. I made a chart of my classes and where I need to be 

each day. It’s really helping. My professors are so demanding 

though and I don’t know how I’ll get all this work done. I find that 

I even have to schedule mealtimes!! Speaking of mealtimes, the 

Dining Hall food is good and I am eating well, but I do miss your 

homemade mac and cheese. 

One of my favorite parts so far is what I can do outside the 

classroom. The organizations here at Emerson are incredible! I have 

joined EmEvents, Emerson’s event planning agency, and the Public 

Relations Student Society of America. I definitely want to check out 

how to become an Orientation Leader for next fall! I’ll tell you 

more about these later; I’ve got to go to my friend’s show that is 

premiering in the Greene Theater! 

Let’s Skype soon; we should make a plan to meet online once a 

week! What do you think? Can you handle it? I’ll teach you! 

See y’all at Family Weekend! I can’t wait to show you around my 

new home! 

Love, 

Mady 

P.S. Send more cookies? 

7 

April 30 

Mom and Dad: 

I keep asking myself where the time has gone. Four years ago, I 

came to Emerson and now my time has come to leave. Can you 

believe it’s time for graduation already? I remember pulling up to 

Piano Row four years ago to enthusiastic Orientation Leaders and 

discovering my roommate in the car directly behind me. In a few 

short days, I’ll be an Emerson alumna. 

Do you remember what you said to me the night before I moved 

into my new home in downtown Boston? I do! You said, “College is 

the time to find yourself, change yourself into the person you want 

to be. Take advantage of this time and let yourself grow.” Those 

words have been my guide throughout my journey at Emerson. I’ve 

met some great people along the way. From staff and 

administrators, to professors, to friends and classmates, everyone has 

been so supportive. 

I am so glad I pushed myself to take advantage of the myriad 

opportunities both academically and socially on and off campus. So 

much of my personal and professional growth and self discovery is 

due to my involvement outside the classroom. Granted, it was very 

stressful at times to balance it all, but the professional development I 

acquired from the hands-on experience was well worth it. Whether 

it be from planning events in EmEvents, helping individuals with 

mental and physical disabilities at the Jewish Vocational Service, or 

serving as the Orientation Chair and being a leader, representative, 

and role model for current and new students, Emerson has offered 

me so much. 

And as far as my classes go, I don’t think any other college could 

have given me such a unique and applicable perspective into my 

field. The fact that my professors are also professionals in the field 

and are there primarily to cultivate our skills makes all the 

difference. I never felt nervous to approach professors about an 

issue; they were always there to offer advice, both for inside and 

outside the classroom. Because of how small Emerson’s classes are, I 

got to know a lot of my professors really well and they offered to 

write me recommendations for whenever I need them. 

I have to go pick up my tickets for graduation! Senior week is 

coming up and I can’t wait for the Faculty Farewell reception. See 

you on Friday for our weekly Skype date! See y’all next week. 

Love, 

Mady 

P.S. Just so you know, no matter where my professional life takes me, 

I’ll always enjoy you sending me cookies!

Holiday Homecoming 

From Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide 

to Today’s College Experience by Karen 

Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence 

Tregger 

By late October, students start to talk 

eagerly about their Thanksgiving 

holiday plans. Some feel homesick for 

the first time. In numerous parts of the 

country, November brings signs of 

gloomy, wintry weather, adding to the 

anticipation of the upcoming holiday 

and a break from campus life. For 

children of divorced families, the 

question of where to go for 

Thanksgiving often resurrects painful 

family conflicts and questions of 

allegiances. Some students who don’t 

go home for the vacation struggle with 

an outbreak of homesickness, missing 

the familiar traditions of this familyoriented 

holiday. Others delight in the 

opportunity to be independent and try 

something different, whether it is a 

visit to a roommate’s home, a trip to a 

nearby city, or cooking turkey with 

friends for the very first time. 

Although many students can’t wait to 

get home, once they arrive and check 

to see that the refrigerator is stocked 

and the old place looks pretty much the 

same, they are out the door for an 

extended round of visits to old high 

school friends. Trying to explain their 

new world to each other, students 

begin to realize how much has 

happened to them in the few months 

since they left home. In the midst of the 

excitement of reunions and rounds of 

parties, it is often a confusing and 

disorienting time. 

8 

In spite of the brevity of their time at 

home, some students take this 

opportunity to let their parents know 

that college is changing them. As they 

try on different identities, students may 

surprise their parents with new 

hairstyles, modes of dress, accents, or 

food preferences. One bemused mother 

recounts, “Three months ago all Tim 

would eat was spaghetti, hamburgers, 

and fries. When he came home for 

Thanksgiving, I fixed all of his favorite 

foods only to find that all he wanted 

was tofu and brown rice.” 

Most students return to campus from 

Thanksgiving break to face several 

weeks of intense work, culminating in 

their first set of final examinations. “It’s 

hit the wall time,” explained one 

student. “It can feel pretty grim in spite 

of all the campus pre-holiday traditions 

and hoopla. We all show up at these 

Christmas get-togethers tired as hell. 

But of course we manage to squeeze in 

our share of partying, too.” 

As the days before winter break come 

closer, students struggle through long 

hours of studying, writing final papers, 

and trying to hold themselves together 

until the long awaited holiday. 

Freshmen have a foot in both worlds, 

immersed in their studies and new 

college friends, while fantasizing about 

going home, being taken care of, and 

reconnecting with old friends from 

high school. 

Most students want nothing more than 

some time out when they arrive home 

for winter break. Parents are often 

dismayed by their first glimpse of their 

exam-weary son or daughter, redrimmed 

eyes with dark circles, pale skin, 

and ten pounds heavier—or lighter— 

than usual. The typical energetic 

freshman is likely to want to sleep or 

“veg out” in front of the TV for a few 

days and consume as much food as 

possible. Parents, meanwhile, energized 

by the hustle and bustle of the holiday 

season, may want their son or daughter 

to get moving, to participate actively in 

long-established family traditions. They 

may even feel angry at this apparent 

inertia and cynically question why they 

are spending so much money on 

education if these are the results. For a 

while, at this particular juncture, the 

rhythms of the calendar and academic 

year seem markedly mismatched. 

Winter break is a much-needed 

refueling time for students. It is also a 

time that evokes for parents and their 

temporarily returned offspring new 

struggles over separation and letting 

go. Students struggle too with 

questions of intimacy, wondering if 

their old friendships are truly 

meaningful, and at the same time 

questioning if they will be able to, or 

want to, maintain their old friendships 

at home. 

When the winter break is over and 

students return to school, the residence 

halls are filled with the excitement of 

coming together again. Animated 

meetings and greetings, warm reunions 

among friends and roommates, and 

eager attempts to catch up on each 

other’s worlds are telling contrast to 

the hesitant, self-conscious arrival on 

campus the previous fall. For many 

students, this is the moment of 

recognition that they actually belong to 

a community, that this place has 

become a focal point in their lives. For 

some, it feels like coming home. They 

have finally begun to believe that this 

place is theirs.

Campus Life 

Student Life 

The benefits students derive from 

attending college extend beyond the 

intellectual gains within the classroom. 

With new experiences and 

relationships, students learn new skills, 

gain new insights, and develop a 

greater understanding of themselves in 

their roles as members of a large 

community. Extracurricular activities 

can encourage students to develop the 

knowledge and self-discipline necessary 

to manage their lives effectively. 

Emerson College offers more than 80 

co-curricular and extracurricular 

student organizations and activities. 

Not only do these programs encourage 

student socialization, they foster 

educational and professional growth as 

well. Most clubs and organizations on 

campus are open to any student 

regardless of class year or major. A 

description of each recognized 

organization may be found at 

emerson.edu/student-life/activitiesorganizations. 

The critical element in co-curricular 

activities is the hands-on experience 

gained, which may not be available in 

the classroom. Whether students 

choose to participate in a club, class 

project, campus activity, or student 

government, opportunities for 

co-curricular learning can be among the 

most satisfying and rewarding of their 

educational experiences. Students often 

discover strengths not previously 

imagined, such as organizational skills 

and time management. Involvement in 

outside activities often has positive 

effects on academic progress. Students 

find their education becomes more 

personalized as they develop stronger 

ties to the College community through 

participation in student activities. 

Living Off Campus 

If your student will be living at home, 

you will have the unique opportunity 

of observing his or her ongoing 

adjustment to college life. Students 

living at home sometimes feel this 

transition differently as they fit new 

academic demands and new personal 

9 

experiences into familiar schedules. 

They will have to develop new ways of 

budgeting their time and often have a 

different relationship with the College. 

Off-campus students are encouraged to 

participate in all aspects of student life. 

Many clubs and organizations hold 

meetings during daytime hours, but 

evening meetings also are common. 

Off-campus students may need to make 

a special effort to get involved. You can 

help by providing support and freedom 

for them to find ways to participate. 

Involvement may mean membership in 

a student organization or a campus 

activity, carpooling with other students, 

or participation in a study group. 

Whatever the case, it should help the 

student meet and interact with others 

at the College. 

The Max Mutchnick Campus Center 

often serves as a “home base” for 

off-campus students and is a gathering 

place for all students. The Center is an 

informal place to study, socialize, or 

relax between classes; lockers, lounges, 

and a cafe are available. The Off- 

Campus Student Services (OCSS) Office 

also is housed in the Center, providing 

special services and programs through 

the Off-Campus Network (OCN), an 

organization designed by and for 

off-campus students. 

One of the programs offered by the 

OCSS is the MBTA discount pass 

program. In conjunction with the 

Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, 

Emerson offers a program in which 

subway, bus, and combo passes are 

available for purchase at a discount 

(currently 11 percent, but subject to 

change). The program is offered in 

semester blocks and must be purchased 

prior to the start of each semester. 

For details, call 617-824-7863 or visit 

emerson.edu/offcampus-housing. 

Campus Responsibilities 

All students at Emerson College have 

certain responsibilities by virtue of their 

status in, and relationship to, the wider 

society of which Emerson is a part. 

These responsibilities and institutional 

rules and regulations are 

communicated to students in 

publications and posted notices 

including, but not limited to, the 

Student Handbook, housing contract, 

and College Catalogue. 

Students reported to be in violation of 

community standards are processed 

through the College disciplinary system. 

Decisions that can be reached by the 

hearing officer or conduct board are 

“responsible” or “not responsible.” 

Sanctions that may be imposed include 

censure, monetary fines, community 

service, probation periods, loss of 

privileges, educational activities, and 

suspension or dismissal from the 

residence halls and the College. 

Student Grievance Procedure 

Situations sometimes arise where 

students feel that they have been dealt 

with unfairly, that particular 

circumstances surrounding a policy 

decision requires special consideration, 

or that they have a complaint about 

the behavior/performance of a faculty 

or staff member. As a general rule, 

students should address their concern 

about a policy decision directly with the 

office responsible for administering the 

policy. Similarly, students should 

attempt to resolve their complaint 

directly with the person with whom 

they have a complaint. In the event 

that students believe that a satisfactory 

resolution has not been reached, they 

may bring their concern to the next 

immediate level of authority. 

An unresolved complaint about the 

behavior/performance of a faculty 

member may be brought to the chair of 

the academic division in which the 

faculty member teaches. An unresolved 

complaint about the behavior/ 

performance of a staff member may be 

brought to the attention of the 

person’s immediate supervisor. 

The student’s academic advisor and the 

Office of the Dean of Students will 

assist students who have complaints or 

grievances and need help in 

determining the procedures to be 

followed.

At any time during the process, 

students who are uncertain of the 

proper channels to follow for a 

particular grievance or who would like 

guidance on a particular matter should 

contact the Office of the Dean of 

Students at 617-824-8640. 

Alcohol and Other Drug Policy 

(AOD) 

Students are responsible for observing 

and complying with federal, 

Commonwealth, city, and College laws 

and regulations governing alcohol and 

other drugs (AOD). Students who 

violate AOD laws or campus regulations 

are subject to a variety of sanctions that 

may include, but are not limited to, one 

or more of the following: written 

warnings; fines; required participation 

in AOD educational programs; 

community service; parental 

notification; loss of residence hall and 

College privileges; referral for 

substance abuse evaluation or 

treatment; housing, disciplinary, or 

College probation; suspension from 

housing or the College; dismissal from 

housing or the College; and 

prosecution by the appropriate federal, 

Commonwealth, and city authorities. 

Smoking is prohibited in all Collegeowned 

or leased facilities and vehicles. 

Nondiscrimination Policy 

Emerson College is committed to 

fostering a climate of respect for 

students, staff and faculty, as well as 

others who participate in the College’s 

program and activities. As a part of that 

commitment, Emerson prohibits 

discrimination or harassment based on 

an individual’s gender, race, color, 

religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, 

disability, sexual orientation, gender 

identity, or any other characteristic 

protected under applicable local, state or 

federal law (“protected characteristics”). 

Emerson also prohibits discrimination 

or harassment based on an individual’s 

participation in a protected activity 

(such as reporting alleged 

discrimination or harassment). 

10 

In addition, Emerson expects that its 

students, faculty, staff, vendors, 

contractors, alumni, and guests 

(collectively, “members of the Emerson 

community”) will conduct themselves 

appropriately and refrain from 

behavior that infringes on the rights 

of others. Accordingly, individuals who 

discriminate against or harass others, 

regardless of whether such conduct 

rises to the level of unlawful 

discrimination or harassment, may be 

subject to disciplinary action, up to 

including immediate termination of 

employment, or association with 

Emerson, or expulsion from Emerson. 

Privacy of Student Records 

A Special Note to Parents Concerning 

Students’ Educational Rights and 

Privacy 

The Family Educational Rights and 

Privacy Act of 1974 (commonly 

referred to as the “Buckley 

Amendment“or “FERPA”) is designed 

to protect the confidentiality of the 

records that educational institutions 

maintain on their students and to give 

students access to their records to 

ensure the accuracy of their contents. 

The Act affords students certain rights 

with respect to their education 

records. 

Generally speaking, these rights 

include the right to inspect and review 

their education records, the right to 

request amendment of their 

education records if the student 

believes they are inaccurate or 

misleading, the right to consent to 

disclosures of personally identifiable 

information in their education 

records, and, the right to contact the 

Family Policy Compliance Office with a 

complaint concerning the College’s 

compliance. 

Information that Emerson College may 

disclose at its discretion is called 

“Directory Information” and includes 

the following: name, name of 

parent(s)/guardian(s), phone number, 

attendance dates, degrees earned, 

dates of degrees, awards/honors/ 

scholarships, major, sports and 

activities, height and weight of 

members of athletic teams, advisor, 

concentrations, and computer 

username. 

A few examples of information that are 

NOT directory information and thus are 

not releasable without advanced 

student permission include schedule, 

grades, grade-point averages, race or 

ethnic group, and religion. 

Currently enrolled students may 

withhold disclosure of directory 

information. To withhold disclosure, 

written notification must be received 

on an annual basis (usually at 

matriculation with a written request). 

Directory information will then be 

withheld until the student releases the 

hold on disclosure or until the end of 

the current academic year, whichever 

comes first. 

A Special Note to Parents Concerning 

Students’ Grades 

Grades and all other student education 

records are protected by FERPA. In 

compliance with the law, this “nondirectory” 

information (including 

grades and academic progress) requires 

the student’s written consent prior to 

its release by a school official to any 

source outside the college (including 

parents). At the conclusion of each 

semester, students are able to access 

their final grades electronically through 

eCommon (eCommon.emerson.edu). 

Parents interested in seeing their 

student’s grades should request that 

their student either log them on to 

their electronic grade report or provide 

them with a printed copy of their grade 

report. Grades are not sent to the 

student by mail. 

Specific, detailed information and a 

FERPA tutorial concerning student 

rights can be found in the FERPA 

section of the website: emerson.edu/ 

academics/registrar/policies-ferpa/ferpa. 

Visit emerson.edu/academics/registrar/ 

policies-ferpa/information-parents for 

more information.

Property Insurance 

You do the best that you can to protect 

your children while they are home. 

Whether they are on campus or off, 

their valuables should be insured 

against theft, fire, and water damage. 

Check with your homeowner’s 

insurance to see if it will cover your 

student’s belongings at college. While 

Emerson College does not endorse any 

specific insurance company, students 

have typically found coverage with 

these companies. 

National Student Services Incorporated 

800-256-6774 

nssinc.com 

Geico Direct 

800-861-8380 

geico.com 

State Fund Insurance 

800-241-1151 or 617-956-9999 

statefundins.com 

11 

Mail Services Information 

Postal Address 

When addressing mail, the student’s 

building code and room number must 

follow the student’s name on line two 

of the address. Never address mail or 

packages to the street address of the 

student’s residence hall. It is very 

important that items sent through the 

U.S. Postal Service be addressed to each 

residence hall using the following 

format: 

Building Codes: 

80 Boylston (T) 

100 Boylston (C) 

150 Boylston (R) 

543-547 Washington (P) 

“T” for 80 Boylston Street 

Example (Little Building): 

John Smith T555 

PO Box 9145 

Boston, MA 02117-9145 

“C” for 100 Boylston Street 

Example (Colonial Building): 

Jack Smith C555 

PO Box 9155 

Boston, MA 02117-9155 

“R” for 150 Boylston Street 

Example (Piano Row): 

Jane Smith R555 

PO Box 9150 

Boston, MA 02117-9150 

“P” for 543-547 Washington Street 

Example (Paramount): 

Jill Smith P555 

PO Box 9160 

Boston, MA 02117-9160 

These addresses are for U.S. Postal 

Service (USPS) use only. For other 

carriers, please see the shipping address 

section. 

It is recommended that certified or 

insured mail be used when sending 

anything of value (tickets, checks, gifts, 

etc.). Student staff members sort 

incoming mail. Mail may be picked up 

at designated mailboxes, and packages 

can be picked up from the main 

mailroom. Students are responsible for 

notifying the mailroom of room 

assignment changes. Students are 

expected to leave mail forwarding 

information with the College when 

they move out or leave campus for the 

summer. Student mail cannot be 

forwarded to international addresses. 

Shipping Address 

Students wishing to have packages 

shipped by other (non-USPS) carriers 

such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, Airborne, etc. 

should use the address formats 

depicted below. It is very important 

that the student’s building code and 

room number follow the student’s 

name in line two of the shipping 

address. This tells the mailroom where 

to direct the package and will prevent 

delays. 120 Boylston Street is the 

official street address of Emerson 

College. 

There is no need to include the PO Box 

number in the shipping address 

because non-postal carriers will not 

deliver to a PO Box. Please note that 

the zip code for the shipping address is 

different from the postal address. 

80 Boylston Street 

Example: 

John Smith T555 


Boston, MA 02116 


Example: 

Jack Smith C555 




Example: 

Jane Smith R555 



543-547 Washington Street 

Example: 

Jill Smith P555 


Boston, MA 02116

12 

Academic Information 

Academic Advising 

Each incoming student is assigned an 

academic advisor. The role of the 

advisor is to provide counsel for 

students in designing their educational 

programs. Students work together with 

advisors in the selection of courses each 

semester. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress 

(Academic Probation and 

Suspension) 

The College has set the following 

standards for satisfactory academic 

progress: 

1. Students are expected to maintain a 

cumulative and semester grade point 

average of 1.7 for freshmen and 2.0 for 

all other students. Students who fall 

below this standard are placed on 

academic probation. 

2. Students must successfully complete 75 

percent of attempted credits per 

semester. Grades or recorded symbols 

of F, NF, WF, WP, and I are not 

considered as successfully completing a 

course. 

Students who do not meet the 

College’s standards for satisfactory 

academic progress for two consecutive 

semesters are subject to academic 

suspension for not less than one year. 

Students who have been academically 

suspended may appeal their 

suspensions through the Office of 

Academic Affairs. After a year of 

suspension, the student may apply for 

readmittance to the College. 

Students on academic probation are 

not eligible to compete in varsity 

athletics and/or run for or hold Student 

Government Association office. They 

may be prohibited from participating 

in extra- and co-curricular activities 

(e.g., WERS, EIV, theater productions) 

by the chair of the academic 

department in which they are majoring, 

and from serving in student affairs 

leadership positions (e.g., resident 

assistants, orientation leaders) by the 

Dean of Students or his or her designee. 

Academic Misconduct 

A student who violates the College’s 

academic ethical standards, as outlined 

in the Student Handbook, shall be 

subject to disciplinary proceedings that 

may result in suspension or dismissal. If 

there is any question about the 

appropriateness of an act, the student 

is urged to consult with a faculty 

advisor, instructor, or a School Dean. 

Dismissal 

If, after a thorough review of a 

student’s academic record, the 

Academic Probation and Suspension 

Board determines that academic 

success at Emerson College is not 

feasible, that student will be dismissed. 

A second consecutive suspension will 

result in automatic dismissal. 

Class Attendance 

Attendance policies and requirements 

are determined individually by faculty 

members. Individual instructors 

determine the number of times a 

student may be absent or tardy before 

a grade is lowered. Students are 

responsible for notifying the instructor 

in advance of unavoidable absences. 

Consistent class attendance is vital to 

academic success, and students are 

expected to attend classes regularly.

Class Status 

Students are classified according to 

the number of credits they have 

successfully completed. 

First-Year: Completion of fewer 

than 32 credits 

Sophomore: Completion of 32–63 

credits 

Junior: Completion of 64–95 

credits 

Senior: Completion of 96 or 

more credits 

Course Load 

To complete the graduation 

requirements of 128 credits in four 

years, the normal load for each 

semester is 16 credits. Twelve credits 

constitute a minimum academic load 

for full-time status. Students in good 

academic standing, with a grade point 

average of 2.7 or higher, may overload 

and enroll in more than 16 credits per 

semester. Overload credits incur an 

additional per-credit tuition charge. 

Dean’s Honor List 

Students achieving a 3.7 or higher 

grade point average for the preceding 

semester will be placed on the Dean’s 

Honor List. A grade below C– or a 

course withdrawal automatically 

disqualifies a student for the Dean’s 

Honor List for that semester, 

regardless of the grade point average. 

Gold Key Honor Society 

The Gold Key Honor Society is 

Emerson’s official academic honor 

society. To qualify, a student must be 

either a junior or a senior, with no 

fewer than 48 credits earned at 

Emerson College. Inductees into Gold 

Key are those juniors at the top 5 

percent of their class and seniors in 

the top 10 percent of their class 

(including seniors inducted in their 

junior year). 

13 

Honors Graduation 

Honors graduation at Emerson College 

is based on a student’s entire Emerson 

undergraduate academic record. For a 

student to graduate with Latin Honors, 

the student must have completed a 

minimum of 64 credits at Emerson 

College, and at least 75 percent of his 

or her college-level work done in 

letter-graded courses (not pass/fail 

courses). 

Students who meet all of the above 

criteria and are in the top 30 percent of 

their graduating class will receive Latin 

Honors. Students in the top 5 percent 

will graduate Summa Cum Laude; 

students in the next 10 percent will 

graduate Magna Cum Laude; and 

students in the next 15 percent will 

graduate Cum Laude. 

Grading System 

The College uses a letter grading 

system. Each letter carries the following 

“point” value: 

Grade Point Value 

A 4.0 

A– 3.7 

B+ 3.3 

B 3.0 

B– 2.7 

C+ 2.3 

C 2.0 

C– 1.7 

D 1.0 

F 0.0 

A student’s grade point average is 

calculated to two digits and 

determined on both a semester and 

cumulative basis. 

Grades and all other student education 

records are protected by FERPA. In 

compliance with the law, this “nondirectory” 

information (including 

grades and academic progress) requires 

the student’s written consent prior to 

its release by a school official to any 

source outside the College (including 

parents). At the conclusion of each 

semester, students are able to access 

their final grades electronically through 

eCommon (eCommon.emerson.edu). 

Parents interested in seeing their 

student’s grades should request that 

their student either log them on to 

their electronic grade report or provide 

them with a printed copy of their grade 

report. Grades are not sent to the 

student by mail. 

Financial Clearance 

Each student is responsible for seeing 

that his or her account has been 

“cleared.” This process must be 

completed before a student will be 

allowed to take occupancy in the 

residence halls and/or register for or 

attend classes. In June and December, 

bills for the upcoming semester are 

sent with payments due on August 1 

and January 3, respectively. 

Students are able to clear financial 

holds at the Student Service Center on 

the first floor of 80 Boylston Street. 

Tips for Financial Well-Being 

• Before your student leaves for college, 

work together to set up a budget plan 

for the year. 

• Discuss his or her limits on spending, 

ATM trips, and applying for credit cards. 

• Encourage your student to keep his or 

her eyes open for scholarships and 

other financial aid opportunities. 

• Review Emerson College’s financial 

education program, Money Matters, at 

emerson.edu/money-matters.

Campus Resources 

Academic Advising 

Lynn Butkovsky, Director 

Laurie Edelman, Associate Director 

216 Tremont Street, Sixth Floor 

617-824-7876 

emerson.edu/advising-center 

Academic Advising is an essential 

element for students who wish to make 

the most of their college experience. 

Each incoming student is assigned an 

academic advisor. The role of the 

advisor is to provide counsel for 

students as they explore options, define 

educational goals, and develop an 

academic plan to achieve these goals. 

Students consult with their advisors in 

the selection of courses each semester. 

The Academic Advising Center 

coordinates all aspects of advising 

services offered at the College. It shares 

with faculty the responsibility for 

advising individual students. The 

services of the Academic Advising 

Center are available to all members of 

the Emerson community. Students with 

any academic questions or concerns are 

welcome and encouraged to come to 

the center for assistance. 

Athletics and Recreation 

Kristin Parnell, Director 

150 Boylston Street, Lower Level 2 

617-824-8690 

emersonlions.com 

The Athletics Department offers a 

range of intercollegiate, intramural, 

and recreational athletic activities for 

all students. Varsity sports offered 

include men’s and women’s cross 

country, men’s baseball, women’s 

softball, men’s and women’s soccer, 

men’s and women’s basketball, men’s 

and women’s tennis, men’s and 

women’s lacrosse, and men’s and 

women’s volleyball. Intramural sports 

include basketball and dodgeball. 

14 

Barnes & Noble Bookstore 

Holly Marino, Manager 

114 Boylston Street, First Floor 

617-824-8696 

emerson.edu/bookstore 

The bookstore carries all texts used for 

college courses. The bookstore offers 

“cash for your books,” enabling 

students to sell most books back. 

Through this program, the bookstore is 

able to offer a limited number of used 

books to students at prices lower than 

new texts. The bookstore also carries 

everything from school supplies to 

snacks and magazines and, of course, 

Emerson College souvenirs. Personal 

checks, credit cards, and ECCash are 

accepted with a valid Emerson ID. 

Career Services 

Carol Spector, Director 

216 Tremont Street, Sixth Floor 

617-824-8586 

emerson.edu/career-services 

The Career Services Office assists all 

students, freshmen through seniors, 

and alumni in the career planning 

process. A variety of programs and 

services are available to help students. 

They include: an up-to-date resource 

center containing occupational 

information, internship and 

employment opportunities, graduate 

school information, workshops, 

handouts and individual sessions to 

assist with career exploration, résumé 

writing, networking, and conducting a 

job search. Also, there are two 

Internship Fairs, one each semester, 

sponsored by the office. Additionally, 

the Emerson Mentor Network enables 

students to interact with alumni, 

parents, and friends of the College for 

career advice. 

Center for Health and Wellness 

Jane Powers, Director 

216 Tremont Street, Third Floor 

617-824-8666 

Email: healthservices@emerson.edu 

emerson.edu/health-center 

The Center for Health and Wellness 

(CHW) is open for clinical appointments 

Monday through Friday during fall and 

spring semesters. It is closed daily from 

12:00 to 1:00 pm and during weekends, 

holidays, and winter and spring breaks. 

It is only open for administrative 

activities during the summer. 

Hours will be posted on the website at 

the beginning of the semester. 

Immunization clinics are held several 

times each month for students needing 

to complete their immunization 

requirements. Dates and fee 

information are posted on the 

eCommon calendar as well as the CHW 

website. 

The CHW provides care for the 

immediate health needs of students 

and provides follow-up treatment and 

educational services Monday through 

Friday during the academic year. The 

center’s services and programs also 

reflect an effort to promote conditions 

in the academic environment that 

permit and encourage optimum 

physical, emotional, and intellectual 

development. 

Services are available by appointment. 

Services include evaluation and 

treatment of acute illness, 

gynecological exams, health 

counseling, laboratory 

testing, pregnancy testing, 

contraception counseling, health 

education, and referrals to other health 

professionals when necessary. 

All students are required to submit an 

Emerson College Entrance Health Form, 

which includes mandated 

immunizations within the first 30 days 

of the semester in which they enroll. 

Information is provided on 

the Accepted Student webpage at 

emerson.edu/admission/undergraduateadmission/accepted-students. 

The 

Entrance Health Form must be 

downloaded. Completed forms must be 

returned to the CHW no later than 30 

days from the start of the semester in 

which the student begins enrollment.

The Center is directed by a nurse 

practitioner. The staff includes nurse 

practitioners, a physician assistant, 

and a wellness educator. Emerson 

College contracts with a local 

supervising physician practice. The 

practice provides medical 

supervision and back-up telephone/ 

appointment access to students when 

the center is closed during winter, 

spring, and summer breaks; as well as 

availability to the RD staff for medical 

issues after hours. Emerson College is 

situated in an area within a half mile 

of the supervising physician’s group 

practice and within two miles of five 

major hospital emergency rooms. 

All visits to the center are confidential. 

Access/verification of protected health 

information regarding a student’s 

records is prohibited without his or 

her written permission. 

When the center is closed, students 

should seek care for urgent or 

emergency medical conditions at one 

of the local emergency rooms. 

Non-urgent care should wait until the 

center reopens to avoid unnecessary 

bills. Residence hall students may 

request the RD on duty to contact the 

after-hours MD for advice. Should a 

student be directed to or wish to seek 

care at an emergency room, the 

Department of Public Safety can 

arrange for transportation from an 

on-campus site to the closest facility. 

If a medical emergency arises, contact 

911. This will activate the city’s 

medical emergency response team. 

Immunization Requirements 

Massachusetts state law mandates 

that all college students must have 

certain immunizations valid and 

current as a condition of enrollment. 

Detailed information on requirements 

and acceptable dosing intervals are 

provided on the Entrance Health 

Form and accompanying New 

Student Letter. Records must be 

provided in English. 

15 

Emerson College policy requires 

students to provide evidence of 

vaccination/immunity or meet the 

standards for medical or religious 

exemption for the following 

immunizations within 30 days of 

registration: 

1. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German 

measles), generally given as MMR: 

two doses on/after the first birthday; 

interval must be at least 30 days 

apart OR laboratory proof of 

immunity to each. 

2. T dap (Combined tetanus, 

diptheria, and pertussis/whooping 

cough): one dose within the last 10 

years. 

3. Hepatitis B: three doses. This series 

generally requires four to six 

months to complete. If you have not 

started this series, do so as soon as 

possible prior to enrollment. If you 

have started but never completed the 

series, you do not need to start over; 

contact your clinician to complete the 

series. General dosing schedule is first 

dose at initial visit, second dose at 

least 30 days after first dose, final 

dose four to six months after first 

dose) OR laboratory proof of 

immunity. 

4. Meningococcal vaccine: one dose 

within the last five years or 

completion of MDPH waiver, which 

indicates that the student has 

received/reviewed information on 

the risk of meningococcal infection 

and has chosen not to be immunized. 

5. Varicella (chicken pox): two doses. 

If administered before age 12, doses 

must be at least three months apart; 

if after age 12 at least 30 days apart 

OR Vaccination not required if: 

born in the United States prior to 

1980 OR laboratory proof of 

immunity OR verification by clinician 

signature of chicken pox infection 

(month/year). 

6. Tuberculosis Risk Assessment 

Questionnaire: Completion of 

questionnaire no earlier than three 

months prior to entrance required by 

all; testing is only required for those 

meeting risk criteria (details provided 

on form). We reserve the right to test/ 

retest any student. 

Failure to demonstrate immunization 

compliance will jeopardize a student’s 

enrollment and on-campus residency. 

Insurance Requirements 

Massachusetts law also requires all 

college students enrolled ≤ time or 

greater (9 credits or more) to submit 

proof of insurance coverage. 

Massachusetts regulation does not 

consider coverage by insurance carriers 

outside of the United States, including 

coverage by foreign national health 

service programs, as comparable under 

a qualifying student health insurance 

program. The plan provided by the 

College conforms to all provisions 

required under the Affordable Care 

Act. 

Coverage under a health benefit plan is 

considered comparable if: 

1. The health benefit plan provides the 

student, throughout the school year, 

with reasonably comprehensive 

coverage of health services, including 

preventive care, emergency services, 

surgical services, hospitalization 

benefits, ambulatory patient services, 

and mental health services; and 

2. The services covered under the 

health benefit plan are reasonably 

accessible to the student in the area 

where he or she attends school. 

Please check with your insurance 

provider for any specific restrictions or 

requirements they may impose for your 

covered student. The Office of Student 

Financial Services sends all eligible 

students information on the College 

insurance program and premium fee 

prior to the tuition payment date.

Students are automatically enrolled in 

the College-sponsored plan. Those who 

meet the insurance waiver criteria must 

submit an insurance waiver form 

annually to the Student Financial 

Services Office by the waiver due date. 

Those students without a waiver will be 

enrolled in the College insurance 

program and billed for the annual 

premium. 

Students enrolled in the College’s 

health insurance program are expected 

to be familiar with the plan benefits 

and requirements for coverage. 

Enrolled students are required to first 

seek care at the Center for Health and 

Wellness prior to referral to an outside 

clinician/specialist in order for care to 

be covered under the provisions of the 

policy. 

Counseling Center 

Dr. Patricia Challan, Interim Director 

216 Tremont Street, Second Floor 

617-824-8595 

emerson.edu/counseling-center 

The Counseling Center is an excellent 

place for Emerson students to begin 

looking for help with personal 

concerns, family problems, or other 

psychological issues. The center serves 

as a resource to assist students in 

developing to their potential. To 

achieve this goal, a variety of services 

are provided, including short-term 

counseling and psychotherapy, support 

and therapy groups, crisis intervention, 

psychiatric consultation, and referral to 

outside practitioners and agencies. 

Counseling services are confidential. 

The staff considers issues of student 

privacy to be of the utmost importance. 

In accordance with the ethical and legal 

standards of professional practice, no 

information is released to anyone, 

inside or outside of the College, 

without the student’s written 

knowledge or consent. 

For students currently in therapy and/or 

taking medication, please make sure 

you and your student plan for 

follow-up care in Boston. Make sure 

16 

you know how they will continue to 

get their medication while at Emerson. 

If you need help finding a therapist or 

prescribing psychiatrist in Boston, 

please contact the Counseling Center 

before your student arrives so that we 

can help you make these important 

connections. 

We are looking forward to welcoming 

your sons and daughters to Emerson 

College in September. We know that 

regardless of whether or not this is your 

first or last child to attend college, this 

is an emotional time in your family. 

Your role, while changing, remains very 

important in your young adult’s life. 

You may now be shifting from being 

very involved in your child’s choices and 

decisions, to acting more as a 

consultant for them. 

Our new students will begin to 

negotiate adult systems on their own. 

Many students welcome this process 

and handle it with ease, while others 

need more guidance. The Counseling 

Center is available to help your young 

adult with this process, as well as being 

a safe and confidential place for him or 

her to talk about other developmental 

concerns. We are also available to 

consult with parents about concerns 

and challenges as you support your 

student in this next phase of his or her 

life. 

Students are seen by appointment, 9:00 

am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday 

(closed from 12:00 to 1:00 pm). In case 

of an emergency when the Counseling 

Center is closed, recorded information 

about emergency assistance is available, 

or students may call the Department of 

Public Safety at 617-824-8555. 

Dean of Students 

Dr. Ron Ludman 

150 Boylston Street, Second Floor 

617-824-8640 

emerson.edu/student-life 

The Office of the Dean of Students 

oversees the Division of Student Affairs, 

comprising a number of independent 

yet interrelated offices designed to 

support a broad range of student 

concerns and circumstances from entry 

to graduation. The Student Affairs staff 

works collaboratively to provide 

programs and services that foster 

student growth and leadership 

development, build community, and 

respond to student needs. The Dean 

and his staff are available to help 

students work through a problem or 

unanticipated crisis, listen to 

suggestions and complaints, set 

personal and professional goals, and 

plan activities. The Dean also serves as 

the College’s Chief Conduct Officer. 

Dining Services 


617-824-8060 

emerson.edu/business-services 

Emerson College Dining Services 

provides a quality comprehensive 

dining program for the Emerson 

community. Dining Services offers 

everything from restaurant-style dining 

to quick service cafés to a convenience 

store. There are four dining locations 

on campus. The Little Building Dining 

Hall is an all-you-care-to-eat facility. 

150 Café offers a wide variety of dining 

selections and has a C-store open late 

night for students. Emerson’s Café 

offers a great variety of sandwiches, 

salads, and pastries. The Paramount 

Café is a great spot to grab a burger, 

sandwich, or salad. All locations accept 

Board Bucks, ECCash, cash, MasterCard, 

and Visa. Board meals are honored at 

the Little Building Dining Hall only. 

Disability Services 

Diane Paxton, Director 

216 Tremont Street, Fifth Floor 

617-824-8592 

emerson.edu/disability-services 

Emerson College is committed to 

providing equal access to its academic, 

programs and social activities for all 

qualified students with disabilities. 

While upholding this commitment, we 

maintain the high standards of 

achievement that are essential to the 

integrity of the College’s programs and 

services. In advancing these dual aims, 

we ensure that College policies,

practices, and procedures conform to 

federal and state statutes and 

regulations. Our philosophy is that 

students are independent and selfdetermined, 

and that students with 

disabilities—just like all students—have 

control over their lives here at Emerson. 

They are ultimately responsible for 

making their own decisions. 

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, 

Transgender, and Queer/ 

Questioning Student Life 


617-824-8637 

Email: GLBTQ@emerson.edu 

emerson.edu/glbtq-student-life 

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and 

Queer/Questioning (GLBTQ) Student 

Life is housed within the Office of 

Student Affairs, providing support 

services for GLBTQ students. The staff 

strives to enhance the quality of life for 

members of the GLBTQ community and 

their allies, recognizing that sexual 

orientation and gender expression 

work through and are influenced by 

race, ethnicity, gender, culture, age, 

class, faith, ability status, and other 

social characteristics. The director of 

Multicultural Student Affairs and 

GLBTQ Services and the advisor to the 

student organization EAGLE (Emerson’s 

Alliance for Gays, Lesbians, and 

Everyone) provide consultation to 

students in the area of queer issues, 

and work to provide education, 

information, and advocacy services. The 

staff is committed to maintaining a safe 

and inclusive atmosphere where all 

community members are valued and 

respected. 

Housing and Residence Life 

(On-Campus Housing) 

Dave Haden, Associate Dean/Director of 

Housing and Residence Life 


617-824-8620 

Email: reslife@emerson.edu 

emerson.edu/housing 

The residence life program at Emerson 

College seeks to provide a living 

environment that facilitates the 

academic and personal growth of 

17 

students. The College’s four residence 

halls house 1,916 students in traditional 

rooms and suites. 

The residence halls are considered more 

than just places to sleep and study. 

College education extends beyond the 

classroom, and the Residence Life staff 

recognizes that the day-to-day 

experience of group living provides 

significant learning opportunities for 

students. Students live and interact 

with individuals from a variety of 

backgrounds, interests, and lifestyles. 

Educational programs are offered 

targeting various aspects of growth 

(e.g., emotional, intellectual, cultural, 

physical, spiritual, and occupational) 

that are essential to the development 

of the whole student. 

The residence halls are staffed by 

professional Residence Directors (RDs) 

who are responsible for the overall 

management of the buildings. Resident 

Assistants (RAs) are undergraduate and 

graduate student members of the 

Residence Life staff who live in each 

hall and help plan activities, serve as 

information/referral sources, enforce 

College policies, and assist in 

emergency situations. 

Telephones 

While each room is wired for landline 

telephone service, there is a charge per 

semester to activate a line. Students 

must provide their own telephone if 

they contract for the service. Most 

students prefer to utilize their cellular 

phones and do not contract for this 

service. If you would like to know more 

about activating the landline in your 

room, please contact the Office of 

Housing and Residence Life for details. 

Residency Requirement 

Freshmen entering college for the first 

time in Fall 2011 or a fall semester 

thereafter are required to live on 

campus for their first four semesters at 

Emerson College, and may apply to live 

on campus for subsequent semesters 

pending availability of housing. 

Freshmen entering college for the first 

time in Spring 2012 or a spring 

semester thereafter are required to live 

on campus for their first three 

semesters at Emerson College, and may 

apply to live on campus for subsequent 

semesters pending availability of 

housing. 

Transfer students entering Emerson 

College in Fall 2011 or after will be 

offered on-campus housing depending 

on availability. 

Housing contracts extend through the 

full academic year (fall and spring 

semesters) and include required 

participation in one of the College– 

sponsored meal plans. Students living 

on campus in the fall semester are 

obligated to remain in on-campus 

housing for the fall and spring 

semesters. 

Freshmen and sophomores attending 

one of Emerson’s semester-long 

external programs are required to live 

in the College’s Boston campus housing 

during the other semester of that given 

academic year. 

Juniors attending one of Emerson’s 

semester-long external programs 

are given the option of living on 

campus in Boston or living off campus 

during the other semester of that 

academic year. 

Please note: The College will not be 

able to provide on-campus housing for 

all students beyond the residency 

requirement semesters. Students who 

do not meet the residency requirement 

will be considered for housing on a 

space-available basis. 

Room Selection 

Specific room assignments for new 

students are made during the summer, 

using the information provided on the 

online housing application. Every effort 

will be made to honor housing 

preferences, but due to space 

constraints, requests cannot be 

guaranteed. Housing assignments, 

including roommate information, are 

typically mailed during the week of 

July 15.

During the spring semester of each 

academic year, the College administers 

a housing selection process for the 

following academic year. Students who 

are covered by the residency 

requirement are automatically assigned 

a housing selection slot as a condition 

of the residency requirement, pending 

availability of housing. Due to the 

limitations of on-campus housing, some 

students who would like to live in 

on-campus housing beyond their fourth 

semester of college will not be afforded 

the opportunity to do so. All students 

not covered by the residency 

requirement who wish to live in 

on-campus housing will be able to 

submit an application for consideration 

pending availability of housing. 

Please note that failure to settle 

Emerson College accounts in full, 

obtain required vaccinations, or abide 

by the Code of Conduct can result in 

the loss of student housing. Students 

who are not able to fulfill the residency 

requirement due to their own actions 

may also be dismissed from the College. 

Single rooms are generally not 

available to first-year students. 

Students may make a notation on their 

Online Housing Application regarding a 

preference for a single room but we 

cannot guarantee this request. If you 

have questions regarding single rooms, 

please email reslife@emerson.edu. 

Emerson’s Off-Campus Student Services 

(OCSS) Office is an excellent resource to 

assist students transition to off-campus 

living during the planning and search 

process; OCSS is also available to 

provide them with guidance should 

they have questions or run into 

problems while living off campus. 

Room Changes/Switches 

Room changes during the term will be 

made for well-founded reasons only, 

and must be approved by the Resident 

Director (RD) and the Office of Housing 

and Residence Life. However, requests 

are typically not considered before the 

third week in September or after the 

first week in December for the fall 

term, or before the last week in 

January or after the third week in April 

for the spring term. 

18 

Students are expected to reside in the 

room to which they have been assigned 

unless prior approval for change has 

been granted. Under no circumstances 

may a student move to another room 

without the permission of the RD. 

Unauthorized moves will be subject to 

disciplinary action. 

Things to Expect Upon Arrival to Your 

Student’s Assigned Residence Hall 

A Fall Move-in Welcome Packet will be 

sent to your student mid-July and will 

include room and roommate 

assignments as well as an assigned 

move-in date and time. This will be sent 

via email as well as U.S. Postal Service. 

Students will receive their keys to the 

residence hall when they move in. The 

Emerson College Identification Card 

will give them access to their residence 

hall and other facilities throughout 

their time on campus. Please keep in 

mind that lost keys and ID cards are 

billed to the student. Please encourage 

your student to keep keys and IDs 

secured. 

At your student’s time of check-in to his 

or her residence hall, the Residence Hall 

staff will be collecting Emergency 

Contact Information. This includes the 

name(s) and contact information of 

preferred emergency contacts as well as 

health insurance cardholder 

information. Please have this 

information prepared when your 

student heads to his or her hall for 

move-in. This information is kept 

confidential and only used in the event 

of an emergency. 

Room changes cannot be requested 

until two weeks after the academic 

semester has begun. Requests are made 

through the Residence Director who 

oversees your student’s area. Contact 

information for these professional staff 

members will be provided at move-in. 

Residence Hall staff host an essential 

and mandatory meeting within each 

residence hall, which takes place on the 

final day of new student move-in. We 

ask that parents and students not plan 

other activities at this time so they can 

make this meeting. This is the time 

when you meet other students from 

your residence hall floor as well as your 

Resident Assistant(s). Look for the date 

and time of this meeting during 

move-in. 

Encourage your student to get involved 

in the residence hall experience. 

Leadership positions within the 

residence halls include Desk Assistant 

positions, Hall Council, Residence Hall 

Association, and Resident Assistant 

positions. Hall Council and Residence 

Hall Association will be seeking 

immediate involvement upon student 

move-in. If your student is interested, 

have him or her seek out his or her 

Resident Assistant or Residence Director 

for more information. 

It’s not too early to begin thinking 

about travel plans during times when 

the halls are closed. Please refer to the 

campus calendar for closing dates. 

International Student Affairs 

Virga Mohsini, Director 

216 Tremont Street, Second Floor 

617-824-7858 

emerson.edu/international-students 

Students may visit the Office of 

International Student Affairs to have 

their immigration forms processed, 

receive advice regarding I-20s, practical 

training, work permits, etc., or to 

discuss issues related to academics, 

adjusting to the United States, and 

other personal concerns. Every new 

student must schedule an appointment 

to meet with the International Student 

Advisor during the first two weeks of 

the semester to complete his or her file. 

Transfer students must meet with the 

international student advisor no later 

than 15 days after the semester begins. 

Optional Practical Training 

Optional practical training (OPT) is a 

type of work authorization benefit 

available to most F-1 students. OPT is 

available for a total of 12 months 

during or after completion of studies.

Students may choose to do some, all, or 

none of the optional training before 

graduation. Most students choose their 

12 months of practical training after 

graduation. Students are required to 

attend an OPT workshop prior to the 

application period. Students are eligible 

to apply for post-completion practical 

training no earlier than 90 days before 

the last day of their graduating 

semester and no later than two weeks 

before the last day of their graduating 

semester. Students are strongly 

encouraged to plan and apply early. 

Waiting until the end of the application 

period may delay or impede the 

application process. 

Mailroom 

100 Boylston Street, Lower Level 

617-824-8594 

emerson.edu/business-services 

Letter mail is delivered to each 

residence hall Monday through Friday. 

There are four student mailrooms on 

campus: 80 Boylston Street (servicing 

Little Building residents), 100 Boylston 

Street (servicing Colonial residents), 150 

Boylston Street (servicing Piano Row 

residents), and 543-547 Washington 

Street (servicing Paramount Center 

residents). Student packages are picked 

up at the Main Mail Center located in 

the lower level of 100 Boylston. 

The hours of operation are 9:00 am to 

6:00 pm during the school year. 

Please refer to the Mail Services 

Information section on page 11 for 

specific instructions about sending and 

receiving mail. 

Multicultural Affairs and 

Cultural Center 

Tikesha Morgan, Director 


617-824-8637 


The director of Multicultural Student 

Affairs is primarily responsible for 

cultivating involvement opportunities 

for historically underrepresented 

populations (including, but not limited 

to, African American, Asian American, 

Hispanic/Latin American, Native 

19 

American, and multiethnic) to 

maximize chances for their successful 

academic and social transition, 

integration, and retention at the 

College. The director is available to 

discuss academic, cultural, personal, 

and social concerns with students 

throughout their entire Emerson career. 

Campus Conversations On Race: A Talk 

Worth Having (CCOR) are student-led 

discussions on race and ethnicity. The 

purpose is to provide Emerson students 

a forum for discussion of one of the 

most vital and critical issues we face in 

contemporary society, racial and 

ethnic prejudice and bigotry. It is 

paramount for students who are 

preparing to be leaders in the arts and 

communication industries to begin to 

develop understanding of the 

perspectives and cultures that will soon 

be the new majority in our society. 

The Cultural Center is located in the 

lower level of 150 Boylston Street. The 

center was established to enhance the 

educational, cultural, and social needs 

of the campus community. The center 

hosts a variety of formal and informal 

events for students, faculty, and staff 

members. The offices of EBONI 

(Emerson’s Black Organization with 

Natural Interests), ASIA (Asian Students 

for Intercultural Awareness), Speak Up! 

(promoting racial awareness through 

activities, projects, and dialogue), and 

Amigos, a Latino organization, are 

housed in the center. Student 

organizations and departments may 

request use of the center by contacting 

the director of Multicultural Student 

Affairs. 

Off-Campus Student Services 

Steven Martin, Assistant Director 


617-824-7863 

emerson.edu/student-life/supportservices/off-campus-student-services 

The Office of Off-Campus Student 

Services (OCSS) is committed to 

contributing to a successful experience 

for the College’s off-campus student 

population. Through various programs 

and services, OCSS connects and 

communicates with those students who 

reside with their families or in other 

homes and apartments throughout the 

greater Boston area. The work of OCSS 

is focused on providing support and 

consultation to students living in 

non-College-affiliated housing. 

Housing Workshops: OCSS sponsors 

housing workshops in the spring and 

summer to assist students with their 

housing and roommate search. These 

workshops are designed to familiarize 

participants with the city of Boston and 

guide them through the leasing 

process. 

MBTA Discount Pass Program: OCSS 

offers this discounted transit program 

through the Massachusetts Bay 

Transportation Authority. Passes for 

subway, bus, boat, and commuter rail 

travel may be purchased twice annually 

(at an 11 percent discount, subject to 

change) through OCSS. Program 

purchase deadlines tend to fall in early 

August for fall transit, and early 

January for spring transit. Please 

contact OCSS for the semester-pass 

enrollment month schedule. 

Parent Programs 

Office of Development and Alumni 

Relations 

120 Boylston Street, Seventh Floor 

617-824-8542 

emerson.edu/PLC 

The Parent Programs Department, 

housed in the Office of Development 

and Alumni Relations, is designed to 

engage parents, enrich student 

experiences, and strengthen the 

College’s financial foundation through 

enhanced communication and 

meaningful opportunities for parent 

involvement within the College 

community. Emerson parents have a 

unique opportunity to contribute to 

Emerson’s growth through involvement 

without interference. Parents are 

invited to share their professional 

expertise, serve on various committees, 

join the Parents Leadership Council, 

mentor students, host events, and 

philanthropically support Emerson 

programs and scholarships.

Public Safety 

Scott Bornstein, Interim Director/Chief 


617-824-8555 (Business line) 

617-824-8888 (Emergency only) 

emerson.edu/public-safety 

The Public Safety Office is open 24/7 

every day of the year. Public Safety 

officers are staff members of the 

College and sworn as special state 

police officers. Safety at Emerson is a 

combination of services, programs, and 

common sense. During Orientation, 

students are provided tips on staying 

safe in Boston through materials, 

programs, and informational sessions. 

In addition to maintaining regular 

security posts (which are staffed by 

additional security officers), Emerson 

Public Safety patrols the campus and is 

on call 24 hours a day. Public Safety 

coordinates a taxi voucher program and 

provides a walking escort service 

between Emerson buildings and from 

any Emerson facility to the Boylston 

MBTA stop and Boston Common 

Garage. Public Safety can be contacted 

through the guard stations located at 

the entrance of all College buildings, or 

by calling 617-824-8555 (on-campus 

extension 8555) for assistance. The 

College employs the use of a shuttle 

van service to transport students when 

determined appropriate. 

Spiritual Life 

Kristelle Angelli, Arinne Braverman, 

Gordon Isaac 


617-824-8036 

emerson.edu/student-life/supportservices/spiritual-life 

Students of all religious denominations 

are encouraged to stop by the Center 

for Spiritual Life. This center services 

the College community by providing 

opportunities for prayer services, 

pastoral counseling, and spiritual 

direction and activities. 

20 

Student Life Office 

Sharon Duffy, Associate Dean of 

Students 


617-824-8637 


The Office of Student Life is committed 

to the personal, social, and cultural 

development of students by providing 

them with involvement opportunities, 

enhancing their leadership skills, and 

serving as positive role models, 

advisors, counselors, and mentors. 

A partner in the academic mission of 

the College, the Student Life staff 

encourages and challenges students to 

think critically and actively participate 

in programs and services offered in the 

areas of student activities and student 

organizations, leadership development, 

spiritual life, multicultural student 

affairs, off-campus student services, 

GLBTQ student life, Greek life, and 

Orientation. 

Student organizations that are 

recognized as official entities of the 

College may be supported financially 

through the Student Government 

Association or they may be recognized 

and supported as college department 

programs or organizations. Clubs and 

organizations, in cooperation with 

various college departments, are 

integrally involved in the majority of 

campus planned activities and 

programs. Some of these major 

programs are New Student Orientation, 

Family Weekend, Emerson Recognition 

and Achievement (ERA) Awards, the 

Spring Musical, Senior Week, and more. 

For a full listing of student 

organizations on campus, please visit 

emerson.edu/student-life/activitiesorganizations. 

Student groups provide an excellent 

opportunity for members to gain 

life-long skills that they will find useful 

in their career and personal 

relationships. Through participation in 

clubs and organizations, students have 

an opportunity to develop 

communication, problem solving, 

decision making, organization, and 

leadership skills. Participation provides 

avenues to employ their academic 

learning and creative talents among 

their peers. Please note that students 

must be currently enrolled in a degree 

program at Emerson College and 

have paid the student activity fee in 

order to participate in student clubs 

or organizations. 

Student Service Center 


617-824-8650 

emerson.edu/student-service-center 

The Student Service Center is Emerson 

College’s “One-Stop-Shop” responsible 

for all aspects of customer service 

regarding student billing, payments, 

student employment, financial 

assistance programs, and registrationrelated 

activities. All students must 

clear their accounts with this office 

before they will be allowed to assume 

occupancy in the residence halls and/or 

register for or attend any classes. 

Financial assistance is available in a 

variety of forms: grants, scholarships, 

employment opportunities, loans, and 

alternative financing plans. The center 

can also help you with other financing 

options such as loan information and 

payment plans. Contact this office for 

further information on the various 

assistance opportunities from the 

federal government, your state of 

residence, and Emerson College. 

The Student Service Center is also the 

place for students to go to: crossregister 

at affiliated institutions, add 

courses after the first week of classes, 

have credentials evaluated for 

graduation, report a permanent/billing 

address change, or ask questions 

concerning transfer credits, preapproval 

for transfer courses and study 

abroad programs, and veteran’s 

benefits. Students are strongly 

encouraged to obtain a credit 

evaluation at the Student Service 

Center prior to their senior year to 

assist with planning their course load to 

meet requirements for graduation.

Wellness Education 

Christopher Chernicki, MA, PsychEd, 

Coordinator of Wellness Education 

216 Tremont Street, Third Floor 

617-824-8597 


The wellness educator, in collaboration 

with other Student Affairs 

professionals, coordinates student 

health and wellness programming on 

alcohol and other drug use and abuse, 

sexual assault, HIV and AIDS, sexually 

transmitted diseases, body image and 

eating disorders, as well as various 

other topics. Focusing on responsible 

decision making, the wellness educator 

seeks to increase education and 

awareness of issues affecting college 

students, and the impact they 

have on personal health and academic 

achievement. 

Lacerte Family Writing and 

Academic Resource Center 

Jodi Burrel, Linda Miller, Matt Phelan, 

Assistant Directors 

216 Tremont Street, Fifth Floor 

617-824-7874 

emerson.edu/writing-center 

The Lacerte Family Writing and 

Academic Resource Center (WARC) 

provides academic support services to 

all students and gives them the 

opportunity to develop skills and 

abilities necessary for academic success 

and independence at the college level. 

The WARC staff consists of three 

full-time assistant directors, a center 

manager, and a team of well-prepared 

graduate assistant writing tutors who 

support writing across the curriculum, 

providing individualized tutorials in all 

phases of the writing process. The 

center also offers private sessions on 

study strategies, including test 

preparation, organization, and time 

management. Peer tutoring in content 

areas is available upon request. 

The WARC can provide academic 

counseling to students, especially those 

on academic probation and those 

transitioning to the College from other 

institutions. The WARC directors 

21 

monitor academic performance at 

mid-term and work, as needed, with 

students to design appropriate 

academic study plans. The staff 

collaborates with the faculty and 

offices of the College to address other 

student needs.

The Off-Campus Experience 

The Office of Off-Campus Student 

Services (OCSS) (page 19) provides the 

resources to assist upperclass students 

in finding an apartment, navigating the 

city of Boston, and preparing for the 

responsibility of living off campus. It 

also provides social activities on and off 

campus to help keep students 

connected to each other and the 

campus community. Living off campus 

in the city of Boston can seem 

overwhelming to some students, but 

OCSS is here to ease the transition by 

providing helpful tips for both students 

and parents. 

Household Life 

Students who are living off campus for 

the first time may not know about the 

simple tasks of household living, such as 

how to fix the circuit breaker, plunge a 

toilet, or unclog a drain. Helping your 

student get accustomed to the chores 

and responsibilities that undoubtedly 

come along while living off campus will 

save him or her (and perhaps you) time 

and worry down the line. It is also gives 

him or her a sense of capability and 

independence to be able to manage a 

household on his or her own. 

Life’s Necessities 

Besides getting all their furniture and 

belongs moved in, there are many basic 

items that students need to have. 

Oftentimes your student may forget 

these kinds of things in lieu of the 

purchasing of bigger, more important 

possessions. Necessities like light bulbs, 

screwdrivers, hammer and nails, 

plunger, mop and bucket, cleaning 

supplies, dust buster, power strips, 

extension cords, Tupperware, and toilet 

paper are things your student probably 

doesn’t want to live long without. 

22 

Home Sweet Home 

No place will ever be the same as your 

home, but there are ways to make your 

student feel more at ease. Curtains, 

throw rugs, recipes for meals, and wall 

decorations are all ways of making your 

student’s living space feel more like 

home. Stores such as Bed Bath and 

Beyond, IKEA, and Target offer great 

and inexpensive opportunities to buy 

the necessities as well as the household 

décor that will make your student’s 

living space more comfortable. 

Bills, Bills, Bills 

It’s not just rent that’s due every month. 

Electric, heat, cable, Internet, credit 

cards, and other expenses often require 

students to develop a budget before 

moving in. Taking the time to set up a 

budget with your student early will 

help when moving in because 

oftentimes electric, heat, and energy 

bills require account setup prior to 

move-in. In addition, cable TV and 

Internet are pretty much a necessity for 

any college student. Contact Comcast, 

RCN, or another provider to ensure that 

your student can have access. 

Being Patient 

Living on their own for the first time 

can be a very scary and exciting 

experience. It can take time to get 

adjusted and feel comfortable in their 

own space. Give students the time and 

distance they need to get acclimated 

and settled, but don’t let them forget 

that you’re there for them. Students 

always like to know they’re being 

thought of and missed—so don’t be 

afraid to tell them. Care packages, 

phone calls, emails, and notecards are a 

great way to remind them that you’re 

thinking about them. 

Cooking 101 

Students who live off campus have a 

wonderful opportunity to prepare their 

own homemade meals. As college 

students, who has that much time to 

grocery shop and cook or has the 

knowledge of favorite family recipes? 

Luckily, OCSS provides various 

educational sessions to teach students 

fun, easy, and quick recipes like baking 

a cake in a microwave (yes, it can 

be done!). 

Navigating Boston 

Since parking can be difficult and 

expensive in Boston, most students 

utilize public transportation. For many 

coming to Boston for the first time, it 

can be a bit challenging to learn the 

ways of the city’s public transportation. 

However, the OCSS Office has resources 

of local attractions, MBTA schedules 

and maps, and much more to assist 

students in finding their way around 

town. 

Community 

Living off campus, students are not just 

part of the Emerson community, but 

the Boston community as well. We 

encourage them to get involved in their 

neighborhood and participate in local 

activities. OCSS sponsors programs off 

campus in different neighborhoods to 

help students connect with others living 

around them. OCSS also sponsors free 

dinners, musical acts, and educational 

programs on campus as well. 

More information about Off-Campus 

Student Services can be found online at 

emerson.edu/offcampus-housing. 

Emerson College has a residency 

requirement. Please see page 17 for 

more information.

23 

Communicating Disaster or 

Crisis Information 

Emerson utilizes a state-of-the-art Emergency Notification System 

(ENS) called Blackboard Connect to communicate with students, 

faculty, and staff in the event that an emergency occurs on the 

Boston campus. It is a robust system that simultaneously transmits 

messages by telephone, email, and SMS (text messaging). Members 

of the community are strongly encouraged to sign up and update 

their information through eCommon on the College website. 

In the event that a major emergency occurs in the vicinity of one of 

Emerson’s campus locations (e.g., Boston, Los Angeles, or Kasteel 

Well), notices concerning the situation will be posted and updated 

as soon as possible on the Emerson College websites. The notices 

may be found at the following URL addresses: 

eCommon.emerson.edu 

emerson.edu/parents 

emerson.edu/public-safety 

While the College will do its best to keep students and their families 

apprised of the situation, we strongly recommend that students and 

their families devise a personal emergency communication plan. For 

example, students should plan on calling and/or emailing a parent/ 

family member directly, assuming phone and/or Internet 

communication hasn’t been compromised. Each student should have 

a secondary contact person in the event one’s primary contact is 

unreachable. 

“As your student prepares for a bigger world, it doesn’t 

mean that you will be left behind. Freedom, independence, 

self-sufficiency…these are all things that we wish for 

students. Yet, they’ll always need you.” 

© Paper Clip Communications 2005

Local Information 

Houses of Worship 

Baptist 

First Baptist Church 

110 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston 

617-267-3148 

Catholic 

The Catholic Center at NU 

68 St. Stephen Street, Boston 

617-373-4923 

The Paulist Center Chapel 

5 Park Street, Boston 

617-742-4460 

Christian Science 

Christian Science Church 

175 Huntington Avenue, Boston 

617-450-2000 

Church of the Advent 

30 Brimmer Street, Boston 

617-523-2377 

Episcopal 

Trinity Church 

206 Clarendon Street, Boston 

617-536-0944 

Greek Orthodox 

Greek Orthodox Church of St. John 

the Baptist 

15 Union Park, Boston 

617-536-5692 

Islamic 

The Islamic Center of New England 

470 South Street, Quincy 

617-479-8341 

Jewish 

Boston Synagogue (Traditional/Egalitarian) 

477 Longwood Avenue, Boston 

617-523-0453 

Temple Israel (Reform) 

213 Riverway, Brookline 

617-566-3960 

Kehillath Israel (Conservative) 

384 Harvard Avenue, Brookline 

617-277-9155 

Boston University Hillel (Orthodox, Reform, 

and Conservative) 

233 Bay State Road, Boston 

617-353-7200 

Lutheran 

First Lutheran Church 

299 Berkeley Street, Boston 

617-536-8851 

24 

Methodist 

Old West Church 

131 Cambridge Street, Boston 

617-227-5088 

Presbyterian 

Church of the Covenant 

15 Newbury Street, Boston 

617-226-7480 

Unitarian Universalist 

First and Second Church 

66 Marlborough Street, Boston 

617-267-6730 

Area Hotels 

Back Bay Hilton 

40 Dalton Street, Boston 

617-236-1100 

Beacon Inn 

1087 and 1750 Beacon Street, Brookline 

617-566-0088 or 888-575-0088 

Boston Park Plaza Hotel 

50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street Boston 

617-426-2000 or 800-225-2008 

*Special rate for Orientation dates 

*Special rate for Family Weekend dates 

Colonnade Hotel 


617-424-7000 or 800-962-3030 

Courtyard by Marriott Boston Tremont Hotel 

275 Tremont Street, Boston 

617-426-1400 or 800-321-2211 



DoubleTree Hotel Boston Downtown 

821 Washington Street, Boston 

617-956-7900 or 800-222-TREE 



Fairmont Copley Plaza 

138 Saint James Avenue, Boston 

617-267-5300 or 800-257-7544 

Four Seasons Hotel 

200 Boylston Street, Boston 

617-338-4400 or 800-332-3442 

Holiday Inn/Government Center 

5 Blossom Street, Boston 

617-742-7630 or 800-465-4329 

Lenox Hotel 

61 Exeter Street, Boston 

617-536-5300 or 800-225-7676 

Long Wharf Marriott 

296 State Street, Boston 

617-227-0800 or 800-228-9290 

The Midtown 


617-262-1000 or 800-343-1177 

Millennium Bostonian Hotel 

26 North Street, Boston 

617-523-3600 

Nine Zero Hotel 

90 Tremont Street, Boston 

617-772-5837 

Radisson Hotel 

200 Stuart Street, Boston 

617-482-1800 or 888-201-1718 

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common 

10 Avery Street, Boston 

617-574-7100 

Royal Sonesta 

40 Edwin Land Boulevard, Cambridge 

617-806-4200 or 800-766-3782 

Sheraton Boston Hotel 

39 Dalton Street, Boston 

888-627-7054 


W Boston 

100 Stuart Street, Boston 

877-W-HOTELS 



The Westin Hotel 


617-262-9600 or 800-248-9121 

In order to receive the pre-arranged 

discounted rates, be sure to tell the 

reservations agent that you are part of 

Emerson College’s Parent Orientation or 

Family Weekend! As room blocks fill quickly, 

we encourage you to make your overnight 

accommodations plans early. If you are 

seeking alternate overnight 

accommodations for our Fall 2012 programs 

or plan to visit Boston at other times during 

the academic year, we suggest using the 

“Citywide” Hotel Guide online at boston. 

hotelguide.net.

25 

Parent-Specific Events 

2012–2013 

Parent Orientation 

(For families of students entering the College in Fall 2012) 

International parents are welcomed to attend International Parent 

Pre-Orientation: Sunday, August 26, 2012 

All families (International and Domestic) are welcomed to attend Parent 

Orientation: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 

emerson.edu/orientation 

Family Weekend 

October 19–21, 2012 

The Emerson College campus is a unique home away from home for our students, 

and each year we invite family members to make it theirs as part of Family 

Weekend. This year’s celebration of Emerson College will be held October 19–21, 

2012. Family Weekend offers many specially planned events and activities 

including receptions, campus tours, interactive classroom presentations, the 

annual Talent Showcase, and the President’s Breakfast. A student-led committee 

helps plan, coordinate, and organize the weekend’s events. 

Hotel Reservations 

We have arranged for special reduced “Family Weekend” rates with many of our 

neighboring hotels. Rates vary by hotel and range from $249 to $299 per room. 

Rooms are available at the following hotels: 

Boston Park Plaza Hotel 1-800-225-2008 

Courtyard by Marriott Boston Tremont Hotel 1-800-228-9290 

Doubletree Hotel Boston Downtown 1-800-222-8733 

Sheraton Boston 1-888-627-7054 

W Boston 1-877-WHOTELS 

In order to receive your discounted rate, be sure to tell the reservations agent that 

you are part of Emerson College’s 2012 Family Weekend. Please book early as most 

of the room blocks fill quickly. If you are seeking additional accommodations for 

our 2012 Family Weekend that cannot be made through the above room blocks, 

we suggest using the “Citywide” Hotel Finder at boston.hotelguide.net. 

Do you have any questions or concerns? Contact the Family Weekend Committee 

directly through the Emerson College Office of Student Activities at 617-824-8637 

or direct an email inquiry to familyweekend@emerson.edu. 

President’s Weekend 

Spring 2013, Weekend to be announced 

Return to Boston for the annual spring meeting of the Parents Leadership 

Council. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet with President Pelton and key 

administrators, learn about new initiatives on campus, and network with other 

parents. This weekend is hosted for families who are interested in volunteering or 

would like to learn more about increasing their involvement with the College. 

Save the Dates 

Family Weekend 2012 

October 19–21, 2012 

emerson.edu/ 

familyweekend 

Spring PLC Weekend 

Spring 2013 

Weekend to be 

announced

26 

Making the Most of Your 

Family Weekend Experience 

Discuss your student’s interest and availability in participating in Family 

Weekend sponsored events. Your student may already have committed to a film 

shoot, rehearsal, athletic event, or he or she may just want to sleep in. 

• Review the weekend’s schedule with your student before making hotel 

arrangements or purchasing event tickets. We have a no refund policy, so 

please purchase tickets only for those events you plan to attend. 

• Our Saturday morning “Mini College” Sessions allow you the opportunity to sit 

in on classes like those your student may attend. While this may seem like an 

offering your student would be interested in, more often than not, students 

will want to pass on this event and meet you afterward for lunch. 

• Make your lunch or dinner reservations in advance (ask your student where he 

or she would like to dine). Boston is very busy this weekend as other colleges 

host their Family Weekends, and the Head of the Charles Regatta race also 

takes place this weekend. Hotels and restaurants fill up quickly! 

• Let students take the lead this weekend. They want to show you “their” 

Boston, introduce you to their friends, and show you how much they have 

mastered the city. 

• Use Family Weekend as an opportunity to reconnect with your student, but 

don’t expect her/him to wake up early or want to attend all of the events that 

you may want to. Again, planning your shared schedule in advance will assist 

one and all in enjoying the weekend to its fullest! 

• The Family Weekend website, emerson.edu/familyweekend, is currently live 

with a tentative events schedule and overnight accommodations information. 

In early July, you will be able to register your family by selecting and purchasing 

tickets for our 2012 events through a link posted on this site. Please note there 

is a $20 nonrefundable registration fee per family ($25 for all registrations 

processed after Friday, September 14). Both the Family Weekend Talent 

Showcase and President’s Breakfast are ticketed events that are not included in 

the price of registration. 

• Reminder: Parent Orientation and Family Weekend are separate programs that 

must be registered for independently of one another. If you register for Parent 

Orientation, you must go through a separate online registration process for 

Family Weekend! 

Here is a step-by-step guide on registering online for Family Weekend. 

• Go to emerson.edu/familyweekend 

• Select the “Register Now!” button/link, proceed to the “Welcome” page, 

and after reading the instructions, select “Register Family” 

• Enter your student’s name and ID number and follow the step-by-step 

on-screen instructions to follow, making sure to read everything in full 

• Be certain to include your student as you select and purchase tickets for the 

Talent Showcase and President’s Breakfast 

• Complete your online registration with payment by Visa, MasterCard, or an 

electronic check 

• Save and print a copy of your emailed registration confirmation for your 

records 

Questions regarding Family Weekend 2012 may be directed to 617-824-8637 or 

familyweekend@emerson.edu.

27 

Academic Calendar 

2012–2013 

August 

25 New international undergraduate Orientation begins 

26 International parent Orientation 

27, 28 New undergraduate student move-in 

28 Parent Orientation 

September 

3, 4 Residence halls open for returning students 

3 Labor Day (no classes) 

5 Classes begin at 8:00 am 

October 

8 Columbus Day (no classes) 

19–21 Family Weekend 

29 Spring 2013 Registration Advising 

November 

12 Veteran’s Day (no classes) 

13 Spring 2013 Registration begins 

20 Classes end at 9:45 pm 

21 Thanksgiving Break begins; residence halls close at noon for Thanksgiving Break 

25 Residence halls open at noon 

26 Classes resume at 8:00 am 

December 

8 Makeup Day 

12 Reading Day 

13–17 Final examinations 

17 Last day of the semester 

18 Residence halls close at noon. Please note that ALL residents must vacate the halls 

no later than 24 hours after their last exam or by 12/18 at noon, whichever is earlier 

January 

12 Orientation for new undergraduate students begin; residence hall move-in 

for new students 

13, 14 Residence halls open at noon for returning students 

16 Classes begin at 8:00 am 

21 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no classes) 

February 

18 Presidents’ Day (no classes) 

March 

1 Classes end at 9:45 pm; Spring Break begins 

2 Residence halls close at noon 

2–10 Spring Break (no classes) 

10 Residence halls open at noon 

11 Classes resume at 8:00 am; Fall 2013 Registration Advising 

25 Fall 2013 Registration begins 

April 

15 Patriots’ Day observed (no classes) 

20 Makeup Day 

27 Reading Day/Makeup day 

29, 30 Final Examinations 

May 

1–2 Final Examinations continued 

3 Residence halls close at noon for non-graduating students 

13 Commencement 

14 Residence halls close at noon for graduating students

Parent Programs and 

the Parents Leadership Council 

Greetings, Emerson Families! 

As co-chairs of the Parents Leadership Council, we welcome you to the 

Emerson family! Congratulations are in order as it’s no small feat to raise 

an Emersonian! One of the reasons we were so excited to become 

Emerson parents is the truly personal environment the College offers— 

and it extends to us, too! 

Emerson College provides opportunities for parents to connect, invest, 

and engage with the campus community without interfering with their 

student’s college experience. The Parent Programs Department is a 

great resource for parents and can easily be reached at parents@emerson. 

edu or 617-824-8561. 

We hope you will consider joining the Parents Leadership Council, which 

provides a forum that enriches the entire Emerson community, through 

leadership in philanthropy and action by engaging parents, and 

strengthening the College’s financial foundation through enhanced 

communication and meaningful opportunities for parent involvement. 

Now is the time for you to start building your own Emerson connection! 

The Parents Leadership Council meets twice a year to review college 

updates and to propel initiatives forward. This year, a goal was to develop 

a stronger network of parents and alumni through personal contact 

and a focused social media campaign. 

Your involvement, no matter how great or small, can make a tremendous 

impact on the lives of all students! We hope you will join us and nearly 

200 other Emerson parent volunteers as an essential voice of the Emerson 

community! Wishing your family a smooth transition. 

Sincerely, 

Cindy and Bill Griffeth, P’13 

2011–2012 PLC Co-Chairs 

28 

Connect with Parent Programs 

Emerson College’s Parent Programs was 

established to engage parents, enrich 

student experiences, and strengthen 

the College’s financial foundation 

through enhanced communication and 

meaningful opportunities for parent 

involvement within the College 

community. 

Parent Programs supports the parent 

community through a variety of 

outreach activities and the Parents 

Leadership Council. 

If you are interested in learning more 

about how you can be involved as an 

Emerson parent, fill out a “Volunteer 

Sign-up Form” at emerson.edu/PLC. 

Another goal of Parent Programs is to 

keep parents informed via the Parent 

Programs FaceBook group, electronic 

newsletters and announcements. 

Special invitations and updates are sent 

to parents on a regular basis. To ensure 

that you receive these important 

communications, be sure to complete 

a Parent Programs Information Form or 

contact parents@emerson.edu.

29 

Office of 

Student Affairs 

Mailing Address 


Boston, MA 02116-4624 

Office Location 

Max Mutchnick 

Campus Center 



Telephone 

617-824-8637 

Fax 

617-824-8937 

Web 


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