Catalog 73 - National University

Student Support Services• To make writing and the complementary skills of reading, criticalthinking, and research a regular part of coursework at NationalUniversity• To facilitate the acquisition of writing and communication skillsthat are vital to personal and professional success• To distinguish graduates of National University in the eyes ofemployers and the general public through their professional andtechnical excellence in language and communication skillsWriting Across the Curriculum promotes writing and readingenhancement throughout all schools of study through a variety ofpublications and activities, including:• Writing intensive courses• Workshops for faculty• Writing centers• Professional forums for self-expression, such as The Gnu, astudent literary journal, and WHACK, a faculty newsletterUpon registration, students are asked to purchase The Little BrownEssential Handbook for Writers (Longman, Publisher). This bookserves as the official National University writing guide and referencetext, and it is used by instructors from all disciplines as a referencefor their students.Writing CentersNational University students have the opportunity to work one-ononewith writing instructors to develop their writing and criticalthinking skills via synchronous appointments with the OnlineWriting Centers. An integral part of the Writing Across theCurriculum Program, the writing centers welcome the opportunity tohelp students at all levels to improve—from outlining a first yearcomposition essay, to drafting a graduate level research paper. Thewriting center staff, comprised of experienced writing instructorsand well-trained graduate students, will not edit student work, butthey are eager to read students’ drafts and to offer strategies forimproving their writing. For more information about writing centerservices and how to make an appointment, go to www.nu.edu/OurPrograms/StudentServices/WritingCenter.htmlBookstoreThe University contracts with an external vendor for the sale andbuyback of textbooks. Textbooks are available for purchase twoweeks prior to the first night of class. The cost of books varies witheach course. Students must purchase all books and suppliesnecessary for the course in which they are enrolled. Textbooks maybe purchased online, by phone, or by fax. Online access to the vendoris provided through the student portal on the University’s website.English Language ProgramsTransfer of Credits to Other InstitutionsEach institution has policies that govern the acceptance of credit fromother institutions. Accreditation by one of six regionally accreditingassociations is the normal and primary criterion for making suchdeterminations. National University is accredited by the WesternAssociation of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Generally, credits anddegrees from National University have been accepted by transferinstitutions. Students who are anticipating a transfer, or advancedstudies, are encouraged to contact such institutions directly todetermine how National University credits will relate to therequirements of those institutions.Student Support ServicesNational University provides a number of services to help studentsattain their educational goals. In addition to the Office of AcademicAffairs, several offices of the University join together to provideservices for the academic, economic, and personal needs of enrolledstudents. Student services include student advising and scheduling,records evaluation, veteran’s assistance, financial aid, and otherservices. Additionally, the library, alumni association, extendedlearning office, and student accounts office are available to helpstudents.Internet and Wireless Student AccessAll National University students can access the Internet from any ofthe computers found in the University’s computer classrooms andopen computer labs.National University has wireless Internet access at most campuses.At the applicable campuses, wireless access is available within moststudent areas, such as classrooms and lounges. The student shouldcontact the site Center Assistant to determine if a site has wirelessaccess or to get logon information to access the wireless network.National University’s programs and courses make frequent use ofInternet resources, allowing students to learn the skills required togain information through such electronic media.SOAR Student PortalNational University offers all students online access to theiracademic, financial and personal records. Through the SOAR studentportal, students can access their online classes, grades, degreeprogress report, textbook requirements, online bookstore, financialaid checklists, and student account and class schedule.Computer-Based Information SystemsResearch and Development CenterSupport ServicesEnglish Language Programs (ELP) offer English language instructionand a variety of cultural experiences to international students,visitors, and professionals. Programs include: University Preparation,an intensive course designed to prepare students for the academicenvironment; and English Communication, a course designed tomeet the personal or professional needs of individuals. TOEFL iswaived for ELP students who complete National University’sacademic programs.English Language Programs also offer customized programs forexecutives and professionals, business English communicationcourses, Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL), AccentReduction, Business English, and language assessment services,including the test of English for international communication(TOEIC).National University offers students online, real-time access topertinent information. Through the student web portal, accessiblefrom the University’s home page, students can access appropriateparts of their records, class schedules, Degree Progress Report, andtextbook requirements, as well as add courses to their schedules.Student Concierge ServicesNational University’s Student Concierge Services is students’ onestopcenter for student service. Student Services Advocates aretrained in a range of areas such as Financial Aid, Credentials,Admissions, and Graduations. Student Concierge Services isdedicated to providing innovative and individualized solutions forstudents. Student Concierge Services recognizes that NationalUniversity students may not be available to contact us during normalbusiness hours. That is why Student Concierge Services is availableMonday through Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight (Pacific) at (866)25