Mar 18, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

University Services



Student services are provided by a variety of units and departments at NKU. What follows are descriptions of many of the services that benefit NKU’s graduate students.

All Card

The All Card is the official identification card for NKU. It is imprinted with a student’s photograph and an assigned ID number. The All Card allows students to be recognized as members of the university community. It also enables them to enjoy discounts and gain access to services and activities throughout campus. All Cards are automatically activated each semester for the duration of a student’s attendance. New students should visit the All Card office after classes begin to receive an ID card.

Students can add money to their All Card and enjoy convenience and savings at drink vending machines (10 percent discount), campus dining locations (six percent discount), and copiers (50 percent discount). Students can also use this account to make purchases at the NKU bookstore, snack vending machines, The BB&T concessions, and the Votruba Student Union game room. The All Card can also be used to pay for computer lab printing, NKU parking permits and fines, Health, Counseling and Student Wellness, Norse Tech Bar in University Center, Fine Arts Box Office and Steely Library fines and fees.  Additional Information is available online at http://allcard.nku.edu.  

Campus Recreation

Make friends, have fun, and get involved! The Campus Recreation Center, IM Field Complex and Sand Volleyball Courts are the places to be for fitness, sports, and socializing day or night. Whether it’s playing basketball, running on a treadmill, kicking a soccer ball or taking laps in the pool, there is something for everyone. The Campus Recreation Center is open seven days a week so students can work out before or after class, as well as on the weekends. All registered NKU students are automatically members of the Campus Recreation Center and may also purchase supplemental or family recreation center memberships.

Students can play on intramural sports teams; relieve stress with a yoga class in the Norse fitness program; climb on the bouldering wall; get involved and join sports club teams as they compete and travel to other schools; and achieve fitness goals by working with a personal trainer through the Personal Training program. The mission of the Campus Recreation Department is to enhance student and university community success by advocating and providing inclusive, developmental opportunities that promote student engagement, lifelong learning and healthy behaviors. A valid NKU All Card is all that is needed to get started.

Campus Recreation Center

  • Natatorium with 8-lane competition pool, dive well, active shallow water area, whirlpool and sauna.
  • 6 basketball courts
  • 17,000 square feet of weight/fitness space
  • 3 multipurpose rooms
  • 2 racquetball courts
  • MAC gym for indoor soccer and floor hockey
  • Bouldering Wall
  • New locker rooms and sauna
  • Lounge and study areas.
  • Outdoor courtyard with Sand Volleyball Court

Career Services

Career Services offers an integrated program of services that emphasize the developmental nature of career decision making: self-exploration, career exploration and world-of-work knowledge, job-search skill development, and career transition assistance. These services are available without charge to graduate students and alumni of NKU and may include the following specific activities: career advising, resume and job search assistance, interview preparation, and cooperative education coordination (cooperative education credit, CEP 600 , is available at the graduate level at NKU in a few select programs). 

Numerous online resources are provided through the Career Services website, including the HireNKU job and employer database; the InterviewStream interview preparation software; and Going Global international career and employment information. Career Services is the university’s liaison to area corporations and organizations, inviting these employers for on-campus interviews, career fairs, information sessions, and other events. Employers are encouraged to post co-op, internship, and full-time positions to the HireNKU database. Graduate students seeking employment should activate their Norse Recruiting account by visiting the Career Services website. Career Services is located in University Center 225. For additional information, call 859-572-5680 or visit http://careerservices.nku.edu.

Center for Student Inclusiveness

Center for Student Inclusiveness includes African-American Programs and Services, Disability Programs and Services, Latino Programs and Services, Parents Attending College (PAC), LGBTQ Programs and Services and the Norse Violence Prevention Center. These departments have a strong brand and identity with the Center for Student Inclusiveness serving as catalyst for inclusion, diversity, collaboration and innovation. The CSI is a progressive and transformative approach that places inclusive excellence at the center of student life and provides student centered programming that aligns with NKU’s core value of being “a community that embraces inclusiveness, diversity, and global awareness.”

The Center is located in Student Union 309 and can be contacted at 859-572-6684 or csi.nku.edu.

African American Programs and Services

African American Programs & Services (AAP&S) mission is to facilitate a support system which advocates academic excellence, celebrates African/African American culture, and engages students with faculty, staff, and alumni. We provide opportunities that help African American students develop academically and socially by offering programs and services in self and cultural identity, leadership, career exploration, and community building.

For more information, the office can be contacted at aaps@nku.edu or online at http://aaps.nku.edu.

Disability Programs & Services

NKU is an area leader in providing comprehensive programming and accommodations to students with disabilities. Buildings and campus facilities are strategically located in a close geographical area providing easy accessibility. A wide variety of services and programs are available through the Office of Disability Programs & Services and these include:

  • Consultation for disability issues for faculty, staff and students
  • Advanced priority registration
  • Accessible classroom seating
  • Extended time/quiet environment test proctoring
  • Alternative textbooks
  • Assistive technology

Students must register with Disability Programs and Services in order to receive reasonable academic accommodations. For more information contact Disability Services at 859-572-6684, disability@nku.edu or stop by Student Union, Suite 309 or visit the website at http://disability.nku.edu.

Office of Latino Programs and Services

The Office of Latino Programs and Services strives to improve and enhance the educational experience of Latino students at Northern Kentucky University by implementing academic, cultural and social programs designed to address their needs and further their success. We are located in Votruba Student Union room 313 and can be reached at 859-572-6013 or online at http://latino.nku.edu/.

LGBTQ Programs and Services

The Office of LGBTQ Programs and Services promotes education, awareness, and advocacy for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and ally community at NKU. LGBTQ Programs and Services coordinates the campus-wide Allied Zone Training program, Trans Ally trainings, Speak Out trainings, several different workshops, and classroom presentations. Through collaborative efforts with African American Programs and Services, Latino Programs and Services, and Disability Programs and Services, and with partners across campus, we work to promote an inclusive environment for all members of the NKU community.

LGBTQ Programs and Services provides programming during October’s LGBTQ History Month (including a celebration of National Coming Out Day, Ally Appreciation Day, and Asexual Awareness Week), Transgender Day of Remembrance, World AIDS Day, National Day of Silence, and Norse PRIDE Week. The office also coordinates Inside Out, a confidential coming out group for students, the LGBTQ Ambassador Program, and collaborates with Common Ground to facilitate Speak Out Panels of students who are available for classroom visits.  A LGBTQ Peer Mentor Program is available for students new to NKU and/or the LGBTQA.

The office has strong partnerships with numerous LGBTQ community and state organizations in Kentucky and Ohio and also serves as a consultant to businesses, K-12 educators, and community organizations. The office is located in Votruba Student Union 309 and can be reached at 859-572-5835, lgbtq@nku.edu or online at http://lgbtq.nku.edu.

Norse Violence Prevention Center

The Norse Violence Prevention (NVP) Center provides advocacy and assistance to university students who are affected by sexual misconduct, sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking. Survivors can disclose as much or as little about the incident as they feel most comfortable. Survivors can access our free confidential resources regardless of whether a survivor decides to report to the university or police. The NVP center assists survivors in identifying which choices make the most sense for them. Our services are available to survivors who experienced sexual violence prior to or while enrolled at Northern Kentucky University - we provide services to ALL survivors.

To schedule an appointment, please call the Norse Violence Prevention Center at 859-572-5865 or stop by the center on the third floor of the Student Union, room 304. For more information about the NVP Center, please visit: nvp.nku.edu or e-mail us at nvp@nku.edu.  

Parents Attending College

Parents Attending College (PAC) nurtures the abilities of student parents through the offering of and referral to high quality programs focused on academic, career, and personal success. Student parents have a unique challenge as they are often required to manage school, work and parenthood. In the PAC office we strive to make that challenge a little bit easier by connecting students to all available services that NKU offers to foster success, including, but not limited to, Early Childhood Center, Student Support Services, Career Development Center, Learning Assistance Center, Academic Advising, etc. 


Community Connections

Community Connections provides non-credit courses in a broad range of topics for personal enrichment, professional development and continuing education.  Programs are offered in NKU classrooms, onsite at area businesses and in various online formats with opportunities for life-long learning through test preparation, world languages, summer camps, professional workforce training, business certificates and completion of CEUs. The Continuing Education Catalog is online at http://communityconnections.nku.edu. More information can be obtained by email (connect@nku.edu) or phone (859) 572-5600.

Health, Counseling and Student Wellness

Health, Counseling and Student Wellness provides a variety of preventive and acute-care services to promote the physical and mental health of students. Registered nurses and nurse practitioners provide treatment for acute illnesses or injuries during regular office hours. Non-prescription medications and prescriptions are available, as well as screening for hearing, vision, diabetes, blood pressure, and pregnancy. Mental health professionals provide assessment, diagnosis, and short-term treatment for a variety of issues, including adjustment stressors, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, and other general mental health concerns. Health, Counseling and Student Wellness staff are also available for educational programming that addresses mental and physical health needs of students. Faculty and staff are encouraged to consult with the Health, Counseling and Student Wellness office regarding specific student needs. For additional information stop by University Center 440 or call 859-572-5650 or visit http://hcsw.nku.edu/.

University Housing

University Housing provides students with an affordable, safe and supportive environment that promotes academic and personal success. For a virtual tour of all room types, visit http://housing.nku.edu. Living options for NKU students include apartments, traditional residence halls and suite-style units. Amenities include computer labs, laundry facilities, study space, and 24 hours staffing. One fee covers all housing costs including high-speed Internet and utilities. Flexible meal plans and dining options are available to meet every student’s needs. Financial aid and scholarships may be applied toward your housing and dining fees. For more information or a tour, please contact the Office of University Housing at 1-866-572-5676, or via email at housing@nku.edu. Currently, NKU does not provide married or family housing.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS) supports all prospective and current international students (non-immigrants). The office issues the required documentation (Form I-20 and DS-2019) for all newly admitted undergraduate and graduate students, granting them the opportunity to apply for a student visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. The office handles all recruitment and admission of international undergraduate students including admission policies and standards. In addition, ISSS offers various programs to educate students about American life and culture and expose the greater NKU community to international students on campus.  The office is located in University Center 305.

W. Frank Steely Library

The W. Frank Steely Library, located in the center of campus and online, partners with many campus departments to support the academic achievement and success of NKU students. The library provides a variety of services and resources including wireless access, laptop checkout, a coffee shop, group study rooms, and computers with Internet access and Microsoft Office products. The media collection offers streaming music and video, in addition to CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and software. An eContent area provides computers with multimedia software such as Photoshop, Acrobat Professional, Dreamweaver, and InDesign.

Other special services (found at http://steelylibrary.nku.edu/services.html) include research consultation (in person, by phone, by email, by chat, or by appointment); classroom instruction and embedded librarians via Black-board courses; web-based research guides and tutorials; SourceFinder (a document delivery service for obtaining materials not available at Steely Library); access to almost 200 databases, many with full-text documents; and a growing collection of electronic books. Steely Library is also a depository for many federal government publications and is a member of the U.S. Patent Office’s Patent and Trademark Resource Center system. The Eva G. Farris Special Collections and Schlachter University Archives contain materials related to the history of NKU and materials documenting the history and heritage of the northern Kentucky region, the Ohio River valley, the Underground Railroad, Appalachian writers, and military history.

Steely Library has reciprocal borrowing agreements with the University of Cincinnati’s Langsam Library and the three northern Kentucky public library systems in Boone County, Campbell County, and Kenton County. Students and faculty may use their NKU All Card to borrow materials from these libraries. Please visit the library’s home page for more information about its facilities and services.

Parking

All students who operate and park a motor vehicle on the Highland Heights campus must properly display a current parking permit on their vehicle and must park their cars in appropriate parking areas. During the online registration period, a parking permit may be ordered via the parking services’ website at http://parking.nku.edu. Three weeks prior to the start of classes, the permit will be mailed to the address indicated on the online registration form. After the online registration period ends, permits must be purchased at the parking services office located at the welcome center.

All parking citations must be paid before a permit can be purchased for the next academic year. Lost or stolen parking permits should be reported immediately to parking services. Lost or stolen permits may be replaced for a fee of $25.

University Police

The University Police Department is a full-service, accredited, state-certified law enforcement agency. The mission of the police department is to serve, educate, and protect the public through community collaboration, problem recognition, problem resolution and police action.  Students, faculty, staff and visitors are strongly encouraged to report criminal activity or potential criminal action and any other emergency by dialing 911 from any campus telephone. Non-emergency calls can be made to 859-572-5500 at any time. Also, there are numerous emergency call boxes located throughout the campus that provide direct access to the University Police. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to sign up for the Norse Alert emergency notification system.

This and other useful information can be found by visiting http://police.nku.edu/.

Office of the University Registrar

The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for official student and curricular records. Staff members handle course and room scheduling, degree audit, and produce the registration guide, the academic calendar, and the schedule of classes.

The Office of the University Registrar processes requests to add, drop, or withdraw from courses; audit courses; repeat courses; change courses to pass/fail status; enroll in multiple sections of courses; change student names and addresses; change, add, or drop a student’s majors, minors, or focus; change or establish residency; declare academic renewal; and graduate from the university.

The Office of the University Registrar also handles course registration, processes enrollment for all incoming and outgoing students who are enrolling through the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities or the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education, processes graduation applications, handles enrollment verification for any purpose, is responsible for maintaining and issuing official NKU transcripts, and processes and awards credit for prior learning, as well as for CLEP, DSST, IB, Portfolio, ACE, and military- and Department of Defense-approved institution attendance. The Office of the University Registrar is located in Lucas Administrative Center 301.

Schedule of Classes

The schedule of classes and the priority registration schedule are available at http://www.nku.edu/class_sched/.

Residency Status

The Office of the University Registrar is also responsible for reviewing residency status. Changing an address to Kentucky is not sufficient to change residency status for tuition purposes. The residency review affidavit must be completed and submitted to the Office of the University Registrar within 30 days of the first class day for the fall and spring semesters. During the summer semester, the residency review affidavit must be completed and submitted to the Office of the University Registrar within 10 days of the start of the session. For further information regarding residency status visit http://inside.nku.edu/registrar/forms-records/residency.html.

Testing Services

Testing Services provides standardized and proctored examinations in a convenient and secure testing environment for the NKU community and region. Testing Services adheres to the standards set forth through the National College Testing Association. Tests offered include admissions tests, such as the National ACT and Residual ACT; Credit-by-Examination (CLEP and DSST); PRAXIS (Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers), Informatics Competency Exams, placement exams, and distance learning examinations. National certification and licensing exams through Pearson VUE, Castle, Kryterion, and Comira are also available through Testing Services. In addition, Testing Services offers accommodated testing for those students who are registered with Disability Programs and Services.  For additional information, call (859) 572-6373 or visit http://testing.nku.edu.