ASK ME
Student Services - Ask Me
Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions. If you are unable to find your answer(s) here, please use the 'ASK ME' link, at left, to contact us. You will also find links to the sites of the Student Services Offices at left.Note that the section headers are email links for that department.
Ombuds Office
Q: What does the ombudsperson do for students?
A: The ombudsperson assists students in several capacities including helping students navigate the campus conduct system, assisting students who are experiencing difficulty using administrative offices and helping students negotiate the complicated world of higher education finance.
Q: Can the ombudsperson help me get a grade changed?
A: No, the Ombudsperson does not get involved in grade disputes. These matters should be brought to the dean of the particular division the course is in.
Q: I want to bring a problem employee to the college’s attention but I don’t want my name used in the complaint. Can I do this?
A: Yes, your discussion with the ombudsperson is completely confidential.
Registrar’s Office
Q: How do I request a transcript?
A: Transcripts must be requested in writing. The form is available on the Registrar page under
the link for forms. Students may also come in to the office for a form.
Q: How much is the transcript fee?
A: There is no fee. All students are billed $5 on their semester bill.
Q: There’s a flag on my account. Can I still get a transcript?
A: No, not if the flag denotes a monetary obligation.
Q: Can I pay my flag in the Registrar’s office?
A: No. You must pay at the department issuing the flag.
Q: What does matriculated mean?
A: A matriculated student is enrolled in a degree-seeking program. A student can be full-time and
still be non-matriculated, or a student can be part-time and matriculated.
Q: Do I have to see my advisor to register?
A: Yes, unless you are a Liberal Studies or Continuing Education student.
Q: How many credits are required to be a full time student?
A: 12
Q: Can I register online?
A: Yes, as long as you are not a new freshman and you have an Advisor Access Code (AAC).
Q: How do I get my AAC?
A: You should visit your academic advisor and request one. You can find out who your advisor is
by clicking on “View Your Student Info” on the Student Services page.
Q: My course is closed. Can the Registrar enroll me anyway?
A: No, you need to contact the instructor of that specific course and request an Instructor Access
Code (IAC).
Q: How many credits can I take in one semester?
A: Students in the Liberal Arts and Sciences program can take up to 18 credits. Students in the
School of the Arts may take up to 21 credits.
Q: I want to take more credits than my program allows. What do I do?
A: You should visit the Dean of your School for an Overload Access Code (OAC).
Q: How do I get put on academic probation?
A: In the school of Liberal Arts & Sciences, you will be placed on academic probation if your
cumulative GPA drops below a 2.0. The School of the Arts has its own set of regulations. Please
visit the appropriate division head for more information.
Q: Can I take classes at my community college (or any other college) and transfer them in?
A: Yes, you may transfer credit as long as the community college is an accredited institution. Be
sure to fill out a Pre-approval to Transfer Credits application and acquire all the applicable
signatures first.
Q: What kind of credits will transfer?
A: Credits will transfer as either Liberal Studies or non-Liberal Studies. You can use 90 transfer credits all together, but a maximum of 30 non-Liberal Studies credits will be applicable to your degree.
Advising Center
Q: Why do I need to meet with my Academic Advisor?
A: Your Academic Advisor is an invaluable resource for your academic career at Purchase.
Consulting with your advisor about your schedule is necessary to confirm you are taking the
proper courses for your general education requirements as well as your Board of Study. Course
loads, credit/degree requirements, academic support information, and other academic issues are
also very important topics to consistently discuss with your advisor to ensure your graduation
from Purchase.
Q: How many credits do I need to be considered a full-time student?
A: A minimum of 12 credits is necessary to be considered a full-time student.
Q: Who do I contact about taking a math proficiency test?
A: To schedule an appointment to take the test, please contact the Learning Center at (914) 251-3997 or learning@purchase.edu . If you also would like help preparing, the Learning Center can provide free tutoring. Please contact the Learning Center to schedule an appointment with a math tutor at least a few weeks before the test.
Q: Who do I contact about taking a foreign language proficiency test?
A: Contact the Advising Center at (914) 251-3990 or Advising@purchase.edu to schedule an
appointment to take the proper foreign language proficiency test.
Q: How do I figure out who my Academic Advisor is?
A: You can access that information through your Student Services page on the Purchase website.
Go to https://www.purchase.edu/Portal/Students/ and click on the “Self Service” button. Open
your Advising Transcript; your advisor’s name and office will be listed at the top.
Q: How many credits do I need to be eligible for on-campus housing?
A: In order to remain in campus housing, you must maintain an average of 14 completed credits per
semester.
Q: How do I switch majors/advisors?
A: There is a “Declaration of Major / Change of Advisor form” you can get from either the
Registrar’s Office or the Advising Center. On this form, you will indicate which major you are
declaring/changing to, and you will need to have this form signed by the Program Director of your
intended major. You will also have the option of changing advisors on the same form. If you do
opt to change advisors, the form must be signed by your new advisor. Please keep in mind that
unless you are already assigned to an advisor in your major, you will eventually have to switch to
an advisor who is.
Learning Center
Q: How do I know when a tutor will be available?
A: Simply stop by The Learning Center or call 914.251.3997 to schedule a tutoring session. The
Learning Center is located on the second floor of the Student Services building, Room 213.
Tutors are available between 11:00am—5:00pm Monday through Thursday, and Friday between
11:00am—3:00pm.
Q: How should I prepare for a tutoring session?
A: Please bring your current work, relevant questions, and your assignment sheets.
Q: Will a tutor “fix” my paper or help me to complete my homework?
A: Our tutors will not “fix” papers or complete any work for students; however, students should
expect the tutors to be knowledgeable about their subject areas. Tutors will help you to build
necessary skills to succeed in your courses.
Q: Is there a cost for tutoring services?
A: No. Services of the Learning Center are free of charge for Purchase College students.
Q: How well-qualified are the tutors?
A: Tutors undergo a stringent application and review process prior to being hired. All are first
recommended by faculty and/or administrators here at Purchase, and have excelled in the
courses for which they tutor. In addition, all tutors undergo training throughout the duration of their
employment.
Q: Do you provide tutoring in the Natural Sciences?
A: Yes. The Einstein Corner provides tutoring in Math, Chemistry, Psychology, Biology, and other
sciences to Natural Sciences majors. The Einstein Corner is located on the third floor of the
Natural Sciences building, room 3046. The Learning Center does offer tutoring in math
proficiency.
Student Financial Services
Q: Can I still apply for Financial Aid?
A: Yes! You can definitely still apply for financial aid! However, if you are applying late for aid, you are responsible for the balance in your account until your aid comes in for reimbursement.
You can start the process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
Q: When can I view my semester eBill and how often?
A: Your Student Financial Services (SFS) eBill can be viewed as often as you wish throughout
the semester. The eBill presents you real-time information regarding your charges, your
financial aid, your payments, and your refunds within the semester. It provides you with
helpful information and options in managing your semester finances.
Q: How do I access my eBill?
A: Simply log on to http://studentservices.purchase.edu and you will find the “Semester Bill”
link located in the Finances section of the website. You will need to use your full e-mail
account and e-mail password to log into your eBill. More information can be found at
http://home.purchase.edu/ebill/
Q: What do I need to do when I access my eBill?
A: When you have successfully logged in to view your eBill: review the charges, the financial
aid, and credits. Make certain that your account is accurate as the eBill should reflect
the real-time information SFS has at the time you are viewing your charges and credits. If
you see that your account has Zero (0) balance, no action is required. Remaining
balances in your account will require payment on or before the indicated deadline on
the eBill. Review, download, and save your eBill for future reference. You can also e-mail
your eBill to your parent/guardian or to companies that needs a copy of your semester
charges such as college savings plans, military or employee benefits and private
insurance proof of semester activity.
Q: How do I change or remove my meal plan?
A: Please change your meal plan online at the student services website.
http://studentservices.purchase.edu
Q: How do I waive the school’s medical insurance?
A: If you have your own insurance or are covered under your parents’, please go to the
Student Services website and click on the “Insurance Waiver” link. Log in with your e-mail
account and e-mail password when prompted. Foreign Students must contact Student
Affairs. You must provide proof of coverage on or before the deadlines indicated in your
eBill. Providing your medical insurance coverage is required every year to successfully
waive the college coverage.
Q: Can my parents access my eBill?
A: Yes. With our parental access program, you can have up to three other recipients be
able to log in to your eBill. Simply log on to the Parent/Guest Access Management
program at http://studentservices.purchase.edu and follow the instructions. You can give
access to your guardian/parents, not only to your eBill but to various programs available
to you that you wish to share with them.
Q: My parents have a College Savings Plan set up for me? How do we remit the payments to
you?
A: You must handle all paperwork and provide your Plan representative the semester’s
charges. They will then remit the payments to us directly. Late filing will be considered as
late payment.
Q: What is the Federal School Code required by my College Savings Plan?
A: Please notify your plan of the following
Federal School Code: 006791 & Campus Code: 00
NOTE: If you do not see your financial aid award on your eBill, you may require further
steps to receive this award. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at
FinancialServices@purchase.edu for assistance.
If you require assistance regarding your eBill, please e-mail us at
FinancialServices@purchase.edu.
Student Affairs
Leaving the college, voluntary withdrawal, medical leave, personal leave:
Q. I want to leave the college. What do I need to do?
A. You need to complete a leave of absence or withdrawal form and check off
“voluntary withdrawal.”
Please visit Leaves and Withdrawals for the form and more information.
Q. I want to take a leave for a non-medical reason. What do I need to do?
A. You need to complete a leave of absence or withdrawal form and check off
“personal leave.”
Please visit Leaves and Withdrawals for the form and more information.
Q. I want to take a leave for a substance, mental health, or physical health reason.
What do I need to do?
A. You need to contact either Health Services (for physical health) or Counseling
(for substance or mental health) and request a medical leave through that office.
Additionally, complete a leave of absence or withdrawal form and check off
“medical leave.”
Please visit Leaves and Withdrawals for the form and more information, including
information about returning from medical leaves.
Q. I want to take a leave to take classes at another college. What do I need to do?
A. You need to complete a pre-approval to transfer credits form.
Please see Academic Leaves for the form and more information.
Community standards, discipline, police reports, student affairs report
Q. How can I report a situation that I need help with involving a fellow student?
A. You can file reports through University Police and through Student Affairs. If you
have questions, or are unsure if you want to file a report, you can speak with one
of the staff members in the Office of Community Standards.
Please visit the Office of Community Standards for contact information.
Q. I was recently “written up” as violating a college discipline policy (not related to
academic integrity). What can I expect to happen?
A. You should check your purchase email account daily, as you will receive a
specification of charges letter that will schedule an appointment for you with
the staff member who will hear your case (initial conference). The specification
of charges letter is generated based on the information alleged in the report. You
will have the opportunity read the incident and/or police report(s), and to tell the
person hearing the case whether you are responsible or not responsible for each
of the charges, and to discuss the incident you were written up for and your role
in the situation. This is the first step in the discipline process, and additional
steps will be explained in that meeting.
Q. How do I find out what things are against the rules at Purchase College?
A. The Community Standards of Conduct are available online, and all discipline
charges, sanctions, and procedures are outlined in that document.
Please view the Community Standards of Conduct.
Q. What kinds of consequences happen if I violate the Community Standards of
Conduct?
A. Sanctions are determined based on minimum and maximum sanction ranges
(including recommended standards), as well as consideration of the seriousness
of the particular incident and the student’s prior discipline history.
Please view a partial visual of common violations and their sanctions.
Please view the discipline sanction under “authority of hearing committees.”
Liberal Studies & Continuing Education
Q: What is the difference between Liberal Studies and Liberal Arts and Sciences?
A: Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary major designed for adults and transfer students where students take a wide variety of courses. It is the only major available for students who can only take evening classes. Liberal Arts and Sciences is the umbrella under which students would find specific majors, such as psychology, literature, or economics, and requires students to take classes during the day.
Q: How do I change my major to Liberal Studies?
A: Students interested in changing their major to Liberal Studies must first schedule an advising appointment with a Liberal Studies advisor. At this appointment, the advisor will review your credits, explain the Liberal Studies program, and outline your remaining requirements for the Liberal Studies degree. To schedule an appointment, call Liberal Studies at x6500.
Q: What classes do I need to take for the Liberal Studies degree?
A: Due to the interdisciplinary nature of Liberal Studies, there are few specific classes required. Instead, students take a certain number of credits in each area of Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and the Arts. To best understand the degree, students should schedule an appointment with a Liberal Studies advisor.
To schedule an appointment, call Liberal Studies at x6500.
Q: How can I get in touch with a Liberal Studies professor? I want an IAC for his/her class.
A: Since professors in the Liberal Studies program are adjuncts, the Liberal Studies advisors take on the responsibility of IACs for their faculty. In addition, no IACs are given to Arts or Liberal Studies students before the beginning of add/drop. Prior to add/drop, most seats in Liberal Studies classes are reserved for LS majors – this is to ensure that students who can only attend at night get first priority on the evening classes. On the first day of add/drop, any remaining seats are open on a first-come, first-served basis to any student at the College. So a class that appears closed during registration week may be open during add/drop of the following semester. If a class is still closed during add/drop, students can contact an advisor in Liberal Studies to determine if they are eligible for an IAC. Please note that IACs to Liberal Studies classes are given out very rarely, and only after a LS advisor confirms that students meet all of the following criteria:
1) Is graduating in the current semester
2) Needs this specific class to graduate
3) No other class that is still open fulfills the graduation requirement
Liberal Studies advisors can be reached at x6500.
Q: Do Liberal Studies majors need to do a senior project?
A: The traditional Liberal Studies senior project is not required for Liberal Studies majors. However, Liberal Studies majors who matriculated at Purchase Fall 2005 or later are required to complete a one-semester, research and writing intensive Senior Capstone course.
Q: What kind of job can I get with a Liberal Studies major?
A: Because of its interdisciplinary nature, the Liberal Studies degree prepares students for careers in a wide variety of fields. Liberal Studies graduates have gone on to careers in education, law, public health, numerous sectors of business, and many more. If you have specific questions about what kind of job might be right for you, or how to get an internship to provide some valuable, real life experience, you can contact the Career Development Center at x6370 for more information.
Health Services
Q. Who can access care at Health Services?
A. All matriculated students, regardless of health insurance coverage, can be seen at Health Services without charge for visits. Non-matriculated Continuing Education students may also be seen for a $25 visit fee.
Q. How do I access care at Health Services?
A. Health Services is located in the Physical Education Building on the 1st floor and is open Monday through Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM when classes are in session. Summer hours are Monday and Thursday 8:30AM-5:00PM. Walk-in service is 8:30AM-12:00PM, except on Wednesday 10:30AM-12:00PM. Appointments are 2:00PM-4:00PM. Please call 914-251-6385 to make an appointment. Health Services is staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners and registered nurses.
Q. What services are offered at Health Services?
A. Primary care services (acute and chronic), women’s and men’s health issues, physical exams for work, Children’s Center and travel abroad, immunizations, allergy desensitization. In addition, laboratory services and diagnostic tests are offered; medications, including birth control, are available.
Q. What if I am sick at night or over the weekend?
A. If you are sick and unsure if you need to see a doctor right away, you may call Dr. Nancy Reuben (914-251-6380, option #2 for instructions) for medical advice. The Westchester Medical Group Urgent Care Center (914-681-3100) is open Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-9:00PM and Saturday and Sunday 9:00AM-5:00PM. If the situation is a true emergency, call x6911 for the University Police.
Q. How can I take care of flags for Health Services (HM, HP and HD)?
A. HM (money owed to Health Services) – pay by phone (914-251-6380) with a credit card or in person with cash, check, More card or credit card. HP (physical needed) or HD (other medical needs) – call 914-251-6380 for explanation.
Parking Services
Q: Do I have to purchase a parking permit?
A: It is the policy of Purchase College that all students/faculty/staff must register their car to the campus. This means they must purchase and properly display the parking decal.
Q: How do I order a parking permit on-line?
(Online access to order parking permits has been disabled)
A: Parking Permits can be ordered on-line by accessing the Self Services portal of the current students page. Click on the link to order parking permits on-line and fill out all of the necessary information.
Q: Where do I pick up my permit once I ordered it on-line?
A: Parking Permits can be picked up in Campus Center North room 1014 in the Parking and Transportation office.
Q: Can I register for a parking permit in person?
A: Yes. You need to bring a valid copy of your car’s registration and a Purchase Id (More Card) in to the office with you.
Q: Where does the parking permit need to be displayed?
A: The permit needs to be placed on the OUTSIDE of the car on the small passenger window behind the driver.
Q: Where do I obtain a guest or visitor parking permit?
A: Students can obtain guest passes from the manager of their respective residence hall. For all of the apartment residents, the office is located in the Olde at J 21. For all dormitory residents, the office is located in Big Haus in A 18. The guest must register their car, hang the decal in the rear-view mirror, and park the car in the W-2 parking lot.
Q: How do I appeal a ticket?
A: The appeal form can be picked up from the Parking and Transportation Office. You must complete the form and turn it in with the ticket or a copy. A hearing date will be assigned and the decision will be rendered by a judge.
Q: What if I cannot attend the appeal hearing?
A: You are encouraged to attend the parking appeal hearing . If for some reason you are not able to attend the appeal paperwork that was submitted will serve as your testimony for the hearing.
Q: What happens after the hearing?
A: You will be notified by mail of the hearing decision. The decision of the judge will be final. If the ticket is found to be guilty or reduced, payment must be made within 14 days. If payment is not received, tickets go into delinquency and the original fines will be re-instated if they had been reduced prior.
Library
Q: How do I get help from a librarian?
A: Use our Have a Question page. We offer 24/7 help (yes, really 24/7) through our online chat service. Or, you can email us, stop by, or call. All the info is on our Have a Question page.
Q: Where can I find out what the library hours are?
A: See our Hours Page.
Q: How do I find books?
A: For books at Purchase, search our catalog. For books at other libraries, use our Catalogs Page.
Q: How do I find articles?
A: See our Finding Articles page.
Q: How do I renew materials?
A: You can renew materials online or in-person. For instructions on renewing online, see How to Renew Your Materials.
Q: How do I get started on research?
A: See our Getting Started page.
Q: Does the Library have DVDs, and how do I find out what you have?
A: Yes. We have thousands of DVDs, both academic materials and popular items. You can use the Purchase College Library Catalog to find them. For instructions, see our Find DVDs and Videos page.
Q: How do I find senior project formatting information?
A: See our Senior Project Page.
Q: How do I use library resources from off-campus?
A: You can access our online databases, journals, and other materials from anywhere. See our page about Logging In From Off-Campus.
Counseling Center
Q: Is there counseling available on campus? If so, how can I get an appointment and what will it cost?
A: Yes. Professionally trained therapists are available and all services are confidential. What is discussed is between you and your therapist. Appointments are available Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. All services are free of charge.
Q: To whom do I speak about accommodations for disabilities (mobility, sensory, learning, health-related, etc.)?
A: Students with documented disabilities are eligible for special services. The Office for Special Services oversees all accommodations. Call Ronnie Mait at (914)251-6035 for more details.
Q: What is considered a “problem” in order to receive therapy?
A: Anything you consider important enough to discuss: shyness, depression, sexuality, relationships, academic difficulties, family concerns, whatever is on your mind. You do not have to be in a crisis to utilize the Counseling Center.
Q: What services are offered by the Counseling Center?
A: Short term individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, initial psychiatric consultation and affordable private referrals are all offered. In addition, workshops and ongoing support groups such as Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families and Students with Eating Concerns are offered.
Career Development Center
Q. What kind of services does the Career Development Center provide?
A. The Career Development Center provides career-related services and programs that help Purchase College students throughout their college years. Services include staff career counseling and interest assessment, career educational programming, and job and internship resources that assist undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni across academic disciplines.
Q: What are some events/programs the Career Development Center offers?
A: The Career Development Center provides a wide variety of programs for students studying within the Arts Conservatories as well as the Liberal Arts and Sciences. The CDC offers workshops covering many topics including: Resume Writing, Interview Skills, Graduate School, Finding a Summer Job, Making Major and Career Decisions, Job Search Strategies, Diversity, Making the Most of Your Internship and more.
Some special events include the annual Job and Internship Fair, Graduate School Expo, Alumni and Professional Career Panels and special programs such as Artist Prep and Promotion Week, Graduate School Week, Job Fair Week and Senior Week. Additionally the CDC hosts Career Panels where alumni and professionals from various fields speak to students via Alumni/Student Networking Events, Dress for Success, and more.
In addition, throughout the academic year employers host Employer Information Tables as well as Information Sessions where students can learn about various organizations and their opportunities.
Q: At what types of organizations do students find internships and job opportunities?
A: Students can gain academic credit through internships. The internship program at Purchase College is designed to give students practical experience in their area of academic study or in other fields of interest. Students intern at various organizations in industries ranging from the Arts, Communications and Technology to Business, Social Services/Not-for-Profit and Government.
Students intern at organizations such as: Magazines, Newspapers, Publishing Companies, Radio/TV Stations, Film Studios, Entertainment Companies, Public Relations/Marketing Firms, Dance/Theater Companies, Theaters, Music Labels, Galleries, Museums, Social Service Agencies, Government Agencies, Political Campaigns, Banks, Financial Service Companies, Hospitals, Labs, Schools and more.
Students locate internships by accessing the Purchase JobScore system, a customized on-line job and internship system exclusively for Purchase College. For a complete list of internships- JobScore.
For more information please visit http://home.purchase.edu/departments/CareerDevelopment/studentservices/.
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