A Community of Special Character
Vassar College seeks to sustain a community of special character in which people of divergent views and backgrounds come together to study and live in the proud tradition of a residential liberal arts college. Vassar students, working closely with the faculty, enjoy the freedom to explore their intellectual and artistic passions, to develop their powers of reason and imagination through the process of analysis and synthesis, to effectively express their unique points of view, to challenge and rethink their own and others’ assumptions, and to struggle with complex questions that sometimes reveal conflicting truths. The lifelong love of learning, increased knowledge of oneself and others, humane concern for society and the world, and commitment to an examined and evolving set of values established at Vassar prepares and compels our graduates to actively participate in the local, national, and global communities with a profound understanding of social and political contexts.
Vassar’s academic mission cannot be separated from its identity as a residential community comprising diverse interests and perspectives. The College expects its students to be mindful of their responsibilities to one another and to engage actively in the creation of a community of intellectual freedom, mutually understood dignity, and civil discourse. The embodiment of this commitment is the book of matriculation, which all new students sign as they agree to uphold the letter and spirit of College regulations, to adhere to the values espoused in the College’s mission statement, and to preserve the integrity of the institution.
Faculty
Assisting students to realize these goals is a faculty of more than 300 individuals, all of whom hold advanced degrees from major universities in this country and abroad. In their devotion to the teaching of undergraduates and in their concern with the needs and capabilities of the individual student, they carry on Vassar’s strongest and most distinctive emphases, including encouraging students to assume responsibility for the direction of their education.
Accreditation
Vassar College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Curriculum
The Vassar curriculum has always been characterized by boldness, breadth, and flexibility. The “Intensives”—faculty-mentored learning opportunities that go beyond regular classroom teaching—build on a long history of curricular innovation. Vassar was among the first colleges to offer courses in drama, psychology, and Russian, the first to offer an undergraduate degree in cognitive science, and among the first to experiment with interdepartmental courses in the early 20th century. Today, the curriculum is broader, richer, and more varied than ever, with an increasing emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to intellectual inquiry. The formal curriculum is enriched by an annual events schedule that includes prominent visitors coming to campus for lectures and residencies, art exhibitions, plays, concerts, and symposia.
The general curricular requirements are flexible: Each student must fulfill the First-Year Writing Seminar requirement, the Quantitative Course requirement, and the Foreign Language Proficiency requirement. In addition to these general requirements, students must fulfill the specific requirements of their major (also called a concentration) in their choice of a department, an interdepartmental program (such as biochemistry or geography/anthropology), or a multidisciplinary program (such as urban studies or American studies).
The Advising System
Vassar students have formal and informal advisors who encourage and assist them in thinking deeply about their life goals and interests, planning their course of study, and locating and accessing campus resources. Entering students are assigned to faculty pre-major advisors until they declare an area of concentration (typically in the sophomore year), at which time they choose a major advisor from their department or program. Students may also seek advice on any matter from the dean of studies, the dean of first-year students, or their class advisor. In addition, department chairs and program directors are available to answer questions about their courses and majors. Typically, students will also consult with individual faculty members, including the house fellows, for informal advice. The associated dean of the college for residential life and wellness, director of residential life, and house advisors provide advice on nonacademic matters.
Community-Engaged Learning
Vassar students have multiple opportunities to apply what they’re learning to real-life situations. About 400 students annually do community-engaged learning for academic credit in the local community, Albany, and New York City. In some disciplines, such as anthropology, earth science, education, and geography, such work is an expected part of the student’s concentration.
The Learning, Teaching, and Research Center
The Learning, Teaching, and Research Center (LTRC) connects students and faculty across disciplines, recognizing that both are involved in learning, leading, and scholarship. Located in the Library, the center’s mission includes helping students realize their academic potential and achieve their educational goals. The LTRC is also home for our faculty teaching and research development programs. The LTRC houses the Writing Center, which is staffed by peer consultants trained to work with students on a wide range of written work from research papers to critical essays, lab reports, or creative pieces, and at every stage of the writing process from rough draft to final revision. The Writing Center director works with faculty and students to support writing development across the curriculum.
The LTRC also includes the Quantitative Resource Center (Q-Center), which provides student-to-student support in math and the sciences. The Supplemental Instruction (SI) program provides weekly peer-facilitated study sessions for specific courses in math, chemistry, and physics. The director of the Q-center works directly with faculty and students to meet their needs across quantitative disciplines.
The academic support and learning resource specialist offers guidance in developing study skills such as reading, note taking, and time management. In addition, the LTRC designs and leads faculty development seminars informed by its work with students and encourages faculty to see how their research informs their teaching, and vice versa. The LTRC works closely with the Office of Accessibility and Educational Opportunity, the research librarians, and Academic Computing Services in order to provide programming for faculty and students.
Fellowships and Pre-Health Advising
The Office for Fellowships and Pre-Health Advising works with students and alumni seeking admission to schools in the health professions (medical, dental, etc.) as well as with those who apply for fellowships to fund graduate education, independent study, and research. Students interested in these opportunities are encouraged to meet with the director and to consult the available materials relative to their interests. Information sessions and general mailings provide all students, but especially juniors and seniors, with details of a wide variety of opportunities and application processes. Early consultation is recommended for students who intend to apply for schools in the health professions and/or competitive fellowships.
Career Development
The Career Development Office (CDO) helps students and alumni envision and realize a meaningful life after Vassar. We support members of the Vassar community as they explore their interests, define their career goals, and seek their next opportunity for personal growth and professional development.
The office believes career choices are a reflection of one’s interests, values, and skills. Understanding the connections among the three is a catalyst in enabling a person to find meaning in their life’s work.
The CDO houses extensive resources for locating internships, summer employment, and full-time postgraduate opportunities. CDO counselors also provide pre-law and graduate school advising.
Student Growth and Engagement
The Office of Student Growth & Engagement (SGE) fosters inclusive learning and living environments as integral components of a liberal arts education for Vassar students. SGE facilitates efforts to promote an environment that helps all students thrive and with particular attention to those served by affinity resources such as: First Year Experience (FYE), the Jeh Vincent Johnson ALANA Cultural Center, Office of International Services, the LGBTQ+ Center, the Transitions program, and the Women’s Center. SGE designs and implements student engagement opportunities, which guide intellectual and personal development, to ease the transition to college and achieve a sense of fulfillment and belonging for all students at Vassar.
The ALANA Center provides myriad resources and programs to enhance the campus life and academic experiences of African-American/Black, Latinx, Asian/Asian-American, and Native American students. The center provides a comfortable gathering space and offices for student organizations that support students of color and offers opportunities for leadership development, intra-cultural and cross-cultural dialogues, community-building, lectures, and heritage month programs. The center also catalogs cultural journals/newsletters, educational videos, career development, scholarship and fellowship information.
The Office of International Services offers a full range of resources for international students and scholars, including advice and assistance in visa, immigration, tax, employment, cultural and general matters. The office supports international students in adjusting to and embracing a new culture and also works to involve and engage all members of the campus community in events, workshops, and other opportunities to share the wealth of global perspectives and experiences.
The LGBTQ and Gender Resources Office oversees the LGBTQ+ Center and the Women’s Center. The LGBTQ+ Center is a place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and ally students to relax, socialize and learn. The center hosts discussions, lectures, social events; provides meeting space for various student organizations; and has a robust library of LGBTQ+ related books. The Women’s Center offers a community space and programming on various components of gender equity, women’s leadership, empowerment, and health.
The Transitions Program serves as a support for first generation, low income and/or undocumented students at the College from matriculation through graduation. The program hosts events and workshops, fosters faculty relationships, builds community and helps students navigate the college landscape. Many participants begin their Transitions involvement in the week before orientation, during the program’s Foundations Week, but a student who identifies as first generation, low income and/or undocumented can choose to engage with the program at any time throughout their Vassar career.
The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices oversees, advises, and supports a wide range of religious and civic communities and initiatives on campus and plays an important role as a college liaison to the mid-Hudson Valley community. Staff members are available for pastoral counseling and spiritual guidance for any concern or question students may have. The director for Jewish student life and part-time affiliate advisors serve the Jewish, Episcopal, Roman Catholic, and InterVarsity communities on campus. A faculty advisor volunteers to support our Buddhist Sangha. The office is located in the Chapel tower, as well as at the Bayit, Vassar’s home for Jewish campus life, at 51 Collegeview Avenue, and provide programming and support for 11 different student religious groups at Vassar.
Student Employment
Student employees are an integral part of the daily operation of Vassar College, and student jobs are found in nearly every department and office on the campus. Each semester students fill over 1,600 campus jobs. About 300 students annually work as paid research assistants or academic interns in the sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities. The mission of the Student Financial Services Office is to offer employment that matches the educational goals set by each student and to offer jobs that further professional and personal development.
Financial aid students have priority consideration for campus jobs through the placement process and during exclusive priority periods at the beginning of each semester. College policy limits the number of hours that students may work based upon class year: First-year students may work up to eight hours per week, sophomores nine hours per week, and juniors and seniors may work up to 10 hours per week. In addition to the part-time employment program that operates during academic periods, the Student Financial Services Office also administers a small full-time employment program for students during the winter, spring, and summer breaks.
Counseling Service
The Counseling Service provides a variety of services to help students and the campus community handle the problems associated with academics, college life, and personal development. Services include: individual, relationship, and group counseling and psychotherapy; crisis intervention; educational programs; consultation; assessment; and referral to off-campus services. Services are free of charge to Vassar College students.
The staff of the Counseling Service is made up of mental health professionals who welcome all students and embrace a philosophy of diversity. As part of the college community, counselors are committed to the personal and academic development of all Vassar students. The counselors are trained in the disciplines of clinical and counseling psychology and clinical social work, and work with students to explore personal problems and concerns in a secure and private setting. Students come to the Counseling Service for a variety of reasons; for example: relationship problems with parents, peers, or partners; depression; anxiety; alcohol and other drug use and abuse; coming out issues; stress; concerns about academic progress or direction; or assistance in planning for the future. The student and the counselor work out the details and the course of counseling jointly.
Counselors often refer students to resources outside of the Vassar community depending on the needs of the student and the limitations of the Counseling Service. Students referred for treatment off campus may use their health insurance to defray the cost. Off-campus services are the responsibility of the student and/or the student’s family.
The Counseling Service offers a variety of groups, some with a specific focus such as eating disorders or the concerns of children of alcoholics. Other groups are more general such as process groups on relationships or psychotherapy. Groups are formed at the beginning of each semester and typically meet once a week. A list of groups is publicized at the start of each semester.
Confidentiality, a highest priority at the Counseling Service, is often a concern for students. Strict ethical principles and codes of conduct govern the Counseling Service, ensuring confidentiality within specific legal limits. Counseling records are separate from academic and medical records at the College and are not available to College offices outside of the Counseling Service.
A consulting psychiatrist is affiliated with the Counseling Service. Limited psychiatric services are available at Metcalf by referral from a counselor. If continuing psychiatric services are required, a referral is made to a private psychiatrist.
Health Service
The Health Service addresses the health concerns of students and provides care for acute illnesses as well as continuity of care for chronic conditions by liaison with the student’s physicians at home. Medical staff including physicians, PAs, and NPs, are available during clinic hours for consultation. During the hours the Health Service is closed, a member of the medical staff is on call to attend to acute problems. In an emergency, students should contact the Campus Response Center 845-437-7333 (extension 7333 from a campus phone) to dispatch the Vassar Emergency Medical Service (VCEMS).
A health fee covers the cost of most medical visits on campus. Students must be covered by the Vassar Student Health Insurance or an equivalent health insurance policy to cover outside hospitalization and/or surgery, specialist consultations, emergency room visits, certain laboratory work, and medications.
New students are required to file a medical history and physical examination with the department before coming to college. Vassar requires all students to provide documentation of a primary COVID vaccine series and a COVID booster, if eligible. All students are eligible to submit a vaccine religious or medical exemption in lieu of obtaining the required vaccines. Proof of immunization against meningitis, measles, mumps, and rubella are mandatory to meet New York State requirements. Documentation of a current TB test is also required. Proof of polio immunization, recent tetanus immunization, the hepatitis B vaccine, Varivax, and HPV immunization are highly recommended.
Health Promotion and Education
The Office of Health Promotion and Education, staffed by a director and several student wellness peer educators, reflects Vassar College’s commitment to the development of the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—by following three guiding principles: education, outreach, and prevention. Students work with the director to help Vassar students make better choices for healthier living via educational programs related to various aspects of student health; through outreach aimed at facilitating connections between student health needs and services provided by the college; and by prevention through leadership, consultations, and referrals.
Sexual Assault Violence Prevention
Vassar College is committed to ensuring the safety and well being of its entire community. The Support, Advocacy, and Violence Prevention (SAVP) program, housed in the Office of Health Promotion and Education, coordinates student and faculty interests around issues of sexual violence and harassment in order to increase awareness of these issues, establishes campus-wide policies and protocols around these issues, and works with campus and community resources to prevent further incidences of violence.
The SAVP coordinator and the SAVP Advocates—composed of faculty, staff, and administrator volunteers—provide support, advocacy, and information for victims of sexual assault, relationship abuse, and stalking.
Accessibility and Educational Opportunity
Recognizing the diversity and individualized needs of Vassar’s student population in the context of the College’s commitment to inclusion, the Office for Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (AEO) provides support and resources for students diagnosed with learning differences (including ADHD), psychological disorders, chronic health conditions, mobility or orthopedic impairments, sensory impairments, and substance abuse/recovery needs. The office coordinates accommodations for academic courses, residential life, meal plans, College-sponsored extracurricular activities, and College jobs.
Students with known disabilities are encouraged to contact the AEO directly prior to or upon admission. To receive any disability-related academic or residential life accommodations, modifications, auxiliary aids, or academic services, students must first self-identify to the AEO and provide appropriate documentation of their disability or disabilities. All accommodation and service decisions are based on the nature of the student’s disability, supporting documentation, and current needs as they relate to the specific requirements of the course, program, or activity. Students may wish to consult the AEO to explore eligibility for accommodations and services when learning, attention, medical and/or psychological challenges emerge during a particular semester. Commonly offered accommodations and support services include: exam accommodations (e.g., extended time, use of a computer, lower distraction environment, etc.), access to assistive technology, alternative print formats, notetaker services, modified course load, sign language interpreters, remote closed captioning, and housing and meal plan modifications.
Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) is responsible for monitoring the College’s compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws and for investigating complaints of discrimination, harassment, and gender-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, in accordance with the College’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment. The EOAA office also offers a variety of educational programs for faculty, students, and employees including: small group discussions for new faculty; workshops tailored to any group’s specific needs on creating a respectful working and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment; and other educational programs, such as responding to bias incidents and hate crimes on the campus.
In addition to helping address concerns of alleged discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment through a variety of informal resolution mechanisms, the office conducts investigations and oversees formal grievance and hearing procedures. The procedures used to handle discrimination and harassment concerns are described in the College Regulations, Administrative Handbook, and Faculty Handbook, and may involve informal mechanisms of redress or resolution through a formal grievance hearing. Individuals who wish to report a concern, seek guidance, file a formal grievance, or request training or other assistance may do so by contacting the director of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action and/or the Faculty Director of Affirmative Action. The director of equal opportunity is a designated Title IX Officer for the College. Discussing a concern with an EOAA officer does not commit one to making a formal charge.
Safety and Security
As in all communities, members of the Vassar community are advised to safeguard personal property and to be aware of established security regulations. The College employs security professionals, both in uniform and plain clothes, dedicated to providing a safe, peaceful campus. Suspicious circumstances should be reported to the Campus Safety Office for investigation and evaluation. You are not encouraged to engage in confrontational behavior or report individuals based solely upon race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and/or other characteristics described in Vassar College’s Nondiscrimination and Non-Harassment policy, and as protected by Federal or State law. Individuals in need of assistance should dial 845-437-7333 (extension 7333 from a campus phone).
For campus crime statistics, consult the U.S. Department of Education’s website at http://ope.ed.gov/security/, the Safety and Security website at https://offices.vassar.edu/campus-safety/, or call the director of security at 845-437-5201. The Advisory Committee on Campus Safety will also provide upon request all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education.
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