Frequently Asked Questions
Academics Safety Student Activities Residence Life Technology
ACADEMICS
Q: What GPA do I have to maintain to stay at SPC?
A: Any first year student with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) below a 1.8 and all other students with a GPA below a 2.0 will be placed on Academic Probation. During the probation term, students are monitored closely by the Deans, their advisors, and other administrators in order help students elevate their GPA's after one semester. Those who do not achieve the required GPA by the end of the term may be subject to academic suspension or dismissal. All students placed on Academic Suspension or Dismissal have a right to appeal to Academic Standing Committee.
Q: How long are classes?
A: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday classes run for 50 minutes. Tuesday and Friday classes run 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Q: What classes do I have to take as a first year student?
A: All first year students take no more than 5 courses during their first semester, and they include a math, English composition, and one first year seminar course. In addition, some students may have to take additional developmental classes based upon their placement test scores. The remaining courses may be selected from the Core Curriculum Requirements.
Q: How many people are in each class?
A: The average class size is 20 people.
Q: How do I register for classes?
A: We make the process easy. On the last day of orientation you will meet with an freshman advisor. He/She will help you pick your classes and register you directly.
Q: How many credits can I take during my first year? And how about the years after?
A: The maximum course load for your first year is 15 credits per semester. After that a full time student can take anything from 12 to 18 credits.
Q: When do I have to declare my major?
A: It is advisable to declare your major at the conclusion of your first year, but we know some student require more time to explore their options, so we recommend students be declared no later than the end of your second year.
Q: Do I remain with the same advisor for all four years?
A: You will be assigned a first year advisor based on your projected major during your first year. Once a student declares his/her major, a departmental advisor will then be assigned.
Q: What does the Enrollment Services Center offer?
A: The Enrollment Services Center is where students complete all transactions regarding registration, records, financial aid, and account payments. Students go to the ESC for services related to course schedule, grades, transcripts, enrollment/degree verification, loan deferment certification, change of personal information, health insurance waivers, pass/fail option declaration, and graduation application, as well as financial aid information regarding FASFSA, student loans, scholarships, and the federal work study program. Paying of tuition, fees, and other charges, as well as adding flex dollars and munch money to the OneCard, are done at the ESC.
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SAFETY
Q: How safe is SPC?
A: SPC is a very safe college campus. Our "Campus Safety Act" statistics confirm the safety of the college and are available at the campus safety office or on the Campus Safety website.
We have an experience and professional security department. Our security private contractor is Summit Security Service with many years of college security experience here at SPC and on other college campuses including: Columbia University and Fordham University.
The security Summit officers are well trained, motivated and supervised by SPC Supervisors and Administrators leading to a solid security team and security presents.
In any environment personal safety is also a personal matter and students are encouraged to develop good safety practices such as: Lock and security your empty vehicle and turn on the alarm system if equipped. Be aware of your environment and who is around you. Drugs and excessive use of alcohol can lead to one being victimized. Choose your friends and associates wisely. Pick up a safety hand out from campus safety and read it.
Report to Campus safety at 201-915-9137, or #5 on campus phones, anything that makes you uncomfortable. Don’t wait for a crime to happen. Call Campus Safety.
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STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Q. What kinds of student activities are available?
A. Students can participate in a wide variety of activities on campus, including 50 clubs and organization ranging from writing for student produced publications to organizing major events. According to our students the most popular events are Casino Night, movie nights and Talent Shows.
Q. How can I learn more about a club/organization?
A. During the fall semester club fair is hosted by the Student Senate so that students can meet representatives from all the active clubs/organizations on campus. Another place to go is the Office of Student Activities located in Dinneen Hall, Suite 126.
Q. I want to get involved, but will my grades suffer if I join a club/organization?
A. Studies show that students who get involved in activities outside the classroom actually do better scholastically because they are more connected to the college, have support from peers as well as staff personnel. Benefits to being involved include:
• Making life long friends
• Integrated into College life
• You will learn new skills, like leadership, communication
• Make a difference in Campus Life
Q. If I commute, can I still be involved in Clubs/Organizations?
A. Yes, even if you commute there is a place for you on campus. All activities are open to commuter students. The Commute Student Association meets the specific needs of commuter students through social and issue-oriented activities.
Q. Do you have a student newspaper?
A. Yes, the Pauw Wow is the student newspaper. We also have a literary magazine call The Pavan.
Q. What are the office hours for Student Activities? Where is the Office located?
A. The Office of Student Activities is located in Dinneen Hall, Suite 126 across from the Campus Safety office. The hours officially are 9am – 5pm, Monday thru Friday. However the office is often open later due to various events and programs.
Q. Are there parties on campus?
A. Yes, the individual clubs/organizations usually host parties on campus.
Q. What types of Leadership opportunities are available?
A. The Emerging Leaders Program is open to all first year students. Students participate in a semester long series of workshops focused on developing Leadership Skills. Students are also paired with a faculty/staff mentor and a peer mentor. Students can also run for leadership positions such as class officer, class senator or an officer for one of the student organizations.
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RESIDENCE LIFE
Q. Can we have overnight guests as resident students?
A. Yes. All residents, with their roommate’s approval, can have overnight guests.
Q. Are there a lot of parties?
A. Students often gather in lounges, apartments, and rooms to spend time together, listen to music, and study. All parties serving alcohol are registered and supervised by the Office of Residence Life and Campus Safety.
Q. What is life like as a resident?
A. Often resident students find themselves closely connected to classes and other students within the residential community. They engage in clubs and organizations that provide them with invaluable learning outside the classroom as well as great fun. For most SPC resident students, home is a great place to visit.
Q. Can I switch my room and/or roommate once assigned?
A. Residence Life understands that once you have spent sometime on campus, you may find someone you are better suited for. Approximately four weeks into the academic year, Residence Life sponsors a “Room Switch Week”. This is when residents can swap rooms, no questions asked.
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TECHNOLOGY
Q: What kind of computer facilities and services are there at SPC? Where do I find out about email services?
A: All information regarding Computer Facilities at Saint Peter’s College as well as our e-mail account policies information can be found on the Information Technology Services website which contains information regarding our services and support for students, faculty and staff here at St. Peter’s. We are currently planning very exciting and significant changes and upgrades to the existing network infrastructure including Internet and network connectivity enhancements.
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If this section did not contain an answer for your question, please contact Dean Mildred Broccoli at or 201-761-6030.
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