Division of Student and Campus Life
The Student and Campus Life staff is responsible for the implementation of programs, policies, and services designed to create and sustain the optimal environment for student learning and achievement. Working collaboratively with the students and faculty, we aim to empower students to take responsibility for their education and to forge a sense of community on campus.
The Vice President for Student and Campus Life is the senior student affairs officer of the College. Organizationally, Student and Campus Life is made up of six departments: the Center for Community, Student Health and Counseling, Student Life, Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation, Residence Life, and the University Police Department. (For further information, see student_and_campus_life)
Center for Community
The Center for Community staff, led by the Dean of Students, is responsible for the following aspects of student life at Geneseo: Fraternal Life and Off-Campus Services, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Leadership Development, Multicultural Programs and Services, Student Volunteerism and Service, Student Employment Services, and the Home Away from Home Respite Center.
The Center for Communityy works directly with students to assist them in adjusting to college life and to resolve problems and conflicts that may arise during their undergraduate careers. In addition, the Dean’s staff works with students to interpret College policies and decisions, mediate conflicts, investigate complaints, and assure full access to all opportunities offered by the College. (See c4c.geneseo.edu)
The Coordinator of Fraternal Life Services is responsible for promoting and supporting an educationally purposeful Greek life program consistent with the mission and goals of the College. The Coordinator serves as advisor to the Inter-Greek Council and Multicultural Greek Community and as a liaison between the College and all College recognized Greek organizations. The Assistant Dean also sponsors services and programs designed for Geneseo students who live off-campus. In this capacity, the Assistant Dean helps to further advance and support relations between the College and the Geneseo community; integrate on- and off-campus student living; serve as a College liaison with community groups, service groups, landlords, retailers and local business groups, and College neighbors; and develop educational programs and resources for students considering moving off campus. (See greeks.geneseo.edu and offcampus.geneseo.edu)
Geneseo is a residential college and living on campus is considered to be a significant component of the Geneseo educational experience. The College does not recommend or inspect off-campus housing facilities. All students, regardless of residence, are required to notify the Office of the Registrar of their current local address.
The Assistant Dean of Students for Student Conduct and Community Standards works with the Dean of Students to coordinate the College’s conduct system. Membership in the Geneseo community is predicated on each student’s agreement to abide by standards of conduct promulgated by the College. The College’s conduct process provides an educational framework for addressing individual student and group conduct that may be found to be inconsistent with community standards. (See conduct.geneseo.edu)
The Assistant Dean for Leadership and Service provides students with opportunities for community engagement, and to acquire and enhance their leadership skills through developing an understanding of self, others, and community. GOLD (Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership Development) programs include a Leadership Certificate Program offering approximately 200 leadership workshops each semester, a Leadership Center staffed by volunteer leader mentors, an extensive leadership resource library, leadership conferences, peer-to-peer student leader training, and newsletters. (See gold.geneseo.edu)
The Director for Multicultural Programs and Services is charged with the overall coordination of programs and efforts designed to support and continuously improve the College’s ability to sustain an inclusive, mutually respectful campus community. The Director provides leadership and guidance to the campus community on matters related to diversity and community, and specifically focuses on the needs of traditionally underrepresented student groups at Geneseo. The Director also supervises the coordinator of LBGTQ services and the Director of Jewish Stedent Life program coordinator for Hillel. (See multicultural.geneseo.edu)
The Director of Student Volunteerism and Community Engagement seeks out, develops and maintains volunteer opportunities that offer Geneseo students meaningful experiences that develop character, and augment academic growth through experiential learning. Some of the most popular volunteer opportunities include tutoring and youth mentoring. The Director hosts a Volunteer Fair at the start of each semester to introduce students to the available volunteer opportunities and to assist various community organizations with securing needed volunteers. (See volunteer.geneseo.edu)
The Student Employment Service (SES) assists students seeking part-time and summer jobs and paid internship opportunities, while The Home Away from Home Respite Center is a community-oriented respite program staffed almost entirely by SUNY Geneseo students who are dedicated to providing a welcoming space for senior citizens with memory-related illnesses, as wll as some critical free time for their families and caregivers.. (See ses.geneseo.edu).
Department of Student Life
Geneseo achieves its educational mission by combining a rigorous curriculum with a rich co-curricular life. The student life experience at Geneseo is intentionally educational, and fosters widespread, substantive student engagement in carefully designed, developmentally based programs and services. It is the intention of the Department of Student Life to provide and to identify opportunities for students that result in increased learning, greater self-awareness and a clearer sense of purpose. As a department in the Division of Student and Campus Life, Student Life administers the MacVittie College Union, and selected co-curricular educational and assessment initiatives. Opportunities for student engagement and learning within the department include the all-college hour speaker series, Geneseo Late Knight orientation, student organizations, Upstate Escapes, the Victor E. Knight mascot program, and Weeks of Welcome, as well as a number of student leadership and applied learning opportunities. We pursue ways to collaborate with Geneseo students, faculty and staff to support our students as they pursue their individual educational goals by challenging students to better themselves, demonstrating an ethic of individual care, and building a strong, vibrant campus community. (See www.geneseo.edu/student_life)
Robert W. MacVittie College Union
The Robert W. MacVittie College Union serves as the campus center of social, cultural, recreational, and student governance programs. As the “College gathering place,” it provides a place to study, relax, or visit with friends with plenty of lounges, meeting rooms, and an outdoor plaza. Services include Starbucks, the Corner Pocket game room, the campus mailroom, the College Union concierge desk, the Geneseo Federal Credit Union, computer project area, study room, the Student Association Ticket Office, ATM services, Kinetic art gallery, Geneseo bookstore, Fusion Market, Student Association and organizational offices, Student Life, and the Center for Community. The “MOSAIC” (Multicultural Organization Space for Activities, Inclusion, and Collaboration) is a space that provides multicultural student organizations with dedicated meeting space for their weekly meetings, organization office space, and a place for students to gather and spend their free time. The lobby is a popular place for student organizations to “table” and advertise upcoming entertainment or offer promotional items or services.
Student Organizations
A college registered Student Organization at SUNY Geneseo is any student-driven group whose primary membership and entire leadership consists of students currently enrolled at SUNY Geneseo and who are paying the mandatory student activity fee; is formed in order to contribute to the students’ personal development and the advancement of the College Mission; non-credit bearing; and is officially registered with the Department of Student Life. Registration does not imply College endorsement of the positions and views of any organization. Rather, it implies that the institution accepts the organization’s mission as educationally valid and that the organization has complied with institutional registration and continuing registration procedures. Student groups that are formed and sponsored by academic and administrative departments, in the pursuit of research, administrative activities and academic endeavors, are not considered college registered student organizations. Policies and Procedures for Student Organizations have been established as helpful guidelines and to acknowledge the integral role these groups play in the broader learning community. The department maintains the Student Organization handbook. More information is available elsewhere in this Bulletin under sections entitled “The Student Code of Conduct” and “Conduct Procedures for Recognized Student Groups” titled sections. (See www.geneseo.edu/student_life/student-organization-directory)
Resident Life
The SUNY Geneseo Department of Residence Life, in partnership with our residents, promotes an incusive living and learning environment that fosters well being and encourages engagement for all students who live on campus.Residence Life operates 16 residence halls and a townhouse community. Each hall accommodates an average of 200 students. All undergraduates are assured of the opportunity to live on campus, and all students who begin their college studies at Geneseo are required to live on campus for two years. Commuting students and transfer students who have completed a full year of full-time study at another college are exempt from this requirement. Each residence is supervised by a Residence Life professional and a staff of undergraduate Resident Assistants. These staff members guide students through their lives at Geneseo, provide information on and maintain College policies and procedures, and promote involvement in residence hall governance. Residence Life administers selected co-curricular educational and assessment initatives within the residential experience. Opportunities for student engagement and learning within the residence halls include the living-learning communities and residentail college houses, as well as student leadership and applied learning opportunities. Our trained Residence LIfe team members pursue ways to collaborate with Geneseo faculty and staff to support our residents as they pursue their individual educational and personal goals.BY providing challenges to better themselves, demonstrating an ethic of individual care, and building a strong, vibrant campus community, we hope to make a long-lasting positive impact on the lives of our students. Students who reside in campus residence halls, excluding townhouse residents, are required to purchase a College meal plan. Students who wish to reside in a campus residence are required to reapply each year and pay a deposit to secure a room at the announced time(s) during the year. While room charges are assessed by the semester, the term of occupancy and financial obligation to the College is for an entire academic year. Obligations may be cancelled for specific reasons such as graduation, withdrawal, and dismissal. All requests for release from housing (obligation) require the approval of the Director of Student Life.
Residence Hall Policies
Residence Hall Policies: All policies and procedures for resident students have been established based on the College’s expectations for high academic achievement and the common good. All resident students must abide by Geneseo’s residential license. The license serves as the official housing agreement between the student and the College. All Geneseo students, whether residents or commuters, are expected to comply with residence hall standards and the Student Code of Conduct, including the policies related to visitation, guests, and alcohol. (See www.geneseo.edu/campus_living)
Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation
The Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation staff coordinates all intercollegiate athletic programs, intramural sports, College-sponsored recreational activities and the College Workout Center.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Geneseo sponsors 21 intercollegiate sports, 8 for men and 13 for women. These sports are men’s and women’s soccer, cross-country, basketball, swimming and diving , indoor and outdoor track and field, and lacrosse; women’s field hockey, volleyball, softball, tennis, equestrian, women’s golf and, men’s ice hockey. Geneseo is a member of and competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). (see geneseoknights.com)
Intramural Sports
More than 40 different activities are offered each year in men’s, women’s and co-ed competition, enabling students to choose the activities and levels of competition they desire. Teams, some of which represent residence halls and Greek organizations, compete in such sports as flag football, soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball, and broomball. Dodgeball and racquetball are also popular intramural activities. Off-campus outings for downhill skiing, white water rafting, and trips to a Buffalo Bills football game, Rochester Americans hockey game and Syracuse basketball are all popular activities. Nearly 80% of Geneseo’s students participate in at least one intramural activity before graduating.
Club Sports
The Student Association sponsors a number of club sports teams under the auspices of the Club Sports Association (CSA). Teams include men’s and women’s crew, men’s volleyball, ultimate frisbee, cheerleading and men’s tennis, badminton, men’s and women’s rugby, men’s baseball, and ski team.
Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Facilities
The facilities in the Schrader Building and Merritt Athletic Center are available to students for formal and informal athletic and recreational pursuits. These facilities offer two gymnasiums, a swimming pool, racquetball courts, an ice arena with an indoor jogging area and a state-of-the-art workout center. Outdoor facilities include eight tennis courts, an all-weather, eight lane 400-meter track, and playing fields for soccer, lacrosse, softball, and other individual and group sports.
Workout Center
The College’s Workout Center provides students with state-of-the-art fitness equipment including two complete Nautilus Circuits, over 30 cardio machines, and extensive free weights. Cardio machines include: Lifefitness Crosstrainers, recreational treadmills, Stairmasters, electronic bikes, Concept II rowers. The Center offers students access to equipment, advice on fitness and nutrition programs, aerobic dance classes, yoga, kickboxing and a great opportunity for promoting a healthy lifestyle. The Workout Center is located in the lower level of the Merritt Athletic Center. (See knights.geneseo.edu)
Lauderdale Center for Student Health and Counseling
The Lauderdale Center for Student Health and Counseling provides non-emergency outpatient medical and psychological care to all currently enrolled Geneseo students. Geneseo students can visit student Health and Counseling for a variety of health-related issues, including physical, emotional, and sexual health concerns, and to learn about ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These services are delivered by licensed health care professionals who are dedicated to meeting the specific needs of college students. Student Health and Counseling follows ethical and practice guidelines mandated by New York State, the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc., the American College Health Association and the American Psychological Association. (See health.geneseo.edu)
Health Services
Health Services offers routine primary care services such as physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of non-emergency health problems common to college students, management of chronic conditions and consultation on health issues. Health Services dispenses prescription medications and has over-the-counter medications available in the Self Care Center. Health Services staff may refer students off-campus for more specialized diagnostic services (including x-ray) or treatment. Health Services does not take the place of a hospital or emergency room in the case of a potentially life-threatening condition. Since there is more to maintaining a healthy campus than just taking care of ill students, wellness programs and health consumer education are offered by our providers and through the Office of Health Promotion. Located in Lauderdale Health Center, Health Services is open. Located in Lauderdale Health Center the hours of operation for Health Services can be found on their website (See geneseo.edu/health) Telephone consultation with a registered nurse is available any time Health Services is closed by calling the Nurse Advice Line at 245-5736. To schedule appointments, students can call 245- 5736 or schedule online at myhealth.geneseo.edu.
Counseling Services
Counseling Services provides short term counseling to Geneseo students who are experiencing a range of challenges in their lives. In addition to individual therapy, other services include consultation, crisis intervention, and referrals. Counseling also offers outreach programs, including the Healthy Bodies, Healthier Minds series through GOLD as well as workshopsand groups such asRIO (Recognition, Insight, and Opportunity), LOTUS (adult children impacted by parental substance use) SMART Recovery, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, and CALM, a mindfulness-based stress reduction series. Counseling Services is open (See geneseo.edu/health). To request an appointment (See myhealth.geneseo.edu), students should complete the online form through their health portal.
Medical History and Immunization Requirements
All students are required to complete their Medical History along with several other brief forms at the health portal myhealth.geneseo.edu prior to beginning classes. The physical examination and immunization are to be completed by the student’s health provider and uploaded to their health portal. The pre-enrollment physical cannot be completed at Health Services. New York State law mandates that all students show proof of immunizations against measles, mumps, and rubella in order to be registered. State law also requires that students either receive the vaccination against bacterial meningitis, within the last 5 years, or sign a statement indicating that they have declined the vaccination. In keeping with recommendations of the New York State Department of Health and American College Health Association, we strongly encourage students to receive immunization against bacterial meningitis. Students who do not present proof of required immunizations within 30 days of matriculation risk being dis-enrolled from the College. Exemptions for medical and religious reasons are allowed (under specific circumstances) under the law. Students seeking additional information on exemptions should contact our EMR Technical Specialist at immunization@geneseo.edu or 585-245-6453.
Health and Counseling Records
All Student Health and Counseling records are confidential and maintained with the strictest care to ensure students’ right to privacy, and are not part of students’ academic records. Information from students’ health and counseling records is not shared with anyone outside the department without their express permission, except in cases of imminent danger or as mandated by law.
Health Insurance
Because Student Health and Counseling sometimes refers students off-campus for services, we strongly encourage students to have adequate health insurance. Be sure to check to see if you are covered by your family’s plan and if out-of-area services are covered: Full-time students up to age 26 may be covered by a parent’s or family member’s private health insurance policy- be sure to check whether coverage extends to the Geneseo and Rochester areas. If you have other insurance specific questions or need assistance with the process, please call our local contact: Cindy Wagner, navigator for Coordinated Care Services, Inc. Appointment line (585)-613-7662 or cwagner@ccsi.org.
PLEASE NOTE: Most services within Student Health and Counseling are covered by the Student Health Fee, which is mandated as part of each student’s tuition and completely different from private health insurance coverage.
If you do not currently have private health insurance coverage, you can contact New York State of Health for more information about family or individual health insurance. https: //nystateofhealth.ny.gov /
If you have other insurance specific questions or need assistance with the process, please call our local contact: Cindy Wagner, navigator for Coordinated Care Services, Inc. Appointment line (585) 613-7662 press 3 for the Aged, Blind and Disabled Program - cwagner@ccsi.org.
University Police Department
The University Police Department at SUNY Geneseo seeks to develop and maintain a positive relationship with all members of our community and to effectively serve and support community oriented approach to law enforcement. The department is committed to the prevention of crime and the protection of life and property, the preservation of peace, order and safety while enforcing the law and ordinances and safeguarding constitutional guarantees. The objective of the community policing based philosophy is to sustain a safe and secure campus environment which works in support of the overall educational mission of the institution. This is done through establishing annual goals that are designed to enhance quality of life for all members of the community. In an effort to cultivate positive police community relations we seek to establish close working relationships with the faculty, staff and students to obtain their input with regard to their concerns for safety, security and educational community outreach programs. The University Police Department at SUNY Geneseo remains committed to the College, the Division of Student and Campus Life and the overall mission of the institution.
As sworn officers, University Police are responsible for the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the campus. Services provided by the Department include; but are not limited to, overall campus patrol, responding to calls for service, maintenance of public order, emergency first-aid, criminal investigation, community services, crime prevention, and parking and transportation services. The University Police Department works closely with student volunteers who serve the community as emergency medical responders.
Student Code of Conduct
Refer to handbook.geneseo.edu for new and updated information. Click on Student Code of Conduct on left side of the page.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Students at Geneseo have the right to expect that information accumulated for the purpose of facilitating their education will not be used for any other purpose without their consent.
The College records policy, revised for detailed conformity with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, permits current or former students to inspect college educational records pertaining to them as individuals, and except as defined below, to obtain copies for a fee. Students are also accorded the right to question the content of a record and to receive a formal hearing if dissatisfied with responses to such questions.
Written consent from a student is required before personally identifiable information can be released from the individual educational record in all cases except those specifically exempted by law.
There is certain directory information which the College may release without the student’s permission: the student’s name, local address, electronic mail (e-mail) address, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, photographs, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. However, a student may prevent the release of such information by writing to the Dean of Students before the first Friday of each semester.
The full College policy and procedure for exercising student rights under this law are available from the Dean of Students, or on-line. Inquiries or complaints may be filed with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office, Department of Health and Human Services, 350 Independence Avenue, S. W., Washington, DC 20201.
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