FAQs

When is the AAC Open?

The AAC is open during normal business hours—Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Do I need a password to logon to the computers in the open access lab?

The open access computer cluster is not restricted to BSU student use. Temporary username and passwords are available at the technology helpdesk at extension 2555.

Do the learning support services keep the same hours as the AAC?

No. Often the learning support services will keep hours that differ from the main hours of operation in the AAC. It is best to phone ahead to be certain that the learning support service you seek is available when you are.

Where can I get preparation materials for the MTEL?

Learning Assistance Study and Research (LASSR) in the AAC offers specialized study tips, practice tests and sound advice helpful in preparing for the MTEL. Cassette dictations, summary exercises, and question-style reviews are all helpful preparation for the state educator’s test. Stop in and take a look at all of the resources available.

Do I need appointments to use the Learning Support Services at Bridgewater?

While appointments may not always be necessary to work with the learning support services, it is often a good idea to call ahead to ensure that someone will be available to meet with you when you arrive. Traffic patterns change over the course of the semester and according to University academic calendars—remember, mid-term papers for you likely means mid-term paper are due campus wide. It is wise to call ahead, you may be thankful that you did.

I’d like to start working with a content tutor, where do I begin?

To begin working with a tutor, one should stop in on or call the reception desk of the AAC. The AAC staff coordinates all academic tutoring in the AAC. To check for availability or ask a question about tutoring, call 508.531.1214.

English is not my first language, what services are available for non-native speakers?

Non-native speakers wishing to further perfect their English language proficiency should seek out the Second-language services offered in the AAC.

Are the learning support services exclusively for BSU undergraduate students?

No. Learning support commonly helps BSU graduate students, community high school students, and recent graduates with the academic projects they face. While most of the support is administered to our undergraduate students, learners of all backgrounds are welcome to take advantage of what the AAC Learning Support network offers.

I am meeting with one of the Academic Support services on campus for the first time, what should I bring with me?

One should consider bringing a copy of the assignment, student notes and all applicable student textbooks to the first learning support consultation. Consultations with the Writing Studio, for instance, can focus on both content and closeness to the instructor’s specific assignment. The most constructive writing consultations are often those where the discussions correlate, as closely as possible, with the specifics of instructor assignments.

How long are average appointments with The Writing Studio, LASSR, or the Math Studio?

Consultation time will vary depending on many different variables. Consultations can take any where from 10 minutes to 2 hours with the average consultation time taking just over 30 minutes.

I am transferring to Bridgewater from another University—which classes will transfer?

Transfer evaluations are processed in the office of Admissions in the Gates House on the BSU campus. The Admissions office can be reached at extension 1237.

Who is my advisor? Where do I find my advisor?

All students at BSU are assigned a faculty advisor. Faculty members in the AAC advise all freshman students and those upper-class students who remain undecided in their choice of major. After declaring a major, the role of future academic advising is assumed by the department of the advisee’s major.

How Do I make an appointment to see my advisor in the AAC?

Freshman and undeclared students wishing to meet with their advisor may schedule an appointment in one of three ways. First, students may call the AAC main desk at extension 1214 and request an appointment. Students may also contact their advisor and schedule and appointment directly. Finally, students can stop in at the AAC and check the advisor’s posted office hours.

Who is my advisor if I am non-matriculated?

Non-matriculated students may see any academic advisor during posted evening hours in the AAC. Non-matriculated may also direct major-specific questions to major departments on campus.

Where are the learning assistance services located in the AAC?

The Communications Lab, Math Lab, Writing Studio, Second Language Services and the Study and Research facilities are spread comfortably across the main floor space of the AAC. Those wishing to take advantage of the services offered will easily locate the different service points in the center and may also ask for help at the front desk.

How do I get a Tutor?

Those interested in working with a content tutor as part of the AAC content tutoring program will make arrangements with the front desk of the AAC. All appointments with department approved content specific tutors must be done in advance and though the reception desk of the AAC. Those who wish to learn more about the tutoring program should direct inquiries toward the main desk at extension 1214.

I am not doing well in my classes—what do I do?

See your advisor to discuss what course of action is best for you. You will be advised to discuss your academic status with your instructions and to seek assistance though the learning assistance resources located in the AAC.

How do I change or declare my major—what about my minor?

Change or declaration of major/minor forms are available at the front desk of the AAC. The process requires students to gather the signatures of both departments, that is, the one he or she is transferring to, and the one he or she is transferring from, and to return the completed card to the front desk of the Academic Achievement Center. Only after the card has been returned to the center, can it be processed and the change or declaration of major or minor finalized within the computer system. Unreturned cards, therefore, will not result in the desired change or declaration of major or minor.

How do I drop and class? Withdraw from a class?

Adding and dropping classes is as much part of the University experience as buying textbooks. Add-Drop forms are available at both the AAC and at the Registrar’s office in Boyden Hall. The forms require the signature of the instructor teaching the added class.
Completed forms are to be brought to the Registrar’s office. If for some reason a student wishes to withdrawal from a class after the add-drop period has ended, the student should contact the Registrar’s office to learn about which steps to follow. The viability of the withdrawal process is contingent upon adherence to the dates identified BSU Academic Calendars.

How do I withdraw from school?

Undergraduates wishing to withdrawal from school should contact the AAC and obtain the official withdrawal paperwork. Withdrawals are processed during an exit interview conducted by an AAC staff academic counselor. If the student leaves the University without proper notification of withdrawal, failing grades may be recorded for all classes.

When is the last date to drop/add, withdraw, etc?

These dates change from semester to semester but these, and all other important dates of this nature, are central figures on the BSU Academic Calendar.

How many credits do I need to be a sophomore, junior, or senior?

Any BSU student with 23 or fewer credits on their academic transcript is considered a freshman. Between 24 and 53 is ranked a sophomore; between 54 and 83 is categorized as a junior, and a senior is any student with more than 84 credits.

I would prefer to register for my classes online. With whom should I speak?

Students wishing to take advantage of web-registration must still meet with their assigned advisors. Once the advisor approves of a student’s schedule he or she may web-register at his or her convenience and avoid the line at the registrar’s office. Despite this convenience, students still must have their schedule approved during a consultation with their assigned Academic Advisor.

How do I calculate my GPA?

Although the GPA calculation can be a tricky process in cases involving repeated classes, generally speaking, one need only divide quality points (QPTS) by quality hours (QHRS) to determine the GPA. This process is useful for determining both semester and cumulative GPA’s

What if I need to take a semester off from my academics—will I need to reapply when I return?

Depending on the duration of your stay away from the University, your return will necessitate completing of the appropriate forms. Students taking only one semester off will have to complete a reinstatement form and submit it to the Registrar’s office before registering from classes. Longer stays away may require re-application. If you know how long you plan to be away from the University, check with the Registrar’s office before you go.

Last Modified: February 14, 2011