SUPPORT SERVICES AND RESOURCES

The College offers a wide range of support services and resources to help students. The staff in the offices of the Dean of the College, Academic Resources, the Office of Special Academic Programs, Campus Safety and Security, the College Chaplain, Health and Psychological Services, the Registrar, Financial Aid, Career Counseling, and the Multicultural Center are available to assist and offer guidance to students. In addition, the faculty provides academic advice on a regular basis as First-Year Academic Advisors, as advisors to majors and to pre-professional or other groups, and to any student who seeks it.

Academic Advising Partnership

A variety of academic advice and counsel is offered to students during the course of their undergraduate education. Instructors, departmental and administrative officers and some special programs are available to partner with the individual student to help each explore and develop their academic interests and talents and take advantage of the academic and intellectual opportunities available through the College.

In the first-year each student is assigned an Academic Advisor who is either a member of the regular teaching faculty or an administrative officer whose responsibilities keep him or her in close contact with the curriculum of the College. The Deans of the College also advise undergraduates, transfer, exchange, and international students. The Deans of the College coordinate the first-year advising program, review the academic progress of individual students, and-when appropriate-call students in to discuss their situations.

In the sophomore year, students continue their relationship with their first-year advisor and it is recommended that they seek advice from deans, other advisors, and instructors, along with pre-professional and other special advisors (see page 2). Sophomores are also encouraged to discuss major options and requirements with faculty members from departments and programs in which they have an interest before declaring a major in the spring semester.

Faculty-nominated Senior Advisors complement and bring an informed and thoughtful student perspective to the knowledge that the Academic Advisor brings to the partnership with each advisee. Senior Advisors host several Course and Majors Fairs, keep informed about any changes in faculty, and curriculum in their departments, and extend invitations for first-year advisees to accompany them to various academic and intellectual events. Senior Advisors offer first- and second- year students not only a resource for gaining the insights of more experienced students, but also most importantly an invitation for first- and second-year students to participate more fully in the intellectual offerings that flourish on campus.

Students interested in medical, dental, and veterinary schools should consult with the health professions advisor during their first year to decide upon course selection. In planning for other professional or graduate education, students should consult departmental advisors, the office of career counseling, Academic Resources, or the dean's office.

In the junior and senior years students are advised by faculty from their major departments or programs. Each department or program determines its own advising system for its majors, although chairs are regularly available for consultation.

Advising of Williams students wishing to study elsewhere in the junior year is coordinated by Dean Laura McKeon. Advising of transfer students is coordinated by Dean Charles Toomajian. Special orientation and information meetings are held during the fall semester for new students and for students wishing to study abroad. Orientation and counseling of international students is arranged by the International Student Advisor, Gina Coleman. As International Student Advisor, Dean Gina Coleman is also the designated official at Williams for issuing Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) forms as well as helping student in all dealings with the INS.

Additional programs of academic assistance are also available through Academic Resources. Any student who desires extra help in a particular course that he or she is registered may request a tutor who has been recommended by the respective departments to the Academic Resources office; costs of this tutoring are covered by Academic Resources. Students seeking to enhance their writing skills in any course may take advantage of the Writing Workshops. Trained and supervised by a coordinator, student writing tutors provide assistance on papers already corrected and with drafts of papers in any stage of the writing process.

All students are encouraged to take full advantage of these academic resources. For more information about academic assistance, contact the Director of Academic Resources, Joyce.P.Foster@williams.edu or stop by the Academic Resources office, Paresky 202, x4672.

Other academic advising resources:

Math and Science Resource Center

x4672 Thompson Physics 113, 114 and 207
(www.williams.edu/Resources/Acad_Resources/Math_Science/)

The Math and Science Resource Center (MSRC), a drop-in help center staffed by student tutors who come highly recommended from the respective departments, is also available to students of Biology 101, 102, and 202, Chemistry 151, 153, 155, 156, 251, 255, 256, Mathematics 100, 101, 103, 104, 105, and 106, Physics 131, 132,141,

and 142. The MSRC which is open from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight Sundays through Thursdays throughout both academic semesters works in close cooperation with the faculty teaching those courses. www.williams.edu/resources/acad_resources/math_science/

Office of Special Academic Programs

x3747 Hardy House

The Office of Special Academic Programs (OSAP) administers programs designed to support and enhance the academic success of Williams students, and, in some cases, ALANA and first generation college students in particular. The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship and the Williams College Undergraduate Research Fellowship both provide opportunities for students to engage in graduate-level research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. OSAP provides support in research endeavors, GRE preparation, and workshops and counseling related to graduate school applications and other topics in academia. The OSAP staff consists of a coordinator, Molly Magavern, and Bob Blay, Assistant for Special Academic Programs, whose offices are located on the second floor of Hardy House.

Special Advisors

Architecture: Ann McCallum x2307
Business Schools and Business Opportunities: Robin Meyer x2311
Divinity Schools: Richard Spalding x2483
Engineering: Jefferson Strait x2008
Faculty Fellowships: William G. Wagner x4351
Federally Funded Faculty Fellowships (NSF, Fulbright, HHMI, etc.): Keith Finan x4139
Graduate Fellowships and Scholarships: TBA
Churchill Scholarship
Fulbright Predoctoral Grants
Luce Scholars Program
Mellon Fellowship
Rhodes, Marshall Scholarships
Harry S. Truman Scholarship
Watson Traveling Fellowship
Graduate Schools of Arts and Sciences: Department Chairs (see page )
Health Professions Advisor: Jane Cary x2598
International Student Advisor: Gina Coleman x4262
Law Schools: Dawn Dellea x2311
National Science Foundation: Department Chairs (see page )
Peace Corps: Dawn Dellea x2311
Public and International Affairs Schools and Foreign Service: James McAllister x4373
Special Academic Programs: Molly Magavern x3747
Student Writing Tutorial Program: Joyce P. Foster x4672
Study Abroad Programs: Laura McKeon x4263
Teaching, M.A.T. Programs: Susan Engel x4522, John Noble x2311
Williams College Fellowships for Graduate Study: TBA
Winter Study Practice Teaching: Susan Engel x4522

Study Away

x4263 Dean's Office, Hopkins Hall

Many students decide to study at another college or university, in this country or abroad, during their undergraduate education. The College encourages students to think about the option of study away as they begin the process of considering major fields and course requirements during their sophomore year.

All students in good standing with no deficiencies, including financial aid recipients, may study away on approved programs during all or part of the junior year. Academic credit is earned after evidence of the satisfactory completion of the program. A student wishing to enroll in another institution or program in this country or abroad, and to transfer credits earned on this program to Williams, must consult with Dean Laura McKeon and the appropriate department chair early in the Fall Semester of the sophomore year. Students are responsible for reading the Guide to Study Abroad available in the Dean's Office. They should also consult faculty members with expertise in the area or region of interest to them. All students who are curious about the off-campus study option should browse through the reference library in the Dean's Office and Weston Hall and attend one of the general information meetings which Dean McKeon offers throughout the autumn and in February. After attending an information session, students are free to schedule an appointment with the Dean. Approval is required from the chair of the student's major department, Dean McKeon, and the Committee on Academic Standing. Students wishing to study away for any portion of the junior year must request approval in March of the sophomore year by submitting a pink petition to Dean McKeon.

When a student has decided to accept an offer of admission from a program, he or she must notify the Dean's Office. The Committee on Academic Standing will make a final decision at that time. Students must attend a pre- departure meeting and meet all the guidelines as directed in the Guide to Study Abroad. Upon return to Williams, students must complete a program evaluation in order to receive credit.

The Writing Workshops

www.williams.edu/resources/acad_resources/writing_workshop
x4672 Joyce.P.Foster@williams.edu, Paresky 202

support_table2In the Writing Workshops, peer tutors help other students to plan, develop, organize, compose, and refine their essays. Although tutors do not comment on the content of an essay, they are practiced in sharpening the focus of a thesis and in strengthening organization. In addition, tutors can improve sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Writers who need intensive practice in grammar and punctuation should contact Joyce Foster, who will schedule special tutorial sessions.

Students are invited to sign up for an appointment outside of Sawyer Room 3C and Schow Science Library whenever they need to talk about an assignment, organize an outline, get a fresh reaction to a first draft, or just to discuss challenges involved in writing.

The tutors of The Writing Workshops aim to help the entire undergraduate community. Experience proves that they are just as effective with advanced writers as they are in teaching basic skills. In fact, tutors themselves regularly use the workshops for help with their own writing.

Campus Safety & Security

x4444 Hopkins Hall

The Williams College Campus Safety and Security Department is available 24 hours a day to assist all members of the College community. Call x4343 during regular business hours.

Students should telephone x4444 to report any incident that appears suspicious or to report any crimes. In the event of a life threatening situation, students should immediately call 9-911. Campus Safety and Security officers will assist emergency responders and will provide mutual aid if necessary.

In addition to patrolling buildings and grounds, Campus Safety and Security is responsible for student I.D. photographs, registration of motor vehicles, and enforcement of parking regulations. It also investigates accidents and complaints, transports sick or injured students, provides an after-dark escort service, and maintains a lost and found department.

Sick or injured students may request transportation to the Health Center and to and from classes or other college educational functions. Students needing transportation to routine, scheduled medical appointments are encouraged to use public transportation or make their own arrangements. The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) provides bus transportation hourly between North Adams and Williamstown. Campus area stops include Spring Street and the Williams Inn. Students requesting escort service will be transported by a campus safety officer or, within a reasonable walking distance, accompanied by student escorts through the Student Escort Service at x4400. Campus Safety and Security transportation is not available for purely social activities, to transport luggage or other personal belongings, or to serve as a taxi service in bad weather.

Items turned in to the lost and found are tagged and stored for six months before disposal. Items can be claimed at the Campus Safety and Security Office during regular business hours. Lost items can be reported to Campus Safety and Security 24 hours a day.

Students should lock their rooms and carry their room keys with them. Campus Safety and Security will open or lock a room once without charge during the academic year. There will be a $10.00 charge for each additional request.

Career Counseling

x2311 Weston Hall-995 Main Street
e-mail: occ@williams.edu (Website: http://www.williams.edu/go/careers)
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 to 5:00; Walk-in Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 to 4:00

The Office of Career Counseling (OCC) exists to help students and recent graduates discover, create, and pursue extraordinary careers that will not only draw upon their talents, interests, and skills, but will also contribute to the community at large. The Route 2 Program is a new program that encourages students to explore multiple pathways when thinking about life after Williams. The program strengthens, and expands the Williams network in many ways. OCC maintains valuable alumni connections to implement alumni networking opportunities and expand program offerings to both students and alumni. By way of our resources, events, networks and other support, Route 2 advances students' experiences with career related activities during and after college.

The Route 2 Program focuses on particular career fields, helps develop expertise in those fields, and provides support and training to launch effective job/internship searches. In short, the focus of the Route 2 Program is to provide you with career information directing you to resources that will help you secure a start to an exciting career.

Career Counselors-Students tap the expertise of the counseling staff at OCC by making an appointment to explore their various career interests. Our counselors have developed particular areas of expertise and will help students think carefully about their specific career choices. Counselors are also available to those who need help focusing on where to start their searches, how to integrate academic interests with career interests, and when to begin the process. Additionally, counselors are available to answer brief questions during open walk-in hours for all students every day between 10:00 and 4:00.

Partner Advisors-beyond its own staff, the OCC works closely with a number of faculty and other staff at the college who provide guidance and advice on specific career fields. For example, students will find the Center for Environmental Studies a rich resource of information and networking. The Program for Teaching is another resource for Williams students to test their interest in and aptitude for teaching in public schools. OCC also works with the Fellowships Office, Multicultural Center, Alumni Affairs, and the Special Academic Programs Office.

Faculty-Finding inspiration at Williams is not hard to do; our faculty provide it every day in their classes in every department. Students take advantage of the interaction with their professors by seeking advice beyond the classroom and into the field. OCC works closely with the academic departments to help students think creatively about how their academic interests might connect with their life after Williams. Students thinking about pursuing graduate study will find expert advice in each of the departments. Also, OCC's graduate study counselors and library are sources of extensive information about advanced study.

Peers-If students want to know about a particular internship or summer job who better to ask than a fellow Williams student who has just returned from that experience? OCC keeps evaluations by students of recently completed internships to help their colleagues decide which internships to pursue and which to pass by, and these students are more than willing to discuss the pros and cons of their internships in person; primary sources are always the best.

Alumni-Once students have made some initial decisions about the career fields they would like to explore, Williams College alumni can be excellent sources of information and connections. Our alumni are an enthusiastic group eager to help students learn the inside story. Many alumni visit campus to be a part of career panels and seminars. The alumni database is the first window into the vast resource that our alumni represent. Students may also attend one of many workshops offered on networking skills.

Career Skills Workshops-Every job search presents the challenge of creating the perfect resume and cover letter, of acing the interview, and succeeding at networking. The OCC holds regular workshops addressing each of these aspects of the job search. Workshops are held at appropriate times throughout the year and at different hours of the day to accommodate even the most packed schedule. Check the OCC website and calendar for the next series.

Career Panels-Students are often shy about contacting alumni out-of-the-blue. We bring the alumni to students in many programs throughout the course of the year. Panels of alumni are presented on a variety of industries and career fields, including the arts, the nonprofit world, mass media, entertainment, law, the sciences, and many more. In addition, other programs and centers on campus also offer programs bringing alumni to their doorstep for networking and information exchange.

Williams College Alumni Sponsored Internships-Through the generosity of many Williams College alumni, funds are available to help sophomores and juniors participate in summer internships in community service, women's issues, healthcare, the arts, entertainment, public policy, journalism, and other fields that are otherwise unable to provide stipends. The program is run as a joint effort of OCC, alumni, students, faculty, sponsors, and administration. Students may attend internship information sessions at OCC to learn more.

On-Campus Recruiting-This program brings representatives from graduate schools, private businesses, independent schools, and public service organizations to interview students here in Williamstown. Information about recruiting is detailed on OCC's website and students interested in interviewing with employers and graduate schools should attend orientation meetings and learn how to use the on-line Route 2 System. There is also a spring job and internship fair that brings employers to campus on one day in February.

Off-Campus Programs-Periodically throughout the year, Williams College participates in collaborative ventures with other small liberal arts colleges around the country to create interview opportunities in major cities. This year we expect to have events in New York and Boston.

The Career Library-OCC's library contains a large number of reference materials to help with career exploration. These include job and internship openings as well as national directories and information on a variety of fields. Increasingly, our "library" contains more and more resources available through our website.

The OCC Website and the Route 2 System-We maintain a website that gives information on OCC events and services, links to career planning, employment, fellowship, and advanced study websites. It also is the on-line link to our Route 2 System database of hundreds of jobs and internships, and also offers career related listservs that deliver e-mails matching interests.

Publications-OCC publishes Guidelines, a newsletter for all students every two weeks throughout the year with the latest information on all our programs and current opportunities. Each issue has information about a wide variety of career fields. Also, OCC publishes a series of career "maps" that address various career fields and how to get the search started in each.

Contact List
The Career Counselors
John Noble, Director -career decision making and education and teaching
Jane Cary, Associate Director-health professions, mathematics, the sciences, technology, computer science, the environment, advanced study in the sciences
Dawn Dellea, Assistant Director-law school advising, government, public policy, print and broadcast journalism
Ron Gallagher, Assistant Director-nonprofits, international NGOs, the arts and entertainment
Robin Meyer, Associate Director-business, finance, consulting, advertising, public relations, and book and magazine publishing
Our Partner Advisors
Gail Bouknight-Davis, MultiCultural Center-diversity concerns (x4605)
Paula Consolini, Office of Experiential Education-service learning (x4588)
Susan Engel, Program for Teaching-schools and teaching (x4522)
Joyce Foster, Academic Resources-academic careers (x4672)
Sarah Gardner, Center for Environmental Studies-the environment (x2346)
Molly Magavern, Special Academic Programs-academic careers (x3747)
Rick Spalding, Chaplain's Office-vocational reflection and human services (x2483)
TBA, Fellowships (x3044)
Jeff Strait, Physics Department-engineering (x2008)

The Resource Team
Ann Beauchamp, Assistant to Health Professions Advisor
Kristen McCormack, Assistant Director of Recruiting
Linda Moran, Student Services
Diane Perault, Webmaster and Information Systems Specialist

Chaplains' Office

x2483 205 Paresky Student Center
www.williams.edu/Chaplain

Religious advisors at Williams include: The Reverend Rick Spalding, Chaplain to the College, who oversees the religious life of the College generally as well as offering particular spiritual support to Protestant Christians and to unaffiliated students, seekers, and members of underrepresented religious groups; Fr. Gary Caster, Catholic Chaplain, serving the Williams Roman Catholic community; Cantor Robert Scherr, Chaplain to the Jewish community and Parvin Hajizadeh, advisor to Muslim students. The chaplains provide spiritual direction and counseling, offer programs and lead service projects, and collaborate to encourage the vitality of all religious and spiritual communities and traditions represented in the student body. They are assisted in this work by many local clergy and religious professionals who work in close consultation with the Chaplains' Office in giving care and spiritual support to students at Williams.

Regular worship services are conducted by many of these communities, including Jewish, Muslim, and Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic) congregations (see page for more details, or consult the "Communities at Worship" link on the Chaplains' Office website or at the office in the Paresky Student Center). The Meditation Society organizes regular sittings at the College Zendo; Hindus, Bahá'ís, Quakers, Unitarians and other groups gather regularly, depending on student interest. Speakers, discussions, workshops, and occasions of inter- religious dialogue are frequent, and are open to the entire College community. The calendar for each academic year includes occasions for multi-faith worship during Family Weekends, Martin Luther King Day, and Baccalaureate. The Williams labyrinth is available for walking meditations several times each year.

The Chaplains' Office handles requests for the use of the Jewish Religious Center and facilities of Thompson Chapel by faculty and student groups.

Dean's Office

x4171 Hopkins Hall

The Office of the Dean of the College provides guidance and assistance for all areas of undergraduate life, both academic and social. The deans are available to talk with students about academic, disciplinary, financial, health, psychological, or social concerns. Students should call the Dean's Office to make an appointment, or they may drop by to see if a dean is available.

Academic Advising

Students may see a dean about any academic concern they may have. Some areas where consultation with a dean is strongly suggested, or even necessary, follow below:

Students should see one of the deans about a number of issues and procedures that arise in planning academic programs:

Students may request permission from the Associate Dean of the College to withdraw at any time. To withdraw in good standing during a term, however, a student must withdraw no later than eight weeks into the term. The Williams College Refund Policy, including dates in effect for 2009-2010, appears on page .

Students who are considering transferring from the College, and those planning for or returning from a leave of absence, are expected to contact the Associate Dean of the College.

General Advising

While respecting students' privacy and confidentiality, the deans may at times refer students to the Health Center, to the Psychological Counseling Service, or to the Chaplain's Office.

Students who feel they have been the object of harassment (including sexual harassment) or discrimination should consult the Dean's Office in accordance with the procedures on pages - and -.

Financial Aid

x4181 Hopkins Hall

The Office of Financial Aid determines the degree of financial need of each student applying for aid and the combination of scholarship and job by which it will be met. The staff provides information and recommendations to students and their parents about various financing options, as well as help with any difficulties in the processing of applications.

Need Based Financial Aid

Financial assistance is given only to students with demonstrated financial need. Williams believes that the financing of undergraduate education is primarily a parental responsibility and that the College's resources should be used to assist students whose family means clearly are lacking. Consequently, the College normally does not acknowledge a student's financial independence and expects both natural parents-whatever their marital status or legal understanding-to help with educational costs according to their means.

Determination of Financial Need: Williams determines family contributions using a consistent evaluation of parents' income and assets, including home equity. Consequently, there may be a significant difference between the expectations derived from Federal Methodology (FM) and our analysis which is based on actual tax return and wage statement figures, as well as information from the Financial Aid PROFILE, and supplementary documents. Differences may also occur in cases which involve divorced/separated parents, or where other siblings attend lower-cost colleges, are less than full-time undergraduate students, or are graduate students. We evaluate family financial situations annually, and therefore, often increase or decrease the family's expected contribution from one year to the next depending on changes in family income, siblings entering or leaving college, retirement, extended unemployment, etc. We make every effort to treat comparable family situations alike. Parents are expected to notify the Office of Financial Aid of any change in financial circumstances in excess of $3000 or if fewer family members are in college than reported. Failure to do so can result in reduction of aid during the current or subsequent year.

Financial aid awards which are based on projected year income will be re-evaluated mid-semester with updated actual income figures. Therefore, if projections are lower than actual income, the Williams scholarship will be reduced for the entire academic year.

Financial Aid Awards

Williams' financial aid awards generally consist of a "package" which includes a campus job and scholarship/grant aid. Most upperclass students receiving aid for 2009-2010 are expected to contribute a minimum of $1,950 from summer earnings. Assistance with the remaining need is set on an individual basis. In general, the first $2100 by a campus job offer, and the rest by scholarships and grants. Financial aid awards may range from several hundred to over $50,000 per year, with the average award amounting to $40,000.

Federal and State Sources of Aid

Williams participates in the following student aid programs financed by the Federal Government (Title IV): Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loan; Federal ACG, National Smart, William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford Loan and Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). In addition, students from the following states may be eligible for state grants: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Application and Renewal-Requirements, Deadlines, and Policies

All current student aid recipients must reapply each year. Renewal awards will reflect changes in College costs as well as in family financial circumstances. The Office of Financial Aid will email all financial aid application renewal information in January to the student. All forms must be completed and submitted by May 1 to be considered for the following academic year. Students whose applications are incomplete as of August 15 will not be eligible for Williams scholarship assistance for the Fall Semester. Students applying for aid for second semester only must submit completed applications by December 1.

Study Away

Financial aid recipients studying away from Williams for credit for a year or a semester are eligible for aid based on the budget of their particular program. Such aid cannot, however, exceed what the student would receive if attending Williams. Financial aid students studying away must complete the regular financial aid forms and also submit a Study Away Budget Sheet to the Financial Aid Office. For students studying away for the second semester only the Budget Sheet is due by December 1.

Satisfactory Academic Progress and Eligibility

Students receiving funds under the Federal Title IV financial aid programs listed above are expected to meet the academic standards required of all Williams students. Students placed on academic probation remain eligible for both federal and institutional financial aid. First-year students are eligible to receive aid for a maximum of eight semesters (6 semesters for incoming sophomores, 4 semesters for incoming juniors).

Withdrawal from the College

Before making a decision to withdraw from the college, students considering withdrawal should meet with a financial aid officer and the associate dean to discuss the financial ramifications. Students receiving aid from any source-federal, state, or College-who are withdrawing from the College, for whatever reason, are required to have an exit interview with a financial aid officer and the Assistant Bursar. Recipients who withdraw from the College late in the semester may not be eligible for any Williams Scholarship aid during the semester in which they return. Exceptions may be granted on a case by case basis. (See page for more details about the College's refund policy.)

Verification

A number of Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA's) are randomly selected by the processor for federal verification. Students whose applications are selected may be required to submit additional documentation. The Office of Financial Aid will notify students who are required to submit additional information.

Internal Revenue Service Reporting Regulations

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations require students whose scholarship and grant dollars exceed the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies in a given calendar year (January 1-December 31) to report this excess on their federal income tax return. Students will receive W-2 statements for campus job earnings which must also be reported. Students with questions should contact their own tax advisor or the IRS-NOT the Office of Financial Aid.

Campus Employment Opportunities

Approximately 1,400 positions in more than fifty different offices and departments are filled each year by undergraduates. Financial aid students are given priority in employment. The jobs range from stockroom attendant to chapel chimes ringer. Students most commonly work in the library, the dining halls, and as student assistants in many College departments. All first-year and transfer students are assigned to specific departments for their first year. Students must work in the job to which they have been assigned if they plan to work for their first year at Williams. Students should consult Ms. Candace Marlow, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, for information on all student employment opportunities on campus. For information on summer jobs throughout the country, students should consult the Office of Career Counseling.

Class of 1914 Memorial Library

The 1914 Library, 24 Water Street (x2328) exists to lend texts and other useful books to Williams scholarship recipients. Originally begun in 1920, the Library now serves more than 800 financial aid students, who borrow from a 30,000 volume collection.

Health Services

Health Center

x2206 Thompson Health Center, Hoxsey Street
Director of Health Services, Ruth Harrison x3166

The Health Center, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 1 p.m.-8 p.m., provides care for common illness and injury. Doctors are available for consultation Monday through Friday at regular hours, and experienced nurses are on duty during Health Center hours. Prevention is a primary concern. No charges are made for most treatment and medicines provided by the Health Center. Laboratory work is sent to an outside laboratory and the fees are charged to the student's insurance.

Several special services are provided at the Health Center. Orthopedic and gynecological clinics are available twice weekly. Appointments for the gynecological clinic should be made in advance by calling x2206. The Health Center Nutritionist is available by appointment.

Dental treatment and fitting of glasses are not provided by the College nor is any form of elective surgery. These needs are ordinarily met at home during vacation periods, but if students, while residents at the College, require any type of specialized care not provided at the Health Center, they can be referred to a dentist or a doctor in the area. Medical programs, such as allergy treatment, initiated or requested by a student's home physician can ordinarily be continued at the Health Center.

In addition to providing standard medical services, the staff endeavors to respond to a broad range of student health needs. These may include questions about health careers or anxiety about the health of a friend or family member. There may be a need for better self-understanding or for help with a troubled personal relationship.

Policy Issues:

Health Education and Substance Abuse Prevention

x3013 or x3165 Thompson Health Center
Donna Denelli-Hess, Health Educator
Laini Sporbert, Substance Abuse Counselor and Health Educator

Health Education is an integral part of Williams College Health Services. In addition to information provided by our doctors and nurses, health educators are available for individual consultation with students on health issues such as eating disorders and body image concerns, stress management, rape and sexual assault, harassment, and sexual health.

The staff also provides substance abuse education and counseling for students. Students seek our services for tobacco cessation, responsible drinking, and general information on alcohol and other drugs. We also offer support for students from substance abusing families. Straight Dope, a marijuana education program, is available on an individual basis. Drink Smart is a group based alcohol education program offered to students.

Health Educators offer workshops for the campus community and provide ongoing support to Junior Advisors, Peer Health, and the Rape and Sexual Assault Network.

Students who have questions about health issues or health education programs should call Laini Sporbert at x3165 or Donna Denelli-Hess at x3013.

Sexual Assault Survivor Services (SASS)

The College Health Center offers assistance to survivors of sexual assault and sexual violence through the services of Sexual Assault Survivor Advisors. The advisors are part of the Health Center's non-medical staff. They can provide overall support, information and follow-up; advise students of on- and off-campus options for counseling and other services, and coordinate on-campus services as requested.

Advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be reached through Campus Safety (413-597-4444) or directly by calling 413-441-6783.

Peer Health Services

Peer Health is a student-run organization at Williams College that provides the Williams community with information about health and sexuality. We serve as a bridge between the student body and Psychological Counseling Services and the Health Center. Through our Stall Talks and other outreach programs, we deal with issues including: eating concerns, drugs and alcohol, sexual assault, women's and men's health, sex and sexuality, pregnancy options, sexually transmitted diseases, and stress. Please feel free to call x3140. All services are confidential. (Email: Peer.Health@gmail.com).

Psychological Counseling Service

x2353 Thompson Health Center

For most students, the college years are a period of rapid personal and social, as well as intellectual, change and development, often accompanied by inner conflict and stress. The opportunity to discuss these feelings with experienced psychotherapists can help to clarify and ameliorate conflicts.

The clinical therapists of the Counseling Service are available for consultation to all students at no cost. Discussions may deal with personal or family problems, social and interpersonal concerns, eating concerns, sexual anxieties, depression, academic worries, uncertainties about career or the future, or anything else on a student's mind.

In order to facilitate open and honest discussions, the Counseling Service maintains strict standards and procedures of privacy and confidentiality. Students should be aware that the exception to this policy occurs if there is a serious threat to the student's life or welfare, or to the life or welfare of another student or the community at large.

Appointments may be made by phone or in person with the Secretary of the Counseling Service at the Health Center.

Multicultural Center

The mission of the Multicultural Center (MCC) is to provide systematic and critical engagement within the College community to encourage an inclusive environment for learning, living, and thriving. The Center supports the College's commitment to inclusive academic excellence in teaching and learning through education, support and collaboration with College constituencies, including students, faculty, staff and alumni to explore complex issues of race, class, ethnicity, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, ability, religion/spirituality, and political ideology. Our objective is to contribute to the personal and intellectual growth of the Williams community through advocacy and programmatic support for historically underrepresented populations including, African American, Asian American, Latino/a, Native American, as well as Multiracial, low-income, first-generation, women, Muslim, Jewish, International, and LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) communities.

The Center's programs include academic lunch forums, workshops, special discussion panels, lectures, and receptions relating to issues of pluralism and social justice in the community and society at large. We organize specific programs during First Days (Voices and Bridges), Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (an annual dinner and lecture) and heritage programs throughout the year.

The Multicultural Center staff, located in Jenness House, consists of a Director, Assistant Director, Queer Life Coordinator, Program Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, and Faculty Director.

Rape and Sexual Assault Network of Williams

x4100

support_table0The Rape and Sexual Assault Network of Williams is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while school is in session. Anyone who needs to talk about rape, incest, any other sexual assault recent or past, or a bad hook-up, is encouraged to call. The Network is staffed by trained student volunteers who can answer specific questions about rape and sexual assault as well as provide counseling and support. All calls are confidential. (Email: hotline@wso.williams.edu).

Registrar's Office

x4286 Hopkins Hall

Students should contact the Registrar's Office with any questions about credit earned at places other than Williams, registration, course changes, degree requirements, directory information, or any aspect of their records. This office also furnishes transcripts of academic records upon written request by the student, verification of attendance, and certification of student status for social security and veteran's benefits. Students may review their records any time during normal office hours or have a piece of candy, which is always available. See page for more details about student records and directory information.