On-Campus Supplemental Programs

The Learning Center

The Learning Center provides academic support services to all students and faculty of Roberts Wesleyan College. Individual assistance, small group instruction, workshops, seminars, tutoring, and mediated instruction may be arranged on a drop-in basis or by appointment. Assistance is available for developing the organizational skills, reading, writing, critical thinking, and study habits necessary for academic success. Classes in the English for Speakers of Other Languages program are designed to develop proficiency in English and to prepare international students for college classes. The Learning Center also coordinates services based on individual needs for students with disabilities.

Students with Disabilities

Based on individual needs, the Learning Center coordinates services and accommodations for students with disabilities. Students requesting services must provide complete and current documentation of a disability before any accommodations can be provided. All accommodations are subject to approval by the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities. For further information, please contact the Learning Center in the B. Thomas Golisano Library.

Golisano Library

Facilities

Opened in August 2007, the B. Thomas Golisano Library is a 43,000 sq. ft. state-of-the art facility designed on an information commons model.  Features include: a 32-station computer lab and a café study area with a gas log fireplace, both open to students on a 24/7 basis; a 28-station information commons with network printing and easily accessible reference assistance; 11 group study rooms; a 42-station instructional lab that can be portioned into separate 24- and 18-station classrooms; the campus Learning Center; a small screening room; a wide variety of comfortable table, carrel, and lounge furniture study seating; extensive use of green technology (including a geothermal-based HVAC system); and wireless network access throughout.  The full library is open 93 hours per week during the academic year, with queries accepted via telephone, electronic mail, and instant messaging, as well as in person.

Information Resources

The library provides a full range of print and electronic resources to support the curriculum.  On-site collections include more than 135,000 books and bound journal volumes, about 700 current journal subscriptions, a substantial recorded music collection, and a collection of classic films on DVD and videocassette.  Electronic resources include more than 90 subscription databases, most accessible by students and faculty both on and off campus.  These databases provide indexing and abstracting for a broad spectrum of the academic journal literature, articles in full text from more than 20,000 journals and newspapers, key reference works, e-books and documents, streaming audio for classical and jazz music recordings, and streaming video for selected theater productions.  The library Web site also provides subject guides that include links to relevant Internet sites.

Information Technology Services

Roberts Wesleyan College maintains computing facilities for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff.  The Information Technology Services department offers training and support for all computer hardware and software on campus.  ITS offices are located in the lower south wing of the Smith Science Center or can be reached at 585.594.6898 or helpdesk@roberts.edu.

Classroom Computers

All classrooms are equipped with a computer connected to the classroom's projection and sound system.  These computers are loaded with the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office and are connected to the College network and the Internet.

Computer Labs

All lab computers are equipped with software to allow students to do their course related assignments, access the Internet, and use their personal email.  In addition, some computers have specific academic software for specific courses.

Discipline-specific Computing Laboratories

Several departments have computer labs dedicated to specific purposes.  The following list cites several examples.

• Learning Center: computers used for the ESOL program
• Library: computers used for CD-ROM database workstations
• Social Sciences: computers used for psychology laboratory simulation exercises
• Biology: computers used for ecosystem simulations and data acquisition systems
• Physics: computers used for data acquisition and data analysis
• Music: computers used for listening training and music creation
• Art: computers used for graphic design applications
• Nursing: computers used for tutorials, clinical simulations, and class assignments

ITS works with each division to evaluate and select available hardware and software that is appropriate for their discipline and within the College guidelines for new purchases.  ITS will work with each division on hardware and software installation, troubleshooting, and repairs.

Networking

The campus network allows faculty, staff, and students to use e-mail, shared network storage space (H: drive for individual documents, G: drive for division documents, and W: drive for campus documents), shared printers, and the Internet.   All Internet usage must be consistent with Roberts Wesleyan College's Mission Statement, Community Ethos Statement, and other supporting documents of Roberts Wesleyan College.

Acceptable Use

The efficient operation of these facilities requires cooperation between users and the staff of Information Technology Services (ITS).  The hardware and software in these facilities is the property of the College.  Use of the computing facilities is a privilege that can be withdrawn if users abuse the hardware or software, or violate the rights and needs of others.

Media Support Services

Media equipment for student and faculty use includes digital video cameras, digital still cameras, digital and cassette audio recorders, audio and video editing facility, media production facility, TV studio, DVD/CD production and duplication, microphones, lamination, scanning, portable video/data projectors, portable PA system, and computer interfaces for classroom presentations.  Instruction, equipment, and assistance are available to students and faculty for any class project through the Media Services Department.  Media Services is also responsible for the repair, purchase, and distribution of all audio-video equipment.  For requests or questions about these services, call extension 6492 or email kellsj@roberts.edu.