Graduate Symposium &
Graduation Dinner

Friday, April 18, 2008
6:00 pm - 8:15 pm
Community Room of
the Christopher Center Library

For more information, visit
the Symposium website.

Student Resources


Whether you are a new student or a current student, navigating through what a university and its surrounding community has to offer you can be a challenge. The following is a list of the many services and offices devoted to helping graduate students succeed:

  1. Graduate Student Involvement
  2. Academic Services
  3. Offices
  4. Student Life
  5. Facilities
  6. Calendars
  7. VU News & Publications
  8. Community

 

Graduate Student Involvement
Athenaeum The Athenaeum is an Honor Society sponsored by the Graduate Division that recognizes the scholarly, creative, and intellectual pursuits of MALS students. 
Commencement Commencement Ceremonies are held each May and December. Diplomas are printed each May, August, December.
Graduate Catalog New graduate catalogs are produced each year. It is important to check new catalogs for changes in program requirements.
Graduate Forms A complete listing of academic procedure and petition forms used in Graduate Studies.
Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC) The Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC) advises the Graduate Office about student needs and concerns.
Graduation Process There are two times a year when students will apply for graduation; February and September.
MALS Concentration Courses A listing of suggested courses for the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) Concentrations for the Fall 2007 semester.
Orientation New graduate student orientation is held before the start of each fall and spring semester. New students are REQUIRED to attend this event.
Registration After enrolling in your first fall, spring, summer semester, you will be registering for classes on-line, through DataVU.
Schedule of Classes A listing of classes, registration information, important dates, and policies for the next semester as well as past semesters.
Symposium for Graduate Research/Graduation Dinner This annual event highlights excellent and original projects completed over the past year through oral presentations, recognizes those students who will be graduating with distinction, as well as celebrating graduate students' accomplishments as a recent or forthcoming graduate.
Winter Graduation Reception This annual event recognizes those students who will be graduating with distinction, as well as celebrating graduate students' accomplishments as a recent or forthcoming graduate.
Writing Workshop The Semi-Annual Writing Workshop provides instruction and review of the APA and MLA writing styles and formats. This workshop typically convenes in late September (Fall) and late January/early February (Winter) each year, and consists of 4-5 hrs of intense writing instruction, offered by VU faculty. A nominal fee is charged.
The Graduate Newsletter Valparaiso University's Quarterly Graduate Newsletter.

 

Academic Services
Christopher Center Library Services The Christopher Center for Library and Information Services exists to meet the research and information needs of the Valparaiso University campus community as well as the broader community within which we are located.
Disability Support Services Statement of Disability Support Services: Valparaiso University and its faculty have a legal responsibility to provide reasonable accommodation for students who have a diagnosed specific disability but are otherwise qualified for the course or degree program. Any modifications in the manner in which a course is conducted are restricted to changes in the format of instruction or evaluation. Such modifications must not change the academic standards or basic content of the course. Substitution of specific courses in a degree program or general education must not change the standards or basic educational goals of the degree.
INTERLINK INTERLINK offers intensive English preparation in grammar, reading, writing, listening and speaking for admissible students who have not met Valpo’s TOEFL requirements. The emphasis is on effective communication, and the goal is solid preparation for academic success. INTERLINK also offers special programs geared towards preparing students entering the Law and Business programs at VU.
Office of International Studies The International Studies Office is dedicated to serving the special needs of international students and helping to create a supportive environment in which to live and study. It is our goal to help international students reach their fullest potential at Valparaiso University.
VU Academic Guide & Student Handbook The Student Guide to University Life: Academic Guide and Student Handbook is a ready reference for programs, procedures, and policies for these aspects of campus life and more. It is designed with the student in mind — as a user-friendly compilation of information all students need to know to help ensure successful and rewarding college careers.
Writing Center At the Writing Center, students may discuss writing projects with peer consultants or the professional staff member. Conferences center on planning, revision, editing, and bibliography or citation matters. Help with writing application essays, personal statements, and employment materials is also given.

 

Offices
Career Center The Career Center is a comprehensive career services facility offering a wide array of services to students of all colleges. Services include career counseling; cooperative education/internship information and orientation; and job search/employment assistance. Individual resume and cover letter critiquing is available as well as assistance with other job search tasks and career exploration.
Financial Aid A college degree is a valuable investment, but comes at a significant price. The Office of Financial Aid is committed to working with you to maximize your eligibility for aid from all sources, and to explore all available options to help you finance your Valpo education.
Health Center The Student Health Center provides professional health care and wellness programs for qualifying students. The Health Center is staffed by Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioners. A consulting Physician is also available upon referral. Walk-ins and appointments are available all day. Visits to the Health Center are strictly confidential. Except in rare instance, as specified by law, no medical information will be released without written authorization from the patient.
Information Technology Information Technology (IT) services, coordinates and managers servers; data networks (wired and wireless) including Internet access; communication resources including electronic mail, voice mail, telephone service, video cable, and satellite reception resources; general-access computing facilities; and general-purpose software related to the academic and administrative functions of the University.
Office of Graduate Studies Whether you are seeking to enhance your professional development, redirect your career, or simply enrich your life through exploration of contemporary and classical topics, advanced study through the Valparaiso University Graduate may provide the ideal match for your needs and interests.
Office of Multicultural Programs The Office of Multicultural Programs provides a variety of support programs and services designed to address the specific academic, cultural, and social needs of underrepresented groups (African-American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American students).
Office of the Registrar The mission of the office is to provide the highest level of service and commitment to an effective data management system that ensures integrity, confidentiality and security of institutional records for the students and the University.
Office of Student Accounts The Office of Student Accounts is responsible for the processing and timely dissemination of accurate financial information that appears on the monthly Statement of Account. This statement includes all charges for tuition, room, board, and fees plus other miscellaneous charges. It also includes all credits as the result of financial aid transactions. Our goal is to provide outstanding customer service while maintaining a high level of integrity and professional ethics.
VU Book Center Learn the hours of operation for the VU Book Center or order books and supplies through their online store.
VU Police Department The mission of the VUPD is to maintain, within the bounds of the campus and property of Valparaiso University, a safe and tranquil atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of the University's primary function-education.

 

Student Life
Intramural Sports & Campus Recreation How will you stay fit at Valpo? Meet other students in a fun environment? Compete in your favorite sports without committing to NCAA Division I athletics? Relieve stress in a healthy way? Valpo's popular and extensive recreational sports program has the answers!
Student Organizations Student organizations abound on the campus. They focus on a variety of activities including academic and professional interests, hobbies, recreational activities, cultural interests, activities connected with the Chapel, religious interests, politics, and service projects.
VU Athletics The official website of Crusaders' Division I athletics.
Union Board As one of Valparaiso University's largest student organizations, the Union Board provides films, lectures, concerts, outdoor recreation trips, coffeehouses, special events activities, diversity programs, trips to Chicago, and much, much more.

 

Facilities
Athletic-Recreation Center (ARC) The main facility for intramural sports, fitness, recreation, and intercollegiate athletics at VU.
Brauer Museum of Art The Brauer Museum of Art is home to a nationally recognized collection of 19th- and 20th - century American art and includes works by Frederic Edwin Church, Asher B. Durand, Childe Hassam, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Ed Paschke. It also houses the largest known collection of works by Junius R. Sloan, a Hudson River School painter who lived and worked in the Midwest. Other focus areas within the collection include world religious art and Midwestern regional art. As well as displaying selections from its permanent collection, the Brauer Museum hosts a full schedule of special exhibitions and events.
Chapel of the Resurrection The Chapel of the Resurrection is a place of worship for the University community and serves a variety of roles. It regularly is the site of University convocations, commencement ceremonies and special lectures as well as performances by instrumental and vocal ensembles.
Martin Luther King Jr. Center The Martin Luther King, Jr., Cultural Center serves all campus constituents. The Center provides students a place to relax, meet, and study while utilizing various resources. Various gatherings, workshops, socials, classes, activities, and meetings are held at the Center throughout the year.
VU Center for the Arts (VUCA) The VU Center for the Arts offers a comprehensive and ambitious visual and performing arts program for Valparaiso University, encompassing the areas of Art, Music, Theatre, and the Brauer Museum of Art. Public programming in each of these areas features a variety of concerts, exhibitions, plays, and more.
VU Union The Valparaiso Union provides students with a place to meet, relax and study; a headquarters on campus for commuters; a place where students, faculty and administration can develop acquaintances outside the classroom; a place to entertain and be entertained at programs, dinners and receptions; a place for recreation; and an information and service center.

 

Calendars
VU Featured Events Calendar of events from across campus. This website also includes a listing of calendars from various offices at VU.
Academic Calendar Listing of important dates during the academic year for undergraduate, graduate, and law students at VU. The calendar is maintained by the Office of the Registrar.

 

VU News and Publications
Campus Chronicle Valparaiso University's weekly newsletter for and about the faculty and staff.
The Summit Valparaiso University's monthly newsletter put out by Information Technology.
The Torch Valparaiso University's weekly student-run newspaper.
VALPO Magazine Valparaiso University's Monthly alumni magazine.

 

Valparaiso Community
Valparaiso Apartments Need a place to live? The Office of Graduate Studies compiles a comprehensive list of many of the rental properties in town. So, even if you don't know Valparaiso, with this list, you should not have any trouble finding the perfect housing arrangement.
City of Valparaiso Home Page The official government website for the city of Valparaiso.
Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) is a membership organization consisting of members in the business, government, education, and not-for-profit sectors. Through its volunteer committees and its partnerships with organizations in the Northwest Indiana region, the Chamber works on economic development, member services, legislative, and quality of life issues.
Connect to Valpo Charming and full of character, Valparaiso is a family focused, volunteer oriented and pedestrian friendly community, offering hometown amenities, a variety of recreational activities from youth basketball camps to triathlons; over 15 lush parks with playgrounds, lakes, and picnic pavilions; a historic downtown featuring street-side cafes, antique and specialty shops, a seasonal farmer's market and outdoor concerts; award-winning theatres; dynamic museums; welcoming churches and housing suited to fit any budget from loft apartments to custom built estate homes.
Porter County Home Page The official government website of Porter County, Indiana.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Steep Sand Dunes and Magnificent Lake Views, experience these sights at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore: waves crashing on sandy beaches, Karner Blue butterflies landing on wild lupines, Sweaty draft horses working the Chellberg Farm fields, peaceful silence lingering along winter trails, and Bank swallows flying from their nest inside the dunes.
Indiana Dunes State Park Let's head for the beach! You'll love the sights and sounds of the three miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan. A beautiful nature center offers details of the history of the dunes area and a variety of special programming year-round. The sand dunes will astound you, as will the vast variety of desert plants, giant wood ferns and white pines.
Porter County Convention, Recreation & Visitor Commission The PCCRVC is the official agency for tourism marketing, planning, and development in Porter County, Indiana. The mission of the Porter County Convention, Recreation & Visitor Commission is to enhance the quality of life for Porter County's residents and organizations through a philosophy of partnerships. This shall be achieved by stimulating the local economic base through competitive marketing and support of the visitor industry.
Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau Chicago is a world-class city of unsurpassed beauty, attracting visitors from around the nation and the world. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago is home to the Blues, several sports teams, an internationally renowned symphony orchestra, spectacular live theater, celebrated architecture, thousands of restaurants, and world-class museums and shops. This website is a fantastic guide to what all Chicago has to offer.