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News from the Academic Advising Center, fall 2023

In this issue:

 

Outstanding Faculty Advisor of the Year

Every year the Academic Advising Center reaches out to undergraduate students to solicit feedback on their experience with their academic advisor. The information collected from this survey is used to determine the Outstanding Faculty Advisor of the Year. The advisor-advisee relationship is very important, and we appreciate students’ willingness to participate in this survey. On behalf of the Division of Student Success, it is with great pleasure to inform you that Professors Valerie Sperling and Amir Babak Aazami have received the important distinction of Outstanding Faculty Advisor for the 2022–23 academic year.

A very special thank you to the students who took the time to complete the survey!

Read about Professor Sperling

Read about Professor Aazami

Please join us in congratulating them on this outstanding achievement.


Updates from the Division of Student Success

At the Division of Student Success, we are here to connect you, challenge you, and support you across all aspects of your life, on campus and beyond — your education, health and well-being, career preparation, and cocurricular activities.

Academic Advising Center

Shaich Family Alumni and Student Engagement Center, Room 214
Telephone: 508-793-7468
Email: advising@clarku.edu
@clarkadvising | Linktree

The Academic Advising Center provides professional academic advising to all Undergraduate Art and Sciences students to help them identify their interests, choose a major — or design their own — and fulfill graduation requirements. The AAC provides additional support to students regarding other matters related to their academics, including questions about academic policies and procedures, transferring credit from external institutions, fifth course approval, incompletes, and more. The AAC offers both in-person and virtual meetings, and is open weekdays (except holidays) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 


Academic Support Center

Academic Commons, Goddard Library, first floor

The Office for Academic Support helps all students achieve their full academic potential through subject area-specific and success tutoring, Writing Center consulting, and academic coaching.

Tutoring Offerings this Semester

The Academic Support Center provides one-on-one peer tutoring in a variety of subjects. Frequently used tutoring services include support for biology, chemistry, computer science, math, game design, Spanish, and psychology. Additionally, we provide Peer Success Tutoring, which assists students with academic skills that apply to all academic disciplines. Peer Success Tutors help students improve their time management, organization, and study skills. Tutoring services can be booked through https://clarku.mywconline.net/. Appointments can be in person or online. 

Career Connections Center

Academic Internship Program (AIP)

Apply to receive academic credit for your internship. We will begin accepting applications for spring semester internships on Nov. 8. Check out more info about the program here.

Community Engagement and Volunteering

Are you looking to expand your learning outside of the classroom?  Reach out to the Community Engagement and Volunteering office to find out how to get involved with the Worcester community. Contact us at community@clarku.edu to learn more about building meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships with nonprofits and other community organizations.

First-Year Success Advising (FYSA) 

Academic Commons, Suite 107D — across from the Help Desk

Every incoming first-year student is paired with a First Year Success Advisor (FYSA), a professional staff person who will support them as they transition to the Clark community through their first year until they declare a major. Working in partnership with the FYI (first-year intensive) faculty advisor and the Peer Mentors, the FYSA is your go-to person for anything you need at Clark, including questions about getting involved on and off campus; getting connected to services and supports offered at Clark; course selection (along with your faculty advisor); and clarification on any and all institutional policies. You stay connected with your FYSA by meeting with them at least once per semester, and should feel free to contact them with any questions or concerns.  

The First Year Success Advising team is located on the first floor of the Academic Commons, in Suite 107D, right across from the Help Desk. Stop by and say hello!

Strategic Learning Services (SLS)

ASEC, 2nd floor
For more information or to sign up for SLS, contact Micky Roberts

The Strategic Learning Services program (SLS) supports any student on campus who may need assistance with executive functioning skills, time management, organization, or other areas of academic challenge. Data strongly suggests this type of structured and targeted support program enhances participating students’ ability to acclimate to the college community and has increased retention. Over a six-year period, students enrolled in a similar program retained at a 12–17% higher rate than other individuals within their same cohort who did not participate. We have found this to be true with the SLS program here at Clark. In addition, supported students earned a similar GPA to their peers in the overall population, and a majority graduated along with their respective cohorts.

Students may enroll in the SLS program at various points in their time at the institution and commit to meeting with a Strategic Learning Services Coach twice per week during the fall and spring semesters. The SLS Coach helps students review coursework and assignments, determines the need for additional campus support services to facilitate overall success, and helps students increase their ability to self-advocate and build skills for independence, both in and out of the classroom setting. Coaches assess students’ progress throughout the semester to ensure they are meeting their identified goals, a critical process that helps students build on their successes and actively engage in the learning process. All sessions between the coach and the student are documented to concretely identify and actively work on areas of need and growth. Most students participate in the program for two or three semesters, though some students may require more time in the program to support their success.

Please be aware there is a fee associated with this program. 

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) & Testing Center

We encourage all students registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to share their academic accommodations this semester. If you have not done so already, you must give our office permission to send your new faculty a copy of your accommodation letter by completing SAS’s Academic Accommodation Consent Form, which you can find on the SAS website under the SAS Forms Tab.

As we approach midterm exams, please remember to communicate your decisions around test-taking in a timely manner. SAS requires students to complete the Test Relocation Form a minimum of 5 business days before the scheduled exam date (two weeks in advance for midterms and finals) should they opt to access the SAS Testing Center. Alternatively, students have the right to coordinate their testing accommodations with their professors directly. If you do not wish to test with SAS, we encourage you to have conversations with your professors as soon as possible to begin coordinating how you may use your academic accommodations with their support.

If you have any questions or concerns throughout the semester, please don’t hesitate to contact SAS at accessibilityservices@clarku.edu.


Additional Student Resources

Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Advising

ASEC Room 206
Email Steven Moon, director, or call 508-793-7392

Clark University encourages students to apply for nationally competitive fellowships and awards to advance their research, teaching, and career trajectories, as well as internal research awards at Clark. The Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Advising assists students in the various phases of the application process, from planning and writing personal statements to interviewing.

The Writing Center

Clark University’s Writing Center offers all Clark students free one-to-one assistance with writing. Our writing consultants will work with you on any piece of writing, from short papers, research papers, and honors theses to graduate school applications and résumés. Conferences can focus on different aspects of writing: from grammar, word choice, and style to thesis development, coherence, and overall organization.

Clark University’s Writing Center consultants, who have expertise in multiple disciplines, can help you at any stage of the writing process, whether you are just beginning your research, in the early stages of drafting your ideas, or want advice about how to best document your sources. 

Schedule, cancel, or change an appointment with a writing consultant


A Note about Plagiarism

As we approach the end of the semester, you will likely be writing papers for your classes. Take a few minutes now to remind yourself of Clark University’s policy on plagiarism.

Students who are found guilty of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will face serious penalties for such actions. While the most common sanction is failure in the course, students have also been suspended or expelled. Clearly, any short-term advantage has the potential for a very negative long-term consequence. Don’t put your academic career in jeopardy!


Course Withdrawal and Spring 2024 Registration Information

Fall 2023 Course Withdrawal Policy and Deadline

The last day for Arts and Science undergraduate students to withdraw from a course with a grade of “W” is Monday, Dec.11.  

  • First-year students must meet with their First-Year Success Advisor to discuss the impact a withdrawal may have on their degree completion and to get their withdrawal form signed. The First-Year Success Advisors are in suite 107D in the Academic Commons. Please contact your FYSA or faculty advisor to schedule an appointment.
  • Upperclass students are encouraged to meet with either their faculty advisor or a staff member from the Academic Advising Center to discuss the course withdrawal and receive a signature on their course withdrawal form.

Withdrawal forms must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office, ASEC 305.

Spring 2024 Web Registration Schedule and Course Grids

Faculty Advisor PIN Release Information

As part of the advising process, each student must meet with their primary faculty advisor for course selection guidance and approval. Students have been reminded to come well-prepared to their advising meetings, with a schedule that establishes a balanced academic load that will let the student succeed. Students have also been encouraged to engage in active conversation during their advising meetings and to ensure that they are fulfilling their graduation requirements appropriately. Faculty advisors should not have released PINs before the advising period began on Oct. 25.

Advising is underway, and course grids are available online. Students should schedule an appointment with their primary academic advisor to get their PIN.

Current ARTS/SCI Undergraduate Students

Web registration begins at 8 a.m. on the days below (all times Eastern).

  • Senior class for registration purposes (must have a minimum of 24 units earned plus registered in): Thursday, Nov. 9
  • Junior class for registration purposes (must have 16-23.99 units earned plus registered in): Monday, Nov. 13
  • Sophomore class for registration purposes (must have 8-15.99 units earned plus registered in): Wednesday, Nov. 15
  • First-year class for registration purposes (has less than 8 units earned plus registered in): Friday, Nov. 17

To view your registration status:

  • Sign in to ClarkYou
  • Click on Registration
  • Click on Check Your Registration Status
  • Submit

You should see a message that notes that you have no holds that prevent registration; your academic standing permits registration; and your student status permits registration. It will also indicate your class for registration purposes.


Major Declaration

Students are required to declare a major by the end of their sophomore year. Students who transferred to Clark with junior standing must declare a major after one semester. For any clarification regarding major declaration, please email advising@clarku.edu.

Major Declaration Form

Minor/Concentration Declaration Form

These forms require a signature from the academic department of choice. Each form also includes a line where you will be assigned a faculty advisor. When completed, this form should be returned to the Registrar’s office.


Transfer of External Courses

To receive credit for courses taken outside of Clark, you must fill out a Transfer Credit Approval Form.

You must attach a catalog course description or syllabus for each course you list on your completed form. Courses cannot be evaluated without the description or syllabus. You should also fill out the form and begin the process for approval well in advance of the registration deadline of the host institution to avoid process delays and other potential problems.

If you are requesting major, minor, or concentration credit, you must obtain the signature of the appropriate department chair on the form before submitting it to the Academic Advising Center. 

If you are requesting that a course be evaluated to fill a Program of Liberal Studies (PLS) requirement, you must identify which course and which PLS you are looking to fill.

A maximum of two courses may be taken over the summer. Students must receive a grade of C or higher to earn Clark credit. Remember, the grade itself doesn’t transfer to Clark, just the credit — taking an off-campus course doesn’t affect your Clark GPA.

Transfer Credit Conversion:

  • A 4-credit-hour course is equivalent to 1 unit at Clark.
  • A 3-credit-hour course would convert to .75 units at Clark.

If you need further guidance on transfer credits, please reach out to the Academic Advising Center.


Study Abroad and Study Away Program

Fall 2024 and Full-Year 2024–25 Applications

Applications for fall 2024 and full-year (2024-25) study abroad are now open. Students wishing to study abroad in fall 2024 or for the full year should plan to submit their applications by March 1, 2024. Before doing so, students should submit an interest form.

Prior to applying to a program, you must:

  • Attend a Study Abroad & Away 101 session
  • Be a full-time student at Clark for at least one year
  • Declare a major and have an advisor in that major
  • Meet the requirements of your major and your study abroad program
  • Be in good academic, financial, and social standing

A Study Abroad & Away 101 session is required — we recommend it as the first step — for any student interested in going abroad or away at Clark. This session is meant to teach students about the basics of choosing and applying to a program, the requirements and academics of Clark’s approved programs, costs, scholarships, and more. We encourage students to join us to learn about opportunities abroad and to ask any questions they may have about the process.

*If you are unable to attend any of these sessions, please email us at studyabroad@clarku.edu to schedule an appointment to go over the content with an advisor.

New in 2024: May Term in Perugia, Italy

The Study Abroad office is excited to announce Clark’s new Leir May Term in Perugia, Italy — May 17–June 22, 2024.  As part of the May Term experience, students broaden their classroom learning by participating in excursions related to their course material. This intensive and valuable experience will bring together Clark students with guests from the European community. The Leir Program will offer two courses,  each of which carries one full unit of Clark credit, has no prerequisites, and is taught in English by a Clark faculty member. Students may enroll in ONE of the two courses. Applications will open in November. For more information, contact Alissa Briggs at abriggs@clarku.edu.

  • CHEM 030: Italian Kitchen Chemistry (SP) | Professor Don Spratt
  • IDND: From Farm to Table: Entrepreneurship and Local Development (GP; approval pending) | Professors Mary-Ellen Boyle and Jackie Geoghegan

From the Department of English

New Creative Writing Major

Breaking news! The Clark English department now has an official major in creative writing, as well as a minor. We are all thrilled finally to be able to offer both courses of study, as we know many of you will be. Please reach out to Professor Phil Lemos if you have any questions about declaring the major.

Learn more about the Creative Writing Program


Interdisciplinary Major in Data Science

Clark University has recently approved and started six new tracks for the data science major, a new concentration in geospatial data analytics, and a couple of exciting data science electives.

Academic Programs and Courses in Data Science

  • Interdisciplinary Major in Data Science
    • 8 core courses
    • 6 electives, including at least four from one of these 11 tracks (more are under development):
      • Biology
      • Computer Science
      • Economics
      • Chemistry/Biochemistry (new)
      • Geography/GIS
      • Environmental Science (new)
      • Management
      • Game Design/Production (new)
      • Mathematics
      • Psychology (new)
      • Physics (new)
  • Minor in Data Science
  • Management Major — Data Analytics Track
  • Concentration in Business Data Analytics
  • Concentration in Geospatial Data Analytics (new)
  • Data Science electives open to all students
    • DSCI 103 Data, Computing, and Society (FA, DI, new)
    • MATH 113 Sports Analytics (FA)

UMass Chan Open House

Are you a student interested in continuing your education in STEM or medical fields?

UMass Chan Medical School Open House
Friday, Jan. 19, 2024 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Albert Sherman Center — 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester

UMass Chan Medical School welcomes all prospective students and their advisors to learn about the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, and the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. This event will include presentations from each school and tour of the campus and labs.

We recommend that students in attending this open house register before they leave at the end of the fall semester. Although students of all academic years are welcome, juniors and seniors may find it most beneficial.

Register for the Jan. 19 UMass Chan open house


New and Rare Spring 2024 Courses

The following courses are either new or being offered for the first time in over a year. Please visit the Academic Catalog for course descriptions. * indicates a new course

Interdepartmental/Nondepartmental/Interdisciplinary

INDN 015: CU Commons – Implementing an Honors Experience at Clark (first-years and sophomores only) Instructor: Juan Pablo Rivera Schedule: TF TF 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

 

Department of Biology

*BIOL 269 Race and the Life Sciences Instructor: Elizabeth Bone Schedule: MW 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
BIOL 274: Biological Dynamics Instructor: Jacqueline Dresch Schedule: TF 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

 

Department of Computer Science

*CSCI 127: Basics of Software Design and Emerging Technology Instructor: Pawan Gupta Schedule: R 2:50 PM – 4:05 PM
DSCI 103: Data, Computing, and Society Instructor: Gary Holness Schedule: TR 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
DSCI 125: Introduction to Data Science Instructor: Shuo Niu Schedule: TR 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
TR 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
DSCI 215: Applying Deep Learning to Earth Observation Instructor: Lyndon Estes Schedule: MW 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM
DSCI 225: Applied Machine Learning Instructor: Catalin Veghes Schedule: MW 12:00 PM– 1:15 PM
F 12:00 – 1:15 PM

 

Department of Economics

ECON 213: Money and Banking Instructor: David Cuberes Schedule: TR 10:25 AM – 11:40 AM
ECON 224: Applied Game Theory Instructor: Junfu Zhang Schedule: MR 1:25 PM – 2:40 PM

 

Department of English

Creative Writing Courses

CRW 170 – Special Topics in Creative Writing –Latine Mythology: Speaking to Ancestors Instructor: Mandy Gutmann-Gonzalez Schedule: M 2:50 PM – 5:50 PM
CRW 270.01: Advanced Special Topics in Creative Writing – New Narrative: Techniques in Experimental Autobiography Instructor: Jeff Noh Schedule: T 2:50 PM – 5:50 PM
CRW 270.02 – Advanced Special Topics in Creative Writing: Transforming the Text Instructor: Reginald Gibson Schedule: R 2:50 PM – 5:50 PM

English Courses

*ENG 117: Reads and Eats: Introduction to Food and Literature Instructor: Elizabeth Blake Schedule:  TF 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
ENG 150: Intro to Medieval Lit Instructor: Dianne Berg Schedule: TR 10:25 AM – 11:40 AM
ENG 164: The Gothic Instructor: Lisa Kasmer Schedule: MR 2:50 PM – 4:05 PM
ENG 170.01: Special Topics in Literature – Intro to Asian American Literature and Culture Instructor: Jeff Noh Schedule: TR 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
ENG 170.02: Special Topics Literature – Writing in the Early Atlantic Instructor: Meredith Neuman Schedule: TR 10:25 AM – 11:40 AM
ENG 170.04: Special Topics in LiteratureEarly Women’s Voices Instructor: Dianne Berg Schedule: TR 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM
ENG 250.01: Special Topics in Medieval Literature Instructor: Dianne Berg Schedule: M 2:50 PM – 5:50 PM
ENG 253: Advanced Shakespeare –Black Matters in Shakespeare, Then and Now Instructor: Justin Shaw Schedule:  2:50 PM – 5:50 PM
ENG 270.02: Special Topics in Literature – Emily Dickinson Instructor: Lou Bastien Schedule: T 2:50 PM – 5:50 PM
ENG 270.03: Special Topics in Literature – Queer and Ethnic Counterpublics: Print Communities from C19 to the Present Instructor: Jeff Noh Schedule: F 9:00 AM – 11:50 AM
ENG 270.04: Special Topics in Literature – The Plantation, the Railroad, the Boarding School: Confronting Spaces of Racial Capitalism and Settler Colonialism Instructor: Spencer Tricker Schedule: F 9:00 AM – 11:50 PM
ENG 293: Special Topics in African American Literature – The African American Gothic Instructor: Kourtney Senquiz M 9:00 AM – 11:50 AM

 

Department of Education

*EDUC 276: Powerful Learning Through Teacher Research Instructor: Sarah Michaels Schedule: W 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
W: 4:00 PM – 5:50 PM
EDUC 295: Students As Partners in the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Process: The Learning Fellows of Clark University

 

Department of Geography

*EN 105: Understanding the Water-Energy-Food Nexus Instructor: Eman Lasheen Schedule: TR 10:25 AM – 11:40 AM

 

Department of Language, Literature, and Culture

*CLAS 127: From Herodotus to Eusebius: A History Survey of Greco-Roman Antiquity Instructor: Chris Synodinos Schedule: TR 7:20 PM – 8:35 PM
CMLT 210: The History and Politics of Modern Museums Instructor: Chris Burwick Schedule: TR 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
New – JAPN 195: Movements and Margins in Japanese Literature and Film Instructor: Alexander Murphy Schedule: TR 10:25 AM – 11:40 AM
GERM 131: German Culture and Conversation Instructor: Chris Burwick Schedule: TR 10:25 AM – 11:40 AM
GERM 230: The German Discovery of Sex Instructor TBD Schedule: TR 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM
SPAN 141: Spanish Translation Workshop Instructor: María Acosta Cruz Schedule: MR 1:25 PM – 2:40 PM
*SPAN 200: Afro-Latinx Cultures in the Americas: Movement, Migration and Complex Identities IInstructor: Eduard Arriaga-Arango Schedule: MW 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

 

Department of Mathematics

Math 113: Sports Analytics Instructor: Michael Satz Schedule: TF 1:25 PM – 2:40 PM
Math 245: Introduction to Partial Differential Equations Instructor: Aghil Alaee Khangha Schedule: MR 1:25 PM – 2:40 PM

 

Department of Philosophy

*PHIL 212 – Philosophy of the City Instructor: Jennifer Greene Schedule: MW 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM
*PHIL 236 – Metaphysics of Social Kinds Instructor: Arden Ali Schedule: MWF 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM

 

Department of Physics

PHYS 20 – Discovering Physics  –Topic: Seeing the Light Instructor: Ranjan Mukhopadhyay Schedule: TF 12:00 PM – 1:15
PMTF 1:16 PM – 2:00 PM

 

Department of Psychology

PSYC 250: Psychology of Power and Privilege Instructor: Andrew Stewart Schedule: R 2:50 PM – 5:50 PM
PSYC 251 – Special Topics in Psychology: Affect, Reason, and Persuasion Instructor: Mike Miller Schedule: MW12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

 

Department of Sociology

SOC 125: Cities and Suburbs Instructor: Jack Delehanty Schedule: MR 2:50 PM – 4:05 PM
SOC 220.02: Special Topics– Sociology of Sexual and Gender-based Violence Instructor: Nona Gronert Schedule: TR 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
*SOC 283: Black Organizational Life in the United States – capstone Instructor: Joseph Guzman Schedule: M 9:00 AM – 11:50 AM
SOC 284: Community and Health: Non-Profit Grant Writing (formerly SOC 250) Instructor: Rosalie Torres Stone Schedule: F 9:00 am – 11:50 am

 

Department of Visual and Performing Arts

ARTH 161: The Arts of Islam Instructor: Naomi Pitamber Schedule: MW 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
ARTH 225: Pilgrimage and the Crusades Instructor: Naomi Pitamber Schedule: M 2:50 PM – 5:50 PM
ARTS 150.1: Special Topic – Illustrating the Fantasy Narrative Instructor: Melizza Santram-Chernov Schedule: MR 1:25 PM – 4:05 PM
ARTS 150.2: Special Topic: Documentary Photo Instructor: Suzanne Revy   Schedule: TF 9:00 AM – 11:40 AM
ARTS 266.01: Sculpture Studio: Materiality in Thought Instructor: James Howzell Schedule: TR 1:25 PM – 4:05 PM
ARTS 274: Contemporary Directions Instructor: Toby Sisson Schedule: TR 9:00 AM – 11:40 AM
ARTS 280: Observational Abstraction Instructor: Joseph Ray Schedule: T R 9:00 AM – 11:40 AM
MUSC 128: Music & Words Instructor: Nicholas Tocci Schedule: MW 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM
*TA 210: Acting for TV & Film Instructor: Gino DiIorio Schedule: W 9:00 AM – 11:50 AM
*TA 218: Musical Theatre Practicum Instructor: Nicholas Tocci R 2:50 PM – 5:50 PM
*SCRN 222: Special Topics in Screen Studies – Synth Cinema Instructor: Hugh Manon Schedule: T R 10:25 AM – 11:40
Screening: R 7:00 PM – 9:45 PM