Navigating Westfield State University: A Comprehensive Guide for Students
Westfield State University offers a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and personally. This guide addresses common questions and provides essential information to help you navigate your journey.
Accessing Your University Information
Finding Your A# (University ID)
Your A# is your University ID number. You can find it on your degree audit in MyWestfield. This number is essential for various administrative processes and accessing university services.
Viewing Your Class Schedule on MyWestfield
To view your schedule, log into MyWestfield and click on the Academics tab at the top. Within the Academics tab, you'll find a box on the right-hand side labeled Academic Records.
Accessing Online Classes on PLATO
Students will be enrolled in the PLATO system the Friday before classes start, including Winter and Summer sessions. Initially, you'll only have access to a 'Student Overview' tutorial course on PLATO. Your specific courses will be accessible by 8 AM on the first day of classes.
Academic Matters
Understanding Course Content
All course descriptions are available in the University Catalog under course descriptions. Scroll down until you get to the “Course filter,” under prefixes, select the department, then click on filter.
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Attendance Expectations
All students, whether in remote synchronous or in-person classes, are expected to attend class at the assigned times.
What Happens If You Miss the First Class?
Contact your instructor as soon as possible and make sure to attend the next class meeting. Students who miss the first sessions of a class may be administratively removed from the class.
Adding or Dropping Courses
Students can add or drop classes through the Registration tab in MyWestfield. First-time First-Year students should work with the Registrar’s Office for assistance with adding and dropping classes. It's important for all students to consult with their academic advisor before making changes to their schedule. If you need to drop the class before the end of the drop-add period, you can do so through the Registration tab in MyWestfield.
Understanding Your Degree Audit
Also referred to as the degree audit, this document provides a comprehensive list of the degree requirements for your major and core courses. It serves as a checklist, marking off the courses you've finished and the grades you've received, as well as outlining what's left for you to complete. Additionally, it includes your A# (University ID), your advisor's name, your GPA, and the total number of credits you've earned, including courses currently in progress. Your degree audit, also known as a degree evaluation, lists all the requirements needed to complete your degree, including courses or internships you've already completed that fulfill requirements. It also shows courses you're currently registered for that will fulfill requirements upon completion, labeled as 'in progress' (IP). You can access your degree audit in MyWestfield, and your advisor can help you learn how to use it.
Identifying Your College and Dean
You can access your grades through MyWestfield.
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Addressing Concerns with a Class
Your first step should be to reach out to your professor. They typically list their office hours and how to contact them on the class syllabus. Additionally, you can visit the Academic Support page to explore various academic support programs. Feel free to reach out to the program that seems most relevant to your concern.
Finding Your Advisor
Students can locate their advisor by accessing their degree audit in MyWestfield. The advisor's name will be listed towards the top-left of the page. If you are an Exploratory, First-Year Criminal Justice major, on Academic Warning, or do not have an advisor listed on the degree audit, please make an appointment to visit the Office of Advising and Transfer Transitions.
Contacting Your Advisor
Students should contact their advisor whenever they want to register for courses, change courses, drop or withdraw from a course, declare a concentration, or seek academic advice.
Identifying Required Core Classes
Your degree audit, also known as a degree evaluation, lists all the requirements needed to complete your degree, including courses or internships you've already completed that fulfill requirements.
Textbooks and Resources
Purchasing Textbooks
As you prepare for your upcoming courses, ensuring you have the necessary textbooks is essential for success. The Westfield State University Bookstore offers convenient options to meet your needs. With just a few clicks on their webpage, you can access a wide range of textbooks tailored to your course requirements. You can purchase your books through the Westfield State University Bookstore webpage. Often professors will provide the texts to you through the PLATO course.
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Selling Back Textbooks
Accessing Electronic Texts
Any student can go to the Westfield State University Bookstore to see if an electronic text is available (.pdf or .epub). Other resources include Amazon, Chegg, Vitalsource and Redshelf. If an .epub version is available through Vitalsource, it will have a built-in reader.
Utilizing Text-to-Speech Software
Most word processing software (Microsoft word, google doc, Adobe Reader), has a function to read text.
Technology Support
Technology plays a crucial role in your academic journey at Westfield State University, and we want to ensure you have the support you need to navigate it seamlessly. From accessing essential platforms like MyWestfield to managing your PLATO account, we've compiled some key information to assist you in handling common tech-related questions.
Getting Help with Computer Problems
They should be able to assist you directly or guide you to the appropriate office for further assistance. Click on MyWestfield and enter your username and password when prompted.
Understanding WSU360
WSU360 is an online system that helps you track your progress in class and find support resources on campus.
Resetting Your Account Password
To reset your password for your WSU account, visit the login page for MyWestfield. You'll find a prompt for 'forgot my password' to guide you through the process.
Technology Requirements for Online Classes
To attend or complete classes online, all students will need a device with internet access, a camera, microphone, and audio capabilities. Some students may find it helpful to have headphones with a microphone for better sound quality. Westfield State University offers various software licenses, including Microsoft Office and SPSS, for students to use at no cost.
Addressing Concerns About Camera Use During Class
There could be personal reasons why you need to keep your camera off during class. Check your course syllabus to see if your professor has a specific policy. While many professors may expect cameras to be on for various reasons, such as understanding and participation, it's important to communicate with your instructor if you have concerns. Write to your professor explaining why you might need to keep your camera off and when you might need it off.
Accessing Online Classes Without Personal Technology
If you're facing financial challenges that prevent you from accessing your online classes, it's crucial to reach out for support as soon as possible. You can contact the CARE Center, professor, college dean, or the advising office for assistance. They may be able to help you find resources to overcome these obstacles.
Campus Resources and Support
Study Spaces on Campus
As part of our commitment to supporting your academic success, we offer a variety of study spaces across campus for both on-campus and commuter students. We've got you covered with multiple study spaces on campus! Absolutely! We get how tough it can be to study from home, especially when you need to switch to a remote class right after being on campus. No, only students who live in a residential hall can use its study spaces.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center has been providing valuable support services to the campus community since 1995.
Addressing Coursework-Related Anxiety
Work with Student Accessibility Services to see whether there are any accommodations that can be made.
International Programs Office
The International Programs Office provides students the resources for a well-rounded education at Westfield State University including academic and social experiences. IPO coordinates and administers programs that serve international students, faculty, and visitors to the Westfield community. There are many and various factors that will determine what steps to take as an international student or student living outside of the country. Similarly, your status will determine whether and how you can take courses at WSU.
Study Abroad Programs
At Westfield State University, students have the exciting opportunity to travel to various destinations around the world while earning academic credit. The Study Abroad program offers students from all majors the chance to study abroad for a semester, year, or short-term course during summer, winter, or spring break in over 36 countries. Programs that meet your needs.
Additional Support Services
Our student support services team has gathered resources to help with common questions students ask. We've organized them by topic so you can easily find what you need.
Local Transportation - PVTA
PVTA provides transportation services with stops both on campus and in the center of Westfield.
Housing Assistance
How do I find a place to live if I can no longer live at my current address or don’t have a place to live?
Preferred Name Changes
To update the preferred/chosen first name only a form can be submitted.
Campus Environment
Westfield State University’s 256-acre campus lies just west of Springfield in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts-ideally located for outdoor adventures in the Berkshires, as well as access to the city centers of Hartford and Boston. Our engaging campus culture offers plenty of opportunities to build connections beyond the classroom. Explore a welcoming community. Experience personalized academic support, engaging student organizations, opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad.
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