Being a new student at a new place can be overwhelming, especially when not knowing where things are or how they work.
Below are some helpful places around campus as well as some good things to know for the future.
Campus Safety
The Public Safety office is located near the library in the Morrissey House. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm; however, the office is staffed 24/7, year-round.
Located across campus are poles with blue lights. Students that feel unsafe can find the nearest blue light and press the emergency button to receive assistance from Public Safety.
Further, students should make sure to walk in a group when uncertain about their surroundings and to ask for help when needed.
More information about campus safety can be found in the article, “Staying Safe on Campus,” on the Penmen Press website, which goes into depth about SNHUs campus safety.
Students can reach Public Safety at (603) 645-9700, or publicsafety@snhu.edu.
Academic Advising
The Green Center located next to the Student Center houses the Academic Advising Office in suite 116. Students can find their advisor on the dashboard of the MySNHU front page.
Students are required to meet with their advisors at least once every semester. Academic advisor meetings can be used to address any academic or college-life concerns.
Academic Advisor, Kathryn Petto, discussed what students should know about advising.
“A few of the main things an Academic Advisor can assist you with are; planning courses, course registration, scheduling tutoring, time management and study habits, prepping for tough conversations, and providing guidance in the transition to college life,” said Petto.
“We’re here to support you academically and cheer you on personally. We are here to help you succeed and we genuinely want what is in your best interest,” said Petto.
Students are recommended to make an appointment to connect with their Academic Advisor within the first three to four weeks of the Fall semester.
Shapiro Library
The Shapiro Library has three floors, each offering desktop computers, work tables, and seating areas for students to use.
The library has a quiet floor designated for students who need a silent environment, along with a floor for students doing collaborative work or quietly socializing with friends.
Alternatively, students can book a study room for individual or collaborative work. Study rooms are located on the first through the third floor of the library.
To book a study room, students should set a reservation of time and room in advance online at the Shapiro Library page under the study room tab. For additional questions, contact the front desk at the library.
Students with computer troubles can visit the IT desk located on the first floor. IT can help students with a variety of problems, including Wi-Fi connection, virus removal, and updates to hardware as well as installs and upgrades.
More information about the IT desk can be found on the SNHU library webpage, libanswers.snhu.edu
Also on the first floor of the library is the Makerspace, which houses several rooms with various purposes. Christine Keenan, Innovation Lab Manager, discussed the Makerspace and what is available to students.
“[The Makerspace has] an amazing team that is very good at helping to brainstorm and walk you through projects of interest,” said Keenan
September is full of events such as Lego Night on September 15, along with “Make Your Own Keychain” on September 17.
Free hours are also available. There is no charge for the Makerspace. Any student can work at any of the tables, try out the 3D printers, or utilize the paint room. The Makerspace is in the process of expanding its paint bar and heat press.
Keenan encourages people to come in and try something new, assuring that someone will always be there to help out.
The Innovation Lab is being turned into a community room with couches, Legos, and a write-on wall. Next to the Innovation Lab is the studio, which hosts a podcast area. It can be used to practice a speech or record a podcast. Offerings include backdrops and photography tools such as tripods.
Walk-in hours are 10am-6pm on weekdays. For any questions or concerns, reach out to c.keenan1@snhu.edu or s.saia@snhu.edu.
For students struggling with classes, tutoring is available. Ashley Liadis, Director of the Wolak Learning Center, offers students insight on the option of peer tutoring on campus.
“We offer drop-in tutoring in a variety of courses: one-to-one tutoring by request, and…class-embedded tutors in select classes where peer support will be available in (and out) of class,” said Liadis.
Students can log in to MySNHU and select Campus Academic Support to access assistance and view the complete drop-in tutoring schedule. Tutoring begins on Tuesday, September 6 in the Wolak Learning Center, located on the second floor of the library.
Students with additional questions can contact wolaklearningcenter@snhu.edu.
Class and Brightspace
The academic buildings on campus are as followed: SETA, the Hospitality Center, Robert Frost Hall, Belknap Hall, the Academic Center, Webster Hall, the Engineering Annex, and Madison House. Alternatively, built-in classrooms are located in the Kingston and Monadnock residence halls.
Students have three unexcused absences from class before they can be removed from the course.
Students use Brightspace to access and submit assignments, for which the website is linked on MySNHU. The Pulse app can be downloaded to do so as well.
“[My] biggest advice would [be] to not be afraid to ask questions, and [to] go to office hours if you need extra help,” said Penny McNees (‘24).
Student Center
Located across from Robert Frost Hall and next to the Green Center is the Student Center. The Student Center is the home of many campus and organization offices.
Inside is the Bookstore, where students can get their textbooks or purchase school supplies and SNHU merchandise.
The Student Center also has the Penmen Place, which has a café and mini supermarket inside. Students that visit can grab a coffee or select grocery items.
Students can access the mail room immediately inside the Student Center, where they can find their lockers to receive mail.
For leisure, students can visit the Commuter Lounge or The Last Chapter Pub. The Pub offers alcohol for students who are 21 and older, as well as non-alcoholic drinks.
In the back of the Student Center is the Wellness Center, which is available to all students. The Wellness Center is a licensed Health Center in New Hampshire. Offerings include the CARE team and counseling services. Stress and burnout are expected with new changes, especially during the first year. Help is always available and is confidential for students.
More information about the Wellness Center is available on the SNHU website under student services.
Dining Dollars and Penmen Cash
In the Dining hall and Penmen Place, students can use dining dollars. Dining dollars come from the selected Meal Plan and cannot be added to.
Penmen Cash is another set amount of money that can be reloaded. Students can put as much or as little money into their account as they desire, and refill it as needed. Students use Penmen Cash in the Dining Hall or Penmen Place, as well as to pay for laundry services. Laundry cannot be done without it.
Final Thoughts
Students new to campus should look to follow a routine that balances school and socialization so work doesn’t pile up. Above are just some of the things that are going to be helpful to have a strong start to freshman year.
Being a freshman can be scary and can be a lot to take in. SNHU staff and faculty are here to help with any questions or concerns.
For additional information, log into my.snhu.edu.
