Cedar Crest offers a wide variety of support programs designed to help students achieve their goals. The programs and services offered are available to ALL Cedar Crest students at no cost.
Academic Advising
Each new undergraduate at Cedar Crest receives their initial academic advising from an advisor in the Office of Academic Advising. To ensure students receive the most accurate initial advising as possible, advisors specialize in academic areas.
Students transition to new academic advisors once they are enrolled at Cedar Crest. First-year Traditional undergraduate students are assigned a First Year Advisor through the First Year Experience program. Traditional Transfer and undergraduate SAGE students are assigned to a faculty advisor in their intended major.
Graduate students are assigned a faculty advisor upon acceptance into their academic program. However, throughout a student’s academic career, Academic Advising staff are available to answer advising questions and help students with academic decision-making.
Contact:
Anna Eichner
Director of Academic Services and Student Success
610-606-4628
Act 101 Program
The FALCONERS (Act 101) program is a Pennsylvania state-funded program that allocates funds to colleges to provide services to academically and financially disadvantaged students to assist them in successfully completing postsecondary study. Cedar Crest College has a dedicated staff person to work directly with students that qualify for assistance through this program.
Contact:
Lynnsae Powers
Director of Persistence Support Resources
610-606-4628
Athletics
The Department of Athletics provides nine NCAA intercollegiate sports (field hockey, lacrosse, basketball, swimming, softball, tennis, cross country, soccer and volleyball)
| Fall Sports | Winter Sports | Spring Sports |
| NCAA: Volleyball Soccer Field Hockey Cross Country | NCAA: Basketball Swimming | NCAA: Lacrosse Softball Tennis |
Eligibility Requirements
NCAA Division III regulations require that students be enrolled full-time, make satisfactory academic progress, and be in good academic standing to participate in athletics. In order to be eligible to participate in athletics at Cedar Crest, a student must
- Be full-time, registered for a minimum of 12 credits during the semester of athletic participation. Upper-class students must have accumulated no less than 24 credits the two semesters prior to the current semester of participation.
- Earn the minimum number of credits for each year of athletic team participation:
- Freshman 0.00 – 23.9
- Sophomore 24.0 – 54.9
- Junior 55.0 – 85.9
- Senior 86 or more
- Notify her coach and the Director of Compliance if she drops a course during the semester so that credits can be recomputed immediately by the registrar’s office.
- Achieve a minimum cumulative average of 2.000 as a freshman and a minimum cumulative average of 2.000 for any subsequent semester.
Campus Police
Cedar Crest College’s excellent safety and security record is attributable to the location of the college in a low crime area, its efforts to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff, and to the cooperation of the entire campus community. The annual security report is available to all students, faculty, and staff online at:
https://www.cedarcrest.edu/AnnualSecurityReport
The annual security report is a comprehensive report of campus safety which includes the last three years of statistics, a list of all reported crimes on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned/controlled by Cedar Crest College, and crimes that occurred on public property immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also provides information about institutional policies concerning campus security. All information in the annual security report has been prepared in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act.
The primary function of the Cedar Crest College Campus Police is to provide for the safety and welfare of all members of the College community. The Campus Police force currently consists of 12 full- and part-time officers. Officers are trained and certified in Act 235 (Lethal Weapons Training Act). Officers are qualified to use and to carry firearms and other defensive tools. Officers are also trained in CPR, First Aid, the use of emergency oxygen and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Additional courses in police related topics such as procedure, crime prevention, criminal investigation, and narcotics are provided whenever possible.
Campus Police is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to 12 officers, three staff members are utilized for dispatch duty and act as the main switchboard operators for the College. In the event of an emergency, members of the College community can contact the Campus Police by pressing “0” on any campus telephone or by calling 610-437-4471 from any off-campus telephone. There are also 15 emergency two-way communication call boxes placed throughout the campus. When an emergency call box is activated, the blue light flashes which helps to identify the location of a call for assistance.
Patrols are maintained with two readily identifiable Ford SUVs. The patrol vehicles contain basic medical and first-aid equipment, fire extinguishers, and traffic cones. The Bicycle patrols with officers in distinctive uniforms also patrol campus. These environmentally friendly patrols provide visibility and community-oriented policing throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Foot patrol is encouraged on campus and inside buildings. Officers on foot are more visible which results in one-on-one contact and encourages a working rapport with the College community. Buildings and grounds are patrolled to determine the presence of unauthorized persons, observe any safety violations and the general condition of the College facilities. Roadways and parking areas are patrolled to ensure compliance with the College Traffic and Parking Regulations. Buildings are locked and unlocked according to College schedules. Violations of College regulations, as well as the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are dealt with in accordance with College policies, as well as local, state and federal statutes.
“e2Campus” Mass Notification
In the event of an emergency, the College uses the “e2Campus” mass notification system. When necessary, the College will send notifications to all registered mobile phones, to the College’s Twitter and Facebook accounts, and email addresses. “e2Campus” is also used to notify the campus community in the event of delays or closure of the College due to severe weather conditions. All members of the Cedar Crest community are encouraged to keep their information current for this program. Students are automatically enrolled, while Faculty and Staff have the option to do so.
Career Development
The Career Development Office provides services to assist students in identifying and achieving their career goals. We offer a variety of workshops, activities, and information sessions designed to provide both information and networking opportunities. Through these opportunities as well as through individual coaching, students become involved in the Career Development process early in their academic careers. Programs and services include assistance in choosing or changing a major, clarifying personal and professional goals, writing resumes and cover letters, honing interviewing skills, formulating internship and job-search strategies, and preparing for graduate or professional school. In addition, Career Development oversees the College Internship Program in conjunction with academic departments. All students interested in participating in the internship program should meet with the Career Development Center team at least one semester in advance of their planned internship. More information about the Internship Program can be found in the Career Development Center or online at www.cedarcrest.edu/career.
Contact:
Michele Moyer, Director of Career Development and Community Engagement
610-606-4648
Emergency Resources
At Cedar Crest College, we offer emergency aid resources as a way to provide support for students in need. By providing resources to students in need, these students are more likely to succeed academically and persist to graduation. While the college cannot provide long-term support, we can help eliminate barriers to their immediate success. Items included in emergency resources: resource pantry, emergency loans, emergency housing needs, help navigating other financial options.
Contact:
Lynnsae Powers
Director of Persistence Support Resources
610-606-4628
FosterEd Program
The FosterEd Program provides a waiver for tuition and mandatory fees charged by most postsecondary institutions located in the Commonwealth for youth who are or were in Foster Care. The waiver applies after all other gift aid has been applied. Eligibility is determined by a number of different criteria. If you feel you may be eligible for this program, please contact us.
Contact:
Lynnsae Powers
Director of Persistence Support Resources
610-606-4628
Health and Counseling Services
Good health is important to students and to the College. The health services staff takes an active role in promoting wellness among students, including conducting programs on preventive health care, sexuality and healthy lifestyles. Health and counseling services are available to all full-time traditional students when classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters. Health Services is located on the ground floor of Curtis Hall. Referrals to off-campus medical and psychological specialists are available as needed. Services include treatment of acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, immunizations, allergy injections and routine gynecological care. The College psychotherapists offer support and counseling on a broad range of adjustment and mental health concerns. Students may schedule visits with Health and Counseling Services during the academic year.
Health Policy
Cedar Crest College is committed to providing a safe environment for its students and has formulated its Health Policy based on guidelines presented by the American College Health Association. Students with serious, acute, and chronic conditions are encouraged to inform Health and Counseling Services about their illness so that they may receive evaluation and treatment and/or information and referral for appropriate care. Health information provided will be used, if necessary, solely as an aid to provide health care to the student. This information is strictly for the use of Health Services and will not be released to anyone without the student’s knowledge or consent. The Dean of Students or designee reserves the right to contact parents or guardians in situations where a student’s health or welfare is at risk. On admission to the College students receive a College Health Form which must be completed prior to the beginning of classes. The form is reviewed by the Director of Health and Counseling Services and students are notified of any missing documentation. All immunizations must be completed and be up to date. . Resident students are not permitted to move in the residence halls without required health forms. The College requires all full-time Traditional students to have health insurance coverage. The College will provide a basic Accident and Sickness Plan for all full-time Traditional students who do not already have their own coverage. The cost of the plan will be included on the student’s bill. A description of the plan and waiver cards for those who have other coverage are provided to students with semester materials or by the Finance Office. In cases of communicable disease, the College will follow the reporting requirements for all communicable diseases. All student concerns about communicable diseases should be directed to the Director of Health and Counseling Services.
International Student Services
International Student Services (ISS) facilitates the enrollment of all international students to Cedar Crest College, including admission and scholarships, immigration and visa documentation, class scheduling, and orientation. ISS provides support to international students throughout their educational journey, ranging from English language support, academic advising, immigration advising, further learning support, and promotes cultural experiences.
English Language, Academic, and Cultural Support: International and multilingual students may access individualized language support through ISS. ISS offers courses to help international and multilingual students develop skills in academic success and writing. Individualized support is also available to help students improve academic skills and navigate local and community resources and cultures.
Academic Advising: International students are provided individual academic and advising support. The advisor will create an academic plan for each international student and guide them to make sure the students are meeting their requirements. Students can meet with the advisor to discuss the guidelines of sponsoring agencies, academic requirements and receive assistance in reaching their academic goals. Other multilingual students may work with ISS for advising assistance as desired.
Immigration Advising: International students are supported by an adviser who helps ensure students follow all relevant legal regulations and campus policies and will help students access all appropriate immigration benefits. The adviser supports international students during their transition to Cedar Crest and throughout their college career and beyond.
Learning Support: Dedicated staff provide additional academic support to our international and multilingual students with one-on-one meetings, personalized tutoring, small group study sessions, and workshops.
Cultural experiences: ISS hosts events for students, staff, and faculty to further learn about the many cultures represented on our diverse campus. Our dedicated staff collaborate with students, clubs and organizations to create a platform to celebrate holidays, festivals, and cultural events from around the world.
Contact:
Jonathan Summers
Director of International Student Services
610-606-4587
Lutz Center for Community Service
The Lutz Center for Community Service provides numerous opportunities for students to engage themselves in the greater Lehigh Valley community. As a student run office, under the guidance of the Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Leadership Development, the staff provides individuals and groups with an array of volunteer and service-learning projects such as after-school tutoring programs, nursing home visits, blood drives, working with animal shelters and restocking at the local food bank. The flexibility in our programs allows all students, clubs, organizations, faculty, staff and college departments, regardless of time commitments and interests, to participate in a variety of service activities. The center also sponsors an Alternative Service Break program, which provides a unique opportunity during various breaks (fall, winter, spring, and/or summer) while serving communities of need.
The Lutz Center for Community Service is also home to Cedar Crest College’s America Reads and Counts work-study tutoring program. Students who qualify for this program are matched with a local elementary or middle school aged student to help them improve reading and math skills.
Meal Plan
Cedar Crest offers a range of food services at locations across campus:
- Canova Commons, in Thompkins College Center
- The Falcon’s Nest, proudly serving Starbucks coffee, in Thompkins College Center
- 365 Markets in Hamiliton Boulevard Building and the Student Success Center in Cressman Library
On-campus residents are required to have a meal plan during the Fall and Spring semesters. Minimum meal plan requirements are described on the Housing & Residence Life website as well as in the Residential Student Handbook. Commuter students are invited to purchase a commuter meal plan to support easy access to healthy food while on campus.
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS Our dining locations are available to meet a wide range of dietary needs. Students who have specific dietary needs due to medical conditions/disabilities that cannot otherwise be addressed in campus dining facilities may request related accommodations by contacting Student Accessibility Services (610-606-4628) for assistance. We will work with the student as well as the Director of Dining Services to determine what accommodations may be made to meet the student’s needs.
Office of Global Initiatives & International Programs
The Office of Global Initiatives & International Programs strives to promote global awareness and to lead and coordinate the internationalization of Cedar Crest College. We promote study abroad, establish partnerships with colleges and universities abroad, and support all international endeavors and efforts of the college. Global Initiatives facilitates faculty-led study tours, and assists students with study abroad scholarships, international internship and service-learning opportunities, and directs the annual Sophomore Expedition.
Contact:
Kelly Hall, Ph.D.
Director, Global Initiatives
Allen House 205
610 606 4666, x4551
Housing and Residence Life
The office of Housing and Residence Life is committed to creating and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and safe residential community where each student can achieve their academic and personal goals. The residential experience offers a unique living and learning atmosphere aimed at personal growth, academic support, and forming life-long connections within the Cedar Crest College community.
Residency Requirement
Undergraduate traditional students are expected to live in college residence halls if they are enrolled in and actively attend twelve or more hours of 14-week face to face academic credit.
Traditional undergraduate students are eligible for commuter status if they live within 60 miles of the College and reside with their parent(s), legal guardian or spouse; have completed six semesters of college work elsewhere as a full-time student in good standing; have achieved senior student status; or are designated as “independent” for financial aid purposes.
While not required, on-campus housing is also available for students in the School of Adult and Graduate education.
Contact:
Ken Lastowka
Director of Housing and Residence Life
610-606-4603
Student Accessibility Services
Services to Students with Disabilities: The Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) advances the College’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by developing and leading initiatives that eliminate barriers to equal access, broadening our appreciation for the contributions of individuals with disabilities, and promoting its mission as a shared responsibility of all campus partners. SAS provides leadership, institutional advisement, consultation and training on disability-related topics and issues to ensure students with disabilities are provided equal access to all College programs and services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable laws. Through an interactive process, SAS provides reasonable and appropriate individualized accommodations, academic adjustments and other services that not only ensure access but empower students to advocate for and utilize resources that will assist them in attaining their educational and life goals. SAS works collaboratively with campus partners to assist in the creation of learning environments that are usable, equitable and inclusive for students with a wide variety of abilities, needs, interests, and experiences.
The process of requesting and being approved for accommodations is an interactive one and requires student involvement. Students who intend to request accommodations will need to:
“Self-identify” to receive services. Students will schedule and complete a “Self-Disclosure” meeting with the Director. During this meeting the student will: discuss a diagnosed condition, the functional limitations the student experiences because of this condition, and requests for accommodations (academic, residential and/or dining).
Provide supporting documentation of their condition, which assists in further identifying accommodations that are reasonable and appropriate. Students are not required to bring documentation to the initial meeting; however, should the student already have documentation (such as school system Evaluation Reports, Re-evaluation Reports, IEP or 504 plans, etc.), it may be provided at that time.
Once a student is approved for accommodations, the Director works closely with the student, the student’s instructors, and other departments (Residence Life/Housing, Student Engagement, Dining Services etc.) to coordinate provision of accommodations. Please note that we consider the provision of accommodations to be a “fluid” process: a student’s condition may change, a student may be diagnosed with an additional condition, an accommodation may not be effective, etc. Therefore, it is important the student work closely and communicate in a timely manner with the Director for any necessary adjustments throughout their time at Cedar Crest.
Although accommodations may be requested at any time, it is advisable for incoming first year and transfer students to request accommodations several months in advance of the beginning of their first semester at Cedar Crest. Prompt requests will provide adequate time to ensure reasonable and appropriate accommodations are in place for the student prior to the start of classes. Please note that accommodations are not applied retroactively once approved. For additional information, please visit the website at https://www.cedarcrest.edu/ada_file.shtm
Contact:
Rebecca (Becky) Kile
Director of Student Accessibility Services
610-606-4628
Student Engagement
The Office of Student Engagement strives to create a vibrant, purposeful, and enriched co-curricular experience for all Cedar Crest College students. With over 30 clubs and organizations on campus, the office provides a number of ways for students to develop their leadership skills by encouraging them to explore, join, and eventually lead campus organizations that play to their personal and social interests, as well as their professional aspirations. Additionally, the Office of Student Engagement oversees traditional events, civic engagement work, the Student Government Association, recreation and wellness programs, orientation programs, large scale events, and works closely with the Student Activities Board (SAB), which is the largest student-run organization on campus. Together they plan fun campus activities for students to enjoy during the day, in the evenings, and on weekends. Events and programs can range from live music and novelty items to comedy shows and interactive lectures. Should students be interested in getting off campus to explore other great attractions in the Leigh Valley, they can take advantage of several different road trips to popular shopping destinations, theme parks, movie theaters, and even New York City to catch a Broadway show.
Recreation and wellness programs on campus offers programming such as group fitness classes, self-care activities, and events that highlight the 8 dimensions of wellness. In addition to programmed events, students can get in a workout at Lees Fitness Center or Rodale Aquatic Center.
Whatever your interests are, you are sure to find something to satisfy your every need through the events and opportunities available through the Office of Student Engagement. Get involved. Get connected. Make the most of your college experience at Cedar Crest.
Contact:
Olivia Martinez
Director of Student Engagement
610 606 4666, x3442
Tutoring Resources
Peer Tutoring: The goal of peer subject tutoring is to help students achieve academic success by becoming effective, independent learners. Tutoring is available for many courses with priority given to courses in which students typically need assistance. Coverage areas may include Accounting/Business, Biology, Chemistry, History, Mathematics, Nursing, Nutrition, Physics, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, and others. Peer tutors are students who demonstrate high level academic achievement. Up-to-date information about peer tutoring coverage and services can be found by signing into My Cedar Crest.
Instructional Assistants: Instructional Assistants (IAs) are high achieving students, recommended by faculty. IAs generally hold scheduled weekly review sessions for select math, biology, and chemistry courses. For more information about I.A. sessions and coverage, please sign into My Cedar Crest.
Professional Tutors are content experts providing tutoring for select chemistry and math courses, as well as undergraduate nursing courses (including TEAS, ATI, and NCLEX test preparation). Professional tutors work with students individually and in small groups and may provide workshops on various course content throughout the semester. Sessions may be in person or online. For more information about Professional Tutoring coverage and how to make appointments, sign into My Cedar Crest.
The Writing Center Writing Consultants can assist students with papers and written assignments for any course or subject. Writing Consultants are committed to fostering academic success by helping students develop and improve their writing skillsand helping students learn how to navigate formatting manuals (APA, MLA, and Chicago). For more information about Writing Center services and to make appointments, please sign into My Cedar Crest.
Online tutoring provides students 24/7 access to professional tutoring resources in a wide variety of subject areas including Accounting, Business, Biology, Chemistry, Languages, Math, Nursing, Physical Science and Writing. For more information, sign into My Cedar Crest and search online tutoring.
Contact:
Anna Eichner
Director of Academic Services and Student Success
or 610-606-4628