Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

University Services



Student services are provided by a variety of units and departments at NKU. What follows are descriptions of many of the services that benefit NKU’s graduate students.

All Card

The All Card is the official identification card for NKU. It is imprinted with a student’s photograph and an assigned ID number. The All Card allows students to be recognized as members of the university community. It also enables them to enjoy discounts and gain access to services and activities throughout campus. All Cards are automatically activated each semester for the duration of a student’s attendance. New students should visit the All Card office after classes begin to receive an ID card.

Students can add money to their All Card and enjoy convenience and savings at campus dining locations (six percent discount) and copiers (50 percent discount). Students can also use this account to make purchases at the NKU bookstore, and drink and snack vending machines. The All Card can also be used to pay for computer lab printing, NKU parking permits and fines, Health, Counseling and Student Wellness, Norse Tech Bar in University Center, and Steely Library fines and fees.  Additional Information is available online at http://allcard.nku.edu.  

Campus Recreation

Make friends, have fun, and get involved! The Campus Recreation Center, IM Field Complex, sand volleyball, and basketball courts are the places to be for fitness, sports, and socializing day or night. Whether it’s playing basketball, running on a treadmill, kicking a soccer ball, or taking laps in the pool, there is something for everyone. The Campus Recreation Center is open daily so students can work out before or after class, as well as on the weekends. All registered NKU students are automatically members of the Campus Recreation Center and may also purchase supplemental or family memberships.

Students can play on intramural sports teams, relieve stress with a yoga class in the Norse Fitness program, climb on the bouldering wall, join sports club teams as they compete and travel to other schools, and achieve fitness goals by working with a personal trainer through the Personal Training program. The mission of Campus Recreation is to enhance student and university community success by advocating and providing inclusive, developmental opportunities that promote student engagement, lifelong learning, and healthy behaviors. A valid NKU All Card is all that is needed to get started.

  • Aquatic Center with 8-lane competition pool, dive well, shallow water activity area, whirlpool and, sauna
  • 6 basketball/volleyball courts
  • 17,000 square feet of weight/cardio equipment
  • 1 smart meeting room
  • 2 racquetball courts
  • Indoor Track
  • MAC gym for indoor soccer and floor hockey
  • Bouldering wall
  • Locker rooms
  • Lounge and study areas
  • Outdoor courtyard with sand volleyball court
  • IM Field Complex with 2 lighted turf fields
  • Sand Volleyball Complex with 2 lighted sand volleyball courts and a pavilion
  • 2 outdoor basketball courts

Career Services

Career Services offers an integrated program of services that emphasize the developmental nature of career decision making: self-exploration, career exploration and world-of-work knowledge, job-search skill development, and  career transition assistance. These services are available without charge to graduate students and alumni of NKU and may include the following specific activities: career advising, resume and job-search assistance, interview preparation, and cooperative education coordination (cooperative education credit, CEP 600, is available at the graduate level at NKU in a few select programs).

Numerous online resources are provided through the Career Services website, including the Handshake job and employer platform; InterviewStream interview preparation software; and GoinGlobal international and USA city career and employment information. Career Services is the university’s liaison to area corporations and organizations, inviting these employers for on-campus  interviews, career fairs, information sessions, and other events. Employers are encouraged to post co-op, internship, and full-time positions to Handshake. Graduate students seeking employment should activate their Handshake account by visiting the Career Services website. Career Services is located in University Center 225. For additional information, call 859-572-5680 or visit https://nku.edu/careerservices.

Center for Student Inclusiveness

Center for Student Inclusiveness includes the offices of the African-American Student Initiatives , Latino Student Initiatives, and the LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives. These departments have a strong brand and identity with the Center for Student Inclusiveness serving as catalyst for inclusion, diversity, collaboration and innovation. The CSI is a progressive and transformative approach that places inclusive excellence at the center of student life and provides student centered programming that aligns with NKU’s core value of being “a community that embraces inclusiveness, diversity, and global awareness.”

The Center is located in Student Union 309. For more information, feel free to visit our website:https://inside.nku.edu/studentaffairs/departments/csi.html

African American Student Initiatives 

The mission of the African American Student Initiatives (AASI) Office within the Center for Student Inclusivenessis to facilitate a support system which advocates for academic excellence, celebrates African/African American culture, and engages students with faculty, staff, and alumni. We provide opportunities that help African American students develop academically and socially by offering programs and services in self and cultural identity, leadership, career exploration, and community building.

For more information, the office can be contacted via email at:: aasi@nku.edu  or online at: https://inside.nku.edu/studentaffairs/departments/aasi.html 

Office for Student Accessibility 

The mission of the Office for Student Accessibility (OSA) is to ensure that qualified students are provided equal appropriate to their disability.  In addition, OSA is available as a resource to faculty, staff and community agencies to provide education, consultation and guidance regarding disability issues. The office is the main source of advocacy for students with disabilities in the development of the university’s policies, procedures, programs and curriculum.

Students must register with the Office for Student Accessibility in order to receive reasonable academic accommodations. For more information contact OSA at 859-572-5282, osa@nku.edu, stop by Student Union, Suite 309 or visit the website at http://nku.edu/osa

Office of Latino Student Initiatives

The Office of Latino Student Initiatives  within the Center for Student Inclusiveness strives to improve and enhance the educational experience of Latinx students at Northern Kentucky University by implementing academic, cultural and social programs designed to address their needs and further their success. We are located in Votruba Student Union room 313 and can be reached at 859-572-5821 3 or online at  https://inside.nku.edu/studentaffairs/departments/latino.html

LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives

The Office of LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives, housed within the Center for Student Inclusiveness,  promotes education, awareness, and advocacy for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, ace, and ally community at NKU. LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives provides several workshops built around developing a greater understanding of the LGBTQA+ Community, including Allied Zone and  Trans Ally trainings. Through collaborative efforts within the Center for Student Inclusiveness and with partners across campus, LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives work to promote an inclusive environment for all members of the NKU community.

LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives provides programming during October’s LGBTQ History Month, National Coming Out Day, Asexual Awareness Week, Transgender Day of Remembrance, World AIDS Day, National Day of Silence, Trans* Day of Visibility, PRIDE Week, and are always developing more to better serve the growing diversity of the LGBTQA+ community . The office also coordinates Inside Out, a confidential coming out group, the LGBTQ Ambassador Program, students who serve to provide support to the mission of LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives, and provides support to LGBTQA+ affiliated student organizations.

LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives is working to better develop and nurture partnerships with numerous LGBTQA+ community and state organizations surrounding NKU. LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives is in the Votruba Student Union 309 and can be reached via email: lgbtq@nku.edu or online at http://lgbtq.nku.edu.

Parents Attending College

Parents Attending College (PAC) nurtures the abilities of student parents through the offering of and referral to high quality programs focused on academic, career, and personal success. Student parents have a unique challenge as they are often required to manage school, work and parenthood. In the PAC office we strive to make that challenge a little bit easier by connecting students to all available services that NKU offers to foster success, including, but not limited to, Early Childhood Center, Student Support Services, Career Development Center, Learning Assistance Center, Academic Advising, etc. 

Health, Counseling and Student Wellness

Health, Counseling and Student Wellness is dedicated to helping students achieve and maintain optimal levels of physical, mental and emotional functioning. Most major health insurance plans are accepted. Health Services are administered by registered nurses who are available free of charge and on a walk-in basis, and a nurse practitioner who is available by appointment. Services include illness and injury management, immunizations, physical exams, allergy injections, health education and reproductive health services including birth control and sexually transmitted disease screening and management. The Counseling staff are licensed masters-and-doctoral-level mental health professionals who provide individual, couples, group and crisis intervention counseling. Counseling Services also includes consultation, workshops/presentations on a variety of mental health topics and psychological testing. The Counseling staff are experienced in working with a diverse student population and in treating a wide variety of concerns, including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, relationship issues, adjustment issues, concerns regarding sexual orientation/gender identity, traumatic life events, grief and substance use/abuse. For additional information, stop by University Center 440, call (859) 572-5650, or visit http://hcsw.nku.edu/.

Norse Violence Prevention Center

The Norse Violence Prevention (NVP) Center provides advocacy and assistance to university students who are affected by sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking. Survivors can disclose as much or as little about the incident as they feel most comfortable. Survivors can access our free confidential resources regardless of whether or not they decide to report to the university or police. The NVP center assists survivors in understanding their options and identifying which choices make the most sense for them. Our services are available to students who experienced violence prior to or while enrolled at Northern Kentucky University - we provide services to ALL survivors.

To schedule an appointment, please call the Norse Violence Prevention Center  at 859-572-5865, e-mail us at nvp@nku.edu or stop by the center on the second floor of the Albright Health Center (adjacent to Campus Rec), suite 246. For more information about the NVP Center, please visit http://nku.edu/nvp.

University Housing

University Housing provides a home away from home that welcomes all students into safe and affordable communities. Our residential experience celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and values excellent customer service. In a variety of community options, students engage in a co-curricular learning environment that promotes academic and social opportunities that advance them on a path to graduation. For housing costs or a virtual tour of all room types, visit http://housing.nku.edu. Living options for NKU students include community style and suite-style residence halls. Amenities include computer labs, free laundry facilities, study space, residential gaming equipment, community kitchens, and 24 hour staffing. One fee covers all housing costs including rent, high-speed internet, and all utilities. Students have the option to reside on campus for the academic year (fall and spring semesters), spring semester only, and/or during summer sessions.  Flexible meal plans and dining options are available to meet every student’s needs. Financial aid and scholarships may be applied toward your housing and dining fees. For more information or a tour, please contact University Housing at (866) 572-5676, or via email at housing@nku.edu. Currently, University Housing at NKU can make recommendations for students who are married or seeking family housing.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) supports all prospective and current international students (non-immigrants). The office issues the required documentation (Form I-20 and DS-2019) for all newly admitted undergraduate and graduate students, granting them the opportunity to apply for a student visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. The office handles all recruitment and admission of international undergraduate students including admission policies and standards. In addition, ISSS offers various programs to educate students about American life and culture and expose the greater NKU community to international students on campus.  The office is located in University Center 305.

W. Frank Steely Library

The W. Frank Steely Library, located in the center of campus and online, partners with many campus departments to support the academic achievement and success of NKU students. The library provides a variety of services and resources including wireless access, a coffee shop, group study rooms, and computers with Internet access and Microsoft Office products, and a makerspace Stego Studio. Other special services (found at https://inside.nku.edu/library.html) include research consultation (in person, by phone, by email, by chat, or by appointment); classroom instruction and embedded librarians via Canvas courses; web-based research guides and tutorials; Interlibrary loan   (a document delivery service for obtaining materials not available at Steely Library); access to  150 databases, many with full-text documents; and a growing collection of electronic books and streaming media. Steely Library is also a depository for many federal government publications and is a member of the U.S. Patent Office’s Patent and Trademark Resource Center system. The Eva G. Farris Special Collections and Schlachter University Archives contain materials related to the history of NKU and materials documenting the history and heritage of the northern Kentucky region, the Ohio River valley, the Underground Railroad, Appalachian writers, and military history.

Steely Library has reciprocal borrowing agreements with the University of Cincinnati’s Langsam Library and the three northern Kentucky public library systems in Boone County, Campbell County, and Kenton County. Students and faculty may use their NKU All Card to borrow materials from these libraries. Please visit the library’s home page for more information about its facilities and services.

Parking

All students who operate and park a motor vehicle on the Highland Heights campus must properly display a current parking permit on their vehicle and must park their cars in appropriate parking areas. During the online registration period, a parking permit may be ordered via the parking services’ website at http://parking.nku.edu.  Permits can be ordered online for mailing up to the second week of classes, after this permits can only be ordered online for pick-up in the office. Permits can also be purchased in the office at anytime.

University Police

At University Police, our mission is to serve, protect and educate NKU’s campus community. We are a state-accredited, full-service law enforcement agency with a dedicated group of professionals working around the clock. Our staff is committed to supporting student success and ensuring positive outcomes for our community wherever possible - including fostering close partnerships with both on-and off-campus partners. Students, faculty, staff and visitors are strongly encouraged to report criminal activity or potential criminal action and any other emergency to University Police by dialing 911. Non-emergency calls can be made to 859-572- 5500 at any time. Also, there are numerous emergency call boxes located throughout campus that provide direct access to University Police. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to sign up for the Norse Alert emergency notification system. This and other useful information can be found by visiting https://inside.nku.edu/studentaffairs/departments/police.html.

Clery Act Notice/Campus Safety

Federal legislation requires institutions of higher education to inform prospective members of our community about its most recent crime/incident statistics; crime prevention; security programs and activities; policies concerning the reporting of crime; and related information in accordance with the Campus Security Act, commonly referred to as the Clery Act. Upon request, you can obtain a paper copy of the university’s Annual Campus Security Reports by contacting the NKU’s University Police Department, 419 Old Johns Hill Road, Highland Heights, KY 41099 or calling 859-572-5746. This information is also available on the University Police Department’s website at https://inside.nku.edu/studentaffairs/departments/police/clery-act/securityreports.html.

Office of the University Registrar

The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for official student and curricular records. Staff members handle course and room scheduling, degree audit, and produce the registration guide, the academic calendar, and the schedule of classes.

The Office of the University Registrar processes requests to add, drop, or withdraw from courses; audit courses; repeat courses; change courses to pass/fail status; enroll in multiple sections of courses; change student names and addresses; change, add, or drop a student’s majors, minors, or focus; change or establish residency; declare academic renewal; and graduate from the university.

The Office of the University Registrar also handles course registration, processes enrollment for all incoming and outgoing students who are enrolling through the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities or the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education, processes graduation applications, handles enrollment verification for any purpose, is responsible for maintaining and issuing official NKU transcripts, and processes and awards credit for prior learning, as well as for CLEP, DSST, IB, Portfolio, ACE, and military- and Department of Defense-approved institution attendance. The Office of the University Registrar is located in Lucas Administrative Center 301.

Schedule of Classes

The schedule of classes and the priority registration schedule are available at http://classschedule.nku.edu.

Residency Status

The Office of the University Registrar is also responsible for reviewing residency status. Changing an address to Kentucky is not sufficient to change residency status for tuition purposes. The residency review affidavit must be completed and submitted to the Office of the University Registrar within 30 days of the first class day for the fall and spring semesters. During the summer semester, the residency review affidavit must be completed and submitted to the Office of the University Registrar within 10 days of the start of the session. For further information regarding residency status visit https://inside.nku.edu/registrar/forms-records/residency.html.  

Testing Services

Testing Services provides standardized and proctored examinations in a convenient and secure testing environment for the NKU community and region. Testing Services adheres to the standards set forth through the National College Testing Association. Tests offered include admissions tests, such as the National ACT and Residual ACT, and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT); Credit-by-Examinations; PRAXIS (Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers),; Major Field tests, Avant STAMP assessments, ParaPro Assessment, placement exams; and distance learning examinations. National certification and licensing exams through Pearson VUE, Scantron, Kryterion, PSI, Prov, Inc., NOTCI, and the American Institute of Constructors are also available through Testing Services. In addition, Testing Services offers accommodated testing for those students who are registered with the Office of Student Accessibility.. For additional information, call (859) 572-6373 or visit http://testing.nku.edu.