Graduate Academic Support
Graduate Academic Support is designed to assist graduate students to persist in their studies and succeed in their coursework with the goal of graduation and increased employment opportunities. Writing and research specialists assist graduate students through one-on-one assistance, workshops, and online. Dedicated study and learning spaces are provided at the Bronx (4th floor) and Dobbs Ferry (library) campuses. Please schedule an appointment in advance for tutoring in writing and research. Preregistration for workshops is encouraged.
Workshops are provided for a variety of credentialing exams in the health and education professions. Content Peer Tutoring positions are available for graduate students to provide peer tutoring, particularly in the professional preparation programs in Health and Natural Sciences.
Campus Safety and Security
The Office of Campus Safety and Security will provide, upon request, all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education. The Campus Safety (Clery Act) Report may be found on the Mercy University website. This information is also available, in a hard copy format, from the Mercy University Office of Campus Safety and Security. To receive a copy, contact the Director of Security, at 914-674-7225 .
Students may sign up to receive emergency campus alerts through the NY Alert website (https://users.nyalert.gov). For more information about preparing for or responding to a campus emergency, download the “In Case of Crisis” Application in the Apple or Google Play app stores.
Students wishing to report an emergency should call 914-674-9999 or 911; for general security assistance in a non-emergency situation call 914-674-7225.
The Mercy University CARE Team
The Mercy University CARE Team is a collaborative group of University officials who focus on the prevention and early intervention for students experiencing serious distress or engaging in harmful or disruptive behaviors. Through an online reporting form, Mercy University community members can alert the CARE Team of students of concern and will be able to review, assess and make recommendations for how to best assist a referred student. The Team aims to intervene and assist students in meeting their academic, personal and professional goals at the University. To submit a referral for a student, you can access the CARE Referral Form through this link: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?MercyCollege&layout_id=5. You may also reach out to the CARE Team through the email care@mercy.edu.
Career and Professional Development
Career and Professional Development at Mercy University provides students with state-of-the-art tools and resources to help them launch or advance their careers.
Career tools and resources available to Mercy University students include:
- Career Website: https://career.mercy.edu/
The Career and Professional Development website is your one stop shop for information about career events, tools, and resources available to the Mercy University community. Resources include career information and industry focused job search guides, articles, and resume samples.
- Resume and cover letter building
Refer to our industry-focused resume and cover letter guides and formats found on our website to develop your professional and competitive resume. Follow up with a Career Coach to ensure your resume and cover letter are polished and ready for applications to internships or jobs!
- Interview skills
Conduct live mock interviews, or practice at home with Big Interview, a virtual mock interview tool, to increase skill and confidence in communicating your unique value to employers.
- Career Fairs
Network with employers and find internships and jobs at career and internship fairs.
All career resources offered by the Mercy University Career team are free of charge to students and alumni. If you need career assistance, please call 914-674-7203 or email cpd@mercy.edu.
Handshake
Handshake is Mercy University’s online job and internship board. This customizable tool allows students seeking internships and jobs to search for and apply to opportunities from employers specifically targeting Mercy students and alumni. Registration is free to members of the Mercy University community at career.mercy.edu/channels/csm/.
Student Counseling Center
The Mercy University Student Counseling Services office offers psychological evaluation and brief treatment lasting from one to six sessions. Students in need of more intensive treatment are referred to local hospitals and clinics for long-term psychotherapy and/or medication, if necessary. University students come to the Counseling Services office with mental health issues including increased stress, depression and anxiety, as well as concerns about their academic progress, daily living, adjustment to college, or relationships with others. Counseling can be an opportunity to talk about issues that are of concern to students with an objective person who can help them develop skills and view situations in ways that may enable them to be more effective in managing life’s challenges down the road. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call our main number 914-888-5150 or email counselingcenter@mercy.edu. This service is for Mercy University students ONLY. Full-time and part-time faculty, administrators, and staff may contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to obtain psychological services.
Honor Societies
Business
Students in the Business graduate programs have the opportunity to become members of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business. The mission of Delta Mu Delta is to recognize students for their outstanding academic achievement in business. The Society has over 160 active chapters and offers members numerous benefits, including networking, leadership, and scholarship opportunities to help build their résumés. Membership in Delta Mu Delta is an indication to prospective employers that members have distinguished themselves scholastically.
Counseling
Students in the graduate programs in Counseling and in School Counseling have the opportunity to become members of Pi Gamma Mu, the National Honor Society founded in 1924 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining scholarship in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate men and women who are making the study of Counseling one of their major interests and who meet the appropriate qualifications.
Education
Students in the graduate programs in Education have the opportunity to qualify for membership in Phi Delta Kappa, the professional society for educators, administrators, and graduate students. Its goals are to promote research, service, and leadership in education. Phi Delta Kappa International is a worldwide organization with over 100,000 members.
Nursing
Students in the graduate programs in Nursing have the opportunity to become members of the Zeta Omega Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. The Zeta Omega Chapter, comprised of baccalaureate and masters nursing programs at Mercy University, the College of New Rochelle, Dominican College of Blauvelt, and Pace University, was chartered in 1984. The organization recognizes superior achievement and development of leadership qualities, fosters high professional standards, encourages creative work, and strengthens commitment to the ideals of the profession.
Psychology
Students in the graduate programs in Psychology and in School Psychology have the opportunity to become members of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining scholarship in Psychology. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate men and women who are making the study of Psychology one of their major interests and who meet the appropriate qualifications.
Professional Societies
Society for Human Resource Management — Student Chapter
The Society for Human Resource Management is a non-profit association for human resource management professionals. Founded in 1948, the Society for Human Resource Management serves over 44,000 human resource professionals in a wide variety of U.S. and international organizations. The Mercy University Student Chapter was chartered to provide projects and activities related to the human resource field and to promote networking with human resource professionals. Students interested in membership should contact the Graduate Program in Human Resource Management at 914-674-7632.
National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
The National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is the student chapter of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). NSSLHA publishes the NSSLHA Journal and the Clinical Series.
Members also receive Asha Magazine and two additional ASHA journals of their choice. Students interested in membership should contact the Communication Disorders Program at 914-674-7340 or ASHA.
The Assembly of Student Delegates of the American Occupational Therapy Association
The Assembly of Student Delegates of the American Occupational Therapy Association (ASD) provides a mechanism for the expression of student concerns and offers a means whereby students can have effective input into the affairs of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). ASD promotes the well-being of students, enhances their knowledge of the profession, and facilitates the sharing of ideas. Students interested in membership should con-tact the Occupational Therapy Program at 914-674-7815, or www.aota.org.
The Physician Assistant Student Society
The Physician Assistant Student Society is Mercy University’s chapter of the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA). The SAAAPA was established by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) to represent physician assistant students throughout the country. The mission of the Mercy University Physician Assistant Student Society is to support the professional and personal growth of PA students, to increase public awareness of the profession and to promote disease-prevention and health. Students interested in membership should contact the Graduate Program for Physician Assistant Studies.
The Student Assembly of the American Physical Therapy Association
The Student Assembly of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents thousands of student members. All student members automatically become part of the Student Assembly and can participate in APTA’s governance as an officer or liaison. Members receive numerous publications including Today’s Student in Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy, PT Bulletin and others. Applications can be obtained in the Physical Therapy office or from APTA at 800-999-APTA, ext. 3395 or 3124.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Mercy University is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual’s race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, partnership status, disability (including HIV/AIDS), genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, alienage, citizenship, criminal arrest and conviction records, military or veteran status, salary history, credit history, caregiver status, pregnancy or lactation status, sex and reproductive decisions, status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/sex offenses/sex abuse, unemployment status, or any other legally prohibited basis in accordance with federal, state, county and city laws.
The University is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations when appropriate to individuals with disabilities, individuals observing religious practices, and employees who have pregnancy or childbirth-related medical conditions. Retaliation for reporting or opposing discrimination, cooperating with an investigation of a discrimination complaint, or requesting an accommodation is also prohibited.
The University’s policy addressing discrimination and harassment is set forth more fully in the Mercy Unviersity Policy on Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination. The University’s policy addressing sexual harassment, gender-based harassment and sexual violence is set forth more fully in the Mercy University Policies and Procedures Relating to Sexual Misconduct, both of which can be found in the Student Handbook.
Inquiries regarding the application of all laws, regulations and policies prohibiting discrimination may be directed to Thomas McDonald, Title IX Coordinator and Equity Compliance Specialist, tmcdonald7@mercy.edu, 914-674-7679.
PACT Program
Mercy University believes in a student-first philosophy, which means individualized attention, uniquely tailored opportunities and innovative educational programs. The Mercy University Personalized Achievement Contract (PACT) exemplifies our commitment to our students and is dedicated to supporting them academically, personally and professionally.
The PACT program maximizes personal success through a comprehensive collaboration between the student and Mercy University. PACT students are provided professional mentors who facilitate integrated support for academic, career and personal growth. Each mentor is trained in the areas of academic advising, student life, financial aid, career exploration and leadership skills. Together, student and mentor create a customized plan designed to enhance the student’s overall long-term success.
From the start, PACT mentors work with accepted students and their families to assist with the enrollment process, including financial aid, course registration and housing to foster a seamless transition to college. The mentor continues to build a close relationship with the student, serving as the student’s point person for all aspects of campus life from enrollment to employment. The customized plan and personalized guidance provided to PACT students assists in keeping them focused on academic progression, campus engagement and career readiness, preparing each PACT student to be the best candidate for the career of their choice. To learn more, call a PACT mentor at 914-674-PACT (7228), email pact@mercy.edu, or visit our website at www.mercy.edu/student-affairs/pact.
Rights Afforded Under FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA” or the “Act”) affords eligible students certain rights
with respect to their education records. An eligible student under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or
who attends a postsecondary institution at any age. Persons who unsuccessfully applied for admission to the University
or who are offered admission but never attended the University are not covered by the Act.
Eligible students are afforded the following rights:
- Inspection. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the University receives a request for access. A student should submit a written request to the Registrar that identifies the record the student wishes to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
- Amendment. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. A student who wishes to ask the University to amend a record should write to the Provost, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
- Appeal of University’s amendment decision. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested, the University will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Hearing requests must be made in writing, to the Assitant Vice President of Student Financial Services within thirty (30) days of being informed of the decision to decline the request for amendment. Within a reasonable period of time after receiving such request, the Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Services will inform the student of the date, place and time of the hearing. The hearing will take place before the designee of the Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Services, a designee of the Vice President for Student Affairs and a designee of the Provost. The student may present evidence relevant to the issues raised and may be assisted or represented at the hearing by one or more persons of the student’s choice, including an attorney, at the student’s sole expense. While the FERPA amendment procedure may be used to challenge facts that are inaccurately recorded, it may not be used to challenge a grade, an opinion, or a substantive decision made by a school about an eligible student.
The Committee must issue a written decision that contains a summary of the evidence and a statement of the basis for the decision. The decision of the Committee is final and must be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. If the decision is in the student’s favor, the education records will be amended in accordance with the Committee’s decision. If the decision is unfavorable to the student, the student may prepare a statement commenting on the contested information in the education record or stating why the student disagrees with the decision not to amend the record, or both. The University must maintain any such statement in the student’s file along with the contested part of the record for as long as the College maintains that record and the University must disclose the statement whenever it discloses the portion of the record to which the statement relates.
- Consent for disclosure. The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information (PII), as defined below, from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent as set forth in section III below.
- Complaint. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202
Detailed information concerning each of the points cited above can be found on the University webpage, in the Mercy University Student Handbook, or can be obtained by inquiring with the Office of Registrar.
Residential Life
There are two residence halls on the Dobbs Ferry campus. Founders Hall serves over 300 students in a variety of room configurations including singles, doubles triples and quads. Hudson Hall, which opened in January 2016, is home to 350 students residing in 4 and 6 person suites. Hudson Hall also has a state of the art fitness Center, a Starbucks Café, a community lounge, quiet study lounge and meeting rooms that are open to all members of the Mercy University community. With the addition of Hudson Hall, the residential life program at Mercy has a robust on-campus population in addition to using area hotels that compliment a student’s residential experience while attending Mercy University. The Residential Life Program is designed to provide students with living facilities and activities that enhance and extend their formal classroom education. The program is structured to promote students’ social, cultural, personal and intellectual development. Living in College housing offers a structured environment in which students can live independently and develop a greater sense of personal identity within a community setting.
Applications for residing on campus are for the full academic year, although there are limited openings for spring applicants. All applications either continuing or new include a $100 application fee. For further information, please contact the Residential Life Office at 914-674-7277 or email us at residentiallife@mercy.edu
Students With Disabilities
The Office of ACCESSibility provides Accommodations, Collaboration, Consultation, and Educational Support Services for students with disabilities. The office works to collaborate with and empower students who have disabilities to enable equal access to an education and college life. ACCESS provides opportunities and resources that will facilitate the development of self-advocacy, self-efficacy, and adaptive skills in students to overcome barriers a disability may present. To learn more contact, accessibility@mercy.edu.
Students whose disabilities may require some type of accommodation, must self-identify and complete an “Application for Accommodations.” ACCESS may require documentation of the disability. Documentation will assist ACCESS in understanding how the disability impacts the student in an academic setting and the current impact of the disability as it relates to the accommodations requested. Reviewing documentation is a collaborative process and accommodation request is handled on a case-to-case basis.
A follow-up meeting with ACCESS may be required. Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Office of ACCESSibility, (914) 674-7764. Students are encouraged to register with ACCESS as soon as possible after admission to the University to ensure timely provision of services. Students should also visit ACCESS at the beginning of each semester to obtain up-to-date documentation of their accommodations.
For more information about the process for obtaining accommodations, or if a student feels that their accommodations are not being provided adequately or fully, or if the student disagrees with an accommodation that was not approved, she/he should refer to the Policy and Procedures for Implementing Reasonable Accommodations for Students in the Mercy University Student Handbook.
Policy on Alcohol and Illegal Drugs
The abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs can have a significant adverse effect upon the Mercy University community, compromising interpersonal relationships and undermining the educational mission of the University. In response to these concerns, and pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools of Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the University has developed a comprehensive program to prevent the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol. The University reviews its program biennially to determine its effectiveness, to implement any necessary changes, and to ensure that the required disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced. Refer to the Student Handbook for detailed information concerning:
- Mercy University’s policies on substance abuse and alcoholic beverages.
- University sanctions for violation of these policies.
- Criminal sanctions for the illegal possession or distribution of drugs and alcohol.
- Mercy University’s Drug/Alcohol Use Amnesty Policy.
- Health risks of drugs and alcohol.
- Places where one can receive help concerning the abuse of alcohol and drugs.
Rights Afforded Under FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA” or the “Act”) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. An eligible student under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution at any age. Persons who unsuccessfully applied for admission to the University or who are offered admission but never attended the Univeristy are not covered by the Act.
Eligible students are afforded the following rights:
- Inspection. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the University receives a request for access. A student should submit a written request to the Registrar that identifies the record the student wishes to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
- Amendment. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. A student who wishes to ask the University to amend a record should write to the Vice President for Enrollment Services, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed and specify why it should be changed.
- Appeal of College’s amendment decision. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested, the Univeristy will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Hearing requests must be made in writing, to the VP of Enrollment Services within thirty (30) days of being informed of the decision to decline the request for amendment. Within a reasonable period of time after receiving such request, the VP of Enrollment Services will inform the student of the date, place and time of the hearing. The hearing will take place before the designee of the Vice President of Enrollment Services, a designee of the Vice President for Student Affairs and a designee of the Provost. The student may present evidence relevant to the issues raised and may be assisted or represented at the hearing by one or more persons of the student’s choice, including an attorney, at the student’s sole expense. While the FERPA amendment procedure may be used to challenge facts that are inaccurately recorded, it may not be used to challenge a grade, an opinion, or a substantive decision made by a school about an eligible student.
The Committee must issue a written decision that contains a summary of the evidence and a statement of the basis for the decision. The decision of the Committee is final and must be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. If the decision is in the student’s favor, the education records will be amended in accordance with the Committee’s decision. If the decision is unfavorable to the student, the student may prepare a statement commenting on the contested information in the education record or stating why the student disagrees with the decision not to amend the record, or both. The University must maintain any such statement in the student’s file along with the contested part of the record for as long as the University maintains that record and the Univeristy must disclose the statement whenever it discloses the portion of the record to which the statement relates.
- Consent for disclosure. The right to provide written consent before the Univeristy discloses personally identifiable information (PII), as defined below, from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent as set forth in section III below.
- Complaint. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, Washington, DC 20202
The University may, at its discretion, release “directory information” with respect to a student for any purpose without the student’s consent. The University has designated the following categories of information as directory information with respect to each student: name, local and permanent address, electronic mail address, telephone listing; age; photograph; major field of study; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members in athletic teams; enrollment status; dates of attendance at Mercy Unviersity; degrees, honors and awards received, and their dates; and most recent educational institution attended.
Detailed information concerning each of the points cited above can be found on the University webpage, in the Mercy University Student Handbook, or can be obtained by inquiring with the Office of Registrar.
Textbooks
Textbooks are available for student purchase at the campus bookstores located at the Dobbs Ferry and Bronx campuses, as well as online at www.mercy-dobbs.bkstr.com for Dobbs Ferry, Manhattan, Yorktown, and online students; or www.mercy-bronx.bkstr.com for Bronx students.
Textbook pricing information for required and recommended materials for each class is available on the bookstore website.
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