Student Matters

This chapter concerns some of the non-academic areas of graduate student life at Shippensburg University, including fees, student services, and financial assistance.

Tuition and Fees

Fees and due dates are subject to change.

Summary of Costs

The following are per credit costs for a graduate student who is a Pennsylvania resident (2021-22 costs).

Payment of Fees

Fees are payable in advance as indicated below. Payment by check, cash or money order may be made directly to the Student Accounts Office. Unless otherwise indicated, all checks shall be made payable to Shippensburg University. Payments by electronic check and credit card (Master Card, VISA, Discover, American Express) may also be made online through the Student Information System at https://my.ship.edu. Credit card payments are subject to a 2.49 percent service fee. There is no charge for payment by e-check.

Do not send cash by mail.

The above dates are subject to change.

Delinquent Accounts

If your account is not paid in full, you will not be permitted to enroll for classes, graduate, or receive a diploma or transcript. Accounts delinquent for 90 days are turned over to the Pennsylvania Attorney General for collection.

Pennsylvania Resident Tuition

Graduate students who are residents of Pennsylvania pay a tuition fee of $516 per credit, whether they are taking graduate or undergraduate courses.

Out-of-State Student Tuition

Graduate students whose legal residence is not in the state of Pennsylvania pay a tuition fee of $774 per credit, whether they are taking graduate or undergraduate courses. Out-of-state graduate students taking online courses pay a fee of $526 per credit hour.

NOTE: The above fees are valid only through the summer of 2022.

Fees

Semester Fees

All fees are subject to change without notice.

Technology Tuition Fee

This fee is established by the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education. The purposes of the technology tuition fee are: (1) to acquire, install, and maintain up-to-date and emerging technologies for the purpose of enhancing student-learning outcomes; (2) to provide equitable access to technology resources; and (3) to ensure that State System graduates are competitive in the technologically sophisticated workplace.

The technology tuition fee is not a user fee, but is instead a fee that is paid by all students according to their residency status (in state/out of state). Currently (2021-22), the technology tuition fee for graduate students is $28 per credit in state and $40 per credit out of state.

The technology tuition fee is non-refundable.

Educational Services Fee

This fee provides instructional and library supplies and equipment. It is charged to all students in all semesters and sessions in accordance with the following schedule:

This fee is refundable according to the schedule in the section Refunds.

Student Union Fee

State law and policies of the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education require the cost of constructing the original Ceddia Union Building and its addition be paid by students enrolled at the university. This fee is applicable to all full- and part-time students, both graduate and undergraduate, during both regular semesters and summer sessions, in accordance with the following schedule established by the University Council of Trustees:

Students taking online courses do not pay this fee.

The Student Union Fee is refundable based on the schedule in the section Refunds.

Comprehensive Health Fee

All graduate students must pay a Comprehensive Health Fee of $14 per credit. During the summer sessions, the graduate comprehensive health fee is $11 per credit hour (2021). Students taking online courses do not pay this fee.

Special Fees

All fees are subject to change without notice.

Application Fee

A fee of $45 is charged when you first apply for graduate study at Shippensburg University. The application fee is not refundable and is not credited toward course fees. A fee of $15 is charged for non-degree applicants.

If you do not begin your graduate study within one year of being admitted, you will need to pay an additional fee to apply again.

Late Payment Fee

If you submit your semester bill payment after the bill due date, you will be subject to a late payment fee of $100. All semester bills must be paid or cleared on line prior to the bill due date to avoid the late fee.

Graduation Fee

A fee of $60 must be paid at the time you apply for graduation. This fee covers the cost of processing your application and preparing your diploma.

Miller Analogies Test Fee

A fee of $85 is required of all persons who take the Miller Analogies Test.

Parking Fee

All vehicles operated by faculty, staff, and students (graduate or undergraduate) are required to be registered with the University Police and to display a current parking decal on the right rear bumper. Student parking decals (through 2021-2022 academic year):

Bad Check Fee

A fee of $35 may be charged for each paper check or electronic check that is not honored by the payee’s bank for any reason.

Room and Board

Campus housing graduate students during the regular semester is based on the availability of space. A meal plan is available for commuting students. Housing is available during the summer terms.

Meal Plans

During the regular semester, meal plans are available that provide a certain number of meals per week in the dining halls. All of the meal plans include $250 initial flex. Meal plans may also be purchased with $375 initial flex. Additional flex may be purchased in $25 increments.

The flex-only meal plan is perfect for the student looking to eat the occasional meal on campus and begins at $100 per semester. With this plan you receive flex dollars that you can spend at any dining location on campus. You can add additional flex dollars to your account at any time.

Meal plans are also available during the summer sessions. Meal plan rates are subject to change.

Summer Sessions Room and Board

Information about graduate student housing for the summer sessions can be obtained by contacting the Housing and Residence Life Office at (717) 477-1701. For details, please visit https://www.ship.edu/housing/.

Refunds

A graduate student is considered to be in class attendance up to the date on which a written notice of intent to withdraw is received in the Registrar’s Office. This date becomes the official date of withdrawal when calculating adjustments of tuition and fees and the return of federal financial aid.

During the academic year the following schedule determines the amount of refund or reduction in tuition and fees to be granted in the event of withdrawal:

There is no refund or reduction of charges for individual courses withdrawn after the end of the drop period. Refunds are only issued for full semester withdrawals. Students enrolled in late starting courses may be subject to an alternate refund schedule. Details may be obtained at www.ship.edu/Student_Accounts/ under Refund Information.

The most current summer session refund dates may be found at www.ship.edu/Student_Accounts/ under Summer Tuition.

The refund schedules assume the student account is paid in full and the percentages are not being applied to a partial payment of tuition. The application fee, technology fee and advance deposits are non-refundable.

If a student is a recipient of federal Title IV financial aid, the amount of federal aid that the student earned up to the date of withdrawal is calculated using a specific formula. If the student received less aid than the amount earned, the student may receive those funds as a post-withdrawal disbursement. If the student received more aid than the amount earned, the excess funds must be returned by the school and/or the student. Refunds to those programs are required by federal law to be the first priority and must be returned in the following order:

1. Federal Unsubsidized Stafford loan
2. Federal Subsidized Stafford loan
3. Federal Perkins loan
4. Federal PLUS loan
5. Federal Pell Grant
6. Federal SEOG
7. TEACH Grant

In some cases a student may owe a balance to the university after Title IV aid is returned.

More information concerning the detailed application of the refund policy can be obtained by visiting the Student Accounts link in the Student Life section of the Shippensburg University website, www.ship.edu.

Refund policies are subject to change by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Financial Assistance

Shippensburg University provides financial assistance to graduate students through graduate assistantships, student payroll positions, student life graduate assistantships, graduate residence director appointments, and student loans.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistant appointments provide opportunities to participate in professionally related activities with faculty and administrators. These assignments can extend learning experiences beyond the classroom and enhance professional development.

Graduate assistant appointments are awarded on a competitive basis. They provide a tuition waiver as well as compensation for work performed.

Eligibility 

Every graduate student who is not a current Shippensburg University full-time employee may apply for a graduate assistantship. To be eligible to receive a graduate assistant appointment, a student must have an overall 3.0 GPA from their undergraduate institution and be admitted into their first Shippensburg master’s degree.  Students may not be appointed as graduate assistants while working toward their second Shippensburg University master’s degree. Non-degree students, those working towards certification without a degree, those working towards a graduate certificate, or in a doctoral program are not eligible. Graduate assistantships are awarded for one semester at a time. The appointment and continuation of an assistantship will depend upon good academic standing (3.0 GPA) and recommendation of the Graduate Program Coordinator. International students should contact the Office of International Studies prior to the beginning of the hiring process. Students who are employed full-time at the University are ineligible.

How to Apply

1. Answer “Yes” to the question on the graduate admission application about being interested in a graduate assistantship. This will place your name on a list of students from which academic departments will hire their graduate assistants. Due to the nature of the work, most academic departments hire students from their programs to be graduate assistants. Please note that academic departments may require the completion of additional steps to apply. Please contact the graduate coordinator of your program for more information.

2. Check the Career Development Center’s website for available graduate assistantships on campus. Positions posted in this location are typically for service-oriented offices on campus. Positions are generally posted beginning in April for the following fall semester and in November for the following spring semester. Positions are posted as they become available, so it is a good idea to check the CDC’s website regularly for updates.

Tuition Waiver

The tuition waiver applies to courses necessary for graduation. Therefore, in most cases, students may not hold graduate assistant positions for more than two years, defined for this purpose as four regular semesters and one summer session. The tuition waiver will cover only nine credits and students will have to make other financial arrangements to fund their graduate education. Only if the department is on an accelerated schedule where 12 credits is the norm for the department, e.g. Social Work, Criminal Justice, will the graduate assistantship tuition waiver extend from a maximum of nine to twelve credits.

Academic Load

During the academic year, full-time graduate assistants usually enroll in nine graduate credits each semester. Graduate students may be instructed by their Graduate Coordinators to take only six credits for a semester or two during their program, putting students in temporary part-time Graduate Assistant (GA) status so that only those courses required to graduate are covered by the tuition waiver. 

During the summer sessions, all graduate assistants who get paid for summer GA positions must register for and complete at least one graduate course (3 or 4 credits) during one of the summer sessions.

Work Hour Requirement, Stipend Pay or Hourly Pay

There are two types of graduate assistantships: regular assistantships and Student Life assistantships. The Office of the Provost is responsible for regular assistantships and all graduate assistants so assigned must work 250 hours per semester regardless of credit load taken. GA appointment letters will note that even part-time GA’s are required to work the full-time allocation of 250 hours.  Regular graduate assistants receive one stipend per semester divided into two payments; one payment distributed during the ninth week of classes and the second payment disbursed the twelfth week of the semester. 

The Student Affairs Division is responsible for Student Life Graduate Assistantships (SLGA) and those so assigned must work 400 hours per semester and receive payment per an hourly wage. 

Graduate Assistantship Status for those who fail, withdraw from classes, or need to repeat classes

If a graduate student who has received a tuition waiver and/or a stipend as pay for work performed or yet to be performed withdraws from classes or receives no credit for classes based on the grade earned in the class(es), the student will be responsible for the immediate and full payment of all tuition due to Shippensburg University and for a refund of stipend monies received. Any and all payments required under this section will be pro-rated to the extent possible. Under no circumstances will the School of Graduate Studies award a tuition waiver for a class from which the student previously withdrew (received a W on their transcript) or received a grade of F grade on their transcript, or received a grade which fails to meet academic requirements and the student is repeating the course.

Benefits

With the exception of the tuition waiver and compensation for work performed (including social security and workmen’s compensation payments), students in Graduate Assistantships and student payroll positions do not receive any of the benefits provided to regular university employees, such as health benefits, sick leave, special parking passes for vehicles, or paid holidays or vacations. 

Late Appointments

Graduate Assistants may be appointed through the end of the first week of a semester. 

Changing Appointment

Upon the consent and approval of all involved parties including the Graduate Dean, Graduate Assistants may move from one graduate assistantship to another.  

Resignation, Dismissal, or Academic Probation

A graduate assistant may resign from a GA position during the course of a semester. Any hours worked prior to resignation must be recorded on the student payroll and paid to the student.

A student who resigns will have tuition waiver prorated based on the number of hours actually worked. For example, if a graduate assistant works 50 hours and then resigns, only 20 percent (50/250) of the tuition will be waived. The student will then be billed for the remaining 80 percent.

A student who withdraws from classes and no longer meets the academic load requirements will be dismissed from the assistantship. Compensation and tuition waiver policies are the same as those for a resignation.

A Graduate Assistant may be dismissed from a position due to poor work performance or an inability to discharge the duties of the assignments. The supervisor must notify their supervisor and the Dean of Graduate Studies in writing of the decision and justification. Compensation and tuition waiver policies are the same as those for a resignation.

It is not possible for a student to continue in a Graduate Assistant position while on academic probation. 

When graduate students are unable to resolve issues related to their employment by talking with their supervisors, students are encouraged to contact the Department Chair, the respective college Dean, or another individual in the university’s chain of command, information which can be retrieved at the Graduate Dean’s Office.

Student Payroll Positions

Student Payroll Positions (SPPs) are administered through the Graduate Dean’s Office. Students working in SPPs earn hourly wages but are not eligible for tuition waivers. Only graduate students qualify for Student Payroll Positions. All SPPs are posted online on the Graduate Assistant page and are identified in job titles as “…SPP-no tuition waiver.” Appointments are awarded each semester on a competitive basis and without regard to financial need.

Students may be not: hold two Student Payroll or Graduate Assistantships at one time, nor may a student hold one SPP and one Graduate Assistantship at the same time.

Residence Directors

Residence Directors provide oversight of the residence halls or apartments for students living in campus housing. General responsibilities include supervising undergraduate staff members, responding to student needs and issues, serving as an emergency on-call person, working with camps and conferences, advising student groups, assisting in hall maintenance processes, implementing programs and services, and participating in the adjudication of conduct code violations. Residence Directors also perform a variety of tasks within the Office Housing and Residence Life.

Residence Directors must be enrolled in a graduate program during their period of employment. Previous experience working within a residence hall or some other related aspect of student personnel work is preferred. Strong interpersonal skills, plus an interest in and an understanding of working with undergraduate students are required.

The Residence Director position is a twelve-month appointment. In addition to a salary (contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life for specifics), Residence Directors receive a free apartment and meal plan. Additionally, Residence Directors receive a tuition waiver for six credits per semester and three credits per summer. In order to balance academic and professional success, Residence Directors are not authorized to exceed the aforementioned credit limits, thus limiting them to a maximum of 15 graduate credits per year.

Applications and additional information may be obtained by contacting the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

Loans

Federal Direct Loans are available to matriculated graduate students who are taking at least 6 credits per semester. In order to qualify, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Federal Direct Loan application.

Graduate students are billed for tuition and fees at the time of registration. If the student has applied for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan to cover those charges, payment may be deferred until the loan funds arrive. The student should indicate on the tuition bill that a loan is pending and return it to the Student Accounts Office.

Students interested in additional financial aid information should visit the Financial Aid website (http://www.ship.edu/financial_aid/).

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)

In order to continue to receive federal financial aid, students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).  SAP is defined as sufficiently moving toward successful completion of degree requirements. A student’s SAP status will be reviewed 3 times a year - at the end of fall term, end of spring term, and after the final summer term. All students who were enrolled on or after the first day of the term will have their Satisfactory Academic Progress calculated at the end of the term.

Federal policies require that SAP be measured 3 ways:

1. Cumulative GPA
2. Percentage of Credits Earned (Pace)
3. Maximum Time Frame

Financial aid recipients must maintain SAP in all three areas whether or not aid was received in the past.

Graduate Students

1. GPA Requirement: Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
2. PACE Requirement: Complete 67% of credits attempted. (All attempted hours are counted, including transfer hours, classes from which a student withdrew after the drop/add period, and any failed classes. All credits are counted whether or not financial aid was received.)
3. Maximum Time Frame Requirement: Federal guidelines state a student can attempt no more than 150% of the number of credits needed to graduate. Students must complete their degree requirements within 150% of the published length of their academic program. For example, if your degree requires 30 graduate credits you may not attempt more than 45 credits (150% of 30) before exceeding the maximum time frame requirement. All attempted hours are counted, including transfer hours, classes from which a student withdrew after the drop/add period, and any failed classes. All credits are counted whether or not financial aid was received.

For complete information on Satisfactory Academic Progress, go to www.ship.edu/Financial_Aid/sap/.

Housing

Graduate student housing is offered in Mowrey Hall.  This housing is designed for affordability, flexibility, and independence. Students are offered a work option to pay for the housing, can stay during breaks, and do not need to carry a meal plan as a kitchen is provided in the building.

Incoming graduate students confirm housing through the Admission confirmation process. Current graduate students confirm housing through the myShip portal.

Student Services

Office of the Graduate Dean

The Office of the Graduate Dean, located in Old Main 310, provides a number of services to graduate students including coordination of graduate assistantships. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year. To contact the office call (717) 477-1148.

Graduate Student Association Board

The Graduate Student Association Board was organized to promote harmonious relationships among graduate students, faculty, and administration; to provide a means of expressing to the university as a whole the needs of graduate students; and to insure the rights, privileges and responsibilities of graduate students.

Membership is automatic during the semester or session in which a graduate student is enrolled. Elections for officers are held in April with officers serving from June through May. For more information, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Registrar’s Office/Transcripts

Shippensburg University has retained Credentials Inc. to accept transcript orders over the Internet. This option allows you to submit transcript requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Credentials Inc. has been appointed as the designated agent for processing and sending official electronic transcripts on behalf of Shippensburg University. This option is available to anyone attending Shippensburg University in 1992 or later. The PDF transcript that is produced using this service contains the identical information as the printed transcript and can be certified as unaltered by uploading the file to the company’s website that is provided during the delivery process. Credentials Inc. has been granted the authority to deliver all such electronic transcript requests on behalf of Shippensburg University and respond to any inquiries regarding the transactions.

Requests for electronic transcripts cost $8 per individual transcript. Requests for paper transcripts cost $10 per individual transcript. Paper transcripts will be mailed within three (3) business days. Additional fees will be incurred if same business day or international mailing is required. All fees are outlined at the Credentials Inc. order site and will be summarized prior to your submission of your request.

Please click on the appropriate link below to enter your order.

• Order Transcripts Online - Current Students (with University ID and Password REQUIRED)
• Order Transcripts Online - Alumni and Former Students (without University ID and Password)

If you are uncomfortable placing an order over the Internet, you can call Credentials Inc. at 847-716-3005 to place your transcript request. There is an additional operator surcharge for placing orders over the telephone.

If you have placed an order through TranscriptsPlus, you may check the status of your order by navigating to the Credential’s Self-ServicePlus screen.

Click here to check the status of your order.

Questions regarding this process should be directed to the Registrar’s Office, located in Old Main 111. To contact the office call (717) 477-1381.

Counseling Services

The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers free, confidential counseling and psychological services for a wide range of issues, from personal growth and development to mental health concerns. Services provided include individual, couples, and group counseling; crisis intervention; and psychiatric services for undergraduate and graduate students; as well as prevention and consultation services for the entire university community.

Students’ more common concerns include the following: depression; anxiety; self-critical feelings; academic concerns including procrastination and time management; sleeping problems; uncertainty about future/life after college; finances; relationships with family, friends, roommates, or romantic partners; problems with body image, eating, or weight; sexual concerns; and alcohol/other drug abuse.

The UCC is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc. UCC records are confidential, and do not become a part of students’ academic records. Only with a client’s written permission will information be released to anyone outside of the UCC, except as required by law. The UCC is located in the Wellness Center in Naugle Hall and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. when classes are in session. Call (717) 477-1481 or visit www.ship.edu/counseling_center/ for more information.

Child Care

The university offers childcare through the Bartos Child and Family Center conveniently located on campus in the Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School. The center offers developmentally appropriate curriculum, designed and led by four-year degreed teachers, as well as plenty of free play. Classes are tailored to five age ranges which include: Toddler A (12-24 months), Toddler B (24-36 months), Pre-school A (30 months-age 3), Pre-school B (ages 4-6), and School Age. Students enrolled at Shippensburg University are invited to make use of the Child and Family Center. In 2006, the center achieved NAEYC accreditation and currently holds a Keystone STARS Four-Star rating. Tuition subsidies may be available for qualified applicants. For information call (717) 477-1792 or visit the Bartos Child and Family Center website at www.sufoundation.org/services/childfamilycenter.

Career, Mentoring and Professional Development Center

The Career, Mentoring and Professional Development Center (CMPDC), located in the Ceddia Union Building (CUB 108), provides student/alumni-centered career engagement programs, experiences, and learning opportunities to assist students to develop and achieve personal and professional goals. The Center implements career, internship, and mentoring engagement program initiatives through employer and alumni collaboration, as well as, outreach on and off the university campus to foster partnerships.

The Center provides resources in exploring career options, organizing job/internship search programs such as preparing a resume, cover letter, and interview skills. In addition, the CMPDC provides students with career and employer information opportunities through Ship Career Connection, which lists on/off campus opportunities, internships, and career events.

Keeping with the Career, Mentoring, and Professional Development Center’s commitment to meet students’ schedules and needs, the Center conducts express hours, hosts workshops on any career related topic, performs outreach programs for classes and organizations, hosts appointments, and holds evening hours.  We are here to help students! Give the CMPDC a call at (717) 477-1484, email at career@ship.edu, or stop by the office for more information. Visit our website at https://www.ship.edu/career/.

Computing and Network Services

The university provides computing and network services for instruction, research, and administration. Students may access university e-mail, file space, and academic records. Students may also create a personal web site. Visit our website at www.ship.edu/technology.

Computer Labs

The university maintains four general-purpose computer labs as well as dozens of departmental labs and computer classrooms. All campus labs include access to printing, the complete Microsoft Office suite, SPSS statistical software, and other standard course applications. Internet access for e-mail services, research, and accessing course management systems is available in each facility. General purpose labs in MCT are open twenty-four hours, seven days per week. Computer workstations and laptops are also available in Ezra Lehman Memorial Library. For a full listing of computer labs and available software, please visit www.ship.edu/microlabs.

Technology Help Desk

The university Technology Help Desk provides a single point of contact for students experiencing problems relating to personal computer systems, mobile devices, and/or network connectivity. Services provided to all students include assistance with wireless connectivity, e-mail/file access assistance, computer cleanup (virus, spyware and malware) and help with installation of university-supplied software (such as anti-virus programs). The Technology Help Desk is located in the lobby of the Ezra Lehman Memorial Library, and can be reached at (717) 477-HELP (x4357) or helpdesk@ship.edu.

Library and Multimedia Services

The mission of the Ezra Lehman Memorial Library is to foster a community of academic success in an environment of personalized service, research mentorship and instruction, and connection to resources. In fulfilling this mission, the Library, Instructional Design and Web Technologies, Media, Technology Support Services, and Broadcasting Departments provide a variety of services, including the following:

• A wide range of print and electronic resources
• Desktop computers, laptops, printing, scanning, and faxing
• Individual and group study spaces, as well as private study rooms
• Individualized assistance in locating resources
• Document delivery of resources housed in the Lehman or Luhrs Libraries and acquired through interlibrary loan services
• Help in evaluating useful Internet resources
• Guidance in citing resources, avoiding plagiarism, and understanding copyright law and fair use guidelines
• Personalized research consultations, for one-on-one research support and mentorship
• Basic support with computer literacy and software applications used at the university
• Technology support in presentation software including video, audio, and image editing
• Support and assistance with campus technology and student computing at the Technology Help Desk
• Videoconferencing and classroom media support
• Television studio production facilities and remote television production support
• Equipment check out for digital cameras, digital camcorders, LCD projectors, laptops, calculators, voice recorders, etc.

Visit the library online at library.ship.edu, Multimedia Services at www.ship.edu/media, and Technology Support Services at www.ship.edu/technology. For more information or assistance with an information or media-related need, call:

Learning Center

The Learning Center, located on the first floor of the Student Success Center in Mowrey Hall, is the university’s primary site for academic support. The Learning Center provides Learning Specialist services that can help graduate students improve their academic performance, writing proficiency, and learning abilities. Graduate students can obtain more information about the Learning Center on the Learning Center’s webpage: https://www.ship.edu/learning/.

Learning Specialists

Learning Specialists are professional staff members who assist students in developing academic skills to help students fulfill their academic goals and potential. Learning Specialists are available to the entire campus community and can:

• Provide strategies to help students improve their study methods
• Help to improve test taking skills, including managing test anxiety 
• Assist students in managing their time and class assignments
• Serve as a mentor to students who require ongoing academic support
• Provide support for individuals with learning disabilities
• Conduct a study behavior assessment, which evaluates a student’s strengths and challenges with regards to academics
• Guide students on academic probation

Multicultural Student Center

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) serves as a resource for all students. In addition to supporting academic success, the MSA strives to help students develop leadership skills, increase self-awareness, and participate in experiences that will enhance cultural awareness.
Located in Gilbert Hall, the staff members in the MSA office also assist groups such as the African American Organization, Latino Student Organization, Asian American Organization, Building Bridges, along with a host of other groups, with program development and implementation. The MSA works to improve the quality of life for all students enrolled at the university.

MSA is a family who supports, advocates, challenges, and encourages one another to succeed. Our mission is to educate and graduate students who will possess a vision for leadership and a will to excel. MSA touches the lives of people who will shape the future. We hope that you will visit us at our office, utilize our meeting rooms, and attend the events that we sponsor as well as those sponsored by our student groups.

Please feel free to contact Diane Jefferson directly at dljeff@ship.edu if you would like to become involved with MSA or if you have ideas or suggestions.

Cora I. Grove Spiritual Center

The Campus Ministry Offices are located in the Cora I. Grove Spiritual Center (Catholic Campus Ministry, room 215, (717) 477-1244; and United Campus Ministry, room 213, (717) 477-1672).

University Store

The University Store is located in the Ceddia Union Building.

The store provides textbooks, trade books, school supplies, gift items, imprinted clothing, greeting cards, and book-buy-back. For additional information and hours, call (717) 477-1600, or visit our website http://ship.bkstr.com.

Veterans Services

The Veterans Services provides support for students who are veterans or recipients of veteran’s benefits. The office coordinates veterans benefits and supports students with academic and personal issues and works to engage military-affiliated learners within the broader campus community. 

The Veterans Resource Center, located in the Ceddia Union Building (CUB 235), provides a space to gather, meet, study, and relax on-campus.  The university also has an active chapter of Student Veterans of America (SVA), which provides a fellowship of like-minded individuals and creates a network of students and alumni for professional and leadership development. For more information, go to www.ship.edu/veterans/.  To contact Veteran Services, email vetaffairs@ship.edu or call 717-477-1133. 

Women’s Center

The Women’s Center of Shippensburg University advances the equality and empowerment of students, faculty and staff. In line with the Shippensburg University Mission Statement, the Women’s Center assists students in their personal, social and ethical development through educational programs, specialized resources, celebration of achievements by and for students, and the pursuit of social justice.

Using empowerment theory to guide our actions, the staff and volunteers of the Women’s Center advocate for victims of sexual misconduct, intimate partner abuse, and other violent crimes. We are dedicated to fostering a safe educational environment that is both respectful and inclusive to all members of our campus community. All women and men are welcomed and encouraged to use the Women’s Center services and resources.

Guided by empathy, integrity, open-mindedness and a strong commitment to collaboration, the Women’s Center works toward equality, empowerment and ending violence for all members of the Shippensburg University community. The Women’s Center serves the campus community by hosting programs, conferences, workshops and other events. The Women’s Center’s conference room, lounge, and library are valuable resources to members of the campus community. The Women’s Center is located on the first floor of Horton Hall and is online at www.ship.edu/womens_center. You can contact the Women’s Center at (717) 477-1790 or womenscenter@ship.edu.

Other Information

Commencement

Two commencements are held each year, one in December and one in May.

Students completing degree requirements during the fall or winter may participate in the December commencement. Students completing degree requirements in the spring or summer may participate in the May commencement.

Graduate degree candidates must submit their application for graduation and pay the graduation fee to the Registrar’s Office prior to the beginning of their final term. Applications received after the deadline date will be held and processed for the next commencement.

Fee Waiver for Senior Citizens

Tuition charges may be waived for senior citizens enrolled in any graduate program providing space is available within the desired courses. Applications for this waiver should be initiated through the Registrar’s Office prior to registration for the courses to which it will apply. Application for and approval of the waiver must occur prior to registration for the courses to which it will apply. Requests for retroactive waivers will not be considered. All other fees described in this catalog are due and payable at time of registration.

A senior citizen is defined as a retired United States citizen residing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who is sixty or more years of age. Documentation that the requesting student meets the above eligibility criteria will be required.

Pennsylvania Residency

Students applying for graduate study at Shippensburg University will be classified as resident or nonresident for fee purposes by the Office of Graduate Admissions. This classification is based on information furnished by the applicant and all other relevant information. The Office of Graduate Admissions may require written documents, affidavits, verifications, or other evidence necessary to establish the domicile of a student.

Domicile is defined by the regulations of the State System of Higher Education as the place where one intends to reside either permanently or indefinitely and does, in fact, so reside. It is the student’s responsibility to present clear and convincing evidence to establish residency for fee purposes.

Evidence

The following factors may be considered as evidence of domiciliary intention: lease or purchase of a permanent, independent residence within Pennsylvania; payment of appropriate state and local taxes; agreement for permanent, full-time employment within the state; registration of a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania; registration to vote in Pennsylvania; possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license; and a sworn statement declaring your intention to make Pennsylvania your residence either permanently or for an indefinite period of time.

Each case is decided on the basis of all the facts submitted, with qualitative rather than quantitative emphasis. No given number of factors is required for domicile, since the determination in each case is one of the subjective intention of the student to reside permanently or indefinitely in Pennsylvania.

Change of Domicile

If you change your domicile from Pennsylvania to another state, you must promptly notify the Registrar’s Office. You may also be reclassified as a nonresident if the university believes you are no longer a Pennsylvania domiciliary.

Determination of Domicile

Continuous residence in Pennsylvania for a period of twelve months prior to registration creates a presumption of domicile. You are presumed not to be a domiciliary if you have resided for a shorter period, but you may rebut this presumption by clear and convincing evidence.

Students who are not United States citizens, and have nonimmigrant visas or lack a visa, are presumed not to be domiciled in Pennsylvania, but they may rebut this presumption by clear and convincing evidence.

A minor is presumed to have the domicile of his or her parents or guardian. The age of majority for establishing a domicile for tuition purposes is 22. However, a minor may prove financial emancipation and thereby prove  Pennsylvania domicile through clear and convincing evidence.

A U.S. government employee or a member of the armed forces who was domiciled in Pennsylvania immediately preceding entry into government service and who has continuously maintained Pennsylvania as his or her declared legal residence, shall be presumed to have a Pennsylvania domicile. Nonresidents stationed in Pennsylvania for military service shall be deemed Pennsylvania domiciliaries.

Procedures for Reclassification

Domicile requests for students who have earned credits at Shippensburg University should be submitted to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Office. Documentation must be submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to the deadline of tuition and fee payment to be considered for the upcoming semester. Domicile requests for new incoming and transfer students should be submitted to the Office of Admissions for review.

If your petition is denied, you may appeal this decision to the Office of the Chancellor of the State System of Higher Education. This written appeal must reach the Office of the Chancellor within thirty days of the date the university’s decision was mailed.