Student Handbook
Mission Statement
Shepherd University, a West Virginia public liberal arts university, is a diverse community of learners and a gateway to the world of opportunities and ideas. We are the regional center for academic, cultural, and economic opportunity. Our mission of service succeeds because we are dedicated to our core values: learning, engagement, integrity, accessibility, and community.
Vision Statement
Shepherd: A Premier Public Liberal Arts University
We will be a nationally respected community of learners where passion, purpose, and experience unite to inspire individuals to shape the world.
Welcome from the Shepherd University President
Dear Students,
The start of the academic year is an uplifting time here at Shepherd – for you, our faculty and staff. The new academic year affords all of us a clean slate that we can fill with exciting courses, inspiring guest lectures, championship-level athletics, valuable volunteer projects, and memorable social, service, and recreational events.
First-year and Transfer students–welcome to Shepherd! You will find Shepherd to be a friendly and open campus where you will feel right at home.
Upperclassmen–we are glad you have returned to continue your studies at Shepherd! Please help our first-year students become acclimated to the campus as they begin their studies and life’s new adventure with us.
Shepherd prides itself on promoting civility; please use fair play and courtesy in your treatment of others — on campus as well as in your personal life.
Dedicate yourself to the pursuit of knowledge; aspire to make your family and friends proud of you and your accomplishments. You are the next generation of leaders and model citizens.
Become an active participant in the life of the campus through volunteer service, athletics (collegiate and intramural), and membership in Shepherd’s clubs and organizations. You will find that many of the skills you learn outside the classroom will aid you throughout your life and professional career.
I wish you a successful and productive academic year, and look forward to seeing you on campus!
Mary J.C. Hendrix, Ph.D. ’74
President of Shepherd University
Welcome from the SGA President!
My fellow Rams,
I am so honored and excited to welcome you all to Shepherd University! Shepherd University is a very special place, with an amazing campus, outstanding staff and faculty, and a welcoming atmosphere where all are encouraged to do and be their best.
Shepherd University has so many amazing opportunities for you to take part in. One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer to you is to invest in your time here. Seek out as many opportunities as you can. Shepherd University has nearly a hundred different clubs and organizations you can join, on top of the many opportunities available in your courses and areas of study. Being involved helps you in so many ways, whether it be professional and educational development, network and develop relationships, or simply just making the most of your academic career.
Another important piece of advice I have is to use your resources. Shepherd University offers so many free resources to help you better yourself, whether it be free tutoring (including free 24-hour online tutoring), the Academic Support Center, the Student Success Center, the Wellness Center, Counseling Services, the Health Center, and so many more. Utilizing these free resources will help you out in so many ways in the long run.
Additionally, I would like to invite you to get involved with the Student Government Association. All students are welcomed to attend our weekly meetings each Tuesday at 5:00 PM in the Storer Ballroom of the Student Center or via Microsoft Teams. A variety of things are discussed every week, such as officer reports, presentations, proposals, and concerns of the student body. Additionally, there are dozens of clubs, organizations, and co-curriculars that have seats in the senate, having a student senator representing them at each meeting. We also participate in or lead Shep-or-Treat, Relay for Life, the Involvement Fair, and many other events. I hope to see you there!
To sum up everything I have shared with you, I feel this quote from Roy T. Bennett, author of The Light in the Heart, says it best, “There is no more profitable investment than investing in yourself. It is the best investment you can make; you can never go wrong with it.”
Best regards,
Paul R. Teter
Student Government Association President
Welcome from the Vice President of Student Affairs!
Dear Students,
It is time to kick off our 23-24 Academic Year at Shepherd University! I hope you have found time to relax over the summer and are ready to begin or continue your goal of obtaining a college degree, it is within your reach and we are here to help. The information provided in this student handbook will help you be a success at Shepherd. Please understand that it is your responsibility to review and become familiar with this handbook; it will assist you in knowing your rights as a student, how to find resources and understanding policies and procedures.
All students deserve to enjoy a positive experience at Shepherd, and in order to create an environment that will help you find success, we are fully committed to having our campus be a place where you will feel
- Welcomed and supported;
- Comfortable to ask for assistance;
- That everyone at Shepherd wants you to succeed;
- That who you are and what you do matters.
Students who follow the recommendations below experience a higher likelihood of success.
- Attend class every day, ask questions, and submit your work on time.
- Seek help the first time you need it or if you have questions about your educational journey in or outside the classroom.
- Get involved at Shepherd by joining a student organization, attending an event, or getting a job on campus.
- Socialize and meet other students who share similar (and opposing!) views as your own.
Remember, you possess the ability to create your success through the opportunities at Shepherd. Our faculty and staff want you to thrive in this environment. We believe if you consistently engage, make connections, and prioritize your education, you will succeed.
College will be full of challenges and excitement as you balance personal, professional, and educational demands while pursuing your degree. However, the choices you make must be the ones that are the best for you. Utilize the resources and suggestions described in this handbook to assist you. Do not hesitate to reach out to my colleagues and me.
Best wishes for a successful year. We are quite anxious to kick off our new semester with you!
Sincerely,
Holly Frye
Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Community Relations
https://www.shepherd.edu/studentaffairs
Welcome from the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dear Shepherd Students,
Welcome to Shepherd University! You have chosen to attend a school full of extraordinary faculty and staff dedicated to one singular purpose—helping you realize your aspirations through the transformative experience of education.
As a first-generation college student, it was hard putting myself through school. I worked part-time and planned out every hour of my day during the semester. I was successful because I had a dedicated mentor, a strong circle of supportive friends and teachers who helped my stay focused on my goals, and a great time management system! In the process, I fell in love with learning through poetry, literature, mathematics, foreign languages, music, science, and history. Before long, I started my career as a teacher, musician, and leader in the arts and education.
Pursing your education is a tremendous investment in yourself, your family, and your community. Please take full advantage of the opportunities Shepherd provides. Ask for assistance when you need it and offer your assistance and strength when you have it to give to others. It is a worthy use of a good life.
With warmest wishes,
Dr. Robert Tudor
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Welcome From The Dean of Graduate studies!
Welcome to Shepherd University! I send a warm welcome from the Division’s graduate faculty and staff. Please use this Handbook as a valuable resource during your time as a Shepherd University graduate student.
We are committed to helping create a wonderful educational experience for all graduate students whether attending part-time or full-time. The faculty work to create a graduate culture that commits to life-long learning and the appreciation of knowledge, embrace s strong scholarship and creativity, and values service to the community. We create environments where students are learning with and from peers as well as their instructors. We value the diversity of our students and our student-centered approach embraces the lived experiences that each student brings to the classroom.
As graduate students, we recognize the many life responsibilities each of you have. We encourage you to get involved with opportunities within your academic programs and the University in general as your schedules permit. These experiences as well as ones in the local communities can enhance classroom learning.
Know that that Program Coordinators and I are here to ensure you have a rich experience as you work to complete your Master’s or Doctoral degree.
Dr. Richard A. Stevens, Jr.
Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies