Student Services

Academic Support Services

Textbooks

Through Messiah's partnership with Slingshot, you are auto-enrolled to receive your required textbooks and course materials automatically, delivered to your home or campus store. Once you enroll for your course or courses, the default setting will be for you to rent your books, but you may change that to purchasing or using digital formats in your account preferences. To change your preference, use your Messiah credentials and log into www.slingshotedu.com/student-login. You may also look up pricing for your materials, see when rentals are due, access required digital materials, and update your mailing address through your portal.

When you sign into your account portal, you may also access a live chat feature to receive assistance from Slingshot.

For assistance regarding Messiah's campus store, you may contact Ms. Aleisha Wildon at awildon@messiah.edu.

Murray Library

A key facility in the University's educational program is the Murray Library. It contains quiet places for individual and group study; more than 250,000 books, periodicals, online databases and journals, audio/visual media, and other media, as well as access to myriad web-based electronic resources. The library building houses the media center, including audiovisual production space, a film production studio, a computer laboratory, and the archives of the University and Brethren in Christ Church. The Office of Academic Accessibility, and the Learning Center moved into recently renovated space; now educational services to support student learning are located in one facility. Membership in various consortia expedites the loan of resources from other libraries.

Reference services are available from librarians; hours and contact information are listed on the library website. All students, residential and online, have access to online databases (including full-text articles, e-books, and streaming videos) and the library catalog. Students can access the library through the Messiah website. Most graduate courses also have direct links to the library in Canvas. Journal articles not available online can be requested through Interlibrary Loan and will be forwarded electronically to students. Books owned by the library will be mailed to a student’s home address. Students may also present their Messiah ID card at various Pennsylvania libraries to check out books from a local library. Students outside of Pennsylvania may visit their local college to see if they offer borrowing privileges. If in the area, students in online courses are always welcome to visit Messiah’s Murray Library to do research, check out materials, or place interlibrary loan requests in person.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities 

Students with disabilities requiring accommodation in classes, programs, or services can arrange for accommodations through the Office of Academic Accessibility (OAA). This office is located in the Murray Library, suite 115. The Director can be reached via email at aslody@messiah.edu or via phone at (717) 796-5382.

Students are required to self-identify, present current documentation of eligibility (generally no older than 3-4 years) and specify any needed accommodations. Following verification of eligibility, an accommodation profile is developed with the student.

Students are then provided with an accommodation letter verifying their eligibility and the accommodations for which they qualify. Students are then encouraged to submit a copy of their accommodation letter to any instructors from whom they wish to request accommodations. They must discuss with their instructor how the accommodations will be provided. That dialogue should continue periodically throughout the course, especially if further adjustments are necessary. Failure to verify need for eligibility early in the semester may limit the student's options for completing course requirements because accommodations will not be provided retro-actively.

The university reserves the right to deny an accommodation if that accommodation fundamentally changes the nature of the course, or if it results in lowered course standards. Furthermore, the ADA allows the university to offer an alternative, less expensive accommodation when that alternative is as effective as the requested accommodation. The university is committed to helping students and instructors find workable solutions that meet student needs while preserving course integrity.

For on-line courses, the nature of the instructional process may require a different set of accommodations than those required for traditional courses. When a student with a disability needs to request an accommodation, the student must contact the Office of Academic Accessibility to verify eligibility and to describe the perceived barrier. The student is expected to work cooperatively with the instructor and OAA to develop appropriate accommodations when possible. The University will actively work to assure that all course materials are available in a form that assures students full, equal access to content and instruction.

Students who think they may have a disability but who have not been evaluated are encouraged to meet or speak with the Director. At this meeting, the student may decide to undergo testing to determine whether their learning difficulties meet the definition of a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and its revisions. The cost associated with the assessment is the responsibility of the student. This process can also be lengthy. In some situations, the Office of Academic Accessibility may offer temporary accommodations during the time when a student is actively pursuing evaluation for eligibility under the ADA. Temporary accommodations are available for a maximum of one semester.

Editing & Writing Support

Messiah University partners with Heartful Editor to provide editing support and writing coaching to graduate students. Heartful Editor’s team of caring and supportive academic coaches and editors strives to uphold the highest ethical standards in their work with students, blending ethics and compassion to build a responsible and productive editing and coaching experience.

Heartful Editor coaches and guides graduate students on writing and the mechanics of style, specifically the guidelines outlined in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA, 7th Edition) and the Chicago Manual of Style (17th Edition). Their academic coaches and editors:

• Read and review all documents for grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency in formatting, and alignment with style guidelines.
• Suggest alternative words or phrases, provide guidance on sentence structure, and advise on how to better organize ideas.
• Provide graduate students with a thorough overview of areas that need attention and improvement.
• Track all edits and changes for the client to review and accept or reject.
• Format master’s theses and doctoral dissertations in alignment with Messiah University formatting standards.

To learn more about Heartful Editor or to schedule an appointment for editing or writing coaching, please visit https://heartfuleditor.com/messiah-university/. They will respond to your request within 2-3 business days.

Support Services

Benevolence Resource

Messiah’s Graduate Student Benevolence Fund provides assistance to a current graduate student experiencing a crisis or hardship. Potential recipients may be nominated by any Messiah employee, student, or through self-nomination. Upon the determination that financial assistance will be granted, distributed through the recipient’s student financial account.

Criteria for funding requests:

• Nomination should be for a current graduate student at Messiah.
• Assistance for basic necessities such as food, clothing, housing/utilities, medical assistance, and/or transportation will be given priority.
• Financial assistance will be limited to one transaction per student.
• Documentation of need may be requested.

To nominate a student or self, email the Director of Graduate and Adult Student Services & Compliance at jgomboc@messiah.edu with the following:

• Name and program of the student.
• Paragraph describing the emergency or hardship that has fallen upon the student
• Provide as much detail as possible and suggested assistance.

The director will meet with the committee to review and discuss the nomination. Upon the distribution of funds into the student’s account, a member of the committee will contact the student to inform them of the assistance.

Career Services

The Career and Professional Development Center offers a selection of services to support graduate students' career development. These services include: personal career coaching (in-person or virtual) regarding resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation and job search strategies; access to CPDC programs that are open to all students, including the annual Career Expo, Pizza with Professionals Series featuring employer information sessions, and Rezumania (resume review service); access to job postings through our exclusive Handshake portal; and access to CPDC guides and tutorials through our website: www.messiah.edu/info/22189/graduate_students

University Ministries & Spiritual Development

For undergraduate and graduate students alike, the work of Christian formation takes place in the curriculum as well as the co-curriculum. Messiah educators and staff serve as partners in student faith journeys and are committed to helping and challenging students to follow Christ and to respond to the biblical call to faithful service. Each academic program explores a Christian perspective of a particular aspect of God’s world, and each program encourages the academic, professional, and spiritual development of every student.

Some graduate students will serve on campus, and it is not difficult for them to take advantage of resources and opportunities available on campus—worship services, guest lectures, mentoring and counseling, or a bible study for graduate students. While those things are obviously more difficult for students that access courses online or through brief intensive courses, all of these things are available to the graduate student that is willing to reach out and ask for help. We recommend that students make first contact with Dr. Julie Gomboc-Hellam, Director of Graduate and Adult Student Services and Compliance, jgomboc@messiah.edu, who will be sure to connect them with others who are ready with support and guidance.

Recognized Graduate Student Organizations (GSO)

Purpose of Recognized Graduate Student Organizations (GSO)

Recognized Graduate Student Organizations (GSO) are limited to student organizations whose purpose is to support the academic endeavors of a specific Graduate Program and/or the School of Graduate & Professional Studies. 

Eligibility for Recognition

To be eligible for official University recognition, applying Graduate Student Organizations must meet the following criteria:

1. Clearly demonstrate alignment with Messiah University's mission, identity, and core values.
2. Demonstrate support from a sponsoring Graduate Program. 
3. Secure a full-time Messiah University educator from the sponsoring Graduate Program who will serve as the organization’s advisor.
4. Provide evidence for ample student interest in the organization.
5. Develop a plan for continued organization funding from the following sources:
   1. Student Dues
   2. Organizational fundraising efforts in adherence with University fundraising guidelines.
   3. Allocated operational funds from the sponsoring Graduate Program’s budget. 
   4. Indirect tax-deductible donations by means of a gift restricted to the sponsoring Graduate Program.

Recognition Application Process

To start a new organization, graduate students will obtain and complete an application from the Dean of the School of Graduate & Professional Studies Office. This application will include:

1. Basic organizational information (mission, purpose, organization) that is in alignment with Messiah University's mission, identity, and core values.
2. A proposed organizational constitution and by-laws. A constitution is the basic framework of the organization. It should state the general operating procedures and policies of a group, which are not subject to change frequently. The bylaws contain a more detailed method of doing business and specific rules. For example, the constitution would establish that dues are a requirement for membership and would outline the method of determining the amount; and the bylaws would state the specific dues amount.
3. A statement outlining any connections to regional or national organizations.
4. Names and roles of proposed student leaders.
5. A letter of support from the sponsoring Graduate Program. 
6. A letter of support identifying a full-time Messiah University educator from the sponsoring Graduate Program who will serve as the organization’s advisor.
7. Evidence of ample student interest in the organization.
8. A plan for continued organization funding from the following sources:
   1. Student Dues
   2. Organizational fundraising efforts in adherence with University fundraising guidelines.
   3. Allocated operational funds from the sponsoring Graduate Program’s budget. 
   4. Indirect tax-deductible donations by means of a gift restricted to the sponsoring Graduate Program.
9. List of potential organization activities or events

Applying organizations will submit their completed application for review by the Director of Graduate and Adult Student Services and Compliance. The Director will complete an initial screening to determine if the applying organization meets all eligibility criteria. If initially approved, the application will then be subject to review by Graduate Council.  

The application will be reviewed and subsequently approved or denied by Graduate Council based upon the established criteria. Graduate Council reviews organization applications monthly. If Graduate Council denies the application, the applying student organizations must wait until the following month to reapply for recognition.

If Graduate Council approves an application, the student organization shall immediately be recognized and subsequently receive the responsibilities and privileges afforded all recognized Graduate Student Organizations. 

Continuing Requirements/Responsibilities of Recognized Graduate Student Organizations
All recognized GSO’s must fulfill the following requirements and responsibilities:

1. Complete the annual report (each April) and submit to the Director of Graduate and Adult Student Services and Compliance.
2. On-going commitment to financial integrity and stewardship. (student organizations are not permitted to maintain off-campus bank accounts and must utilize the Messiah University Business Office). Student organizations must not run a negative balance. 
3. Submit significant organization-specific governance changes to the Director of Graduate and Adult Student Services and Compliance for review and approval by Graduate Council. 

Privileges of Recognized Graduate Student Organizations

All recognized GSO’s are eligible to receive the following privileges:

1. A Messiah University Business Office Account  
2. Permission to advertise on campus through print and electronic media outlets and to use the Messiah University name, mascot (name and image), word mark, and letterhead.
3. Permission to reserve classroom space and other University-owned property for organizational events or activities.

Loss of Recognition

If a recognized GSO fails to meet established expectations for recognized GSOs, it may be placed on a semester-long probation period Graduate Council (majority vote). At the conclusion of the probation, Graduate Council will determine if the organization is compliance and will vote to restore recognition or close the organization (simple majority).  Failure to complete the yearly report and maintain financial integrity and accountability may result in the immediate loss of recognized status and probationary status. If an organization is closed by Graduate Council and funds remain in their account, the Director of Graduate and Adult Student Services and Compliance will develop a plan in consultation with the sponsoring Graduate Program to equitably distribute the funds. If a student organization runs a negative balance, the sponsoring Program and Student Officers will be required to develop a plan to make the account whole. Any student organization with an established partnership with off-campus organizations or donors must communicate changes in club status with the Office of Development. 

Voluntarily Closing an Organization

If an organization no longer wishes to exist and they have funds remaining their account, they must develop a plan in consultation with the Director of Graduate and Adult Student Services and Compliance to close the organization and equitably distribute the funds.  Any student organization with an established partnership with off-campus organizations or donors must communicate changes in club status with the Office of Development. 

 

Falcon Exchange, Housing and Meals

Graduate Student ID Card

 
Your Messiah University ID card is your official means of identification while at Messiah University.  Your ID card can be used for access to numerous facilities and services on campus.  Graduate students should upload a photo via their FALCONlink Upload Photo link.  Unless provided instruction otherwise, please contact falconexchange@messiah.edu to arrange for distribution of your ID card.

All ID cards are issued by the Falcon Exchange. Lost cards should be reported to the Falcon Exchange during business hours as posted on the Falcon Exchange webpage.  If the Falcon Exchange is closed, a temporary ID card may be obtained at the Dispatch Office on the first floor of Eisenhower Campus Center.  Lost ID cards may be replaced at a cost of $15.00. Temporary ID cards are valid for no more than one week and must be returned to the Falcon Exchange or Dispatch.  Damaged or lost temporary ID cards are subject to a charge of $15.00.

Check Cashing

Personal checks may be cashed by students presenting a valid student ID at the Falcon Exchange during business hours. Checks exceeding $100 will not be cashed. Second-party checks will be processed if endorsed to the student presenting the check. A fee will be assessed for any returned check.

Falcon Dollars

The “Falcon Dollars” plan is a declining balance program that works like a debit card.  Money deposited into a “Falcon Dollars” account may be used to make cash-free purchases at various campus locations such as all campus restaurants including Lottie Nelson, the Union Café, The Falcon,  Café Diem, The Cafe @ Winding Hill, and also at the Campus Store. Falcon Dollar deposits may be made by downloading the Transact eAccounts app on your smart device and following the prompts to add money.  Additionally, you may make deposits at the Falcon Exchange or through one of the VTS machines in ECC. Cash may be refunded from your Falcon Dollar account only during the last two weeks of the semester. 

Campus Meals

Messiah University's Dining Services operates several dining venues from August to May.  During the summer months, Lottie Nelson Dining Hall, an all you care to eat facility, is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Falcon and The Café @ Winding Hill are open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch.

The Café @ Winding Hill is open weekdays from 7:30am to 2pm, with varying schedules during academic breaks. The café offers freshly prepared breakfast and lunch entrees, soups, salads, sandwiches - toasted if desired, and a wide variety of convenience foods and beverages. Dine in the Café, or On the Go!  Students may pay cash or credit at the door, use Falcon Dollars or Meal Plan.

Graduate Students may also request a meal plan if they are interested.  For plan options and prices, contact Dining Services at dining@messiah.edu. 

Housing

On campus housing in Messiah University residence halls is available for graduate students during summer intensive courses and year-round for select residential graduate programs. All of our residence halls are air conditioned and have common lounge areas. Each building has laundry facilities located within the complex or the residence hall itself. The buildings are secured with a card-swipe lock and each room has an individual key lock. Each spring, pricing rates are established for the following year. 

During January intensive courses, or for students who prefer to stay off campus, there are numerous hotel/lodging options nearby, many which offer discounts to Messiah University students and their families.

Campus Safety and Parking

Emergency Text Alert System

All students are strongly encouraged to sign up for the Emergency Text Alert System. The only cost incurred will be the cost of the text message (this cost is determined by the service provider). This System alerts students if there are any emergencies on campus and provides information also available on the Messiah homepage, e-mail, and announcements. The Text Alert is the fastest way to retrieve emergency messages.

To sign up, log into FALCONlink and search for “Text Alert System.” Type in the cell phone number (here is where one can add, modify, or delete a number), and select the cell phone provider from the drop down list. Click on “Submit” to finalize the registration to receive emergency text messages.

Medical Emergencies

Any medical emergencies that arise while the graduate student is on the Grantham campus are to be immediately reported to the Department of Safety Dispatch Services, located in Eisenhower Campus Center. The telephone number is 717-691-6005.  At the Winding Hill locations, all emergencies are to be reported by calling 911.

Parking

Parking Permits

Graduate students who park on campus during the academic year must display a graduate student parking permit. The graduate student parking registration form can be found under Quick Links on the Student Vehicle Registration page. To obtain a permit, students need to register their vehicle at the Box Office, ECC 122, during normal business hours or via email at studentparking@messiah.edu. There is no fee to register your vehicle. The Box Office or your academic department will instruct you on how and where to receive your permit.

Graduate students taking courses at Winding Hill must register for a parking permit and display it on their vehicle at all times. Student parking is on the north side of the Winding Hill complex.

Graduate students parking on main campus, including those traveling from Winding Hill, must display a parking permit and will be assigned to the VV/Visitor parking lot, located between Old Main and Eisenhower, while parked on main campus. Between the hours of 5 pm – 6 am Monday through Friday, or on weekends, students with permits may also park at Climenhaga/Old Main (ZZ), rear of Frey Hall, Murray Library, and Boyer Hall (XX), or Sollenberger Sports Center lot, and in parking spaces along the railroad tracks (TT lot only) except during major events that require the use of these lots by other vehicles. Vehicles must be moved by 6 am or they will be ticketed. 

View the Messiah University campus map and click parking

Parking Passes for Intensive Courses