Academic Services

Home - Life at Wilkes - Undergraduate Student Handbook - Academic Services

Academic Advisors

Contact: Katy Betnar, Executive Director of Student Success

Academic advisors are crucial to helping students develop a holistic comprehension of what their baccalaureate degrees will symbolize. Academic advising is the principal means for Wilkes to help students develop a coherent, comprehensive understanding of their educational experiences. Beyond fulfilling requirements and accumulating credits, students should have a grasp of what their Wilkes education means — from its core in the arts and sciences to the essential characteristics of the major.

All first year students at the University are assigned to faculty advisors from their chosen academic department. Undeclared students are assigned advisors from the Office of Academic Success. Prior to each registration period, and at any other time during the year when there is some concern regarding course progression or departmental procedure, a conference with your advisor should be arranged. While advisors serve as resources for guidance, students bear the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that they meet the requirements for the degree.

Cooperative Education and Internship Program

Contact: Carol Bosack, Director

Cooperative education is a credit-granting program, normal tuition policies are
followed during the fall and spring semesters. Tuition costs for the summer sessions will
be one-half of the current tuition rates. Registration for credit must occur in the semester
that that Coop or Internship hours and duties are performed. The job description for an internship should align with the students’ major curriculum and be at least a 10-week experience. Each internship/coop has an hourly requirement of 150/170/200 hours based on the course requirement.

The program is open to students of the University who meet the following requirements:

  • Undergraduate student.
  • Sophomore class standing or above.
  • Minimum 2.00 to 2.25 grade point average, depending upon major; some employers may have higher GPA requirements.
  • Permission of the student's advisor and department chairperson approval of the internship prior to placement modifications of any internship requirements for credit must be previously approved in writing (email) and registered by the Cooperative Education Office.

After the Advisor and Chair approval, you will need to register online.

Register for an Internship

This form needs to be started by students and then all will approve. At this same time, students will become cross-registered with CPE300, a non-credit bearing course within LIVE, to house all required internship documents for each student.

All interested students should contact carol.bosack@wilkes.edu at the Cooperative Education Office at the Center for Career Development and Internships, (Rear 236 S. River St, ext. 2950) as early as possible to facilitate or receive help with the internship registration process.

Internship Forms and Application Process

Washington Semester Program

Contact: Carol Bosack, Director of Internships and Parent Programs

As part of an Inter-institutional Agreement with American University, Wilkes students can spend a semester in Washington, D.C. in a full credit program consisting of supervised seminars, a highly competitive internship and a final research project or elective. Upon successful completion of the Washington Semester Program, students earn 12-16 American University credits (depending on program choice) that can be transferred to Wilkes. Internships are available in a variety of areas including, politics and government, international affairs, foreign policy, business and economics, journalism and communications, and a variety of non-profit diversity and social justice organizations. Students participating in the program will be billed at the Wilkes tuition rate and may be eligible for a scholarship from American University. Wilkes institutional aid will not apply. 

Requirements

  • Second semester sophomore - senior.
  • Minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
  • Approval from academic advisor.

For more information please contact 408-4018 or visit the American University Washington Semester program page. external website

Study Abroad

Contact: Dr. Andreea Maierean, Coordinator of Study Abroad

Study Abroad is an experience that will change your world view, enhance your professional profile, and will be lots of fun. Wilkes University has several exchange programs that allow students to study abroad at the same cost as attending Wilkes University.  There are also short-term summer and January-term study abroad opportunities, as well as many Wilkes faculty-led experiences abroad.

Study Abroad Programs at Wilkes

Steps to prepare to study abroad:

  • Make an appointment with the Study Abroad Director, Dr. Andreea Maierean to explore options
  • Discuss your study abroad course options with your academic advisor 
  • Contact the Director of Financial Aid to find out how to apply financial aid to study abroad costs
  • Apply for external and internal awards for study abroad
  • Revisit the Study Abroad Director with final choices and get appropriate forms
  • Allow yourself 6 to 9 months for the application process

Eugene S. Farley Library

Contact: Mr. Brian Sacolic, Director of Farley Library

Telephone:  (570) 408-4250 

The Eugene S. Farley Library, named in honor of the first president of Wilkes University, is located on the corner of South Franklin and West South Streets. It is one of the largest resource libraries in the region with more than 150,000 volumes of print books, 210,000 electronic books and 85,000 full text online journals.  This extensive array of materials can be access via 132 subject specific databases and also the Summon Discovery tool.  While students can access virtually the entire collection remotely, Farley Library remains a popular destination for students to study, brainstorm or just socialize.

Also housed in the library are the University Archives, the University Writing Center, the Information Technology Help Desk, four special collections rooms and a Smart classroom/auditorium.  Farley Library is also home to the Alden Learning Commons, a technology rich learning environment that has four enclosed group study rooms and 20 open group study areas that can accommodate groups of one to six students. 

The (upper level) Library hours during the academic year are:

  • Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. to midnight.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 3:00 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The (lower level) Alden Learning Commons is available 24/7 during regular school hours via a Win swipe card and using the Franklin Street side entrance.

Summer sessions and holiday hours, as well as any changes to the regular library schedule, are posted at the library entrance and on the library Website.

Library resources and services are available online 24/7 or online. Remote (off-campus) patrons will need to login using their Wilkes credentials to access full-text materials.  

Library Regulations

  1. Use your valid Wilkes University I.D. card to obtain library privileges. You are responsible for materials charged out on your identification card.
  2. A valid Wilkes I.D. also enables Wilkes University students to borrow books year-round at Misericordia University, Keystone College, King’s College, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University and the University of Scranton.
  3. Books circulate for one month. Renewals may be made in person, by telephone, or online from the patron access area of the Library catalog.  A book may be renewed once. DVDs circulate for three days (no renewal). Charges may be levied for some overdue and all damaged materials. Failure to pay fines or to return borrowed materials will likely result in denial of transcripts until fines are paid and/or materials returned.
  4. Periodicals, journals, reference materials, and microform materials do not circulate. Reference materials, periodicals, and journal articles in print and microfilm format may be photocopied in accordance with the provisions of the U.S. copyright law.
  5. The lower level (Alden Learning Commons floor and the 1st floor are designated “talking floors”.  Patrons may converse in normal speaking levels.  Patrons desiring more quiet study space should utilize 2nd and 3rd floors. 
  6. To provide an optimum environment for study on floors designated as quiet study (2nd and 3rd floors), please keep all cellular phones on silent alert while in the library.
  7. The University reserves the right to refer for disciplinary action patrons who have violated Library policy.
  8. Small food items and drinks are permitted throughout the library.  For larger feasts, please use the lower level lounge area.

Library Services

  1. Students and Faculty can request research assistance via the Reference librarians.  The Reference Department offers impromptu and schedule appointments and patrons can request in-person, email, text, chat or Zoom reference meeting for research help.
  2. Library Orientation: Group library orientation can be arranged for students upon request.  Orientations will include a library tour and overview of the library website.
  3. Bibliographic Instruction: Specific instruction in the use of library collections and reference tools is available for students upon request of the instructor.
  4. Interlibrary Loan: This service is provided for students, faculty, and staff to supplement research needs. Interlibrary loan requests are free and materials usually arrive within 2 working days.  An Illiad account is needed to use interlibrary loan, please inquire at the Reference Department for details.
  5. Media Services: Media staff will have audiovisual equipment needed for classroom usage delivered to sites on campus. At least a 24-hour notice is required. Videos and DVDs may be reserved one week in advance of the expected need. The Library Media Room (Room 002) is also available, on a first-come, first-served basis, for classes or events.
  6. Reserve Materials: Collateral course reading materials placed on reserve by faculty are maintained at the Circulation Desk.
  7. Photocopiers and scanners for printed materials and micro materials are available in the library. A color copier is located on the first floor and the lower level. Users are reminded to observe the restrictions placed on photocopying by the U.S. copyright law. The law and interpretive documents are available at the Circulation Desk.
  8. Online searching of auxiliary databases is available by appointment through the Reference Department to support faculty-guided student research.
  9. Student groups and clubs wishing to schedule activities or meeting spaces using library facilities are welcome to contact the library.

Music Collection

Darte Hall, on the corner of South River and West South Streets, houses a separate collection of music scores and recordings. For information about accessing materials housed in the music collection, call (570) 408-4420 or 1-800-WILKESU Ext 4420

Computer Facilities

Wilkes University has numerous microcomputer and internet access facilities available for student use. Students also have the option of accessing the Internet via the campus-wide data network from network jacks in many campus residence hall rooms and a number of wireless areas throughout campus. (Students must provide their own microcomputer and software for this type of access). 

Music Practice Rooms

Contact: Maryellen Sloat, Division of Performing Arts Office Assistant

A limited number of music practice rooms are available in Darte Hall. These rooms are generally reserved for those students participating in ensembles or taking private music instruction from University or conservatory faculty. Because of the heavy enrollment in these courses the University is unable to make these rooms available to students who are not enrolled in these curricular offerings.

Students eligible to use these rooms are assigned a key for the practice room through the Division of Performing Arts. Since more than one student is assigned to a practice room it is expected that students will cooperate and work out compatible practice times. Failure to return the key to the practice room at the conclusion of the semester will result in the assessment of a fine and an account hold being placed that precludes the release of the official transcript of the work done at the University. 

Pre-Law Advising

Contact: Kyle Kreider, Ph.D., Professor

There is no pre-law major at Wilkes because law schools do not require (or even recommend) any particular major. What law schools do recommend is a strong liberal arts curriculum including courses that require writing and analytical skills. Many of the types of courses that law schools look for are already required as part of the general education curriculum at Wilkes, courses such as English composition, philosophy, political science, and other social sciences.

In order to be well prepared for law school, we recommend that you go beyond the requirements of the general education curriculum and take additional courses that will help you develop writing and analytical skills. In addition, we recommend that you take at least one course in logic and/or rhetoric by the end of your junior year. Your academic advisor, in conjunction with your pre-law advisor, will be able to help you select an appropriate curriculum.

You should make an appointment to see a University pre-law advisor at Wilkes some time during your first year and stay in touch with the him/her periodically throughout your years at Wilkes. The pre-law advisor is a good source of information and advice about law school. Staying in touch with your pre-law advisor and joining the pre-law club will help you stay informed about pre-law events at Wilkes, including visits by law school Admissions Officers, visits to law schools and other law-related activities. Dr. Kyle L. Kreider is the University's Coordinating Pre-Law Advisor and can be reached at 408-4473 and kyle.kreider@wilkes.edu.

Classroom Utilization After Hours

Students requiring access to an academic space (classroom, lab, art studio, etc.) must secure permission from a supervising faculty member to have access after hours. Faculty can share those names with Public Safety at the beginning of the semester. Access will then be granted to students via their University ID card.

Learning Center

Contact: Katy Betnar, Executive Director of Student Success

The Office of Student Succes and its Academic Support Program provide comprehensive academic support services to promote undergraduate student academic excellence and success.
Students engage in active learning, reflection, and collaboration through academic support services that teach foundational skills/strategies and promote independence
to achieve academic, personal, and lifelong success. Services include individual peer tutoring in a wide range of subjects, small group tutoring, and supplemental instruction (SI) for selected courses. Students can meet with a professional learning specialist to further develop individual study skills including time management, note-taking, goal setting/motivation, and test preparation. 

Intensive English Program

Contact: Dr. Kimberly Niezgoda , Director of IEP Services

English Language Center

The Wilkes University English Language Center offers an assortment of programs to meet the varying needs of adult English-language learners.

You will find our programming challenging and enjoyable, and our classes and curriculum demanding and fun. Develop critical thinking, academic and professional skills as you learn from teachers who are well trained, highly experienced, and truly dedicated to their students. Advance your skills and learn to succeed in an English-speaking and multicultural world.

Mission

The Wilkes University English Language Center provides English for academic and professional programming which supports the core Wilkes values of mentorship, scholarship, diversity, innovation and community.

Aims

  • Provide state-of-the-art, individualized English language instruction to meet learners’ language, cultural, and professional goals;
  • Empower students to successfully function in English in a multicultural and diverse world;
  • Serve Wilkes University faculty and departments, by providing programs which meet the needs of their English learning students;
  • Provide highly qualified faculty who encourage academic success and provide leadership in the areas of intercultural understanding and cooperation.

Our Programs

Intensive English Program

Learn the English language and advance your studies at an American university with Wilkes University’s Intensive English Program.

Our Intensive English Program immerses international students in the study of the English language and American culture. Courses are designed to improve listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, preparing you to enroll at Wilkes University or another American university in as little as one semester of coursework.

Our program has been recognized among the best in the United States. In addition to various accreditations, Wilkes is a member of UCIEP, the highest standards organization of intensive English programs. Of nearly 800 programs nationwide, Wilkes is among just 80 schools to receive such recognition.

University Preparatory Program

The University Preparatory Program teaches you English and so much more.

You’ll develop the skills that will equip you to succeed in U.S. university study—and in life.

The one-semester University Preparatory Program, offered on campus or online, provides international students with the necessary skills and strategies needed to effectively transition and succeed in college. UPP lets you expand and refine your language and academic skills while fostering the appreciation of educational growth and diversity necessary to contribute to the global learning community.

With the UPP, you will:
  • attend the 15-week program on campus or online;
  • earn 12 credits toward your bachelor’s degree;
  • learn the English language and advance your written and oral communication skills;
  • prepare for American university study, including critical thinking, writing and study skills;
  • immerse yourself in the culture of an American university.
Special Programs

The English Language Center provides specially designed programs for groups, including a variety of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), short-term academic, and teacher training programs.

We can create tailored English-language instruction programs for
  • government agencies
  • educators
  • corporations
  • non-governmental organizations
Mission

The mission of the Wilkes University English for Specific Purposes programs is to conduce needs assessments to provide participants the necessary English skills and strategies in listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary to succeed in their professions. The ESP Programs at Wilkes University specifically aim to address learners’ needs through innovative teaching methods, providing highly relevant content material and activities, and immersing students in the language needed to expand upon, and refine, core knowledge and skills, to successfully participate in the global community in English.

ESP Programs Outcomes
  • Develop critical thinking and analysis in written and oral communication.
  • Improve understanding of specialized content and technical vocabulary in English by engaging with top professionals in the field.
  • Develop advanced grammatical structures in spoken and written specialized
  • Improve reading, writing and research skills in area of expertise.
  • Develop skills needed to comprehend and communicate in area of expertise in
  • Provide opportunities to audit content area classes in field of expertise.

Writing Center

Contact: Sean J. Kelly, PhD., Professor

The Writing Center, located in the Farley Library's Alden Learning Commons, is a student-staffed resource for all students at Wilkes University. Undergraduate and graduate students may use the Writing Center free of charge on a drop-in, referral, appointment, or online basis. The Center's staff is composed of experienced undergraduate writers, majoring in various disciplines, who assist writers working on projects from content areas across the curriculum. Our writing consultants do not accept papers dropped off for review but instead engage in one-to-one dialog with clients about their writing. Consultants are happy to offer strategies for generating ideas, establishing a focus, developing support, and revising. Although the Writing Center does not offer a proofreading or copy-editing service, consultants can offer guidance and answer specific questions about mechanics and grammar. More information, including online resources, can be found on the Writing Center's page.

The Writing Center is open weekdays, generally between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Appointments may be made by using the Schedule Appointment form or by calling 570-408-2753. Students are always welcome to stop by the Center for drop-in appointment. In addition, writers who cannot physically come to the Center may submit their paper online via the Submit Your Paper form. Clients can expect a response within 48 hours of the time of submission.

For additional information, including employment inquiries, please contact Dr. Sean Kelly, Director of the Writing Center.