Academic Achievement Center, Brennan Library

Lasell University is committed to helping students achieve academic and personal success, both in and out of the classroom environment. We seek to assist all students, including individuals with disabilities, to fully access the academic, residential and social aspects of student life at Lasell University. The office of Accessibility Services works in close collaboration with Academic Affairs, Residential Life, Health Services and the Counseling Center in order to facilitate student accommodation requests. The Director will work directly with students in the development of accommodation plans, and in the oversight of any disability-related supports needed in accessing the University's academic and student life. For more information, visit the Accessibility Services Page.

It is the philosophy of the Lasell University Athletic Program to place the highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of academic goals. Athletics are conducted as a part of the student-athlete's educational experience. The athletic program is meant to complement the educational program and vice-versa. The Athletic Department will strive to encourage participation by maximizing the number and variety of opportunities offered in varsity and intramural programs. It is the goal of the Athletic Department to foster the development of sportsmanship, community, fair play, positive societal values and physical well-being in all participants.

Lasell University holds membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, and the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. All teams have access to post-season play through conference championships and the NCAA. Lasell currently sponsors seventeen varsity sports teams: basketball, volleyball, soccer, field hockey, cross country, lacrosse, softball, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field are offered for women; and basketball, baseball, soccer, cross country, lacrosse, volleyball, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field are offered for men. Participants in the athletic program receive the same treatment as all other students. Division III student-athletes receive no special privileges in admission, financial aid, advising, grading or living accommodations. The emphasis of the program is placed on the welfare of the participants, and not on the spectators or the entertainment value of sport.

Intramural programs are provided for the college community throughout the year and include flag football, beach volleyball, dodge ball and basketball. HIIT, ZUMBAm muscle conditioning and Yoga are offered as non-credit class activities throughout the semester.

The Athletic Center is located in the middle of campus and is home to the basketball/volleyball courts, locker rooms, overhead track, and aerobic/dance studio. The Edwards Fitness Center, located adjacent to the Athletic Center on the first level of the Edwards Student Center and the McClelland Fitness Center, located on the first floor of McClelland Hall, are equipped with both cardiovascular and weight training equipment. Both Fitness Centers are staffed and available for student use approximately 80 hours a week; whenever the Fitness Centers are open for use, there is a certified staff member available (students may not use the Fitness Centers in the absence of a certified staff member). Taylor Field is adjacent to the field house and is used for varsity soccer and softball. Grellier Field is located on Aspen Road and is an artificial turf field used for varsity field hockey, and lacrosse. The Athletic Center and Fitness Centers are open for students, faculty and staff use during the academic year. Please check the centers for hours of operation. Students are encouraged to use the facilities regularly to maintain health and fitness. Other facilities include a tennis court and outdoor basketball court located on Seminary Avenue, a beach volleyball court located on Woodland Road, and a boathouse on the Charles River.

Athletic Center, x2330

Edwards Student Center, x2124

The Office of Career Readiness and Internship Programs is dedicated to the professional and personal growth and development of undergraduate and graduate students. The staff in the Office assists students in exploring career and major options, and support students in the process of seeking full- and part-time employment. Students typically participate in workshops and/or work individually with Career Counselors to clarify career goals, take career interest assessments, develop a resume, prepare for interviews, apply to graduate schools, and devise successful short and long-term career development strategies. The Office provides several resources and tools related to job-hunting techniques, career descriptions, and requirements for various majors.

For an updated list of clubs and organizations, please visit Laser Involvement.

Mott House, x2181

The Lasell University Counseling Center offers free, short-term individual and group counseling services for students to confidentially explore concerns and struggles. Students come to the Counseling Center to discuss various topics including: relationship conflicts, college adjustment, trauma, academic stress, depression, anxiety, family concerns, sexuality, gender identity, and cultural identity. Exploring issues is a sign of strength; in counseling, students work to better understand themselves and their environments, and to develop new approaches to overcoming obstacles.

In addition to counseling services, the Counseling Center offers a resource library on numerous topics including: stress management and relaxation techniques, substance use, eating disorders, intimate partner violence, anger, grief, communication skills, and self-esteem. A Health Educator works in the center, along with Peer Health Educators, to provide educational programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles and relationships.

Appointments can be made by emailing CounselingCenter@lasell.edu, calling 617-243-2181, or by stopping by the Counseling Center at Mott House. The Counseling Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday during the academic year. For students who require care beyond the scope of our clinical services (for example: weekly psychotherapy, specialized substance abuse, or intensive mental health treatment), the staff in the Counseling Center will assist students in referrals to services in the local community, using the student's health insurance or in coordination with the student's professional provider(s) from home.

Edwards Student Center, x2451

Located on the top level of the Edwards Student Center, Health Services is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Health Services is staffed by nurse practitioners and a part-time physician. Emergency services are available through the Newton-Wellesley Hospital - 617.243.6000 (approximately one-half mile from the Lasell campus). When the Health Services office is closed, non-emergency care may be received at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital Urgent Care Center in Waltham – 617-243-5590 (approximately 2.5 miles from campus). Any student requiring off-campus care should bring their health insurance information with them to the medical provider. Any fees incurred for off-campus care are the responsibility of the student, and students will need to arrange their own transportation. Whenever a student feels that they require emergency medical care after business hours, they should first contact Campus Police at 617-243-2279.

Clinical Philosophy – Health Services provides high quality health care and health promotion to improve students’ overall health, to support their educational goals, and to develop skills for long-term healthy lifestyles. Our physician and team of nurse practitioners believe in a holistic approach to health, which includes optimal physical, emotional, and social well-being. The staff provides comprehensive primary care for routine health care issues, illness, and injury, and they believe that health care is a partnership between the student and the health care provider. Health Services’ staff do not write medical excuse notes for class absences unless there are unusual circumstances such as hospitalizations or acute illness, requiring a student to miss a week or more of classes.

Confidentiality - All visits, discussions, treatments and records are confidential. The HIPPA Privacy Rules (April 14, 2003) safeguard the use and disclosure of your identifiable health information and place certain requirements on what is known protected health information. We do not release health information to anyone without your written permission unless, in our judgment, it is necessary to protect you or others from immediate physical danger, or when required by court order.

Prior to registration Lasell University requires all full-time students to submit a health form which includes a physical examination within 12 months of matriculation, and a medical history form. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that every full-time student provide proof of immunizations. These requirements include: three Hepatitis B, two MMR, two Varicella (chicken pox), an up-to-date Tetanus/Pertussis (TDap), and an up-to-date Meningococcal with the past five years. In addition, Lasell University requires completion of a Tuberculin Risk Questionnaire. If these documents are not completed within thirty (30) days of arrival to Lasell, a student will be prevented from registering for classes for the following semester.  Any student considering an international study abroad program or international service learning experience should get the Hepatitis A series at least six months prior to international travel. 

The University's comprehensive fee entitles students to consultations with the professional medical staff during their scheduled hours. In addition to the treatment of illnesses, injuries, and chronic conditions, the staff members perform routine pelvic exams, various STD testing, order lab work, draw blood, administer urine and blood tests, refer to specialists, and write prescriptions for most commonly used medications including birth control. Health education and counseling are available on various subjects such as nutrition, alcohol education, sexuality, eating disorders, birth control, emotional problems and sexually transmitted infections. If a student should become ill, hospitalization may become necessary. If a student contracts a contagious disease, the University reserves the right to require that student to return to their home within 24 hours of diagnosis. Health Services does not initiate or prescribe medications for Attention Deficit Disorders.

Students must be enrolled in some health insurance policy as stipulated by Chapter 23 of the General Laws of Massachusetts. Students must provide documentation of their health insurance policy name and identification number. Insurance is necessary to cover the costs of any lab fees (i.e. x-rays, throat cultures, pap smears), prescriptions for medications, or referrals to other specialists. For further information about insurance issues, students should contact the Office of Student Accounts, x2103.

Arnow Campus Center, x2398

The Office of International Education provides comprehensive direct service to the population of undergraduate students who wish to study abroad for a semester, summer, or academic year.

Study Abroad Advising: Lasell offers over 75 study abroad programs in more than 40 countries. Students who wish to study abroad during their time at Lasell can visit the Office of International Services for information and guidance on study abroad opportunities. The Office holds several programs throughout each semester also designed to inform students about study abroad opportunities. These programs include: information sessions for first year students; tables at the annual Activities Fairs; fall and spring study abroad fairs; classroom visits; site-specific information sessions; a meet and greet and pre-departure orientation for accepted students.

Students are encouraged to discuss their desire to study abroad early with their academic advisors, in addition to meeting with an advisor at the Office of International Services to find the best fit academically and personally for their study abroad experience, as well as to receive guidance on the study abroad process. Once a student has made the decision to go abroad, a specific application process must be followed. Students must first indicate the approved program they are applying for and submit an online application to Lasell's Office of International Services. If accepted, the student will then apply directly to the study abroad program. Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing, and any student who falls out of good academic or disciplinary standing at any point in the application process or prior to going abroad, will no longer be permitted to study abroad. Upon returning from studying abroad, students can choose to apply to be a Global Ambassador and assist the Office with study abroad programs and offer peer-to-peer advice to students who may be considering study abroad.

For more information, students should visit the Office of International Services on the 2nd floor of the Arnow Campus Center, or contact the office to set up an appointment by email at studyabroad@lasell.edu or phone at (617)-243-2398.

Arnow Campus Center, x2398

The Office of International Student Services provides comprehensive direct service to the undergraduate and graduate international student populations on campus.  

Lasell has over 150 international students each year who come from approximately 35 countries. The Office of International Student Services provides information, support, and advising on a wide range of topics, including immigration issues (work permissions, travel, F-1 visa regulations, social security), social and cultural adjustment, and resources at Lasell University and in the community. The Office sponsors several programs throughout the school year including: resume and career workshops; CPT and OPT information sessions; and cultural events such as International Education Week in November, Culture Fest Week in April, and the Festival of Colors in May. Information regarding F-1 visa regulations and the International Student Handbook are located on the office's website. Students can also visit the Office of International Student Services on the top floor of the Edwards Student Center, or contact the office to set up an appointment by email at iss@lasell.edu.

Edwards Student Center, x2124

Students and their family members may avail themselves of the Student Affairs office for assistance in many areas. If a student is unsure exactly where to address a question or concern, s/he may come to the Student Affairs office for help or get the appropriate referral. The Associate Vice President, Dean of Student Affairs, and Associate Dean of Student Affairs are responsible for coordinating all of the various student life services, and for working with students and staff to create a vibrant and supportive campus environment in which all members of the Lasell University community can study, work, recreate, and live.

Edwards Student Center, x2124, residentiallife@lasell.edu

Living on campus is a rewarding part of the Lasell University experience. The Residential Life staff members are committed to fostering an atmosphere in the living residential communities that will enhance the emotional and social growth of the students residing there. Students must be physically and emotionally healthy to live in the residential community, and all resident students must live within the guidelines set out in this Handbook. Any student deemed to pose a threat to themselves or to other members of the Lasell community, may not be permitted to remain in residence.

The staff in the residence buildings consists of Area Coordinators and Resident Assistants. Resident Assistants (RAs) are student staff members with at least sophomore standing. Every resident student will have an RA on their floor, wing or house who is assigned to them. There are currently 35-40 Resident Assistants on campus. Area Coordinators (ACs) are professional staff members who live on campus in residential buildings. The ACs are responsible for supervising the RAs, and work with them to create a healthy, supportive, and educational environment in the residential communities.

Arnow Campus Center, x2475 studentactivities@lasell.edu

The Office of Student Activities and Orientation is a comprehensive department that supports many aspects of student learning and development. Within a student development framework, the staff provides support to all registered student organizations as well as social, cultural, and educational programs for the entire Lasell community. The Office offers many services including leadership development programs; student organizational management; advising and program planning; advisors for the Student Government Association and Campus Activities Board; and hosts and plans large-scale campus events such as Family, Friends, and Alumni Weekend, and the Torchlight Parade.

The Office of Student Activities and Orientation conducts five sets of different new student and family Orientation Programs: one for first-year students during the month of June ("Laser Link Orientation") and a make-up Orientation in August ("Laser Link Orientation 2.0"), one for transfer students in August ("Laser Transfer Transitions"), one prior to the start of classes in September ("Lasell Laser Welcome Weekend"), and one in January ("Laser Winter Orientation"). Each program is designed to aid students in their transition to Lasell University by introducing them to the campus, preparing them to begin their collegiate academic experience, and welcoming them into the Lasell University community. Orientation Leaders, current undergraduate students, play an important role in delivering these programs. More information is available on Orientation pages.

Students are encouraged to get involved outside of the classroom throughout their university years. Through the Office of Student Activities and Orientation, there are many opportunities for participation, including orientation, student organizations, leadership development programs, attendance at major events, and employment in the Office of Student Activities. More information on how to get involved at Lasell University can be found in the Involvement Guide. For more information on getting involved, students should stop by the Office of Student Activities on the second floor of the Arnow Campus Center, call (617) 243-2475, e-mail studentactivities@lasell.edu or find the Office on Twitter and on Facebook. The web pages for the Office are www.lasell.edu/studentactivities and www.lasell.edu/orientation.

Office of Student Activities and Orientation Sales

The Office offers discounted tickets to professional sporting events, theater productions, movie tickets, a variety of trips, Senior Week, club and organization ticket sales, class apparel, and other items throughout the year. These sales are advertised on MyLasell, the campus calendar, Office-generated activities calendar and monthly student e-newsletter, and flyers. All tickets or items sold by the Office of Student Activities are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets cannot be reserved or held ahead of time. All sales are final and there are no refunds, transfers, or exchanges.

The Office utilizes University Tickets, which is a web-based boxed office that will allow for ease of transactions, the ability to pay with a credit card, and easy record keeping of purchases. Registration is easy and must be completed (only once) before any purchase (online or in-person) is made with the Office of Student Activities and Orientation. To register, simply to go MyLasell. On the left side, there is a link under the "Campus Life" heading that says 'buy tix online'. Click that and register. Additionally, students can go to tickets.lasell.edu to purchase tickets. Payment can be made in cash, cred/debit card, and/or check, made payable to "Lasell University."

Senior Week

Senior Week is offered every year by the Senior Class Committee and the Office of Student Activities and Orientation. All students who wish to participate in Senior Week must register in advance, for the entire week of activities. A "senior" is defined as a student who is in good conduct standing by April 30, 2023, and has graduated in December 2022 or will graduate in May 2023 or December 2023. NOTE: Graduation date is defined by the Office of the Registrar. Guests are not permitted to attend Senior Week activities. Graduating seniors living in on-campus housing must be paid participants of Senior Week in order to stay in the residence halls during Senior Week. For additional, information please read the Residential Life section of this Handbook. Senior Week payments are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be exchanged. All Senior Week participants will be required to sign and abide by the Senior Week Contract. All University policies are in effect during Senior Week. Information about Senior Week activities, payment options, and dates of events will be sent to seniors via their Lasell University email. Questions regarding Senior Week can be addressed to the Director of Student Activities and Orientation at x2475 or studentactivities@lasell.edu.

Student Clubs and Organizations

The many different student organizations at Lasell University provide numerous opportunities for involvement. Students can choose from programming, culture, governance, and special interest clubs and organizations. With so many choices, most students are able to find an organization that suits their needs and interests. For a current list of student organizations please visit Laser Involvement. To join a club, attend the Fall or Winter "Activities Fairs" or contact the Office of Student Activities, x2475 or studentactivities@lasell.edu.

Creating a Student Club or Organization

Starting a new club or organization is simple, and there are three steps: 1) have an idea, 2) find three other students that are interested, and 3) meet with the Coordinator for Student Organizations. Students who are interested in starting a new student organization should contact the Office at x2475 or studentactivities@lasell.edu. 

Registration of Student Clubs and Organizations

Any student organization wishing to function under the Lasell University name, or wishing to utilize campus facilities, must be registered with the Office of Student Activities and Orientation.  Student organization policies include:

1. No student club or organization may discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, handicap or disability, or an individual's previous affiliation in criteria for membership, assignment of voting privileges, rank or office.
2. Student organizations must register with the Office of Student Activities and Orientation at the beginning of each academic year by submitting a Student Club/Organization Registration Packet. Dates are publicized by the Office at the beginning of the academic year. This packet includes an officer roster and anti-hazing information which must be signed. Student organizations register on Laser Involvement
3. All registered student clubs and organizations are required to complete an Event Registration form with the Office of Student Activities and Orientation, for any programs or events held outside of the scope of organizational meetings. This form is designed to assist student organizations in planning better programs and maximizing the resources available. Event Registration forms are due at least ten (10) business days prior to the event. Students must work with the Coordinator for Student Organizations to complete the form. Forms can be completed on Laser Involvement
4. At the start of each semester, all clubs/organizations must update the Executive Board Members for their group. To update the roster, log on to Laser Involvement, click on the organization, click on "manage organization", then click on the roster on the left. Once there, each member of the club will be listed and updates can be made for the new Executive Board. Failure to update the Executive Board members will likely result in the prohibition of sponsoring events. Consult with the Coordinator for Student Organizations.
5. All student clubs and organizations must adhere to University policies whether they are on- or off-campus. Student organizations alleged to be in violation of University policies will be referred to the Director of Student Activities and Orientation and may be subject to a hearing through the campus Conduct System, and may possibly lose their registration privileges.
6. New organizations may form at any time by meeting with the Coordinator for Student Organizations. Registered organizations may also seek recognition from the Student Government Association making them eligible for funding. Please see the Office of Student Activities and Orientation for more information.

Privileges of Registered Student Clubs and Organizations

• an account with Laser Involvement
• flyer and advertising privileges on campus
• inclusion in University publications, directories, and distribution databases
• opportunity to obtain student organization office and/or storage space when available
• participation in the University's Student Activities Fairs to recruit new members
• use of University facilities (rooms, vans, etc.)
• use of University services (My.Lasell postings, plasma board postings, etc.)
• use of resources provided by the Office (program planning, staff support, assistance with team building, etc.)

Participation in Student Clubs and Organizations

All students may participate in the co-curricular life on campus as long as they meet the requirements for good academic as well as good conduct standing. For a complete description of "good academic standing" please refer to the appropriate section in the University Catalog. Students who are not in good academic standing will receive notification from the Office of Academic Affairs. Students (full- and part-time) who are not in good academic standing will be required to curtail their participation in the co-curricular life of the campus in the following ways:

• students who are serving in an executive board position in a registered student organization (i.e. whose name appears on the "Officer Roster" as submitted to the Office of Student Activities and Orientation) will be considered to be in probationary status for that semester.
• no student organization officer may remain on probationary status for two consecutive semesters.
• students who are not in good academic standing will not be permitted to stand as candidates for an executive board position in a student organization.

In addition, any student leaders serving as executive board members whose residential privileges are revoked for conduct reasons will likely be suspended from all club/organization activities until their housing privileges are reinstated. When a student leader is found responsible for violations of University policy, the Director of Student Activities and Orientation reserves the right to impose additional, organization-specific sanctions at any time depending on the severity of the incident.

Hazing

Hazing is illegal in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and will not be tolerated by the University. All registered student organizations are required to read and sign an Anti-Hazing Form at the start of the academic year. Please refer to the policy section of this Handbook for the complete text on this policy.

Student Organization Funding

Registered student organizations are eligible for funding through the Student Government Association. Clubs that do not receive funding from another source (e.g. an academic department or the Office of Student Activities), and are registered and recognized, may request funding each semester from the Student Government Association. Funding is allocated per semester and is contingent upon the club or organization following the policies of the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Activities. For further information, you may also check out the Student Organization Manual.

How to Request SGA Funding

All registered clubs and organizations must submit an SGA Funding Budget Packet to the Office of Student Activities and Orientation, in order to request funding in the fall and spring semesters. Information and SGA Funding Budget Packets will be handed out at a mandatory club and organization meeting each semester. For further information, you may also check out the Student Organization Manual.

Registered Student Clubs and Organizations

For an updated list of clubs and organizations, go to Laser Involvement.