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Purpose Statement
The Academic Commons is the hub of intellectual life for students and faculty of all disciplines. Located in the center of campus in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library building, it is a technology-rich space that fosters study and reflection as well as engagement, innovation, creativity, exploration, and collaboration.
The Academic Commons supports comprehensive and holistic student and faculty success. It integrates the Library’s collections, research, teaching, and digital scholarship with mentoring and advising, tutoring, support for technology use, and experiential learning that ensures equal access while empowering journeys of self-discovery and life-long learning.
Services
Academic Retention and Support
The Office of Academic Support and Retention support a strong faculty advising model with supplemental resources aimed at elevating the importance of student mentoring and academic advising. Services are provided for first-year students transitioning to Fairfield University, undergraduate students who are undeclared, students changing majors and/or schools, and students seeking additional guidance as they develop their academic and professional goals.
The Office supports and monitors students’ academic progress through academic advising, tutorial programs, and learning support resources, and coordinates with faculty advisors, deans’ offices, and campus resources to assist students in achieving academic success. Using a holistic advising model, the staff assist students to meet their academic, personal, and professional goals through comprehensive and integrated academic support services and resources.
Accessibility
In accordance with state and federal law, Fairfield University is committed to providing accommodations to students with disabilities in order to ensure accessibility and equal access to its programs, services, and activities. The Office of Accessibility facilitates reasonable accommodations for students who disclose a disability, meet the eligibility requirements, and request accommodations through the Office of Accessibility’s interactive accommodation request process.
The office is located within the Academic Commons on the main floor of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, room 229.
DiMenna-Nyselius Library
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library offers access to research materials that include books and eBooks, articles, physical and streaming media, and more. Services available include one-on-one research consultations with a librarian (in-person or online), 24/7 help via chat, interlibrary loan to borrow materials from other libraries, and supervised access to the University Archives and Special Collections. Research help also includes online research guides, citation guides, and tutorials. The Library building also has reservable study rooms to do solo or group work, a virtual reality room, designated graduate student study space, and a reservable private lactation room. There is also usable and/or loanable equipment such as computers, laptops, chargers, printers, and scanners, as well as a student-donated textbook collection and faculty-requested course reserves.
For further information, stop by the Library Services and Information Desk.
Fredrickson Family Innovation Lab
Established by the Fairfield alumni Scott and Susan Fredrickson (’82), the Fredrickson Family Innovation Lab stands as a symbolic center for the College of Arts and Sciences, bridging its wide breadth of departments and academic programs. For students, the Innovation Lab delivers a kinetic zone of instruction, experimentation, and accomplishment. For faculty, it facilitates problem-solving partnerships and innovative pedagogical and research collaboration. For members of the community, it demonstrates the value of a Jesuit education in the digital age and extends an invitation to students and faculty within the Graduate School of Education and Human Development, Dolan School of Business, Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, and the School of Engineering, to collaborate with the College on creative solutions that address today’s problems.
Global Fairfield
Fairfield is committed to preparing students for an increasingly competitive global market so they graduate ready to take on the world. Global Fairfield’s full portfolio of programs offer learning opportunities that optimize the international setting and bring an elevated, global understanding to students’ undergraduate experiences. From international internships, clinicals, and research opportunities to over 80 study abroad programs, Global Fairfield offers a breadth of unique and customizable experiences designed to globalize education and hone professional competencies.
ITS Help Desk
The Department of Information Technology provides technology services and support to Fairfield University students, faculty, and staff. ITS continues to research new technology offerings and identify ways in which technology can help faculty, staff, and students.
Math Center
Located on the main floor of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library in NYS 217, the Mathematics Center is a place where students can receive free tutoring for first-year courses in Precalculus, Calculus, and Statistics. Both drop-in sessions and appointments for one-on-one tutoring are available.
Writing Center
The Writing Center is a free resource available to all students. At the Writing Center, a trained peer tutor will work individually with students on anything they are writing, at any point in the writing process. Some tutors may also be able to work with students for whom English is a second language so that the Writing Center can provide assistance for all Fairfield writers. The tutoring conference aims to be collaborative; peer tutors do not write, proofread, or grade papers for students without the direct input of the students they're tutoring. This also gives students the opportunity to develop and grow as writers in ways that can be applied to their work both in and outside of coursework. For more information, or to make an appointment, visit the Writing Center website.