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Purpose Statement
The Fairfield University Academic Commons supports the scholarly success and intellectual growth of our students. Academic Commons partners are dedicated to:
- Coordinating academic resources
- Helping students achieve their educational goals
- Creating an inclusive environment for students
- Eliminating barriers to student success
- Strengthening students’ academic experience, in and out of the classroom
The Academic Commons is comprised of the following areas: Office of Academic Support and Retention, Office of Accessibility, CAS Fredrickson Family Innovation Lab, ITS Help Desk, Global Fairfield, Writing Center, Math Center and the DiMenna-Nyselius Library.
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.
