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Student Handbook

Mission Statement

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUniversity, a West Virginia public liberal arts university, is a diverse community of learners and a gateway to the world of opportunities and ideas. We are the regional center for academic, cultural, and economic opportunity. Our mission of service succeeds because we are dedicated to our core values: learning, engagement, integrity, accessibility, and community.

Vision Statement

Shepherd: A Premier Public Liberal Arts University

We will be a nationally respected community of learners where passion, purpose, and experience unite to inspire individuals to shape the world.

Welcome from the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUniversity President

Dear Students,

The start of the academic year is an uplifting time here at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø– for you, our faculty and staff. The new academic year affords all of us a clean slate that we can fill with exciting courses, inspiring guest lectures, championship-level athletics, valuable volunteer projects, and memorable social, service, and recreational events.

First-year and Transfer students–welcome to Shepherd! You will find ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøto be a friendly and open campus where you will feel right at home.

Upperclassmen–we are glad you have returned to continue your studies at Shepherd! Please help our first-year students become acclimated to the campus as they begin their studies and life’s new adventure with us.

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøprides itself on promoting civility; please use courtesy in your treatment of others — on campus as well as in your personal life.

Dedicate yourself to the pursuit of knowledge; aspire to make your family and friends proud of you and your accomplishments. You are the next generation of leaders and model citizens.

Become an active participant in the life of the campus through volunteer service, athletics (collegiate and intramural), and membership in Shepherd’s clubs and organizations. You will find that many of the skills you learn outside the classroom will aid you throughout your life and professional career.

I wish you a successful and productive academic year, and look forward to seeing you on campus!

Mary J.C. Hendrix, Ph.D. ’74
President of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUniversity

Welcome from the SGA President!

Hello Rams,

Welcome to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUniversity! I am excited for you to experience the amazing community built here. From the faculty and staff to students, everyone has a place at this school. The encouragement and positivity you will receive throughout your time here will have a lasting impact on the rest of your life.

Being on this campus will open up doors and create connections as long as you are looking for them. As a first year student, it is important to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone to explore all that ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUniversity has to offer. As an upper-class student, be a positive role model and continue to show others what it truly means to be a ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøRam. Everyone plays a part in the growth and strength of this amazing student body.

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUniversity has many different clubs and organizations on campus. One of the best ways to get involved is by attending the Involvement Fair, where you will gain information and learn about all of the groups you can join. Going to events hosted by the Program Board throughout the year is also a great way to get involved and have fun! It is important to remember that you are never alone. Shepherd’s main goal is to make sure that all students succeed. You have access to free tutoring, counseling services, academic advising, the Student Success Center and more. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help or support at any time.

Finally, I invite you to join us at the Student Government Association meetings. Our meetings take place each Tuesday at 5:00 pm in the Storer Ballroom. All students are welcome to attend. I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Tyler Furbee
Student Government Association President

/sga

Welcome from the Vice President of Student Affairs!

Dear Students,Ìý

Welcome to the 2025-2026 Academic Year at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUniversity! I hope you have found time to relax over the summer and are ready to begin or continue your goal of obtaining a college degree, it is within your reach and we are here to help. The information provided in this student handbook will help you be a success at Shepherd.  Please understand that it is your responsibility to review and become familiar with this handbook; it will assist you in knowing your rights as a student, how to find resources and understanding policies and procedures.Ìý

All students deserve to enjoy a positive experience at Shepherd, and in order to create an environment that will help you find success, we are fully committed to having our campus be a place where you will feelÌý

• Welcomed and supported;Ìý
• Comfortable to ask for assistance;Ìý
• That everyone at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøwants you to succeed;Ìý
• That who you are and what you do matters.Ìý

Students who follow the recommendations below experience a higher likelihood of success.Ìý

• Attend class every day, ask questions, and submit your work on time.Ìý
• Seek help the first time you need it or if you have questions about your educational journey in or outside the classroom.Ìý
• Get involved at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøby joining a student organization, attending an event, or getting a job on campus.Ìý
• Socialize and meet other students who share similar (and opposing!) views as your own.Ìý

Remember, you possess the ability to create your success through the opportunities at Shepherd.  Our faculty and staff want you to thrive in this environment.  We believe if you consistently engage, make connections, and prioritize your education, you will succeed.Ìý

College will be full of challenges and excitement as you balance personal, professional, and educational demands while pursuing your degree.  However, the choices you make must be the ones that are the best for you. Utilize the resources and suggestions described in this handbook to assist you.  Do not hesitate to reach out to my colleagues and me. Ìý

Best wishes for a successful year. We are quite anxious to kick off our new semester with you!ÌýÌý

Sincerely,

Holly Frye

Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Community Relations

/studentaffairs

Welcome from the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøStudents,

Dr. Jack DeRochi

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs