Student Services

Advising

Davenport offers students the support of an academic advisor to aid in their academic pursuits and development as professionals. Davenport strongly believes in a developmental advising model, which guides students through their academic plans to support their career objectives. Academic advising is available at every campus and online to assist students in selecting courses, discussing curriculum change implications, answering questions related to academic programs and policies, or reviewing progress towards graduation. Students are responsible for being aware of and meeting all curriculum requirements, including any changes that may occur therein. In addition, students should speak with an advisor for any of the following reasons:

• To answer questions about which courses to schedule and when to take specific classes.
• To confirm the classes remaining for completion of their degree program.
• To discuss transfer and articulated credits from other institutions, prior learning credits and non-collegiate credits and to see how the credits apply to their program of study.
• To discuss short and long term career goals.
• To learn about switching to another program or higher degree and know how their current courses will apply.
• To discuss the academic and financial consequences of adding, dropping, or withdrawing from a course.
• To consider changing their program of study.
• To address difficulties in completing their coursework, for personal or academic reasons.
• To discuss any other concerns related to their education including referral to University and/or community resources.

Payment of tuition and fees can be made online through the Student Payment Center. Any questions regarding these payments can be handled by contacting the University Bursar’s Office.

Advising for students accepted into the nursing program is handled by designated nursing advisors.

Advising for student-athletes is handled by designated advisors who understand and abide by the NCAA eligibility requirements.

First Generation Students

At Davenport University a First Gen student is defined as a student with neither parent obtaining a bachelor’s degree. A substantial portion of our student population identifies as a First Gen and DU is proudly committed to meeting their unique needs. DU has support services designed specifically for First Gen students to assist in acclimating academically, emotionally, and financially while fostering a sense of belonging in our university. First Gen students are encouraged to seek additional information from the office of Student Transitions and Academic Readiness firstgen@davenport.edu.

Military Assistance

Davenport University recognizes and appreciates the extraordinary contributions of the members of our armed services. Service members and their dependents should check the military page of the DU website for educational benefits. Davenport University is committed to ensuring continuity of study for every Active Duty, Reserve, and Guard service member who is prohibited from completing a semester as planned due to reassignment, long term training/schools or deployments. Service members should work with their DU Military and Veteran Services Team and their instructors prior to these events in order to ensure proper preparation and handling of DU financial records and academic coursework so that academic re-integration is as seamless as possible upon return.

Career Services

MISSION:
Career Services is committed to cultivating and connecting Davenport University’s talent with employers in today’s global marketplace.

At Davenport University, student professional and career development begins the moment you arrive. Students are expected to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with Career Services within the first 2 semesters of attendance and continue to meet with them regularly through graduation.

Students should expect to meet with Career Services on the following topics:

• Career and Professional Development Planning including:
  • Understanding and acknowledgment of the Employment Guarantee
  • Introductions to Strategic Career Planning in the classroom, at events designed for all students and through 1:1 career advising
• Career Research and Career Skills Development including:
  • Interest assessment for Major selection and career option planning
  • Soft skills development, professional networking and Excellence System expertise
  • Creating dynamic, adaptable resumes, cover letters, professional portfolios, and effective online and social media profiles
  • Strategic job search strategies, utilizing groups, clubs, associations, and volunteerism, career fairs and other effective career access tools
• Experiential Learning and Internship Opportunities through:
  • Handshake, DU’s automated internship approval, online job board and employer access system
  • Career Fairs, forums and recruitment events
  • DU’s Career Services Coaches and by attending the required Internship Workshop or Practicum Seminar to meet appropriate Internship Manager, or to connect with the Practicum Coordinator

All new and current DU students, current students and students nearing graduation should contact career services once each semester for a career development checkup. Scheduling an appointment is easy through Handshake at davenport.joinhandshake.com.

Email

The University provides PantherMail email accounts for students registered for the current semester. This will be the primary information medium by which students will learn of dates, deadlines, policies and activities related to Davenport. These accounts are provided by the University to communicate with students and it is expected that all students will monitor email regularly. In addition, students will use this email account as the email address for all online and blended courses.

Student Identification (ID) Cards-Panther OneCard

Every student will be issued a Panther OneCard at any campus. Pictures may be taken either during Orientation or through Student Services. Panther OneCards will be mailed to a student’s permanent mailing address. Cards must be activated to ensure timely delivery of refunds. Panther OneCards must be used to check out library materials and utilize computers in the Library. Panther OneCards may also be used to obtain student discounts, where available.

Change of Name, Address, Phone Number, or Email

It is the student’s responsibility to update through the Student Connection any changes to address, phone number and/or personal email address. Students wishing to submit a change of name should contact their advisors for details.

Student Access

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students may request reasonable accommodation as a result of a qualifying disability as defined by Federal legislation within the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (2008), or Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act (1973). Davenport University will not discriminate against any otherwise qualified student or applicant with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of a student’s admission, educational program, or activity because of a disability. It is the students’ responsibility to contact a Student Access Coordinator at their campus to initiate and fulfill the accommodation process. The process is not retroactive.

Accommodations are intended to provide equal access to education for students, not fundamentally alter the course or program. Davenport University seeks to accommodate students with disabilities on an individual basis based on assessments documented by a qualified professional and approved through the Center for Campus Life.

Any information provided on a voluntary basis shall be used for the sole purpose of assessing accommodation requests and minimizing competitive disadvantages that are directly related to the student’s documented disability. There are no limitations on the number of persons with disabilities who may be admitted or enrolled, nor the number of accommodations granted.

Students should request accommodations as early as possible in order to have proper documentation ready for their faculty at the start of the semester.

• Students can complete the electronic Accommodation Request Form found on the Student Access website, or email the Accommodation Request Form & Medical Documentation to their Student Access Coordinator.

Forms, contact information, and other accommodation information are located on the Student Access page of the Davenport website (http://www.davenport.edu/campus-life/student-access).

Counseling Services

Davenport University has partnered with Pine Rest to offer counseling services free of charge for all campuses. Students will be seen in-person at the W.A. Lettinga Campus and via TeleTherapy for other campus locations. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (616) 891-8770.

In addition to counseling appointments, an on-call licensed clinician will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for Davenport students needing same day support. Please call the following numbers and within one hour, a clinician will connect with you directly:

9am - 8pm (EST) (616) 258-7500
8pm - 9am (EST) (616) 455-9200

Students who would like information about counseling services should contact their advisor or the Center for Campus Life.

Housing and Residence Life

On-campus student housing is available at the W.A. Lettinga campus. University housing is geared toward traditionally aged students and highly encouraged for students who live outside of a 45-mile commuting radius. Living on campus offers students the convenience of being close to classes, programs, and athletic events sponsored by the University. We offer residence halls, apartments and dining facilities that provide an environment that is comfortable, safe and conducive to academic success and community development. In addition, research shows that students who live on campus are more likely to be retained, post higher grades and graduate from the University. Visit the website for more information: davenport.edu/housing.

Dining Services

Davenport University Dining is dedicated to providing our guests with fresh, sustainable, innovative and customized hospitality experiences using quality products with high standards in service excellence. There are three dining options on the W.A. Lettinga campus, including the Panther Den retail operation located in the Fred & Lena Meijer Academic Building, The Hub located in the Donald W. Maine College of Business Building and the Dining Hall located in South Hall. All three locations accept cash, credit and Dining Dollars.

All students residing in South, Cook and Meijer Halls are required to participate in a meal plan. These requirements are based on which building a student resides. There are also meal plans available to purchase for anyone not currently part of the housing community or for students residing in Panther Woods or Panther Ridge. Meal plans are accepted only in the Dining Hall, which offers all-you-caneat, all day access to buffet style dining.

Dining offers a full range of catering and event planning services at all of the Grand Rapids Davenport locations. They also have first right of refusal on all catering needs on the W.A. Lettinga campus.

Davenport culinarians are equipped to meet any special dietary needs of all our guests including food allergies, food related sensitivity and illness and dietary preferences. Please email dining services with any questions or concerns you may have: dudining@davenport.edu.

For information about all of the dining locations, menus, nutritional information and other services provided by DU Dining, visit the website: www.davenport.edu/dining, like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DUFood or follow us on Twitter: DU_Dining.

Student Life

Student Life supports student success and aims to foster student development by providing students with opportunities to get involved, build community, and learn outside of the classroom. There are a variety of registered student organizations (RSO’s) for students to join. Some organizations are specific to individual majors and offer students an opportunity to interact with individuals within their chosen career. Other organizations focus on social and volunteer experiences and provide students the opportunity to get involved both on and off campus. Student Life also sponsors a number of social, educational, and leadership events and programs. The Volunteer Center provides service opportunities for students who want to make a difference in the community.

Students are encouraged to visit Engage@DU, an online involvement platform for the DU community. It can be accessed through your Student Connection tab on the Davenport website or at http://engage.davenport.edu. Click the “log-in” button and sign in with your DU credentials. Engage@DU has an events calendar, volunteer opportunities, student organization information, and more. For more information, please visit the Center for Campus Life, call 616.554.5095 or email student.life@davenport.edu. Students can find out what is going on by visiting Engage@DU, the Student Life website (https://www.davenport.edu/student-life) or on multiple social media platforms.

Additionally, Student Life oversees the Panther Resource Closet (PRC), a free resource that provides food, hygiene items, and business professional attire. The PRC is located on the lower level of the DeVos & Van Andel Academic Building near the main elevator at the W.A. Lettinga Campus. These resources are available to all Davenport students, regardless of location. Email prc@davenport.edu or visit the PRC website at https://my.davenport.edu/student-life/resources/panther-resource-closet for more information.

Student Insurance

Health insurance coverage is required for student athletes, students enrolled in specific classes or specific majors within the College of Health Professions, and for all international students. Questions regarding the insurance requirements along with information for those students wishing to obtain insurance for themselves and/or spouses and dependents can be directed to studentinsurance@davenport.edu. Please also check out our website at https://www.davenport.edu/Risk-Management/Insurance_vaccinations.

Additionally, professional liability insurance coverage is provided as part of the course fee to students enrolled in an internship, professional practice experience, or clinical experience in the College of Health Professions.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Davenport University’s Intercollegiate Athletic Program is a member of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association), ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) at the Division I, Division II, and Division III levels, USBC Collegiate (U.S. Bowling Congress), NCA (National Cheerleaders Association), NDA (National Dance Alliance), NCVF (National Collegiate Volleyball Federation) and USA Rugby.

All participants must be eligible based on their team’s national affiliation. Eligibility rules are very detailed. Please contact the Athletic Department for more information.

If you are interested in competing at the intercollegiate level, complete and submit a participation form (found online at www.dupanthers.com) or contact the Athletic Department at (616) 871-6182. All of Davenport University’s intercollegiate programs are based out of the Grand Rapids W.A. Lettinga Campus.

The programs currently offered are:

Please visit us at http://www.dupanthers.com/ or inquire about future athletic programs to be offered at Davenport University.

Davenport University Alumni Association

The Davenport University Alumni Association helps graduates stay connected to friends, organizations, and interests they developed as students.

Through many events, networking opportunities, programs and services, we can help you stay in touch with former classmates, faculty and the University. Be sure to contact us when you move, get married, or change jobs so we can keep your information up to date. Stay in touch at alumni@davenport.edu and check out Davenport.edu/Alumni for the latest alumni and university news!

Alumni Benefits
Anyone who has earned a degree or certificate from Davenport University or one of its antecedent institutions receives free membership to the Alumni Association. Your membership entitles you to free services, including networking opportunities, benefits, events, discounts and so much more:

• Lifetime career services, including access to Davenport’s online career portal.
• Career networking, professional development and fun social events.
• Free lifetime brush-up classes-Alumni are eligible for free brush-up classes on a space-available basis. This applies only to courses successfully completed at Davenport. The courses must be either still active or have current equivalencies and they must have been part of the individual’s graduation requirements. Free brush-up classes may not be used for laboratory courses, clinical or practicum experiences or internships. Students who have a financial obligation to the University are not eligible for free brush-up classes. Contact an advisor for full details.
• Access to the Davenport library and computer labs at no charge (you must have an alumni membership card that you can request at Davenport.edu/Alumni).
• In addition, a variety of shopping, travel and service discounts are available at Davenport.edu/Alumni.
• For more information on alumni benefits and services, please email alumni@davenport.edu or visit our website at Davenport.edu/Alumni.