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Student Services Guidebook Oakland
Welcome to Samuel Merritt University!Your success and well-being are at the center of everything we do. This virtual handbook was created to give you one convenient place to find essential student resources and campus contacts that support you throughout your academic journey. Please use this guide anytime during your program, especially if you need to revisit information about academic support, financial aid, basic needs, health and well-being, or student life.
4. Student Affairs at SMU 5. Dean of Students Office 6. SMU Central 7–8. Academic Support Services 9-10. Disability Resource Center (DRC) 11-12. Veterans Success Center 13-14. Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) 15. Financial Aid 16. Student Accounts 17. IT Support / Badging Procedures 18. Food Pantry 19. Emergency Financial Assistance 20. Career Services 21. Student Clubs, Organizations and Community Engagement 22. Student Handbook, Policies and Trainings 23. Staying Connected Table of Contents
Our Offices Include The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student, academically, socially, and personally, across all SMU campuses. Our mission is to create a learning environment where every student feels a strong sense of support, belonging, care, and community. Dean of Students Office Academic Support Disability Resource Center (DRC) Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) Veterans Resource Center Student Body Association Campus Life Student Affairs at SMU
Dr. Chris Chu Assistant Dean of Students – Assists with case management, outreach, student conduct procedures and coordination of student support initiatives Contact: cchu@samuelmerritt.edu Andrew Castro Dean of Students – Provides leadership and support for the Office of Student Affairs, community standards, and overall student well-being Joy Thiesen-Braunstein Student Services Coordinator – Helps connect students with resources, answer logistical questions, and facilitates orientation and campus life events Contact: jthiesenbraunstein@samuelmerritt.edu Dean of Students Office
SMU Central Manuel McGriff SMU Central Manager Contact: mmcgriff@samuelmerritt.edu Get in Touch With The Dean of Students Office Food Pantry Financial Aid Student Accounts Registrar’s Office Online - SMU Central In-Person - 2 floor, Suite 232nd By Phone: 800.607.6377
Patrick Reilly Dr. Erika Sanchez-Nelson Academic Support The Academic Support team offers tutoring, writing support, study skills development, and success coaching to help students meet the demands of accelerated healthcare programs. The team’s focus is to provide all students with a supportive environment where they can improve study skills and master course content. Director of Academic Support Contact: enelson1@samuelmerritt.edu Academic Support Coordinator Contact: preilly@samuelmerritt.edu
Academic Support ResourcesAcademic Coaching Schedule personalized sessions for focused academic growth. Peer Tutoring Sign up for peer assistance to enhance learning. Brainfuse Access 24/7 tutoring for nursing and allied health. Writing Explore writing resources and receive expert assistance. Schedule an appointment → Request a tutor or apply to be one → Access Brainfuse → Explore writing resources →Learn more and explore all resources here: samuelmerritt.edu/student-affairs/academic-support
Disability Resource Center (DRC) The Disability Resource Center coordinates academic accommodations and access services to ensure an equitable learning environment for students with disabilities. DRC Testing Coordinator Contact: drc@samuelmerritt.eduJulia Cohen Director of DRC Contact: jcohen@samuelmerritt.eduKincaid Woods
Disability Resources Accommodation Requests DRC HUB Additional Disability Information and ResourcesIf you have a disability and you would like to request accommodations, please complete the online Intake Form Verification Form: Mobility/Other Functional Impairment Verification Form: Psychological Disability Verification Form: ADHD Your centralized space to request accommodations, upload documentation, and track approvals. DRC Hub Website How to send Accommodation Letters to Faculty How to request DRC Exam Room for tests For Further information regarding DRC FAQs and additional resources, please visit: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/disability- resource-center
Veterans Success Center contact: veteranssuccess@samuelmerritt.edu Office Number: 510-879-9230 Location: 2 Floor Rm. 222nd Providing high quality, comprehensive support to our veteran students
Veterans Resources For more information regarding VA Benefits applications and additional Military and Veteran resources, please visit: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/student-affairs/military-and- veteran-students-resources Location: 2nd Floor RM 222 Fill out a VA Certification Request Form Applying for other VA Benefits Contact your Financial Aid Counselor How to apply for the GI Bill Education Benefits www.gibill.va.gov Veterans Benefits and Services for California Veterans CalVet
Student Health and Counseling The Student Health and Counseling Center (SHAC) aims to provide quality physical and mental health care under one roof. Our health professionals recognize that good health is more than the absence of illness, but rather a robust state of well-being that acknowledges the importance of the mind-body relationship. Together, they work with you to promote healthy lifestyle choices, encourage a holistic philosophy and balance to life for healthy living and academic success.
Health Services The Student Health & Counseling Center (SHAC) offers physical health care, health and wellness consultations, TB testing, and immunizations, to help maintain your health. Phone: 510-879-9288 SHAC Email: shac@samuelmerritt.edu Location: 2 Floor Rm. 260nd Counseling Sevices Manage health records and requirements for SMU through the online Student Health Portal. Student Health Portal Login Student Health Portal Free short-term counseling, crisis intervention, mental-health screening, and referrals to support emotional wellbeing. Counseling Phone: 510-879-9200 ext. 7320 Counseling Email: asasser@samuelmerritt.edu TimelyCare (24/7 Virtual Care) On-demand access to medical and mental- health providers through the TimelyCare app. TimelyCare Student Health and Counseling Resources
Financial aid awards can be based on need or merit, and they usually include a combination of grants, low-interest loans, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and payment plans. To determine your eligibility for various financial aid programs, you’ll first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as additional forms from our office.Financial Aid For more information regarding financial aid, contact: Phone: 800.607.6377 Fax: 510.457.2631 Email: finaid@samuelmerritt.edu In person: SMU Central - 2 floor Suite 232nd Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment
The Student Accounts office helps SMU students manage their accounts, payments, and refunds. They offer a number of services, including customer service and support for billing. They manage bills for tuition, fees, and health insurance charges (if enrolled), financial aid disbursement oversight (including refunds with approved disbursement amounts), and management of 1098-T tax reporting. Bills may be paid via phone, email, or in-person. Student Accounts Tuition payments can by made online through Workday Student, by payment plan, by check either in person or by mail, or through third-party billing. Please note that all checks should be made payable to Samuel Merritt University. For more information regarding your student account, contact: Phone: 800.607.6377 (option 2) Fax: 510.457.2631 Email: studentaccounts@samuelmerritt.edu In Person: SMU Central- 2 floor Suite 232nd Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Book Here for Virtual Appointments
Badging ProceduresNeed a Badge? Lost a Badge? Contact our Badging Office! For Student Badges- Request a Badge Here IT Support 1. One-stop shop https://mysmu.samuelmerritt.edu for SMURF, Canvas, Zoom, Teams, and many more! 2. Ticketing system https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/tdx with Knowledge Base articles there as well. 3. Password reset instructions: Self Service Password Reset 4. Free Office 365 download https://www.office.com with Instructions 5. IT 24x7 support 510-907-2555 option 1.
SMU Food Pantry The SMU Food Pantry provides students access to healthy, nourishing food that promotes health and well-being, so that all students can successfully focus on their studies. The pantry is FREE to all SMU students. Food Pantry Intake Form Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. SMU Central Office- 2 Floor Rm. 232nd Please complete the pantry intake form at least one hour before you plan to visit
SMU Emergency Financial Assistance The SMU Emergency Assistance is a limited fund to help currently enrolled SMU students on a case-by-case basis with emergency expenses, such as unexpected illnesses, accidents, or extreme hardships, which happen during the academic year. To apply, log into: https://mysmu.samuelmerritt.edu - click on the box “CL Scholarship Applications website”. Complete the application under SMU Emergency Scholarships.
Career ServicesResume Review/EditingCover Letter Review/EditingGet personalized feedback to strengthen and showcase your skills effectivelyLearn how to tailor your cover letter to specific roles and companiesJob SearchMock Interview & PrepLinkedIn Review/CreationGet help building and refining your online presence to grow your professional networkVISIT THE CAREER CONNECT WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATIONOne stop shop for on- campus/post-grad job listings, residency postings, and more that meet your career goalsPractice real interview scenarios and receive constructive feedback on the spot
Student Clubs, Organizations, and Community Engagement Center for Community Engagement Get involved in the community through volunteer opportunities, health outreach events, and service partnerships that promote equity and wellness across the Bay Area. Visit: samuelmerritt.edu/center-community-engagement Events & Engagement Opportunities Find the latest campus news, activities, and ways to get involved through the SMUConnect Events & Engagement page. Visit: SMU CONNECT While SMU’s graduate programs are intensive and clinically focused, students still have opportunities to create meaningful connections, build their leadership skills, and collaborate with peers across programs. Current Clubs and Organizations Explore our current list of clubs and orgs at SMUPulse Student clubs and organizations offer space for community, shared interests, and student-led initiatives. SMU’s current student organizations include a growing list of professional, academic, cultural, and identity-based groups. Students can browse existing groups or start their own.
Vector Training Background Check and Drug Screen Student Handbook, Policies and Trainings 2025-2026 University Catalog and Handbook Academic Policies Clinical Policies University Policies
Stay Connected!SMU’s offical external channels provide ongoing updates about campus life and improtant news, hilighting recent events and student involvement, as well as other updates across the university.