Northwestern Polytechnic University

Administration Bldg.: 47671 Westinghouse Dr., Fremont, CA 94539

Learning Facilities: 105-119 Fourier Avenue, Fremont, CA 94539

47655 Warm Spring Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539

Tel: 510-592-9688 Fax: 510-657-8975

E-mail: Admission@npu.edu http://www.npu.edu

CONTENTS

Page

I. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY 1

II. ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 1

NPU Online Service Center (OSC) 1

Official Language 1

III. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AND STUDY PLANS 1

IV. ADVISING, REGISTRATION, STUDY PLANS, AND COURSE EVALUATION 2

V. ACADEMIC INFORMATION 2

Repeating A Course 2

Attendance 2

Graduation Requirements 2

Commencement 3

Maintaining Satisfactory Progress 3

VI. CHANGING CONTACT INFORMATION 3

VII. GUIDE TO THE ADMINISTRATION OFFICES 3

VIII. HOLIDAYS 3

IX. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 3

Drug and Alcohol Abuse 3

Legal Sanctions 3

Drug Type and Most Common Complications/Long-term Effects 4

Depressants 4

Where to Go for Help 4

Discrimination and Harassment 4

Protect Yourself against Attack, Assault, or Rape 5

Be Prepared for Emergencies 5

X. USEFUL INFORMATION 5

Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) 5

Emergency Telephone Numbers in Fremont 5

Hospitals 5

Clinics 5

Immigration & Naturalization Services 5

Telephone Services 5

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) 5

Social Security Services 6

Public Transportation 6

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XI. FACILITIES 7

Buildings 7

Classrooms and Resource Support 7

Parking 7

Learning Resources 7

Computer Labs 8

Internet Environment 8

XII. STUDENT SERVICES 8

Job Placement and Resume Preparation 8

Teaching/Learning Assistants 8

Academic Counseling 8

Student Recreation Center 8

Printing 8

Housing and Transportation Services 8

International Student Affairs 9

New Student Orientation 9

NPU Student Association (NPUSA) 9

NPU Alumni Association 9

XIII. NPU WEBSITE AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE 9

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1

This handbook is designed to provide you

additional important school information and

other messages which are not included in

the school catalog. You are advised to use

both the NPU catalog and this handbook for

relevant information. I. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Academic integrity and honesty are central to a student's education. Ethical conduct in an academic context will be carried forward into a student's professional career. Anything less than total commitment to honesty undermines the efforts of the entire academic community. Both students and faculty are responsible for insuring the academic integrity of the University.

In their academic work, students are expected to maintain personal academic integrity, treat all academic exercises as work to be conducted privately, unless otherwise instructed, ask faculty to clarify any aspects of permissible or expected cooperation on any assignment, and report any cheating activity. Copyright laws must be observed by all.

II. ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

University-wide program policies and procedures are subject to regular review by appropriate academic committees. Any changes or updates affecting the students will be published on campus-wide digital signage and/or the NPU website for all students to see. You are advised to check the digital signage and the NPU website often. It is important that, as a student at NPU, you know and follow the school policies and procedures while studying at NPU.

NPU Online Service Center For accessing course materials, making requests to the administration office or accessing your academic, attendance, personal, and financial records, you are advised to use the NPU Online Service Center (OSC). You may access the NPU Online Service Center (OSC) via the NPU website at www.npu.edu and select “Student

Log-In” in the footer. The “Learning Resource” function in the OSC provides you course related online learning

resources. The “Student Requests” function allows you to make online requests. You may check the reply online at the same place by clicking “My Account”. For receiving written replies by mail, the requester should specify it on

the online request form. The “Student Records” function allows you to check your attendance records, academic records, financial records, and your study plan.

“eLibrary” provides you digital libraries. “eCareer”

provides all the information related to employment, including an online job posting board.

Official Language English is the official language used on campus. NPU has a large number of international students coming from more than twenty countries in the world. It is a good opportunity for the students to learn and respect different cultures. However, English has been chosen as the official language for all students to use on campus. It is particularly important for international students to refine their English language skills while studying at NPU if they plan to conduct practical training and work in the U.S. before returning to their homeland. Good English language ability not only helps the students in their studies, but also increases their employment opportunities.

III. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AND STUDY

PLANS

In general, a new catalog is published for each new school year (beginning in the spring term). The new catalog includes not only effective and new academic policies but also updates of curricula, courses, faculty and other information. However, a student follows the graduation requirements of a degree program which were effective at the time of the student’s acceptance into and joining the program. The student receives a study plan upon admission into the program; the study plan reflects the graduation requirements that the

student should follow. Your study plan is available to you online in the OSC under the “Student Records” function. In the case certain required courses have been removed from the new catalog and are no longer offered by the school, the student may request substitution of courses to fulfill his/her graduation requirements. Staff advisors are available to assist the students in making these decisions.

You also have access to your own academic records,

attendance records, contact information, and

financial records in your “Student Records” function.

A student may be allowed to follow a new catalog’s program curriculum by submitting an online request. The effective date is normally in the upcoming semester. A new Evaluation of Application (Study Plan) will be made for the student if he/she changes catalog, or degree, or program.

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IV. ADVISING, REGISTRATION, STUDY PLANS, AND

COURSE EVALUATION

Upon acceptance to the University, each student is presented with an Evaluation of Application (Study Plan), which gives details on the result of the admissions evaluation and the minimum course requirements for the student. The new student will receive a hardcopy of the initial Evaluation of Application (Study Plan). Designated staff will update your study plan in the online database every semester. It is the responsibility of the student to adhere to his/her own plan each trimester.

Registration: Online registration is available to the

students for a period of time each semester. Students

are required to select courses online. Some may be

required to meet with an Administrative Advisor in the

Administration Office prior to registration each

trimester to review the student’s academic progress

and to select courses for the following trimester. Students are always welcome to stop by the Administrative Office for academic counseling during office hours throughout the semester. Registration for current students is normally conducted shortly after mid-term in the current semester in order to allow time for class planning, instructor assignments, and textbook procurement. The class schedule and related information are posted on the NPU website. Tuition and fees are payable at the time of registration. A student with financial difficulties may request a tuition payment plan upon registration; exceptions are for international students registering the first time at NPU. All students are encouraged to register on time during the pre-registration week to avoid paying a late registration fee. New students are encouraged to register along with the current students although they will not be charged a late fee for registering after the deadline set for the current students. All students must register by the add/drop deadline of a trimester. Registration instructions, including the dates for registration and add/drop deadline for each trimester, are posted on the NPU website along with the class schedule and other related information.

Course Evaluation: Every student has the opportunity to

evaluate every course he/she takes via the OSC. The

student is required to conduct the evaluation upon entering the OSC to select courses for the following semester. The system does not record the evaluator’s name and only keeps the evaluation results; it then compiles the evaluation data (no names) for each class and provides a summary report for the class which can be printed by a designated staff member. After the final exams, each instructor receives a summary report (no student names) of the evaluation data for each class he/she taught in the last semester.

V. ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Repeating a Course If an NPU student does not earn a passing grade in a required course to meet his/her graduation requirements, he/she must repeat the course.

Attendance

First Week of the Semester: Students are required

to attend the first class meetings at the beginning

of a semester. Throughout the semester, attendance in class is

required for all students taking in-class mode courses at NPU, including those “auditing” a course. Students approved to take online courses must participate in weekly activities defined in the online course syllabi. When in need of a short-term absence from a class (for no more than 2 weeks), a student is required to submit

an online Request for Short-Term Absence prior to his/her absence from classes. The request requires both the instructors’ and the administration’s approvals.

Graduation Requirements A student is eligible for graduation only after completion of all the following requirements:

o Satisfactory completion of all required academic work as set forth in the study plan;

o Completion of the online Graduation Petition Application and paying the required graduation fee;

o If the coursework includes a project or thesis requirement, then the rules for completing the project/thesis must be followed;

o Clearance of all outstanding debts or other obligations to the University;

o Return of all books on loans from the University library;

o Conducting an online grads exit survey, and

A student must be enrolled for the trimester in which he/she plans to graduate. If the student does not complete all of the requirements for graduation during the trimester for which the graduation petition is approved, he/she must register and submit an online

Re-petition for Graduation for a later trimester and pay a re-petition fee. Refer to the current school catalog for more information regarding graduation requirements. Degrees will be awarded and diplomas issued at the end of the semester upon the students’ meeting the above requirements.

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Commencement (Graduation Ceremonies) There is one commencement ceremony each year at the end of the spring trimester although degrees may be conferred at the end of each trimester. The specific date of the annual ceremony is specified in the calendar of the annual school catalogs. The students invited to the annual graduation ceremony are those who have completed their degree programs in the previous fall trimester and who will complete their studies in the current spring trimester and the coming summer trimester. The date of conferral of a degree (i.e. the date that will appear on the student’s transcript of records and on the diploma) is the last day of the last trimester when the student completes his/her degree requirements, provided that the student meets all requirements listed in the last section.

Maintaining Satisfactory Progress Refer to the school catalog on the requirements for a student to maintain satisfactory progress in order to remain in the school.

VI. CHANGING CONTACT INFORMATION A student may update his/her personal information, such

as address, telephone number, etc. by using the OSC

online facility under the “My Requests” function.

International students are required to report change of address to the school in order for the school to report it to the USCIS.

VII. GUIDE TO THE ADMINISTRATION OFFICES

The NPU website provides the contact information of all administrative departments and the office hours. The Administration Office is located at 47671 Westinghouse Dr. (Fourier Avenue turns into Westinghouse Dr.); the Student Service Center is located in the West Building at 113 Fourier Avenue. Please feel free to see the staff members for questions or assistance. Except for several national holidays and the year-end holiday week specified in the following section on “HOLIDAYS”, the Administration Office is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday during the semesters and the semester breaks.

VIII. HOLIDAYS (campus is closed)

New Year's Day (January 1)

Independence Day (July 4)

Labor Day (1st Monday in September)

Thanksgiving (4th Thursday in November)

Year-end holidays The campus is closed from December

24 (Christmas Eve) through December 31.

IX. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Refer to the school catalog for academic policies and procedures on student rights and responsibilities; causes for expulsion, suspension, and probation of students and related issues.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Northwestern Polytechnic University strives to promote the health of our students by preserving a drug-free environment. All students should be aware that the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, dispensation, or distribution of alcohol or controlled substances (as defined in Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 United States Cod 812, as amended), on university property* or as part of any of its activities is prohibited by both law and university policy. Violation of student conduct regulations regarding substances can result in probation, suspension or expulsion from the University. *”University property" is defined to mean the site for the performance of university activities including any university building or premises including outdoor space, any vehicle assigned to the University, and any off-campus site leased or licensed to NPU or used for any NPU sponsored activity.

Legal Sanctions Local, state, and federal laws establish severe penalties for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. These sanctions, upon conviction, may range from a small fine and/or probation to imprisonment for life and/or several thousands of dollars in fines. Some examples of applicable law are: The purchase, possession, or consumption of alcohol (including beer and wine) by any person under the age of 21 (a minor) is prohibited. Furthermore, it is unlawful to provide alcohol to a minor. A DUI (driving under the influence) charge could mean county jail, state prison, fines and penalty assessments, vehicle impoundment or forfeiture, license restriction or revocation, probation and/or license suspension. Possession of Illicit Drugs - First offense: prison sentences up to one year and fines up to $100,000. Second offense: prison sentences up to two years and fines up to $250,000. Special sentencing provisions apply for possession of crack cocaine, including imprisonment of 5 to 20 years and fines up to $250,000 for first offenses, depending upon the quantity of crack possessed.

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Drug Type and Most Common Complications/

Long-Term Effects

Stimulants

Amphetamines: Nervousness, paranoia, dizziness, tremors, decreased mental ability, sexual impotence, insomnia, skin disorders, malnutrition, delusions, psychosis, seizures, death.

Cocaine: Tremors, nasal bleeding and inflammation, toxic psychosis, seizures, damage to nasal septum and blood vessels, death from overdose (heart or respiratory failure).

Nicotine: High blood pressure, emphysema, bronchitis, heart and lung disease, cancer, death.

Caffeine: Nervousness, insomnia, dehydration, stomach irritation, fatigue.

Depressants

Alcohol: Dehydration, hangover, overdose or mixing with other depressants can cause respiratory failure, obesity, impotence, psychosis, ulcers, malnutrition, liver and brain damage, delirium tremors, death.

Tranquilizers: Hangover, menstrual irregularities, increases or decreases effect of other drugs, especially dangerous with alcohol, destroys blood cells, jaundice, coma, death.

Barbiturates: Lethargy, hangover, blurred vision, nausea, depression, seizures, excessive sleepiness, confusion, irritability, severe withdrawal sickness; can be fatal if mixed with alcohol and other depressants. Narcotics: Respiratory and circulatory depression, dizziness, vomiting, sweating, dry mouth, lowered libido, lethargy, constipation, weight loss, temporary sterility and impotence, withdrawal sickness, stupor, death.

Inhalants: Headaches, dizziness, accelerated heart rate, nausea, nasal irritation, cough, lost erection, hallucination, liver, kidney, bone marrow and brain damage, death. Psychedelics/Cannabis: Impaired driving ability, possible lung damage, reduced sperm count and sperm mobility. Hallucinogens: Depression, paranoia, and physical exhaustion after use, psychosis.

Where to Go for Help If you believe that you, a friend, or a family member is harmfully involved with alcohol or other drugs, seek help. Resources are listed below. If you prefer, we can work with you to find appropriate treatment services.

The following resources can be of help to people with chemical dependency or abuse problems or to their friends and family. In Alameda County, you may wish to call one of the self-help groups listed below. Students are urged to contact the Office of Student Affairs for assistance.

SELF-HELP GROUPS:

Alcoholics Anonymous (510) 791- 9732 Al-Anon (for friends, family) (510) 791-2622 Cocaine Anonymous 1-800-676-7574 Narcotics Anonymous (510) 444-4673 National Institute Drug Awareness 1-800-662-

HELP NPU Office of Student Affairs (510) 360-0288

For students who live in Santa Clara County, you may wish to call one of the self-help groups listed below:

SELF-HELP GROUPS:

Alcoholics Anonymous (408) 297-3555 Al-Anon (for friends, family) (408) 379-1051 CONTACT (referral & crisis line) (408) 279-8228 Cocaine Anonymous 1-800-676-7574 Narcotics Anonymous (408) 998-4200 National Institute Drug Awareness 1-800-662-HELP

For individual treatment centers, see the listings in your local yellow pages under "Alcoholism Information & Treatment Centers." and under “Drug Abuse & Addiction Information & Treatment Centers”

Discrimination and Harassment The NPU community requires an environment of trust and openness where productive teaching and learning can thrive. The University recognizes the necessity of protecting First Amendment rights and encouraging free speech, but it also recognizes that certain conduct can threaten the mutual respect that is the foundation of educational communities. NPU intends to secure the freedom of expression guaranteed by the United States Constitution while maintaining the trust and mutual respect that are vital to a diverse university community. Sexual harassment and racial harassment have been held to constitute a form of discrimination that is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1977. Other types of harassment (religious, handicapped, or other protected status) are prohibited by applicable law. At Northwestern Polytechnic University, there is no place for discrimination and/or discriminatory harassment. Please refer to the school catalog for information on sexual harassment and assault.

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Protecting Yourself against Attack, Assault or

Rape

On the Street

Don't walk alone unless you absolutely have to.

Be aware of what is happening around you. Know where you are and where you are going.

Don't be predictable! Vary your route if you walk home from school or work regularly.

Walk away from bushes, alleys, and dark entryways. Stay in well-lighted areas.

Don't be surprised. Attackers rely on the element of surprise.

Don't wear headphones while walking alone.

Trust your instincts. If you think you are being followed, walk towards a busy, lighted area.

If someone bothers you, turn and walk in the opposite direction. Scream loudly to attract attention. Then tell someone to call the police. When you are in a safe place, notify the police department. If possible, get a license number from a car.

Keep one hand free when you are walking. Keep your purse close to your body. If you are carrying books or packages, be prepared to drop them. Nothing is worth your life.

Wait for a bus at a well-lighted stop and/or with groups of people.

If anyone bothers you on the bus, let the driver and passengers around you know what is happening.

In Your Car

Have your keys in hand as you approach your car. Pay attention to what is happening around you.

Look inside the car, in the back seat, and the floor before you get in.

Keep your car doors locked and your windows up when you drive.

Don't let your fuel run close to empty. You don't want to have to stop for gas in places you would not want to walk in.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Carry a flashlight and flares or reflectors and an emergency manual in the car.

Know how to change a tire. Make certain the spare is in good condition, and that the proper jack and all its parts are in the car.

Turn on your emergency flashers and place a flare about 20 feet behind your car if your car breaks down at night. Remain in your car with

the doors locked and the windows closed until the police arrive.

Roll the window down a crack and ask him/her to call the police or a towing service for you if someone stops to assist you.

Carry enough money in your car to make an emergency phone call.

X. USEFUL INFORMATION

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Fremont Office: 4287 Central Avenue, Fremont 1 (800) 777-0133

Emergency Telephone Numbers in Fremont

Police, Fire, Ambulance (24 hour) 911 Suicide Prevention (24 hour) (510) 794-5211 Poison Control Center (24 hour) 1-800-523-2222

Hospitals – for Emergency Only

Washington Hospital: 2000 Mowry Avenue, Fremont (510) 963-7070 24-hour emergency (510) 791-3430

Clinics – for Non-emergency Only Washington Clinic- Warm Springs, 46690 Mohave

Dr. at Mission Blvd. (in the Safeway shopping center), Fremont (510) 651-2371 Hours: M- F 8 AM to 6 PM

Immigration and Naturalization Services (USCIS) National Customer Service Center: 1-800-375-5283 San Francisco Office: 630 Sansome Street

San Francisco, CA 94111 Hours:M-T, Th-F 6:45 AM-3 PM/W 6:45 AM-2: 30 PM

San Jose Office: 1887 Monterey Road San Jose, CA 95112 Hours: M, T, W 7 AM-3 PM/Th 7 AM-2 PM

Telephone Services (AT&T)

To establish phone service: 1-800-310-2355 Hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM.-5:30 PM

To report problems with your existing phone: Dial 611

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E)

24-hour Emergency and Customer Service: 800-743-5000

800-893-9555 (Chinese) 800-660-6789 (Spanish)

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800-298-8438 Vietnamese)

Social Security Administration Offices

Fremont Office: 3100 Mowry Ave., Fremont 800-117-1213 Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM-4:30 PM Hayward Office: 24085 Amador Way, Hayward 510-783-7046 Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM-4:30 PM

Post Offices in Fremont

Warm Springs Station: 240 Francisco Lane at

Mission Blvd. (behind Safeway); 510-656-3815

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:45 AM-5:00 PM Main Post Office: 7010 Dusterberry Way at

Thornton Avenue 510-792-0865 Hours: Mon-Fri 8:45 AM-5:00 PM /Sat 8:45

AM -12:00 PM Irvington Station: 41041 Trimboli Way at Bay

Street, Fremont; 510-651-0171 Hours: Mon-Fri 8:45 AM-5:00 PM

Mission San Jose Station: 43456 Ellsworth Street at Anza Street; 510-656-3003 Hours: Mon-Fri 8:45 AM-5:00 PM

Niles Station: 160 J Street at Niles Blvd. 510-793-3707

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:45 AM-5:00 PM/Closed 1-2:00 PM

Public Transportation

A. AC Transit (East Bay)

NPU (Warm Springs Blvd.) is on AC Transit-Fremont area bus routes. Bus stops for bus lines # 217, #239, and #623 are in front of the NPU campus (corner of Warm Springs Blvd. & Fourier Ave./Lippert St.). Ticket books and monthly passes for AC Transit can be purchased at the following locations:

In Fremont:

Walgreens

46844 Mission Blvd (in the Safeway shopping center) 510-661-0167

Students residing in Alameda County and Milpitas should check with the NPU Administration Office for any specially arranged semester tickets.

B. Valley Transit Authority (VTA South Bay)

VTA is the transit system for the Santa Clara County (South Bay). Day passes may be purchased from your bus operator; no transfers are given. Fares for regular service also apply to Light Rail and Limited Stop service (route numbers in 300s). Regular day passes and monthly flash passes are valid for regular fare credit towards Express fares (e.g. an adult with a regular Flash Pass pays an additional $xxx to get on an Express bus). Regular day passes may be purchased when boarding an Express bus, with payment of the Express upgrade (e.g. an adult regular day pass can be purchased on an Express bus for $xxx).

The following are valid as full-fare on regular service, or can be used as regular fare credit towards Express fares and day passes:

. AC Transfer or Monthly Pass . BART Transfer (Fremont BART Only) . Caltrain Monthly pass valid for at least two zones . Caltrain Monthly pass with Peninsula Pass sticker . DB Transfer or Monthly Pass . SamTrans Monthly Pass

Ticket books and monthly passes for VTA can be purchased at the following locations:

In Milpitas:

Lucky 1350 South Park Victoria Drive and Landess Avenue (408) 262-6727

Safeway 555 Calaveras Blvd (408) 262-9850

C. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

The Fremont BART station is about a 30-minute bus ride northbound from NPU. Bart will take riders from as far south as Fremont to as far north as Richmond. East and west destinations are Pleasanton, San Francisco, and the San Francisco Airport respectively. Fares vary depending upon your destination.

XI. FACILITIES

Buildings

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The two NPU buildings on Fourier Avenue (next to the Warm Springs Blvd.) are named “EAST” and “WEST”.

The EAST Building is the Engineering School building;

the WEST Building has the NPU Library, the Student Service Center, TA stations, several labs, and the student lunchroom. A classroom number range has also been indicated at each entrance. Half a block away are three

other NPU buildings along Warm Springs Blvd.: The

SOUTH Building is for the School of Business &

Information Technology; the Student Recreation Center

is adjacent to the SOUTH Building; the Online Education

Center is used for developing online courses. The

Administration Building is located at 47671 Westinghouse Drive, just 3 buildings away from the EAST and WEST buildings and one building away from the Student Recreation Center as well as the Online Education Center.

Classrooms and Resource Support

Classroom capacities range between 15 and 120 seats. Each classroom is equipped with at least an LCD projector and a projection screen in addition to the regular desks, chairs, and a white board. Each classroom is also equipped with an instructor’s demo PC which is in the campus network system and has access to the Internet. Some classrooms are equipped with PCs for the students to use in class; most of these computers are networked with Internet access. NPU’s facility group personnel are responsible for setting up the classrooms and laboratories each day during the semester. The facility group works closely with the systems group to provide efficient computer systems support to faculty, students, and staff.

Parking NPU visitors, faculty, students, and staff may use the designated parking lots without charge. See the parking map on the Online Service Center (new student orientation handouts).

Learning Resources The Student Learning Resource facilities include online support system and physical facilities. In addition to the hardware and software tools, the physical facilities also include a library, a reading area, its reference extension area, learning assistants (in the WEST building), and practicum labs in both the WEST and the EAST Buildings. The Learning Resource Center Website (in OSC): The online Learning Resource Center provides faculty and students a web-based teaching and learning platform which is designed to enhance students’ learning efficiency.

The NPU Library - physical library and eLibrary - serves NPU faculty and students. Library regulations and policies are posted and must be observed when checking out books or using resources. Internet service is provided for the U.C. library systems’ cataloging information. NPU students are required to use their photo ID cards to obtain library services. Every degree-program student is encouraged to obtain a library card from a local major university library (U.C. Berkeley, San Jose State Univ., San Francisco State Univ., Santa Clara Univ., Stanford Univ.). Students are strongly urged to obtain a library card from the Martin Luther King, Jr., Library (San Jose State University). The doctoral program students are required to obtain a library card from either the San Jose State University library, U.C. Berkeley library, or Stanford University library. The Library Help Desk at NPU provides handy services to the students. In addition to providing its core library services, it also provides the following services: printing and photocopying, graders/teaching assistants’ mailboxes for receiving student homework, and student mailboxes. International students are encouraged to use the ESL audio/visual materials available in the library to practice and improve their English language skills, especially in pronunciation and conversation. Other libraries: NPU students can also use the library facilities of the Fremont Main Library, San Jose Main Library and all of their branches free of charge. Fremont Main Library is located at 2400 Stevenson Blvd. in Fremont, Tel. 510-745-1400. Computer access can be obtained using a modem at 510-794-7381. The San Jose Main Library is located at 180 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, and can be contacted at 408-297-4846. The Ohlone College library is located at 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539. The Milpitas City Library is located at 40 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas, CA, 95035, and can be contacted at (408) 262-1171.

In addition to assisting course instructors, the

teaching/learning assistants are to assist the students by answering questions and giving them guidance on learning various subjects. They also offer a few recitation sessions each semester.

Computer Labs During the semester, the Computer facility and study area in the WEST building are reserved for the students to use. All NPU students with a current NPU student ID may utilize the university’s learning and computer facilities. All students are encouraged to make use of these facilities in pursuit of their educational goals, but are asked to remember that computing facilities are to be used for academic purposes only. NPU views the use of computer facilities as a privilege, not a right, and

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seeks to protect legitimate computer users by imposing sanctions on those who abuse the privilege.

Internet Environment The NPU computer networks with access to the Internet provide an extended learning resources environment to students. Every student is issued a Windows and an Internet account at his/her initial registration at NPU. Each student will be assigned a password for initial log-on. It is a good idea to change your password once you have logged on for the first time. Every current NPU student may request an NPU Web e-mail account (username@mail.npu.edu) and gain 24-hour remote access to the Internet. Computer network workshops are normally conducted on New Student Orientation days and in the first few weeks of each semester to familiarize the new students with the NPU computer systems.

XII. STUDENT SERVICES

Job Placement and Resume Preparation

The NPU website provides eCareer for the students to learn important, basic information on resume preparation and interview skills, view resume examples, and access links to outside job posting sites. eCareer also provides

an internal job posting board which posts job information maintained by designated NPU staff. Designated

administrative staff members further provide personal

services to the students. The Student Service Center in the WEST Building provides job-related material and information to the students; the career counselor sets a service schedule to assist the students each semester. The administration also conducts job placement-related workshops several times each year. Topics include resume preparation, job interview skills, professional attitude and skills, and other related subjects. The courses “BUS445 Professional Development” and “P450G Career Development” cover these subjects in more detail. Students are encouraged to take these courses to learn the correct way to prepare their resumes, job interview skills, and career planning. There have also been on-campus job fairs conducted by companies. The school also provides transportation to take interested students to local job fairs if scheduled – in Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont, or for company visits.

Teaching Assistants Work-study and assistantship applications can be submitted online through the OSC. Aside from proper knowledge and experience in a subject, a Teaching Assistant must have excellent communication and leadership skills. All applicants must be in good academic standing with the University.

NPU provides TA services with the dedicated purpose of assisting students to attain their educational goals. The

students should take full advantage of these services and resources while pursuing their studies at NPU. The NPU IT team has been devoted to improving NPU’s e-environment to increase our students’ learning and administrative efficiencies.

Academic Counseling

The Administration Office is open on school days to offer students academic counseling and services they need. Designated counselors are on hand to assist students in need of help.

Student Recreation Center NPU’s Student Recreation Center is located in the building adjacent to the SOUTH Building. Students are welcome to use this building to organize, plan, and conduct student activities.

Printing The network printer is located in the Printing Room near the library. Each page costs 5 cents. You need to purchase pages before submitting your print job. This is done in the library. A software program in the networks system manages each student’s computer account. There is also a stand-alone photocopier with a coin machine for you to use.

Housing and Transportation Services NPU has near-campus dormitories and extended housing facilities. These housing units are located within walking distance from campus. New students are given a higher priority for using the NPU dormitories. Residents of student housing must be regularly enrolled, full-time NPU students. All applications for student housing should be made through the NPU Housing Office (http://www.npu.edu/Housing.html). Assignment is made on a first-come-first-serve basis. You may see the current housing and transportation service information online via the NPU website at http://www.npu.edu/Housing.html.

International Student Affairs Designated administrative staff assists international students in all non-immigrant issues and with the health insurance program in effect in addition to the above regular services. All international students are required to have a health insurance plan. Most frequently requested services made by international students are F-1 status related issues.

Reporting Day and New Student Orientation Day

All new students are required to attend the New

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Student Orientation program offered shortly before the beginning of each term. At the orientation, new students learn about the campus computer networks system, learning resources, and services available to them at NPU. They are taught the online facility and the library book-search program to prepare for the new semester. International students receive further information on health insurance, Immigration and Naturalization Services regulations for international students, and school regulations. All the current NPU students are welcome to attend the orientation to welcome new students and

receive current university information. A Reporting Day program is offered to the new students prior to the Orientation Day to allow students to take English Placement Exams or other admission assessment exams, clear other admission related requirements, and register for classes.

NPU Student Association (NPUSA)

The NPU student body elects officers annually during the fall trimester. All students are encouraged to run for office. These officers include a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Student Association President appoints members (officers) to support university events including orientation, special programs, and student publications. All students are encouraged to support the officers and participate in the activities sponsored by the Student Association. NPUSA is also the students’ voice to provide input to the NPU faculty and administration. An administrative staff member is designated to oversee the NPUSA activities.

Typical trimester activities include a welcome party, athletic activities, sight-seeing or company visit, dance party, and special Christmas and Halloween parties.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

(IEEE): In May 2000, the NPU IEEE student branch

chapter on campus was formally approved by IEEE. All students are encouraged to participate in professional societies. The doctoral students in the DCE program are urged to join IEEE student membership.

NPU Alumni Association All NPU students become Alumni Association members upon graduation. The Alumni Association plays an important role in the life of NPU, serving as a network to involve students and alumni in a variety of academic, philanthropic and professional programs. These help to build lasting ties to NPU and especially to broaden communication and mutual support among current and former students, faculty, staff and the community. Officers elected by the membership run the Alumni Association. The group has a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. All NPU alumni are invited to run for NPU alumni officers.

XIII. NPU WEBSITE AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE Please check the NPU website at www.npu.edu and digital signage messages often. On the homepage of the website, you can also connect with NPU using Twitter and Facebook. These media tools are regularly updated and provide students with the most current information regarding NPU, the surrounding community, and other information concerning the students. Check photos taken from extracurricular activities at the NPU News Blog on the homepage of the NPU website at http://www.npu.edu/Campus%20News.html.

Check the Professional Seminars information on the NPU website at http://www.npu.edu/Professional%20Seminars