Student Life & Student Services

The Academic Support Department offers several resources, such as Peer tutoring and 1:1 coaching sessions, to help students with their academic success. Academic Support connects faculty, staff, and students with necessary resources and services when students are in need and/or are wanting to learn more about how to be successful in their academic journey.

The Academic Support Resource Guide, is a comprehensive library of resources and services, covers several topics, from time management strategies, exam preparation, study strategies, how to access peer tutoring, and much more.

For more information or additional assistance, please contact Academic Support at academicsupport@samuelmerritt.edu.

Communities are built on connection. At SMU, we strive to engage our community of esteemed graduates through alumni events, meaningful University news and stories, and impactful giving opportunities. Our alumni work in all aspects of healthcare and share a passion for advocating for and collaborating with community members to address and overcome health inequities. SMU provides opportunities for professional networking, reconnecting with classmates, and partnering with, promoting, and supporting the University in a variety of ways. 

Our SMU alumni network is growing rapidly, now boasting well over 20,000+! We look forward to counting you among our community.

Visit our Alumni and Friends webpage to learn more and to explore alumni benefits. 

The Samuel Merritt University bookstore is located on the first floor of the Oakland campus. 

525 12th St.
Oakland, California 94607

Students can also visit the SMU Bookstore webpage, which offers a full range of products including textbooks, school supplies, SMU apparel and uniforms, and more.

SMU Books+ is an inclusive access program that provides required course materials as part of tuition, ensuring that students have access to their textbooks by the first day of class. Upon enrollment in courses, students are automatically included in the program, and materials are prepared and delivered in advance of the term. Digital texts are accessed directly through Canvas, while courses with print materials include options for pickup at the Oakland bookstore or shipment to a student’s address. The program operates on a rental model, with reminders sent at the end of the term to return physical materials and an opportunity to purchase print texts at a discounted rate. 

The University and its departments sponsor annual ceremonies and events to recognize achievement, celebrate progress, communicate information, and to build a stronger sense of community among the University’s varied constituencies.  Commencement is coordinated in the Office of Academic Affairs.  Department-sponsored ceremonies and events are coordinated by the department’s faculty and staff. Significant events include:

Closure Ceremonies

Special “end of program” activities for each program which are sponsored by an academic department.  These may include graduation dinners, award ceremonies, professional honor society events, and professional “pinning” or white coat ceremonies. Offices and departments, such as the Veteran Resource Center and the Academic Support Center may also sponsor events for graduating students in their respective groups. 

Nursing Program Pinning

Held during the academic year by the School of Nursing for undergraduate nursing and entry-level master of science in nursing students who complete pre-licensure or undergraduate degree requirements.  Pinning is a ceremony of special historic and symbolic significance in which students receive the insignia of the nursing program in the form of a pin to be worn with their professional attire.  

Commencement Ceremonies

Commencement events include ceremonies for the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Commencement is held in May and December.  More information can be found on the Commencement page of the University website.

Samuel Merritt University values information from students, faculty, staff, and the public that assists in assuring that policies and procedures are applied appropriately and continuing improvement of the institution takes place.

The University has a complaint process to be used by students, faculty and staff as described below.  Complaints are received, monitored, evaluated, and wherever possible within existing policy and resources, resolved. The process is managed by the Office of People and Culture.

Definition of Complaint

A complaint is a concern or issue identified by a Samuel Merritt University student, faculty, staff member or external party with respect to the operations, services, conditions or facilities of the University. Issues concerning academic or behavioral matters involving students and faculty are governed by the dispute resolution and grievance procedures outlined in PolicyStat and the SMU Catalog and Handbook, and will be forwarded to the appropriate department. Complaints concerning the personal lives of individuals connected to the University are not considered. 

Process and Procedure

Complaints are reviewed by the Office of People and Culture, and if determined to fall within the definition provided in the complaint policy, will be forwarded to the appropriate University office for response. The person submitting a complaint will receive a written acknowledgment that the complaint was received within three (3) business days, and whether further review and response will be forthcoming, or that it does not fall within policy.  In cases where the complaint is not clear, further clarification or information will be requested. 

If the complaint is considered, the complainant will receive a response from a University office or representative within thirty (30) business days, or should additional time be required, the complainant will be so notified. The response to the complainant will indicate the University's understanding of the complaint, provide an explanation or other information that would inform the complainant, and describe a resolution if feasible.  The response will indicate that the complaint is closed or pending further review.  

How to Submit a Complaint

Any complaint to the University must be submitted electronically on the University website. 

An individual may contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education for review of a complaint.  The bureau may be contacted at 2535 Capital Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 94633. http://www.bppe.ca.gov. or (916) 431-6924.

For students in Texas enrolled in online programs: If after going through the University's procedures, a student still wants to file a complaint with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), they should go to http://www.thecb.state.tx.us.  Forms and a description of the student complaint process can be found there.

Note: There are other complaint processes for Title IX, Sexual Violence, and Disability Concerns. Please refer to those pages for the processes.

Samuel Merritt University recognizes disability as an important aspect of diversity and is committed to fostering an accessible and inclusive learning environment. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to ensure equal access to the University’s academic programs, services, and activities through reasonable accommodations and other support services.

Students seeking disability-related accommodations are encouraged to contact the DRC as early as possible. Eligibility is determined through an interactive process that may include a review of disability-related documentation, as appropriate. Because accommodations cannot be applied retroactively, students should initiate the process promptly to ensure timely implementation.

The DRC welcomes students with visible, invisible, temporary, permanent, and episodic disabilities. To schedule a confidential appointment or learn more about available services, please contact the Disability Resource Center at drc@samuelmerritt.edu.

Unresolved Disagreements and Complaints About Discrimination

If there is an unresolved disagreement over a particular accommodation or a complaint of discrimination, please visit the DRC webpage for more information.

The mailing address for each campus is listed below.

Students may leave written messages or documents for faculty or staff at the mail center, located in the basement level of the Oakland campus, or at the front desk of the regional campuses (Sacramento, SFP, Fresno).

The Samuel Merritt University Media Services Department provides audio-visual (A/V) support to Samuel Merritt University and its Health Education Center, and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.  Media Services provides on-site support of A/V technology installed in all SMU campus classrooms, conference rooms, video conferencing facilities, health science simulation suites, and other A/V equipped rooms.  

Video recording services are available for academic events during normal business hours. Requests by faculty, staff, and students for recording of on-campus events will be honored based on the availability of a Media Services technician.  Faculty, staff, and students may request duplication of audio or video media for academic use. All media duplication activities are completed in accordance to federal copyright and intellectual property governance laws.

Media Services provides portable A/V equipment for academic use in locations where integrated systems are not available. To reserve A/V equipment, or to inquire about services and availability, please contact the Media Services Department at (510) 879-3335 or create a Service Ticket via TeamDynamix.

Parking

Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from classes and clinical experiences. Nearby garages offer parking, patrolled by security officers, on a daily or semester fee basis. Students are encouraged to travel in carpools whenever possible.

Parking Information and Applications

• Parking at Sacramento, San Francisco Peninsula, and Fresno is free for faculty, staff, and students.
• Parking is Oakland is subject to application and payment of a semester fee. More information can be found here.

Student print stations and computer labs around each campus provide access to laser printing and self-service photocopy machines. Students are allocated a quota of complementary printing and copying each academic term. Individuals whose printing and copying exceeds quota will be charged at the end of the term. Please see the website for more details, including pricing. The University observes copyright regulations.

It is advisable for students leaving the campus after dark to call for a guard to escort them to their cars. Arrangements for escort service can be made directly to security at the following campuses:

Oakland – 510-879-9211

Sacramento – 916-291-0975 (4pm – 10pm)

Campus locations where security isn’t readily available, students should consider the following safety measures:

• Walk in Groups: Find other students, staff, or faculty to walk with you.
• Stay in Well-Lit Areas: Stick to well-lit paths and avoid dark or secluded areas.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert and be aware of your environment.
• Keep Your Phone Handy: Have your phone accessible and ensure it is fully charged.
• Any threats to safety should be immediately reported to Security or 911 as well as University officials.

The John. A Graziano Memorial Library in Oakland houses the largest and most complete collection of nursing journals, monographs, and audiovisual materials in the East Bay, and one of the best collections in this specialty area in California.  The Library also has holdings in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and podiatric medicine resources.  In addition, the Library supports a core medical collection of textbooks and reference materials and subscribes to more than 11,000 print and electronic journals. The Library currently contains a collection of 46,000 volumes.  The Library maintains online access to 36 databases of allied health literature and supporting specialties.  

Each regional campus (Fresno, Sacramanto and San Francisco Peninsula) also features its own libary, with a curated collection of materials for the programs housed in each location. Students may utilize the libraries at any SMU Campus. The Library is the information center for Samuel Merritt University.  As such, it serves the students, faculty, and staff with a full range of reference and circulation services and full access to electronic information technology.  In addition, there are computers with network access available for in-library usage.  Members of the University community may be asked to present their ID badge to assure access to library collections and services.

Students and faculty at the each campus have access to the services of a librarian who is based on site. The librarian provides orientations to library services and teaches students how to locate, evaluate, and effectively use the needed information. The librarian also works with faculty in order to build core text collections that support the curriculum. Students may set up appointments to work with the librarian one on one or in small groups.

All Library licensed databases, including more than 11,000 full-text electronic journals and 200 e-books are available at the campuses. Proxy mediated access to databases is also available from off-campus.

For more information please visit the Library website. 

Social, athletic, and recreational activities are an integral part of student life. The Office of Student Affairs, Student Body Association (SBA), and various class groups plan activities including but not limited to seminars, socials, educational programs, dinners, barbecues, films, and athletic games throughout the year. Recreational facilities are provided for the enjoyment of students, faculty, and staff.

The Office of Student Affairs, provides services and support for students in the following areas: Student Activities, Student Governance, Career Support, New Student Orientation, Student Health and Counseling, Wellness, Academic Support and Coaching, Tutoring,Disability Services, Student Conduct, Veteran's Support, Compliance, and Basic Needs Services.

Each campus has a representative Student Affairs team that can assist students in situations in which advocacy, support and guidance are needed or desired:

• Fresno - fsoadmin@samuelmerritt.edu 
• Oakland and online programs - studentaffairs@samuelmerritt.edu
• Sacramento - sacadmin@samuelmerritt.edu
• San Francisco Peninsula - sfpcadmin@samuelmerritt.edu  

The Office of People and Culture partners with the Office of Student Affairs to provide training and programming that provide further enrichment to Student Life with resources that are available to professional staff and faculty.

Student employment offers students the opportunity to help meet University expenses and gain valuable job experience.  A list of current student employment opportunities is posted on Career Connect. There are a limited number of off-campus community service positions that are work study eligible. Students may work a maximum of 20 hours/week and 8 hours/day while attending classes.  If a student is not enrolled in classes for a semester as part of the normal progression (summer vacation), additional hours may be worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours/week and 8 hours/day. 

Please review this document provided by the Office of People and Culture for more information on Student Employment requirements. 

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 we work with you to promote healthy lifestyle choices, encourage a holistic philosophy and balance to life for healthy living and academic success. 

Check out the Student Health and Counseling page for more in-depth information about services and to access the Student Health Portal.

There are many clubs and organizations that students can participate in. Clubs and organizations are overseen by the Student Body Association (SBA). The SBA also provides funding and support for all of the clubs and organizations.

Students can also work with the SBA to add new clubs and organizations. The process to do so is below:

Process of Obtaining an Organization/Club Charter

1. Any group of students wishing to start an organization/club may do so. There must be an initial start of 10 students petitioning interest for the proposed organization/club.
2. The organization/club charter and list of students must be completed and given to SBA two weeks prior to first proposal of organization/club to SBA.
3. It shall take a 2/3 majority vote of the SBA leadership to approve an organization/club.
4. Membership shall be open to all SBA members (SMU students) who express a desire to be part of the organization/club.
5. The organization/club shall elect an advisor to attend events and activities when available to do so.
6. After the organization/club charter has been approved, the organization/club is granted $500 seed money from SBA funds. This money is allotted one time only. There is no replenishing of organization/club funds by SBA means.  No funds shall be approved for any organization/club that does not conform to the bylaws.
7. An organization shall be a group which functions to enhance the professional attitudes, skills, and knowledge of students.
8. A club shall be a group organized to carry out specialized extracurricular activities.
9. Any club or organization that does not perform according to the standards and expectations set forth by University, SBA and/or the approved charter may have its charter, approval, and access to any funding revoked.
10. The President of the organization/club shall attend or send an alternate to all Student Body Association meetings or communicate with SBA via email to sba@samuelmerritt.edu. 

Any student or group of students may submit for approval a proposed policy to the appropriate student government committee.

The committee may:

• Recommend approval of the policy and forward it to the Dean of Students Office.
• Return it to the originator for revisions and modifications.
• Reject the proposed policy outright. If the policy is rejected, an explanation must be provided to the originator.

The Student Affairs Office may:

• Approve the policy outright or send it forward to the appropriate University committee or administrator.
• Return it to the originator for revisions and modifications.
• Reject the proposed policy outright. If the policy is rejected, an explanation must be provided to the originator and to the approving student body committee(s).

SMU is a "100% Bring Your Own Device" University. Students are expected to have a device that meets or exceeds the minimum technology standards, and to have the ability to use it effectively for their learning.

Desktop computers are available for student use in designated computer labs at each SMU campus.  All lab computers have Internet access, Microsoft Office Enterprise Edition, and a variety of computer-assisted instructional programs. Wireless network access is available to students in all classroom, library, and group study areas. Students may utilize all computer, technology, and network resources at any campus. 

The Veteran Resource Center

The Veteran Resource Center (VRC) is here to support and empower our veteran students, and their dependents at Samuel Merritt University. 

The VRC provides:

• VA Benefits Support – the VRC certifies enrollment for educational benefits and help guide students through the process.
• Work-Study Opportunities – Positions available exclusively for veteran students who are receiving VA benefits.
• VRC Study & Meeting Space – A quiet area for focused study or group collaboration.
• Resources & Referrals – Including housing assistance and other support services

Accomodations

Veterans, reservists, and active-duty military with special circumstances (deployments, drill requirements, disabilities) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance, to your Program Director, the VRC, and the faculty of record for a course. When possible, please provide as much advance notice as possible of deployment or drill obligations—preferably 2 weeks or more. Adjustments in timelines for coursework completion, course completion, and/or program curriculum progression as a consequence of military special obligations will be collaboratively established by the student, faculty of record, and Program Director.

Accommodations for disabilities are overseen by the Disability Resource Center. If you need additional assistance and/or resources please contact the VRC at veteransuccess@samuelmerritt.edu.