Academic Resource Centers

Academic Support Center

The Academic Support Center provides free peer tutoring in many subjects each term. Tutoring is available in math, writing, science and many other subjects. Peer tutors are academically successful students who help those who want assistance. The Academic Support Center trains the peer tutors, matches tutors with students and monitors the tutoring process.

Library

Mission

The Saint Paul College-A Community and Technical College Library mission is to support and enhance the educational mission of the College. The Library provides essential educational support to the local campus community as well as to the larger library and information communities, by providing access to local, global and diverse information resources. The Library facilitates appropriate use of new and expanding technologies as well as print resources, which are responsive to current academic and technical coursework.

Services

A collection of more than 29,000 books, 158 periodicals and 730 videos and films include subject areas such as liberal arts and sciences, business, computer careers, health, services, technical and trade. Smaller collections of CD-ROMs and audiobooks are available. Materials for career development, personal growth and recreation are also available. Departmental centers house approximately 5,000 additional books and resources.

The Library offers Internet services and Internet subscriptions to resources such as Newsbank and SIRS Researcher. Student e-mail is also accessible. The Library is integrated into the MNPALS consortium. The Library catalog is accessible on MNPALS. Access to over 100 other MNPALS libraries, including all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities campuses, some private colleges and all state agencies, as well as many public library systems is available through interlibrary loan. Magazine articles are available in index, abstract and/or full text formats for more than 2,500 periodicals retrospectively for five years. Access to Lumina, the University of Minnesota Information System, is available via MNPALS. Patron initiated interlibrary loan service via MNPALS/Minitex is an added MNPALS feature. The Library is also part of the MnLINK library system, providing statewide library and database access.

Library staff are committed to fulfilling the Library mission through ongoing service and education. Library staff encourage full facilitation to library information resources and services. Lifelong learning, critical thinking skills and on-going information literacy are emphasized. Educational guidance is provided for both print and multimedia information resources. Ongoing individual and classroom instruction is provided upon request. The Library is also committed to be an informational resource and educational support to faculty and staff.

Additional Library Services

The Library was renovated during the years 2000 and 2002. This has enhanced current and future student information and research needs in an attractive and inviting environment. The newly renovated Library offers both an open computer lab and a computer classroom. An expanded circulation area is offered, as is an expanded group study area. A lounge reading area is a new amenity. Shelving space has also been increased to accommodate an ever-increasing book collection.

Library Location

The Library is located on the main floor of the Saint Paul College Campus, in the East Wing across from the Financial Aid office.

Hours and Additional Services

Library hours are 7:00am to 8:00pm Monday through Thursday and 7:00am to 4:00pm Friday. Hours are subject to change. A copy machine is available for student use. The Student ID Card also serves as the library card, which allows for full access to MNPALS, including interlibrary loan.

Instructional Technology Center (ITC)

The Instructional Technology Center (ITC) provides computer labs to students at several locations on campus. Computer labs provide students with access to technology-enhanced learning in math and reading basic skills, software used in courses and the latest in business, multimedia and Internet programming technologies. Computer labs are located on the third floor in Rooms 306 and 308. Students must abide by the Computer Usage Policy while utilizing any computers on campus. Refer to the Student Handbook for a copy of the policy. Computer labs are available six days a week (while classes are in session)-Monday through Thursday, 7: 30am to 10:00pm, Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm and Saturday 7:30am to 2:00pm.

Learning Center

The Learning Center is available to students to assist them in the development or upgrading of their basic reading, grammar and math skills. Utilizing computer-based courseware, students are able to work on basic skills development at their own pace under the supervision of faculty and center staff. Computer tutorials are also available in science and other subjects. The Learning Center is located in Room 322 and the hours of availability (when classes are in session) are as follows: Monday through Thursday 7:30am to 10:00pm, Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm and Saturday 7:30am to 2:00pm.

Distance Learning

Saint Paul College is committed to providing learning opportunities to students that are free of place or time restrictions. By utilizing the latest technology, the College delivers courses at places and times that are convenient to the student. Courses delivered via Interactive Television (ITV), Satellite connections or the Internet allow students and faculty to communicate regardless of the distance between them. Technology and its application allow the expansion of learning access to educational opportunities which may not be otherwise possible. Additional information may be found online at www.saintpaul.edu.

Bookstore Information

Textbooks and a wide range of school and personal supplies can be purchased from the Bookstore. It is located on the first floor near the main entrance. Please check the College Web site and campus postings for Bookstore hours or call 651.846.1422.

Textbook Costs: To estimate textbook expenses in advance, please use the Saint Paul College Bookstore Web site, www.saintpaulcollegebookstore.com. The student's course schedule will have the information needed to find out more about required textbooks online. Term, Subject (same as Department for the Web site), Course Number and Section Number are needed for textbook inquiry. The listed costs are current estimates.

Textbook Orders/Reservations: Students may also order or reserve their textbooks online at the following Web site: www.saintpaulcollegebookstore.com. For Web orders and reservations, a credit card is required. The Bookstore accepts Visa, MasterCard or Discover. If students wish to pay by cash, personal check, or book voucher, they may reserve their textbooks online and pick them up at the Bookstore.

Textbook Refunds and Buy-Back Policy: Full refunds for most textbooks are given within ten school days of purchase, providing there is proof of purchase (receipt) and the textbook is in new condition. Textbooks returned prior to the tenth day that are not in new condition will be refunded at current used book pricing. After the tenth day, students will be encouraged to sell their books at the Textbook Buy-Back. See the Web site for additional refund information. In an effort to keep textbook costs down, the Bookstore attempts to stock used books whenever possible. In addition, the Bookstore schedules a Textbook Buy-Back at the end of each semester, where students may resell their textbooks for cash.