Handbook Student Handbook 2008-2009

Part One: People, Routines, Events

Part Two: The Academic Program

Part Three: Policies and Procedures

History of the School

Part One: People, Routines, Events

ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT SERVICES

SPECIAL SERVICES

MEDICAL SERVICES

WEAN RESEARCH LIBRARY

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF

Arts

English

Foreign Language

History

Mathematics

Physical Education

Science

College Guidance

THE HOUSE SYSTEM

The year 1998 marked the inauguration of the University School House System. The plan organizes the School into ten houses composed of approximately forty students each (ten students from each grade) and allows for an intimate and effective mix of students. The faculty of each house with the advice and leadership of the prefect will be especially concerned with guidance, discipline and service. Additionally, as a result of special projects and events throughout the school year, houses will engage in healthy, fun competitions. A faculty Housemaster and a senior student prefect head the houses, and four or five additional faculty serve as sponsees to the boys in each house. The prefects meet regularly with Mr. Obel-Omia and Mrs. Mason to facilitate good communication and cordial relations within the school community. The houses are named for people who have had a significant effect on the establishment of University School during its long history.

2008-2009 HOUSEMASTERS AND PREFECTS
Anderson House Amy Wujnovich Charlie Clark
Cruikshank House Peter Zappas Andy Neff
Goodwillie House Justin Passov Trace Althans
Hawley House Jack Fisher Nolan Thompson
McCarraher House Darren Keefe J. Mentrek
McKinley House Mitch Strachan Cameron Chittock
Peters House Rose Steeber Brian Stovsky
Pettee House Chris Davis Benjamin Bold
Pickands House Ben Hobbs Tommy Visconsi
Sanders House Enrique de la Mata Greg Groves

In addition, there is the Student Discipline Committee composed of elected representatives of the four classes who help determine the facts and outcomes of serious discipline offenses.

2008-2009 S.D.C. Members
HeadEliot Han
Senior Class RepresentativesWill Biggar, Charlie Clark & TW Gross
Junior Class RepresentativesTed Clements & Josh Halpern
Sophomore Class RepresentativesEliot Arnson & Rahul Singh
Freshman Class RepresentativesTo be elected

SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS

AURELIAN SOCIETY
Promotes community service at agencies and organizations outside University School. Students earn membership by performing at least 10 hours of community service in addition to helping out during the Thanksgiving driver here at school and the Spring Service day off-campus.

CADMEAN SOCIETY
Helps at events such as athletic contests, plays, and open houses and often provides leadership for school-wide service projects. Students earn membership by fulfilling 12 hours of service.

CULINARY CLUB
Learns about a variety of cuisines by planning menus, purchasing foods, and preparing meals.

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION SOCIETY
Members take responsibility for recycling and other efforts to improve our environment.

FILM SOCIETY
Promotes interest in films as a medium; meets most Fridays after school to watch movies.

MOCK TRIAL
Practices for and participates in this statewide organization that helps students learn about our trial system in this country.

MULTICULTURAL ORGANIZATION
This is an umbrella organization that promotes interest and provides information about the diverse cultures represented in our school such as African-American, Asian, and Middle Eastern.

SOCIETY OF SKEPTICS
Meets weekly to debate timely topics.

SPEECH AND DEBATE
Members learn Lincoln-Douglas and Oregon debate and compete with other schools.

WRITING FORUM
A literary club whose members meet after school (typically over a pizza) to discuss each other's work. See Record under Publications.

RELIGIOUS LIFE

University School is a nonsectarian school, but we are proud of the diversity of religious backgrounds and beliefs represented in the student body. At times of major religious holy days and festivals there are often students or outside guests who address the assembly about the importance of those holidays. Many of our students are vigorously involved in religious groups including the Fellowship of Christian Students and Jewish youth organizations such as U.S.Y. and A.Z.A., and worship regularly at their church, temple, or mosque.

PUBLICATIONS

University School News, founded in 1898, is the oldest school newspaper in Ohio. Published once a month. Faculty Advisors: Mr. Kleinheider. Editor: Vinay Prasad.

Mabian, the School's yearbook, derives its name from the School colors (maroon and black) and has been published every year since 1919. Faculty Advisors: Michael Franc.

Record. In 1963 the school witnessed the revival of the Record, a literary publication that was founded in 1890. Since its rebirth, Record has appeared regularly to present the best literary work of the School's Writing Forum. Faculty Advisor: Mr. Lee Fallon & Mrs. Loveman. Editor: Michael Kovach, Daren Frankel and David Conklin.

The Valley Voice, the newsletter for Upper School parents, is published monthly. Editors: Adrienne Deckman, Heather Harding, and Mary Fran Weber.

PARENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

University School Parents' Association
Deborah Perkins, President. The group is made up of representatives from each class. Its function is to utilize the talents and enthusiasm of parents in enhancing life at the Upper School.

AWARDS AND PRIZES

University School gives a number of awards, prizes and honors. Though these awards are presented to particular boys, they serve the larger purpose of honoring the qualities of mind and character the awards represent.

CUM LAUDE SOCIETY
What Phi Beta Kappa is to college, Cum Laude is to the independent school. The purpose of the Society is to recognize and honor high moral character and exceptional scholarship. Membership in the US chapter of Cum Laude is normally limited to Seniors who have been in residence at least two consecutive years and who have carried a particularly challenging academic program with honor and distinction. The number of boys elected to membership varies from year to year, but under no circumstances may it exceed 20% of the senior class. New members are chosen annually in the spring based on grades in the sophomore, junior and senior years.

SHERMAN PRIZE SPEAKING CONTEST
In the spring of his junior year any student who wishes to compete may write a speech on a topic of his own choosing. These speeches are delivered to a committee of faculty members who select the six best speeches. The six finalists then deliver their speeches before the Upper School, and a panel of judges from outside the School selects three winners. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place.

CLASS OF 1935 POLITICAL AWARENESS ESSAY PRIZE
This contest is open to boys from ninth through twelfth grades. First, second, and third place cash prizes are awarded to students who have thought logically and dispassionately about political issues and have written those thoughts and opinions in clear and succinct essays.

AWARDS DAY
In the spring, a few days prior to commencement, the morning assembly is devoted to honoring students from all four of the classes who have distinguished themselves in various ways. The parents of the recipients are invited to attend, though the boys themselves are not told in advance that they are to receive an award. Not all of these awards are given every year.

  1. American Association of Physics Teachers: Outstanding physics student.
  2. Art Prize: Special achievement in the studio arts.
  3. Baker Prize: The student with the highest achievement in the study of chemistry.
  4. Bausch and Lomb Science Award: Recognizes a junior who consistently maintains the highest achievement in general physics.
  5. Carter Sanders Award: Outstanding foreign language student.
  6. Chris Kelley Award: The student who has shown exceptional and spirited participation in the extracurricular life of the school.
  7. Cobb Latin Prize: Student with the highest achievement in Latin, based on grades.
  8. Daniel W. LoPresti '03 Memorial Prize: Recognizes a student who best exemplifies the qualities of leadership and friendship.
  9. Dempsey Prize in American History: The top American history student.
  10. E.A. "Doc" Rolinson Award: Given to the senior who has made the most progress or improvement during his upper school years.
  11. E.L. Maas Mathematics Prize: The best math student.
  12. English Prize: Recognizes special excellence in the study of literature and skill in discussing it.
  13. George T. Clements Memorial Prize: The student who best demonstrates a passionate zest for life and faith in mankind.
  14. Greek Prize: Awarded to a senior who has done outstanding work in Classical Greek.
  15. Hadbavny Music Award: A talented student musician who has contributed to the musical life of the school.
  16. Healy Dowd Jazz Prize: The student who is the most distinguished jazz musician.
  17. Henry Stoddard Sherman Journalism Award: The student with outstanding service to the school newspaper, the US News.
  18. Henry Strater Award in Speech: The student who made the greatest contribution to the speech and debate program.
  19. History Prize: Awarded to the student whose overall performance in history and social science has been outstanding.
  20. Ian Miller Award: Given to a senior who best demonstrates the qualities of true friendship and compassion.
  21. Jan Schaffer Award: Recognizes a senior who has overcome the challenges of school life with extraordinary courage, loyalty and spirit.
  22. Kenyon, Middlebury, Princeton, Washington & Lee, Williams and Yale Book Awards: for talented Junior English students.
  23. Krill Drama Award: Conspicuous distinction in and contribution toward the dramatic arts.
  24. Malcolm Scovil Award: The freshman who best embodies the School's motto - Responsibility, Loyalty, and Consideration.
  25. McCurdy Science Prize: The best science student.
  26. Michael Dively Award: The student with exceptional civic interest and knowledge of public affairs.
  27. Outdoor Projects Award: A student who demonstrates extraordinary growth in the study and management of natural resources at the Upper School.
  28. Rensselaer Medal: A student with combined excellence in math and science.
  29. Richard D. Peters Journalism Award: Given to the member of the US News who embodies the spirit, enthusiasm, and love of journalism of Dick Peters.
  30. Robert Derby Award: A student with special excellence in woodshop.
  31. Senior Speech Award: The student who makes the best senior speech.
  32. T.E. White Spanish Award: The student with the greatest mastery of the Spanish language.
  33. W.G. Marshall French Award: Student with the greatest mastery of the French language.
  34. William F. Seelbach Faculty Fellowship: Presented to a faculty member for outstanding contribution to school life.
  35. Zachary A. Parmenter '03 Memorial Prize in Writing: The senior whose Davey Fellowship work shows special literary promise and also a spirited appreciation of life.

COMMENCEMENT PRIZES
These prizes are presented at the Commencement ceremony.

  1. Alumni Medal: The top scolar.
  2. Aurelian Award: The student who is outstanding in character, scholarship, and leadership.
  3. Cadmean Award: US's most prestigious award - The student who shows the most strength of character, ethical leadership, high scholarship, and unusual loyalty to the school.
  4. James W. Potts Award: The student who shows outstanding sportsmanship, decisive leadership, and athletic ability.
  5. Jack R. Staples Award: The student who in the course of his career in varsity athletics has distinguished himself through selfless devotion to the best interests of his fellows and his team and to the highest ideals of competitive athletics.

PEOPLE TO CALL FOR INFORMATION

UPPER SCHOOL 216-831-2200

A New, Powerful Way to Communicate: www.us.edu
University School's website, www.us.edu, contains a wealth of public and private information for parents. Upon enrollment and signing of the School's Acceptable Use Policy, students and parents each receive a password to access the private network, the School Portal. The Portal is customized to each parent and students and allows access to teachers' class pages, assignments and syllabi. It also features customized news, announcements, event listing, calendars, athletic information and much more. For problems in accessing the website, please call (216) 292-2150, or email websupport@us.edu

We encourage parents to telephone or to arrange an appointment if they have concerns or questions about their sons. Whether for a routine reporting of absence or for more complicated matters, the following list should help you to contact the right person. All incoming calls to the Upper School about athletics, college guidance, admissions, faculty business, administration and parental concerns enter through a single switchboard. Calls are referred by our receptionist to the various departments in the school. To avoid making an unnecessary call, you might wish to consult the index at the front of this Handbook, the Student Directory or the various mailings we send out during the year. In the early fall you will receive a list of faculty voice mail numbers in order that you may phone faculty directly.

If you have an urgent message for your son (changed appointments, pick-up times, etc.), please leave a message with the receptionist at the switchboard, who will then place the message in your son's mailbox. Students should not be interrupted during class except for emergencies. It is the student's responsibility to check his physical mailbox and his electronic mailbox each day.

ACADEMIC, PERSONAL CONCERNS
The first person to contact should usually be your son's sponsor. He or she will work with your son's teachers, coaches, Housemaster and with Mr. Obel-Omia and Mrs. Mason to answer your questions, arrange meetings, or do whatever is necessary to address the problem. Naturally, your communications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

REPORTING OF ABSENCES
Ms. Kalman is at the main desk. See also the article on absences in Part III of this Handbook.

ADMISSION
Mr. Grosz or Mrs. Linich

FINANCIAL AID
Mr. Beard or Mrs. Linich

COLLEGE GUIDANCE
Please contact your son's college counselor, Ms. Rifken, Mr. Gallagher or Mr. Jacquet or for general questions, contact Mrs. Perkins.

TUITION
Mr. Wright is the Finance Director and can be reached at 216-932-0400.

ATHLETICS
Ms. Kalman at the main desk will connect you with the appropriate person in athletics. Mr. Grant or Mr. Ptacek can answer general questions.

DISCIPLINE
Mr. Obel-Omia, Mrs. Mason, Mr. Beard, and the Housemasters handle questions about major discipline infractions. Ms. Kalman keeps all the records concerning absences and minor rule infractions. The Housemasters, Director, Dean of Students, and the Assistant Dean of Students will have copies of those records.

BOOKS, LEARNING MATERIALS
Mrs. Staats.

BASIC INFORMATION

Opening Times. The Hunting Valley Campus is open from 7:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Students working on school business outside these times may gain entrance to the buildings with the faculty advisor to that activity. If the doors are locked, students should contact the faculty advisor to their activity.

The Telephone Switchboard for the Upper School is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and closes at 4 p.m. on Friday. After hours there is an automated attendant on the line that will direct you to the office you would like. There is a voice mail option for many offices.

The Athletic Store is open from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Book Store, run by Mrs. Staats, is open throughout the school day at posted times. Most books must be purchased online prior to the beginning of school year. Replacements can also be purchased online.

The Prep Shop, run by the USPA, is open from 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and various ohter times for school paraphernalia.

The Business Office, located at the Shaker Campus, is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and may be dialed directly at 216-932-0400.

The Wean Research Library is open daily from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mrs. Ulery, Director, and Ms. Geczy, Library Assistant, are available at all times. The library is a quiet place of study. Group study should take place elsewhere in the School. The Silent Study section of the library is for very quiet and concentrated work and is closely monitored. Students should be prepared to work alone with no talking when entering this area.

Books and magazines may be checked out at the circulation desk for a loan period ranging from two to six weeks. Borrowed materials come due the first school day of each month - with many reminder announcements, to return or renew, read in assembly and at lunch. Overdue notices are left in student's mailboxes on the second school day of each month. Fines are $1 per day for each material borrowed, payable by check made out to University School, with suspension of borrowing privileges until fines are paid. Once a fine of $10 is reached the material is considered lost and replacement costs are charged to the student's account.

Lockers: Returning students are assigned to day lockers on the first day of school. New students receive them on Orientation Day. The athletic department issues gym lockers and combinations to the attached locks on the first day of school. Lockers are expected to be kept neat and clean.

Shuttle buses run from the Lower School in Shaker Heights to the Upper School and back several times a day. The buses leave the Shaker campus at 7:35 a.m. to arrive at the Upper School in time for Assembly. They depart from the Upper School for the Lower School at 3:35, 4:45, and 6:00 p.m. and are adjusted for daily schedules. This accommodates students leaving right after school, after class field and after sports practice. A year's pass may be purchased from the Business Office. Otherwise, the cost is $1 per ride.

Making announcements: When a student wishes to have an announcement read at Morning Assembly or at lunch, he should email Ms. Kalman at least one day before at jkalman@us.edu. If the student wishes to give the announcment himself, he needs to write it down and have it approved by the faculty advisor to his activity, Mr. Obel-Omia, or Mrs. Mason, and then email Ms. Kalman that he will be making an announcement.

Valuables: Avoid bringing things of value, including large sums of money, to school. If you must bring such items, make sure that they are either locked up in a secure place or checked in at the Main Office for safekeeping. Please write your name on all clothing, books, etc.

Weather: When school is cancelled due to bad weather, the decision to close is made by the Headmaster and communicated to television, radio stations, and posted on the Intranet. Additionally, each family that has given the school a current phone number will be contacted by the school. When bad weather forces the cancellation of athletic practices or contests or of class field, detailed announcements are made at lunch that day and are posted in the glass case outside the Athletic Office.

Photocopy Machine: A photocopying machine is located in the library. The price is 5 cents per page. The money changer is located near the student mailboxes.

Cell phones are not to be used for text messages, telephone conversations, or any other function, including checking time, accessing the internet and listening to music.

MEDICAL FORMS AND HEALTH INFORMATION

The state requires that health information be a part of the student's file; therefore, each student at the Upper School must have a health form completed by his doctor prior to the opening of school every year. If a student expects to participate in any activity that occurs prior to the start of school, such as fall practices, the forms must be completed and returned prior to the start of that activity, These forms are mailed home every spring. We also ask that parents sign the emergency release form so that emergency medical care could be provided if necessary.

Mrs. Hodson, the school nurse, has an office in the Athletic Department. Should a student become ill during the day, he should see Mrs. Hodson who has a place for a boy to rest and will assess his situation. No boy who is sick should go home without getting permission from both Mrs. Hodson and his parents. She will make sure someone will be home when the boy gets there and excuse his absence from classes. Mrs. Hodson and Mr. Grant can administer first aid or CPR if that should be necessary.

Prescription Medicine: If a student is to take any medication at school, a Student Physician Prescribed Medication Release Form must be completed. If a student is to carry an inhaler or epi pen, the appropriate form must be completed. Medications must be brought to school by a parent/guardian and will be stsored in Mrs. Hodson's office. At no time is a student allowed to carry medications, including over-the-counter types.

Part Two: The Academic Program

The academic program at University School is discussed and reviewed by the department chairs, Mrs. Wielenberg, and Mr. Obel-Omia.

SEMESTER SYSTEM
The school year is divided into two semesters, each of which is divided into two interims. Typically, at the end of the 1st and 3rd interims each teacher will send home a grade and a written report of the student's progress. Thus, the student and his family will be aware of possible problems in time to address them before the end of the semester. Interim grades, however, are approximations and are not formally recorded on the student's transcript. At the end of each semester there are four days set aside as an exam period. No classes meet during exam period and a student need only come to school for his exam. There are exams in almost all subjects; such exams can count no more than a quarter of the final semester grade. The semester grades are sent home soon after the exam period. Parents should, therefore, receive four sets of grades every school year. If you do not receive these grades, please contact Ms. Kalman.

At the end of each semester an Honors List, designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, is compiled and posted in a special glass case outside the entrance to the Humanities wing. To appear on the list a student must have attained for:

TYPES OF COURSES
A full description of all the courses offered at US appears in the Course Catalogue that is published every spring and issued to students and parents as they confer with the faculty to prepare their schedules for each semester in the year ahead. Extra copies are available from Mrs. Linich.

CURRICULAR COURSES
These are the major line courses graded with letter grades. Grades are averaged for ranking. Most curricular courses count 1 credit.

CO-CURRICULAR COURSES
These are courses in the arts such as drama, glee club or woodshop. Typically these courses require little homework and their grades typically count as 1/2 credit.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Successful performance on AP exams can confer advanced standing and actual credit toward the baccalaureate degree at many colleges and universities. Enrollment in AP courses requires a student demonstrating academic success and intellectual interest in that particular subject. Each department has its own requirements, which often include a minimum grade in a previous course in that discipline. Some University School courses (AP Economics, for example) are designated as such; some other regular courses (such as Western Civilization 2) are AP-level and prepare boys for the AP exams. Boys enrolled in AP designated courses are required to take the AP exam in that course. There is a fee of approximately $85 for each AP exam.

KAP (Kenyon Academic Partnership)
To supplement traditional AP preparation, US has joined other Ohio schools in a partnership with Kenyon College where college credit is conferred for a number of specially-designed senior courses taught in member schools. We currently offer KAP courses in Physics, Chemistry and Graphics.

CHANGING/DROPPING COURSES
If a student is struggling in a course, it may be necessary to make adjustments to his schedule. Before any changes are made, the cause of the difficulty should be determined.

Except when initiated by the classroom teacher, all course changes must be completed at the end of the third week of classes. Teacher-initiated changes must be completed no later than the end of the first interim. The student must obtain and complete the appropriate Schedule Change Request Form, including all required signatures, and submit it to Mrs. Wielenberg. He should then promptly meet with the teacher of the class he will be entering to discuss the process for a smooth transition. If the change is made within this time frame, the dropped course will not appear on the student's transcipt.

OTHER TYPES OF ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

DAVEY FELLOWSHIPS IN CREATIVE WRITING
Endowed in the name of Hugh Davey '64, these fellowships enable boys of special literary promise to undertake extensive projects in fiction, drama, and poetry writing. Ms. Fazio directs the program.

OUTDOOR PROJECTS PROGRAM
The Hunting Valley Campus consists of 220 acres of ponds, streams, meadows, and woodland, which with Lake Kilroy provide a treasured addition to the regular science curriculum. Students can elect to work in the School's acclaimed Outdoor Projects Program, which operates a nature trail, a full-fledged fish hatchery, a trout farm, a maple-syrup industry, and several foresting and erosion control projects.

SENIOR EXPERIENCES
Seniors not undertaking a Strnad Fellowship submit a proposal for a senior experience. The projects take place during the final three weeks of the school year and typically include either service/humanitarian work or practical experience in career exploration. Projects are graded by an advisor and by the House Staff.

STRNAD FELLOWSHIPS
Thanks to a generous endowment from the James J. Strnad family, Strnad Fellows undertake projects, sometimes complemented by special courses of study, that involve significant original research. The projects normally begin at the end of the junior year and are presented to the student body by the Fellows at the end of the next school year. As the fund for fellowships is limited, interested applicants must meet specified criteria and essentially compete for the awards. These criteria are:

  1. overall academic record;
  2. demonstrated ability to undertake independent study;
  3. nature and quality of the original research proposed for the project.
Application forms are available from Mr. Devore and Mr. Joscelyne who, as Strnad Fellowship Heads, screen all completed applications and makes the final determination of awards.

OFF CAMPUS LEARNING

CITY TERM is a program that provides an opportunity for juniors or seniors to spend a semester in New York City. The students get an immersion in the vast array of the culture and the arts available in New York while maintaining their studies in the humanities, math, and foreign languages.

THE ISLAND SCHOOL, located in the Bahamas, is a semester-long program devoted to making students better global citizens from an ecological perspective. The students are actively engaged in field research and community outreach, while continuing to advance their knowledge of math and the humanities in an interdisciplinary approach. This program is open to sophomores or juniors.

The MOUNTAIN SCHOOL is located on a working farm in central Vermont. Each year the School selects juniors - mainly from Eastern boarding schools - for a rugged, rural experience combined with regular academic courses. Students are chosen to spend a semester at the school - either from September to December or from February through June. University School typically sends two students who apply in the spring of their sophomore year.

SCHOOL YEAR ABROAD provides an opportunity for students to spend an entire academic year in China, France, Italy, or Spain. The goal is to give American students an opportunity to live in another culture, boosting self-confidence and tolerance. This is accomplished through a combination of home-stay, travel, and a demanding curriculum taught in two languages. This program is open to juniors and seniors.

VISITING ABROAD
Most years, school trips are taken during spring vacation. They feature sightseeing and travel in the United States, Europe, Mexico or other areas. See the respective faculty chaperones of these trips for information. Announcements about impending trips are made several months in advance.

TESTING AT UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

STANDARDIZED TESTING
Mrs. Mason, the School Psychologist, regularly administers certain standard tests to all students in order to provide a clearer picture of their overall ability. The tests also help to identify areas that may require remediation. In October, freshman, sophomore and juniors have a special day of testing. Freshmen take the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test, which yields an I.Q. score. These tests are scored by Mrs. Mason, who will gladly provide the scores and an interpretation to parents at their request.

Sophomores and juniors take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). For sophomores this test serves as a trial run at this type of rigidly controlled, standardized college admission testing. The scores will be returned to the students at school in December, but will not be recorded or used for college admissions decisions. It is merely a practice test for the student and an opportunity for us to become aware of students who may have difficulty with this type of testing. For juniors the PSAT also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). In addition, it is used in-house for college guidance as well as for further practice at the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), which is used by colleges as part of their admissions procedure. All sophomores are required to take the Ohio Graduation test in mid-March. Preparation for the tests is ongoing throughout the year, and each boys is required to pass all five sections prior to graduation.

COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTS

  1. As stated above, juniors will take the PSAT in October and, in addition, take the SAT I for the first time in January.
  2. Seniors take the SAT I again in October or November.
  3. Some colleges may require candidates to take the ACT (American College Testing). Although University School is not a test center for the ACT, students may obtain information about registration dates and nearest test centers from Mrs. Perkins in the College Guidance Office.
  4. SAT II tests measure actual knowledge gained in a particular discipline rather than academic aptitude. The most competitive colleges require/prefer candidates to take SAT II Tests in two or three subjects. A few freshmen and sophomores and virtually all juniors take the tests in June. Some seniors take the tests in October, November, or January. Usually the year of completing a subject is the best time to take the Achievement Test. The teacher of the course and the College Guidance Office are available for advice.

2008-2009 STANDARDIZED TEST DATES
University School Hunting Valley Campus will be the test center for the following SAT and Achievement Tests during the coming school year. Our school code is 361415 and our test center code is 36-405. Test Dates:

COLLEGE GUIDANCE
Midway through his sophomore year, families and students are invited to school for an introduction to the college process. This evening program provides information and a framework for the process of a boy finding a college that is the best match for him. Then, in the junior year there is another session that provides an orientation for the specific steps to be followed including what standardized tests he should take and how to best present himself to a college admission officer. After this general session there are individual family interviews at school in which family and counselor arrive a consensus on appropriate colleges to consider and to vist. Dozens of representatives from the nation's leading colleges and universities visit the School and are available to juniors and seniors individually and in small groups. Visits to colleges are encouraged over the summer months and during other convenient times. The Director of College Guidance, her staff and a faculty committee are available to work with students through all phases of the selection and application process.

ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL GUIDANCE

University School is a small community with a great deal of interaction and communication between faculty and students. Whether or not the relationship is formalized with a title (sponsor/coach/Housemaster/teacher) there is invariably at least one adult at the school and usually several who will share a close, trusting friendship with each student.

SPONSOR SYSTEM
Before the beginning of the school year, freshmen will be assigned a sponsor. The sponsor will contact the student before school starts. Sponsors and sponsees will typically stay paired throughout a boy's four years at the Upper School. Throughout the year this person will serve as a friend/advocate/advisor/confidant/mentor to the student. Twice a year (in November and April) the School sets aside a Saturday morning for parents to meet with their son's sponsor. These meetings are arranged by appointment. Once a year parents will receive a full written report from the sponsor on their son's academic and personal progress. Apart from these designated meetings and reports, we encourage parents to meet or to communicate by telephone or email with their son's sponsor whenever they have a question or concern.

HOUSEMASTERS
The 10 Housemasters are responsible for supervising and giving academic and personal direction to the students in their respective houses. The Housemasters work under the general guidance of the Upper School Director and the Dean of Students with the advice of the various department heads and, most importantly, with the constant assistance of the students' teachers, coaches, sponsors, parents, and the boys themselves.

In addition, Housemasters, sponsors, and all relevant faculty also attend a series of formal report meetings after most grading periods. These meetings are intended to allow for the free exchange of information about boys' academic and personal progress. As a result of these formal report meetings and of all the other conferences and discussions which take place every day at US, the School is in a strong position to identify and address academic or personal problems.

The following are some of the measures available to help solve these problems:

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS

Our Physical Education staff believes that every student at University School should receive instruction in the following areas: The Physical Education requirement has changed in order to meet the State of Ohio Physical Education requirements for graduation. Starting this school year (2008-2009) every student at University School must complete the following Physical Education requirements:
  1. Ninth graders will take one semester of Physical Education during the freshman year (first or second semester). If a student is taking Health during his freshman year, he will take the Physical Education class during the opposite semester.
  2. Tenth graders will take one semester of Physical Education during the sophomore year (first or second semester). Physical Education classes for sophomores will be scheduled during the "block" that the student has a science lab. The Ohio Board of Education states that if a sophomore is participating on two interscholastic teams during the school year, then he does not have to take a Physical Education class.
  3. In addition, every student must participate in the three seasons (fall, winter, or spring) of Intramural or Interscholastic activities. One of these actitivites must be an "individual" sport and the other a "team" sport if possible. This requirement must be completed between the first day of their freshman year and the end of the first semester of their senior year. All Intramural and Interscholastic programs are offered after school. Intramural activities meet from 3:30 PM until 4:30 PM. The length of interscholastic practices varies from sport to sport. Usually, practices start at 3:30 PM and end around 6:00 PM. The lists of sports for all three seasons are listed below.
Outdoor Projects is considered a Physical Education class and meets after school daily from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. Outdoor Projects can be submitted for a Physical Education class that meets during the school day.

Physical activities offered outside of school (Special Projects) will no longer be substituted for Physical Education classes.

INTRAMURAL AND INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES

1. Fall Interscholastics (3:30 - 6:00 PM)
Freshman Football (Team Sport)
Freshman Soccer (Team Sport)
JV Football (Team Sport)
JV Soccer (Team Sport)
JV Golf (Ind. Sport)
Varsity Football (Team Sport)
Varsity Soccer (Team Sport)
Varsity Cross Country (Ind. Sport)
Varsity Golf (Ind. Sport) 		Fall Intramurals (3:30 - 4:30 PM)
Class Tennis (Ind. Sport)
Class Soccer (Team Sport)
Class Ultimate Frisbee (Team Sport)
Class Squash (Ind. Sport)
2. Winter Interscholastics (3:30 - 6:00 PM)
Freshman Basketball (Team Sport)
JV Ice Hockey (Team Sport)
JV Wrestling (Ind. Sport)
JV Basketball (Team Sport)
Varsity Bastketball (Team Sport)
Varsity Ice Hockey (Team Sport)
Varsity Swimming (Ind. Sport)
Varsity Wrestling (Ind. Sport) 		Winter Intramurals (3:30 - 4:30 PM)
Class Basketball (Team Sport)
Indoor Track (Ind. Sport)
Squash Club (Ind. Sport - 3:30 - 6:00 PM)
3. Spring Interscholastics (3:30 - 6:00 PM)
Freshman Baseball (Team Sport)
JV Baseball (Team Sport)
JV Lacrosse (Team Sport)
JV Tennis (Ind. Sport)
Varsity Baseball (Team Sport)
Varsity Lacrosse (Team Sport)
Varsity Tennis (Ind. Sport)
Varsity Track & Field (Ind. Sport) 		Spring Intramurals (3:30 - 4:30 PM)
Class Softball (Team Sport)
Class Squash (Ind. Sport)

University School is a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association and is eligible for OHSAA-sponsored tournaments.

TRAINING RULES

Developed by a special committee of managers, captains, and coaches and adopted by the Athletic Council, the following training regulations constitute the formal policy of the athletic department of University School:
  1. The use of tobacco, marijuana, alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. The use of any of these substances will automatically result in suspension from the team; possibly a drug evaluation will be required.
  2. School rules require that a boy on a squad be in regular attendance throughout the school day on which he will participate in an athletic contest, unless special permission has been secured beforehand.
  3. When a boy is suspended from school, he may not participate in any aspect of a team's program. Upon completion of his suspension, an athlete may resume his affiliation with a team. It is the prerogative of a given team's coach, however, to determine the suitability of an athlete's return. This would be the case if, for example, a given team had established dismissal as the response to violation of rules prohibiting drug, alcohol, or tobacco use.

The regulations are in effect for the entire season, from the first day of tryouts through the final contest. They apply equally to all members of all interscholastic squads at all levels, including team members who, because of injury or other cause, are not scheduled to participate in one or more contests (unless specific exception is made beforehand by the head coach). Compliance with the training rules is the express responsibility of all boys who choose to represent University School in interscholastic competition. A boy who accepts the school insignia but who has not lived within the training regulations does so under false pretenses.

Additional clarification of training rules will be made by each coach. Boys playing on interscholastic teams are expected to observe the following code of conduct:

  1. All team members will dress for travel in an appropriate manner determined by coaches and tradition.
  2. For all home contests (especially ones in which athletes are present for preliminary or subsequent games as spectators) athletes should dress uniformly and at least as formally as for a regular school day.
  3. Boys will travel to and return from away contests with the team. Again, in unusual situations, special transportation arrangements may be made ahead of time.
  4. There will be no gambling on trips.
  5. All members of all teams are expected to be especially helpful and courteous to visiting teams and their fans and behave in an exemplary manner when visiting other schools.
  6. If a member of an interscholastic squad should sustain an injury that makes it impossible for him to continue practicing or playing, he should discuss his obligations to the training regulations with his coach.

In all cases, athletes should especially value their responsibility to their team. Any lack of discipline, poor judgment or questionable conduct affects perceptions of an athlete's team. Similarly, any behavior that results in school discipline and an athlete's absence from his team has a negative impact on the collective well being of his team.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

Athletics are part of the School's program because they are educational. In training and competition boys learn how to develop skills and apply them, set realistic and ambitious goals, work within a group, and meet the challenges of the moment. In athletics there are occasions for boys to learn the ideals of sportsmanship, lessons of character, emotional endurance and resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

The Athletic Department composed this document in consultation with focus groups of US parents, students, coaches, and teachers.

In Fifth and Sixth grades, the Athletic Program emphasizes the development of skills and participation. Boys meet two or three times per week to learn the basics of a sport, and if numbers allow, they scrimmage in order to apply those skills in a game setting.

In Seventh and Eighth grades, the Athletic Program continues to emphasize skill development and participation as boys have the opportunity to compete against teams from other schools. Boys are expected to he available for all practices and contests, and they can expect to participate in a part of most contests.

At the Upper School, the Athletic Program moves from an emphasis on skill development and participation to an emphasis on competition. Boys are expected to he available for all practices and contests, and on freshman and junior varsity teams they can expect to participate in a part of most contests. On the varsity level, participation and playing time are at the discretion of the coach.

Because of numbers or limited facilities, a Middle School or Upper School coach may sometimes be required to "cut" a boy from a team. The coaches are sensitive to how difficult such a moment may be for a boy, and they will suggest ways for him to improve his skills for next season or encourage him to join other activities in the school where he can explore opportunities and interests.

Code of Conduct for Student Athletes

  1. Do your homework each evening and prepare for papers and major assignments.
  2. Conduct yourself with good sportsmanship. Follow the rules of the game. Respect your teammates, your opponents, the coaching staff, and the officials.
  3. Follow all school rules. At all practices, competitions, and team trips, school rules apply. Do not smoke, chew tobacco, drink, or take drugs.
  4. Be available for all practices and competitions and arrive on time with the appropriate equipment.
  5. Be "coachable." Arrive to practice with a willingness to learn, to contribute to the team's goals, and to do your best.
  6. Be a supportive teammate. Align your own ambitions with those of the team, and look to the team first and yourself second. Remain positive and competitive regardless of the amount of playing time, your own performance, or the score.
  7. Communicate with teammates and coaches. If you have a problem or concern, do not sit on it, but speak with the team captain or a coach.
  8. If you have a concern that remains unresolved after a conversation with the team captain or a coach, please follow or have your parent follow the appropriate line of communication: the Head Coach, the Athletic Director, Division Director, Head of School.
  9. Conduct yourself in a way that brings honor to yourself and University School.

Code of Conduct for Student Fans

  1. Cheer for University School teams and not against opponents.
  2. Be a considerate host at home contests and a courteous guest at away contests.
  3. Respect the student athletes, coaches, and contest officials. Do not address them individually or make derogatory cheers about them.
  4. Remain in the University School fan section, and refrain from directing cheers toward the opposing fans.
  5. At contests, home or away, respect the school's property and facilities.
  6. Respect the playing field or court both during and after a contest.
  7. Meer victory or defeat with grace.

Code of Conduct for Parents

  1. Attend the OHSAA mandatory meeting of parents and coaches before each season.
  2. Make sure that your son's health forms are submitted on time.
  3. Schedule your son's appointments so they do not conflict with team practices and competitions. if you provide transportation for your son, make sure he arrives on time for practices and competitions and has the equipment he needs for the sport.
  4. Take an interest in your son's athletic experience by taking an interest in the experience of the whole team.
  5. Model good sportsmanship for your son by respecting opponents and officials. Cheer for US's reams and not against the opponents.
  6. Let your son know that, win or lose, he is loved and his efforts are appreciated.
  7. Respect the coach. Do not coach from the stands. Do not raise concerns with the coach before or after a contest. (This is not a time when issues can be resolved.)
  8. Communicate appropriately. If your son has a concern, he should be the first person to speak with the team captain or a coach. If this conversation does not resolve the problem, the parent and/or student athlete should meet with the Head Coach together. The subsequent line of communication is the Athletic Director, the Division Director, and then the Head of School.
  9. Keep things in perspective. As a general rule, if you have a concern, please wait twenty-four hours before suggesting that your son meet with the Head Coach.
  10. Expect your son to conduct himself in a way that brings honor to himself and University School.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

  1. In the mandatory OHSAA parent and coaches meeting, review the codes of conduct; explain the procedures for contacting coaches; give rules, regulations, and schedules for the team.
  2. Follow the rules of the sport and the OHSAA.
  3. Model and promote good sportsmanship.
  4. Take an interest in the boys as members of the team, as students, and as individuals.
  5. Promote players reaching for their best effort, working together as a team, finding meaning in the experience, and seeing competition as the pursuit of athletic excellence.
  6. Communicate clearly with the boys and treat them fairly.
  7. Be a continual learner as a coach and bring expertise to the sport.
  8. Support a player's decision to participate in extracurricular activities and other sports.
  9. Conduct yourself in a way that brings honor to yourself and University School.

Part Three: Policies and Procedures

In deciding to become a member of the Upper School of University School, each boy and his parents agree to honor the basic principles of the School. In insisting on the following, we acknowledge that in order that all within this community might teach and learn and develop fully as scholars and citizens, that these precepts must be honored. While a boy's behavior at school is, of course, of most urgent and obvious concern, the School is justifiably interested in the way each boy comports himself in all situations and relationships, wherever he may be, both as a signal of his character and in his role as a representative of University School. As always, the School reserves the right to part company with anyone who cannot or will not honor these basic expectations in or out of school.

The three central expectations of being respectful, being honest, and being free of drugs and alcohol lie at the heart of our code of conduct. These three principles are more explained below, followed by an explanation of other policies and procedures.

  1. RESPECT
    We are a community based on respect, and as such, each member deserves to feel safe and at home in our school. To this end, any sort of mean-spirited mockery, malicious name calling, fighting, bullying of any sort, or other acts of disrespect will not be tolerated. This includes subtle and not-so-subtle forms of hazing and harassment, whether verbal, written, electronic, or other. By nature, violating an individual's privacy by posting or circulating pictures, messages or information, by any means, is a serious act of disrespect.
  2. HONESTY
    In both the structure of its curriculum and the quality of its teacher-student relations, the School has made a conscious commitment to 'open up' the school experience. Considerable trust is placed in students to fulfill independently a wide range of obligations: personal, organizational and academic. The fabric of school life simply unravels if those who work and study in the community cannot rely on each other, cannot trust each other. Since the health of any community of people depends critically upon their willingness to be open and honest in their relations with each other, we ask of our students that they be utterly candid and truthful in all their relationships here - not only in small everyday matters but also in others that are larger and more critical to them or the School. And we expect them to ask the same of us.

    Academic Honesty. Academic training in general can be described as a process in which individuals become acquainted with, and then participate in, the intellectual flow of the culture at large. Critical to this process - and to a school's measurement of it - is that clear distinction be made between one's own work and that of someone else. Plagiarism (the representation of the established ideas of others as one's own), cheating (the misrepresentation of one's own efforts by using crib notes, copying another's work, etc. or representing such prepared summaries as Spark's Notes as one's own work), and other forms of dishonesty (the act of intentionally deceiving someone) simply cannot be tolerated in school. Instances of academic dishonesty that involve a deception are always subject to the most serious school action, typically a three-day suspension from school, failure of the graded work, and probationary status. In the case of academic dishonesty, failure of the graded work is a likely consquences. A second act of academic dishonesty typically will result in dismissal from school and the forfeit of tuition.

    Personal Property. Each member of the community enjoys a certain amount of privacy in regard to his personal property. Students enjoy the privilege of leaving book bags, jackets, sports equipment and other items unattended while at school. We cherish this level of freedom and trust; therefore, the use of another's belongings without permission or the taking of another's things will be viewed with the utmost gravity.

  3. DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO
    Neither alcohol, tobacco, nor any other kind of drug is legally available to the whole upper school body, and all are strictly forbidden at school. This policy is practical largely to the extent that it is (1) understood by the students and (2) reinforced at home by parents and in the community by merchants and local law enforcement.

    Drugs. We are aware that drugs - particularly marijuana, crack, synthetic psychedelic drugs, and prescription sedatives and stimulants - are accessible to the students living in the communities that serve our school. The abuse of most of these drugs is a documented cause of serious physical and personality disorders. The ill effect of marijuana on the health of the user is now rarely disputed among medical experts, and what is beyond dispute is the correlation between marijuana usage and the decline in the acquisition of skills and in personal performance.

    Drug use, then, is clearly at cross purposes with school life. Trafficking in drugs (either selling or sharing) is prejudicial to the health of a school community. And drug abuse is an emotional and often medical problem requiring the most serious concern and counseling. These facts lie at the heart of the School's drug policy. That policy is clear - and must apply to all students on both campuses. We earnestly discourage the 'private' use of drugs of any sort; and we absolutely forbid any involvement with drugs at school.

    While faculty and student committees will consider particular circumstances of all serious disciplinary violations, students and their families should be aware that any involvement with alcohol and drugs at school (either at University School or at another school) or in connection with a school function, on a school trip (on campus or off) - and trafficking of any sort in any circumstances - may result in dismissal and tuition forfeited therewith. This rule is in effect regardless of when these school activities take place. Breaking rules related to drugs and alcohol will typically result in a one-week at-home suspension. The student must also participate in a University School approved drug/alcohol education program. Academic work due during that time should be turned in upon the student's return. The lateness of these submissions will be considered in their evaluation. A second offense will likely result in dismissal.

    Tobacco. The use of smoking, chewing or any other kind of tobacco is strictly forbidden on the school property. If a student breaks this rule, he will be suspended from school for three days, asked to attend a stop-smoking program and write a paper on the harms of smoking. A subsequent infraction of this rule could result in dismissal from school.

A student who has been suspended for breaking one of these major rules outlined above will likely be asked to leave the school if he breaks another of these major rules during his tenure at the Upper School.

The standards and expectations outlined here have been developed in accordance with the School's essential goals and purposes. So, students and their families are asked to consider them carefully and to raise any questions with the Headmaster, the Director of the Upper School, the Dean of Students, the Housemasters, or Faculty Sponsors. Since these precepts are basic conditions of enrollment here, it is important that they be understood by all concerned.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Discipline is handled in a variety of ways by a variety of structures. Routine discipline - lateness, cutting, inappropriate deportment - is normally handled by the Housemaster. More serious disciplinary matters are referred to the Student Discipline Committee (S.D.C.). Typically, the S.D.C. consults with the boy's sponsor and Housemaster, and then reports its consensus to Mr. Obel-Omia and Mrs. Mason in the form of a recommendation.

  1. Probation. In order to promote a healthy atmosphere where students can learn and teachers can teach, University School has devised two separate probations, one disciplanary and one academic, that seek to hold boys accountable.

    Discipline Probation. A student may be placed on Disciplinary Probation as a result of misconduct, an accumulated number of demerits, or on the advisement of the Student Discipline Committee or Student Life Committee. Disciplinary probation extends for a stated period that may be as long as the rest of the student's high school career. During the period of probation, specific restrictions may be placed on the student. Also during this period, any violation of these restrictions or any further violations of School rules may result in suspension, in withholding his reenrollment card, or in dismissal.

    Academic Probation. All students will have their academic progress reviewed by the faculty at the end of each semester. If this review raises concerns, such as a student earning a semester grade of D or below in two courses, failing one course, or consistently performing well below his ability, the Curriculum Committee will review the situation more closely, and the student may be placed on academic probation. While not a disciplinary status, Academic Probation is an official warning to the student that his place at school is seriously in question and that he needs to show improvement over time if he wishes to remain at US. In some cases, a boy's reenrollment may be withheld pending a show of improvement.

    When a student is placed on probation, a conference with parents will be arranged and a strategy will be formulated aimed at helping the student improve and be released from probation. The goal is to work closely with the student, teachers, parents and sponsor so that the student can meet with success. A student can be released from probation upon recommendation of the Upper School Director or the Curriculum Committee.

  2. The Demerit System. In order to create a disciplinary system that is simple, manageable, effective and provides appropriate consequences for routine infractions of the rules, the demerit system has been adopted. The procedures for the demerit system are as follows:

    Demerits may be issued by any faculty member for routine violations of the rules. Routine violations and their demerit values are listed below:

    Any student who accumulates five demerits will stay on Friday afternoon for 2 1/2 hours. Another five demerits will result in another Friday detention. If a student accumulates 20 demerits or if he fails to come to a Friday or Saturday detention unless excused, he will be suspended from school for one day. Further demerits will necessitate a meeting with the student, his parents and the Housemaster to examine the student's ability and desire to follow the rules. A student who accumulates 40 demerits will be suspended from school for three days. Upon his return he must submit any missed work and accept academic penalties for lateness.

  3. Suspension. Suspension from school is a disciplinary measure that entails a student's being confined to his home or isolated from other students at school for a specified time during which he is not allowed to participate in the academic or extracurricular life of the School. Typically, students are suspended while the S.D.C. deliberates on its recommendation and further suspension may be part of the punishment. Suspended students are responsible for all school work assigned while they are away, and the responsibility for getting those assignments and for keeping up is their own. Academic work due during a suspension should be turned in upon the student's return. The lateness of these submissions will be considered in their evaluation.

    If a student is suspended for a serious infraction of the rules such as cheating or drinking, a question that arises is whether we will report this when a student applies to college. The answer is yes. Many colleges are as concerned about the character of their student body as we are . They usually ask if a student has ever been suspended from school and we tell the truth. However, we strongly feel that any student who has been punished for an offence and is back in our good graces deserves our unqualified support in the college process. We will write a letter to the college outlining what happened and explaining why we still firmly stand behind the student's candidacy.

  4. Dismissal. Boys are occasionally dismissed from University School for academic reasons or for major or continued breach of necessary school regulations. Such actions are taken reluctantly, however, and only after the most serious deliberation. And in most instances the School is glad to assist, to the best of its ability, in helping the student gain admission to another appropriate school.

APPEARANCE AND DEPORTMENT

It is always difficult for a school to determine firm yet comfortable 'standards' for adolescents. It is still more difficult at a time when the society at large cannot reach a consensus about its standards, both trivial and profound. One thing, however, is clear: the absence of consciously determined standards is quickly filled by unconsciously determined ones; a 'lowest-common-denominator' comes to prevail in interpersonal relationships and in standard means of expression, particularly in speech and dress. One of the luxuries - and challenges - of an independent school is that it is able to risk setting standards. That 'everyone else is doing it' need not be a compelling argument in determining the tone of school life. In establishing school standards - and we make no claim for their rightness for all eternity - we do not seek to reach a social 'norm'; rather we seek to create a school community that at least recognizes, and perhaps aspires to, a social ideal.
  1. Thus with respect to deportment, we ask much more than that our students be tolerable; we ask that they be positively generous-minded and gracious, particularly with each other, and most particularly with new students and with visitors and guests of the school. We ask that a considerate rather than a formal manner of address be established among all those involved in the community. We would not be embarrassed about being considered a 'special' school in these respects.
  2. Similarly, we are not embarrassed about recognizing this kind of 'specialness' in a few aspects of personal appearance. We ask our students to be neat, clean, and clean-shaven. Hair should be kept neat and be out of the eyes and well off the collar. This should be done without the use of braids, rubber bands, hair clips, etc. Also, no bizarre or trendy haircuts are permitted.
    1. Shirts - White or blue oxford cloth dress shirts (typically button-down oxfords). There will be special occasions on which a white shirt is required. If an undershirt is worn, it must be short-sleeved.
    2. Pants - Khaki (tan, off white, light green) pants with belt loops. Belts should be worn. Cargo style or other pants with outside pockets are not permitted. Torn or frayed pants are also not permitted. Khaki shorts can be worn in warmer weather.
    3. Shoes - Laced leather dress shoes or loafers. Topsiders and bucks are examples. No athletic shoes or shoes that resemble athletic shoes are permitted. Shoes must have backs. No slip-on styles are allowed. Socks must be worn.
    4. Jacket and tie - Each day for assembly and on occasions when boys represent the School, a blue blazer and US or house tie must be worn.
    5. Sweaters - Especially in the colder weather, boys may wish to wear sweaters. These should be tasteful and in subdued colors.
    6. We ask that all clothing be worn in the way it is intended to be worn; that is, we ask that shoes be tied, shirts be tucked in, pants worn above the hips, and so forth.
  3. Hats are never to be worn in the building, including athletic events.
  4. Water bottles, coffee mugs, and the like are not to be carried around the halls or brought into classrooms during school hours -- they should be left in lockers. No food or drink is to be consumed on the carpeted areas of the school.
  5. Cell phones are not to be used for any purpose during school hours.

OFF-CAMPUS DEPORTMENT

Our position on off-campus deportment is essentially this: University School cannot assume direct responsibility for the off-campus, 'private' lives of its students, nor does it wish to; that must rest with them and their parents. But the School is involved. It is so because it is concerned with the personal as well as the intellectual development of its students and because their out-of-school conduct directly affects the School's stature and its capacity to serve its students. So, if a boy is guilty of inappropriate or unlawful conduct - either on campus or off - the School cannot hesitate to pass judgment and act accordingly. Also, if an outside, off-campus, social affair for which a US boy bears primary responsibility should prejudice the safety and well-being of others, the student host must expect to be held accountable and subject to appropriate disciplinary action. We realize, of course, that this policy involves - at least technically - a restraint upon our students' absolute freedom of action. We cannot apologize for it, however. We believe that reasonable restraints upon individual behavior are necessary to civilized living and thus regard our position as a necessary condition of a student's enrollment here. We count on parents being our partners in ensuring our students' deportment.

OTHER CAMPUS REGULATIONS

The community requires that the behavior of each member be bound by common sense, respect for school and individual property, and by a conscious concern for the welfare of others. Nothing that is dangerous to oneself or others should be brought to school without explicit permission. This includes fireworks or firearms of any kind, knives, explosives, or combustibles. No radios, MP3 players, Walkmans, or other devices should be brought to school, except where indicated by an academic assignment. Games of chance are not allowed at school. Although for the most part harmless, games of chance can lead to betting which in turn can lead to indebtedness, ill will and even theft. Card playing, such as bridge or hearts, is best done at home rather than at school.

COMMITMENTS

Because of the School's extensive grounds, its wide open interior, its expanded curricular options, and its policy that students' time out of class be genuinely 'free' time, it is important to set forth clearly the commitments each student is expected to keep as a member of the Upper School community. Basically, these commitments are as follows: students are expected to attend their classes, meetings, appointments, practices, and rehearsals regularly and on time. Obviously, the quality of school life and, we think, the quality of an individual's personal development depend on the observance of this maxim.

  1. Attendance. Students are expected to be at school and to keep all of their commitments here every day when health and family circumstances permit. It is inappropriate for boys to miss school for errands, family business or trips, extended vacations, and similar reasons not related to illness, family emergencies, or religious observance. 'Sleeping in,' missing classes to complete other work, and other kinds of 'cutting' are not excusable. A student must be in attendance all day in order to participate in any extracurricular activities, such as sports practices, games, play practice, etc. An exception would be a doctor/dental appointment.
    1. Absences are excused in the cases of illnesses, emergencies or when the school grants that is in the best interest of the boy to miss school and he is in good standing. In the case of illness or any other emergency, the student's parent or guardian must advise Ms. Kalman by phone or email between 7:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on the day of the absence. The student is responsible for all work missed during his absence. He can check his assignments on his teachers' class pages at www.us.edu.
    2. In the event of long illness or grave family emergencies, teachers will invariably be as accommodating as possible in arranging make-up tests and in setting new deadlines for missed work. The parent or student should check with Mrs. Mason to keep him amend his course expectations.
    3. If a student must miss part of a school day to keep a medical, dental, or other appointment, his parents are asked to request permission in writing - in advance. He must sign out in Ms. Kalman's office when he leaves and sign back in upon his return.
    4. School days missed for college visits, non-US athletic contests, family gatherings or the like, must follow the procedure for excused absences. For an excused absence from school of one day or more, the student must:
      1. Submit a note from his parent or guardian at least one day before the absence to Mr. Obel-Omia or Mrs. Mason, who will sign a permission form for the student to have signed by all his teachers.
      2. Return the signed permission form to Ms. Kalman.
      3. As part of the above procedures, the student should also make arrangements with each teacher to turn in missed assignments and make up any tests immediately on the day he returns.
    5. Vacation Policy. The School must insist that students make their vacation and travel plans within the times and dates that are printed on page 1 of the calendar portion of this handbook. School vacations are already generously long. Missing school time to meet airline schedules, for instance, causes resentment among those students who obey the rules, inconveniences teachers who rightly consider these days as vital as any other in their lesson plans, and might adversely affect the academic standing of the student. If parents choose to pull their son out of school for vacations that do not coincide with the school's vacation schedule, any missed work must be made up the day he returns without the benefit of meeting with his teachers to discuss the missed work.
    6. Students are expected to remain on campus through the school day unless they are free the last period of the day, in which case they can leave. If a student wishes to leave prior to the last period of the day, he should get permission from Mrs. Mason or Mr. Obel-Omia. Boys with such permission must sign out in Ms. Kalman's office. Boys who leave campus without permission will have their free periods restricted for two weeks. A second infraction will result in the suspension of privileges for the equivalent of a quarter.
    7. Attendance and Extracurricular Activities. A condition of participating in the extracurricular life of the School - games, plays, concerts - is attending school. Barring very exceptional circumstances, a student who is able to play or to perform in a school function is able to attend school. Simply stated, a student must complete a full school day to be eligible for extracurricular participation on that day. If he misses a portion or all of the day, he cannot participate, unless his absence is excused, as for a doctor's appointment.
  2. Punctuality. The school day begins at 8:05 in the Gund Auditorium with Assembly. Students must be properly dressed in a coat and tie and in their assigned seats at this time. In order to program activities more flexibly, the bell schedule may vary slightly from day to day. So, being punctual entails not only that the usual self-discipline be applied but also that each student keep himself informed of announced changes in the daily routine. We rely very much on assembly and luncheon announcements and on posted bulletins to communicate about daily activities, and this requires a certain degree of alertness on everybody's part.

    Students who are late for any commitment for valid reasons (the previous class ran late, sponsor conference, etc.) should ask the dismissing teacher for a K.A. (kindly admit); otherwise, demerits will be given for lateness.

  3. Academic Deadlines. The school's general position is that meeting firm deadlines is a challenging and essential aspect not only of academic life but of all community life. The due dates for papers and other class assignments are determined by individual teachers, as are the penalties for lateness, which in almost all cases affects the evaluation of the work handed in late. Students who must be absent on the due date are expected to have major papers delivered to school on time. Unless the result of extended illness, all work handed in after the final teaching day of each term will normally receive a failing grade; however, all such work must be submitted in acceptable form before a student may be issued a grade in the course and permitted to proceed with his program of studies here. We strongly urge parents never to condone their son's absence merely to catch up on work or to finish term papers. Apart from encouraging bad lifetime habits, it can sometimes take a week of frantic activity to catch up with even one missed day of school.
  4. Community and School Service. There are two ways that each student is required to become involved in service. First, each student in grades 9-11 will do two weeks of school service, which involves cleaning the classrooms and common areas, after each day. Second, each student will perform four hours of Cadmean service, which is service to the school community. Examples of this would be helping at athletic events, with stage painting, or in the concession stand. (Many students will choose to do more volunteer work than outlined above, but this minimal effort each year will help establish the habit of service which we hope will be lifelong.) Community Service is performed by each boy through the house system during the Thanksgiving food drive and Spring service day. We encourage and support a boy doing additional community service. Opportunities to do so are announced periodically. A boy who does at least 10 additional hours is admitted to the Aurelian Society.

DRIVING AND PARKING

The relative remoteness of the Upper School requires that many of our students drive or be driven to school. Boys who have obtained driver's licenses and who have their parents' permission to drive to school may register for driving privileges with the Receptionist.
  1. Driving Privileges. Boys licensed to drive must have a permission form filled out by their parents. Drivers are asked to indicate the license plate number of every car they might drive to school. For each car, the driver is assigned a small numbered decal that indicates proper registration and permission to park. Unregistered cars should not be driven to school. Students are asked to stay out of the parking lot other than coming to or from school. Seniors who have lunch privileges may go to their cars; all other students are to eat lunch at school and stay out of the parking lot unless Mrs. Mason or Mr. Obel-Omia gives permission.

    2. Careless driving on the campus, regardless of whether it results in damage or injury, is cause for suspension or termination of driving privileges. Especially reckless or discourteous driving to or from school or school events may result in a suspension of driving privileges. The driveway speed limit is 20 m.p.h. Students should be especially careful during the winter months and realize that a driveway newly cleared of snow is still unsafe to use at regular good weather speeds.

  2. Parking. There is a large parking lot at the end of the entrance drive to the school. Except for a corner of this lot reserved for faculty cars, all student cars are to be parked in this lot. Cars parked anywhere else on the campus, regardless of the time of day or day of the week, are misparked and will be ticketed as such. Failure to park in the proper place will result in loss of driving privileges. Because of the number of cars typically driven to school later in the year, underclassmen may be required to park in the athletic fields' lot.
  3. It is forbidden for anyone except the Headmaster and his family and the various University School families who live in the 'Stables' to use the Fairmount Blvd. entrance to the school property. Apart from being an invasion of privacy into the lives of those families, the School has a legal agreement with the Hunting Valley Village Council to restrict usage of that entrance to the private residents mentioned above.

USE OF SCHOOL GROUNDS & FACILITIES WHEN SCHOOL IS NOT IN SESSION

The School's grounds and facilities were built to be used and enjoyed. Gym and pool facilities, the stage, labs, and darkrooms are open to all students and student organizations provided a faculty or staff member is present for supervision. Special requests to use the school building or grounds when school is not in session, i.e., after school hours, on weekends, or during vacation periods, must be prearranged with the school. Permission for overnight camping should be obtained in writing from Mr. Obel-Omia or the Director of Plant Services, Mr. Warchock. Each person camping should be listed and all school rules apply. Because of the danger presented by the moving pump in the natural gas well, the immediate area around the well is strictly off-limits to all students.

Unofficial games or group activities planned for the athletic fields should be prearranged with the Athletic Director.

University School

Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

2008-2009 School Year

University School is pleased to provide its community with access to a robust information technology infrastructure that is intended to streamline communication and provide access to vast stores of information that exists on the Internet. University School believes that providing access to state-of-the-art information technology resources is an important part of the educational experience that it provides for its students. These resources are intended to enrich the ability of students, faculty and staff to access and share information and to provide a network platform that will facilitate improved communication among members of the University School community.

Access to these resources is a privilege, and with it, all users accept the responsibility of using these resources as they are intended to be used. It is the expectation of the School that all users will utilize these resources in a lawful, ethical, and respectful manner that is consistent with the School's motto of Responsibility, Loyalty, and Consideration. While all users will enjoy the general expectation of reasonable privacy as set forth in the School's Privacy Policy, if the School suspects a user of violating the terms or spirit of this Acceptable Use Policy, the School reserves the right to investigate private files and correspondence that may impact the operation or reputation of the school or its community constituents. The scope of this policy will extend to any use of the School's computers and/or access of the School's Network, whether on or off campus at any hour of the day. There exists an expanding body of laws that are intended to curb inappropriate use of the Internet and electronic communication, and, where appropriate, the School will cooperate with any law enforcement agency in the event suspected illegal or inappropriate activity exists.

In general, users should take the following guidelines into account when using the School's resources:

Users agree to:

Users agree not to:

Notes: The term "Network" shall include all of the School's website, all software platforms, and access to any of the School's Network support devices and equipment. The School's website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy can be found on the "About US" tab of the website (www.us.edu).

It is suggested that you make a copy of this Policy for your own records. Please return the signed copy to Receptionist Janice Kalman before the start of school. No student may use the School's computers unless his AUP is on file.

A signable version of this policy is available as a PDF.

History

The School's first headmaster, Newton M. Anderson (1890-1900), deplored the practice of sending boys away from home for the purely classical education of an Eastern boarding school. He convinced 70 public-spirited Clevelanders to pledge $100,000 for his concept of a day school that would blend traditional education with a training in the manual arts and a rugged athletic program to produce well-rounded and practical leaders for industry and commerce. The School's first building was erected on 10 acres at the corner of Hough Avenue and East 71st Street.

Headmaster George D. Pettee (1900-1908) - notable for leading the entire student body to the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo - first suggested the idea of moving the School to what later became the eastern suburbs of Cleveland.

The long legendary leadership of Harry S. Peters (1908-1947) piloted the School through two World Wars, the Great Depression and in 1926 to the 36-acre campus in Shaker Heights.

Harold L. Cruikshank (1947-1963) oversaw the building of the Hanna Wing and husbanded the School through that comparatively stable, prosperous period from the end of World War II to the beginning of the Sixties.

Under the vigorous leadership of Rowland P. McKinley, Jr. (1963-1988) and again with the financial and moral support of US alumni and friends, the Upper School moved in 1970 to the nearly 200 acres of meadows and woodland of Hunting Valley.

A dedicated teacher and friend to students at University School since 1968, Richard A. Hawley (1988-2005) brought to the headmaster position a thorough knowledge of the School, a national reputation as author and educator, and his own freshness and enthusiasm.

In 2005 Stephen S. Murray was appointed the seventh headmaster of University School. With degrees from Williams College and Harvard, Mr. Murray brings his experience as the Assistant Headmaster and Academic Dean at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts.

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