Freeman Office of Student Services
The Academic Support Hub for Freeman Students
Helping Freeman Students Find Their Way
The Freeman Office of Student Services (FOSS) is Freeman's student-support hub, providing a consistent source of support from students' transition into Freeman through graduation.
College is about more than learning course content. It is also a time to develop the skills to navigate new situations, make informed decisions, solve problems, use resources effectively, build relationships and know when to ask for help.
FOSS partners with students as they develop agency — the confidence and ability to take an active role in their own experience — along with the resilience and resourcefulness to find their way forward.
Students can come to FOSS with a question, challenge or uncertainty, even when they aren't sure where to start. Sometimes we can help directly. Other times, we'll help students clarify the situation, identify possible next steps or connect them with the person or resource best equipped to help.
You don't need to know everything. You need to know how to figure out what comes next.
We Stand Behind Our Name
How FOSS Supports Students
Students' needs change throughout college. FOSS provides a consistent point of connection as students move from their transition into Freeman through graduation.
We help students:
- understand and navigate Freeman and University policies, procedures, processes and resources
- work through questions, challenges and unfamiliar situations
- develop agency, resilience and resourcefulness
- build effective habits and strategies for managing college responsibilities
- respond to setbacks and identify productive next steps
- strengthen communication and self-advocacy
- identify and connect with the appropriate people and resources across Freeman and Bucknell
Being resourceful doesn't always mean doing everything alone. Sometimes the best next step is something a student can do independently. Other times, it means connecting with a professor, faculty adviser, campus professional, peer or someone else who can provide expertise, perspective or support. Asking for help isn't giving up your agency. It's one way you use it.
When Should You Connect With FOSS?
Start with FOSS when you:
- need assistance with a process, including a form or request that requires Dean review or approval
- have questions about Freeman or University policies, procedures or resources and aren't sure how they apply to your situation
- want help developing strategies for organization, time management or staying on track
- are facing a challenge and need help identifying productive next steps
- need help identifying or connecting with the right person or resource
- aren't sure where to start or whom to ask
Not sure whether FOSS is the right place? Start with us. If someone else is better equipped to help, we'll help connect you.
For Students
FOSS can help you determine your next step, whether you need assistance with a Freeman or University process, want to work through a challenge, need help connecting with a resource or simply aren't sure where to begin.
Ivy Kepner serves as the academic associate dean for Freeman undergraduate students. Matters requiring the attention, assistance, review or approval of an academic dean should be directed to Dean Kepner and the FOSS team.
You can connect with FOSS in person or by Zoom. To reach our team, email freemanoss_info@bucknell.edu.
Meet the FOSS Team
Our team works collaboratively to provide Freeman students with accessible, thoughtful support throughout their undergraduate experience.
Not Sure Where to Start?
You won't always know the answer. You won't always know whom to ask. And you won't always know exactly what to do next. That's why we're here.
Bring us the question, challenge or uncertainty. We'll help you think about what comes next.
Freeman Office of Student Services (FOSS)
117 Holmes Hall, Deans' Suite
freemanoss_info@bucknell.edu
For Parents & Families
Sending a student to college brings a transition for families, too. Students are developing greater independence while navigating new academic expectations, responsibilities, relationships, opportunities and challenges. At Freeman, they are surrounded by a community of faculty and staff who care about their success and want to help them develop the skills to navigate that experience.
The Freeman Office of Student Services (FOSS) is part of that network of support. We work with students throughout their Freeman experience, helping them navigate questions and challenges, develop effective strategies, connect with appropriate resources and determine productive next steps.
For Prospective Students
All undergraduate admissions decisions and processes are managed by Bucknell University's Office of Admissions. The Freeman College of Management does not make admissions decisions for prospective students.
We know, however, that choosing a college is an important decision, and prospective students and families often have questions about the Freeman experience as they consider whether Bucknell is the right fit.
The Freeman Office of Student Services (FOSS) is happy to answer questions about the Freeman student experience, our community, student support and resources, and what students can expect during their time in Freeman. We're also happy to help prospective students understand how Freeman supports students from their transition to college through graduation.
For questions about Freeman, contact us at freemanoss_info@bucknell.edu. For questions about applying to Bucknell, admissions requirements, application status or admissions decisions, please contact the Office of Admissions.