Southwestern University
2002-2003 Catalog
Southwestern University: A Statement
The Academic Program
Degree Requirements
Academic Regulations
Course Descriptions
Brown College of Arts & Sciences
Biology
Chemistry
Classics
Communication
Economics & Business
Education
English
History
Kinesiology
Math & Computer Science
Modern Languages & Literatures
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Religion & Philosophy
Sociology & Anthropology
Sarofim School of Fine Arts
Art
Music
Theatre
Interdisciplinary Programs
Special Academic Programs
Admission & Financial Aid
Student Life
Cultural Activities
History & Governance
Endowments & Scholarships
University Directory
Board & Officers
Faculty
Administration
STUDENT LIFE
PHILOSOPHY OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Since the aims of Southwestern University include more
than a simple gathering of information by students, the quality of student life
on campus becomes a very important portion of the educational process. The
University attempts to involve students not only in inquiry and scholarship of
the highest quality, but in the process of finding a sense of lifelong personal
and social direction, in developing the ability to communicate effectively, in
learning to think clearly, and to make discriminating judgments. These aims
require a fertile community life in which students encounter each other and the
faculty in informal but creative ways. More time is spent out of the classroom
than in; it is in these times that students integrate their formal learning into
their personal orientations and value systems. The organizations and activities
in which students engage provide the matrix for much of this development.
Student Affairs adopted the following mission
statement in 1992–93: Student Affairs promotes the mission of
Southwestern University by implementing programs and delivering services that
provide values-centered education of the whole person. These programs and
services facilitate students’ development of social competencies, career
options, personal wellness, and appreciation for societal interdependence.
Student Affairs fosters a challenging, secure environment in which the
uniqueness of each individual is respected and celebrated.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT AND ORGANIZATIONS
Student Government
One benefit of University life is the opportunity for students to participate in their own governance. This opportunity comes through participation in the Southwestern Student Congress, the Student Judiciary, the University Program Council, and other college-wide committees. The Student Congress is a group of elected representatives; it sponsors monthly Town Meetings to inform all students of Southwestern University issues and provides a forum for concerns and opinions. The Student Judiciary is composed exclusively of students and hears all cases involving Honor Code violations. The University Program Council is responsible for community programming. In addition, students have the unique opportunity to participate with faculty and administrators in the major governing councils of the University and on standing and ad hoc committees. The men’s Interfraternity Council is a governing and legislative body for the fraternities on campus. IFC works for the improvement of the fraternity system at SU. The women’s Panhellenic Council provides programming on women’s issues and compiles standards that govern rushing, pledging and initiating for sororities.
Student Organizations
With more than 100 registered organizations, the
Office of Student Activities at Southwestern University offers involvement
opportunities outside of the classroom. A listing of all currently active
organizations is available in two
formats:
1. Online at
www.southwestern.edu/student-life/org-list.html,
and
2. In the Student Organization
Guide, which is published each
semester.
Organizations represent
opportunities ranging from student legislation to social activism, literary
publications to Greek life. If you cannot find an organization that suits your
interest, then create your own with the help of the Student Activities Office.
Organizations are classified in eight main categories, inlcuding governing
bodies, departmental, scholastic/honorary, Greek/social, religious, special
interest, sports, and student publications. If you have any questions about
students organizations, please call the Student Activities Office at
x1345.
ATHLETIC AND RECREATION
OPPORTUNITIES
The University provides comprehensive and
meaningful opportunities for students at all levels of skill and physical
ability. Sports and recreational facilities on campus include an indoor swimming
pool; racquetball courts; tennis courts; outdoor volleyball court; indoor track;
gymnasium floors; exercise and weight rooms; soccer, softball and lacrosse
fields; a golf course; and games and media rooms in the student center. Students
will find sports, recreation, and wellness activities available in four areas at
Southwestern: intercollegiate athletics, club sports, intramurals, and
wellness/leisure departments.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Southwestern University competes nationally as an intercollegiate program without athletic scholarships in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. Conference affiliation is the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), which includes Centre College (Danville, Ky.), DePauw University (Greencastle, Ind.), Hendrix College (Conway, Ark.), Millsaps College (Jackson, Miss.), Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, Ga.), Rhodes College (Memphis, Tenn.), Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Terre Haute, Ind.), Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas), and the University of the South (Sewanee, Tenn.). Competition includes basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, and tennis for men and women, as well as volleyball for women and baseball for men. The faculty is responsible for ensuring that athletic policy meets the academic standards of the University, especially with regard to eligibility and scheduling in conformity to the University calendar.
Sports Clubs
Sports clubs are organizations that are formed, developed and self-governed by interested students. A club sport may be competitive or recreational. Competitive club sports concentrate on extramural competition with club teams from other colleges and universities and with club teams from the area. Recreational club sports concentrate on participation on campus and may be oriented toward instruction and socialization around the activity. Club sports teams have been established in disc sports, fast pitch softball, handball, lacrosse, rock climbing, and water polo.
Intramural and Recreational Activities
Intramural and Recreational Activities provide the University community with opportunities for physical, social and educational development through participation in intramural, fitness and outdoor recreational activities. Intramurals provide competition on organized teams and individual sports at various skill levels. More than 20 leagues, tournaments and special events are offered annually with opportunities to compete in men’s, women’s and coed divisions of play. The Lifeline Fitness Program motivates participants to achieve their own self-paced fitness goals. Fitness for life is emphasized in this program that rewards participants who reach their fitness goals during each semester. The Outdoor Recreation Program assists individuals to explore the outdoor recreation resources of Central Texas’ Hill Country. Students, faculty and staff may borrow camping equipment, obtain information about available resources (e.g. nearby campgrounds) and/or register for trips to participate in activities such as canoeing, backpacking, horseback riding, and sailing.
Wellness and Leisure Activities
Throughout the academic year and during the summer,
the Wellness and Activities Program offers “user-fee” classes that
bring physical activity classes and wellness related opportunities to students,
faculty, and staff. Personal trainers and massage therapists are available to be
contracted for services. Exercise machines and specific strength and flexibility
stations are available during building operational hours on the corners of the
indoor track.
The Corbin J. Robertson Center
contains spaces for drop-in recreational activities both active and sedentary.
Available facilities include: weight room, indoor track with cardiovascular
exercise machines, racquetball/handball courts (3), indoor pool, and two
gymnasium floors. Departments that are housed in the Robertson Center that
program and offer wellness-related events and activities throughout the year
are: Counseling, Health Services, Intramurals and Recreational Activities, and
Athletics. The Robertson Center is open approximately 16 hours a day on Monday
through Friday and eight hours a day on Saturday and Sunday. Equipment is
available free of charge to Southwestern I.D. holders.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
General Conduct
Enrollment in Southwestern University is considered an implicit declaration of acceptance on the part of the students of University regulations as outlined in the most recent issues of the Catalog and Student Handbook. The Student Handbook is published once each year and made available to students at the time of registration or through the Dean of Students’ Office. Responsible citizenship among college students includes honesty and integrity in class work, regard for the rights of others, respect for local, state, and national laws, and for campus regulations. Specific regulations concerning the rights and responsibilities of students at Southwestern are contained in the Student Handbook, and students are expected to become thoroughly familiar with these regulations.
The Honor Code
When students enter Southwestern University, they
agree to support the academic honor system, which dates back to the beginning of
the
20th
century. The students established the honor system and assume responsibility for
honorable conduct in all academic work including tests and examinations.
Students are on their honor to do their own work and to report other students
who violate this commitment.
Students write
the following pledge on all examinations: “I have neither given nor
received aid on this examination, nor have I seen anyone else do so.”
Motor Vehicle Regulations
Students who operate motor vehicles on campus are required to register their vehicles and comply with the currently approved and published traffic and parking regulations. Vehicle registration forms are available at housing sign-ups and in the University Police Office.
Residential Living
Residence halls are a vital part of the total
Southwestern campus community and are intended to complement the educational
purposes of the University by providing an atmosphere conducive to meeting
academic, social, and personal needs of students.
Students who have had less than two full
semesters in college are required to live on campus. Students living in
traditional residence halls are required to participate in the board plans
provided by the University Food Service. Students who have completed at least
two full semesters are not subject to a residential requirement; however, most
sophomores, juniors and seniors choose to live on campus. Should upperclass
housing not be available, the University has no obligation to provide it.
The Residence Life staff is responsible for
the physical and educational program of the halls, which includes program
development to enhance the growth of students, advising of students, counseling
and referral, supervision of the student staff and administrative tasks.
Residence hall reservations are made by
filling out a housing application. A check in the amount of $500 (partial
tuition prepayment of $250 and a one-time housing deposit of $250), payable to
Southwestern University, must accompany the housing application. The application
and check may be sent to the Office of Admission. Upperclass students wishing to
live on campus reserve a space during the annual spring room sign-up period
which usually occurs in April.
The University
assumes no responsibility for the loss of property belonging to students in any
building owned by the University, whether the loss is the result of fire, theft,
flood, or an unknown cause. Students are strongly urged to obtain personal
property insurance.
Information concerning
room and board rates, payment plans, and refund policies may be found in the
Financial Information section.
RELIGIOUS LIFE
Believing that the education of students is incomplete
without an understanding of their own religious heritage and that of their
neighbors, the University requires all students to meet certain curriculum
requirements in the study of religion. It is also believed that students mature
in their religious life only as they participate in those rites of worship and
service which are a part of their faith. Students are encouraged to become
involved in organizations related to their religious interests. In addition, the
University Chaplain is available to offer counsel, information or referral to
students seeking spiritual support and to those interested in learning more
about opportunities for involvement in religious activities at Southwestern
University. Voluntary mid-week chapel services are held weekly during the school
year in Lois Perkins Chapel under the direction of the University
Chaplain.
The Office of Religious Life
sponsors Bible study, faith discussions, seminars, Interfaith Dialogue, and the
annual Destination: Service alternate Spring Break. The Bishop-in-Residence is
available to pre-ministry students and others interested in church
relations.
DIVERSITY EDUCATION
The Office of Student Activities coordinates and provides diversity outreach/awareness programs which promote understanding among the campus community. The University is committed to encouraging awareness and respect for diversity on the Southwestern campus. Diversity education includes working with students of differing races, ethnicities, religions, national origins, and sexual orientations. By providing a variety of programs and workshops, the University hopes to facilitate dialogue between students from different social and cultural backgrounds. This is accomplished by providing students with a proactive educational experience which promotes open discussion of social justice issues.
HEALTH SERVICES
Health Services provides care and education designed
to help each student learn to develop responsibility for creating a healthy
lifestyle. The relationship between mind-body-spirit and wellness is emphasized
in a variety of campus-wide or small group programs, as well as in the
student’s individual visits to Health Services. Many pamphlets, books,
videos and tapes on health and wellness issues are available through Health
Services as well.
The Director of Health
Services is available Monday through Friday to provide initial assessment and
treatment for illnesses, accidents and minor emergencies. T.B. skin tests, mono
tests, strep tests, immunizations, and pregnancy tests also are available
through Health Services. Counsel is given to students on appropriate medical
self-care for health concerns or a referral is made to appropriate medical
resources in the community if necessary.
During daily drop-in hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.,
students can be seen without an appointment. Physician services are limited and
by appointment only at extension 1555. All services on campus are free of charge
to Southwestern University students. On evenings and weekends, students are
encouraged to receive medical assistance from local physicians or Georgetown
Hospital.
A group hospitalization policy is
made available by the University in cooperation with a national insurance
company. Information may be obtained through Health Services. Each student is
responsible for maintaining his or her complete health care and insurance
coverage whether through family, personal means of pursuit of health insurance
made available through the University. Students also are responsible for
completion of the required immunizations and the Student Health Form on
admission to the University.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Counseling Services provides students with free, confidential counseling regarding personal issues. Students use counseling to discuss issues such as adjustment to college, relationships, procrastination, depression, motivation, sexuality and concerns with eating or body image. In addition to providing individual counseling, Counseling Services offers group, couples, and family counseling. Students who would benefit from seeing an off-campus mental health professional are provided with referrals. Counseling Services frequently makes presentations to student groups on a wide variety of mental health issues. The counselors hold PhDs in Counseling Psychology.
CAREER SERVICES
Students are encouraged to begin visiting Career
Services during their first year at SU. Students who work with Career Services
all four years gain a better understanding of the career search process and are
more successful at transitioning from college to the world of work or to an
advanced degree program. A variety of services and resources are provided by
Career Services, from one-on-one career counseling to a Resource Center housing
over 350 career-related books, as well as hundreds of internship and full-time
job listings.
Career Services sponsors a wide
variety of programs and workshops to help students in all areas of career
planning, from choosing a major to job search techniques. Programs are offered
regularly on resume writing, interviewing skills, salary success strategies,
proper dining etiquette, and getting the most from a job fair. Career Services
provides some information in classes and to student organizations upon request.
Students may meet individually with a career counselor for assistance with
assessment inventories in discerning interests, values and skills as they relate
to majors. Jobline, a voice mail summary of the latest internships, summer jobs
and part-time jobs available, is provided on a weekly basis during the school
year. Career Services also sponsors employer information sessions, hosts
recruiters interviewing SU candidates, and publicizes job fairs across Texas.
The Career Services Internship Coordinator
assists students interested in academic and non-academic internships. Internship
Orientations are provided every semester and internship information is widely
available in the Career Services Resource Center, including the Student Guide
for Academic Internships. Career Services works closely with faculty to
ensure students are aware of opportunities and responsibilities involved in
academic internships and works with employers to enhance future internship
opportunities for students.
Career Services
posts a schedule of programs, job fairs, and career-related links on its web
site, which is updated regularly. Also web-based and linked to their site is a
state-of-the-art electronic resume referral and job listing system that connects
SU candidates with national employers and employment opportunities.
UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Southwestern University Police Department provides
year-round, 24-hour uniformed patrol and security duty in marked vehicles on
campus property and throughout campus buildings. Patrol procedures also include
regular walking assignments for areas of campus not accessible to vehicles,
providing on-campus escorts and extra patrol requests. They also present special
crime awareness programs to the community throughout the year.
All University Police officers are licensed
and certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers’
Standards and Education as meeting the training requirements of the State of
Texas for peace officers. SU’s police officers are recognized as peace
officers under Article 2.12 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and they
make arrests pursuant to the code for crimes defined in the Texas Penal Code and
ordinances of the City of Georgetown. Traffic offenses and other minor incidents
also may be handled through the SU Traffic and Safety Committee or the
University Committee on Discipline. SU officers are armed and in uniform to be
highly visible for the campus community and to act as a deterrent against crime.
The University Police Department prepares and
submits offense and incident reports to the Vice President and Dean of Students
and to the Associate Vice President for Student Life. Information also is shared
with other departments when applicable. Arrest and serious crime information is
reported to the Department of Public Safety’s Uniform Crime Reporting
service. Minor accidents are handled by University Police, and the Georgetown
Police Department is called in to assist when major accidents occur. Any time
criminal activity or anything suspicious is observed on campus, students are
encouraged to notify University Police. The department also should be contacted
in the event of the following: any accident involving vehicles, pedestrians
and/or bicycles; injured persons; fire or smell of smoke; intoxicated or
otherwise chemically impaired person walking or driving; or a situation in which
a student has been or is being threatened.