Catalog 2008-2009

STUDENT LIFE

PHILOSOPHY OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

The quality of student life on campus is very important to the success of the educational process at Southwestern University. The University’s goal is to involve students in inquiry and scholarship of the highest quality, and to see that learning extends beyond the classroom. The educational process includes finding a sense of lifelong personal and social direction, enhancing communication skills, learning to think critically, and making discriminating judgments.

Student Life revised and reaffirmed its mission statement in August 2003: 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, and reflect a shared responsibility for student learning within an undergraduate liberal arts community. Student Life 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 Programming Council, and other college-wide committees. The Student Congress is comprised of representatives who provide a forum for student concerns and opinions. The Student Judiciary is comprised exclusively of students and hears all cases involving Honor Code violations. The University Program Council is responsible for community programming and entertainment. In addition, students have the 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 recruitment, pledging and initiating for sororities.

Student Organizations

With 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 at www.southwestern.edu/student-life/stuorglist.html.

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 Office of Student Activities. Organizations are classified in eight main categories, including governing bodies, departmental, scholastic/honorary, Greek/social, religious, special interest, sports and student publications. If you have any questions about student organizations, please call the Office of Student Activities at 512-863-1345.

ATHLETIC AND RECREATIONAL 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 Austin College (Sherman, Texas), Birmingham-Southern College (Birmingham, Ala.), Centre College (Danville, Ky.), Colorado College (Colorado Springs, Colo.), DePauw University (Greencastle, Ind.), Hendrix College (Conway, Ark.), Millsaps College (Jackson, Miss.), Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, Ga.), Rhodes College (Memphis, Tenn.), 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 and softball 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.

Intramural and Recreational Activities

Southwestern Intramural and Recreational Activities (SIRA) provides the University community with opportunities for physical, social and educational development through participation in intramural, fitness/wellness, sport clubs and outdoor recreational programs.

Intramural sports provide an opportunity for participation in organized team and individual sports at various skill levels. A schedule of seven team sports, more than 15 individual sports and special events allows students, faculty and staff to compete against others of similar skill in men’s, women’s and co-rec divisions of play.

Fitness/wellness programming assists individuals in identifying and meeting their health and fitness oriented goals through a variety of different offerings. Please consult the SIRA Web site www.southwestern.edu/student-life/sira or call 512-863-1606 for more information about a variety of programs including Pilates, personal training, aqua fitness classes, nutrition classes, traditional aerobics classes and a self-directed exercise program.

Sport clubs are student organizations that are focused on a specific sport or physical activity. Current clubs include: handball, lacrosse (men’s and women’s), SU Cheerleaders, equestrian, dance team, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball and rock climbing. A club may be instructional, recreational, and/or competitively oriented, depending on the interest of the club members. As with all student organizations, a sport club member placed on scholastic or disciplinary probation is not eligible for election to office within the club and may not represent the club off campus.

Outdoor recreation offers students a wide variety of camping equipment that can be checked out for weekend use. Workshops are conducted to give novices the opportunity to learn about equipment and basic skills necessary before planning an outing. Additionally, outdoor trips—canoeing, rock climbing, caving, backpacking and more—are offered each semester. A registration fee is required from each trip participant although the cost of the trip is subsidized by the University. Lastly, more than 50 students are employed annually in several important positions within SIRA including: intramural supervisor, intramural sports official, office assistant, publicity assistant and outdoor trip supervisor. Each of these positions allows for personal growth, a sense of accomplishment and contribution to the University community. For more information, visit the SIRA Web site, call 512-863-1606 or stop by the SIRA office in the Robertson Center, Room 214.

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 is made available to new students at the time of their first registration and online. 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 Honor Code, which dates back to at least 1907 and is one of the oldest in the United States. Students established the Honor Code 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 acted with honesty and integrity in producing this work and am unaware of anyone who has not.”

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 registration for first-year students and in the University Police Office for returning students.

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 four full semesters in college are required to live on campus. Students living in traditional residence halls are required to participate in the meal plans provided by the University Food Service. Students who have completed at least four full semesters are not subject to a residential requirement; however, most 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 for new students 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 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 spiritualsupport 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 preministry students and others interested in church careers.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Counseling Services provides free, confidential, short-term individual counseling concerning personal issues. Counseling groups are also offered on specific topics. Students seek counseling for a wide variety of concerns. These include adjustment to college, motivation, depression, anxiety, relationships with peers or family, sexuality, alcohol or drug use, body image, suicidal thoughts, self-esteem, mood swings, disordered eating and stress. Referrals to off-campus professionals are available for psychiatric care and for long-term counseling. Counseling Services also provides educational outreach programs on such topics as stress management, eating disorder prevention, alcohol education, sexual assault risk reduction, perfectionism and relationship skills. For more information, call 512-863-1252 or stop by the Counseling Services office on the first floor of the Robertson Center.

HEALTH SERVICES

SU Health Services provides education and care to assist students as they learn to take responsibility for their own health and well-being. Emphasis is placed on the importance of preventing illness through a healthy lifestyle, as well as on helping students manage the health problems that college students sometimes encounter.

The on-campus health care team at SU includes a registered nurse, a part-time physician and a part-time physician’s assistant. The nurse is available daily for drop-in visits. When appropriate, the nurse will schedule students to see the physician or the physician’s assistant, who are on campus for a limited number of hours each week. Working as a team, they are able to treat most of the common health concerns of college students, including routine women’s health issues. These services are free to SU students. When routine lab work is required, students can obtain this service on campus at a greatly reduced fee from what would be charged in the community. This fee is payable through the SU Business Office, but insurance coverage may not be used. Prescription services are not available on campus.

Due to the limited resources and facilities available on campus, not all health care needs may be met. Thus, when the situation warrants, the on-campus team will make outside referrals to physicians and other health care professionals in the community. Consideration will be made of student’s private insurance requirements or out-of-pocket costs. Excellent emergency room care is also available 24 hours a day at the St David’s Georgetown Hospital (512-943-3000).

To help make off-campus health care services affordable, an SU group insurance policy is available through EIIA/Markel, which is a nationally recognized provider of this type of insurance. Participation in the group policy is mandatory unless the student can provide proof of other health insurance coverage. This plan covers students for a full 12 months. Currently, at the time of this printing, the cost of the insurance plan is $165.00/year. Claim forms and further information are available on campus through Health Services and online at the Heath Services site.

Health Services staff also provides individual counseling on nutrition, exercise, stress management and other health-related topics, and offers presentations to residence halls, classes and other groups on health-related issues. Health Services also keeps tapes, videos, books and brochures on many health-related topics for students’ personal information or as resources for research or presentations.

The SU Health Services are located on the first floor of the Robertson Center, and the telephone number is 512-863-1555.

DIVERSITY EDUCATION

Diversity Education programs seek to make SU a welcoming and affirming place for students of all backgrounds and to help all students capitalize on diversity opportunities to enrich their SU learning experience. Past programs have included the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, workshops and cultural events on campus, weekend retreats and “Diversity Drives” to such destinations as the Diez y Seis celebration at Plaza Saltillo in Austin, a Lunar New Year festival at the Asian American Cultural Center, a Navratri celebration, a Native American Powwow, worship services at an historic African-American church followed by Sunday dinner at an East Austin “soul food” restaurant, the Austin Jewish Film Festival, and a Czech Polka Mass in a small Central Texas town. For more information, contact Diversity Education staff at 863-1342.

CAREER SERVICES

Career Services’ mission is to help students and alumni explore career options, gain marketable experience and engage in the search process for internships, jobs and graduate/professional school admission. Career Services provides individual career advising, a wide variety of workshops to teach career development skills and help students explore different career fields and the Resource Center of more than 600 publications, and a comprehensive website (www.southwestern.edu/careers).

Students are encouraged to start visiting Career Services as early as their first year, when they can start taking self-assessments (personality and interest inventories) to help explore majors and careers. Career Services staff works one-on-one with students to help them develop effective resumes and interviewing skills and create personalized internship/job search strategies. A comprehensive internship program helps students research and secure internships, either for academic credit or for experience only. Career Services works closely with faculty to ensure students are aware of opportunities and responsibilities involved in internships for academic credit, as well as cultivating employer contacts to enhance future opportunities for students.

The staff also provides graduate/professional school application assistance, including researching programs, reviewing personal statements and other application materials and conducting practice interviews. To help with internship and job searches, Career Services posts vacancies via e-mail, the Web site and in the Resource Center. They sponsor employer information sessions and on-campus interviews, provide access to a number of internships and job fairs around Central Texas and use an electronic resume referral and job listing system that connects SU candidates with national 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 for Student Life and to the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students. 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.