Student Life

Student Development & Christian Life

The University provides a comprehensive student development program to serve and support Anderson students. Through partnership with the academic and Christian Life divisions, the Office of Student Development and its various areas seek to provide a transformational co-curricular experience for students with the goal of educating, encouraging and serving students as they develop their God-given potential and purpose at Anderson University. Several areas of Student Development work together toward this end including Career Services, the Center for Student Success, the Counseling Center, Health Services, Residence Life and Housing, Student Activities and Intramurals, and the New Student Experience.

Anderson University’s faculty and staff are committed to assisting students as they strive to develop intellectually, physically, socially, morally, and spiritually. Anderson students, whether resident or commuting, should expect to find a supportive campus environment with a wide variety of opportunities for learning, growing, and enjoying life. All students are encouraged to take an active part in the life of the university community, to join campus social and academic organizations, to participate in intramural sports, and to enjoy the various musical, theatrical, and cultural events hosted at Anderson University. The following pages highlight some of those opportunities for participation.

Student Activities and Campus Involvement

Because a student’s time is not spent solely in classes and studying, Anderson University offers a variety of extracurricular activities that provide opportunities for intellectual, physical, and social growth. Why should you get plugged into campus life at AU? The answer is simple–you will have more fun and do better as a student! Researchers have found time and time again that students who are involved meaningfully in a couple of areas outside of their academic courses are more successful than students who are not engaged in such activities. Not only that, but students who are involved in University activities outside of the classroom enjoy their college journey more than those who are not involved.

We want to make it easy for you to get plugged in on campus. Whether you are passionate about your major, missions, event planning, ministry or ultimate Frisbee there is a place for you. There are more ways to get involved at Anderson than what any one person could participate in during his or her Anderson experience! This means you will have to make choices about what you will be involved with outside the classroom during your time at Anderson.

If you have any questions about involvement opportunities please contact the Student Activities Office located in the rear of Denmark Hall or via email (studentactivities@andersonuniversity.edu).

Campus Events

One of the ways you can begin getting involved on campus is by attending one of the many campus events that occur during the year. The Student Activities staff offers over 70 campus wide events each year that are designed to provide personal development and provide opportunities to have fun with your friends. A few of the many events planned are movie nights, dances, cultural arts activities, large and small scale campus events, outdoor adventure trips, concerts and leadership training opportunities. All these events are planned and led by a group of students called the Campus Activities Team. This team is always looking for more students to be involved. Contact the Student Activities office for more information.

Campus Organizations

Opportunities for service and fellowship are offered through membership in one of over 30 Anderson University student organizations. Here are some of the available organizations: American Society of Interior Designers, Unveiled, Student Alumni Association, Rotaract, AU Psychology Club, Far Sketched, Ultimate Frisbee Club, Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), History Club, Science Club, AU Math Club, CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Art Education Club, Business Club, Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), Criminal Justice Society, Disc Golf Team, Handprints Early Childhood Club, Ceramic Artists of Anderson University, AU GOP, Student Government Association (SGA), Writers’ Block, AU Think Tank, Enactus & Kinesiology Club.

For more information about any of these groups and to express interest in joining, log into your Community account.

Christian Life at Anderson University

At Anderson, our desire is to help students enrich their college experience and their lives by providing a dynamic Christian environment and instilling Christian values in higher education.

For many young adults no other time in life is as critical as the college years, a time when they make choices and decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. Anderson University has a Christian faculty and staff, challenging spiritual programs, and strong Christian organizations - all of which come together to help students deepen their faith and grow in their relationship with God.

As an intentionally Christian institution sponsored by the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Christ-centered activities are an important facet of campus life. These activities are varied and all students - regardless of denominational affiliation - can find ways of expressing their faith and opportunities to integrate faith into their college experience.

The Journey Program is designed to bring our campus family together for worship with a special focus on the hearts and minds of students, and their relationship with God. Full-time students are required to attend eight (8) Journey events each semester.

A part of every student’s core curriculum is the requirement to complete successfully two (2) religion courses - Introduction to the Bible, and Christian Worldview and Contemporary Application.

The goal of Anderson University Campus Ministries is to help students engage the good news of Jesus Christ and integrate it with their words and actions in ways that are meaningful and relevant. Our desire is to connect college students to the person of Jesus Christ in a way that will help them make a lifelong commitment to follow His calling in a personal relationship. Our vision is to help students discover their calling and understand God’s plans for them, as they make decisions about areas of study.

Every student is encouraged to participate in Anderson’s Campus Ministries. With ministry opportunities available throughout the week, students can find many ways to grow as disciples, worship, serve and lead.

Our Campus Ministries program includes:

• BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry)
• Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ)
• FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)
• RUF (Reformed University Fellowship)
• Mission opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally
• Ministry internships in local churches
• Women’s Ministries
• Ministry Leadership Houses (student housing)
• Special concerts/events
• Weekly Campus Worship

Other Christian activities include:

• Anderson University Choir
• Anderson University Gospel Ensemble
• Journey Teams that serve churches and community entities.
• AUthenticity worship and music group
• Other praise bands that serve on campus and in the community
• Residence hall Bible studies
• Youth ministry teams
• Other small group Bible studies on campus

In addition to mission projects sponsored by various academic departments, Campus Ministries offers several mission opportunities throughout the year. Past mission trips have taken students, faculty, and staff to work with missionaries and needy people in New Orleans, New York City, Belize, The Philippines, India, Haiti, Guatemala, Malaysia and other locations. Student teams regularly assist local ministries in thrift stores, soup kitchens, and assisted-living centers. Other projects include work with Habitat for Humanity and The Calvary Home for Children. Students are also encouraged to get involved in worship, fellowship and service through a local church during their time at Anderson University.

Sports, Intramural and Athletics

Anderson University has many intramural sports activities available to all students. Opportunities include soccer, basketball, billiards, dodge ball, flag football, ping pong, powder puff football, softball, tennis, ultimate Frisbee, and volleyball. Students are encouraged to participate in the many teams that are organized to provide fun, exercise, and spirited competition.

Students may participate in a wide range of intercollegiate sports while enrolled at Anderson University. Women may participate in cross country, track & field, soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, golf, and fast-pitch softball. Men’s teams compete in cross country, track & field, soccer, wrestling, basketball, baseball, golf and tennis. Anderson University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Division II) and the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). Also under the athletic umbrella is the club team for Cheerleading.

Facilities: Fitness Center in Abney Gym, Game Room in Student Center, and the Athletic Campus.

Student Government

The mission of the Anderson University Student Government Association is to serve the AU campus by promoting effective leadership and establishing a unified voice on behalf of the student body for the glory of God and the benefit of the campus community. The Administration and the Board of Trust of Anderson University believe that the welfare of the University is advanced by an efficient system of self-government among the students.

Every student who wants to become involved in the Student Government Association has ample opportunity regardless of his or her class standing or residential status. In addition to numerous elected positions, the Student Body president appoints members to committees under the jurisdiction of SGA. The committees work with various campus departments to enhance the student experience.

More information regarding SGA, running for office or how they are working to improve campus life, visit the SGA page in Community.

Student Publications

Anderson University students have published Ivy Leaves, the student literary journal, for over 80 years. Ivy Leaves, which is sponsored by faculty in the English and Art departments, solicits short stories, poetry, drama, and art from students across the University. The journal is published annually during the spring semester.

Anderson University Traditions

From the very early days of Anderson University, campus life was a vital part of the student experience resulting in the establishment of recurring campus traditions.

AU students have many opportunities to experience campus life and to enjoy traditions throughout the academic year. Here are just a few of the most popular AU Traditions.

Welcome Week. Beginning with New Student Move-In this week is filled with fun campus-wide events designed to help new students make connections with one another, upperclassmen, and University faculty and staff.

The Archway Walk. Families line the walkway as entering students walk through the Arch on the Alumni Lawn where President & Mrs. Whitaker greet them. This tradition signifies students’ entrance to the Anderson University family. A class photo is taken after the Walk is completed. This event is meant to serve as a “mirror” of a day some years later when students walk through the Arch as an alumna of the University at Commencement.

The Trojan Tradition. This Welcome Week event brings new students and upperclassmen together as a campus community the night before classes begin to reflect on our common purpose and our privileges and responsibilities as members of the Anderson University family.

Homecoming & Parent Weekend. Usually held in mid-October, Homecoming kicks off with a week filled with fun campus-wide events including the Fall Festival and Homecoming Dance. Homecoming Week culminates on Saturday as parents and alumni come to campus for a day of celebratory events and great BBQ.

Convocation Ceremony. This academic ceremony, held every August, marks the official beginning of the Academic Year. While classes are already underway when the ceremony is held, faculty, staff and students join together to celebrate Anderson University’s past and to dream about the future.

Christmas First Night. This event, hosted each year by the South Carolina School of the Arts, is presented as a gift to the Anderson community. The Christmas First Night tradition, highlighting the broad talents of Anderson University students, marks the start of the Christmas season with a celebration of praise and worship.

Founders Day. Celebrated every February, this special Campus Worship service celebrates the history of Anderson University.

Baccalaureate Service. This event is held the night before May graduation and serves as a bookend to events that occurred during Welcome Week several years earlier. Baccalaureate is hosted by the Student Government Association, Christian Life, and Student Development and serves as a time of joyful reflection on the way that your Anderson years have shaped you and your classmates and a celebration of what is ahead as you graduate.

Honors and Recognitions

Students at Anderson University are eligible for a number of awards based on academic achievement, leadership, personal character, and services to the University and the local community. These recognitions include, but are not limited to, the following: academic awards in various majors, the Denmark Society, the President’s Award, and Dean’s List.

Bookstore

The bookstore is located in the Student Center. The bookstore carries a wide selection of required and optional reading, both print and electronic formats, course supplies, clothing, and other merchandise. Follet is the contracted bookstore operation vendor for the University.

Campus Post Office

The Campus Post Office is located in the Basement of the Thrift Library. Each residential student is assigned a mailbox. Mailing supplies and services are available during normal hours of operation, which are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Dining Services

Anderson University food services are provided through Aramark. There are three primary food service locations on campus including the Martin Dining Room inside the Merritt Administration building, The Grill in the Student Center building, and Food for Thought in the lower level of the Thrift Library. In addition, students, faculty, and staff can choose from a selection of espresso and gourmet coffee beverages, teas, smoothies, bagels and pastries, sandwiches and salads, and more at Java City located in the lower level of Thrift Library.

All students living in University Residence Halls or in University owned ministry houses must select one of the University meal plans. Meal plans are also available for commuter students.

Campus Safety

Maintaining a safe and orderly campus community is a preeminent concern of University officials. While a university campus is an open environment and no assurance can be made of complete safety, Anderson University is committed to implementing the highest standards of safety and health in accord with its safety management plan. In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act (Clery Act), Anderson University prepares an annual report setting forth campus safety policies and campus crime statistics. This report, which also includes safety and security tips for students, faculty, and staff is available online at http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/sites/default/files/safety/annualsafety-report-2014.pdf.

The primary purpose of the Campus Safety department is to protect the property and lives of Anderson University students, faculty, staff, and guests. The department is responsible for enforcement of parking regulations. Campus Safety officers are employees of Anderson University. They are certified by the state of South Carolina, and have the same power to arrest as a deputy sheriff. One or more members of the department are on duty 24 hours a day during the time the University is in session. The officers are available any time after dark to transport students from their cars to their campus housing or from one building to another on campus.

Career Planning and Professional Development

The Career Planning and Professional Development office connects students with opportunities to explore career paths and develop marketable career readiness competencies that allow them to optimize their knowledge and skills toward the development of their God-given potential. CPPD hosts many events throughout the year that provide practical solutions to help students explore their career, purpose, and calling. Many of these events are available for Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) credits.

CPPD accomplishes this through institutional collaboration to educate and encourage students in career professional development through engagement in self-assessment, workshop, presentations, career fairs, and networking events.

Career Planning and Professional Development is located in the G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Student Center and is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

Counseling

The mission of Anderson University Counseling Center is to provide a confidential, caring, and supportive environment in which students can grow academically, personally, and spiritually. Our counselors challenge students to reach their full potential helping them to create a more satisfying lifestyle and experience success at Anderson University. Individual confidential counseling is available to students, as well as group counseling opportunities. Referral services are also available for those with needs that cannot be met by the University Counseling Center. The University Counseling Center is located in the basement of the Village.

David Larson McPhillips Center for Student Success

The David Larson McPhillips Center for Student Success offers services and support to help students be successful during their time at Anderson University.  We do this through peer tutoring, workshops, and one-on-one guidance.  Our office also provides accessibility services for students with documented disabilities.  In addition the Center is responsible for the 4ward Program, which provides extra support for select freshman students.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion leads the University’s efforts to create an environment in which every individual is an accepted, respected and valued member of the campus community. This is done through programming, advising and mentoring which broadens knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the diverse population at Anderson University. The office is located in Room 316 of the G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Student Center.

Health Services

The goal of the Health Services Center is to provide a Christ-centered clinic that will provide care to enhance students’ educational experience by removing or modifying barriers to learning, and to promote an optimal level of wellness in the Anderson University community. The Center promotes a healthy environment on campus and encourages healthy lifestyle choices for students. Through health education opportunities students will be empowered in health prevention and health restoration.

The Health Center is located on the bottom level of the Village residence hall. Two Registered Nurses staff the Center who treat students or refer them to a physician if needed. Services at the Health Center are available to all students (residential & commuter). The hours of operation are 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday with designated drop-in times posted in the Clinic & on the Health Center webpage.

New Student Experience Program

The purpose of the New Student Experience program is to help students make a successful transition into the University community. New students are placed in small groups led by upper class students that provide support, encouragement, and guidance throughout a student’s transition. In addition, the New Student Experience staff provides programs and events geared to answering student questions and helping them develop connections across campus. Programming is also provided to assist parents as they support their students during this transition. The New Student Experience encompasses Base Camp Summer Orientation, Welcome Week and Alpha Group/First Year Experience (FYE) programming.

Residential Life and Housing

The Residence Life staff makes every effort to ensure harmonious and enjoyable living conditions that enhance the educational mission of the University. Full-time, professional residence directors and student resident advisors staff the residence halls. The professional and paraprofessional staff members provide guidance and support to students while encouraging the development of healthy community within the residence halls.

Anderson University housing includes convenient single sex residence halls. Students who wish to live in a residence hall must maintain a minimum academic load of 12 semester hours. Believing that students benefit in personal growth and educational opportunity from residential living, Anderson University requires all undergraduate students enrolled in the traditional program to live on campus for at least four semesters. Students who meet one of the following criteria may elect to live off campus prior to fulfilling the four-semester requirement.

• Married
• Live locally with a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian
• 21 years of age prior to the beginning of the semester
• Transfer student who has attended four (4) semesters of college, excluding dual enrollment during high school

Students found to be living off campus that do not meet the proper criteria may be subject to disciplinary action and held financially responsible for the semester housing charge.

All residence halls are closed to students during the Christmas holidays. Although personal belongings may remain in rooms during this period (unless a room change has been requested), students must vacate the area within 24 hours after their last exam for the semester has been taken. Residence halls will not re-open until two days prior to the start of the spring semester. Residence halls and apartments remain open during all other holidays and during Fall Break and Spring Break.

Residing in campus housing is a privilege. Resident students are expected to maintain a clean and healthy living environment. Students who fail to meet the standards and expectations outlined in the Student Handbook may lose the privilege of campus housing. The University reserves the right to make all room assignments. No student is guaranteed the same room assignment each year. The University may choose to move a student into another room assignment at any time in the semester if it is deemed in the best interest of the University community.

Community Life and Expectations

Anderson University is a Christ-centered community that presents Jesus as the Christ and as the ultimate model for personal behavior. The unifying principle of Anderson University is a Christian vision of life in which community participants are encouraged to develop a Christian worldview and strive toward the high calling of the great commandments which tell us to love God with our hearts, with our minds, and with our souls, and to love others as ourselves (Luke 10:27). We seek to build an academic community where men and women can be lovingly and gracefully introduced to an understanding of God, His creation and grace, and to humanity’s place of great privilege and responsibility in God’s world.

All Anderson University students are expected to abide by the Christ-Centered values of our community. Membership in the community also requires certain responsibilities including:

• Care for the rights and needs of others
• An understanding of how our actions impact others and the community
• A responsibility to hold one another accountable for community standards

Community life at Anderson University involves both privilege and responsibility, which may at times require restrictions on our personal and collective freedoms, and which concurrently necessitates both internal and external restraint for the benefit of all members of our educational community. From this perspective, community life requires first self-discipline, but it is also the responsibility of all community members to hold one another accountable (Matthew 18: 15-17) to ensure a safe and healthy environment conducive to our pursuit of learning as a Christian educational community.

As members of the Anderson University community, students and employees enjoy the benefits and privileges accompanying such membership. As community members, students are also expected to abide by all University polices and guidelines as well as local, state, and federal laws. Students are expected to act responsibly and to avoid conduct that is detrimental to himself or herself or the University, both on-campus and away from campus.

The Conduct Process

The student conduct process exists to provide a redemptive and transformative approach to maintaining a safe and comfortable learning environment for all Anderson University members. Our goals in the conduct process are to be first redemptive (Romans 8:1) and then for students to be restored to the community and to one another.

Familiarity with the academic and community conduct guidelines of the University are the responsibility of every member of the campus community. This includes all matters governing academic programs and policies, graduation requirements, community conduct policies, housing and residence life policies and guidelines, and Campus Safety policies and guidelines. This University catalog, various academic program handbooks, the Student Handbook, and official University publications, whether in print or in electronic form, exist for the purpose of conveying essential information concerning policies and expectations. Student conduct guidelines and responsibilities are located in the Student Handbook, published each year and made available online for all community members at: http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/campus/student-handbook.