The Student Community
Students at Berry
College enjoy the privileges and responsibilities of
self-governance. The
Student Government Association handles matters concerning the general welfare of
the student body, subject to the supervision of the Student Life Council. The
association, through its officers elected by the students, provides an
educational experience that enables students to have the opportunity to grow in
their knowledge and use of the basic democratic process. Every student is a
member of the Student Government Association.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center offers a variety of services for
personal and academic concerns. Individual counseling is the center’s primary
service, and counselors adhere to a policy that assures confidentiality. Other
services include group counseling, outreach programs, peer education and
testing. The resource library includes books, pamphlets, software, audiotapes
and videotapes on topics related to personal development and academic skills.
When appropriate, referrals are made to other agencies on or off
campus.
The Counseling Center provides and fosters leadership in the
prevention of drug and alcohol abuse and other health and wellness issues at
Berry and in the surrounding community. Through the student-work-opportunity
program, counselors hire, train and supervise a team of Berry students called
Peer Educators who provide educational programs to promote responsible choices,
attitudes and behavior. To support this cause further, the Counseling Center
actively supports the Health and Wellness Concerns Committee and serves at-risk
students through counseling and referral.
The Counseling Center is
committed to promoting student development intellectually, spiritually, socially
and emotionally. This commitment both complements and supports students'
academic learning experiences.
The director of the Counseling Center
administers all services and programs of the office under the direct supervision
of the associate vice president for student affairs.
Multicultural and International Student Support
The Office of Multicultural and International Student Programs exists to
foster a supportive environment for international students and students of color
to live, learn and grow as active members of the academic community. Its
responsibility is to implement programs and activities, thereby creating a more
informed understanding of cultural awareness on campus.
The Director
serves as the chair of the Multicultural Student Committee and International
Student Committee. The Director also serves as advisor to the Black Student
Alliance organization and the International Club.
The Office of
Multicultural and International Student Programs sponsors and coordinates
programs such as the Cultural House, PLUS (Preparing Leaders for Ultimate
Success), Multicultural Student Reception, Welcome Back Pack Program, MLK
Celebration and Black History Month activities, International Fair and the host
family program.
The Director administers all services and programs of the
office under the direct supervision of the vice president for student
affairs.
Religion in Life
Berry College believes that an educational experience should include growth
in the understanding of the meaning of life. Through voluntary participation in
Berry’s religion-in-life programs and the Christian foundation of the campus
community, it is intended that each student will experience the openness,
concern and responsible freedom to facilitate personal spiritual growth.
The college is a specifically Christian institution in purpose, although
nonsectarian in character. The college chaplain serves as minister to all
persons on the campus and is available as a trained counselor. Services of
Protestant, Christian worship is held in the Berry College Chapel each Sunday of
the academic year for the entire Berry community. Roman Catholic mass is
celebrated each Sunday evening. Information on the programs of the local
synagogue and various churches is coordinated through the chaplain’s office.
Local places of worship participate in Berry’s Worship Opportunities Fair, where
students learn of the community’s many ministries.
Mount Berry Church (MBC) is an interdenominational, Christian congregation
serving the campus community. Prompted by its motto to “follow humbly, love
boldly,” MBC provides ministries of Christian worship, discipleship, fellowship
and outreach. Weekly worship services are offered Sunday evenings in College
Chapel. Berry’s chaplain serves as the pastor of the congregation, and several
student leaders oversee the church’s many ministries.
The Interfaith Council provides religious programs and opportunities to
ensure that Berry is welcoming to all people regardless of their religious
background. Educational programs are offered to inform the campus about diverse
religious traditions, and assistance is given to students looking for a specific
religious community in the area.
The religion-in-life program is guided by a Religion-in-Life Advisory Council
(RiLAC) composed of students, faculty and staff. Lectures, service projects and
special-emphasis programs by guest leaders are a part of the total
religion-in-life emphasis.
Various student organizations, such as the Baptist Collegiate Ministry,
Catholic Students Association, Canterbury Club, Campus Outreach, Presbyterian
Student Fellowship, Heirway, Exaltation, In His Name Gospel Choir, Wesley
Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and others, provide an opportunity for further
denominational or interdenominational activities.
Career Center
The Career Center provides a variety of resources and services to assist
students in making academic and career decisions. Students are encouraged to
visit the Career Center early during their college lives and become involved in
activities that promote career exploration, jobs skills development, and
life-long learning. The center provides assistance with career-related
decisions, identifying career shadowing and internship opportunities, applying
to graduate/professional school, and developing job-search campaigns.
The Career Center offers individual career advising sessions, a variety of
on-line resources to supplement career library holdings, assistance with
preparing resumes and cover letters, graduate school applications, networking,
interview preparation, interviews with on-campus recruiters, on and off campus
career fairs, and special workshops and career events. By registering with the
career center on-line, students have access to career management software,
including internship and job listings, and document management resources.
Services provided by the Career Center are available to graduates as well as
currently enrolled students. Additional information regarding the Career Center
is available at www.berry.edu/stulife/career.
The director of career development administers all services and programs of
the office under the direct supervision of the associate vice president for
student affairs.
Health and Wellness Center
Prior to enrollment at Berry College, each student must complete a
health-history/immunization record, confirm health insurance by providing a copy
(front and back) of the card, and either sign a waiver declining Meningitis
vaccine, or provide proof of immunization. All information contained in the
student’s record is strictly confidential.
The college provides limited
medical care on campus. Registered nurses are on duty from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday. The college physician visits the campus two times a week
to see students with appointments. Students who need treatment for minor
injuries and illness receive out-patient care in the Health and Wellness
Center.
Students are referred to off-campus facilities for treatment for
more serious injuries or illness. Medical care at facilities other than the
Health and Wellness Center and ambulance services are the students’ financial
responsibility.
Students are required to participate in a group
accident-sickness hospitalization plan unless proof of coverage is received.
Complete details of the plan may be obtained from the office of the dean of
students or from the Health and Wellness Center.
The director of the
Health and Wellness Center administers all services and programs of the center
under the direct supervision of the associate vice president for student affairs
and the medical director.
Residence Life
The concept of residence halls embodies much more than mere residential
accommodations. The residence-hall community is an integral part of the college.
Residence within this community implies certain obligations and standards of
citizenship. When these obligations and standards are met, a meaningful
experience will result. A large measure of responsibility is delegated to
residents through their elected officers and representatives in the areas of
social life, extracurricular activities, discipline and the protection of
college property.
The college maintains residence halls for approximately
1,700 students. All residence halls are air-conditioned.
Berry College
recognizes that every experience of college life is an integral part of the
education of the students. In keeping with this ideal, residence halls are
designed and staffed to provide facilities that are stimulating to personal,
social and academic growth.
All residence halls are staffed with student
resident assistants (RAs) whose general responsibilities are to make the
residential experience as worthwhile, as productive and as pleasant as possible.
The RAs assist students with academic and personal problems and/or refer them to
the appropriate resource persons on campus. The RA is an official staff member
who is also charged with maintaining order in the living areas.
Each room
is equipped with single beds, desks, chairs, dressers or chests, and mirrors.
Rooms are equipped for telephone and cable-television accessibility. All
residence halls have the capability to connect to the Internet and e-mail. The
student must supply a pillow, sheets, pillowcases, bedspread, blankets and
towels as well as the necessary personal articles.
The residence halls are furnished with card as well ascoin-operated
washers and dryers. Residence halls have kitchenettes equipped with stoves and
microwave ovens that allow students to cook light meals. Ice machines and
vending machines are also provided for the students’ convenience. Living rooms
in the residence halls are available for relaxation and various social events.
Study rooms are also available for private or group study.
Berry College
is a residential college, and students are expected to live on campus unless
given permission to do otherwise.
The housing contract is binding for the
entire academic year and may not be terminated by the student. Students must
live on campus unless they meet one of the following criteria:
- 25 years or older.
- Married.
- Residing with their parents within a 40-mile radius of Berry College.
If a student believes he or she meets one of these criteria, the student must
complete an Off-Campus Application to request permission to move off campus
before he or she may do so. Please note that this is an application process, and
approval is not automatic. The Off-Campus Application may be accessed from the
Residence Life website.
The Office of Residence Life communicates with
new students about room assignments, policies and roommates prior to enrollment.
Information regarding room selection is distributed to returning students in
the spring semester. Returning students who fail to select a room during room
selection and are not approved to live off-campus will be assigned to a
traditional room by the Office of Residence Life.
The Director of
Residence Life manages all services and programs of the office under the direct
supervision of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Intramurals, Fitness, Outdoor Recreation and Athletics
An extensive program of physical education, intramural, recreational sports,
outdoor recreation and athletics helps students fulfill their needs in physical
fitness, personal social development and competition. A wide range of activities
is offered for students of varying abilities.
All students are required
to participate in the health and physical-education program as part of their
general-education requirements. This program includes individual and team
sports, dance forms and outdoor-recreation activities.
Two gymnasiums; an
expansive, well-equipped weight-training room; three sand volleyball courts;
many running and hiking trails; 10 tennis courts (four lighted); numerous
intramural fields; and many acres of land are available for student, faculty,
staff and alumni enjoyment.
The intramural area of the department offers
a wide range of activities in individual, dual and team sports for men and women
as well as coed activities. Some of the activities include basketball, flag
football, softball, volleyball, golf, bowling, tennis, ultimate Frisbee and
soccer. The outdoor recreation area of the department offers miles of hiking,
biking and horseback riding trails, 18 hole disc golf course and an on campus
camping facility.
Intercollegiate varsity athletic competition offers
student-athletes opportunities in both men’s and women’s sports. Programs for
women include basketball, soccer, tennis, cross country, volleyball, softball,
swimming & diving, golf and equestrian. Programs for men include basketball,
soccer, tennis, cross country, baseball, swimming & diving and golf.
Academic requirements must be met to be eligible for a varsity athletic team.
Berry’s athletic teams have achieved honors at the conference, regional and
national levels.
The Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center is a
multipurpose facility that houses the Kinesiology, Athletics and Intramural and
Recreation departments. A 25 yard pool, fitness and weight-training rooms,
racquetball courts, basketball courts, aerobics and fitness rooms, classrooms
and a walking track are located in the center.
The director of athletics
administers all services and programs under the direct supervision of the vice
president for student affairs.
Student Activities and Organizations
To enhance its outside-the-classroom advantages, the college provides a
number of student organizations and special activities in which students may
become more adept in social and cultural areas, may learn more about subjects of
particular interest to them, and may take added steps toward realizing their
leadership potential.
These student organizations and activities have a
wide range of interest areas, including music, drama, debate, business and the
sciences; clubs and honor societies in various academic areas; student
publications, with a newspaper, yearbook, and literary magazine; and numerous
service clubs as well as other groups centering around religious interests. Full
information on these varied activities of more than 80 organizations is provided
in the student handbook, Viking Code as well as on the Berry website. The
Krannert Center Activities Board consisting of students, along with faculty and
staff advisors, coordinates student activities open to the college
community.
The director of student activities administers all services
and programs of the office under the direct supervision of the vice president
for student affairs.
New Student Orientation
The Berry College orientation program for incoming freshmen and transfer
students is a two-step process. The first step is called
SOAR—Student Orientation
Advising and Registration. SOAR is held during
the month of June and is designed to assist incoming freshmen, transfers, and
their families with the transition into the Berry community. Five overnight
sessions are scheduled for 2009 starting on June 15th. Students register for
SOAR sessions online, and each SOAR session can accommodate up to 100 students.
All incoming freshmen, including commuter students, must attend a SOAR session.
All new transfer students are highly encouraged to attend a June SOAR session as
well.
The purpose of SOAR is the following:
- Become better acquainted with the Berry Community including programs,
facilities, faculty, and staff
- Connect students with their academic advisor and complete registration for
fall courses
- Introduce students to their work supervisor and review work description and
schedule
- Meet the SOAR Leaders—16 upperclass students who will share their Berry
experiences and facilitate small group discussions
- Establish new relationships with other new students
- Address question and provide resources to parents and/or other family
members
International students are invited to attend a special orientation program
that will start Monday, August 17, 2009.
The second component of the Berry College orientation program is called
Viking Venture. This is a continuation of the orientation activities provided at
SOAR and takes place the week prior to the beginning of fall semester and
continues on into the first week of classes. All new students—freshmen and
transfers—participate in activities designed to welcome them to campus, provide
resources which will assist them in the transition to Berry College, and help
them connect with their new peers, faculty, and staff. Many of the activities
during Viking Venture take place within their first-year or transfer seminar
(BCC 100) course and are coordinated by the Office of First-Year Experience. The
total cost for the freshman and transfer orientation program is $135, and this
charge will be posted on your student account.
The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for planning,
evaluating, and administering new student orientation programs at Berry
College.
Basic Policy on Student Life
Berry College accepts responsibility for
directing the academic, work- opportunity and religious programs for students.
The college also accepts responsibility for the conduct and development of
students. "Berry College" includes the Board of Trustees, the president, all
faculty and staff, all students and all worthy traditions of this
institution.
Every student is expected at all times to recognize
constituted authority, to abide by the ordinary rules of good conduct, to be
truthful, to respect the rights of others, to protect private and public
property and to make the best use of time at Berry toward acquiring an
education.
Every student has rights which are to be respected. These
rights include respect for personal feelings, freedom from indignity of any
type, freedom from control by any person or persons except those in proper
authority and freedom from rules and regulations not authorized by authorities
of Berry College. Every student is entitled to pursue opportunities available in
this institution. No faculty or staff member or student, regardless of position
or rank, shall violate these rights. Those persons who may become parties to
violations, either by lack of positive preventive action or by participating in
administering, or in submitting to indignity of any type, will be held
personally responsible. Every effort will be made to eliminate any unjust
customs, traditions and practices in conflict with these rights. It shall be the
personal responsibility of every faculty or staff member and student to
cooperate with other administrative officers, work supervisors and officers of
the student government in carrying out the provisions of this basic
policy.
Additional Policies
In addition to the various policies of the college
referenced elsewhere in this catalog, the following are
important:
Students maintaining motor vehicles while at Berry must have
them properly registered in the office of campus safety and must park in a
student parking lot. Regulations for operation of vehicles on the campus may be
found in the student handbook and in the traffic code.
The college does
not permit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on the
campus. Visitation in college residence halls is provided on a limited
basis.
The college may at any time require the withdrawal of a student
whose conduct or general influence is considered harmful to the
institution.
Berry College's annual security report includes statistics
for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus,
in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by Berry College, and on
public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the
campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus
security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention,
the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. A copy of this report
may be obtained by going to Campus
Safety, then click on the link to the Campus Safety
Report.
Additional policies concerning student conduct, including
Computer Use and Ethics Code, may be found in Viking Code, the student handbook.
A copy is available upon request in the office of the vice president for student
affairs.