Cultural Events Requirement Statement of Purpose
Full-time students must attend a minimum of 24 events (an average of 3 events for each semester of full-time enrollment) from a list of officially approved cultural events to qualify for graduation. The program is designed to expose students to events that faculty and administration believe best represent the literary, philosophical, scientific and performing-arts traditions for which Berry as an institution is responsible; to provide students an opportunity to make contact with the issues and personalities of contemporary America as well as cross-cultural public discussion; and to enable students to participate as fully as possible in the intellectual and spiritual tradition of Berry College. To be cleared for graduation, students must complete all of their required cultural events before the twelfth week of the semester in which they will graduate.
Diversity at Berry College
At Berry College, diversity is not an initiative—it is a reflection of our belief in the dignity and worth of every person. We strive to shape a campus culture where all students, faculty, and staff are reflected, respected, and included. As a community grounded in the Good Neighbor Framework, we welcome those who support Berry’s mission and who are committed to cultivating connection, compassion and character. Together, we build an environment that values difference as a source of learning, community strength, and belonging.
Freedom of Expression – Limits/Abuse
Freedom of expression does not include the right to intentionally and maliciously aggravate, intimidate, ridicule or humiliate another person. The Berry College community embraces both the goal of protecting its members from harassment and the principle of free speech in a place of learning. In attempting to balance the two sometimes conflicting values, Berry College expects community members to hold themselves to high standards that are needed for a healthy community.
Harassment includes hostile or intimidating verbal or written statements or symbols, physical threats or intimidating conduct that adversely affect the mental or emotional health of the individual or that interfere with a person’s ability to function successfully in his or her academic work or social life at Berry College. It also includes acts that are intended to insult or stigmatize an individual or group of individuals on the basis of perceived or actual personal characteristics.
Graduate Student Access to Programs
The policies and services described in the Viking Code generally pertain to both undergraduate and graduate students. Services such as Academic Support Services, Counseling Services, computer labs, dining services, the Center for Professional and Personal Development and Student Involvement are available to graduate students. Campus housing is available to undergraduate students only.
Off-Campus Guest Speakers
Berry College has the responsibility to provide for the rights of all sectors of its academic community with regard to the matter of off-campus guest speakers, lest the rights of the sector transgress those of another, by guaranteeing a procedure for securing guest speakers.
All speakers invited to the campus of Berry College must be sponsored by one of the following:
- a student group officially recognized by Berry College;
- a department or administrative office of Berry College;
- an officially recognized non-student group at Berry College;
- a faculty member for his or her class taught at Berry College;
- the chaplain for the religious life program at Berry College;
- a non-Berry group permitted the use of facilities at Berry College.
In regard to a speaker sponsored by an officially recognized student group, before any invitation is given, the student organization must consult the organization’s membership, consult the organization’s advisors and, together with the advisors, consult the Dean of Students or, when applicable, consult the appropriate Department Head and the Provost.
In addition to the above procedure, the following must be observed in regard to political speakers on campus:
During an active political campaign, Berry College’s standing policy is to have bona fide candidates speak on campus to students, faculty and staff at an assembly only if all other bona fide candidates for the same office receive an invitation to speak. However, when a candidate is sponsored or invited by a specifically partisan Berry student organization, all candidates do not need to be invited to the event as long as an officer of the sponsoring organization notifies the officers of the other partisan student organization through campus mail or personal contact to give them an opportunity to sponsor an opposing candidate. Candidates are expected to agree in advance on certain procedures. An exception to this policy will be made for the presidential nominees of the major political parties.