Campus Recreation
The Department of Recreation within the Division of Student Affairs serves the mission of Berry College by providing opportunities that promote student development and meet the recreational needs of the Berry community. A wide range of programs includes intramural sports, outdoor recreation, outdoor leadership development, fitness, nutrition services and aquatics.
Intramural sports are offered in recreational and competitive settings with special events, tournaments, leagues, and informal activities. Leagues include basketball, flag football, softball, volleyball and soccer, among other sports.
Outdoor recreation offers a wide variety of programs that span all skill levels. On-campus campsites, low-cost gear rental, outdoor trips and events are available through Outdoor Rec. The Berry’s Outdoor Leadership Development (BOLD) program designs custom leadership training and group development experiences for on-campus and off-campus groups.
Facilities include: Richards Gym; an expansive, well-equipped weight training area; two sand volleyball courts; miles of running and hiking trails; six tennis courts and eight pickleball courts; and two intramural fields are available for the enjoyment of students, faculty, staff, and alumni (membership required).
The Steven J. Cage Center provides 130,000 sq. ft. of athletic and recreation space. The aquatic offerings include recreational and lap swimming as well as periodic group swim lessons. The fitness program hosts various group fitness classes, personal training, nutrition coaching services, and a fitness facility with an indoor track.
Chaplain’s Office and Religious Life
Berry College is dedicated to the furthering of Christian thought and values. The college holds that spiritual development is essential in the lives of men and women. It also stands for moral integrity as a vital dimension of enduring humanity. A number of opportunities are provided for students, faculty and staff to seek out and develop, individually and collectively, basic moral and spiritual foundations for living.
An interdenominational Christian campus chapel service, “College Church,” provides regular Sunday worship services with prayer, music and communion. The service is led by student leaders and the chaplains. Visitors to the campus for sermons, lectures, concerts and other programs offer a broad variety of viewpoints for consideration. The Chaplain’s Office also offers weekly ministries including Bible Studies, service opportunities, hospitality ministries and fellowship.
Various religious life groups provide denominational and interdenominational programs, including: Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Campus Outreach, Catholic Students Association, Canterbury Club, and the Buddhist Students Group. The Religious Life Advisory Council (RLAC), composed mostly of students, coordinates and facilitates the activities of the Religious Life groups.
Information on any of Berry’s religious life groups as well as places of worship in Rome is available.
The chaplains are available to all persons in the Berry community. Counseling resources are provided in complete confidentiality. Cooperation with the counseling office assures a wide range of services. The Berry Emergency Relief Fund is administered by the chaplain.
Information on any of Berry’s religious life groups as well as places of worship in Rome is available.
The Chaplain’s Office is located on the third floor of Krannert.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center provides students with personal growth and mental health services. In addition to individual counseling, services include crisis resources, group counseling, educational and outreach programs, and referral consultation. All services are free and confidential. The Counseling Center strives to provide a safe, inclusive and affirming environment that allows all students to reach their goals for growth and change. The Counseling Center is committed to providing services that honor students’ unique needs, concerns and personhoods.
The Counseling Center is located in the Ladd Center and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. Counseling appointments can be made by calling (706) 236-2259 or by walk-in.
David Shankles Emergency Relief Fund
Students experiencing urgent, short-term personal financial need may seek a grant from the Berry Emergency Relief Fund, a special fund that was established by Berry students. The fund is totally dependent on contributions from groups and/or individuals. Disbursements are confidential and are made through the Office of the Chaplain and the Care Team.
Student Well-being and Support
The Office of Student Well-being and Support supervises a peer education program in which a select group of specially trained students provide educational programs to student and community groups to promote low-risk, high-enrichment choices and activities related to personal health and wellness. The Peer Educators serve as consultants for students who want to research prevention-related issues, and they can direct them to many published resources as well. Often collaborating with other offices and campus groups, the Peer Educators promote discussion and awareness through speakers, film, publications and other creative methods to engage students in promoting healthy lifestyles.
The Office of Student Well-being and Support also provides case management support for students seeking off-campus health care. Additionally, the Director of Student Well-being and Support offers confidential advocacy and resources related to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking.