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Campus
Life
Franciscan University is committed to developing and sustaining a residential environment that fosters Christian maturity in every area of life. Unmarried freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are candidates for an undergraduate degree and are under 23 years of age must live in a residence hall at Franciscan University unless they reside with their parents or guardians in the immediate area. The following philosophy and principles guide residence living at Franciscan University: 1. Residence living gives students an opportunity to live in a Christian community environment. Students learn to relate to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. They further benefit by having their faith life and Christian growth supported and sustained by those in their living environment. 2. Residence living fosters personal growth and development through ongoing interactions with peers, a trained residence life staff, and professional faculty and staff. 3. Living in a residential environment helps students overcome the sense of isolation and loneliness often experienced when leaving home for college. 4. Studies have shown that those who live in a residential environment tend to have a greater intellectual growth during their university careers. 5. On-campus living provides easy access to all campus services. Non-emergency health and wellness concerns are handled by the
University's Wellness Center, located in Finnegan Fieldhouse, which includes the
Health Center and Campus Counseling Services. The Health Center staff provides assessment and treatment of common illnesses, first-aid, suture removal, administration of some injectable medications (including allergy serums), dressing applications, weight and nutrition counseling, health teaching, and referrals to various community and on-campus services. The Health Center is not a full-service emergency room or clinic; however, it is staffed by registered nurses Monday through Friday on regular class days. The services of a physician are available by appointment during designated hours. The required Health Form is kept on file at the Wellness Center. When ordered by a physician, diagnostic lab and X-ray testing is
done at Trinity Medical Center. Dental referrals may also be scheduled as needed. Counseling is a specialized field in the helping professions that seeks to understand and improve human behavior. Our staff includes trained counselors and social workers, licensed in Ohio to use their special skills to help others lead more effective and satisfying lives. Our staff strives to blend the best in mental health care with Christian principles as we work with individuals and groups of students. By listening to and assessing student problems, counseling goals are established for each student. In addition to traditional forms of counseling, support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Adult Children of Alcoholics, and survival of childhood abuse or neglect are offered on campus. Our staff maintains relationships with local providers of psychiatric services, enabling us to refer students to these services as needed. The University requires that all full-time students have health/accident coverage. Students are free to choose any insurance carrier and then to provide evidence of such coverage at registration. For convenience, the University offers a Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan administered by the McElroy-Minister Company. Brochures describing the plan can be obtained from the Admissions Office, Wellness Center, or Enrollment Services Office. The Student Life Office oversees the rhythm of campus life through
residence directors, resident assistants, professional counseling services, and the
guidance of student activities. Regular teaching and leadership formation programs are
sponsored by Student Life personnel. An international student advisor enables the
University to care for a growing international student population. Honesty is a fundamental necessity for the Christian student. All students who attend Franciscan University agree to pursue their studies, indeed all of life, with integrity. The University expects each student to adhere rigorously to Christian moral standards in the academic life, pursuing academic excellence with justice and honesty. Academic dishonesty, in all its forms, is antithetical to authentic Christian scholarship. As a Catholic university, the liturgy is central to our life and mission: "The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the fount from which all her power flows." (Sacrosanctum Consilium) The University offers extensive opportunities for students to grow in their understanding and appreciation of the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church through participation in a variety of worship experiences: daily Mass and confession, Holy Hours, Morning Prayer, and Vespers. Students are invited and encouraged to participate in a variety of liturgical ministries as lectors, servers, or sacristans, or in music, drama, and dance. Opportunities are also provided for students to advance in the spiritual life through participation in retreats, workshops, and catechetical sessions. Since 1974 the University has followed a singular path of development in building its entire campus life on a solid spiritual foundation. At the heart of our faith environment are small student groups known as households. While it is not mandatory for students to participate in households, the University highly recommends that students do so. A household is made up of male or female students who usually live in the same wing or floor of a residence hall, or who live off campus. Households provide opportunities for ongoing personal, social, and spiritual development in the midst of a Christian faith environment. Households have a pattern of living that includes group prayer, teaching, fellowship, and sharing within a small group setting. Many households enthusiastically participate in intramural sports and other events such as liturgies, service projects, and social events. Some of the basic elements of our household system are:
An essential dimension of the University academic experience is witnessing to the gospel through the Works of Mercy outreach to the poor and others in need. The University offers a variety of opportunities to do this through its work with the elderly, the mentally handicapped, the imprisoned, disadvantaged youth, the sick, women in crisis pregnancies, and the homeless. Student Leadership Development Franciscan University encourages the development of leadership character and skills as an important component in a well-rounded, Catholic education. Through the Leadership Project, students learn concepts and develop skills that they will need to lead the church and world in the next century. The Leadership Project consists of a weekend seminar, follow-up sessions, and an optional mentoring relationship with a faculty or staff member. The program is open to all students. Office of Director of International Students Currently the University has about 130 students from 44 nations outside the United States. The Director of International Students helps these students adjust to education and life in the United States as well as counsels them regarding immigration requirements. The director also works with the entire University campus and the local community to foster an awareness of the richness and diversity of cultures present on our campus. The Career Planning and Services Office provides career development and services to currently enrolled students and alumni. These services are intended to give individuals career preparation skills and a framework for making career decisions both during their time at the University and after they leave. Career counseling and testing assists students in choice of major, career development, and career exploration. Career preparation workshops, job postings, on-campus career fairs, and employer recruitment visits give students opportunities for finding and securing employment. Networking opportunities with alumni and job searching strategies using the Internet are employed to take advantage of the most current means of career assistance. Work-related internships provide the on-the-job experience that builds on academic courses of study. Tutoring/Learning Skills Program A Tutoring/Learning Skills Program is available for students with specific learning needs and those who meet the criteria for academic assistance. This program offers tutoring geared to specific courses as well as general assistance in study skills and time management. Students with documented learning disabilities may receive special assistance. In accordance with the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act, Franciscan University endeavors to offer reasonable accommodations to students who have learning disabilities. However, since a degree in a particular academic area connotes the possession of certain intellectual skills, the University does not waive course requirements for individual students. Students with learning disabilities are responsible for notifying the University. The Tutoring/Learning Skills Office and/or the Learning Disabilities Coordinator will work with those students to notify individual professors each semester so the proper accommodations may be met. Testing is also available through the coordinator's office. A course that has been developed to help students who have difficulties in learning is UNV 090Reading/Study Skills. Another course that aids international students in the understanding of American English is UNV 095 English as a Second Language. UNV 090 READING/STUDY SKILLS is a course designed to be used in conjunction with other courses in which a student is enrolled. Topics covered include time management, study techniques, test taking and managing test anxiety, vocabulary development, and reading critically to develop comprehension. This course will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis. This course does not count toward graduation. 3 credit hours UNV 095 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE is a course designed to help international students whose first language is not English with mastery of the English language in connection with their college courses. This course will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis. This course does not count toward graduation. 3 credit hours
The Writing Center A vital part of any learning experience is the practical application of classroom theory. Franciscan University offers a wide variety of organizations where practical skills can be tested and refined. Directing and participating in an organization yields many tools beneficial to professional and personal success. In addition, we also have three fraternities and three sororities on campus. Franciscan University Student Association (FUSA) Franciscan University Student Association is composed of representatives of every organization and class. Serving as a liaison between the University and the student community, FUSA represents student interests to the administration and faculty. It also organizes and engages student body participation in important spiritual, practical, and social issues and serves as a constant resource to the University community. FUSA is at the heart of active student participation in our way of life. Student Activities Board (SAB) One of the largest committees within FUSA is the Student Activities Board. This committee is responsible for providing social, cultural, educational, and recreational programs and opportunities for the student community. Student Publications Three publications are currently authorized for campus-wide circulation: The Troubadour, the weekly student newspaper; The San Damiano, the student yearbook; and Soundings, an annual journal of student writings. These publications promote the way of life at Franciscan University and serve as communication vehicles for the student body. These publications are student-run with guidance from advisors. Intramural Sports The intramural program is thriving at Franciscan University. Most of our students are involved in intramural sports and events throughout the year. The major intramural sports are ultimate frisbee, flag football, volleyball, and basketball. Other events and tournaments include racquetball, walleyball, table tennis, cross country, basketball, billiards, tennis, volleyball, and aerobics. Club Sports In addition to intramural sports, Franciscan University offers the challenge of club sports. Club baseball, women's volleyball, and men's and women's soccer are exciting additions to athletics at the University, offering the opportunity for students to compete with teams from other colleges and universities. Special Interest Clubs and Social Organizations Many special interest organizations are flourishing under FUSA's umbrella, and avenues for creating further clubs are available. The range of interests represented in these clubs include the International Students' Organization, SENT (Student Evangelization Networking Team), Human Life Concerns, and fraternal organizations. International Students' Organization (ISO) ISO fosters greater support to and promotion of all international students. ISO actively promotes the richness of all cultures by sharing the unique contributions of international students with the University family and by organizing meetings, social functions, and cultural activities. Human Life Concerns (HLC) Human Life Concerns meets weekly to intercede for the unborn and other concerns related to reverence for life. HLC sponsors an annual weekend conference, highlighting national speakers active in human life issues. Education is a bridge to professional life. To promote the spirit of community among majors and to bring together students and professional men and women in a student's chosen field, many departments have associations and societies to further extracurricular activities. They also provide speakers, films, and field trips that are of interest to the entire University community. American Chemical Society The University has an authorized chapter of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society. Through technical and social activities, the members are acquainted with the professional life of the chemist. Computer Science Club A student chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), the Computer Science Club seeks to promote the professional and personal development of computer scientists though programming contests, socials, and invited speakers. Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) The IEEE is the world's largest engineering society with over 310,000 members. Engineering science majors can join the local student chapter of IEEE. Fraternidad Hispaņa The Fraternidad Hispaņa was formed by and for students who are interested in exploring the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. The club is open to native speakers and others. Members participate in activities that include Masses in Spanish, meetings, socials, and trips to the surrounding area where both American and Latin American culture can be experienced. French Club The French Club is organized to introduce students to French ideology and culture. It also helps students develop their critical abilities. To reach this goal, the French Club presents films with subtitles followed by discussions between an interdisciplinary panel of professors and students. The Gemelli Society The Gemelli Society was founded in 1964 to assist psychology, mental health and human services, sociology, and social work majors in their development in these human sciences. The society provides programs with visiting academicians, addresses by professional human services personnel, and films for its members. The group is named in honor of the Franciscan friar physician, philosopher, theologian, and psychologist, Agostino Gemelli. Kappa Delta Pi Kappa Delta Pi is a national educational honor society. The Tau Upsilon Chapter was chartered on March 13, 1994. Outstanding undergraduate and graduate students are invited to join at the end of each semester. A one-semester pledge period is required before initiation to full membership. Members engage in activities and learning seminars to enhance their education major. Mathematics Club The Mathematics Club, a student chapter of the Mathematical
Association of America, was founded to unify students interested in mathematics within an
academic and social setting. The club often hosts guest speakers and is actively involved
in National Math Awareness Week each year in April. Psi Chi Psi Chi is the national honor society in psychology. Membership in Psi Chi recognizes high scholastic achievement and interest in psychology. Undergraduates who are elected to Psi Chi are psychology majors who rank in the highest 35 percent of their class and who have demonstrated exceptional ability to conduct independent psychological research. Political Science and Pre-Law Association The Political Science and Pre-Law Association enables interested students to probe and discuss political issues outside the classroom, to learn about career possibilities in politics, government, and law, and to build camaraderie among students in political science and pre-law. Activities include lectures, career nights, panels, discussions on current issues, trends, and philosophical questions about politics, as well as social gatherings and trips to visit governmental and legal institutions. Membership is open to all students interested in politics and law regardless of major. Sigma Beta Mu: The Society of Biology Majors The purpose of the Biology Club is to nurture and promote interest in the life sciences. This club supports members in the study of science and service to the University. Activities include outside speaker presentations, movies, field trips, and biological projects. Membership is open to persons interested in broadening their perspectives within the subdisciplines of biology as well as those interested in the health professions, conservation, and wildlife. Meetings are held twice a month, usually in one of the biology laboratories. Sigma Tau Delta Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society. A member of the Association of College Honor Societies, it was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The purposes of the Society are (a) to confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies; (b) to promote interest in literature and the English language on local campuses and their surrounding communities; and (c) to foster the discipline of English in all of its aspects, including creative and critical writing. Membership in Sigma Tau Delta is an outward recognition of personal accomplishment. It also serves as an incentive for continued high scholarship. The chapter located at Franciscan University is the Omicron Iota Chapter of the society. Students in Free Enterprise Students in Free Enterprise is a national organization devoted to the support of the free enterprise system on college campuses. Each year students from Franciscan University of Steubenville compete with students from other colleges and universities in Ohio on the basis of programs they have developed for a better understanding of the free enterprise system. The programs are judged each spring by business leaders, and the winning teams participate in a national competition. Thucydideans The Thucydideans foster a greater interest in history within the student body and meet to analyze and discuss current events. This organization takes its name from Thucydides (471-369 BC). |