Finlandia University's Heritage and Traditions
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FINLANDIA UNIVERSITY’S HERITAGE AND TRADITIONS Finlandia University was founded as Suomi College in 1896 by Finnish immigrants who dreamed of leaving a gift to their children and their children’s children. That gift was the education that would be needed to survive and succeed in the future. This education would be enriched by the religious beliefs that these foresighted Finns embraced. It was at the turn of the 19th century that thousands of Finnish families settled in this pristine and beautifully rugged region. They came here to farm the fields, work in the boundless forests as lumberjacks, or toil in one of the many copper mines deep in the earth. There were so many mines, in fact, the area became known as the Copper Country. At one time local mining provided the single greatest supply of copper in the world. For the most part, it was a very meager living for the Finnish and other immigrants. They earned only $1.50 to $2.00 a day. The beginning of Suomi College was equally modest. The first class consisted of only 11 students in a rented building in downtown Hancock, then a small mining town. But the Finns had sisu, a Finnish word meaning “persistent effort.” With sisu, the Finns survived. With sisu, the college grew, starting with its first building, Old Main, in 1901. The college served several purposes in its early years: preserving Finnish culture in a region that attracted scores of ethnic groups, upholding and teaching the tenets of the Lutheran religion, training Lutheran ministers, and educating youth in English and other skills that would provide job opportunities in their new land. The student body was pre- dominantly Finnish during these early years. In fact, the school’s yearbooks were pub- lished in Finnish and English until about 1920. HEIKINPAIVA In 1999, the City of Hancock created a new Finnish-American celebration Heikinpaiva. The celebration’s themes are taken from Finnish folk sayings associated with the name day for Heikki. By far, Finns make up the largest ethnic group of Michigan’s Copper Country. In Hancock approximately 40% of the population claimed Finnish ancestry in the most recent federal census. Heikinpaiva organizers keep a watchful eye on the celebration’s uniquely ethnic flavor. Finnish crafts, music, film and games provide something for everyone. Although a Han- cock City event, Heikinpaiva has spilled into outlying communities including the Finlan- dia University campus. Increasingly, the university has become a key player in the festi- val. The campus takes its lead from President Philip Johnson. He is a regular at the pa- rade and events, but nowhere does he make a more significant splash than during his annual polar dive sporting a Finlandia University jersey. Unfortunately, this is one lead few others on campus have been willing to follow! HOMECOMING Each spring semester Finlandia celebrates a winter Homecoming/Spirit Celebration around the winter athletic schedule. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to get into the “spirit” of things. Annual events include games and activities, tailgating, and a semi- formal dance in which a king and queen are crowned. PRESIDENT’S LUNCH This tradition aims to provide an authentic and personal exchange of stories, ideas, and commitments between Finlandia’s students and its president. It is one small expression of Finlandia’s uncommon attention. Each week during the academic year President Phil- ip and René Johnson welcome individual or small groups (usually 2-3) of students to the Hoover Center Boardroom for a casual lunch. These lunch conversations create a unique opportunity for Philip and René to listen to students as they tell their stories and share about their Finlandia experience. Broader and deeper topics often surface related to the future and one’s place in it. STATEMENT ON DIRECTORY INFORMATION Finlandia University designates the following categories of student information as public or “Directory Information.” The institution may disclose such information for any purpose, at its discretion. CATEGORY DIRECTORY INFORMATION I Name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, dates of attendance, class status, part-time, full-time status, class schedule/rosters, photos. II Major field of study, awards, honors (includes Dean’s and Honor’s Lists), degree(s) conferred (including dates), most recent prior school attended. III Past and present participation in officially recognized sports and school activities, physical factors of athletes (height, weight), date and place of birth. Students have the right to inspect their personal record. After a written request is received, the university registrar will respond within five working days. Students also have the right to prevent release of information from personal files. Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of any category of information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended. To withhold disclosure, written permission (valid for one year only) must be submitted in person to the university registrar prior to September 30 of the fall semester, January 30 of the spring semester, and May 30 of the summer semester. Forms requesting to withhold “Directory Information” are available in the University Registrar’s office. Finlandia University assumes that failure of any student to specifically request withholding any category of “Directory Information” indicates individual approval for disclosure. If students would like information released, such as transcripts or instructor evaluations, the student must submit written permission to the university registrar. Forms are available from the university registrar’s office. Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education for alleged institutional failure to comply with FERPA requirements. ACADEMIC SERVICES ACADEMIC INTEGRITY We value integrity at Finlandia University and expect our students to act with integrity in all areas of their lives at Finlandia. Academic integrity is no exception. In this age of instant access to information and free exchange of music and movies, it is imperative that Finlandia students understand academic integrity and exhibit such integrity in their coursework. See the Academic Catalog for specific sanctions for academic dishonesty. Academic Advising One of the advantages of a small university is the opportunity for personal relationships. At Finlandia University your advisor will know you by name and work with you to plan your time here. You will meet with your advisor at least twice a year to register for courses and check your progress. Don’t limit yourself to just twice a year! Your advisor can assist you in many other ways as well. Academic Success Coach Mannerheim 111 The Coordinator of Academic Success is available to discuss academic issues, academic support available on campus, and general assistance in students’ progress toward their degree. Disability Student Services (DSS) Mannerheim 114 DSS provides eligible students with course and testing accommodations and access to auxiliary aids and services like Learning Ally audio books. To qualify for DSS services, a student must present appropriate documentation that specifically states the disability. Once enrolled, specific student accommodations must be renewed each semester. Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC) 487-7255 Nikander: 10 The TLC offers all Finlandia students free tutoring in all general education courses and some upper level courses. The TLC offers academic counseling, peer and professional tutoring, study skill workshops, study groups, computer literacy development, and the use of a small computer lab. Peer tutors are current Finlandia students who are recommended by faculty and selected through the work-study program. Professional tutors hold bache- lor’s, master’s, and/or doctoral degrees in their fields, with additional experience in pro- fessional teaching and/or tutoring. The Finlandia University faculty often arrange with the TLC to provide students with study aids such as classroom reserve material, review sheets, and past exams. The TLC is located in Nikander 10. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every semester, with additional evening hours during the fall and spring semesters. TRiO Student Support Services 487-7296 Nikander: 11 Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, TRiO Student Support Ser- vices offers academic, career, and personal assistance to students who qualify. Located in Nikander 11, the confidential, free services are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. You are eligible for TRiO Student Support Services if: • you are a first generation college student; and/or • you have financial need; or you have a physical or learning disability; and • you have academic need The TRiO Student Support Services staff offers professional tutoring; academic planning, advising and monitoring; study skills workshops; career development and graduate school information; personal growth workshops; financial aid application assistance; and a monthly newsletter. The TRiO Student Support Services career services manager specializes in individualized self-assessment, career development, transfer and graduate school assistance, and job-search assistance. This includes resume-writing assistance and job interview techniques. For more information call 487-7315. The TRiO Student Support Services personal counselor assists students with any concerns they may have, including personal issues (e.g. stress management, anxiety,