OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE 2020 Student Handbook Southwestern University Student Handbook & Planner 2020-21 Southwestern University's Institutional Mission Statement Officially adopted by the faculty and the Board of Trustees in 1972, amended in 2001, 2008 and 2011 Southwestern University, under the auspices of the United Methodist Church, is committed to undergraduate liberal education involving both the study of and participation in significant aspects of our cultural heritage, expressed primarily through the arts, the sciences, the institutions and the professions of society. As a teaching-learning community, Southwestern encourages rig- orous inquiry and scholarship, creative teaching and the expression of free human life. The University seeks to involve the student in finding a personal and social direction for life, developing more sensitive methods of commu- nication, cultivating those qualities and skills which make for personal and professional effectiveness, and learning to think clearly and make relevant judgments and discriminations. Southwestern University's Core Purpose Fostering a liberal arts community whose values and actions encourage contributions toward the well-being of humanity. Southwestern University's Core Values Cultivating academic excellence. Promoting lifelong learning and a passion for intellectual and personal growth. Fostering diverse perspectives. Being true to oneself and others. Respecting the worth and dignity of persons. Encouraging activism in the pursuiti of justice and the common good. Southwestern University's Honor Code A major opportunity presented to students of Southwest- ern is the privilege of studying under the Honor Code and partici- pating in the maintenance of that Code. The Southwestern Univer- sity Honor Code, which dates back to at least 1907, is one of the oldest in the United States. Students have established the Honor Code, wherein their integrity is respected and their work is accept- ed as completely valid. Under the Honor Code, students write term papers, take examinations without proctors, and have the freedom to leave the room at will during tests. While the responsibility for maintenance of this Honor Code rests on every individual student, the mechanics for the main- tenance of the Code are carried out by the Honor Code Council. The Honor Code is concerned with academic honesty. It provides an opportunity for students to be trusted with the responsibility of upholding the Honor Code at Southwestern. This responsibil- ity requires two things. First, students must not violate the Code. A violation consists of any act of academic dishonesty in or out of the classroom. Second, students are required to report to the Honor Code Council any violation, which they might observe. Matriculation at Southwestern University is manifestation of acceptance of the Honor Code and its implications. Note: To learn more about Southwestern's Honor Code, review the Constitution of the Honor Code which begins on page 94 of this Handbook. Southwestern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate degrees. Contact SACSCOC at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Southwestern University. ii May 15, 2020 Dear Southwestern Student, As this handbook goes to print, our world and our campus community continue to navigate the complex and ongoing challenges created by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Many elements of the typical student experience have been affected. While we do not yet know the full impact of the virus and related response and prevention measures, our promise to you is to prioritize the health and safety of our community while offering programs and services that support your engagement and success on campus. In the division of Student Life, we are committed to developing and graduat- ing students who make meaning of their SU experiences and apply that learning to make a difference in their communities. Student Life fosters a challenging, supportive environment in which the uniqueness of each individual is respected and valued by implementing accessible programs and delivering services that pro- vide values-centered education of the whole person. These co-curricular programs and services facilitate students’ development of competencies and reflect a shared responsibility for student learning within our residential liberal arts community. You will have the opportunity to engage in these programs and other activities, work closely with advisors and faculty, and get involved with organizations that align with your personal growth objectives. We invite you to engage mindfully in campus activities, and will help you learn to reflect on your experiences and articulate the value of those experiences to others. At Southwestern University, students are held to high standards of behavior both on and off campus. You are expected to take personal responsibility for your conduct, to follow policy, obey the law, and to respect the rights of all members of the community. Your compliance is even more critical to the health and safety of our community in times of pandemic. This Student Handbook includes informa- tion about campus services, the University Honor Code, grading, the judicial system and other important policies and procedures. You have joined a wonderful, supportive community. I wish you a produc- tive and rewarding year and look forward to engaging with you during our time together at Southwestern University. Sincerely, Jaime J. Woody Vice President for Student Life iii Officers of the Administration Laura Skandera Trombley, BA, MA, PhD ................................................. President Thomas Delahunt, BS .....Vice President for Strategic Recruitment and Enrollment Craig Erwin, BA, MBA ...................Vice President for Finance and Administration Alisa Gaunder, BA, MA, PhD .................................................Dean of the Faculty Scarlett Foster Moss, BA ................. Vice President for Integrated Communications Paul Secord BA, MEd, MS ..........................Vice President for University Relations Patricia Witt, BA ..............................................Executive Assistant to the President and Liaison to the Board of Trustees Jaime Woody, BA, MS .............................................Vice President for Student Life Student Life Staff ................................ Campus Phone # Ext (512-863-xxxx) Jaime Woody, Vice President for Student Life ..................................................................1582 Stefanie Alvarez, Executive Administrative Assistant for Student Life ...............................1582 Valerie Adams, Police Officer ...........................................................................................1944 Oliver Agger-Shelton, Assistant Director of Student Activities .........................................1874 Alexandra Anderson, Associate Director of Center for Career & Professional Development ...1265 Tina Bach, Communications Coordinator for University Police ......................................1944 Andy Bonczyk, Director of Food Services (Sodexo) .........................................................1901 Jason Bonick, Director of Counseling and Health Center ...............................................1252 Anna Castillo, Associate Director of SIRA .......................................................................1783 Brittany Crim, Wellness Educator and Outreach Coordinator .........................................1252 Lisa Dela Cruz, Director of Mosaic .................................................................................1957 Brad Dunn, Chief of Police .............................................................................................1944 Allison Everett, Resident Director of Residence Life ........................................................1670 Jennifer Frias, Assistant Director of Student Activities .....................................................1862 Craig Gilden, Internship and Employment Developer.....................................................1727 Frank Hense, Pirate Bike and Public Service Assistant .....................................................1944 Connie Hicks, Admin. and Medical Assistant - Counseling & Health Center .................1252 Terri Johnson, Assistant Dean for Student Multicultural Affairs ......................................1342 Donald Klepac, Police Officer .........................................................................................1944 Kylin Lee, Psychologist ....................................................................................................1252 Stacy Leeber, Registered Nurse ........................................................................................1252 Dana Luna, Assistant Director of Internship and Employment Development .................1671 Rachel McNally, Psychologist ..........................................................................................1252 Pat Murray, Police Sergeant .............................................................................................1944 Leslie Nobles, Assistant Director of Residence Life .........................................................1863 Daniel Orozco, Director of Center for Career & Professional Development ....................1346 Joseph Ribar, Police Officer .............................................................................................1944