Campus Life Office

The purpose of Campus Life is to create an environment enabling students to develop skills and experience relationships that promote maximum intellectual and social growth.

New Student Orientation

All entering day students, including transfer and part-time students, are required to participate in new student orientation sessions which are provided each semester. Orientation is intended to help students successfully begin their college careers by acquainting them with the campus and with college personnel, including faculty advisors; by preparing students for registration; and by providing social opportunities to meet other students. A group of carefully selected Community Consultants assists new students. Orientation is developed and coordinated by the Wellness Center staff.

Residence Halls

Columbia College residence halls are an integral part of the campus learning environment. The Residential Life program enriches the total college experience by providing a variety of opportunities that supplement the students' classroom experience. The residence hall program is designed to foster personal growth and development and to provide a successful experience in democratic living.

Residence halls range from modern and modular to charming and traditional. All halls contain lounges, recreation or game rooms, kitchenettes with microwave ovens, laundry rooms, and computer labs. Rooms are furnished with beds, dressers, desks, and chairs.

Full service computer labs are provided in each of the residence halls. Each lab is equipped with personal computers networked to the campus computer and to printers. The labs are serviced by the Information Systems Department.

Students may bring computers for their room and access the campus computer network system, providing they have Ethernet cards.

Banks Hall. Banks Hall is co-educational and houses 108 students in double rooms. Among its features are special study rooms on each floor, air-conditioning, hall baths, and a spacious kitchen area.

Hughes Hall. Hughes Hall houses 64 women in 32 double rooms. It is traditional in architecture with hardwood floors and a spacious parlor. The air-conditioned double-room suites are connected by full baths shared by four residents.

Miller Hall. Miller Hall, a co-educational hall, is Columbia College's largest residence hall, housing 154 students in double-room suites connected by full baths. The modern three-story structure is air-conditioned and subdivided into four sections of living quarters, each section having its own lounge.

All full-time freshmen and sophomore Day Program students (those with fewer than fifty-two semester hours completed) and all Day Program students receiving institutional aid must live on campus except:

1. Married students
2. Single parent students
3. Students residing with parents in Boone County, Missouri, where such address has been established as the sole legal and permanent residence of parents
4. Students age 22 or older
5. Military veterans as defined by federal guidelines
6. Institutional aid recipients whose only form of institution al aid was awarded at the annual Honors and Awards convocation

Each residence hall has an Area Coordinator or Head Resident. Every Area Coordinator/Head Resident is assisted by upperclass, student Resident Assistants (RAs). RAs are responsible for maintaining contact with students, providing assistance with problems and concerns, encouraging participation in activities, communicating policies and regulations, and recording rules violations. Each hall also has an Academic Programmer (AP) who is responsible for providing academic programs, peer academic counseling, and resource/referral information to residence hall students.

Every residence hall has its own governance structure. Officers are elected in the fall and activities are funded through Campus Life and Campus Community Government. Hall governments serve to provide social, recreational, cultural, and educational activities and events for hall members.

Additional information about residence-hall living is available in the Student Handbook and the Residence Hall Handbook.

Food Services

Twenty meals per week are served in Dulany Hall. Food service begins with lunch on the day the residence halls open and ends with lunch on the last day of scheduled final examinations each semester. Meals are also served to students participating in orientation. Resident students must purchase the meal plan.

Students who live in a residence hall must show their identification cards at the entrance to the dining hall before each meal. Students who live off campus may contract for board only, pay for meals individually, or purchase discounted meal tickets. Tickets for students' guests may be purchased at the door.

A student Food Advisory Committee meets during the school year with dining hall personnel to promote the best possible food service operation.

Health Services

Health services are available to students, faculty, and staff. The Health Center is a nurse-directed clinic that, along with a consulting physician, provides care for minor illnesses and injuries, health care counseling and community referral services. Visits to the nurse are free; however, payment for off campus labs, medicines, and physician visits, when referred, is the client's responsibility.

The Center promotes preventive health by offering flu vaccines, health screens, and self-care guides concerning diverse health issues. The Health Center is located on the first floor of Robnett-Spence.

Athletics

Columbia College sponsors four intercollegiate sports: volleyball and softball for women; basketball and soccer for men.

The College is a member of the American Midwest Conference (six Missouri colleges) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

The College also has an active intramural program for men and women that attracts wide and spirited participation in activities such as touch football, basketball, softball for men and women, and coed volleyball and tennis.

In addition, the college sponsors various classes in physical recreation that vary with student interest and have included aerobics, aquacize, life-saving, and physical fitness.

Further information is available from the Campus Life Office or Athletic Office.

Recreation

The student center, tennis court, softball field, common areas, and residence hall lounges are available for a variety of recreational activities. Gerard Pool is available for student swimming on a posted schedule, as is the Fitness Center located in Southy Hall. The Southwell Complex Gymnasium is open daily. Other college facilities, such as Launer Auditorium, the Jane Froman Dance Studio, classrooms, Dulany Hall, and the Student Center are available upon approval to any officially recognized student organization for meetings and programs. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. More information is available in the Office of the Director of Student Activities.

Recreational areas within the immediate region include Cosmo Park, Peace Park, Pinnacles Park, Arrow Rock, and Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. The Lake of the Ozarks, a major tourist area, is sixty miles south of Columbia. St. Louis and Kansas City are each 125 miles from Columbia on Interstate 70.

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center collaborates with campus and community resources to meet the needs of our diverse population. Healthy, chemical-free programs such as outdoor activities, awareness weeks, and social opportunities are provided to promote proactive, healthy lifestyles for students, faculty and staff. The Center houses a library of resources and up-to-date information about chemical dependency, destructive behaviors, and many other health-related topics.

Counseling Services

Professional, confidential counseling is available to students, faculty and staff. Students may meet individually with a counselor or participate in small group experiences with topics including personal growth, anxiety reduction, and self-discovery.

Religious Affairs

Opportunities abound in Columbia for religious expression, cultural appreciation, spiritual exploration, and faith development. The Columbia College Chapel is open to all students, faculty, and staff for prayer and meditation. Programs on campus include spiritual events, studies of religious issues, and opportunities for discussion with others through clubs and organizations. Information is available in the Wellness Center.

Columbia College respects the right of all persons to practice their faith according to the recognized tenets of their religion. Should religious observance require absence from regularly scheduled activities, the individuals affected are responsible for notifying supervisors/instructors prior to the absence and making appropriate arrangements.

Career Services Center

The Career center has trained personnel to assist students with all aspects of career planning and development. Specific services designed to encourage, enhance, and promote professional and personal success include a carefully guided assessment of their skills, abilities, values, achievements, and interests as aids to effective career planning; a library of information about occupations, corporations, agencies, and government organizations; salary surveys; employment qualifications and employment trends; development and maintenance of placement documents; listings of full-time, part-time, and summer employment opportunities and internships; and services for graduate and professional school placement. Programs are provided to inform and train the individual in such areas of career concern as interviewing, resume/cover-letter construction, job hunting and sourcing, networking, decision making, and salary negotiation.

Testing Services

The Testing Center conducts a variety of tests such as the CLEP, ACT Residual, Math Placement, CBase, and testing for students with disabilities. The Testing Center is located in the Career Services Center located in Room 14 of St. Clair Hall.

Student Handbook

Every fall a new edition of the Student Handbook is published providing detailed information about all aspects of campus life. Copies are available at registration and in the Campus Life Office.

Bookstore

The college bookstore carries a range of textbooks, trade books, art supplies, study materials, college memorabilia, personal grooming products, and snacks. Both new and used textbooks are available. (The bookstore is open during evening hours at the beginning of each evening session.)

Students with Disabilities

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (public law 93-112) section 504, provides that "no otherwise qualified disabled individual in the United States shall solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."

1. It is the student's responsibility to notify the institution of a disability that would require academic adjustments in accordance with the ADA in section 504. To self-identify as a student with a disability, the student must register with the ADA Coordinator two weeks in advance of the date accommodations are needed. Although students are encouraged to discuss their needs with their instructors, registration with the ADA Coordinator is necessary in order to receive accommodations. All disabilities must be appropriately documented.
2. While students are encouraged to self-identify at the earliest possible time, students may not know or choose to self-identify, but may still receive services at any time once they self-disclose and document.
3. Students with disabilities have the right to have access and accommodation complaints addressed through a formal appeals procedure. Students wishing to file a grievance must complete the Disabilities Grievance Form in its entirety, attach a description of the circumstances leading to the complaint as directed on the Disabilities Grievance Form, and submit both documents to the Campus Life Office. Disabilities Grievance Forms are available in the Campus Life Office, the Academic Affairs Office, the ADA Coordinator's Office, and the Plant and Facilities Operations Office.

Parking Permits

All cars and motorcycles parked on campus must be registered with the Security Office. Parking permits are valid for an academic year, beginning in August. Cost is prorated: purchased fall semester, $25; purchased spring semester, $20; purchased for summer terms, $15. This fee is non-refundable.

Post Office

Every full-time Day student is assigned a campus post-office box. The student keeps the same mailbox during his/her enrollment at the College. All official campus mail is routed through the campus post-office boxes, located in the Student Center. Students are responsible for all mail, publications, and notices placed in their boxes, including official correspondence from the College. No fee is charged for a post-office box. Students may mail letters and packages, or pick up packages sent to them, in the mailroom on the garden level of St. Clair Hall. The College's official address is Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, Missouri 65216. Mailroom hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Student Government

All full-time Columbia College students are members of Campus Community Government (CCG). Part-time students are associate members. CCG elections are held in the spring and again in the fall; full-time students who meet the requirements for an office may run for election or petition for appointed positions. The Campus Community Government includes the following:

CCG Senate

The direct tie between the student body and the College's administration, CCG's Senate consists of the CCG president, four vice presidents, and elected student representatives from the residence halls and off campus. As the official voting body representing the students, the CCG Senate has direct impact on major policy issues and in initiating and recommending changes to meet student needs and wishes.

CCG Executive Board

The President acts as a liaison between the students and the administration as well as the representative of the student body at official functions.

The Vice President is responsible for keeping accurate records for CCG, plan the fall and spring elections, and the leadership retreat every fall.

The Treasurer is responsible for keeping all financial records for CCG and chairs the Finance Committee that distributes money to the clubs and organizations.

The Director of Student Relations is responsible for the clubs and organizations, Presidents Club meetings and serves as a support person for students who are going before an academic or disciplinary hearing board.

The Chairperson of the Student Activities Commission is responsible for overseeing the budget for planning and executing student activities such as speakers and entertainment on campus.

The Chairperson of Residence Hall Council Association is responsible for providing leadership and supervision to the weekly RHCA meetings and acts as a liaison between senate and RHCA.

Student Activities Commission

SAC is composed of members elected from resident and nonresident students. One of the most active groups on campus, SAC plans campus-wide social and physical/recreational events. SAC is also the student group that recognizes all new clubs and organizations on campus. Specific areas within the commission include movies, dances, and special events.

Residence Hall Council Association

RHCA is composed of the officers of the residence halls and an advisor. It deals with concerns of resident students and coordinates planning and budgeting among the halls.

Student Organizations

Publications

The campus newspaper, The Columbian, is produced by students in newspaper production courses. Students are encouraged to enroll in these classes for academic credit, but in limited circumstances they may also participate on a voluntary basis. Editorships may carry scholarship awards. See Academic Policies, Regulations, and Procedures regarding fee waiver for overload.

Activities Calendar is published every month and provides an overview of events planned for that month.

Honor Societies

Alpha Chi
Missouri Epsilon chapter of the national honor society for four-year colleges and universities selects its members from junior and senior students of good character who rank in the top ten percent of their class based on cumulative GPA, have earned at least 24 credit hours at Columbia College, and are enrolled for course work at the time eligible students are identified.

Alpha Lambda Delta
A national scholastic honorary that recognizes superior scholastic achievement by freshmen students during their first year at Columbia College.

Alpha Sigma Lambda
A national honor society for adult students who, while handling their life responsibilities, achieve and maintain high scholastic standards.

Kappa Delta Pi
This is an education honorary society. Selection for membership is limited to the top 10% of education majors. The organization encourages excellence in scholarship, personal standards, and teacher preparation. Once elected to this society, membership is retained for life.

Phi Alpha
Phi Alpha Honor Society promotes scholastic achievement among students and faculty involved in the Social Work Program at Columbia College. Membership is extended to those who have attained excellence of scholarship and distinction of achievement as students of social work.

Psi Chi
Psi Chi encourages, stimulates and maintains excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and advances the science of psychology. Membership is open to students majoring or minoring in psychology at Columbia College; who have completed 3 semesters of college; have completed 9 semester hours of psychology; have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their general studies and psychology courses.

Sigma Tau Delta (Alpha Alpha Rho Chapter)
Sigma Tau Delta is an international English honor society. Active membership is limited to English majors and minors with a B or higher average in English classes (beyond Composition), who rank in the highest 35 percent of their class and who have completed at least three semesters of college work. Associate membership is open to students with the requisite academic background who are not majoring or minoring in English.

Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges
Each year, top upperclassmen in colleges across the country are selected by nomination for this special group. Columbia College students are elected to Who's Who every year.

Music

The Jane Froman Singers (JFS)
JFS is a choral ensemble that performs a variety of musical styles from various eras and cultures. The Singers perform frequently on and off campus and take an annual concert tour. Membership is by audition. JFS can be taken each semster for 3 hours of academic credit.

Other Organizations

BACCHUS
A student group organized to promote and encourage responsible habits, lifestyles and attitudes about the peer issues that college students face such as alcohol and general wellness topics.

Black Student Association
This organization seeks to promote unity, academic enrichment, and career development for black students who also desire to be of service to the community.

C.A.L.M. Club
Members support and promote the creative and educational aspects of art.

Cheerleaders (Spirit Squad)
This group, the members of which are selected by audition, supports Columbia College athletic teams by sponsoring pep rallies and providing cheers (routines) at games to help build the enthusiasm and morale of the players and spectators.

Criminal Justice Association
The Criminal Justice Association allows for those with an interest in the field to learn about the different aspects of it. This exposure comes in the form of various field trips and guest speakers. Issues dealing with the criminal justice field are pondered and discussed. Membership is open to any student currently enrolled in Columbia College. Dues are $5.00 for the year, along with any other expenses that may be incurred on field trips, etc.

Delta Epsilon Chi (D.E.X)
Delta Epsilon Chi promotes students who are currently pursuing a degree in the fields of marketing or management.

Environmental Commitment Organization (E.C.O.)
Members make known and promote awareness of the environment.

Epsilon Sigma Alpha International
This organization for women only aims at uniting students throughout the world, and especially at Columbia College, in a dedicated pursuit of excellence resulting in self-fulfillment and meaningful service to others.

Explorer Post 1851
A high adventure, co-ed post organized to provide experiences complimentary to classroom education. Most of the activities are outdoors and expand personal skills, knowledge, character, and fitness for good citizenship.

Honors Student Association
The purpose of the Honors Student Association is to provide the most highly motivated students an intellectually stimulating education opportunity.

Master of Business Administration Association (M.B.A.A.)
The Master of Business Administration Association's purpose is to unite students who have an interest in the M.B.A. Program.

Mock Trial Team
The Columbia College Mock Trial Team provides students experiences in the field of law while competitively representing Columbia College in inter-collegiate competitions.

Partners in Education (PIE)
The Partners in Education organization provides support and assistance to the faculty and students at Field Elementary School through the volunteer efforts of its members.

Political Science and History Club
The Political Science/History Club represents a student organization committed to the free exchange of ideas about the human condition in the present and in the past. Members participate in activities, trips, forums, and conferences that underscore education and service in the fields of political science and history.

Pre-Professional Club
The Pre-Professional Club promotes students who are currently pursuing a degree at Columbia College with the intention of entering the medical profession, health related professions or graduate school.

Psychology Club
Members make known and promote interest in the field of psychology and also sponsor activities and gatherings for students interested in psychology.

S.I.F.E. (Students in Free Enterprise)
Open to Columbia College students interested in gaining a better understanding of the American economic system. S.I.F.E. may be taken for credit. Members compete in regional and international competitions.

Ski Club
Downhill and cross-county ski enthusiasts share their common interest by planning several ski trips to a variety of places.

Social Workers Initiating Future Trends (S.W.I.F.T.)
Membership in this organization is granted to students majoring in, or strongly interested in, social work and human services.

Spanish Club
Open to both day and evening students. The Spanish Club is designed to promote the study of the Spanish language at Columbia College, to promote interests in lifestyles of the Spanish-speaking world and to provide a social outlet for students with an interest in Spanish.

Student Ambassadors
All Student Ambassadors represent Columbia College as liaisons between prospective students, parents and the Admissions Office; to promote standards of intellectual and creative excellence; to inform prospects of campus services, activities, and issues; to create an atmosphere that minimizes anxiety and promotes the development of positive attitudes; and provide support to other Admissions and Columbia College activities.

Student Leaders Advocating Teaching Excellence (S.L.A.T.E.)
S.L.A.T.E. is an organization whose members have a sincere interest in encouraging professional development as well as serving as a social group for supporting students interested in education. To achieve these goals informal discussions, lectures, meetings, participation in educational processes, and a variety of activities are held. Membership is open to anyone interested in any aspect of education.

TRUTH
Provides students with the opportunity for Christian growth and fellowship.

Varsity Club
To unite all athletes under one organization in order to build support for all athletes.

World Student Union
Open to International and American students. Its goal is to serve and assist international students and promote cultural interaction.