Mar 28, 2024  
College Catalog 2016-2017 
    
College Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Life



Division of Student Life

Elizabethtown College recognizes that learning and achievement extend beyond the classroom.

The Division of Student Life provides students with the opportunity to make connections with campus resources, to develop necessary skills for success, and to productively join in college life. Elizabethtown offers comprehensive co-curricular programs and services that supports our students’ growth and development and enriches their college experience.

Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students

Elizabethtown’s Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students serves as the senior student affairs administrator and the primary advocate for our students. The Vice President, together with the Student Life staff, works with students and faculty to shape the living and learning environment and enhance the quality of life for all students.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/dean-of-students.

Athletics

Elizabethtown College proudly sponsors one of the top NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic programs in the nation. Enjoying an 89-year tradition of success, the College’s 22-team, 13-sport varsity program operates within the principles and rules of the NCAA and the Landmark Conference’s philosophy of amateur student-athlete participation. Our exceptional coaching staff believes in the importance of integrating our students’ academic and athletic experiences.

All Elizabethtown students receive free admission to home contests. The entire campus community joins in cheering on our Blue Jays to victory.

For more information, please visit www.etownbluejays.com.

Campus Security

The Department of Campus Security is a multi-service agency that provides safety, security, fire prevention, crime prevention, and emergency management on the Elizabethtown College campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Campus Security Department is part of the division of Student Life. The Director reports to the Dean of Students. Campus Security staff are non-sworn personnel holding the ranks of Officer, Lieutenant, Assistant Director, and Director, as well as administrative staff. Campus Security additionally employs a contingent of student patrol officers or SPO’s, who supplement Campus Security operations by performing basic security functions including foot patrol, escorts, building checks, and special event security. The department works closely and cooperatively with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as all on-campus offices, regarding problems of mutual concern. Campus Security also serves a variety of other functions including responding to all medical emergencies, alarms, parking enforcement, access control, and providing information to college guests and visitors.

The Campus Security office is located at 605 South Mount Joy Street, directly across from the Office of Residence Life. For more information please visit www.etown.edu/offices/security.

Career Services

Career Services assists students with all aspects of the career development process, from choosing a career, to selecting a major, to implementing their post-graduate plans. Students are encouraged to connect in their first year with Career Services to develop goals that will integrate their passions, skills, and values as they pursue curricular and co-curricular activities.

Signature programs include:

Professional Development Days are provided in conjunction with academic departments. Students hear about the career paths of alumni and gain information regarding the presentation skills needed for a job/internship search or graduate school application.

Job Shadow Days enable students to experience “a day in the life of” a professional related to their field of interest. Students have the opportunity to reflect on their interests and gain an insider’s perspective of a possible career option.

Wings of Success Internship Program coaches students through the internship search and supports a student’s development of skills such as team-work, written communication, time and project management, problem solving, and relating to a supervisor.

P.O.S.T. (Program on Senior Transitions) helps seniors to move from life as a student to learning practical skills needed after graduation including developing a budget, student loans, renting, understanding employer benefits, and networking.

Networking and Employer Connections help students reach their career goals. These connections are facilitated through career fairs, on-campus recruiting, employer site visits, networking sessions, and the use of Jobs for Jays (our online job posting system).

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/career.

Center for Student Involvement

Through the activities of the Center for Student Involvement, Elizabethtown College students are offered productive and engaging programming that allows them to connect with the campus community, to get involved, and to build lasting memories of their college experience. The Center also provides opportunity, direction, and support for tomorrow’s leaders as they develop the skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Through the Center, two professional offices – the Office of the Chaplain and Director of Religious Life, and the Office of Student Activities – provide a variety of programs and services. Center for Student Involvement staff also administers the College’s Called to Lead program.

In addition, two student organizations join in enhancing campus life by planning unique events and offering services to Elizabethtown students. These organizations include Students Working to Entertain E-town (S.W.E.E.T.), which plans and coordinates special events; and Student Senate, the student governing body.

Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life

The Office of the Chaplain and Director of Religious Life strives to create a vital and vibrant atmosphere for spiritual growth and religious exploration. Each year, the Office sponsors Soul Café, Interdenominational Christian Worship, interfaith prayer services, the Labyrinth Experience, Fake Fireplace…Real Conversation, alternative spring break trip, and more. The Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain are available to students for spiritual mentoring, pastoral care, and vocational exploration.

Religious Life on campus also includes many active student groups, as well as a number of ministries from various denominations and organizations, including Catholic Campus Ministry, Campus Crusade for Christ, the Faith in Action student group, Hillel Club, the Humanist Alliance, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and Newman Club.

Through the leadership of the Chaplain’s Office, the College was one of approximately 250 colleges and universities to participate in President Obama’s Interfaith Campus and Community Service Challenge for the academic year 2011-2012. The Chaplain’s Office will continue to pursue a strong emphasis on interfaith understanding, leadership, and service in the coming years.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/chaplain.

Called to Lead Program

Called to Lead invites students to enlarge their potential by exploring leadership within the context of the meaning of life, the many things that really matter to them, and the ethical issues and concerns of the world. Students personally craft their own program from an a la carte menu of events, where faculty and staff address the question of what really matters in the world and why it matters, sharing networking dinners with alumni; participating in servant-leadership trips; attending mini-workshops on special topics, such as managing group conflict or leading from personal strengths; choosing innovative academic courses; and engaging in reading groups.

Students accumulate points for participation in events and courses, and receive recognition at the milestones of 300 and 600 points. Those who reach 1,000 points receive our Called to Lead certificate and a signature sash to wear at Commencement.

The Called to Lead program includes students from more than 20 different majors ranging from business to education to theatre. Currently, more than 400 students are involved in the program.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/programs/called-to-lead.

Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships Program

Through enrichment opportunities and mentoring from faculty and staff throughout the entire application process, the Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships program encourages high-achieving students to pursue nationally competitive scholarships that best reflect their values, goals, past experience, and future sense of calling and purposeful life work. These nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships fund undergraduate study, study abroad, graduate study, and independent research. Our program is guided by the professional fellowship advising values identified by the National Association of Fellowship Advisors, including integrity, collaboration, respect, and fairness, and by the mission of Elizabethtown College. Currently, students in the program include active campus leaders, varsity athletes, performers and visual artists, students who have studied abroad, and students who have done research with faculty. In the past, Elizabethtown College students have won Rhodes, Fulbright, Davies-Jackson, and Goldwater Scholarships.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/programs/fellowships.

Office of Student Activities

The Office of Student Activities (OSA) is comprised of a student leadership team that coordinates various social and fitness programs for the campus community under the auspices of Student Wellness and Residence Life. Students Working to Entertain Etown (SWEET) promotes social events on and off campus from comedians to city excursions. Efit organizes free group fitness activities and day passes to local gyms and the Body Shop team manages the on-campus personal fitness center located on the lower level of the Baugher Student Center. In addition, OSA coordinates campus Intramurals for students.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/osa.

Center for Student Success

The Center for Student Success provides comprehensive academic support services to Elizabethtown College students. The Center is comprised of distinct, yet integrated, service areas, including Academic Advising (including Student Transition Programs), Disability Services, Learning Services, Writing Wing, and International Student Services. Additionally, the Center’s Director chairs the Campus Wellness Network.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/student-success.

Academic Advising

Academic Advising guides students in the development of meaningful educational plans that are compatible with their life goals. This program supports and complements the faculty advising system on campus, and is available to all students at Elizabethtown College.

First-year students are assigned a faculty advisor, who also is their First-Year Seminar instructor. In their second semester, first-year students may declare a major and, if they do, will be assigned a faculty advisor from the department of their chosen major. Deciding or undeclared students remain with their first-year advisor for another semester, and thereafter will be assigned to one of our professional advisors from Academic Advising until they declare a major. Additionally, our students benefit from support and guidance from trained peer mentors, peer academic advisors, resident assistants, and Student Life professionals.

We strive to support students who are experiencing difficulty when that academic advice is the most productive – early and while there is still an opportunity to resolve it with a successful outcome. This office uses a time-proven, five-week early warning system, intended to identify students struggling in 100- and 200-level courses. This early-warning system provides intervention, referral and support. Additionally, Academic Advising provides support to all students at the College who are placed on academic probation.

The Director of Academic Advising or designee may conduct academic progress checks by contacting faculty to determine a student’s current academic standing, attendance, participation, and observable behavior in courses for the purpose of follow-up, support, or intervention.

The Director of Academic Advising or designee may notify faculty and staff when a student is unable to attend classes due to brief illness, hospitalization, death of a loved one, or other personal circumstances. The notification is to facilitate communication only and does not supersede individual course attendance policies. The student will be responsible for contacting faculty to discuss missed work. The student or family member may call (717) 361-1415 for more information. For more information regarding a Leave of Absence or withdrawal from the College, see Academic Policies .

Student Transition Programs

Academic Advising is home to the Momentum Program. In 2010, Elizabethtown College was awarded a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) through the Walmart Foundation’s Walmart College Success Awards program, to enhance the success of first-generation college students. With the grant, the College established the Momentum program with an interdisciplinary approach to introducing students to the liberal arts and sciences, helping them prepare for the academic expectations of college.

The program was called Momentum because the purpose is to help students build momentum toward their experience with fall orientation and college life. The program establishes a momentum which students maintain throughout their time at the college. Momentum is designed to prepare students for college, assisting them in their effort to get the most from their education and become an integral part of the college community. The Momentum program is a stimulus for students to become energized about Elizabethtown College and to help them maintain this energy, motion, and activity throughout their college experience. The program has an emphasis on students meeting academic expectations and developing mentoring relationships with faculty, especially their faculty academic advisor. Momentum students are also supported by upper class student academic peer advisors known as the Kinesis—the energy behind a momentum.

Academic advisors in the Academic Advising Office are the academic advisors of record for deferred, transfer, and international degree-seeking students until the student formally declares and/or is admitted into a major/academic program.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/advising.

Disability Services

Elizabethtown College is committed to providing equal access to all of its courses, programs and services for qualified students with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

The Office of Disability Services requires documentation from the treating health care provider about a student’s condition in order to establish the presence of a disability, gain an understanding of how the disability affects the student’s ability to function in a college setting, and make informed decisions about reasonable accommodations and adjustments. All requests for academic adjustments and accommodations are reviewed by the Director of Disability Services.

For further clarification about policies for students with disabilities or for information about the College’s disability policy grievance procedures, please contact Lynne Davies, Director of Disability Services, at (717) 361-1227.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/disability.

Learning Services

Learning Services encourages all enrolled students to take advantage of peer tutoring and resources for college success. Professional staff members provide students with assistance in time management, test-taking preparation, and study strategies. Faculty-recommended students provide peer tutoring in writing and specific academic courses.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/learning.

The Writing Wing

The Writing Wing can help all students improve their writing with the help of student tutors who are trained and updated on their skills by a faculty member who teaches writing at Elizabethtown, and who is also a professional writer. Writing Wing tutors are friendly, and it’s easy for students connect with them for an hour-long session. Many tutors are education or English majors, but there are also some from other majors. We emphasize a chain of events frequently called the writing process. It’s not simply a proofreading service; instead, it’s a learning service aimed at helping students become better writers. The Writing Wing also conducts workshops about all aspects of writing for faculty and students and can act as a resource about writing for anyone in the campus community.

To learn more about The Writing Wing, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/writing-wing, or to stop by and see us in the Baugher Student Center, second floor, in Learning Services.

Office of International Student Services

Elizabethtown College welcomes students each year from more than 25 countries who choose to study at Elizabethtown either as exchange students for a semester or year, or who pursue full degree programs. The Office of International Student Services (OISS) provides assistance and advice for these students and sponsors international co-curricular programs on campus. The Director of International Student Services serves the international student community by providing orientation and New International Student Seminar programs for new students, advising students about immigration and visa issues, and providing guidance about U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of State regulations. The Director also advises students about employment, taxes, extracurricular programming, and supervises the International Leadership Team.

ISS 101 - New International Student Seminar - An Exploration of Elizabethtown College and Beyond  

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/international-students.

Campus Wellness Network

Elizabethtown College’s Campus Wellness Network is an effective student support system that seeks to proactively identify and aid at-risk students. Composed of faculty and staff, the Campus Wellness Network bridges academic and co-curricular aspects of college life at Elizabethtown to take a more holistic approach to student success.

Any member of the campus community may refer to the Campus Wellness Network a student who he/she believes is experiencing difficulty in or out of the classroom. Once identified, the Network will formulate an appropriate course of intervention that will suggest choices and options that the at-risk student may not have recognized. Through interventions, students receive the support they need and learn valuable skills that benefit them not only during their college career, but throughout their lives.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/counseling/campus-wellness-network.

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) holds the primary function of resolving alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct, working collaboratively with community members, including the Dean of Students, staff members of Residence Life, Campus Security, Athletics, the Center for Student Success, the Office of Diversity, and members of the Student Conduct and Appeal Boards. The SRR office upholds practices of a facilitative and fair nature, respecting individual rights while balancing these with community integrity, honesty, civility, and safety. The SRR office is dedicated to enriching the social learning experiences of students, whether within a hearing discussing integrity or by connecting students with mediation opportunities. The SRR office staff members take pride in their daily interactions with students, especially in their goal of educating students about the College’s policies and procedures as well as the College’s goals of living healthy, balanced, and ethically rich lives.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/student-rights.

Residence Life

Elizabethtown College students are required to live in campus housing unless they are approved to live off-campus. The College offers a variety of housing options, including traditional residence halls, on-campus town houses and apartments, and Student Directed Learning Communities (SDLC).

In the traditional residence halls there are several floors designated as Living and Learning Communities, which are focused residential living/learning environments.

Juniors and seniors have the option to apply to live in our SDLCs. Established in 1992, SDLCs are housing opportunities in College-owned homes along the perimeter of the campus. These houses offer small groups of students the opportunity to create a unique, self-directed living environment, centered on a common theme, issue, or interest through which the group is expected to serve others and enrich the campus or the neighboring community.

Throughout the year, Residence Life staff members and student resident assistants create engaging programming and activities that enhance campus life and continue the educational experience outside of the classroom.

The Coordinator for Multicultural Affairs and Residential Communities works with the campus community to create and sustain an inclusive environment that examines, recognizes, and affirms the human dignity of all campus members. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, gender, gender identity and expression, age, and national origin. The Coordinator serves on the Campus Diversity Advocates committee, works collaboratively with staff, faculty, students, and senior administrators to enhance diversity and inclusive excellence on campus, and plays a leadership role in planning programs on campus such as student training, guest lectures, workshops, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Week.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/residence-life.

Student Wellness

The office of Student Wellness provides services and programs to foster the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being and development of Elizabethtown College students in order to facilitate students’ personal, social, and academic success. Student Wellness is comprised of three collaborative service areas (Student Health, Counseling Services, and Health Promotion), and uses a team and holistic approach to help students in a diversity-affirming environment.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/wellness.

Student Health

Elizabethtown College, in collaboration with Penn State Health Medical Center, provides comprehensive clinical health services for our students. Services are provided at the Penn State Health Medical Group’s Elizabethtown office located on Continental Drive within walking distance from campus.

Health insurance is required for all full-time Elizabethtown College students. The cost of the insurance is included in the fall comprehensive fee. Students who have comparable insurance and wish to be exempt from this requirement must complete an online waiver.

For the protection of the College community, all first-year full-time students are required to submit a health record, including proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella, meningitis, and an updated tetanus booster.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/health.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services provides a broad range of counseling and mental health support services that facilitate our students’ personal, social, and academic development. Our licensed mental health professionals provide short-term individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, and psychiatric services to currently enrolled students for no additional charge. Counseling services are provided in a confidential and diversity-affirming environment to help students address a variety of mental health, situational, and developmental concerns.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/counseling.

Health Promotion

Health Promotion strives to promote a healthier campus community through prevention programs and educational activities. Our Student Wellness Advocates focus on the eight dimensions of wellness to assist students in achieving individual well-being by making health choices based on their developing values. Health Promotion also offers The WELL, a resource room located in the Baugher Student Center that provides free over-the-counter medications and wellness resources to students. In addition, Health Promotion oversees the Body Shop fitness center and E-fit fitness programs.

For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/health-promotion.