University Life

Community

Asbury University is a community of learners in the Christian liberal arts tradition with a mission to prepare students educationally, socially, and spiritually to impact their world for Jesus Christ.  The community is committed to ten foundational principles [see “Handbook for Community Life” section] which promote the development of a lifestyle for a lifetime.  At the heart of this community are Jesus’ two great commandments found in Matthew 22:37-40: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind....And...you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Chapel

One of the historic distinctives of Asbury University is required chapel three times per week, during which time the great themes of the Bible, human intellect, and the world intersect and are addressed by a wide range of speakers. Chapel remains the most central time when we proclaim Christ Jesus as our cornerstone, and the pillars of this truth are Scripture, holiness, stewardship and mission.  This worship hour is sacred as students, faculty, and staff are challenged to listen, think, believe, and commit to the calling of Christ to be His people in a broken world.  For more information see “Chapel Attendance” in Academic Policies section.

Social Life

In order to develop an environment conducive to a higher education which is Christ‑like, the University has guidelines governing social life and conduct on campus. [See Handbook for Community Life for more information.]

Alcoholic Beverages and Drugs

We do not believe that the use of drugs and/or alcoholic beverages is in keeping with a Christian higher education experience.  Therefore, possession or use of alcoholic beverages and/or illicit drugs is not permitted.  Violation of this standard is taken seriously and leads to almost certain dismissal.

Tobacco

The use of tobacco is physically damaging to users, offensive to non‑users, and is not consistent with a Christian higher education experience.  Therefore, possession or use of tobacco in any form is not permitted to those enrolled in Asbury University.

Student Success Programs

The Asbury University community is committed to the academic success and overall satisfaction of the students enrolled.  In keeping with this commitment, the Office of Student Success Programs provides high-quality and effective informational and support programs and services that assist students in the acquisition of knowledge and skills that will assist them in successfully transitioning and acclimating into the academic, spiritual, cultural, and social climate of Asbury University.

 An extended orientation program is offered for new first year and transfer students each fall and spring as they enter Asbury University.  This program assists new students in their transition and adjustment to university life and provides opportunities for social interaction.

 Prior to New Student Orientation each fall, a special program for new international students and students who have lived overseas during the previous three or more years is offered.  The program is designed to address the immediate needs and issues these new students may encounter upon entering the U.S. and with collegiate life.

 Additional support for new students is provided through the Transition And Guidance (T.A.G.) Program. Upper-class student leaders (T.A.G. Leaders) are assigned to small groups of new students in an effort to help them become more immediately connected with academic and campus life, services, activities, and facilities.  T.A.G. Leaders work closely with their group of new students throughout their first semester on campus.

Leadership Development

Based on the belief that all students are potential leaders, Asbury University offers a leadership development program open to all students, which includes a variety of different elements designed to encourage personal involvement in community service and leadership development.  The co-curricular program LEAD-ON! provides experiences and workshops allowing students to develop their leadership theory, skills, and application.  Through the community service-learning office, students can develop their leadership skills by participating in hands-on service experiences in the community.  The Asbury University Challenge Course also promotes leadership development in the form of adventure-based learning.  Students participating in the leadership program receive a co-curricular transcript detailing their involvement in leadership activities, co-curricular activities and service projects.[See Student Leadership Opportunities section of the Handbook for more information.]

The Center for Academic Excellence

The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE), located on the lower level of the Kinlaw Library, exists to support students across all disciplines.  Asbury University students are offered free academic support through the CAE, which houses the Writing Center, general academic tutoring, tutoring for specific classes, and tutoring for students with identified learning disabilities.  Students can request tutoring any time during a semester and can meet with a tutor for multiple sessions.

 Tutors in the Center for Academic Excellence serve their fellow students through a dynamic tutoring process.  Tutors, who have mastered content-specific information about academic subjects, general academic skills, and writing, communicate this information to students at each student’s level of academic preparedness, competence, and confidence.

 Tutors work with students to encourage immediate and lifelong goals:  the ability to think and write on a college level and to impact the world for Christ.  One-on-one or small-group meetings allow for Christian fellowship, encouragement, and accountability.

Center for Career and Calling

The Center for Career and Calling exists to assist students in developing effective career decision-making and employment skills reflective of God’s unique calling on their lives. Career and Calling staff help students understand their interests, values, skills, and personalities while applying this knowledge to their choice of academic major, career exploration, and the job search process. The Center provides individual and group career counseling sessions and manages an online recruiting system to assist Asbury University students in connecting with employers and learning about job and internship opportunities. On-campus recruiting events, job fairs, and interviews are coordinated through the Center. Workshops and classroom presentations occur throughout the year to assist students in developing effective skills in areas such as resume writing, job and internship searching, and interviewing. See asbury.edu/career for additional information and online resources.

Center for Counseling

As a University community service of Student Development, the Center for Counseling endeavors to equip and encourage men and women associated with Asbury University toward greater personal and community health. Center staff is encouraged to take an active collaborative stance with fellow community agents to build on existing strengths and modify obstacles to student and community mental health. The Center for Counseling fulfills a vital role in developing the God-given potential of campus community members by providing a broad range of professional psychological services. A variety of services are provided in residence halls, classrooms, and administrative meetings as well as the Center for Counseling Office. Integrating psychological practice with Christ-centered principles, the office seeks to prepare students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service. Services are free (except for some assessments or special events/workshops) and are provided to students who are currently enrolled for at least nine hours per semester. See asbury.edu/counseling for additional information.

Campus Ministries

The Asbury University community is committed to the integration of faith, learning and living.  The Office of Campus Ministries is focused especially on nurturing students in their spiritual journeys by intentionally encouraging the discipleship, fellowship, and outreach of community members.  Small groups focusing on Bible study, accountability, prayer, and discussion are available for personal growth.  Opportunities to serve others include mission trips, various weekly outreach ministries of helping and compassion, and ministry teams to churches and camps during the summer.  On campus, students can be involved in peer ministry as discipleship leaders and residence hall spiritual life assistants.  The Office of Campus Ministries is committed to equipping students for ministry and service on campus, in the community, and around the world—thus preparing a new generation of Christian leaders.

Intercultural Programs

International, third culture, and U.S. ethnic group students all provide a richness of culture that is shared throughout the Asbury University community.  With a commitment to be inclusive and embrace all people, the Office of Intercultural Programs provides high-quality intercultural educational programs and services that impact student learning by facilitating student awareness, understanding, respect, and appreciation of cultural diversity.  Opportunity for students to impact the global community is provided through the Asbury Initiative Program, in which students conduct sustainable development projects in developing countries.

 Additionally, the office provides high-quality and effective support programs and services that are responsive to the needs of international, third culture, and U.S. ethnic group students and assist them in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful at Asbury University.  An intercultural new student orientation for international and third culture students is held each fall prior to the start of classes; students receive a handbook to address their particular needs.

Organizations

Organizations and clubs are an important part of life at Asbury University. Most students become active members of at least one organization or club. These groups are typically formed along Christian, cultural, personal or educational interests.  Examples include  Student Body Government, A Rocha (environmental advocacy club), Asbury Outdoors,  Christian Service Association, IMPACT, WACW (campus radio station), Intramural Council, Asburian (yearbook), The Asbury Collegian (student newspaper), Salvation Army Student Fellowship, Married and Non-Traditional Student Fellowship, Summer Ministry Teams, Teacher Educators for Learning and Leading (TELL), Tumbling Team, OMS Mission Society and WGM Student Involvement. 

Professional Organizations

Campus chapters of organizations related to various professional groups: Kentucky Education Association – Student Program, Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish), Sigma Zeta (physical sciences), Phi Beta Lambda (business), Phi Alpha Theta (history), Pi Kappa Delta (speech), the Music Educators National Conference, the Student Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Society of Collegiate Journalists, and the Student Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (SNATS).

Musical Organizations

Women's Choir, Chorale, Men's Glee Club, Concert Band, Orchestra, Handbell Choir, Jazz Ensemble.  Several Collegium Musicum Chamber Ensembles (Brass Quintet, Flute Choir, Percussion Ensemble, String Quartets, etc.) are available for student participation (see Music Department for details).

Athletics

There are many opportunities for students to participate in athletic events.  Asbury University recognizes the educational value of sports and maintains an extensive program of intercollegiate athletics.  These programs are designed to give students the opportunity for physical exercise and participation in events which develop a spirit of cooperation and good sportsmanship.  The programs are intended to be harmonious with the total training of students, preparing them to live as Christians in a competitive society.

 The varsity program is open to the skilled student-athlete who wants to participate in the highest level of athletic competition at Asbury University.  The athletic director, working with the Athletic Advisory Committee appointed by the president of the University, is responsible for the administration of the intercollegiate program.  The sports offered are the following:  women—basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball; men—baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, and tennis.

Intramurals

The intramural program is open to all Asbury University students, faculty, and staff and their participation is encouraged in any or all of the activities provided.  Activities offered for the women include basketball, flag football, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball; activities for the men include basketball, flag football, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball.  Qualified students may participate in the Tumbling Team.

Student Publications

The Asbury Collegian (student newspaper), Asbury Review (literary review magazine) and the Asburian (yearbook) are published by student staffs. The publications are produced under the direction of a student/faculty Publications Committee and are also related to the journalism program of the University.

Housing

Asbury University is committed to the residential university experience and thus expects full-time single students to live in University-approved housing. Students residing on campus are generally housed in traditional-style residence halls; however, one residential community, primarily for upper-class students, provides apartment-style housing.

Students who want to live off campus must meet one or more of the following criteria to be eligible to apply:

Students who are legally self-supporting

Students who are 23 or older

Students who live with parents, close relatives, or a legal guardian

Students who are working in an approved home for their room and board but who make no cash payment for said room and board

Students who are fifth year seniors

 These students must file an Application to Live Off-Campus by April 1 for summer school, May 1 for the following academic year, and by November 1 for the following spring semester. Forms are available in Student Development (ext. 2322) or in the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs (ext. 2140).

 The University also provides some housing for married and nontraditional students. Options include efficiency, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, all unfurnished. These are assigned according to the date of receipt of the housing application in conjunction with availability. Students who desire this type of housing should submit a request at the earliest possible date. Applications may be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Students (ext. 2166). A deposit equal to one month’s rent must be paid upon receipt of a housing assignment.   See asbury.edu/housing  or call (859-858-3511, ext. 2115) for additional information.

Students with Physical Limitations

Students with various physical limitations can be successful at Asbury University.  The institution attempts to assist students in accommodating their specific needs.  Students with special needs are asked to communicate their situation to the Office of Student Development so that possible accommodations may be evaluated in advance of their arrival.

Student Health Services

The University maintains a well-equipped health center with a competent staff of experienced registered nurses while school is in session. The health center is open 35 hours per week and nurse triage phone consultation is available for emergencies after hours.  Students may see the physician or nurses by appointment at no additional expense, except for certain prescription medications, diagnostic tests, and immunizations (including those for international travel).  Excellent medical facilities exist in nearby Lexington in case of serious injury or illness.

Food Service

The University operates a cafeteria housed in a spacious building, including a short-order food service on the upper floor.  The competent cafeteria staff provides excellent and well-balanced meals.  All students living in the residence hall must participate in either the 20 or 14 meals/week plan or the 225 or 175 block plan except the following, who are eligible to apply for the 7 meals/week or 95 block plan:

Students who eat with parents, close relatives or a legal guardian

Students whose meals are provided as a part of their work agreement

Students who are student teaching

Students whose work and class schedule conflict with the meal schedule

Students who have medical concerns certified by the University physician

Students who live in Aldersgate Commons (Must participate in either the 7, 14 or 20 meals/week plan or the 225, 175, or 95 block plan).

Resident students who meet one or more of these criteria and wish to participate in the 7 meals/week or 95 block plan must submit an application to the Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs at least one week before the beginning of the semester. Application forms are available in the offices of Student Development (ext. 2322) and Student Accounts (ext. 2330).

2011-2012 BULLETIN 08/01/2011