Students at Berry College enjoy the privileges and responsibilities of self-governance. The Student Government Association handles matters concerning the general welfare of the student body, subject to the supervision of the Student Life Council. The association, through its officers elected by the students, provides an educational experience that enables students to have the opportunity to grow in their knowledge and use of the basic democratic process. The Student Government Association is responsible for student committee appointment recommendations and the allocation of the Student Activity Fee. Every student is a member of the Student Government Association.
Berry College Volunteer Services
In living our Berry’s motto, “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister,” all Berry students are encouraged to volunteer on campus and in the Rome and surrounding communities. Berry College Volunteer Services (BCVS) connects students with local agencies, provides support for student projects, and work with students and student organizations for philanthropic events. BCVS promotes service by developing partnerships between residence hall areas and community partners, assisting students in matching their talents and interests with volunteer opportunities, and provides fall and spring break service trips.
The coordinator of BCVS manages all services and programs of the office under the direct supervision of the assistant dean of students and director of residence life.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center offers a variety of services for personal and academic concerns. Individual counseling is the center’s primary service, and counselors adhere to a policy that assures confidentiality. The center’s primary focus is on short-term counseling support. Other services include group counseling, outreach programs, peer education and testing. The resource library includes books, pamphlets, software, audiotapes and videotapes on topics related to personal development and academic skills. When appropriate, referrals are made to other agencies on or off campus.
The Counseling Center provides and fosters leadership in the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse and other health and wellness issues at Berry and in the surrounding community. The counselors hire, train and supervise a team of Berry students called Peer Educators who provide educational programs to promote responsible choices, attitudes and behavior.
The Counseling Center is committed to promoting student development intellectually, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. This commitment both complements and supports students’ academic learning experiences.
The director of the Counseling Center administers all services and programs of the office under the direct supervision of the associate vice president for student affairs.
Multicultural and International Student Support
The mission of the Multicultural and International Student Programs Office is to provide an educational program that prepares Berry College students to contribute to and succeed in a multicultural and global society. The Multicultural and International Students Program Office serves all Berry College students but focuses on support services for multicultural students. The staff is responsible for maintaining a welcoming, respectful environment and connections to campus resources for students of diverse populations. In addition, they construct programming and initiatives to cultivate awareness, appreciation and knowledge of self and others; infuse diversity education in curricular/co-curricular programs available to students; provide training, education, resources, and programming to address discrimination, bias, misconceptions, and stereotypes; and promote dialogue among students, faculty/staff, and alumni about ways to facilitate a culture that values more inclusion and civility.
The Director of Multicultural and International Student Programs serves as the chair of the Multicultural and International Student Programs Advisory Committee and advises the Black Student Association (BSA), In His Name, and the Berry International Club (BIC).
The director sponsors and coordinates programs centered upon multicultural education and programming. Those activities include Preparing Leaders for Ultimate Success (PLUS), a weeklong summer enrichment program for high school seniors, International Connection (ICON), programming and support for international students and the Goizueta Scholars Program, to foster academic success of Hispanic students. Other areas of engagement to stimulate learning and support include Hearts for Haiti, Lunar New Year Celebration, Japanese Paper Lantern Making Event, Native American Dream Catcher Creation, and movies with discussions to explore various multicultural and international themes and topics.
Religion in Life
Berry College believes that an educational experience should include growth in the understanding of the meaning of life. Through voluntary participation in Berry’s religion-in-life programs and the Christian foundation of the campus community, it is intended that each student will experience the openness, concern and responsible freedom to facilitate personal spiritual growth.
The college is a specifically Christian institution in purpose, although nonsectarian in character. The college chaplain serves as minister to all persons on the campus and is available as a trained counselor. Services of Protestant Christian worship are held in the Berry College Chapel each Sunday of the academic year for the entire Berry community. Roman Catholic mass is celebrated each Sunday evening. Information on the programs of the local synagogue and various churches is coordinated through the chaplain’s office. Local places of worship participate in Berry’s Worship Opportunities Fair, where students learn of the community’s many ministries.
Mount Berry Church (MBC) is an interdenominational, Christian congregation serving the campus community. Prompted by its motto to “follow humbly, love boldly,” MBC provides ministries of Christian worship, discipleship, fellowship and outreach. Weekly worship services are offered Sunday evenings in College Chapel. Berry’s chaplain serves as the pastor of the congregation, and several student leaders oversee the church’s many ministries.
The Interfaith Council provides religious programs and opportunities to ensure that Berry is welcoming to all people regardless of their religious background. Educational programs are offered to inform the campus about diverse religious traditions, and assistance is given to students looking for a specific religious community in the area.
The religion-in-life program is guided by a Religion-in-Life Advisory Council (RiLAC) composed of students, faculty and staff. Lectures, service projects and special-emphasis programs by guest leaders are a part of the total religion-in-life emphasis.
Various student organizations, such as the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Catholic Students Association, Canterbury Club, Campus Outreach, Presbyterian Student Fellowship, Heirway, Exaltation, In His Name Gospel Choir, Wesley Foundation, and others, provide an opportunity for further denominational or interdenominational activities.
The chaplain administers all services and programs of the office under the direct supervision of the Chief of Staff
Career Center
The Career Center provides resources and services to assist students in making academic and career decisions. Students are encouraged to visit the Career Center early during their college experience and become involved in activities that promote career exploration, job skills development, and life-long learning. The center provides assistance with career-related decisions, identifying career shadowing and internship opportunities, networking with employers and alumni, applying to graduate or professional school, and developing job-search strategies.
The Career Center offers individual career advising sessions, on-line resources and career library holdings, assistance with preparing resumes, cover letters and graduate school applications, networking, interview preparation, interviews with on-campus recruiters, on and off campus career fairs, workshops and special career events. Students have access to an online career management system, including internship and job listings, and document management resources. Services provided by the Career Center are available to graduates as well as currently enrolled students. The Career Center, along with the Student Work Experience Program, is under the direct supervision of the Dean of Student Work. Additional information regarding the Career Center is available at www.berry.edu/stulife/career.
Health and Wellness Center
Each student must complete a health-history/immunization record form prior to matriculation at the college. All information contained in the student’s record is strictly confidential.
Registered nurses are on duty from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The college physician and the nurse practitioner visit the campus two times a week to see students with appointments. Students needing treatment for minor injuries and illness receive outpatient care in the Health and Wellness Center.
Students are referred to off-campus facilities for treatment for more serious injuries or illness. Medical care at facilities other than the Health and Wellness Center and ambulance services are the students’ financial responsibility.
Information about student health insurance plans is available on the Health and Wellness Center webpage, http://berry.edu/stulife/health/. Information about student health insurance for student athletes is available on the Athletic Training webpage, http://www.berryvikings.com/information/Athletic_Training/ATForms.
The director of the Health and Wellness Center coordinates health education programs and outreach. HIT (Health Information Tables), Because We Care, a monthly health newsletter, and the annual Health and Fitness Expo are examples of the campus-wide programs.
The director of the Health and Wellness Center administers all services and programs of the center under the direct supervision of the associate vice president for student affairs and the medical director.
Residence Life
Residence halls are more than places to sleep. The residence hall community is an integral part of the college and residence within this community implies certain obligations and standards of citizenship. Student’s are responsible for the social life, extracurricular activities, and management of the residence halls as part of our commitment to self-government.
Berry College recognizes that every experience of college life is an integral part of the education of the students. In keeping with this ideal, residence halls are designed and staffed to provide facilities that are stimulating to personal, social and academic growth.
All residence halls are staffed with student resident assistants (RAs) whose general responsibilities are to make the residential experience as worthwhile, as productive and as meaningful as possible. The RAs assist students with academic and personal problems and/or refer them to the appropriate resource persons on campus. Each of the six residential areas is also staffed with a Head Resident (HR). The HR is an official staff member who is also charged with responsibility for the RA staff and the living areas.
The college maintains residence halls for approximately 1,800 students. All residence halls are air-conditioned. Each room is equipped with single beds, desks, chairs, dressers or chests. Rooms are equipped for telephone and cable-television accessibility. All residence halls have the capability to connect to the Internet and e-mail. The student must supply a pillow, sheets, pillowcases, bedspread, blankets and towels as well as the necessary personal articles. The residence halls are furnished with washers and dryers at no extra cost to the student. Residence halls have kitchenettes equipped with stoves and microwave ovens that allow students to cook light meals. Ice machines and vending machines are also provided for the students’ convenience. Living rooms in the residence halls are available for relaxation and various social events. Study rooms are also available for private or group study.
Berry College is a residential college, and students are expected to live on campus unless given permission to do otherwise.
The housing contract is binding for the entire academic year and may not be terminated by the student. Students must live on campus unless they meet one of the following criteria:
- 25 years or older.
- Married.
- Residing with their parents within a 40-mile drive of Berry College.
- Fifth year senior
If a student believes he or she meets one of these criteria, the student must complete an Off-Campus Application to request permission to move off campus before he or she may do so. Please note that this is an application process, and approval is not automatic. The Off-Campus Application may be accessed from the Residence Life website.
The Office of Residence Life communicates with new students about room assignments, policies and roommates prior to enrollment. Information regarding room selection is distributed to returning students in the spring semester. Returning students who fail to select a room during room selection and are not approved to live off-campus will be assigned to a room by the Office of Residence Life.
The Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life manages all services and programs of the office under the direct supervision of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Intramurals, Fitness, Outdoor Recreation and Athletics
An extensive program of physical education, intramural, recreational sports, outdoor recreation and athletics helps students fulfill their needs in physical fitness, personal social development and competition. A wide range of activities is offered for students of varying abilities. This program includes individual and team sports, club sports, and outdoor-recreation activities.
The college has four gymnasiums; an expansive, well-equipped weight-training room; two sand volleyball courts; many running and hiking trails; 10 tennis courts (four lighted); numerous intramural fields; four camp sites; an 18-hole disc golf course; and many acres of land are available for student, faculty, staff and alumni enjoyment.
The Cage Center offers aerobic-exercise classes, water aerobics, intramurals, a 25-meter pool, fitness and weight-training rooms, multipurpose courts, basketball courts, aerobics and fitness rooms, classrooms and a walking track.
Intercollegiate varsity athletic competition offers student-athletes opportunities in both men’s and women’s sports. Programs for women include basketball, soccer, tennis, cross country, volleyball, lacrosse, softball, swimming and diving, equestrian, outdoor track and golf. Programs for men include basketball, soccer, football, tennis, cross country, swimming and diving, lacrosse, baseball, outdoor track and golf. Academic requirements must be met to be eligible for a varsity athletic team. Berry’s athletic teams have achieved honors at the conference, regional and national levels.
The intramural and recreation area of the department offers a wide range of activities in individual, dual and team sports for men and women as well as coed activities. Some of the activities include basketball, flag football, softball, volleyball, golf, bowling, soccer, tennis and racquetball. Recreation includes on and off-campus outdoor recreation (hiking, biking, camping) and the BOLD challenge course.
The director of athletics administers all athletic and fitness services and programs under the direct supervision of the vice president for student affairs. The director of campus recreation administers intramurals, outdoor recreation, and co-curricular outdoor recreation programs under the direct supervision of the vice president for student affairs.
Student Activities and Organizations
To enhance life outside the classroom, the college provides a number of student organizations and special activities in which students may become more adept in social and cultural areas, may learn more about subjects of particular interest to them, and may take added steps toward realizing their leadership potential.
These student organizations and activities have a wide range of interest areas, including music, drama, business and the sciences; clubs and honor societies in various academic areas; student publications, with a newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine; and numerous service clubs as well as other groups centering on religious concerns. Full information on these varied activities of more than 70 organizations is provided in the student handbook, Viking Code. KCAB is the primary organization that coordinates student activities open to the college community, though many other student organizations sponsor campus-wide events. The director of student activities administers all services and programs of the office under the direct supervision of the vice president for student affairs.
New Student Orientation
The Berry College orientation program for incoming freshmen and transfer students is a two-step process. The first step is called SOAR-Student Orientation Advising and Registration. SOAR is held during the month of June and is designed to assist incoming freshmen, transfers, and their families with the transition into the Berry community. Five overnight sessions are scheduled in June of each summer. Students register for SOAR sessions online, and each SOAR session can accommodate up to 125 students. All incoming students must attend a SOAR session. During SOAR students and their parents:
Meet with an academic advisor and receive their fall class schedule.
Meet their work supervisor and learn about their first Berry College job.
Receive housing assignments for the fall.
Receive a Berry College email address and post office box.
Meet other new Berry College students and SOAR leaders who will assist in student transitions to Berry College
Students spend a night on campus in a residence hall.
The second component of the Berry College orientation program is called Viking Venture. This is a continuation of the orientation activities provided at SOAR and takes place the week prior to the beginning of fall semester. All new students-freshmen and transfers-participate in activities designed to welcome them to campus, provide resources which will assist them in the transition to Berry College, and help them connect with their new peers, faculty, and staff. Many of the activities during Viking Venture take place within their first-year seminar (BCC 100 ) course and are coordinated by the Office of First-Year Experience. The total cost for the freshman and transfer orientation program is $135, and this charge will be posted on the student account. International students are invited to attend a special orientation program prior to the start of Viking Venture in August.
The associate vice president for student affairs is responsible for planning, evaluating, and administering new student orientation programs at Berry College office under the direct supervision of the vice president for student affairs.
Basic Policy on Student Life
Berry College accepts responsibility for directing the academic, work-opportunity and religious programs for students. The college also accepts responsibility for the conduct and development of students. “Berry College” includes the Board of Trustees, the president, all faculty and staff, all students and all worthy traditions of this institution.
Every student is expected at all times to recognize constituted authority, to abide by the ordinary rules of good conduct, to be truthful, to respect the rights of others, to protect private and public property and to make the best use of time at Berry toward acquiring an education.
Every student has rights, which are to be respected. These rights include respect for personal feelings, freedom from indignity of any type, freedom from control by any person or persons except those in proper authority and freedom from rules and regulations not authorized by authorities of Berry College. Every student is entitled to pursue opportunities available in this institution. No faculty or staff member or student, regardless of position or rank, shall violate these rights. Those persons who may become parties to violations, either by lack of positive preventive action or by participating in administering, or in submitting to indignity of any type, will be held personally responsible. Every effort will be made to eliminate any unjust customs, traditions and practices in conflict with these rights. It shall be the personal responsibility of every faculty or staff member and student to cooperate with other administrative officers, work supervisors and officers of the student government in carrying out the provisions of this basic policy.
Additional Policies
In addition to the various policies of the college referenced elsewhere in this catalog, the following are important:
Students maintaining motor vehicles and bicycles while at Berry must have them properly registered in the office of campus safety and must park in a student parking lot. Regulations for operation of vehicles on the campus may be found in the student handbook and in the traffic code. The college does not permit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on the campus. Visitation in college residence halls is provided on a limited basis. The college may at any time require the withdrawal of a student whose conduct or general influence is considered harmful to the institution.
Berry College’s annual security report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by Berry College, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. A copy of this report may be obtained by contacting the Campus Safety Office or by accessing the following Web site: www.berry.edu/slife/safety, then click on the link to the Campus Safety Report.
Additional policies concerning student conduct, including Computer Use and Ethics Code, may be found in Viking Code, the student handbook. A copy is available upon request in the office of the vice president for student affairs and is available online.
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