| Saint
Mary's College
2006-2007 Student Handbook
Section 1: Student Affairs
ATHLETICS AND RECREATION
Saint Mary's College provides a strong Division III
varsity athletic program combined with a challenging club and intramural
program. Every year, participation increases and our varsity teams
get stronger and more competitive as we move up in the MIAA team
standings.
Personal wellness and fitness should be part of the
daily lives of every student and member of the Saint Mary's community.
Wellness and fitness are integral parts of the liberal arts education.
Saint Mary's provides something for everyone in terms
of fitness. If you are interested in something that we do not have,
just let us know! The Saint Mary's woman is an involved and highly
motivated leader. Your individual and residence hall participation
will make our programs richer and stronger.
 SAINT MARY'S PRIDE IS ON THE
RISE AND
YOU CAN BE THE REASON WHY!
• Angela Athletic Facility – The
facility provides a large activity area with volleyball courts
and one basketball court. Two racquetball courts are available,
and the fitness center is located on the upper level. The upper
level also has a 1/10-mile walking/jogging track.
• Recreation Facilities – Recreation
facilities include outdoor tennis courts, a soccer field, basketball
courts, sand volleyball courts, and a softball diamond. Indoor
facilities include a swimming pool, racquetball and basketball
courts, and a fitness center. Reservations for using facilities
may be made by calling the athletic department secretary at 284-4694.
Two racquetball courts are available for use on the lower level.
The fitness center is located on the upper level and includes a variety
of Cybex weight machines, treadmills, stairmasters, free weights,
and spinning bikes. The area is supervised, and the athletic department
will offer some instructional sessions periodically throughout the
academic year.
The recreational swimming pool is located in Regina
Hall and is available for use during posted day and evening hours.
The varsity swim team practices and hosts home meets at the Rolfs
Aquatic Center at the University of Notre Dame.
• The Varsity Athletic Program – Saint
Mary's competes at the NCAA Division III level and is a member
of the MIAA (Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association). In
the fall Saint Mary's competes in golf, volleyball, cross-country,
and soccer. Winter sports include swimming and diving and basketball.
Spring sports include softball and tennis.
It is an exciting time to be part of the Saint Mary's
athletic community. Any student is welcome to try out for any of
our varsity teams. Team meetings are held in the first few weeks
of the semester, so you should contact the head coach of the sport
you are interested in trying out for as soon as you arrive on campus.
In the fall of 2000, Saint Mary's added its own cheerleading
and dance teams to the list of activities for students. Information
will be posted and available at the student activities night in early
September.
There are many opportunities to be a team manager,
student assistant or sports medicine intern. Supporting all of our
teams at home events is another great way to show your support and
help increase Saint Mary's pride.
• Varsity Eligibility
Requirements – To
be eligible to participate in varsity athletics, a student must
be a full-time undergraduate carrying at least 12 hours of credit
per semester. Varsity athletes must also be in good academic standing
with Saint Mary's College.
 • The
Intramural Program – The
Saint Mary's intramural program has been restructured recently
and participation has doubled. We offer a variety of individual
and team sports and have established the Saint Mary's All-Sport
Intramural Championship awarded to the residence hall with the
highest number of participants combined with the highest scores
of all athletic competitions throughout the course of the academic
year. Some of the athletic competitions that take place are flag
football, roller hockey, indoor soccer, volleyball, tennis, basketball,
racquetball, and wallyball. The team championships for the winter
sports are the feature event that kicks off the biggest all-campus
event, Midnight Madness.
Advanced aerobics, step aerobics, spinning, and weight
training are offered throughout the year. For more information on
class times contact the Department of Athletics at 284- 5548.
• Club Sports – The
club athlete, like the varsity athlete, participates intercollegiatly
in many different sports. Saint Mary's and Notre Dame students
compete on the same teams and offer club sports in water polo,
synchronized skating, skiing, equestrian, field hockey and many
more. Many clubs offer open membership while others require participation
in a try-out process.
Saint Mary's has added its own clubs in the past
few years. The triathlon club has become competitive and has competed
on and off campus at triathlon competitions. The lacrosse club has
become another popular spring sport club. Look for information about
all of these clubs at student activity night in early September.
• Club Sports Eligibility
Requirements – In
order to be eligible to participate in club sports, a student must
be a full-time undergraduate carrying at least 12 hours of credit
per semester. Students may not be club officers while on academic
probation. Participants in club sport teams must provide proof
of insurance coverage prior to active participation. Club sport
teams are under the direct supervision of the Department of Athletics
and Recreation.
Please refer to your intramural and club sport brochure
to give you more detailed information about intramurals. You may
also contact your residence hall director who will be organizing
teams so your hall can challenge for the All-Sport Intramural Championship.
The brochure will give you a contact name and number for each Notre
Dame/Saint Mary's club team. Feel free to contact the assistant director
of athletics and recreation for more information.
Athletics Website: www.saintmarys.edu/~athletic
Recreational Services Website: www.saintmarys.edu/~recsvcs
COUNSELING CENTER
 The
Counseling Center provides individual counseling, workshops, and
consultation services for Saint Mary's students. Students experiencing
personal and academic difficulties can explore options for problem
resolution and growth. Each year approximately one quarter of all
enrolled students visit the Center for individual counseling.
Located
in 166 Le Mans Hall in the Student Affairs wing, the Counseling
Center is open weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. August 1 through
May 31. Staff is available for classroom, residence hall, and
student organization presentations.
Counseling Services - Individual
counseling services are provided by licensed mental health professionals.
To protect the students – rights to privacy,
all information shared in a counseling relationship is held confidential
in accordance with state and federal laws as well as professional
ethics. Individual counseling services are short-term. Students
who are interested or require longer-term individual counseling
may be referred to other resources in the local community. Short-term
(12 sessions per academic year) counseling is available only
to Saint Mary's students.
Psychiatric consultation is available to students
who have been evaluated by a Center counselor and continue on-going
counseling services. The College consulting psychiatrist is available
one-half day per week. Both counseling and psychiatric services are
free of charge to Saint Mary's students.
Counselors are committed to providing a safe, caring,
respectful environment where a student may explore personal concerns.
The following are examples of concerns students address in individual
meetings with counselors: stress management, relationship issues
(dating and friendship), anxiety, depression, eating disorders, drinking
problems (personal, family, or friends) and adjustment to Saint Mary's
and transition after studying abroad. Crisis assistance is available
to students who have experienced trauma.
Throughout the year programs are available to provide
focused exploration opportunities. Choosing a Major Night assists
undecided students in examing the range of Saint Mary's options.
Sophomore Success creates an opportunity for students to integrate
their results from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator into their choices
of major. Do What You Are provides insightful information for the
decision-making process of career options.
Web-Based Services-The Counseling
Center website provides information regarding personal growth.
Links to mental health resources are posted, be sure to bookmark
our site at: www.saintmarys.edu/~smccc.
Counseling Resource Center-The Counseling Resource
Center (CRC) is located in 168 Le Mans Hall and is open 8:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. In a casual atmosphere students can explore
information on personal growth, academic success and career opportunities.
Resources are available for check-out.
Alumnae Resource Network-The Alumnae Resource Network
(ARN) is accessed by computer in the Counseling Resource Center (CRC).
The ARN is a computerized datatbase that lists names, contact information,
and career histories of 4700 alumnae. The purpose of the ARN is to
connect Alumnae with current students for the purpose of gathering
information about a career field, a particular company or grad school,
and to build your network of contacts as you plan your next steps
after graduation.
The Counseling Center Website: www.saintmarys.edu/~smccc/
HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES
Health and Wellness Services recognizes each Saint
Mary's College student as being a unique individual created by God.
The entire staff is committed to maintaining the health of each student
by treating illness, addressing health concerns, providing health
education, and promoting healthy choices. All medical care and records
are held in strict professional confidence as specified by law and
professional ethical standards. A Release of Medical Information
must be signed for Health and Wellness Services to release any information.
 Health and Wellness Services is open Monday through
Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Students are evaluated by a registered
nurse on a walk-in basis. A general clinic, staffed by either a certified
physician or family nurse practitioner, is available daily. Sports
medicine and gynecology clinics are available weekly. All clinic
visits require an appointment. Students who fail to cancel a clinic
appointment will be charged a fee. Dietitian consults and massage
services are available weekly.
Students are not charged for visits to Health and
Wellness Services or for general medications or general medical supplies.
Students are charged for any medications, medical supplies, or tests
ordered specifically for them. Health and Wellness will send insurance
coverage information to test providers or send a copy of a prescription
drug card to the pharmacy. However, Health and Wellness Services
does not file insurance claims.
Additional services available through Health and
Wellness Services include direct access to prescription medication,
daily pharmacy delivery, laboratory services, immunizations, allergy
injections, and physical examinations. Intercollegiate athletic physicals
must be completed at Health and Wellness Services. Health and Wellness
has access to many excellent resources outside the Saint Mary's College
community. Due to the ongoing positive relationship with Saint Mary's
College and these resources, referrals are easily made on an as-needed
basis. Students are responsible for any bills from referred resources.
A complete health form, including a current immunization
record, is required for all students. Students with an incomplete
health form will be seen on an emergency basis only. Health and Wellness
Services does not provide a written excuse for class absences. It
is the responsibility of an ill student to contact the appropriate
faculty member about missed classes.
The Office of Health and Wellness Services is located in Holy Cross
Hall, room 50.
Health & Welness Services Website: www.saintmarys.edu/~health/
OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
 The mission of
the Office of Multicultural Affairs is to advance the understanding
of diversity at all levels by providing educational programs,
services, support systems, networks and the review and implementation
of policies and procedures on diversity initiatives.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs was created to
assist in the academic and social well being of under-represented
groups on campus so that they can be successful at Saint Mary's.
The staff of the office works to assist the students in reaching
their maximum potential by introducing resources available to them
through a multicultural orientation, community outreach programs,
sponsoring students at national and regional leadership conferences,
providing major keynote speakers and a variety of different leadership
and diversity workshops. Also a major goal is to help students succeed
academically by providing resources for tutoring, one on one mentoring,
and provide other educational and support programs.
The office also offers support services through advising
student clubs and organizations, co-sponsorship opportunities, providing
a meeting room and network for students, faculty and staff, leadership
opportunities, helping to create an atmosphere in which cross- cultural
dialogue can take place and outreach for community events and activities.
The office has a Multicultural Resource Room filled with books, periodicals
scholarly publications, documentaries, cultural movies for education
and entertainment, CDs and information on scholarships, fellowships
and internships. The Office of Multicultural Affairs works collaboratively
with organizations and departments throughout the Saint Mary's community
on diversity initiatives. Additionally the office works with college
administration and faculty to advance diversity throughout the campus
both inside and outside the classroom.
The office also sponsors a pre-college program
called "My
First Day in College" for high school students in grades 9th –12th.
The program encourages students from under- represented groups
to develop confidence in succeeding in higher education, especially
at Saint Mary's College. The program is offered twice a year,
once in the fall and again in the spring. Students have the opportunity
to attend classes, workshops on admission and financial aid,
tour the campus and have Saint Mary's College students serve
as their mentors and hosts.
We encourage all students at Saint Mary's to learn
about themselves and others through cultural exchanges that are both
educational and enjoyable.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs is located in 214 Student Center.
OMA Website: www.saintmarys.edu/~culture
RESIDENCE LIFE
 The Department of Residence Life reinforces
the philosophy of student development and strives to educate students
to accept responsibility for personal, social, spiritual, and intellectual
growth within themselves, with one another, and with members
of the College community. The College – s educational judicial
system is administered through this department; the director serves
as the judicial coordinator.
Each residence hall staff consists of a residence
hall director, resident advisors, night assistants, and student desk
workers. Each residence hall staff member works with her hall council
to promote quality community living.
The assistant director of residence life determines
all initial housing assignments and coordinates the annual room selection
process. Room changes throughout the year are also organized and
approved through this office. The assistant director is the live-in
staff person for Opus Apartments.
Two student organizations, the Residence
Hall Association and the Student Judicial Board, are coordinated
through the department of residence life. These organizations provide
student leadership opportunities as well as student input into
the administration of the residence halls.
Residence Life Website: www.saintmarys.edu/~reslife/
SAFETY AND SECURITY
 The Saint Mary's College Department of Safety and
Security is organized in accordance with Indiana state law. Its director
and officers have the authority of the College in protecting the
Saint Mary's community and in enforcing College regulations within
their jurisdiction.
Members of the Department of Safety and Security
will act in the best interests of public safety respecting the rights
of all members of this community and its guests.
Security Website: www.saintmarys.edu/~security
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
A vital part of every student's education
occurs outside the classroom. Through participation in clubs, organizations,
and other activities, students learn to apply theories and skills
mastered in the classroom to everyday life. A wide variety of organizations
and activities are available to students and all are encouraged to
become involved. The Office
of Student Activities assists students
as they explore their leadership capabilities by providing opportunities
for them to plan, implement, and evaluate programs and services.
Participation in academic and special interest clubs, publications,
and the many aspects of the student government association promotes
the intellectual, social, and spiritual growth of Saint Mary's women.
 Clubs and Organizations – Most
academic majors have an organization or club that helps students
to develop professional skills while providing them with exposure
to opportunities in their major. If a club or organization is not
available to meet a specific need or interest, students are encouraged
to work with the student activities staff to learn how to form
such a club.
The board
of governance may recognize or support
any student group, club, or organization that respects the Catholic
tradition, the mission of Saint Mary's College, and the philosophy
of the Division of Student Affairs. The decision by the board of
governance to confer recognition of a group, club, or organization
will be made after review of the application material submitted to
the Office of Student Activities.
If further consultation is needed, the board of governance
may request that the vice president for student affairs appoint a
committee consisting of at least one administrator from the Division
of Student Affairs, one faculty member, and the campus club and organization
commissioner. This committee will then determine whether or not the
group, club, or organization may be recognized. Once the decision
is made, it will be forwarded to the board of governance.
Saint Mary's College does not and shall not assume
or incur any liability, responsibility, or obligation with respect
to any entity recognized pursuant to this policy.
Recognition by Saint Mary's College is a privilege,
which may be granted, denied, suspended, or withdrawn at the exclusive
discretion of Saint Mary's College. The board of governance and/or
the vice president for student affairs may suspend, withdraw, or
revoke recognition of any entity if it is determined that such action
is in the best interest of Saint Mary's College. Saint Mary's College
may, but is not required to, grant a hearing to any entity whose
recognition is revoked or suspended. The determination of the board
of governance and/or the vice president shall be final and unappealable.
Publications – There
are numerous publications available for students to produce or
enjoy reading whether or not they are majoring in English literature,
writing, or communication. The publications include the Notre Dame/Saint
Mary's newspaper, The
Observer, the Saint Mary's student journal,
The Avenue, the Notre Dame magazine, Scholastic, the Saint Mary's
literary magazine, Chimes, the Saint Mary's yearbook, The
Blue Mantle, and the student magazine, Bellezine.
Student Governance – The purpose of the student
government association of Saint Mary's College is to provide for
student involvement in all aspects of college life: academic, social,
cultural, and recreational. Opportunities are available for students
to participate in planning a variety of programs including traditional
events, speaker series, and parents – weekends.
Services for the Pregnant Saint Mary's Woman
 The
woman with a pregnancy is of special concern at Saint Mary's
College. It is important for a pregnant student to feel supported
and cared for by the members of the College community. Far too
often, a woman may choose to terminate her pregnancy because
the negative consequences of carrying it to term appear to be personally,
socially, and academically insurmountable. The decision to accept
a pregnancy, carry the pregnancy to term, and remain at Saint
Mary's does not have to be the most difficult choice of all. It
is for this reason that Saint Mary's extends special concern and
support to these students and their families. Members of Health & Wellness
Services, Campus Ministry, Residence Life, and the Counseling
Center are available to assist students.
In his 1985 Pastoral Letter in Defense of Life,
The Most Reverend John Michael D' Arcy, bishop of the Fort Wayne-South
Bend Diocese, urges us "to stand with women at this time of
decision, to pray for them, walk hand in hand with them." Accepting
this challenge, Saint Mary's promises to care for and support
those women who choose to carry their pregnancy to term without
disrupting their course of study. Staff members are available
to work with a pregnant student to obtain academic advising,
prenatal care, nutritional or financial assistance, pastoral
or personal counseling, or adoption assistance.
Section:
2: Student Government >>> |
