Sections:
Sections:
Contact: Greg MacConnell, Director
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8660
Location: Moody Hall Ground Floor, Room 155
Primarily Serves: Students, faculty, and staff
Primary Functions: Academic Planning and Support (APSS) counselors provide individual guidance and information to help freshmen, undeclared students, and new transfer students take responsibility for defining and planning their academic objectives. Students and counselors work together to review academic progress, plan semester schedules, explore degree options, and clarify goals in preparation for assignment to a faculty advisor in the chosen major. APSS counselors also offer services to help students develop and use effective skills for successful academic performance. Services include individual academic counseling, study-skills workshops, learning strategies courses, and individual and group tutoring.
Contact: Mary Culkin, Coordinator
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-7:00 pm, Fridays 8:00am-5:00pm, Sundays 4:00pm-7:00pm
Phone: 512-448-1996
Location: Moody Hall Ground Floor, Room 115
Primarily Serves: Students, faculty, and staff
Primary Functions: Academic Success Center (ASC) offers a wide range of services for students, including one-on-one peer tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic coaching for student-athletes, online writing services and exams for class credit. Students can schedule appointments in advance by phone or walk-in. Click Here to view our services online.
Contact: Molly E. Minus
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am — 6:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8581
Fax: 512-428-1239
Location: Main Building 116
Primary Functions: The associate vice president for Academic Affairs assists students in resolving academic issues that they have not been able to bring to closure with the help of a school or an academic support area. Petitions for exceptions to academic policies and procedures are directed to this administrator. Confirmed cases of academic dishonesty are reported to the associate vice president for Academic Affairs. Academic probation, dismissal appeals, and reinstatement decisions come under this office.
The directors of Academic Planning and Support and Retention (APSS), CAMP, Career Services, and the Center for Teaching Excellence report to the associate vice president for Academic Affairs. Dr. Molly Minus is also the director of the McNair Scholars Program.
Center for Academic Progress
Contact: Bridget Davidson, Director
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8 am-6pm, Friday 8 am–5 pm
Phone: 428-1050
Location: Main Building 223
Primarily Serves: Prospective New College and graduate students.
Primary Student Functions: The Center for Academic Progress offers "one stop shopping" to New College and graduate students from the time they inquire about studies at St. Edward's University through admission.
Graduate Admission
Primarily Serves: Prospective graduate students
Primary Functions: Graduate admission coordinators provide information and admission services to prospective students regarding the available programs of study and the application process. St. Edward's offers twelve graduate programs:
New College Admission
Primarily Serves: Prospective adult undergraduate students
Primary Student Functions: New College admission coordinators provide information and admission counseling services to prospective St. Edward's undergraduate students who are adults (generally those older than age 24 or students of any age who have four years full-time work experience).
New College is the St. Edward's program designed to provide such students with undergraduate majors and degrees in educational formats specifically designed to maximize the success and value of the St. Edward's educational experience for the adult student who is typically juggling work and/or family responsibilities.
Contact: Joana Trimble Gandara, Coordinator
Phone: 512-464-8816
Email: itccmail@stedwards.edu
Website: http://academic.stedwards.edu/competency/
Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 am-6:00pm
Location: Moody Hall 309
Primary function: All Undergraduate and New College students who entered St. Edward's University are required to satisfy the Computer Competency Requirement. Students should satisfy this competency requirement as soon as possible; basic computer skills will be needed for many classes at St. Edward's University. Students must complete the Computer Competency Requirement PRIOR to registering for CULF 2321 or HONS 2321, and for Transfer students PRIOR to registering for CULF 3330 or HONS 3375. This requirement can be satisfied by successfully completing the five Computer Competency module web-based tests and completing the required portfolio assignments. The following is a list of the five modules covered in the Computer Competency Requirement:
These tests are available via the computer competency website: http://academic.stedwards.edu/competency/ Students who feel prepared may take these tests at any time online. Students who need to improve their computer skills before taking the tests will have the opportunity to take advantage of several training options provided by Instructional Technology, including online tutorials, and/or short workshops. For more information about the Computer Competency Requirement, go to: http://academic.stedwards.edu/competency/ or call 512-464-8816.
Contact: Marianne Hopper
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8720
Location: Holy Cross Hall 102
Primary Function: At St. Edward's University, in the Cultural Foundations sequence students explore broad, interdisciplinary themes that emphasize the importance of critical thinking and moral reasoning in achieving a more just society and a more just world. The American Experience and American Dilemmas provide historical perspective on U.S. society and acquaint students with contemporary social controversies. History and Evolution of Global Processes and Contemporary World Issues seek to give students a global perspective. Literature and the Human Experience and Understanding and Appreciating the Arts complete students' liberal arts education. The Cultural Foundations courses are supported with co-curricular programming, both required and supplementary, in the form of speakers; experiential, faculty-led workshops; and student conferences.
Contact: Marianne Hopper
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8720
Location: Holy Cross Hall 102
Primarily Serves: Undergraduate Students
Primary Functions: The Dean of University Programs administers University Programs which include the Freshman Studies Program, the Honors Program, Cultural Foundations, Capstone and the Global Understanding Program. University Programs assists undergraduate students in resolving academic issues involving university programs that they have not been able to solve with the assistance of area directors.
Contact: Sister Donna M. Jurick, SND
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8412
Location: Main Building 316
Primary Functions: The Executive Vice President of St. Edward’s University serves as a senior officer of the institution. Areas of oversight include: Global Initiatives; Information Technology; Institutional Assessment; Institutional Effectiveness & Research; Professional Education; Registrar’s Office; Sponsored Programs; Student Affairs; and university libraries.
Contact: Alex Barron
Phone: 512-464-8878
Email: alexb@stedwards.edu
Location: Holy Cross Hall 113
Primarily Serves: Traditional first-semester freshman
Primary Functions: Freshman Studies: The Human Experience consists of two linked courses designed to aid students in making the transition between high school and college, introduce them to ideals of the university, provide the foundation for their study of identity and social responsibility in the general education curriculum, and give them practice in both written and oral communication. Freshman Studies consists of a lecture course (Introduction to the Liberal Arts) linked with a writing course required of all freshmen. (Students with AP or dual-enrollment credits take Rhetoric & Composition II as their writing course.) See the Undergraduate Bulletin for a course description.
Contact: Barbara Filippidis, Director
Phone: 512-448-8558
Location: Sorin Hall 217
Primarily Serves: Academically talented students from all majors
Primary Functions: The Honors Program provides academically talented and highly motivated students with challenging educational experiences. Students are selected from diverse backgrounds and majors, and classes are usually limited to 15 students. Many honors courses may be used to fulfill General Education requirements. Admission to the program is limited, and academic standards are rigorous. Students who are applying for admission to the freshman class and who wish to apply to the Honors Program should contact the Admission Office. Students currently enrolled in the Undergraduate College should contact Barbara Filippidis, director of the Honors Program. Eligibility Criteria: Most students join the Honors Program as beginning freshmen, but a limited number of other students are admitted each year. Students should apply before completing 30 hours of coursework. Currently enrolled students must complete an application form and submit additional material providing evidence that they have a solid academic record (a GPA of at least 3.50 is required), strong analytical and writing abilities, broad scholarly interests, enthusiasm for learning, and imagination and creativity. The application requires that students submit a paper written for a college class, a personal essay explaining the student’s educational and career goals and potential contributions to society, and two letters of recommendation from faculty members supporting the student’s candidacy for admission to the program. After a completed application has been submitted, students will be interviewed by the director of the Honors Program.
Requirements for Completing the Program: To complete the Honors Program, students must take 24 hours (seven honors seminars and the Senior Thesis) and maintain a GPA of 3.50 in honors courses and a GPA of 3.50 overall. (Students who entered the program prior to Fall 2010 are required to have 3.50 in honors courses and 3.20 overall.) Students are considered to be on probation any semester they fall below the required honors GPA or the required cumulative GPA. Students who fall below either or both of these requirements for three consecutive semesters will be subject to dismissal from the Honors Program. Students who have not registered for a course in the Honors Program for three consecutive semesters will be dropped from the program.
Contact: Brenda J. Vallance, Ph.D.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8741
Location: Main Building 116
Primary Functions: The Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs of St. Edward's University serves as the institution's Chief Academic Officer to which the academic areas report.
Contact: Molly Minus, PhD, Director and Marta I. Noyola, MLA, Assistant Director
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-428-1268
Location: Woodward Office Building 133
Website: http://think.stedwards.edu/mcnair
Primarily Serves: Low-income and first-generation college students or students of underrepresented groups in graduate studies who are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree.
Primary Functions: Prepares participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Seminars, visits to graduate schools and GRE preparation are some of the benefits for McNair scholars. Scholars may also be eligible for summer research internships. Cost: McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO program primarily funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Contact: Helene Caudill, Dean
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9 am–6 pm; Friday 9 am–5 pm
Phone: 512-448-8648
Location: Holy Cross Hall 303
Primarily Serves: Working adult students
Primary Functions: The New College Program at St. Edward’s is a baccalaureate degree program designed to serve the higher education needs of mature adult learners. At the undergraduate level, New College offers its students the opportunity to pursue the BA, BBA, BLS and BS degrees in majors in professional fields, the humanities, the natural sciences and the social sciences. New College students are served by a faculty and staff dedicated to the adult student. Educational options and adult student services include the following: one-on-one advising; prior learning assessment; testing for credit through CLEP/DSST, Challenge, and other exams; and courses in individualized, self-paced, seminar, online, blended, and traditional day and evening formats. The college offers accelerated degree programs. At the graduate level, New College is home to the Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC), Master of Arts in College Student Development (MACSDV), and Master of Arts in Liberal Arts (MLA).
New College Advisors
Primary Student Functions: The New College advisors work with New College and graduate students in the MAC, MACSD, MAT, and MLA programs from the time they begin their studies at St. Edward's University through graduation. Advising specialists orient students to the programs, counsel them with regard to academic goals and objectives, review options for learning and earning credit, and monitor academic progress through graduation. The student and his or her advising specialist develop a detailed plan for meeting all degree requirements. The advising specialist also provides referrals to campus-wide student services and resources, and assists in determining the appropriateness of CLEP, DSST, and portfolio assessment in the student's degree plan.
Contact: Caroline Morris, J.D., M.F.A., Director of Fellowships
Hours: by appointment
Phone: 512-492-3157
E-mail: carolim@stedwards.edu
Website: http://think.stedwards.edu/fellowships/
Primarily Serves: High-achieving students
Primary Functions: The Director of Fellowships is the campus representative for prestigious national fellowships, grants, and scholarship competitions. The Director of Fellowships counsels high-achieving students on prestigious national fellowships and scholarships like the Fulbright, the Marshall, the Udall Scholarships, among others. Most students apply their senior year for funding to study and independent academic research domestically and abroad, but some funders support sophomores and juniors. Interested students are encouraged to set up a meeting with Caroline Morris early in their time at St. Edward's. In 2011-2012, twelve St. Edward's students won national fellowships, six Fulbrights, to Germany, Israel, Spain, S. Africa, and Costa Rica, two State Department Pickering Scholarships (out of 40 awarded nationally), an Emerson Hunger Fellowship, a Swiss Government Research Fellowship, a Critical Language Scholarship to Indonesia, and an Austrian Government Teaching Assistantship.
Contact: Tracy Manier, Associate Vice President and Dean of Undergraduate Admission
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-6:00pm; Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Phone: 512-448-8500
Location: Main Building 112
Primarily Serves: Prospective freshmen, transfer, returning, temporary and post-baccalaureate students.
Primary Functions: The Office of Undergraduate Admission provides general information about the university’s academic programs and other related services to prospective students. Specific services provided include evaluation of applicants for admission, counseling transfer students through an unofficial transcript evaluation, conducting interviews and campus tours with prospective students, and providing current students with the opportunity to assist in recruiting prospective freshmen and transfers through the Student Ambassador and Tour Guide organizations.
Important Dates:
| Application deadlines: | |
| Fall Semester |
February 1 (priority deadline) May 1 (final deadline for freshmen) July 1 (transfer, returning, temporary, and post-baccalaureate students) |
| Spring Semester | Nov. 15 |
| Summer Session | May 1 (transfer, returning, temporary, and post-baccalaureate students ) |
Contact: Lance Hayes, Registrar
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8 am–6 pm, and Friday 8 am–5 pm* (*note: 5pm prior to holiday and during breaks)
Phone: 512-448-8747
Fax: 512-464-8851
Location: Main Building 221
Primarily Serves: All students, faculty, and staff
Primary Functions: The Office of the Registrar is responsible for the generation and maintenance of academic records, including transcripts, grade reports, enrollment certifications, and class rosters. Office functions include registration, graduation, certification, grade collection, and the evaluation and posting of transfer credit. Additionally, the office is responsible for compliance with numerous federal, state, and regional regulations and practices. The office coordinates with academic departments in scheduling classes and final exams, developing calendars, and establishing deadlines.
Registration: Students at St. Edward’s use EdWeb, a web-based registration system, to register and make schedule adjustments (adds & drops). As a New or Readmitted Student, you will select and register for courses with the assistance of an advisor. During subsequent terms, you must process your own registration. All St. Edward’s University students are automatically assigned a computer account. To activate your account, go to the following web address: http://think.stedwards.edu/registrar/edweb, click on the EdWeb for Students link, and enter your assigned login name and initial (temporary password. You should receive a letter in the mail with this information. If you do not receive this information, please contact the Help Desk at 512-448-8443. After logging in the first time and setting a permanent password for your account, you will be able to access your EdWeb account immediately. If you need assistance with your account, forget your password, or have questions about connecting to the SEU system, contact the Help Desk at 512-448-8443. A student may add or drop courses any time during the add/drop (adjustment) period. Each student is responsible for determining, prior to the end of the adjustment period, whether he/she has the appropriate class schedule. Course prerequisites, compatibility with work schedule, and class assignments should be considered carefully. All schedule adjustments must be processed by the published deadlines. Students are allowed to withdraw from courses during the posted schedule adjustment period. During this period, the refund schedule set forth by the Office of Student Financial Services is followed. Students assume financial and academic responsibility for each registered course. Withdrawing does not automatically absolve a student’s financial responsibility for his/her educational expenses. It is the student’s responsibility to drop/withdraw from courses. Discontinuing attendance or notifying an instructor of a status change does not constitute a drop or withdrawal. The student is responsible for initiating and completing the drop or withdrawal procedure through EdWeb. If the student fails to complete the process, he/she will receive the grade(s) assigned by the instructor(s) of record and will be billed accordingly.
Note: The institution reserves the right, under specific circumstances, to cancel registration for non-payment. Instructors have the option to drop students for nonattendance but are not required to do so. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm any drop or withdrawal transaction(s), and maintain printouts of the transaction(s) for their records. The use of a student user ID and password to access the computer system is equivalent of a legal signature and creates the same obligations for the student. All transactions on the computer system constitute official records recognized by the institution. All appeal decisions related to policy or procedure will be based on the computer system transaction records. It is recommended that all students follow safe computing procedures. Protect your SEU login and password as you would your bankcard PIN number. Once you enter the EdWeb or Web Student Information site, the site is open until you EXIT/QUIT the browser. If you access the site from a public area, be sure to EXIT/QUIT the browser before leaving the machine.
Policy for the Withdrawal of Registered Students who are called to Active Duty within the Armed Forces Military Activation: If a current student is a member of the active reserve, ready reserve, inactive reserve or national guard and receives orders for active duty status, he or she has the option to (1) receive a refund of tuition for the courses that he or she is registered for in the semester in which he or she is to be activated, with the student’s transcript reflecting unrecorded drops for that term; or (2) receive a grade of I (Incomplete) for each course the student was registered for at the time of activation. The student would have one year from the date of withdrawal from St. Edward’s to complete the course requirements. Submission of the course requirements and methods of communication would be determined by the instructor(s). If the student does not fulfill the course requirements within the allotted time, the I grade will convert to a W grade. Should the course be discontinued or the original instructor is unavailable, a W will be assigned. Options are exclusive and may not be combined. Students who receive orders for active duty and who stop out for more than 36 months are bound by the Bulletin in effect when they re-enter. Returning students will be allowed re-admission upon completion of a Returning-Student application. Additionally, an official transcript is required from every post-secondary institution attended during the student’s absence, even if credit was not earned, a course grade was not received, or the course is non-transferable. Course work from one college posted on the transcript of another will not satisfy this requirement. Official transcripts are to be sent to the appropriate Office of Admission in an envelope sealed by the originating institution. The transcript will not be considered official if the student has had access to the actual transcript.
Office of the Registrar Web Pages: The Registrar web pages at http://think.stedwards.edu/registrar/ contain the most up-to-date and detailed policy, course, registration and graduation information. From this site, you can access a wide variety of personal academic information (grade report, student schedule, academic record, address review and update, EdWeb, etc.) as well as St. Edward’s course descriptions, schedules, dates and deadlines.
Address Changes: All active or currently enrolled students are required to notify the University of their current correspondence address. Address and telephone changes should be made via the web. Using your computer account, enter your login and password and go to Address/Employment Review & Update. Please review the addresses listed for academic and financial correspondence. All academic correspondence will be mailed to the address listed on the left. Financial correspondence, including registration confirmation and billing information, will be mailed to the address listed on the right. All addressing is done using a priority system. The TOP MOST applicable address from the table is used. Please add and update addresses as necessary. All changes are effective immediately.
Audit Procedures: To audit a course, the auditor must file the signed Audit Form with the Office of the Registrar after the first day of regular registration for any given term and no later than the Official Headcount Day. Students who wish to withdraw the audit and take the class as a registered student must complete the process prior to the end of the add period for the class. Auditors not enrolled for credit are not considered St. Edward's University students. Auxiliary services are not available to non-students auditing courses. These services include access to library, computer lab and blackboard services, as well as student identification cards. In addition to the audit fee, non-students who will be utilizing campus parking must purchase a commuter parking pass. The school deans determine which courses are open to auditors. The Office of the Registrar maintains records of all audits; however, no credit is given for audited courses. A student may not subsequently challenge a course he or she has audited.
Change of Name or other record changes: Currently enrolled students who wish to make an official name change must present a legal document such as marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order to the Office of the Registrar before the change can be made.
Diploma and Transcript Names: The name on the academic record at the time of graduation is considered the student’s permanent academic name and will appear on the diploma. Students wishing to change or alter their name for graduation must complete a Graduation Name Change/Correction form at the time they submit their graduation information form to the Office of the Registrar. Documentation may be required. Acceptable documentation includes: Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License or Divorce Decree, or the provision of BOTH the Driver’s License AND the Social Security Card. The Driver’s License is only accepted when used in conjunction with a Social Security Card and vice-a-versa. A graduation name change only changes the name that will appear on the diploma.
To change the name as it appears on the academic record, students should complete the Data Change or Correction Form located at: http://think.stedwards.edu/registrar/forms. Changing the name on the academic record requires legal documentation. A Driver’s License, a Social Security Card, or a combination of both does not constitute acceptable documentation for this type of name change.
Enrollment Verifications: Enrollment verifications are completed by the Office of the Registrar upon student request. Requests are generally processed within 1 working day of receipt. Official enrollment verifications cannot be processed before the Official Headcount Day of the requested term. Students requiring certifications for student loan deferment should contact the Office of Student Financial Services.
FAX Procedures: The Office of the Registrar accepts faxed requests for transcripts and verification letters. The appropriate request forms can be located on the Registrar's web page at http://think.stedwards.edu/registrar/forms. Processed verification letters can be returned to the recipient via fax; however, transcripts cannot. Grades: All faculty and instructors at St. Edward's use Web Grade Entry to enter final course grades. Final grades are available as they are posted by the instructor. If you have questions regarding your final grade, please contact your instructor. Final grade reports are not automatically mailed by the Office of the Registrar. Currently enrolled or active St. Edward's students may view their grades and request a final grade report by accessing EdWeb. To view grades, login and click on the link entitled Grades in the left frame. Be sure to change your option settings to the appropriate term and year. If you require an official printed copy, click on the Request Official Grade Report button at the bottom of the page. After you submit the request, you will see the grade report request date, status, and mailing address.
Grade Changes: The instructor of record for a course is the only person authorized to change an assigned grade. Grade changes are posted to the student’s academic record upon receipt in the Office of the Registrar. To appeal a final course grade, refer to the policy in this handbook.
Graduation Certification: Students who anticipate graduating in the next term are responsible for contacting their School’s Dean to begin the certification process. Since schools maintain individual deadlines for this process, students are responsible for initiating contact with each school in which they are completing a major(s) or minor(s) prior to the deadline established by the School. Students who fail to meet certification deadlines for the current term will be required to be re-certified by their school dean to be eligible to graduate during the following term.
Information regarding the Privacy Act (FERPA): St. Edward’s University complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This act is designed to protect the privacy of your educational records, to establish your right to review and inspect your records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate information through informal and formal hearings. You also have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act. The policy permits disclosure of educational records under certain limited circumstances and routine disclosures, at the University’s discretion, of information defined by the University as “directory information”: name, permanent and local addresses, email address, phone number(s), place of birth, major, minor or certification, class, anticipated degree and completion date, photos/images (excluding Student Identification photos), degree and date conferred, dates of attendance, current and previously registered hours, previously attended institutions, officially recognized sports participation including height and weight of team members, awards, and honors. You have the right to prevent the disclosure of directory information by filing a request in the Office of the Registrar on a form provided for that purpose. Such requests remain in force until rescinded in writing by the student, former student, or alumnus/a. Neither parents nor spouses may have access to student academic records unless the student has signed a release form. St. Edward’s University may, for purposes of verification, release educational records to other institutions that request them because the student seeks or intends to enroll within that institution. Such records are released without the student’s written consent.
Medium of Communication: The medium of communication for many academic issues at St. Edward’s University is email. Students are required to establish and monitor their SEU account on a regular basis. Students who have been notified of academic/curricular issues via their SEU academic email account will be considered to have been officially notified.
Pass/No Pass Declarations
Conditions for Undergraduate Students: Junior (60 hours earned), senior and postgraduate students may take up to 2 courses totaling 6 hours or less on a pass/no pass basis in any given semester and no more than 12 hours over the course of a student’s entire academic history. However, such classes cannot be part of the requirements for the major, minor, or any of the following general University requirements: FSTY 1311; FSTY 1313; ENGW 1301; ENGW 1302; CULF 1320, 2321, 3330, or 3331; SCIE 2320*; College Mathematics; Computational Skills; Oral Communication; Ethics; and Capstone Course or Honors Thesis. A letter of D or higher will count as a pass.
Pass/No Pass grades cannot be converted to letter grades and are not included in the GPA.
*If you are following a degree plan from a bulletin prior to 08-09 see the Dean of Natural Sciences for possible exception for SCIE 2320.
All Pass/No Pass Declarations must be completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the mid-semester date for Spring and Fall (as posted in the academic calendar), the 24th class day for the 12 Week summer term, and the 15th class day for the 6 Week summer terms. This declaration may be withdrawn at any time up until the above deadlines and the class taken for a letter grade. Deadlines and detailed information on Pass/No Pass Declarations & Withdrawals are available on the web at http://think.stedwards.edu/registrar/ and in the Undergraduate and New College Bulletins.
Conditions for New College Students: The following courses cannot be taken Pass/No Pass: A-NCCT 3330; A-PHIL 2329; a Critical Issues course, A-CAPS 4360; the course in English Writing; the course in College Mathematics; the course in Computational Skills; and core courses or required electives in the major or minor. Please refer to the New College Bulletin for filing deadline information.
Rank in class: St. Edward’s University does not calculate student rank in class statistics.
Room reservations for campus organizations: The Office of the Registrar reserves and schedules classrooms for faculty, staff, and on-campus organizations as well as university-related meetings. Requests can be made on the web at http://think.stedwards.edu/registrar/classroomreservations. All room reservations must be made through the 25Live Event Scheduler, which is available online through the Classroom Reservations page.
Student Right to Know: In compliance with Federal Student Right to Know regulations, information pertaining to graduation rates (non-athlete cohort data) may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar during regular business hours.
Students with Disabilities: If you have a documented temporary or permanent disability or condition which would prevent you from utilizing a computer to register for courses, or if you have a mobility-related disability or condition, please contact the Student Disability Coordinator at 512-448-8660, or visit Academic Planning and Support Services in Moody Hall, Room 155. Arrangements for assistance must be made prior to the day of registration. Student Voter Registration Information: In compliance with Federal and State statutes, St. Edward’s University hereby notifies enrolled students that they may obtain voter registration information and a voter registration application by visiting online the Office of the Secretary of State for the State of Texas at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/.
Transcripts: Current St. Edward's University students can view an unofficial transcript using their EdWeb account. Requests for official transcripts of the permanent record must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. St. Edward's University defines the permanent record as the student's academic history at the university. Official transcript requests must be submitted in writing (fax or mail), in person, or via the student EdWeb account. To order or request your transcript, contact the Office of the Registrar or visit http://think.stedwards.edu/registrar/transcripts for detailed information. There is no fee for official transcripts. Transcripts are not issued to students who have not met their financial obligations to the university. Transcripts cannot be returned or issued by fax.
Transfer of Credits: Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities, regardless of whether credit was sought or given, must be submitted. All course work submitted for transfer credit must appear on official transcripts with a recent date of issue. Transfer credit will not be awarded for any prior work completed at any institution that is not listed on the student's admission application form. Transcripts will not be accepted unless received directly from the original institution, or delivered in a sealed, stamped envelope from the issuing institution. All such transcripts become the property of St. Edward's University and part of the student's permanent record, and will not be returned or copied. No more than 66 hours of junior college or community college credit may be transferred to St. Edward's. Once 66 credit hours have been taken at such schools, no further two-year institution courses will be accepted for transfer credit under any circumstances. Undergraduate Independent Study: Independent study should be limited to those cases in which a senior student’s graduation would otherwise be delayed. Permission of the instructor and school dean are required. All independent studies will involve a minimum of six contact hours between the student and the instructor. If the course is scheduled for the current term, an independent study will not be approved. Ordinarily there is no provision for independent study in the long semesters. During the summer, all independent studies are in the summer 12 week term.
Contact: School of Humanities | Drew M. Loewe, PhD [drewml@stedwards.edu]
Office Hours: Hours posted each semester, including evening and weekend hours
Location: Sorin Hall 105
Website: http://academic.stedwards.edu/writing/
Primarily Serves: All students
Primary Functions: The writing center is a FREE service provided by the School of Humanities for the St. Edward's University community. The center is in Room 105 in Sorin Hall (see the campus map). You may make appointments seven days a week, up to two weeks from now, using the online scheduler. Appointments can only be made or cancelled using the online scheduler. You will see occasional "walk-in" slots on the schedule; these slots cannot be reserved, so be sure to arrive 15 minutes early. However, the overwhelming majority of slots are reserved for appointments.
Please plan ahead and make your appointments early, when you first get an assignment. The center is often "booked solid" (or nearly so) by about the fifth or sixth week of each semester.
All students may come to the center for help with any writing project, including
To help clients become better writers, writing center instructors first focus on the big concerns, such as
When necessary, the writing center will also provide assistance with grammar, mechanics, and style. However, it is not an editing or proofreading service; it is a place of learning connected to larger goals that the university has for its students. Thus, in addition to improving your paper now, the writing center is here to help you become a better writer in the long run.
Sections:
Students who are receiving scholarships, grants and/or student loans must maintain academic standards to receive the funds from one year to the next. These standards are assessed each year after the end of the spring term. Students who are not meeting these standards will lose their financial assistance but be offered the right to an appeal. The deadline to submit the appeal is June 15.
If the appeal is approved, the student will be offered assistance for one term only and be given an academic plan detailing under what conditions the student will continue to receive financial assistance.
Academic Criteria to Maintain Eligibility for Scholarships, Grants and/or Loans:
|
University Scholarships* |
cumulative |
completion rate percentage |
annual earned hours |
|
Scholar Awards |
at least 2.5 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
|
Moreau |
at least 3.0 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
|
Holy Cross |
at least 3.0 |
at least 75% |
at least 2 |
*offered up to four years of full-time enrollment
|
Grants* |
cumulative |
completion rate percentage |
annual earned hours |
|
University Grants |
at least 2.0 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
|
Federal Grants |
at least 2.0 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
|
State Grants |
at least 2.5 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
*offered up to four years of full-time enrollment
*contingent upon continued need-based eligibility
*requires annual FAFSA submission by reapplication deadline
|
Loans* |
cumulative |
completion rate percentage |
annual earned hours |
|
Federal Direct Loans |
at least 2.0 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
|
Texas College Access Loan |
at least 2.0 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
The following procedure will be used to deal with all matters of academic dishonesty, final course grade appeals, or other academic grievance. Under no circumstances are any of the steps outlined below to be omitted.
http://think.stedwards.edu/deanofstudents/studenthandbook/appealfinalcoursegrade
http://think.stedwards.edu/deanofstudents/studenthandbook/academicintegrity0
Academic grievances involving such matters as the instructor’s conduct of a class or a grade received for a particular test or assignment are to be settled by the concerned instructor and the student. If both parties fail to settle the dispute, either party may appeal to the dean of the appropriate school, New College or graduate program. If the grievance is not resolved with the aid of the dean of the school, the appeal may be made to the Associate VP for Academic Affairs. The decision of the Associate VP for Academic Affairs is final.
An academic community of integrity strives for excellence by creating a learning environment where high academic standards in terms of student performance, program integrity, course development and requirements are encouraged. This can only be realized if the community is aware of and adheres to clearly established values and goals where the end is personal and academic integrity. Our commitment to the values of academic integrity contributes to St. Edward’s University’s being a quality institution of higher learning and that adherence to the Mission Statement will continue to be fulfilled.
The ability to express ourselves articulately in both oral and written form requires an ability for critical and creative thinking which necessitates a clear sense of academic integrity. Academic integrity is important because it involves values which can be grounded in both reason and faith. The core values of academic and personal integrity are:
We achieve this not only through publication and proclamation of these values, but also by creating a learning environment where these values can be realized.
St. Edward's University expects academic honesty from all members of the community, and it is our policy that academic integrity be fostered to the highest degree possible. Consequently, all work submitted for grading in a course must be created as a result of your own thought and effort. Representing work as your own when it is not a result of such thought and effort is a violation of our code of academic integrity. Whenever it is established that academic dishonesty has occurred, the course instructor shall impose a penalty upon the offending individual(s). It is recognized that some offenses are more egregious than others and that, therefore, a range of penalties should be available. Whenever possible, it would also be important to try to determine the intent of the offender, since the error could be a result of careless work rather than an intent to deceive. The maximum penalty for a first offense is failure in the course, and if that penalty is imposed, the student does not have the option of withdrawing from the course. In cases of mitigating circumstance, the instructor has the option of assigning a lesser penalty.
After obtaining sufficient evidence that such dishonesty has occurred, the instructor should discuss the question with the student. Instructors who impose a penalty for serious academic dishonesty should report this penalty to the dean or director of the program in which the course is offered. The dean or director will report confirmed cases of dishonesty to the Associate VP for Academic Affairs, and a record of all offenses will be kept in the Office of the Associate VP for Academic Affairs. Offenses that resulted in failure in the course will then be reported to the Office of the Registrar.
The Associate VP for Academic Affairs will determine whether an earlier serious offense by the student has been recorded. A second serious offense merits an automatic appeal. Upon denial of this appeal, the Associate VP for Academic Affairs will dismiss the student from the university and notify the registrar and the dean or director.
A procedure for student appeal is already established and is outlined in detail in the Student Handbook, but it should be noted that, for appeals of decisions regarding academic dishonesty, the student must appeal to the dean of the school or program director within five (5) working days after being notified by the instructor.
The duty of an instructor to evaluate the performance of students in accordance with sound academic policies is fundamental to the formal education process. Should a student feel that the final course grade received from an instructor is either in error or academically indefensible, the student should first make every effort to settle the disagreement with the instructor. Only after the instructor and the student have failed to reach an agreement should further action be taken.
If the question is not settled by the instructor and the student, that student may appeal in writing to the dean of the appropriate school, New College, graduate program, or University Programs.
If the grade in question was received during the spring semester or a summer term, the dean of the school must receive the appeal on or before Oct. 1. Appeal of grades received during the fall semester must be made on or before March 1. Appeals ordinarily are heard only during the long semesters. During the summer sessions, the consideration of the appeals is dependent on the availability of all parties concerned, and the timeline is adjusted accordingly by the appropriate dean.
The dean of the school shall attempt to bring further clarification to the issues by interviewing both the student and the instructor or by any other means he/she deems appropriate. The dean of the school may either rule that the student has no basis for an appeal or recommend that the instructor change the grade. This decision shall be in writing, a copy being sent to each individual involved within 15 working days after notification of the appeal during the fall and spring semesters (fall, spring and summer trimesters for graduate programs). During the summer sessions, the timeline is adjusted by the dean of the school as needed in accord with the availability of the parties concerned.
If the student or the faculty member has a basis for contesting the decision of the dean of the school, the student or the faculty member may appeal to the Associate VP for Academic Affairs by filing a written request for a hearing before an Academic Appeals Committee. This request must be filed within five working days after the response of the dean of the school. See Procedures for Academic Appeals Committee.
The Appeals Committee has the authority to dispose of appeals by either dismissing them for lack of evidence or by requiring a change of grade. If the committee decides that a grade should be changed, the Associate VP for Academic Affairs will require that the faculty member who taught the course or the dean of the school in which the course was offered provide a different grade. Decisions of the Appeals Committee are final.
Please see the following link for more information on credit by exam (CLEP/DSST):
http://think.stedwards.edu/academicsuccess/testcenter
Special Recognition (Undergraduate and New College students)
The highest award is valedictorian of the graduating class. Criteria considered in this selection process are cumulative grade point average (at the end of the preceding semester for May graduates and the final academic record for August and December graduates), evidence of demonstrating University goals as found in the Mission Statement, and the number of credit hours earned at St. Edward’s. A minimum of 60 SEU credits for which letter grades were awarded is required for consideration. One valedictorian for the August, December, and May graduations is identified prior to the May commencement. Other distinctions include being nominated to an honor society, Who’s Who Awards, and honors and membership in the Honors Program.
Presidential Awards are presented each spring to outstanding seniors and graduate students who have exemplified qualities of leadership, service, and scholarship. The Student Life Office coordinates the selection of Presidential Award recipients.
An internship is a supervised activity for students in training to learn new skills, expand their knowledge of a particular field of study, and apply academic knowledge in a “real-life” situation.
Participation in the Internship Programs of St. Edward’s University gives students the opportunity to:
The aim of the Internship Programs of St. Edward’s University is for the student to gain professional experience in their field of study. By doing two or more internships prior to graduation, student make themselves more marketable to employers in life after graduation. Although only 52 percent of degree programs require internship experiences, the university believes that all students benefit greatly from a professional experience. Also, students learn to network with other professionals and have the edge on obtaining permanent jobs following graduation. The Internship Programs are flexible to the students and organizations’ interest. The internship can be on an academic credit or non-credit basis, in any given semester (fall, spring and/or summer), part-time or full full-time, and/or paid or unpaid. Internship positions are available with a wide variety of businesses and professional organization throughout Austin, Texas, the United States and the international community.
The Office of Career Services (Moody 134) acts as the clearinghouse for all internship information and opportunities. Following are specific academic policies with which the student should be familiar:
Students at St. Edward’s University use a web-based registration system to register and make schedule adjustments (adds and drops). New or readmitted students will select and register for courses with the assistance of an advisor. During subsequent terms, students must process their own registration. A student may add or drop courses any time during the registration period. After this period, a student may only withdraw from courses. After this period, a student may only withdraw from courses.
St. Edward's University promotes excellence in teaching and learning opportunities for all students in all academic programs. Student-athletes are no exception. However, on occasion, participation in athletic competition will necessitate a student-athlete's absence from class. In order for both faculty and student-athletes to effectively deal with these absences, the following policies and procedures are recommended. These policies and procedures should not in any way compromise the academic rigor and learning objectives of courses in which student-athletes are enrolled.
These procedures pertain to undergraduate students only.
Procedures:
Credit by Exam Policies:
Please see the following link for more information and dates on the Academic Calendars:
| Title | Name | Building | Room | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | George E. Martin | MB | 109A | X 8411 |
| Assistant to the President | Cristina Bordin | MB | 102 | X 8893 |
| Executive Vice President and Provost | Donna Jurick, SND | MB | 316 | X 8412 |
| Vice President for Financial Affairs | Rhonda Cartwright | MB | 215 | X 8413 |
| Vice President for University Advancement | Michael Larkin | MB | 303 | X 8452 |
| Vice President for Information Technology | David Waldron | MB | 314 | X 1667 |
| Vice President for Marketing and Enrollment Management | Paige Booth | MB | G16 | X 8775 |
| Vice President for Student Affairs | Sandra Pacheco | MB | 108 | X 8777 |
| Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs | Brenda J. Vallance | MB | 116 | X 8741 |
| Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness & Research | Bubhan Pandey | MB | 213 | X 8442 |
| Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs | Molly Minus | MB | 116 | X 8581 |
| Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students | Lisa Kirkpatrick | MB | 108 | X8408 |
| Associate Vice President and Dean of Admission | Tracy Manier | MB | 113A | X8602 |
| Title | Name | Building | Room | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interim Dean, School of Behavioral & Social Sciences | Russell Frohardt | DOYX | 114 | X 1381 |
| Dean, School of Education | Grant Simpson, Jr. | FLEX | 220 | X 8655 |
| Dean, School of Humanities | Sharon Nell | AND | 101 | X 8620 |
| Dean, School of Management & Business | Marsha Kelliher | TH | 320 | X 1287 |
| Dean, School of Natural Sciences | Thomas Mitzel | JBWN | 125 | X 5611 |
| Dean, New College | Helene Caudill | HCH | 303 | X 8648 |
| Dean, University Programs | Marianne Hopper | HCH | 103A | X 8551 |
| Director, Library | Pongracz Sennyey | DOYX | 310 | X 8470 |
| Director, Capstone Course | Todd Onderdonk | HCH | 109 | X 5632 |
| Director, Freshman Studies | Juanita Servin | HCH | 102 | X 8720 |
| Director, Honors Program | Barbara Filippidis | SH | 217 | X 8558 |
| Registrar | Lance Hayes | MB | 221 | X 8751 |
| Prefixes: 448 (84xx-8799), 464 (88xx), 416 (58xx), 326 (7xxx), 428 (10xx) | ||||
The institutional mission is a broad statement of fundamental purpose that embraces the social and intellectual aspirations of the institution. It is through the mission statement that the institution makes known its aspirations to develop the human resources and to serve education and society.
St. Edward’s University is an independent Catholic university open to qualified students of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs. The university provides a culturally diverse student body with an education that achieves a balance among the humanities, the sciences and the professions. St. Edward’s seeks to make its graduates competent in a chosen discipline and to help them understand and appreciate the contributions of other disciplines. Graduates should be prepared, through training in critical and creative thinking as well as moral reasoning, to analyze problems, propose solutions and make responsible decisions. They should be able to express themselves articulately in both oral and written form. They are encouraged to develop an understanding of the human person derived from reason and open to faith.
The university promotes excellence in teaching and learning in an environment which encompasses the campus classrooms, the student life programs, and the broader community. A caring faculty, recognizing that learning is a lifelong process, teaches the skills needed to be independent and productive. They encourage individuals to confront the critical issues of society and to seek justice and peace. Students are helped to understand themselves, clarify their personal values and recognize their responsibility to the world community. The university gives the example of its own commitment to service.
St. Edward’s was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross from which it acquired distinguishing characteristics: the courage to take risks, an international perspective, and the commitment to provide educational opportunities for students of varied cultural, religious, educational and economic backgrounds. St. Edward’s expresses its Catholic identity by communicating the dignity of the human person, as created in the image of God, by stressing the obligations of all people to pursue a more just world and by providing opportunities for religious studies and participation in campus ministry. St. Edward’s seeks to provide an environment in which freely chosen beliefs can be deepened and expressed.
A statement on Harassment, Discrimination and Community Standards
St. Edward’s University is a community of persons from diverse cultural backgrounds (ethnic, racial, creed, religious, gender, sexual orientation, age, disabled and socioeconomic). All parties in this community must strive to understand the individuality and uniqueness of those around us and to value those differences, as well as learn from one another in an atmosphere of positive encouragement and mutual respect.
St. Edward’s does not condone any form of conduct that goes beyond the legally defined boundaries of discrimination. We will not tolerate verbal or written abuse, threats, intimidation, violence or other forms of harassment against any member of the St. Edward’s community.
St. Edward’s will not accept ignorance, humor, anger or substance abuse as an excuse, reason or rationale for harassment. St. Edward’s believes that we are individually and collectively responsible for our behavior and should be held accountable for our actions. Individuals who choose not to support this commitment through acts of intolerance jeopardize their continued affiliation with the university.
Any student who believes he/she has been a victim of harassment or discrimination in class or in another campus setting, should bring this matter to the Dean of Students, 512-448-8408, the Director of Human Resources 512-448-8587, or other appropriate administrators. Any official other than the Dean of Students who receives a complaint should notify the Dean of Students to make certain that follow-up action is coordinated.
Confidentiality of all parties will be respected to the greatest extent possible.
Students are strongly encouraged to report the incident(s) and take advantage of the university support services available to them through the Health & Counseling Center, 512-448-8538 or 512-448-8686, Campus Ministry, 512-448-8499, and the University Police Department, 512-448-8444.
In accordance with the Mission Statement, St. Edward’s University strives to create an environment where freely chosen beliefs can be deepened and expressed. Freedom of expression and inquiry are essential elements of the university community. The responsibility to promote and respect conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the St. Edward’s community. In order to encourage the continuing growth of a free and cooperative community dedicated to learning, St. Edward’s puts forward this expression of rights and responsibilities. The protection of the freedom to learn is a trust shared by all members of the St. Edward’s community. Students must exercise their freedom with responsibility.
In all instances of general discipline, the student has the right to due process. Due process, as applied to student-university relationships and the disciplinary process, is equated with procedural fairness. The student should expect that he or she will be informed of the nature of the charges against him or her, that he or she will be given a fair opportunity to refute them, that judicial bodies or officers will not be arbitrary in their actions, and that provisions will be made for appeal of a decision.
Students have the right to freedom from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, age, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
St. Edward’s considers freedom of inquiry and discussion essential to a student’s holistic (spiritual, intellectual, personal, physical, vocational, and social) development. Thus, the university recognizes the right of all students to engage in discussion, to exchange thoughts and opinions, and to speak respectfully on subject matters appropriate to our mission.
Students have the opportunity to participate in the formulation of policy directly affecting students through membership on appropriate committees as determined by the Student Government Association and other recognized groups within the university.
Policies and procedures shall be accessible to students through the St. Edward’s University Student Handbook and other university publications.
Students, as members of the university community, have the responsibility to participate in any disciplinary proceedings and to testify as witnesses when reasonably notified.
Students have the right to be secure in their possessions, against invasion of privacy and unreasonable search and seizure.
St. Edward’s University is an Austin landmark and has been part of the city’s history for more than a century. The medallion placed on Main Building by the Texas State Historical Survey Committee in 1973 recalls the university’s colorful history, which grew from a chance shipboard meeting of two early-American priests.
The Very Reverend Edward Sorin, superior general of the Congregation of Holy Cross and founder of the University of Notre Dame, was bound for France and Italy in 1869 when he met the Reverend Claude M. Dubuis, bishop of Galveston, bound for the first Vatican Council. Bishop Dubuis offered Father Sorin’s congregation two diocesan schools in Brownsville and Galveston. Three years later, when Bishop Dubuis learned of Mrs. Mary Doyle’s intention to leave most of her 498-acre South Austin farm to the Catholic Church to establish an “educational institution,” he invited Father Sorin to Texas.
Father Sorin came to Austin, surveyed the beauty of the surrounding hills and rivers, observed the bustling growth and potential of the fledgling frontier town, and decided this would be the home for the new Catholic school. Father Sorin founded the school a year later following Mrs. Doyle’s death. Since he was a namesake of St. Edward, the Confessor and King, Father Sorin called the school St. Edward’s Academy.
Three farm boys met for classes in 1878 in a makeshift building on the old Doyle homestead, almost a mile east of the present campus. By 1881, the school was boarding students, and was called the “Catholic Farm” because faculty and students raised cattle, grain, vegetables and fruit on its land.
The academy expanded in 1885 when the president, Reverend Peter J. Franciscus, rapidly secured a state charter, changed the name to St. Edward’s College, assembled a faculty, set forth a syllabus of studies and increased enrollment. Father Peter J. Hurth became president the following year. His era saw the first school newspaper, the organization of baseball and football teams, and approval to erect an administration building. Well-known architect Nicholas J. Clayton of Galveston designed a handsome four-story structure in Gothic Revival style to be built of Texas white limestone. The first shovel of dirt was turned on the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, July 16, 1888, and the building a source of pride in the Holy Cross community and a grand structure for the early Southwest was completed 10 months later. It housed classrooms, offices, a dormitory, chapel, library and dining hall.
In the shadow of Main Building, the university has wildcatted for oil, trained pilots and dug its own artesian wells.
In Spring 1903, a mysterious fire destroyed most of Main Building except the entrance with its massive doors, the circular walls of the back stairwell and the stone column on the northwest corner. Before the fire’s embers were cool, a crew began rebuilding. By Fall 1903, Main Building was again open for classes.
Then, in 1922, flying debris hurled by a tornado again damaged Main Building. Nearby Holy Cross Hall was splintered, a gymnasium was obliterated, the school’s power plant was leveled, and the natatorium one of the few indoor swimming pools in the Southwest was destroyed. However, students resumed classes in Main Building the next day.
In 1925, St. Edward’s renewed its charter this time as a university. Most personnel were Holy Cross Priests, who numbered 13. Four Holy Cross brothers and five laymen were on the staff. That same year, Knute Rockne, Notre Dame’s famous coach, conducted his first coaching clinic in the Southwest at St. Edward’s.
Well into the 1940s, growth was slow. The historic 1945 General Chapter of the Congregation of Holy Cross transferred St. Edward’s to the newly created U.S. Brothers Province. Brother Patrick Cain was named acting president until the arrival of Brother Edmund Hunt in 1946. Brother Hunt was the first in a progression of energetic presidents, including Brothers Elmo Bransby and Raymond Fleck, who transformed the hilltop over the next 20 years, tripling enrollment, faculty and material assets.
When thousands of World War II veterans took advantage of the G.I. Bill, the university underwent instant growth. St. Edward’s purchased war surplus classrooms to supplement permanent structures, hired additional faculty and staff, initiated a building program, and began the 1946 school year offering courses in business administration, arts and letters, engineering and science.
In 1966, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Monroe, Mich., were invited to the campus to staff Maryhill College for women as a coordinate institution. By 1970, Maryhill was absorbed, and St. Edward’s became co-educational.
The years since have brought significant changes to the university and its campus. The vigorous growth was spurred, in part, by high-quality academic programs designed to meet the changing needs of students and of Austin’s professional population. In 1972, St. Edward’s established CAMP, the College Assistance Migrant Program, which helps children of migrant and seasonal workers access higher education, and a professionally oriented theater program. New College, an innovative undergraduate program for adults, began in 1974. Freshman Studies was added in 1975.
The 1980s also were a time of advancement. In 1984, Patricia A. Hayes became president; she was the second layperson and first woman to lead the university. Enrollment passed another milestone in 1986, reaching 2,500 students. Highlights of the decade included the opening of the Recreation and Convocation Center and a renovation of Main Building.
By the 1990s, more than 3,000 students were enrolled, and technology was integrated into every aspect of campus and classroom life with computers in wide use.
During that decade, St. Edward’s enjoyed a tenfold increase in the endowment from $2.5 million to $25 million. Through "The Second Century" capital campaign, St. Edward’s raised $27 million, exceeding its goal by $5 million. As a result, several building projects shaped the years leading to the 21st century. The Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center became a hub for student activities. Student apartments were added, and a joint project with the city of Austin brought a scenic pond that offers students a place to study the ecosystem.
In Fall 1999, George E. Martin became the institution’s 23rd president. He initiated efforts to attain national recognition for St. Edward’s as one of America’s best small universities.
The 1999–2000 school year also marked the beginning of new traditions at St. Edward’s including the annual blessing of the university seal, located in the Holy Cross Plaza, on the Feast of St. Edward. The event honors the school’s Catholic tradition and long association with the Congregation of Holy Cross.
Applications for admission have increased dramatically, setting new records each year since 1999. During this time, support from individuals, charitable foundations and corporations also has grown — support that nurtures the exceptional educational community at St. Edward’s.
New facilities also have been added to foster excellence in academics and on-campus living. Trustee Hall, a state-of-the-art academic building, added 15 classrooms, a 24-hour computer lab and faculty offices. The facility incorporates environmentally sound technology that reduces energy use throughout the building. Basil Moreau Hall, named in honor of the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, opened in Spring 2003. Located near the center of campus life, Moreau Hall houses up to 180 students in two traditional residence halls and 40 students in two house-style Casitas. Jacques Dujarié Hall, located next to Moreau Hall, opened in Fall 2005. Additionally, the John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center–North Building, a 65,000-square-foot facility, opened in Fall 2006. The university’s new residential village, which opened in Spring 2009, evokes a sense of urban living in the heart of campus. The village features three new residence halls and a wealth of student amenities, including a new Health & Counseling Center.
With enrollment exceeding 5,300 students, and partner universities in nine countries, St. Edward’s has consistently gained national recognition for providing a challenging and inspiring education that fosters a global perspective and empowers students to make a difference in their world.
For nine consecutive years, St. Edward's has been recognized as one of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report. In 2010, U.S. News placed St. Edward’s among the top five "Up-and-Coming Universities" in the Western Region. Additionally, The Princeton Review selected St. Edward’s for its 2012 Best Colleges: Region by Region. In 2006, The New York Times included St. Edward’s in its “Colleges of Many Colors” list, naming it one of the most ethnically and economically diverse private universities in the country.
St. Edward’s offers more than 50 undergraduate fields of study and 12 master’s degree programs. While the university’s campus, programs and leaders have changed over time, St. Edward’s has never lost sight of its mission. It will continue to transform lives by offering a personalized education that prepares students for the opportunities and challenges of an interconnected world.
King Edward (known as “the Confessor” to distinguish him from King Edward the Martyr (d. 978), step-brother of his father Ethelred II “the unready”) was born in 1003. Because of the Danish overlordship in England, he was reared in the care of his uncle, the Duke of Normandy, whereby he received an excellent education. The death of his father, the murder of his two elder brothers, and the tragic condition of the country under the Danish conquerors reinforced his religious beliefs. After the expulsion of the Danes (1042), he was called to the throne. The 23 years of Edward’s reign were a time of peace. Because of his exemplary life and his boundless charity, his rule had profound influence. He endeavored through the spreading of Christian spirit, discipline and morals to bring about a rebirth of his people who had become brutalized in their devastated land. Edward, the last king of Anglo- Saxon blood, died childless, Jan. 1, 1066. On Oct. 13, 1163, his remains were laid in Westminster Abbey, which he had magnificently restored. The feast day of St. Edward is Oct. 13 and is celebrated at St. Edward’s University as Founder’s Day. A statue of St. Edward stands on the north side of Trustee Hall on an outdoor, third-floor pedestal. St. Edward’s University
Originally, in the days when St. Edward’s was a high school, the mascot went from the saints to the tigers. Later the mascot became a mountainman. Legend tells that during a basketball game, some time ago, a few of the baseball players showed up with a live ram. They proceeded to race it around the gym during time-outs and slow periods. The ram was such a success that eventually it became the St. Edward’s University mascot. Today, the athletic teams are known as the Hilltoppers and the ram is named Topper.
The university seal represents the rich history of St. Edward’s University. Here’s a helpful guide to the meaning behind the university seal
Pedestrians passing through Holy Cross Plaza, for example, avoid walking on the university seal as a sign of respect for the university's founders.
Standing in front of Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, the pole is a symbol of the university’s commitment to encouraging and promoting peace throughout the world.
Main Building’s signature red doors have welcomed students, alumni, faculty and staff for more than 100 years.
Students rub the nose of the plaque honoring him outside of Scarborough-Phillips Library for good luck before tests.
A candlelit program of prayer and song for the university and Austin communities that culminates with a dramatic lighting of Main Building.
A weeklong event honoring the Congregation of Holy Cross, the founders of St. Edward’s.
Students square off against faculty and staff members during this annual spring event, which features food, beverages and live play-by-play commentary.
An outdoor event open to all members of the university community, celebrates the beginning of the new school year with live music, food, activities and fireworks that light the Austin skyline.
Alumni, students and parents arrive on the hilltop each February for an event-filled weekend with lots of activities for students including live music and dance, a tailgate picnic, and Casino Night.
The Legacy Walk is a special tradition at St. Edward's that bookends each student's St. Edward's experience. The day before classes begin, students from the entering class join in a procession into Main Building through the iconic red doors, through the heart of campus and into the Medallion Ceremony. Immediately following the Baccalaureate Mass in May, graduating students process through campus, to Main Building and out the red doors to symbolize the closing of one chapter and the opportunities to come.
New students receive university medallions at the start of the school year to welcome them into the academic community.
Students get ready for finals week with a delicious breakfast feast, games, music and crafts.
Forever SEU — St. Edward’s University (Words and Music by Brother Gerald Muller, CSC)
Atop the hill our Alma Mater Symbol to all Of truth and wisdom, faith and honor, Proudly, she stands tall. Saint Edward’s blue and gold Gaze and behold ... Our Alma Mater, hail to thee Forever S-E-U.
March on and win for SEU.
March on with joy and pride!
We're cheering at your side!
March on and win for SEU
Hilltoppers all are we!
March on for good old SEU and
Bring home the victory!
Sections:
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, St. Edward’s University’s policy related to campus security and statistics concerning certain types of crime are distributed through the University Police Department.
More specific information and questions concerning the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act should be referred to the University Police Department, Holy Cross Hall, Room G13, 512-448-8444.
In compliance with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Community Act, it is the policy if the university to prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of drugs. Students who violate the university policy in this regard are subject to disciplinary sanctions described in the section Conduct Standards and Disciplinary Procedures.
On June 17, 1976, the then Department of Health, Education, and Welfare issued the initial final regulations in the Federal Register for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1975 (P.L. 93-380 s 513) as amended (P.L. 93-568 s 2). An additional document relating to the Act, popularly known as the “Buckley Amendment,” appeared in the June 17, 1976, issue of the Federal Register.
Essence of the Act
Students, upon reaching age 18 or attending post-secondary institutions, must be permitted to inspect and review their own educational records, to the exclusion of their parents. There are no rights guaranteed under the Act for parents of students attending a post-secondary institution.
Institutions may not disclose information about students nor permit inspection of their records without the students’ permission unless action is covered by certain expectations as stipulated in the Act.
Student Review of Education Records
Education records covered by the Act and the official immediately responsible for maintaining them are listed below:
Academic Records
Student Affairs Records
Financial Records
Records specifically excluded and not available for review:
Any student who desires to review his or her education records may do so upon request to the appropriate office which is responsible for the record and submission of the “Student Request to Review Education Records” form. The student will be notified by the responsible office when the record will be available for review, within at least forty-five days of the request. Students must present photo identification prior to receiving the information. Original records will not leave the office responsible for them. During any inspection, copies of the records will, upon request, be made available for a reasonable fee. Copies of academic records will be denied if a financial hold exists or if a transcript of an original or source document exists elsewhere.
Disclosure of Education Records
1. Institutions must disclose education records without the written consent of students to:
2. Institutions may release, without written consent, those items identified as Directory Information. St. Edward’s University designates the following information as “Directory Information” for students who are currently or previously enrolled, provided the following conditions are met prior to disclosure:
Directory Information
To withhold the release of the above information, a student must submit a “Request to Withhold Directory Information” form to the Office of the Registrar. This request, once submitted, is permanent and will remain in force until rescinded in writing by the student. Should a student graduate with a directory-information hold in force, it will remain in force until rescinded. Students who are no longer enrolled at St. Edward’s are not eligible to request that their directory information be withheld. Any appeal of this policy should be submitted to the Registrar.
Challenge to Accuracy of Record Keeping (Amended 1996)
Students who believe their education records contain inaccurate information or violate their rights, have the opportunity to challenge the content of those records. Students may initiate a challenge by completing the “Student Request to Review Educational Record” form and submitting it to the Office of the Registrar. The Registrar will review the request to amend the record. If an amendment to the record is not approved, the student will be notified within 10 working days. The student may request a formal hearing by submitting a written request to the Chief Academic Officer. The student will be notified of the time, place, and date of the hearing within 10 working days of receipt of the request.
A hearing panel, appointed by an appropriate official having no direct interest in the outcome, will adjudicate the challenge. Students may present evidence relevant to the issues and may be assisted by one or more persons of their choice, including an attorney, at the student’s expense.
Decisions of the hearing panel will be based solely on evidence presented. All parties with a legitimate educational interest will receive a written summary of the evidence and reasons for the decision. Should the decision not favor the student, the student may place in his/her record a statement setting forth his/her reason for disagreeing with the decision of the hearing panel. This statement will be maintained as a permanent part of the record and will be included in any disclosure of the record.
The Division of Student Affairs fosters student development by providing a transformative learning environment in the spirit of the Holy Cross tradition. We engage students in personal interactions and experiences that cultivate moral reasoning, critical thinking, respect for diversity and a global perspective.
Students are challenged to clarify personal values and supported in developing identity, integrity, and social responsibility. Developing the whole person is a lifelong process of discovery that begins with and flourishes in connection with a compassionate and vibrant campus community.
Sections:
Contact: Greg MacConnell, Director
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8660
Location: Moody Hall Ground Floor, Room 155
Primarily Serves: Students, faculty, and staff
Primary Functions: Academic Planning and Support (APSS) counselors provide individual guidance and information to help freshmen, undeclared students, and new transfer students take responsibility for defining and planning their academic objectives. Students and counselors work together to review academic progress, plan semester schedules, explore degree options, and clarify goals in preparation for assignment to a faculty advisor in the chosen major. APSS counselors also offer services to help students develop and use effective skills for successful academic performance. Services include individual academic counseling, study-skills workshops, learning strategies courses, and individual and group tutoring.
Contact: Debbie Taylor, Director
Hours: Posted in the facility for Fitness Center, Pool, Gym,Racquetball Courts
Phone: 512-448-8480
Location: Recreation & Convocation Center, Room 213
Website: http://www.stedwards.edu/athletics
Primarily Serves: All students, faculty, and staff
Primary Functions: Intercollegiate Athletics plays an active role in the co-curricular life of many students at St. Edward's. The University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA Division II) and the Heartland Conference, fielding men's teams in basketball, baseball, golf, soccer, and tennis. Women compete in basketball, golf, softball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. The university's spirit program consists of a co-ed cheerleading team which competes in national competition, dance club, mascot and a student led spirit group call the HillRaisers. Admission to all athletic events is free for students with a valid ID card.
Contact: Melanie Foster, Manager
Bookstore Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9 am-5 pm; Wednesday 9 am-7pm; Saturday 10 am-2 pm; Sunday Closed; Extended hours at first three weeks of semester
Phone: 512-448-8575
Location: Fondren Hall
Online Shopping: http://www.stedwardsbookstore.com/
Primarily Serves: All students, faculty, and staff
Primary Functions: The University Bookstore supplies students, faculty, and staff with textbooks and study materials for all classes offered at St. Edward’s. Texts can be purchased new, used, or as e-book versions. In addition, the store offers the option of renting books for the semester. Books may be purchased in the store or on-line. The bookstore also sells school and office supplies, toiletries, greeting cards, emblematic apparel, and gifts. Computer software for PCs and Macs, as well as computer accessories are available on-line and in the bookstore. Additional late hours are set at the beginning of each semester.
Check-Cashing Policy: Students, faculty, and staff may cash personal checks of up to $50 or for $50 above the amount of purchase. No two-party checks will be cashed except for money orders and cashiers checks ($50 limit). Additionally, St. Edward’s University checks are honored up to $200. To cash a check, you must have a Hilltopper Card and a driver’s license or a Texas ID. Bank and Credit Card Policy: The Bookstore accepts VISA, Master Card, Discover, bank debit check cards, and Hilltopper Cards for purchases. You must have your Hilltopper Card to use your bank or credit card. The Topper Tender account is a debit account that can be used in the Bookstore or the Quick Dip Convenience Store, and is available through the Auxiliary Services Office. Buy-Backs: Book buy-backs begin the Wednesday before finals week. The Sales Return Policy is posted prior to each semester.
Contact: Barton Glaser, Associate Vice President
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8785
Location: Premont Hall, Room 136
Primarily Serves: All students, faculty, and staff
Primary Functions: The Business Office handles all accounting for the university, including accounts payable, cashier functions, grant accounting, and the distribution of financial aid refund cards. Students should see the Office of Student Financial Services if they wish to make payments, receive financial aid refunds, or inquire into college/non-college work-study or any other area of their accounts. (See Student Financial Services section for specific details.)
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Phone: 512-448-8499
Location: Mang House
Primarily Serves: All students
Primary Functions: Campus Ministry serves the religious and spiritual needs of the faith community at St. Edward’s. Campus Ministry offers various opportunities for faith development and a deeper spiritual awareness and the presence of God in our lives and one another. While promoting the university’s Catholic character, Campus Ministry attempts to minister to all members of our community. Campus Ministry fosters leadership through putting faith into action whether it be domestic and international service trips or with community partners in the Austin area. Campus Ministry encourages interreligious dialogue and a deeper awareness of the cultural and religious influences in our lives.
Campus Ministers: James Puglisi, DMin, Associate Director, 233-1693; Lou Serna, Assistant Director, 448-8537; Bro. Larry Atkinson, CSC, Assistant Director, 464-8819; Liza Manjarrez, Assistant Director, 448-8534; Monica Frazier, Assistant Director, 448-8548; Deacon Dick Orton, Deacon, 306-1633; Medina JS Bills, Senior Secretary, 448-8499
Schedule of Services at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel: Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. during academic year, 10:30 a.m. only during summer. Weekday Mass: Noon, Monday–Friday. The Chapel is open to all students from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Schedule of Services —St. Ignatius Church: St. Ignatius Church is located just a few blocks from campus at 120 West Oltorf (across from H.E.B.). Telephone: 442-3602 Masses: Saturday, 5 p.m., Sunday, 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11 a.m. (interpreted for the deaf), 1:00 p.m., in Spanish, 5 p.m.
For Various Faith Traditions: For information on weekly worship of other faiths, see the Places of Worship directory. The campus provides a Muslim prayer room in the Woodward Office Building room 144.
Contact: Andy Lemons, Coordinator
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm and by appointment
Phone: 512-233-1458
Location: Recreation and Convocation Center
Website: http://think.stedwards.edu/campusrecreation
Primarily Serves: Students, faculty, and staff interested in health and wellness activities as part of their experience at St. Edward's. Also provides employment, internship, and student leadership opportunities.
Primary Functions: Administer a comprehensive Campus Recreation program, including Intramural Sports program, Club Sport activities, Group Fitness and Personal Training, day to day operations of the Recreation and Convocation Center for general student body activity, and Aquatics programming.
Campus Recreation offers a variety of programs and facilities to members of the campus community. Programming includes intramural sports, fitness, and aquatics. Campus Recreation is also home to the St. Edwards Club Sport programs, with teams varying from crew to lacrosse. Additionally, Campus Recreation manages an informal recreation program, where students, faculty, and staff are welcome to drop in an utilize the facilities to improve their health and well being. Housed in the Recreation and Convocation Center, Campus Recreation facilities include basketball, volleyball, and racquetball courts, a recently renovated indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center equipped with cardio and weight training equipment. Outdoor facilities include tennis courts, a jogging trail, and a new intramural/recreation field.
Contact: Barbara Henderson, director
Hours: 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. Monday–Friday; After hours by appointment
Phone: 512-448-8530
Location: Moody Hall 134
Primarily Serves: Undergraduate, New College and Graduate students and St. Edward's alumni
Primary Functions: The Office of Career Services is the primary campus resource for students and alumni seeking career guidance and coaching. The professional staff includes Career Counselors, an Internship Coordinator and an Employer Relations Coordinator. Career Counselors help students set career goals; make decisions about majors and careers; secure internships; learn effective job search strategies including resume writing, interviewing and networking; and plan for graduate and professional school. Services are available through individual counseling, career workshops, networking and guest speaker events, and class presentations.
Career Services offers two career management classes: CPAM 1110/01- Independent Study and CPAM1110/02- GRE preparation. All students have access to and extensive career library in MH 134 and an online program called "Hilltop Careers" where they may search and apply for jobs and internships, sign up for career events, and receive notices of on-campus employer recruiting (http://think.stedwards.edu/careerservices/). The department sponsors an annual Job and Internship Fair and Graduate and Professional School Fair open to all students and to alumni. Other services include: business etiquette dinners and on-campus recruiting. It is highly recommended that all students make an appointment with a Career Counselor early in their college years for strategic career planning.
Center for Academic Progress
Contact: Bridget Davidson, Director
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8 am-6pm, Friday 8 am–5 pm
Phone: 428-1050
Location: Main Building 223
Primarily Serves: Prospective New College and graduate students.
Primary Student Functions: The Center for Academic Progress offers "one stop shopping" to New College and graduate students from the time they inquire about studies at St. Edward's University through admission.
Graduate Admission
Primarily Serves: Prospective graduate students
Primary Functions: Graduate admission coordinators provide information and admission services to prospective students regarding the available programs of study and the application process. St. Edward's offers twelve graduate programs:
New College Admission
Primarily Serves: Prospective adult undergraduate students
Primary Student Functions: New College admission coordinators provide information and admission counseling services to prospective St. Edward's undergraduate students who are adults (generally those older than age 24 or students of any age who have four years full-time work experience).
New College is the St. Edward's program designed to provide such students with undergraduate majors and degrees in educational formats specifically designed to maximize the success and value of the St. Edward's educational experience for the adult student who is typically juggling work and/or family responsibilities.
Contact: Esther Yacono, Director
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8625
Location: Academic Planning and Support, Moody Hall Ground Floor, Room 155
Primarily Serves: Freshman or first-year students from migrant or seasonal farm worker backgrounds
Primary Functions: The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) is a one-year program designed to assist freshmen or first-year students in making a positive and successful transition from high school to the college environment. CAMP is a residential scholarship program consisting of four major components: enrichment, academic advising, academic and personal counseling, and tutoring. Cost: The program is partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education through the Office of Migrant Education.
Contact: Pam McGrew, Manager
Fall and Spring Semester Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-6:00 pm; Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Summer and Non Class Day Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-5:00 pm; Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm; (Note: Closed 12-1pm for lunch.)
Phone: 512-448-8518
Fax: 512-448-8492
Website: http://think.stedwards.edu/copycenter/
Location: Main Building G-9
Primarily Serves: All students, faculty, and staff
Primary Functions: The St. Edward’s University Copy Center provides high quality color and black & white copying/printing and FAX services to students for personal use at the following rates:
Fax: Local: $1 (50¢/additional page), Long distance: $2 ($1/additional page), International: $6 ($2/additional page), No charge for receiving faxes
Black & White Copying/Printing: One-sided: 10¢, Two-sided: 10¢, Color paper: 10¢, Resume paper: 15¢, Transparencies: 35¢. These prices are for 8 ½ x11 other sizes are available (ask for rates).
Color Coping/Printing: Begins at $.40 for 8 ½ x 11
Color and black & white can be printed from an original document, PDF files on zip drives and CD’s, or PDF attachments via email. Variety of paper sizes (up to 13x19 for color copying/printing and 11x17 for black & white copying/printing), weights, and finishes available. All prices include tax.
Binding, Booklet Making, Scanning and Laminating: available (ask for rates).
Payment Types Accepted: Topper Tender and Cash Only
Contact: Lisa L. Kirkpatrick, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8408
Location: Main Building 108
Primarily Serves: All students
Primary Functions: The Dean of Students Office is part of the Division of Student Affairs and encompasses five major areas: Student Conduct, New Undergraduate Student Orientation, Homecoming and Family Weekend, Residence Life and Student Life. The Dean of Students supports each student at St. Edward's in his or her pursuit of academic excellence and personal development, while emphasizing the values of community, respect, social justice, integrity, and responsibility.
Contact: Michael Smith, General Manager
Dining Hours: Please see below
Phone: 512-428-1016
Locations: Ragsdale Center, Hunt Hall and LeMans Hall
Website: http://think.stedwards.edu/campusdining/
Primarily Serves: Students, faculty, staff and guests of the university
Primary Functions: Bon Appetit provides many styles of dining services in Ragsdale, Hunt Hall, LeMans Hall
South Congress Market: Located on the second floor of the Ragsdale Center, the South Congress Market (SCM) offers many exciting concepts including sushi and teriyaki rice bowls. Grill and Entree stations offer all the comfort foods you may be seeking. Italian Market features pasta specialties, pizzas, Italian deli sandwiches and chop salads. Salad Bar abounds with farm-fresh, local ingredients. Items from many stations are offered in Express Coolers for those on the run or in need of a quick break. Bulk items such as water, juices, cereal, baked goods and snacks are available to order, and can be purchased with dining plan funds.
Simple 600 is a customizable menu concept that provides customers with flavor-packed, healthful menu components that, when combined, total 600 calories or less. Simple 600 is an exciting station destination designed to provide customers and clients with more healthful options in a way that reflects consumer trends and addresses customer and client demands. The focus of this initiative is energizing your body with fun, customizable foods that help you feel and look great. Simple 600 provides nutrition information in an easy-to-understand format addressing a fast-growing customer and client demand for detailed nutrition information. The five weekly menus feature global flavors from the Middle East, the Mediterranean, America, Latin America and Asia. To allow for variety and choice, additional menus and menu items will be added periodically to the existing Simple 600 menus.
Students, faculty and staff with dining plans can use their Hilltopper card as a debit card at the cash registers. Account balances are displayed with each transaction. Students may also treat their family or friends in the SCM and our other cafes, as long as they accompany guests and have their Hilltopper Card. The Cullen and Kresge Dining Rooms are located adjacent to the SCM, providing a great place to eat a meal, grab a drink, or relax between classes.
South Congress Market Hours: Breakfast Monday-Friday 7:30-9:30am; Lunch Monday-Friday 11:00am-2:00pm; Dinner Monday-Thursday 5:00-8:00pm
Hunt Hall Cafe: Hunt Hall Cafe offers many classic favorites and daily specials designed to tickle your palate. Venues include Grill on the Hill, offering daily grilled entrees, rotisserie meat and poultry items, as well as favored American short order grill fare. Panini Press provides many options for students in the mood for a classic Italian sandwich. Soup and Salad features a variety of daily soups made from scratch. Hunt Hall Cafe also offers a full range of Starbucks beverages in the Bakery. Fresh fruit smoothies and juices are now featured there as well.
Hunt Hall Cafe Hours: Lunch Monday-Friday 11:00am-2:00pm; Weekend Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10:30am-2:00pm; Dinner Everyday 4:30-8:00pm
Hunt Hall Outtakes Hours (convenience store): Sunday-Thursday 10:00am-10:00pm, Friday and Saturday 10:00am-8:00pm
Hunt Hall Bakery and Starbucks Station Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-10:00pm, Friday 7:30am-8:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-8:00pm, Sunday 10:00am-10:00pm
The Huddle: Located in LeMans Hall, The Huddle serves barbecue and Mexican food, allowing students to design their own burritos, tacos, and quesadillas and enjoy campus life with live music, movies and trivia nights and many other events.
The Huddle Hours: Sunday-Thursday 2:00pm-10:00pm; Friday and Saturday 2:00pm-8:00 pm.
Jo's Coffeehouse: Located on the west end of the Ragsdale Center, Jo's serves coffee and specialty drinks, pastries, desserts, sandwiches and salads, and is a great place to get something on the go.
Jo’s Coffeehouse Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30am-Midnight; Friday - Saturday 7:30am-10:00pm; Sunday 10:00am-Midnight.
Doyle Cafe: Serves coffee, tea, specialty drinks, fruit smoothies, pastries, cookies, sandwiches, and salads. Doyle Cafe is located in the west end of Doyle Hall.
Doyle Café Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30a.m.-7:00p.m.
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8704
Fax: 512-448-8754
Location: Main Building 314
To prepare students to live and work in this culturally, economically, religiously and politically interdependent world we are developing study and experiential programs abroad, exchange and international student programs, and increasing international activities on the St. Edward’s campus and beyond.
All of these initiatives are collaborative activities for which the Office for Global Initiatives will serve as a catalyst to effect positive change throughout our community on campus and beyond. The Global Initiatives office at St. Edward's University is responsible for the university's Office of International Education and the initiation and oversight of St. Edward's efforts to make global connections for the benefit of realizing the university's international strategic goals.
Contact: Claudia Carroll, Director
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 am-6:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am-5:00pm
Counseling Center Phone: 512-448-8538
Health Center Phone: 512-448-8686
Location: Lady Bird Johnson Hall, #100 Ground Floor
Website: http://think.stedwards.edu/healthcounseling/
Primary Functions: The Health & Counseling Center is a safe and confidential setting where students can find assistance to cope with the physical and emotional demands of school, relationships, and life. Call or come by the office to schedule an appointment.
The center includes three service units:
Health and Counseling Center records are "medical records" and are kept confidential in accordance with federal and state laws, as well as ethical principles and standards established by Texas state licensing agencies. Medical records are entirely separate from students' "educational records" maintained by the Registrar's Office.
HEALTH SERVICES
Health Services is staffed by nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and a medical assistant. Services are provided to current SEU students by appointment. After-hours phone consultation for urgent medical problems is available by calling 512-892-7076. .
Students with an emergency medical condition are advised to call 911 or to go to the nearest emergency room.
Free services include treatment of minor acute illnesses and injuries, prescriptions for medication when appropriate, some immunizations, health information/education, referrals to specialists, general physical exams, and well-woman exams. Lab tests, some immunizations, and some medical procedures are not free, but are provided at a low cost.
All students enrolled for six or more credit hours are required to have an insurance plan that provides coverage in the Austin area. The St. Edward’s University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is administered by Academic HealthPlans. Enrollment in the SHIP or submission of an insurance waiver is done each semester during registration for courses. For more information regarding the Policy and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), please access www.ahpcare.com/stedwards or contact Academic HealthPlans at (855) AHP-CARE or (855) 247-2273. .
COUNSELING SERVICES
Counseling Services is staffed with Licensed and Staff Psychologists, as well as doctoral-level graduate students in psychology. Counseling for individuals and couples is available to current SEU students. Many students also schedule consultation sessions to help clarify concerns, make decisions, or talk over situations. Services are provided by appointment.
Crisis consultation by phone is available after-hours by calling the University Police Department at 512-448-8444 and requesting to speak to a staff psychologist.
Counseling staff support students in creating a balanced life, developing fulfilling relationships, embracing change, and discovering a clearer sense of self. The providers utilize a brief psychotherapy model that focuses on each student's strengths as a way of formulating solutions to the problems encountered in living. The Health & Counseling Center also provides space for additional treatment services including biofeedback for stress management, as well as support groups, psychoeducational groups, and group therapy.
WELLNESS SERVICES
Wellness and Outreach Services provides educational resources, prevention programs and early interventions that positively affect students’ well-being. Programming about healthy choices, alcohol and other drugs, suicide prevention, stress management, and physical/mental health is intended to empower students to make informed, positive lifestyle choices; take responsibility for self-care; and promote personal adjustment and growth.
In addition, the Health & Counseling Center offers basic wellness workshops to student groups on campus. These workshops are interactive and provide students with familiarity with a multi-dimensional model of wellness and information on how to make positive lifestyle choices.
These outreach services, programs and special events are delivered by Health & Counseling Center staff members and the Hilltopper Peer Health Education team. Health & Counseling Center staff often work jointly with other departments, such as Student Life, Residence Life and the Dean of Students, to provide a variety of co-curricular opportunities for learning and personal development.
Contact: Lydia Rodriguez, Administrative Coordinator
Hours: Monday–Thursday 7:30 am-4:30 pm; Friday 8 am-4pm
Phone: (512) 448-8601
Fax: (512) 462-7777
Location: Holy Cross Hall G12
Primary Functions: Auxiliary Services includes the bookstore, dining services, Ragsdale Center, and Hilltopper Card office.
ID Card Office issues the University’s ID card, accepts payment for Topper Tender, and issues current student, faculty and staff parking permits. Two accounts are available with the Hilltopper Card. One is the meal plan for resident and commuter students and the other plan, call Topper Tender, enables depositors to use their card in select vending and laundry machines, printers and copiers, as well as in the Bookstore, Quick Dip, all on campus dining service locations, and select off-campus merchants. Lost cards should be deactivated by accessing the web at www.hilltoppercard.com Replacements ID cards are $10.
Website http://think.stedwards.edu/computerhelp/
Location: Moody Hall 309
Phone: 512-448-8443
Self-Service Portal: https://helpdesk.stedwards.edu/helpdesk/prelogin.asp
The Computer Help Desk is the primary point of contact for IT support on campus. Contact the Help Desk with questions regarding accounts, email, networking, virus cleanup, supported software, phone changes, voice mail issues, and One Card issues.
Website: http://think.stedwards.edu/clams/
Supervisor Contact: David Fox, 512-416-5879
Computer Labs Maintenance Office: Moody Hall 119
For a map of the computer labs on campus, please visit http://think.stedwards.edu/clams/computerlabslocations. St. Edward’s University has four 24-hour computer labs: Ragsdale 212, Woodward Office Building 137, Trustee Hall 109, and the Johnson Hall Computer Lab. For more information about computer lab hours, please visit http://think.stedwards.edu/clams/hours-and-locations-0
The computers in all of the labs can be used for word processing, desktop publishing, programming, accounting, spreadsheets, statistics, digital imaging, computer graphics, computer assisted learning, e-mail, and web browsing. For more information about the operating systems and software available at the different labs on campus, please visit http://think.stedwards.edu/clams/lab-and-classroom-software#classlist
All students receive accounts and passwords that are used for access to all computers on campus as well the campus-wide network. Additional information may be obtained by calling 512-448-8663 or 512-448-8443 or online at http://think.stedwards.edu/computerhelp/ and http://think.stedwards.edu/clams/. In addition to providing computer and printer support in all computer labs, specialty science labs, library labs, and computer classrooms, the Classrooms, Labs, and Media Support Team support the installation of software packages, upgrades, and images in classrooms, provide assistance with video productions and support for audio/video devices, support for special events such as ACCESSU and other conferences, and loan electronic equipment including (but not limited to) digital video cameras, digital photography, digital audio recorders, tripods, and Mac display adapters.
Location: Moody Hall 308
Phone: 512-448-8663
Fax: 512-416-5812
Website: http://think.stedwards.edu/clams/media-services
Instructional Technology's Media Support provides classroom technology, digital services and training necessary for instructional excellence. Our primary focus is classroom instructional support. Services include:
SMART classroom demonstrations and assistance are available. Fall & Spring hours: Mon-Thurs: 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM; Fri: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Requests for digital services are accepted from 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM on Fridays. Requests must be submitted to MH 309A. There are no charges for the services offered, however we do not provide the materials (disks, tapes, etc). Please contact Adrian @ 428-1040 for these services.
Website: http://think.stedwards.edu/computerhelp/training
Instructional Technology’s Computer Training staff provides free computer training to currently enrolled SEU students, faculty, and staff. Our trainings offered include: workshops, class training for faculty, one-on-one instruction, new employee training, and department training, We offer instruction adaptable to students, faculty, and staff with many learning needs and styles. The trainings we offer cover most of the university’s supported software and a variety of social media services. In these workshops we provide documentation available in print and online format as well as online resources curated our staff. These trainings usually last between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the content and are offered monthly or by request, throughout weekdays, early evenings, and sometimes on Saturdays in the Moody Hall 309 Computer Training Room on the main SEU campus. Check the workshop schedule for trainings offered.
Contact: Esmeralda L. Hoang, International Education Coordinator
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-428-1051
Location: Moody Hall 102
Primarily Serves: International students studying at SEU and all students interested in study abroad opportunities.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES
The Office of International Education (OIE) provides advising services to international students. The OIE conducts new international student orientations to help ease students' transition to the United States and to introduce them to various resources that support their academic and social success on campus. The OIE advises international students on educational, immigration, employment, financial, social and personal concerns. The OIE acts as a liaison between students, schools and departments of the university, agencies of the U.S. government, foreign governments and private organizations.
STUDY ABROAD
The Office of International Education (OIE) coordinates and facilitates study abroad programming at St. Edward's University. The OIE assists students in selecting from a wide range of short-and long-term opportunities in countries around the world. Students are assisted in program and location selection and pre-departure preparations, including the transfer of academic credit and the use of financial assistance for study abroad. To be eligible for study abroad, students must have a GPA of at least 2.75. Students on academic probation are not eligible to apply for study abroad until they have met the requirements for satisfactory academic standing. Students who are on disciplinary probation or have incomplete sanctions are not eligible to study abroad.
Contact: Meridith Schmittou
Phone: 512-233-1678
Location: Main Building G11
Primarily Serves: The entire St. Edward’s community, as well as the Greater Austin Community
Primary Functions: To assist St. Edward’s University in internationalizing the University’s educational work by providing resources for faculty, students, and staff, as well as the Greater Austin community, to better understand critical global issues in the domestic and international agenda and their social impact. In addition, the Center works to help prepare students for the challenges they will face as they build careers in a rapidly changing and interconnected world. Finally, the Kozmetsky Center assists the public and private sectors in order to enable them to respond effectively to an increasingly globalized world, as well as provides resources to educational institutions at all levels so that they may contribute to increased international understanding.
Students participate in Kozmetsky Center activities in a variety of ways, attending briefing luncheons, in-class sessions, one-on-one interviews and public panels. The Kozmetsky Center provides students with professional opportunities as interns and as Event Assistants.
Contact: Pongracz Sennyey, Director
Hours: Call for recording of hours or visit web site: http://library.stedwards.edu
Phone: 512-448-8469
Location: Third floor of Doyle Hall
Primarily Serves: All students, faculty and staff
Primary Functions: The St. Edward's University Library building will be under construction during the 2012-2013 year. The new building is scheduled to open in the fall of 2013. In the meantime, the library will be housed in Doyle Hall and will be fully operational. Journal articles and over 100,000 e-books continue to be available through the Library Website. Some print books, all videos, all print magazines and newspapers, course reserves and interlibrary loan pickup are available in the library’s temporary location on the 3rd floor of Doyle Hall.
The librarians are still here for you! To get your questions answered, please go to Ask a Librarian, or come see us in Doyle. For tools to maximize research efficiency, see the Digital Library Toolkit.
For more information, call 512-448-8469 or go to the Library Website.
Contact: Paige Booth, Vice President
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8775
Location: Main Building G16
Primarily Serves: Alumni, friends of the university, parents of current students, the media and the general public
Primary Functions: The Marketing Office links St. Edward’s and the external community by communicating the university’s key messages and achievments to current and new audiences.
Specific Services: The Marketing Office publishes the St. Edward’s University Magazine three times per year for alumni, students, faculty, staff and others. In addition, the office assists other university offices with publications and events, and serves as the university’s news bureau. Students who wish to provide information for St. Edward’s University Magazine are invited to contact Frannie Schneider at frannies@stedwards.edu.
Contact: Connie Rey Rodriguez, Assistant Dean of Students
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8584
Location: Main Building 108
Primarily Serves: All new undergraduate traditional students
Primary Functions: The New Undergraduate Student Orientation Program is designed to introduce new students to the unique educational experience at St. Edward’s University. Orientation at St. Edward’s University is a process made up of intentional programming that integrates the students into a new cultural, intellectual and social climate that is grounded in Holy Cross Tradition. Undergraduate Orientation is a deliberate, collaborative institutional process where topics are addressed and relationships are fostered in an effort to transition new students into the campus community.
The New Undergraduate Student Orientation Program consists of four tracks, including, Freshmen Orientation, Transfer Orientation and Parent Orientation. Freshman students entering the fall semester may choose from several orientation sessions throughout the summer. Students entering the spring semester will attend a January orientation session. Transfer students may participate in a one-day orientation just prior to the first day of fall and spring classes. New Undergraduate Student Orientation includes an introduction to the St. Edward’s curriculum, student services, and University activities. Events planned during orientation provide opportunities to meet other new students, as well as St. Edward’s faculty, staff, student leaders and administrators. In addition, some academic placement testing is provided so that students may choose courses appropriate to their proficiencies. For more information, contact the Orientation Office at 512-448-8584.
Contact: Janet Kazmirski, Director
Hours: 8:30am- 4:30pm, Monday-Friday
Phone: 512-448-8588
Location:
Primarily Serves: All students, faculty and staff
Primary Functions: The University Post Office provides students, faculty, and staff with postal services which include selling envelopes and stamps, mailing packages by Priority mail or UPS, as well as sorting and delivering incoming personal mail to campus mailboxes. Only cash will be accepted as payment. A notice will be placed in the mailbox when a package is received. All students living on campus will be assigned a mailbox. The mailbox is for personal mail and may not be used as a business address.
Addressing Mail: Students living in the on campus apartments use the following address:
FULL NAME
Addressing Mail: Students residing in all remaining dorms use the following address:
FULL NAME
Each piece of incoming mail is looked up to see where the student is currently living; therefore it is not necessary to list the dorm or mailbox number in the address.
Permanent Address: The address that was supplied at the time of registration is considered your permanent address. Your permanent address should never be a campus address.
Local Address: Students who move out of campus housing to a local address should add a local address to their profile. This is done by logging on to EdWeb. Select the option on the left “Address/Employment Review & Update”. Locate the field for local address and add your address. Be sure to make changes as they occur.
Forwarding Mail: It is the student’s responsibility to notify magazine publishers, banks, and other businesses to change their address when they move off campus. Mail will be forwarded for one semester after the student moves off campus. After that the mail will be returned to sender.
Contact: Melanie Foster, Manager
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8a.m.–7p.m; Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sunday: Closed Abbreviated Hours for Summer and Breaks
Phone: 512-448-8575
Location: Fondren Hall
Primary Function: The Quick Dip has convenient hours for those on campus early and late. The convenience store sells soft drinks, various snacks and food items as well as toiletries, laundry supplies and some school supplies. Textbooks and other items can be reserved for pickup after regular Bookstore hours.
Contact: Gabriel Ornelas
Hours: Fall/Spring: Monday-Friday 7:30 am-10 pm, Saturday 9 am-10 pm, Sunday noon-10 pm. Summer: Monday-Friday 7:30 am - 9 pm, Weekends 9 am-9 pm
Phone: 512-448-8796
Location: Across from Holy Cross Hall
Primarily Serves: All students, faculty, staff, and guests of the university
Primary Functions: The Ragsdale Center houses dining and catering services, meeting space, lounges, a 24-hour computer lab, coffeehouse, auditorium, a UFCU ATM, and a 5,000 square foot ballroom. Reservations for event or meeting space are made online at http://think.stedwards.edu/ragsdalecenter/requestroom. For additional questions, contact the Ragsdale Center Information Desk (512-448-8796).
Offices for the following areas are located in the Ragsdale Center: Bon Appetit, Jo’s, Student Life and various student organizations.
Contact: Ellisha Isom, Interim Director
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8419
Location: Office of Residence Life, Community Building 1
Primarily Serves: Residential students
Primary Functions: Residence Life is responsible for cultivating intentional living-learning environments that build community and foster student development in the residence halls and the apartments. Residence Life also includes all assignment processes and facilities management functions. Residence Life staff includes Residence Directors (RDs) who are responsible for the overall management of the halls/apartments. RDs are trained, professional staff members who live in each of the residence halls and in the apartment community to ensure that the environment is conducive to building a positive community for residents. RDs are always ready to respond to emergencies and utilize the proper resources. Resident Assistants (RAs) are students who live on each floor of the residence halls and in the apartment community. RAs also play a key role in residential life, serving as relationship-builders, programmers, and as community resources. Additionally, student workers assist in the residence hall offices and apartment office.
For more information, see the Guide to On-Campus Living, call the Residence life Office at 512-448-8419, or visit our web page at http://think.stedwards.edu/residencelife/.
Contact: Nicole Trevino, Associate Dean of Students
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Location: Main Building 108
Primarily Serves: All students
Primary Functions: St. Edward’s University has a clear responsibility in the area of student conduct to protect and promote the pursuit of its mission. Any student, faculty or staff member may file a judicial referral charging a student with an offense of the Student Code of Conduct by making a report to the Dean of Students. In all instances of general discipline, the student has the right to freedom from discrimination and harassment (see the St. Edward’s student rights and responsibilities). The Dean of Students Office and its student conduct officers have the responsibility and authority to determine the appropriateness of a judicial referral, accept a student’s admission to a charge and impose a sanction, hear cases involving alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct and serve as advisors to both the complainant and accused student regarding procedures relating to the Code. Additional information regarding university policies and judicial procedures may be obtained by calling 512-448-8408 or viewing the Student Code of Conduct.
Contact: Kendall Swanson, MA, LPC, Director
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8561
Location: Moody Hall 155
Primarily Serves: Students
Primary Functions: Student Disability Services provides equal access to all students with disabilities, in keeping with state and federal law. Through this office, qualifying students receive appropriate accommodations and ongoing academic support. Counselors may assist with study skills, as well as appropriate skills for self-advocacy. Student Disability Services also offers counseling for students on practical ways to manage their disability as it impacts their academic life.
STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
Contact: Doris Constantine, Associate Vice President; Peter Beilharz, Bursar
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Location: Main Building 204
Phone: 448-8523; 800-555-0164
Email: seu.finaid@stedwards.edu
Website: http://think.stedwards.edu/studentfinancialservices/
Primarily Serves: All students
Primary Functions: Student Financial Services is responsible for the billing and collection of St. Edward’s tuition, fees, university housing, and meal plan charges. This office also handles the student employment program and veteran’s benefits, as well as the delivery of refund checks. Additionally, Student Financial Services provides advice and counseling to students and parents on financing their education at St. Edward’s University. This office determines eligibility for financial assistance and awards scholarships, grants, campus jobs, and student and parent loans.
Applicable to All Students
Financial Responsibilities: Students must make financial arrangements with Student Financial Services each semester for their educational expenses. St. Edward’s reserves the right to withdraw students from coursework who fail to make or keep their financial arrangements. Additionally, students who owe a current or past-due balance to the university may be barred from registration. Unpaid balances owed to the university will be subject to assignment to a collection agency (see PASTDUE ACCOUNTS section).
Military Leave: Members of the National Guard or any of the Reserve Components who are ordered to engage in military training (not to exceed ten class days in any one academic year) should notify their professors of their orders and make satisfactory arrangements to complete their course work. If these arrangements are not acceptable to the professor, then the student should contact the Registrar's Office to either have the course listed as an incomplete or to petition for a (an unrecorded) withdrawal and full refund for the course. Additionally, the student should inform the Office of Veterans Affairs (Main Building, room 204) of their action and provide a copy of their orders.
Billing and Collection of Charges: Students may choose from the following PAYMENT OPTIONS for the payment of their tuition, room, board, and fees.
1. Payment in Full
Education expenses may be paid with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, money order, cashiers check, or personal check.
2. Monthly Arrangement Payment Plan
Education expenses may be paid through the university’s monthly payment plan. This interest-free payment plan allows all or a part of the expenses to be divided into equal monthly payments. A nominal participation fee is charged per semester.
3. Employer-Deferred Payment Plan
Students who receive employer reimbursement at the end of a semester may elect to enroll in the Employer-Deferred Payment Plan. In this program, students pay a percentage of their semester’s tuition charges as well as a participation fee (and any other fees) at the beginning of the semester. The remaining amount is due approximately one month after the close of the semester. Students are responsible for payment of their deferred balance by the payment deadline date, even if they have not received reimbursement from their employer. To participate, students must submit documentation from their employers detailing their eligibility for employer reimbursement as well as a payment agreement contract.
4. Third-Party Billing
At a student’s request, St. Edward’s will bill employers or other entities(such as ROTC or trust funds) which pay for all or part of a student’s tuition cost (this does not include family members who pay tuition costs on behalf of a student). These entities will be billed after the end of the add/drop period during each semester. Students who take advantage of this plan must submit, before the start of each semester, documentation of the third party’s intent to pay.
Payments and Correspondence: Payments by credit card or electronic check may be made online through the EdWeb section of the SEU website. Payments by check or money order should be made payable to St. Edward’s University or SEU and should be sent to Office of Student Financial Services, Box 1031, 3001 South Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704. Please include the student’s ID number on any check or money order.
Miscellaneous Charges: Miscellaneous charges such as Health Center charges, parking tickets, and library fines are due upon receipt of a billing statement. A schedule of student charges is published annually in the Undergraduate, Graduate, and New College Bulletins.
Student Health Insurance: The schedule of charges includes a student health insurance charge at a rate of $613 per long semester. This charge will be included on the registration bill unless the student can provide his or her own or parents’ proof of insurance (company’s name and policy number) by the first day of the semester. All students are required to have student health insurance. Information on insurance claims and procedures is located in the Health Center section of this handbook. Health insurance charges are nonrefundable after the traditional undergraduate 12th class day.
Past-Due Accounts: Any balance owed to St. Edward’s at the end of a semester is considered past due and subject to assignment to an outside collector. Such assignment involves a reasonable cost, to the student, on the balance plus any attorney’s fees, court costs, and litigation. At the university’s discretion, students who owe a current or past-due balance may be barred from registration.
Transcript Hold: Anytime a student owes a balance to the university, a hold will be placed on his/her academic transcript. Generally, that balance must be paid in full before the transcript hold can be lifted. Students who owe a balance due to an EDPAY or a MAPP payment plan should contact Student Financial Services before requesting a transcript. Transcripts are not issued to students who have not met their financial obligations to the university or to federal student loan borrowers in their last semester or no longer enrolled who have not completed the required federal Exit Loan Counseling Session.
Diploma Hold: To avoid having their diploma held, graduating students must pay any outstanding financial obligations to the university in full. Additionally, students who received Federal Direct Student, Stafford, Perkins, or Graduate PLUS loan assistance while attending the university must complete an exit loan information session as required per federal regulations before their diploma can be released.
Return-Check Policy:
If a check given to St. Edward’s is not honored by the bank on which it is drawn, the following procedures apply:
1. The check, plus $25 for the handling cost, will be charged to the student’s account.
2. Within ten (10) days after notification from the Office of Student Financial Services, the student must make a cash payment for an amount equal to the amount of the check plus a $25.00 handling charge.
3. If payment is not received from the student within ten (10) days after the date postmarked on the letter, the check will be forwarded to a collection agency or the County Attorney’s Office for further action. If a check is assigned to a collection agency, an additional fee will be charged to the student’s account. If the check is assigned to the county Attorney’s Office, an arrest warrant may be issued.
4. The student is barred from writing checks to the university for a period of three (3) months following replacement of the returned check.
5. If additional checks from the same student are returned within the academic year, the student may be permanently barred from writing checks at the university.
University Refund Policy
Tuition refunds for traditional undergraduates:
SUMMER 2012
12 Week
SUMMER I
SUMMER II
FALL 2012
SPRING 2013
Tuition refunds for New College students:
SUMMER 2012
New College full-term courses including Directed Study courses:
FALL 2012
New College full-term courses including Directed Study courses:
SPRING 2013
New College full-term courses including Directed Study courses:
Tuition refunds for evening graduate students
SUMMER 2012
FALL 2012
SPRING 2013
Graduate Short Courses that Begin with MSLE:
MGMT 6199 Executive Series Seminars:
Some MLA courses follow an alternate schedule.
Room/Board Refunds: The university will use the traditional undergraduate refund dates and apply those percentages to the UNUSED value of the university housing and dining plan.
Undergraduate Academic Criteria to Maintain Eligibility for Scholarships, Grants and/or Loans:
|
University Scholarships* |
cumulative |
completion rate percentage |
annual earned hours |
|
Scholar Awards |
at least 2.5 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
|
Moreau |
at least 3.0 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
|
Holy Cross |
at least 3.0 |
at least 75% |
at least 2 |
*offered up to four years of full-time enrollment
|
Grants* |
cumulative |
completion rate percentage |
annual earned hours |
|
University Grants |
at least 2.0 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
|
Federal Grants |
at least 2.0 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
|
State Grants |
at least 2.5 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
*offered up to four years of full-time enrollment
*contingent upon continued need-based eligibility
*requires annual FAFSA submission by reapplication deadline
Graduate Academic Criteria to Maintain Eligibility for Loans:
|
Loans* |
cumulative |
completion rate percentage |
annual earned hours |
|
Federal Direct Loans |
at least 3.0 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
|
Texas College Access Loan |
at least 2.0 |
at least 75% |
at least 24 |
Dates and Deadlines
Consequences of Dropping Coursework: Students who receive financial assistance and do not register for the number of hours their aid is based upon or drop below that number before the end of the semester may have their assistance offer revised. This revision may include the revocation of any and all grant funds and the return of student loan funds to the lender. Additionally, such students may lose future eligibility for financial assistance depending upon the number of classes they drop.
Consequences of Withdrawing from Short Courses (Modules): Students who do not successfully complete all short courses (modules) for which they were registered on the first day of the semester (i.e., summer, fall, spring) may be considered "withdrawn" for the purposes of determining eligibility for "earned" financial aid (as discussed in “Consequences of Completely Withdrawing from Course Work” below). The University may be required to return "unearned" financial aid to the appropriate aid program, and this may result in the student owing a balance to the university.
Students who withdraw from modules that meet during the first session of the semester will be required to confirm their enrollment in any second session courses they wish to complete. If the student does not confirm enrollment in second session courses, the University is required to assume the student has withdrawn from all courses and must return any "unearned" aid.
Consequences of Completely Withdrawing from Coursework: According to institutional policy as well as state and federal regulations, if a student who receives financial assistance completely withdraws from the university:
1. Student Financial Services will calculate the amount of that student’s assistance which must be returned to the original funding sources by comparing the amount of the assistance “earned” through attending classes with the amount “unearned” because the student withdrew from school before the end of the term. Depending upon the withdrawal date, a student may lose all (or a significant portion) of his /her financial assistance.
2. If a student withdraws outside of a tuition refund period, that student may also end up owing the institution a significant amount of money, especially if the financial assistance, which was paid toward the tuition costs, is returned back to the original funding sources. If or when such a balance occurs, payment in full for the debt will be due to the university immediately. Additionally, St. Edward’s University will withhold that student’s academic transcript until the debt has been paid. If the university is not paid, the debt will be turned over to a collection agency which will add additional fees to the already existing debt.
3. Finally, if a student completely withdraws during a semester, he/she will lose future eligibility for financial assistance through St. Edward’s University (with the possible exception of withdrawal due to extreme mitigating circumstances).
Issuing Refunds to Students
After all tuition, fees, and other charges are paid, students with excess funds in their student accounts are issued a refund. The university offers two options to receive the credit balance: students can choose to have their refund credited to their bank account or to have their credit applied to a university-issued stored-value card. Students must log in to the “Billing Information” section of their university EdWeb account to select one of these two options.
Contact: Tom Sullivan, Director
Phone: 512-448-8422
Location: Ragsdale Center 304
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm
Web: http://think.stedwards.edu/studentlife/
Primarily Serves: All students
Primary Functions:
INVOLVEMENT IN STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Studies in student development theory indicate that those who are involved in their campus community are more likely to learn leadership and communication skills, teamwork, conflict resolution techniques, time management and responsibility. Becoming involved in an organization affords students the opportunity to put their knowledge to action in a real-life setting, allowing them to develop the skills that will foster success throughout college and beyond. Involvement opportunities through the Office of Student Life include participation in a variety of student organizations such as the Student Government Association, the Student Leadership Team, Multicultural Leadership Board, the University Programming Board and over 100 other professional, academic, honor, cultural, community service and special interest organizations. For more information on student organizations and student events, contact the Recognized Organizations council, or visit Collegiate Link and set-up a profile. You can access Collegiate Link by visiting the Student Life website and clicking on "Join Collegiate Link".
PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Student Life events and activities programming extends learning beyond the classroom, promotes tradition and the institution’s mission and values, and contributes to the development of a vibrant university community. Working to address the needs of the entire campus population, the Office of Student Life offers an array of social, educational, cultural and entertainment programs for the students by the students. The University Programming Board is the largest programming body on St. Edward's campus and is responsible for planning programs such as films, comedians, concerts, interactive fun days, student talent showcases, excursions, and a number of traditional events including Hillfest, Festival of Lights, Homecoming, and the End of the Year Party.
HILLTOP LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Hilltop Leadership Development provides to the university community theoretical, practical and experiential leadership training and development opportunities through purposeful and collaborative efforts between academics and student services. The Office of Student Life plays a major role in these efforts by serving as the home for the Hilltop Leaders Program, the LeaderShape Institute and the Student Leadership Team. Students also develop leadership skills by assuming responsible positions in Student Life organizations and participating in leadership conferences.
MULTICULTURAL EXPERIENCES
The Office of Student Life offers multicultural programs and initiatives including the Multicultural Leadership Board and the Committee for Multicultural Advancement, that support and educate the university’s diverse student population through promotion of self-reflection, cultural awareness, understanding and dialogue. Student Life collaborates with various members of the university community to promote an environment in which different perspectives and experiences are explored, valued and shared. This empowers students to create positive social change on campus and in local and global communities.
TRANSITIONAL EXPERIENCES
Within Student Life, Transitional Experiences provides valuable guidance and support to students experiencing transitions into, through and beyond St. Edward’s. The Transitional Experiences Council consists of four student leaders who create programs for each year of a students’ development, including Anchors and Welcome Days activities, the Hilltop Mentors Program and Getting to Year 2 Conference. The Hilltop Mentors program provides mentoring opportunities and increases student retention by matching new students to experienced faculty and staff who serve as a resource for student success. The Campus Involvement Team is 20 student leaders who showcase their Hilltopper spirit and the value in campus involvement with new students.
Contact: Student Life
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm; and by appointment
Phone: 512-448-8422
Email: seuorgs@stedwards.edu
Location: Ragsdale Center 304
Primarily Serves: All students
Primary Function: Every SEU student is encouraged to get involved in a student organization. There are a variety of organizations at St. Edward’s University, all of which fall into one of the following categories: academic/professional, club sports, cultural, honor societies, performance, political, recreational, spiritual, special interest. In order to sponsor events and use campus resources, student organizations must register annually with Student Life. For more information about student organizations and student events, contact the Recognized Organizations Council or visit Collegiate Link and set-up a profile. You can access Collegiate Link by visiting the Student Life website and clicking on "Join Collegiate Link".
Contact: Computer Help Desk
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-448-8443
Email: helpline@stedwards.edu
Website: http://think.stedwards.edu/telecommunications/
Primary Functions: Provides phone services, network connections, cable TV services, intrusion and access infrastructure. Troubles or questions about any of these services should be reported to the Help Desk at 512-448-8443. Please send requests for help to the Help Desk, and any other questions or concerns should go to Randy (randym@stedwards.edu) or Ben (ben@stedwards.edu).
Contact: Michelle Polgar, Managing Director
Box Office Hours: Monday–Friday 1:00-5:00 pm, Saturday 3:00-5:00 pm (when classes are in session)
Phone: 448-8484
Ticket Hotline: 448-8484
Location: Mary Moody Northen Theatre
Primarily Serves: All students, faculty and staff, and the general public
Primary Functions: Patterned after the Washington, D.C., Arena Stage, the Mary Moody Northen Theatre at St. Edward’s operates on a professional model and stands at the core of the professional training program. Designed for the student artist, this program offers a rare combination of conservatory and academic training with a liberal arts curriculum. This program allows undergraduates to do the following:
Cost: Student season passes are available from the Mary Moody Northen Theatre (MMNT) box office for $50, good for admission to four shows. Student flex passes are available for $100, good for admission to eight performances presented by MMNT.
Contact: Michael Larkin, Vice President
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone: 512-464-8826
Location: Main Building 303
Primarily Serves: Students, alumni, friends of the university, corporations, foundations, parents of current students, and the general public.
Primary Functions: University Advancement secures critical funding for scholarships, technology, programs, teaching excellence, facilities and other needs. It is also home to Alumni Programs, which cosponsors Homecoming and maintains alumni chapters in metro areas throughout the United States.
Specific Services: The St. Edward’s Fund Office coordinates the annual fund to raise money for scholarship and other needs. Alumni Programs also works with Student Life on events to link current students and alumni.
Contact: Rudolph Rendon, Chief
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Phone: 512-448-8444
Location: Holy Cross Hall, G13
Website: http://think.stedwards.edu/police/
Primarily Serves: The university community (students, faculty, staff and visitors)
Primary Functions: The University Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency dedicated to serving the university community. Police officers respond to on-campus calls for assistance,crime reports, and emergency situations. UPD is responsible for disseminating information in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistic Act.
Contact: Chris Garcia
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Phone: 512-448-8766
Email: vchrisg@stedwards.edu
Location: Main Building 204
Primarily Serves: Veterans and military eligible students
Primary Functions: The Office of Veterans Affairs acts as a liaison between veterans, ROTC, Reserve, and Texas National Guard students and the Bureau of Veterans Affairs, various departments of the university, and Reserve and Texas National Guard Education Units. All certification functions are provided as well as advising services for benefits and military scholarships.
For more information: http://think.stedwards.edu/veteranaffairs/
| University Service | Contact | Building | Room | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Academic Planning & Support Services Director |
Greg MacConnell | MH | 155 | X 8660 |
| Academic Success Center | Mary Culkin | MH | 118 | X 8652 |
| Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students | Lisa Kirkpatrick | MB | 108 | X 8408 |
| Athletic Director | Debbie Taylor | RCC | 213 | X 8480 |
| Bookstore Manager | Melanie Foster | Foundren Hall | X 8575 | |
| CAMP Director | Esther Yacono | MH | 155 | X 8626 |
| Chief of University Police | Rudolph Rendon | HCH | G2 | X 8444 |
| Campus Ministry Director | MANG | 105 | X 8441 | |
| Career Services | Barbara Henderson | MH | 134 | X 8530 |
| Catering Director | Amber Dodson | RC | 225 | X 1077 |
| Computer Help Desk | MH | 309 | X 8443 | |
| Controller | Barton Glaser | PREX | 136 | X 8765 |
| Dining Services General Manager | Michael Smith | HH | X 1973 | |
| Auxiliary Services Director | Michael C. Stone | HCH | G9 | X 8605 |
| Health & Counseling Center Director | Claudia Carroll | LBJ | 100 | X 8538 |
| Health Services Coordinator | Mary Jones | LBJ | 100 | X 8686 |
| International Education Director | MH | 102 | X 1051 | |
| Ragsdale Center Director | Gabriel Ornelas | FLEX | 107 | X 8631 |
| Interim, Residence Life Director | Ellisha Isom | CB1 | X 8419 | |
| Student Disability Services | Kendall Swanson | MH | 155 | X 8561 |
| Student Financial Services Director | Doris Constantine | MB | 204 | X 8525 |
| Student Life Director | Tom Sullivan | RAGS | 304 | X 8422 |
| Prefixes: 448 (84xx-8799), 464 (88xx), 416 (58xx), 326 (7xxx), 428 (10xx) | ||||
Sections:
Click to download Student Code of Conduct (PDF)
Students enrolling in the university assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the University’s mission and function as an educational institution.
Section 1: Purpose
At St. Edward's University, learning and meaningful, respectful dialogue creates a vibrant campus culture. The actions and choices of every student at St. Edward’s can strengthen and enrich our community. The Student Code of Conduct explains the university’s expectations for student behavior and provides policies to guide students in making positive contributions to campus life. Students are encouraged to review the code and contact the Dean of Students staff at 512-448-8408 with questions.
St. Edward’s University has a clear responsibility in the area of student conduct to protect and promote the pursuit of the university’s mission. Students are expected to obey federal, state and local laws; must abide by the rules, regulations and policies of the university. The administration of the student conduct process is managed by the Dean of Students Office. Any reference to the dean of students will mean either the Dean of Students or his/her designee.
Section 2: Philosophy
The St. Edward’s University community is committed to fostering a campus environment that is conducive to academic inquiry, productive campus life, and thoughtful study and discourse. A community exists on the basis of shared values and principles. At St. Edward’s University, student members of the community are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct that form the basis of the Student Code of Conduct. These standards are embodied within a set of core values that include integrity, social justice, respect, community and responsibility. When members of the community fail to exemplify these values, campus conduct proceedings are used to assert and uphold the Student Code of Conduct.
The role of educational discipline is foremost in the process of sanctioning. The student conduct process at St. Edward’s University is not intended to punish students. Rather, it exists to protect the interests of the community, and to challenge those whose behavior is not in accordance with university policies. Sanctions are intended to challenge students’ moral and ethical decision-making and to help them bring their behavior into accord with community expectations. When a student is unable to conform his/her behavior to community expectations, the student conduct process may determine that he/she should no longer share in the privilege of participating in this community.
Section 3: Commitment to Diversity
A Statement on Harassment, Discrimination and Community Standards
St. Edward's University is a community of persons from diverse cultural backgrounds (ethnic, racial, creed, religious, gender, sexual orientation, age, disabled and socioeconomic). All parties in this community must strive to understand the individuality and uniqueness of those around us and to value those differences, as well as learn from one another in an atmosphere of positive encouragement and mutual respect.
St. Edward's does not condone any form of conduct that goes beyond the legally defined boundaries of discrimination. We will not tolerate verbal or written abuse, threats, intimidation, violence or other forms of harassment against any member of the St. Edward's community.
St. Edward's will not accept ignorance, humor, anger or substance abuse as an excuse, reason or rationale for harassment. St. Edward's believes that we are individually and collectively responsible for our behavior and should be held accountable for our actions. Individuals who choose not to support this commitment through acts of intolerance jeopardize their continued affiliation with the university.
Any student who believes he/she has been a victim of harassment or discrimination in class or in another campus setting, should bring this matter to the Dean of Students, 512-448-8408, the Director of Human Resources 512-448-8587, or other appropriate administrators. Any official other than the Dean of Students who receives a complaint should notify the Dean of Students to make certain that follow-up action is coordinated.
Confidentiality of all parties will be respected to the greatest extent possible.
Students are strongly encouraged to report the incident(s) and take advantage of the university support services available to them through the Health & Counseling Center, 512-448-8538 or 512-448-8686, Campus Ministry, 512-448-8499, and the University Police Department, 512-448-8444.
Section 4: Student Rights and Responsibilities
In accordance with the university's mission statement, St. Edward's strives to create an environment where freely chosen beliefs can be depened and expressed. Freedom of expression and inquiry are essential elements of the university community. The responsibility to promote and respect conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the St. Edward's University community. In order to encourage the continuing growth of a free and cooperative community dedicated to learning, St. Edward's puts forward this expression of rights and responsibilities. The protection of the freedom to learn is a trust shared by all members of the St. Edward's community. Students must exercise their freedom with responsibility.
Students have the right to fair process in campus conduct proceedings. Students should be aware that the student conduct process is quite different from criminal and civil court proceedings. Procedures and rights in student conduct proceedings are conducted with fairness to all, but do not include the same protections of due process afforded by the courts. Fair process, within these procedures, assures written notice and a hearing before an objective decision-maker, as described within these procedures. No student will be found in violation of university policy without a determination that it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred, and any sanction will be proportionate to the severity of the violation.
Students have the right to freedom from discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex, race, age, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. St. Edward's University considers freedom of inquiry and discussion essential to a student's holistic (spiritual, intellectual, personal, physical, volcational and social) development. Thus, the university recognizes the right of all students to engage in discussion, to exchange thoughts and opinions, and to speak respectfully on subject matters appropriate to the mission.
Students have the opportunity to participate in the formulation of policy directly affecting students through membership on appropriate committees as determined by the Student Government Association and other recognized groups within the university.
Students as members of the university community, have the responsibility to participate in any student conduct proceedings and sto testify as witnesses when reasonably notified.
Section 5: Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior On or Off Campus
St. Edward’s University reserves the right, for developmental or other purposes, to address any student behavior for which action is taken by civil authorities and to impose additional sanctions or requirements.
In addition, the university may introduce counseling and place restrictions on the student if the student’s conduct has interfered with the university’s exercise of its educational objectives or responsibilities to its members. Behaviors that place the student or other community members in serious or grave danger may require a consultation and/or evaluation of the student to secure appropriate resources and assistance to decrease risk of harm to the student and other community members.
Under certain circumstances the university may reserve the right to contact parents/guardians consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act if it is deemed necessary for the well-being of the student and/or the university community.
Section 6: Jurisdiction Over Student Conduct
Students at St. Edward’s University are directed to an online copy of the Student Code of Conduct. Students are charged with the responsibility of having read and agreeing to abide by, the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct and the authority of the student conduct process. The Student Code of Conduct and the student conduct process apply to the conduct of individual students. A separate conduct process for university-affiliated student organizations is maintained by the Office of Student Life, and such complaints should be directed to the director of Student Life in The Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center, Room 304 (individual student complaints may be referred from the director of Student Life to the Dean of Students Office). Because the Student Code of Conduct is based on shared values, it sets a range of expectations for St. Edward’s University students no matter where or when their conduct may take place. Therefore, the Student Code of Conduct will apply to behavior that takes place on the campus and at university- sponsored events both on and off campus, and may also apply off-campus, when the administration determines that the off-campus conduct affects a substantial university interest. A substantial university interest exists in any situation that is detrimental to the educational interests of the university, and:
a. It appears that the student may present a danger or threat to the health or safety of him/herself or others; or
b. Significantly impinges on the rights, property or achievements of self or others.
The Student Code of Conduct may be applied to conduct that takes place during the time a person is enrolled as a student, including during intrasemester breaks and between semesters. Further, the Student Code of Conduct applies to guests of community members, whose hosts may be held accountable for the misconduct of their guests. Visitors to and guests of St. Edward’s University may initiate grievances for violations of the Student Code of Conduct committed by members of the St. Edward’s University community against them. There is no time limit on reporting violations of the Student Code of Conduct as long as the accused is an enrolled student. However, the longer someone waits to report an offense, the harder it may become for St. Edward’s University to obtain information and witness statements, and to make a determination regarding alleged violations. Those who are aware of misconduct are encouraged to report it as quickly as possible to the Dean of Students Office (Main Building, Room 108, 512-448-8408) and/or University Police (Holy Cross Hall, Room G13, 512-448-8444).
Violations of Law
Violations of federal, state and local laws are incorporated as offenses under the Student Code of Conduct. When allegations are made of a violation over which the university has jurisdiction, the student conduct process will usually go forward notwithstanding any criminal charges that may arise from the same incident. When a student is accused, arrested, charged or indicted for a violent, drug-related or other off-campus crime, the university may elect to take action against that student for violation of the code of conduct. Should a student withdraw from the university when criminal charges are made, it is the typical practice of the university to pursue investigation and resolution of student conduct matters, regardless of the fact that the student has withdrawn.
When the university has reasonable cause to separate a student from its community, the university may suspend a student for a reasonable time pending the scheduling of a campus hearing for violation of the code of conduct. The university reserves the right to exercise its authority of interim suspension when notified that a student is facing criminal investigation and/or charges. The university will permit a student who receives an interim suspension to request a meeting with the dean of students to show cause why an interim suspension is not merited. Regardless of the outcome of this meeting, the university may still proceed with the scheduling of a campus hearing.
When criminal charges are pending, the university may be delayed or prevented from conducting its own investigation and moving forward with a campus hearing. In such cases, the university may elect to delay its hearing until such time as it can conduct an internal investigation or obtain from law enforcement sufficient information upon which to proceed with the student conduct process.
It may be in the best interests of students accused of crimes to withdraw from the university, without a student conduct penalty, until the criminal charges are resolved. The university has a procedure for voluntary withdrawals, which shall include the following conditions. The accused student may not be present on campus or at university-sponsored events without special permission from the dean of students. The accused student must comply with any and all campus investigations that will not prejudice their defense in the criminal trial, and the accused student must agree that to be reinstated to active student status, he/she must first be subject to and fully cooperative with a student conduct hearing, and must comply with any sanctions that are imposed.
Special Provisions
a. Attempted Violations
St. Edward’s University may treat attempts to commit any of the violations listed in the Student Code of Conduct as if those attempts had been completed.
b. University as Complainant
St. Edward’s University may initiate a complaint, serve as complainant and initiate student conduct proceedings without a formal complaint by the victim of misconduct.
c. False Reports
St. Edward’s University will not tolerate intentional false reporting of incidents. It is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct to make an intentionally false report of any policy violation.
d. Group Violations
When members of groups, individuals acting collusively, act in concert in violation of any policy, they may be held accountable as a group, and a hearing may proceed against the group as jointly accused students. In any such action, individual determinations may also be made as to the responsibility of each member of the group. A separate conduct process for university-affiliated student organizations is maintained by the Office of Student Life and such complaints should be directed to the director of Student Life in The Ragsdale Center, Room 304 (individual student complaints may be referred from the director of Student Life to the dean of students Office). More information regarding student organizations may be found in the Student Organization Manual or by contacting the Office of Student Life (manual provided by contacting the Office of Student Life at 512-448-8422).
e. Immunity for Victims
The St. Edward’s University community encourages the good faith reporting of conduct code violations and crimes by victims. Sometimes, victims are hesitant to report to university officials because they fear that they themselves may be accused of policy violations, such as underage drinking at the time of the incident. It is in the best interests of this community that as many victims as possible choose to report to university officials. To encourage reporting, St. Edward’s University pursues a policy of offering victims of crimes immunity from punishment for policy violations related to the incident. The university will provide educational options rather than punishment in these situations.
f. Good Samaritan
The welfare of students in the community is of paramount importance. At times, students on and off-campus may need assistance. The university encourages students to offer help and assistance to others in need. Sometimes, students are hesitant to offer assistance to others, for fear that they may get themselves in trouble (for example, a student who has been drinking underage might hesitate to help take a sexual misconduct victim to the University Police). St. Edward’s University pursues a policy of limited immunity for students who offer help to others in need. While policy violations cannot be overlooked, the university will provide educational options, rather than punishment, to those who offer their assistance to others in need. If the student claiming “Good Samaritan” status does not complete the education that is assigned, the original complaint may proceed without the protections of the “Good Samaritan” policy in place.
g. Parental Notification St. Edward’s University reserves the right to notify parents/guardians of dependent students regarding any conduct situation, particularly alcohol and other drug violations. The university may also notify parents/guardians of non-dependent students who are under age 21. Where a student is nondependent, St. Edward’s University may contact parents/guardians to inform them of situations in which there is a serious health and/or safety risk. St. Edward’s University also reserves the right to designate which university officials have a need to know about individual conduct complaints pursuant to FERPA.
h. Notification of Outcomes
The outcome of a campus hearing is part of the educational record of the accused student and is protected from release under FERPA. However, St. Edward’s University observes the legal exceptions as follows:
i. Defenses
It has become common for students accused of policy violations to try to defend their actions with excuses, such as prescription drug interactions, self-defense, disabilities, etc. The university’s policy on defenses is clear. Defending your actions is admitting to a policy violation. For example, “Yes, we fought, but he started it” still means you had a fight, which is a violation of university rules. You may have taken someone’s property under the influence of an antidepressant, but you still took someone else’s property. While your defense will not excuse your actions, St. Edward’s University will take the legitimacy of your offense into consideration in addressing the proper sanction. If you were not the aggressor in a fight, you will still be sanctioned, but your sanction may be less than the sanction of the person who started the fight.
j. Misconduct Online
Students are cautioned that behavior conducted online, such as harassment delivered by e-mail, can subject them to university conduct action. Students must also be aware that blogs, web pages, social media devices such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and similar online postings are in the public sphere and are not private. These postings can subject a student to allegations of conduct violations if evidence of policy violations is posted online. The university does not regularly seek to discover this online information but may take action if and when such information is brought to the attention of university officials.
Section 7: Student Conduct Records Policy
The Dean of Students Office maintains a hard copy file and a digital record of a student’s conduct history. Student conduct records are educational records, and are thereby subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) http://think.stedwards.edu/registrar/policiesandprocedures#ferpa. The conduct record is confidential and is only shared internally with University officials in instances when the student grants permission to release the record, or there is what FERPA defines “an educational need to know” basis for the request.
The conduct record is maintained throughout the student’s enrollment and thereafter as indicated below. Upon release, a student’s conduct record will include the following items: adjudication form, sanction letter and incident report. This file is only to be released to a person or party external to the University if the student has granted written permission, where the disclosure of the record is permissible under the provisions of FERPA, or where the University is required to do so by law.
Retention of Hard Copy of Conduct Records
Section 1: Student Expectations
These rules apply to all students, undergraduate, professional and graduate. Any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to the sanctions outlined below. Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to, violations of the following principles and policies.
Section 2: Integrity
St. Edward’s University students exemplify honesty, integrity and a respect for truth in all of their dealings. Behavior that demonstrates a lapse of integrity includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Section 3: Community
St. Edward’s University students honor and value their community. Behavior that violates this value includes, but is not limited to the following:
Section 4: Social Justice
St. Edward’s University students hold social justice, equality, and respect for difference and diversity as values central to the Holy Cross legacy. Behavior that violates this value includes, but is not limited to the following:
a. Failure to attend meetings scheduled for conduct code administration purposes
b. Falsification, distortion or misrepresentation of information
c. Failing to provide, destroying or hiding information during an investigation of an alleged policy violation
d. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the campus conduct system
e. Harassment (verbal or physical) and intimidation of a member of a campus conduct body prior to, during and after a campus conduct proceeding
f. Failure to comply with the sanctions imposed by the campus conduct system
g. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the campus conduct system
Section 5: Respect
St. Edward’s University students show respect for each other, for property and for the community. Behavior that violates this value includes, but is not limited to the following:
a. threatening, being verbally abusive, or acting in other ways that threaten to endanger the health or safety of any person
b. causing physical harm to another person
a. threatening behavior or acting in other ways that threaten to seriously endanger the health or safety of self
b. causing physical harm to self
a. sexual harassment
b. nonconsensual sexual contact
c. nonconsensual sexual intercourse
d. sexual exploitation
Section 6: Responsibility
St. Edward’s University students are given and accept a high level of responsibility as role models. Behavior that violates this value includes, but is not limited to the following:
Section 1: Administration
These procedures provide for the orderly administration of the Student Code of Conduct.
Section 2: Conduct Complaints
St. Edward’s University community members, including students, faculty, staff, guests and visitors may file a conduct complaint against a student alleging a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. University conduct complaint forms are available from the Dean of Students Office or web page. The university may institute an investigation or proceeding based on information it receives even if not filed as a formal student conduct complaint.
Section 3: Sanctions
A student who engages in misconduct is subject to one or more of the following sanctions:
a. Prohibition for a specified amount of time from attending certain university functions or activities
b. Restriction from entering certain university buildings and/or using university facilities
c. Ineligibility to hold an elected or appointed position on campus
d. Prohibition from operating a motor vehicle on campus (must be approved by chief of police)
e. Loss of on-campus employment
f. Residential transfer that reassigns a student from one residence hall to a different residence hall or apartment
g. Loss of housing eligibility for a specific amount of time
h. Permanent loss of housing eligibility
i. A no-contact agreement that limits contact between a student and another student, faculty or staff member. At the request of a student, and after investigation by the dean of students, or his/her designee, a no-contact agreement may be enforced between the above parties. These agreements are for a designated period of time. No contact means that while the accused student or the complainant are on university property, or at any activity or event associated with the university, the accused student may not attempt to communicate with the complainant. Communication includes talking with, attempting to talk with, touching, staring at, writing to, attempting telephone or electronic contact (e.g. e-mail, fax, text messages, Facebook, Twitter and/or other forms of social media), or any ther form of contact of any kind. In addition using a third person to access the complainant is unacceptable and considered a violation to the agreement. Limitations on physical presence may also be imposed.
Section 4: Authority
Authority over student conduct rests with the Dean of Students
Section 5: Investigation
When the dean of students receives information that a student has allegedly violated university policies, the dean of students will investigate the alleged violation.
No complaint will be forwarded for a hearing unless there is reasonable cause to believe a policy has been violated. Reasonable cause is defined as some information to support each element of the offense, even if that information is only a credible witness or victim’s statement. A complaint wholly unsupported by any information will not be forwarded for a hearing.
When it is determined that there is reasonable cause to believe a policy or policies have been violated, the dean of students will attempt an informal resolution. All notice for complaints referred for informal resolution will be delivered orally or via e-mail. The parties and relevant witnesses will be interviewed. If the allegations can be disposed of by mutual consent of the parties on a basis acceptable to the parties involved and the dean of students, such disposition will be final and there will be no subsequent proceedings.
If an informal resolution is not successful, the complaint will proceed through an administrative hearing, or will be referred to the Critical Issues Board (CIB) for a hearing. The university maintains a CIB to hear all complaints of sexual misconduct, discrimination, stalking, relationship violence, threat of harm, physical harm to others and intolerance/harassment. All other allegations are subject to an administrative hearing. The CIB is a formal hearing process while an administrative hearing is less formal. The dean of students shall determine whether a complaint is referred to the CIB or for an administrative hearing.
Section 6: Hearings
A. Administrative Hearings
All notice for complaints referred for an administrative hearing will be delivered orally or via e-mail. After investigating the alleged violation, the dean of students will confer with the involved students to gain information regarding the incident. If after the conference with the student, the dean of students or his/her designee believes disciplinary action is warranted, sanctions may be applied. The dean of students or his/her designee will inform the student of the sanctions in writing.
B. Critical Issues Board (CIB) Hearing
The Critical Issues Board is comprised of three staff members, including the chief hearing officer/chair, and representatives from Human Resources and Counseling and Consultation Center, appointed to the board by the dean of students. There is no term limit for CIB members. Any midyear vacancy will be filled immediately by the dean of students. The dean of students may make any necessary ad hoc modifications to board membership, format or procedures that do not materially jeopardize the fairness of the proceeding. For example, convening hearings during summer semesters may require administrative hearings or hearings without all members present.
Critical Issues Board Notice and Pre-Hearing Procedures
1. Once a determination is made that reasonable cause exists for the dean of students to refer a complaint for a CIB hearing, notice will be given to the accused student. Notice will be in writing, and may be delivered in person during a meeting with the dean of students or via e-mail to the student’s St. Edward’s University e-mail account. This notice is presumptively delivered whether the student actively uses this account or not. Notice will also be mailed to the local or permanent address of the accused student for complaints in which suspension or expulsion are possible. Once mailed, such notice will be presumed delivered to the student the following class day.
a. The letter of notice will state briefly a description of the incident alleged, as well as all policies the accused student is alleged to have violated and the possible consequences if the accused student is found in violation. Relevant procedures for resolution of the complaint will be included in the notice.
b. The letter of notice will direct the accused student to contact the dean of students within two class days of receipt to respond to the complaint.
c. A meeting with dean of students can be arranged to explain the nature of the complaint and the conduct process. Within the two-class-day period, the accused student must indicate in writing to the dean of students whether he/she admits or denies the allegations of the complaint. Failure to timely respond to the dean of students will be deemed admission of the allegations.
d. Where the accused student admits to violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct, the dean of students may invoke informal resolution procedures above to determine and administer an appropriate sanction without a formal hearing or can be referred to the CIB for formal hearing procedures.
e. Where the accused student denies the violation, the formal hearing procedures in this section will be followed.
2. Where a student denies violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the dean of students will upon receipt of a written denial from the accused student, schedule a hearing.
a. Written notice of the time, date and location of the hearing will be sent to the address on record with the registrar to all parties to the complaint, who may additionally be notified in person, by telephone or by e-mail. When sent to the address of record, notice will be presumed delivered the following class day.
b. If there is an alleged victim of the conduct in question, the alleged victim may serve as the complainant, or may elect to have the administration serve as complainant. Where there is no victim, the administration will serve as complainant.
c. If a student fails to respond to notice from the dean of students or refuses to respond to questions, the hearing will proceed on the basis of the information available at the time.
3. Once a student denies a violation, he/she will be given a minimum of seven (7) calendar days to prepare for a hearing. At least 48 hours before any scheduled hearing, the following will occur:
a. The accused student will deliver to the dean of students a written response to the complaint.
b. The accused student will deliver to the dean of students a written list of all witnesses the accused student wants the university to request attend the hearing on his/her behalf, giving the full contact information of any such witness, if known.
c. The accused student will deliver to the dean of students a written list of all items of physical information the accused student intends to use or needs to have present at the hearing, and will indicate who has possession or custody of such information, if known (the university will be under no obligation to obtain all of the items identified by the student).
d. The complainant (or the university if the university is the complainant) will deliver to the Dean of Students a written list of all witnesses the complainant wants the university to request attend the hearing on his/her behalf, giving the full contact information of any such witnesses, if known.
e. The complainant (or the university if the university is the complainant) will deliver to the dean of students a written list of all items of physical information the complainant intends to use or needs to have present at the hearing, and will indicate who has possession or custody of such information, if known (the university will be under no obligation to obtain all of the items identified by the student).
f. The parties will notify the dean of students, at least 48 hours prior to the hearing, of the names of any advisors who may be accompanying the parties at the hearing.
g. The Dean of Students will ensure that this information and any other available written documentation is shared between the complainant and accused student at least 24 hours before any scheduled hearing. In addition, the parties will be given a list of the names of all the hearing officers for the complaint. Should either party object to any members of the hearing or conduct board, they must raise all objections in writing to the dean of students immediately. Hearing officers will only be unseated if the Dean of Students concludes that their bias precludes an impartial hearing of the complaint. Additionally, any conduct board or hearing officer who feels he or she cannot make an objective determination must recuse himself or herself from the proceedings.
h. The parties may elect to be counseled by an advisor. The advisor may be a member of the university community. He or she can be a currently enrolled student or a current member of the faculty or staff. The advisor may also be from outside the university community, including an attorney or parent. The advisor will not be allowed to participate in the hearing process other than to advise the student. If the student elects to have an attorney at the hearing, the student must notify the dean of students or his/her designee within five working days after notification of the hearing. The decision to have an attorney present at the hearing may affect the date of the hearing to accommodate the university’s option to obtain counsel.
i. Hearings shall be closed to the public and university community.
After a hearing, conduct board members will deliberate and determine by majority vote whether it is more likely than not that the student has violated the Student Code of Conduct as alleged in the notice provided to the accused student.
Once a finding is determined, if that finding is that of a policy violation, the conduct board will determine an appropriate sanction. The Dean of Students is responsible for informing the conduct board of applicable university precedent and any previous relevant conduct violations by the accused student. The chair will prepare a written report to the Dean of Students detailing the finding, any information that the conduct board excluded from its consideration, and why. This report should conclude with any recommended sanctions and not exceed two pages in length. The chief hearing officer will implement the final determination and inform the parties (in accordance with the university’s policy for notification of outcomes) within seven calendar days after the hearing.
The past sexual history or sexual character of a party or witness will not be admissible by the other party in hearings unless such information is first determined to be highly relevant by the chair. All such information sought to be admitted will be presumed irrelevant, and any request to overcome this presumption by the parties must be included in the complaint/response or a subsequent written request, and must be reviewed in advance of the hearing by dean of students.
4. While previous conduct violations by the accusted student are not generally admissible as information about the present alleged violation, the Dean of Students may supply previous complaint information to the conduct board, or may consider it while hearing the complaint, only in these situations:
a. The accused student was previously found to be responsible
b. The previous incident was substantially similar to the present allegation
c. Information indicates a pattern of behavior and substantial conformity with that pattern by the accused student
Conduct decisions and sanctions implemented will be considered final, except where further review is provided under these procedures. The dean of students has the authority to stay implementation of sanctions pending review at her or his sole discretion.
Hearings at which suspension or expulsion are possible will be audio-recorded by the university. No other recordings may be made. The dean of students may substitute summary notes in lieu of a recording as necessary. Recordings will be retained in the same manner in which student records are retained. Recordings may be reviewed in, but not removed from, the dean’s office by the parties in preparation for any final review.
Critical Issues Board: Hearing Procedures
A hearing proceeds as follows:
a. Opening statement by complainant
b. Response by accused student
c. Presentation and questioning of witnesses by the conduct board
d. Closing statement by complainant
e. Closing statement by the accused student
f. Deliberation
Questioning of witnesses applies only to those witnesses who appear in person. Some witness testimony may be given by written statement when the witness is unavailable at the time of the hearing, as determined by the chair. Additionally, witnesses are generally identified to the parties, but where a witness desires to remain anonymous, he or she will only be permitted to remain anonymous if good cause is shown and his or her identity is not essential to ensuring a fair hearing to the parties.
Information Before Critical Issues Board
The chair of the Critical Issues Board may admit or exclude information in his/her professional discretion so as to arrive at a fair decision. The chair will exclude irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious information. The chair will also rule on all procedural questions that arise.
Section 7: Review
Only a student who has been assigned violations or sanctions by a hearing officer or by the CIB may request review of those determinations.
A. Review of Administrative Hearings
If the student wishes to request review of the violations and sanctions assigned by a hearing officer, the student must request review from the appropriate administrator. Students may petition within three business days of the written decision of the administrative hearing officer for the review of his/her decision or the sanction imposed. Such petitions must be in writing, set forth in detail the grounds for the review and be delivered to the appropriate administrator with full contact information of the student requesting review.
A student requesting review of a residence director’s decision should petition to the Residence Life director. A student requesting review of the decision of the Residence Life director should petition to the assistant dean of students. A student requesting review of the decision of the assistant dean of students should petition to the associate dean of students. A student requesting review of the decision of the associate dean of students should petition to the dean of students for referral to the Community Review Board (CRB).
The violations and sanctions may be reviewed one time; therefore, the decision of the appropriate administrator or CRB is final. The grounds for review of an administrative hearing are limited to the following:
B. Review of Critical Issues Board (CIB) Decisions
A student may petition within three business days of the written decision of the CIB for the review of its decision or the sanctions imposed. Such petitions must be in writing, must set forth in detail the grounds for review and must be delivered to the dean of students for referral to the chair of the Community Review Board (CRB) with full contact information of the student requesting review.
The violations and sanctions may be reviewed one time; therefore, the decision of the CRB is final. Except as required to explain the basis of new information, a review will be limited to review of the verbatim record of the CIB hearing documents submitted at the hearing and the written report of the CIB chair. The grounds for review are limited to the following:
If the CRB determines, following its review, that one of the four grounds for review exists, the CRB may refer the matter back to the original CIB or associate dean of students for reopening of the hearing to allow reconsideration of the original determination and sanctions imposed. The CRB may also act on the charges or sanctions itself by modifying such determinations as appropriate based on the review. Every opportunity should be taken by the CRB to return the complaint to the CIB or associate dean of students for reconsideration of the original determination.
The CRB may confirm or change a decision or increase, decrease or modify a sanction, and all decisions of the CRB are final. The CRB defers to the original decision maker, making changes to the finding only where there is clear error and to the sanction only if a compelling justification to do so exists. The CRB must reach a unanimous decision.
The CRB is composed of three members of the St. Edward’s University community, including faculty, staff and/or student membership, appointed by the dean of students. CRB members participate in semiannual training with the dean of students. Anyone who does not receive semi-annual training will not be eligible to participate in conduct proceedings. Administrative hearing officers may serve on the CRB as long as they were not previously involved in processing the original complaint. The chair is elected by the CRB and serves for the duration the panel is convened.
Sections:
Academic Integrity:
An academic community of integrity strives for excellence by creating a learning environment where high academic standards in terms of student performance, program integrity, course development and requirements are encouraged. This can only be realized if the community is aware of and adheres to clearly established values and goals where the end is personal and academic integrity. Our commitment to the values of academic integrity contributes to St. Edward’s University’s being a quality institution of higher learning and that adherence to the Mission Statement will continue to be fulfilled.
The ability to express ourselves articulately in both oral and written form requires an ability for critical and creative thinking which necessitates a clear sense of academic integrity. Academic integrity is important because it involves values which can be grounded in both reason and faith. The core values of academic and personal integrity are:
We achieve this not only through publication and proclamation of these values, but also by creating a learning environment where these values can be realized.
St. Edward's University expects academic honesty from all members of the community, and it is our policy that academic integrity be fostered to the highest degree possible. Consequently, all work submitted for grading in a course must be created as a result of your own thought and effort. Representing work as your own when it is not a result of such thought and effort is a violation of our code of academic integrity. Whenever it is established that academic dishonesty has occurred, the course instructor shall impose a penalty upon the offending individual(s). It is recognized that some offenses are more egregious than others and that, therefore, a range of penalties should be available. Whenever possible, it would also be important to try to determine the intent of the offender, since the error could be a result of careless work rather than an intent to deceive. The maximum penalty for a first offense is failure in the course, and if that penalty is imposed, the student does not have the option of withdrawing from the course. In cases of mitigating circumstance, the instructor has the option of assigning a lesser penalty.
After obtaining sufficient evidence that such dishonesty has occurred, the instructor should discuss the question with the student. Instructors who impose a penalty for serious academic dishonesty should report this penalty to the dean or director of the program in which the course is offered. The dean or director will report confirmed cases of dishonesty to the Associate VP for Academic Affairs, and a record of all offenses will be kept in the Office of the Associate VP for Academic Affairs. Offenses that resulted in failure in the course will then be reported to the Office of the Registrar.
The Associate VP for Academic Affairs will determine whether an earlier serious offense by the student has been recorded. A second serious offense merits an automatic appeal. Upon denial of this appeal, the Associate VP for Academic Affairs will dismiss the student from the university and notify the registrar and the dean or director.
A procedure for student appeal is already established and is outlined in detail in the Student Handbook, but it should be noted that, for appeals of decisions regarding academic dishonesty, the student must appeal to the dean of the school or program director within five (5) working days after being notified by the instructor.
Alcohol and other drug abuse is one of the primary national public health issues on college campuses across America. In response, the university has taken several measures to provide resources to the campus community. In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations, we are providing information that would be beneficial to students.
Below is the St. Edward’s University policy on alcohol and other drugs as well as Texas State Law. Moreover, you will find educational resources about alcohol and others drugs including risks related to prescription drug misuse, how to recognize a problem with alcohol, and how to avoid the hazards related to substance abuse. There are also a variety of university services available to students to answer general questions about counseling and treatment options, online resources, and knowing what to do in the case of an emergency. Lastly, you can find information about alcohol and other drug related sanctions for violations to the alcohol and other drug policy.
1. Alcohol: St. Edward's University encourages the responsible use of alcohol. Service and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is to be complimentary to an event, and under no circumstances should an event have the consumption of alcohol as its primary focus. The following are the policies and procedures governing the use of alcohol at St. Edward's University. Both were formulated in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas restricting the possession and consumption of alcohol to persons who are twenty-one (21) years of age or older. The responsible and legal consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons twenty-one (21) years of age or older on the campus of St. Edward's University is restricted to the following areas and conditions:
a. In the privacy of a student’s room in one of the seven residence halls (East, Hunt, Johnson, Le Mans, Teresa, Dujarie, and Basil Moreau, Casa, and Casitas) and in the university apartments, provided the space is not shared with an underage roommate and/or no underage students are present.
b. In the private residence on campus, which is currently St. Joseph Hall.
c. At any special event for which the director of auxiliary services has issued an alcohol permit. A permit will not be issued for events (dances, entertainers, residence hall events) which have historically attracted significant numbers of traditional students under twenty-one (21) years of age.
d. Kegs are not permitted.
e. Food and non-alcoholic alternative beverages must be provided.
f. Those serving alcohol need to be at least 21 years old.
g. Drug or alcohol paraphernalia is not allowed in residents' rooms. Empty alcohol containers are considered paraphernalia and are not allowed in the rooms of residents who are under the age of 21. All paraphernalia will be disposed of appropriately and student conduct action may follow.
2. Illegal Drug: Possessing, distributing or selling illegal drugs as defined by state (as defined in the Texas Health and Safety Code) and federal law is against University policy. Students who choose to violate the illegal drug policy will be subject to disciplinary actions. Sanctions may include removal from on-campus living and/or suspension or expulsion from the University. The following situations are violations of the illegal drug policy.
a. Possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs
b. Possession of illegal drug paraphernalia
c. Present when an illegal drug violation occurs
d. Possession of controlled substances
e. Manufacture/delivery of controlled substances
f. Possession of marijuana
g. Delivery of marijuana h. Possession of synthetic marijuana (K2, Spice, or Bath Salts)
3. Texas State Law: Part of the University Alcohol Policy includes the Texas alcoholic beverage laws. These laws are enforced by the University Police Department. A selection of laws that are of particular concern to the St. Edward's University community are:
a. Driving while intoxicated
b. Possession of Alcohol by a Minor
c. Possession of False Identification
d. Consumption of Alcohol By a Minor
e. Purchase of or Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor
f. Driving Under Influence of Alcohol by a Minor
g. Public Intoxication
1. Alcohol & Health: In the United States, approximately 5 to 10% of the population develops alcohol dependence, a brain disease that can lead to death. Although some drinkers are at greater risk for alcohol dependence than others, such as those with a genetic predisposition, no one is exempt from the potential to develop an alcohol use disorder. Therefore, the University encourages all students to periodically seek a brief alcohol assessment using Alcohol Innerview (http://think.stedwards.edu/healthcounseling/alcoholinnerview), which is a confidential internet resource. Students will be able to determine how alcohol may be impacting their life by distinguishing among alcohol use, misuse, abuse, and dependency
a. Safe Alcohol Use: When a person is using alcohol, he or she drinks in moderation, ensures that the focus of the activity is something other than the alcohol itself, and does not drink with the sole purpose of getting intoxicated. Moreover, a person who is using alcohol works to maintain a safe Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC < .04), and experiences no substance related harm
b. Alcohol Misuse: The consumption of alcohol in a manner that contributes to harm of the individual, others in their lives, or the wider community is considered alcohol misuse. However, a person may avoid many of the hazards associated with high-risk alcohol use.
c. Alcohol Abuse: Within a 12-month period, alcohol abuse refers to a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following circumstances: failure to fulfill major responsibilities, drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, having recurring alcohol-related legal problems, or continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the drinking.
d. Alcohol Dependency: An individual becomes physically dependent on a substance he or she experiences cravings and a compulsion to use it. If he or she does not use the substance, he or she will experience withdrawal. People who are dependent on alcohol are pre-occupied with the use of the substance, and its use becomes a daily/weekly priority. Students who are alcohol dependent often schedule only late classes, lose the ability to predict how much they are going to drink in a given evening (lack of self-control), experience frequent blackouts, sneak drinks in order to hide how much they actually consume from close friends and family, drink before going out (pre-game), and develop/maintain a high tolerance. In addition, any efforts employed to cut down on drinking are unsuccessful. Although many dependent students feel as though his or her drinking problems will cease with graduation from college, such individuals are often sadly mistaken. Dependency is a serious medical problem that requires time, diligence, and support to overcome.
2. Moderation vs. Heavy Drinking: Students who choose to drink should do so in moderation because risks to the health and safety of self and others increase as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) increases. Additionally, heavy drinking causes multiple physical problems, especially in the brain and digestive system, because alcohol is toxic to the body. Both periodic and chronic heavy drinking is associated with academic, social, and health problems.
a. Academic problems include class absenteeism, poor performance on major projects and exams as well as inattentiveness.
b. Social problems include unhealthy relationships, sexual victimization, isolation, arguments, and fights.
c. Health problems include accidental injury and the consequences of unprotected and other forms of high-risk sexual behavior.
3. Tolerance: Contrary to popular notions, tolerance actually impairs an individual’s ability to enjoy the positive, low dosage effects of alcohol. Tolerance can be artificially manipulated by periodic or chronic drinking and involves the consumption of increasing amounts of alcohol to receive the same effects. With increased tolerance, the euphoria experienced is lowered and an individual will show fewer signs of intoxication. Consequently, a person with high tolerance will be impaired without showing the typical signs of intoxication. Generally, if drinking stops, the person's body will revert to the tolerance level in existence when alcohol was consumed for the first time.
4. Point of Diminishing Returns: Levels below the “point of diminishing return” reflect low dosages of alcohol (BAC < .06) that produce positive feelings through reduced inhibition, relaxation, slowed thinking, and a mild stimulating “buzz” or euphoria. Alcohol is a depressant to the central nervous system, which causes the feeling of euphoria that most people expect from appropriate use.
5. Beyond the Point of Diminishing Returns: The negative depressant effects of alcohol intensify as BAC rises above .06 producing fatigue, impairment of coordination, increase in reaction time, diminished sensory perception, impaired judgment while simultaneously erasing the positive, low-dosage effects. Intoxication is involved in a majority of violent student behaviors, including acquaintance rape, vandalism, and fights as well as a majority of vehicular accidents.
6. Intoxication: For individuals under the age of 21 it is illegal to drive while having any alcohol in the minor’s system. In Texas and most other states, a BAC of .08 or above is considered intoxicated for an individual over the age of 21.
7. Alcohol Blackout: If a student’s BAC rises above .15, he or she can pass out and/or experience a memory loss (blackout) the next day. While passed out, a drinker can die from choking on his or her vomit. Breathing will slow as the central nervous system becomes increasingly sedated. Another common experience is called “brownout,” a state in which the person has consumed enough alcohol to become very drunk while still remembering everything. However, they are so intoxicated that they cannot control their behavior.
8. Alcohol Poisoning: If BAC rises above .30, the drinker is at serious risk of alcohol poisoning from respiratory failure. An intoxicated person is also at risk for death if the following occurs:
a. Passes out and/or cannot be awakened,
b. Cold, clammy, bluish or unusually pale skin,
c. Breathes slowly (less than 8 times per minute) or irregularly (more than 10 seconds between breaths),
d. Vomits while asleep/passed out and does not awaken.
9. Illegal Drug Use: Marijuana, hashish, non-medical prescription medications, cocaine, hallucinogens (i.e., ecstasy, LSD, mushrooms), inhalants (i.e., aerosols, gasoline, paint), synthetic marijuana (K2, Bath Salts, and Spice), and heroin rank as the most popular illegal drugs in America. Oftentimes, there are no warning labels or little consideration is given to the hazards of illegal drugs. Nonetheless, illegal drug use is a major public health concern impacting quality of life, resulting in absenteeism, poor academic performance, and suspension, as well as significant physical and psychological health consequences. A variety of symptoms include euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, visual hallucinations, illusions, drowsiness, respiratory depression, slowed reaction time, impaired judgment, and death, among many others. The university encourages all students to periodically seek a brief, confidential marijuana assessment using e-TOKE (http://think.stedwards.edu/healthcounseling/etoke).
a. Drug abuse is the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in quantities other than directed.
b. Drug abuse and dependence: Drug dependence is compulsive use of a substance despite negative consequences which can be severe; drug abuse is simply excessive use of a drug or use of a drug for purposes for which it was not medically intended. Physical dependence is not necessary to define addiction. Some substances can cause addiction but do cause dependence and some substances that cause addiction do not necessarily lead to dependence.
10. Prescription Drug Misuse: Although most people use medicine as directed, the abuse of and addiction to prescription drugs and pain medications are public health problems for many Americans. Addiction rarely occurs among those who use medicine as prescribed. The risk for addiction exists when drugs are used in ways other than as prescribed.
a. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD) Medications: Some of the current ADHD medications include Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and Strattera. Researchers have concluded that ADHD medications metabolize too slowly to be habit-forming. In spite of this, non-medical use of ADHD medications as “gateway drugs” can lead to misuse of legal or street drugs. The small percentages of students who are likely to abuse or sell prescribed stimulants also tend to have other substance use or conduct disorders. Moreover, research findings suggest an alarming level of non-medical use of ADHD medication that has lead to life-threatening consequences such as heart attack or stroke.
b. Opiate withdrawal: A class of drugs called opiates includes morphine, codeine, oxycontin, and others. Withdrawal is caused by stopping or greatly reducing use of an opiate after heavy and prolonged use. When stopped, the body needs time to recover, and withdrawal symptoms result. Withdrawal from opiates can occur when use is discontinued.
c. Opioid intoxication: Opium and its derivatives can generate an abnormal mental state. Intoxication is generally characterized by excessive sleepiness or unconsciousness depending on the degree of intoxication, which is usually associated with respiratory depression and decrease in pupil size.
11. In Case of Emergency: As a member of the University community, anyone who recognizes that a student is in danger should call 911 to request assistance. If the call is placed from campus, students should call the University Police Department (512) 448-8444. Police officers can direct Emergency Medical Service (EMS) staff to the proper location as quickly as possible.
C. University Services
1. Health & Counseling Center: Counseling staff offer a variety of services and resources to students that include the following:
a. Anonymous, online alcohol use assessment and feedback resources can be accessed at (http://think.stedwards.edu/healthcounseling/alcoholedu) for those who desire a brief alcohol assessment or are concerned about alcohol and other drug use;
b. Confidential consultations with a counselor for those who desire an alcohol assessment or who are concerned about their own alcohol use or that of a friend or family member;
c. Confidential counseling concerning alcohol use;
d. Referrals to off-campus specialists, support groups, outpatient and inpatient services for the treatment of alcohol dependence;
e. Educational materials and programs for educational campaigns, classes and student groups;
f. As a resource to the campus community, the University Police Department has Certified Mental Health Officers who collaborate with Counseling Center staff to respond to mental health crises.
2. Campus Ministry: Clergy and other ministerial staff provide pastoral care through an array of opportunities addressing alcohol and other drug problems and leading students to recovery, support, and healing.
3. Residence Life: Staff members address residents’ concerns and make appropriate referrals related to the negative effects of alcohol use, including interpersonal conflicts, vandalism, and health concerns.
4. Health Services: Professionals treat injuries and illnesses associated with alcohol use and refer students who may have problems related to alcohol use to Counseling Services or an off-campus specialist for assessment and treatment, if needed.
5. AOD Task Force: The Director of the Alcohol & Other Drug Education Program coordinates and collaborates with members of the Alcohol & Other Drug Task Force to periodically review University policies, sanctions, educational initiatives, and treatment efforts related to alcohol and other drugs.
D. Statement of Sanctions
1. Alcohol Sanctions: A student who engages in misconduct is subject to one or more of the following sanctions:
a. Verbal or written reprimand outlining behavior and associated concern.
b. Restitution, which may take the form of monetary compensation or of appropriate community service to repair or otherwise compensate for damage.
c. Disciplinary probation. A specified period of time and review of behavior, including terms appropriate to the violation, during which the student must demonstrate compliance with the University regulations and the terms of the probationary period.
d. Suspension from the university. During the period of suspension, the student is prohibited from entering the university campus or facilities under control or jurisdiction of the university without prior written approval from the Dean of Students or his/her designee.
e. Expulsion from the university. Student cannot earn or accumulate St. Edward's credit. If the suspension or expulsion occurs during the semester, no credit will be awarded to that semester and incomplete grades will not be allowed.
f. Educational sanctions. Examples include but are not limited to: attending an educational program or class, creating an educational poster, writing a reflective essay, or hosting a residence hall program.
g. Community service.
h. Loss of privilege, including the following:
1. Prohibited for a specified amount of time from attending certain university functions or activities
2. Restriction from entering certain university buildings and/or using university facilities
3. Ineligibility to hold an elected or appointed position on campus
4. Prohibition from operating a motor vehicle on campus (must be approved by chief of police)
5. Loss of on-campus employment
6. Residential transfer that reassigns a student from one residence hall to a different residence hall or apartment
7. Loss of housing eligibility for a specific amount of time
8. Permanent loss of housing eligibility
9. A no-contact agreement that limits contact between a student and another student, faculty or staff member. At the request of a student, and after investigation by the dean of students, or his/her designee, a no-contact agreement may be enforced between the above parties. These agreements are for a designated period of time. No contact means that while the accused student or the complainant are on university property, or at any activity or event associated with the university, the accused student may not attempt to communicate with the complainant. Communication includes talking with, attempting to talk with, touching, staring at, writing to, attempting telephone or electronic contact (e.g. e-mail, fax, text messages, Facebook, Twitter and/or other forms of social media), or any ther form of contact of any kind. In addition using a third person to access the complainant is unacceptable and considered a violation to the agreement. Limitations on physical presence may also be imposed.
Texas State Law Summary of Penalties (Penalties shown above are based on language contained in applicable Texas statutes and are subject to change at any time by the Legislature and the Governor.)
ALCOHOL
1. Underage: It is illegal for someone under the age of 21 to possess, purchase, and attempt to purchase, or consume alcohol.
a. First offense: Alcohol awareness course, community service, a 30-day suspension of driver's license, and up to a $500 fine.
b. Repeat offenses: Automatic suspension of driver's license, up to a $2,000 fine, and 180 days in jail. All penalties are assigned at the discretion of the judge.
c. Parental Involvement: A parent must appear in court for any alcohol charges filed against a minor under 21 years of age.
2. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): If under 21, it is illegal to drive with any detectable Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).
a. First offense: results in up to a $500 fine, 40 community service hours, alcohol awareness course, and 60-day suspension of driver's license.
b. All penalties are assigned at the discretion of the judge.
3. False Identification: Similar to a DWI, a student can receive up to six months in jail, a $500 fine, community service hours, and one year suspension of driver's license
4. Providing Alcohol to a Minor: $4,000 fine and/or one year in jail
5. Legal Intoxication and Driving: A BAC of .08 is the legal limit for those over the age of 21; however, students may be cited for impaired driving due to alcohol regardless of BAC.
a. Refusal to take a blood or breath test to measure BAC can result in a 180-day driver's license suspension.
b. A first offense results in up to a $2,000 fine, 180 days in jail and driver's license suspension up to one year.
c. Repeat offenses may result in up to a $10,000 fine, 10 years in penitentiary and 2 years driver's license suspension.
ILLEGAL DRUGS
1. Possession of Controlled Substances (Drugs)
a. Minimum: A fine not to exceed $10,000 and confinement in jail for a term of not more than two years or less than 180 days.
b. Maximum: A fine not to exceed $250,000 and imprisonment for life or for a term of not more than 99 years nor less than fifteen years.
2. Manufacture/Delivery of Controlled Substances (Drugs)
a. Minimum: A fine not to exceed $10,000 and confinement in jail for a term of not more than two years or less than 180 days.
b. Maximum: A fine not to exceed $250,000 and imprisonment for life or for a term of not more than 99 years nor less than fifteen years.
3. Possession of Marijuana
a. Minimum: A fine not to exceed $2,000 and/or confinement in jail for a term of not more than 180 days.
b. Maximum: A fine not to exceed $250,000 and imprisonment for life or for a term of not more than 99 years nor less than five years.
4. Delivery of Marijuana
a. Minimum: A fine not to exceed $2,000 and/or confinement in jail for a term of not more than 180 days.
b. Maximum: A fine not to exceed $100,000 and imprisonment for life or for a term of not more than 99 years nor less than five years
Function Guidelines
a. All functions must be in accordance with all university requirements and state laws.
b. The number of invited guests must be limited according to local fire code regulations. Information on fire code regulations is available through Facilities.
c. Only persons 21 years of age or older may sign function forms as purchasers of alcohol for a function. Some of the sponsors must be 21 years of age or older.
d. At least one sponsor per 50 function attendees must be present to monitor the function and must abstain from alcohol use.
e. All sponsors, whether present or not, will be held accountable to the university for any problems that occur. Sponsors are responsible for maintaining adequate insurance and for providing proof of insurance with the function form.
f. Underage drinkers, as well as function sponsors, will be held accountable under both state law and university policy if persons under age 21 are served alcohol at the function.
g. A system for clearly identifying those of age and those underage will be in place throughout the function (such as bracelets), and sponsors will control access means to ensure that uninvited and/or underage guests cannot gain admittance.
h. Guest lists will be strictly followed.
i. Sufficient quantities of free food and noncarbonated, nonalcoholic beverages are to be available throughout the entire function. They must be readily accessible and kept in close proximity to any alcoholic beverages being served. All alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages should be clearly and accurately labeled.
j. Persons who appear intoxicated may not be admitted into the function and may not be served alcohol. Proof of age must be required to be served alcohol, and birthdates lists should be supplied to servers of alcohol, where available.
k. Alcohol may not be given as a prize for any contest/party game and should never be used as part of a party game. Chugging, drinking games, initiations and other potentially dangerous drinking activities are prohibited.
l. Alcohol-impaired guests may not leave the function without verification that they have safe transportation home.
m. Cups furnished for consumption of alcohol will be no larger than 12 ounces.
n. No alcoholic beverages may be brought into a function or activity whenever alcohol is sold on the premises.
o. Open containers may not enter or leave the function or activity premises.
p. No university funds may be used by student groups or organizations to purchase alcoholic beverages.
q. All service of alcoholic beverages will end 30 minutes before the scheduled end of the function.
All active or currently enrolled students are required to notify the University of their current correspondence address. Address and telephone changes are made via the student EdWeb account menu. To access EdWeb for Students, visit http://think.stedwards.edu/registrar/edweb. Log into the student EdWeb account and select “Address/Employment Review & Update”.
Contact the Office of the Registrar at 512-448-8750 or the Office of Student Financial Services at 512-447-8523 during business hours with questions.
Previously enrolled students may make address changes at the Office of Alumni and Parent Programs in Main Building 402, by fax at 512-416-5845, or by email at seualumni@stedwards.edu. The office can be contacted at 512-448-8415 during business hours.
Please see the policy on the Consensual Relationship/Conflict of Interest at the following link:
http://think.stedwards.edu/hr/content/consensual-relationship-policy
Students are expected to abide by the federal laws and the laws of the state of Texas prohibiting illegal gambling. Gambling for money or other things of value on campus or at university-sponsored activities is prohibited except as permitted by law.
St. Edward’s University issues the following as an extension of Texas state law. Under the current Texas state law, individuals or organizations could be subject to fines and charged with a criminal offense for hazing.
Hazing is a violation of both state law and university regulations. According to the law, a person can commit a hazing offense by engaging in a hazing activity, but also by soliciting, directing, encouraging, aiding or attempting to aid another in hazing by knowingly or recklessly allowing hazing to occur or by failing to report it in writing to the appropriate university official (dean of students, director of Student Life or athletic director) firsthand knowledge that a hazing incident has occurred. The fact that a person consented to or acquiesced in a hazing activity is not a defense to prosecution for hazing under state law. See law below.
SUBCHAPTER F.
HAZING
Sec. 37.151. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Educational institution" includes a public or private high school.(2) "Pledge" means any person who has been accepted by, is considering an offer of membership from, or is in the process of qualifying for membership in an organization.(3) "Pledging" means any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization.(4) "Student" means any person who:(A) is registered in or in attendance at an educational institution;(B) has been accepted for admission at the educational institution where the hazing incident occurs; or(C) intends to attend an educational institution during any of its regular sessions after a period of scheduled vacation.(5) "Organization" means a fraternity, sorority, association, corporation, order, society, corps, club, or service, social, or similar group, whose members are primarily students.(6) "Hazing" means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization. The term includes:(A) any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity;(B) any type of physical activity, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;(C) any activity involving consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;(D) any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects the student to extreme mental stress, shame, or humiliation, that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student or discourages the student from entering or remaining registered in an educational institution, or that may reasonably be expected to cause a student to leave the organization or the institution rather than submit to acts described in this subdivision; and(E) any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Sec. 37.152. PERSONAL HAZING OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person:(1) engages in hazing;(2) solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in engaging in hazing;(3) recklessly permits hazing to occur; or(4) has firsthand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident involving a student in an educational institution, or has firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred, and knowingly fails to report that knowledge in writing to the dean of students or other appropriate official of the institution.(b) The offense of failing to report is a Class B misdemeanor.(c) Any other offense under this section that does not cause serious bodily injury to another is a Class B misdemeanor.(d) Any other offense under this section that causes serious bodily injury to another is a Class A misdemeanor.(e) Any other offense under this section that causes the death of another is a state jail felony.(f) Except if an offense causes the death of a student, in sentencing a person convicted of an offense under this section, the court may require the person to perform community service, subject to the same conditions imposed on a person placed on community supervision under Section 11, Article 42.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, for an appropriate period of time in lieu of confinement in county jail or in lieu of a part of the time the person is sentenced to confinement in county jail.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Sec. 37.153. ORGANIZATION HAZING OFFENSE. (a) An organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by:(1) a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000; or(2) if the court finds that the offense caused personal injury, property damage, or other loss, a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than double the amount lost or expenses incurred because of the injury, damage, or loss.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Sec. 37.154. CONSENT NOT A DEFENSE. It is not a defense to prosecution of an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Sec. 37.155. IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION AVAILABLE. In the prosecution of an offense under this subchapter, the court may grant immunity from prosecution for the offense to each person who is subpoenaed to testify for the prosecution and who does testify for the prosecution. Any person reporting a specific hazing incident involving a student in an educational institution to the dean of students or other appropriate official of the institution is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of the report. Immunity extends to participation in any judicial proceeding resulting from the report. A person reporting in bad faith or with malice is not protected by this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Sec. 37.156. OFFENSES IN ADDITION TO OTHER PENAL PROVISIONS. This subchapter does not affect or repeal any penal law of this state. This subchapter does not limit or affect the right of an educational institution to enforce its own penalties against hazing.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Sec. 37.157. REPORTING BY MEDICAL AUTHORITIES. A doctor or other medical practitioner who treats a student who may have been subjected to hazing activities:(1) may report the suspected hazing activities to police or other law enforcement officials; and(2) is immune from civil or other liability that might otherwise be imposed or incurred as a result of the report, unless the report is made in bad faith or with malice.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
In an effort to encourage reporting of hazing incidents, the law grants immunity from civil or criminal liability to any person who reports a specific hazing event to the appropriate university official, and that person is immunized from participation (other than as a witness) in any judicial proceeding resulting from that report. The penalty for failing to report a hazing incident is a fine of up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail that or both. Penalties for other hazing offenses vary accordingly to the severity of the injury results. These penalties range from $500 to $10,000 in fines and up to two years confinement.
This law does not affect or in any way limit the right of St. Edward’s University to enforce its own rules. Individual students who engage in hazing behaviors will face complaints under the Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, the Office of Student Life will address hazing incidents involving university student organizations, with respect to group sanctions and repercussions, and Athletics will address group hazing violations involving athletic teams. This can and will result in sanctions for both the individuals engaged in hazing and for the groups in which these individuals have membership or affiliation. See the Student Organization Manual for the Student Organization Disciplinary Policy and Judicial Processes.
The law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing or reckless act occurring on or off campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include students at an educational institution.
St. Edward’s University Hazing Policy
All acts of hazing by any individual student and university-registered student club or organization and any of its members or alumni are prohibited. Students are entitled to be treated with consideration and respect, and no individual may perform an act that is likely to cause physical or psychological harm or social ostracism to any other person within the university community. Accordingly, the following behavior is expressly forbidden as hazing when related to the admission, initiation, pledging, joining or any other group-affiliation activity:
1. Physical abuse (on or off campus), including but not limited to paddling, slapping, kicking, choking, scratching, exposure to extreme (i.e., cold or hot) water temperatures, and the consumption of disgusting or dangerous concoctions
2. Causing excessive mental stress, including but not limited to placing prospective members of an organization or group in ambiguous situations that lead to confusion, emotional stress or sleep deprivation
3. Verbal abuse, including but not limited to shouting, screaming, or use of derogatory, profane or obscene language
4. Subservience, including but not limited to any activity that promotes a class system within organizations or activities that facilitate inappropriate levels of authority over students
This list is not exhaustive, and any student or organization found to be involved in any hazing activity will face conduct action and will likely be subjected to expulsion from the university. Violation of this policy exists irrespective of the voluntary or consensual participation in the hazing activity by the person being hazed.
Examples
Clem was inducted into an unrecognized club that was part of a student organization. The club pledged not to haze its members. As part of the induction activities, Clem was asked to do calisthenics half-naked in extreme heat at the request of club leaders. Clem was told he did not have to do them, but that all members did them, and it improved their stamina. Clem voluntarily engaged in the calisthenics. This type of behavior violates the hazing policy, regardless of Clem’s willingness to participate.
It is the responsibility of the university community to guide students in the formation of the total person. “Students are helped to understand themselves, clarify their personal values and recognize their responsibility to the world community” (the mission of St. Edward’s University).
In an attempt to help clarify how this guidance is extended with regard to programming for issues of sexuality, the university offers the following:
As a Catholic university, St. Edward’s understands this formation process through the prism of Catholic moral theology by way of highly interdependent and interactive components. These components include church teachings, sacred scripture, secular disciplines and the human experience.
When planning or organizing programs that address human sexuality, the university’s aim is to provide a balanced and holistic approach. This approach incorporates a variety of dimensions: the physical, the psychological, the social, the intellectual, the moral and the spiritual. As a Catholic university of higher learning, St. Edward’s embraces diversity, intellectual freedom and the pursuit of wisdom. The following guiding questions that might prove helpful when planning programs that deal with human sexuality are:
a. How does the content help the students to understand themselves and clarify their personal values?
b. How is there attention given to: church teaching, sacred scripture, the secular disciplines and the human experience?
c. How is attention given to psychosexual development and moral development for college-aged adults?
d. How is attention given to the diversity of the university’s student population, e.g., religion, gender, culture, sexual orientation?
e. Does the program provide an opportunity for students with different values and life experiences to discuss and share in an environment that provides mutual respect and intellectual freedom as well as emotional security?
Below are listed some of the resources that the university makes available to all university and organization that are involved in programming:
St. Edward’s University recognizes that students with life-threatening illnesses, including but not limited to cancer, severe eating disorders, heart disease, and AIDS, may wish to engage in as many normal pursuits as their conditions allow, including attending classes. As long as these students can meet acceptable performance standards and medical evidence indicates that their conditions are not a threat to themselves or others, faculty and staff should be sensitive to their conditions and ensure that these individuals are treated the same as other students. Every precaution, however, should be taken to ensure that a student’s condition does not present a health or safety hazard to other students. When dealing with situations involving students with life-threatening illnesses, the Health & Counseling Center will do the following:
1. See that the student’s condition remains personal and confidential.
2. Be sensitive to the fact that continued enrollment in the university for a student with a life-threatening illness may be therapeutically important in the remission or recovery process or may help prolong the student’s life.
3. Encourage the student to seek assistance from an established community support group for medical treatment and counseling services.
4. Counsel the student with the latest information on how/if particular life-threatening illnesses can be contracted and/or transmitted.
General Guidelines on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
As stated in the mission statement of St. Edward’s University, graduates should be prepared, through training in critical and creative thinking as well as moral reasoning, to analyze problems, propose solutions and make responsible decisions. Perhaps no other current social problem will have more effect on the lives of the entire St. Edward’s community than the devastating epidemic of AIDS.
In recognition of the seriousness of this disease and the direct or indirect effect that it will have on everyone, the following general guidelines are offered with the understanding that each situation must be reviewed and handled on an individual case-by-case basis and with the understanding that AIDS remains the subject of intensive and widespread medical research. The information and recommendations set forth in this document will be revised periodically as indicated by developments in medical research.
1. St. Edward’s will maintain current educational materials and programs about AIDS.
2. St. Edward’s is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination toward persons who test positive for HIV infection or who are suffering from AIDS. Interested individuals are referred to the Employee Handbook and the Student Handbook for general nondiscrimination policies affecting persons with handicapping or life-threatening conditions.
3. Upon request, resident students who are immuno-suppressed will be given special on-campus housing considerations.
4. Confidentiality of medical information will be maintained. Such information will not be provided to faculty, administrators, parents or students without written consent of the patient. The number of individuals within the university who are informed, with the permission of the patient, will be kept to a need-to-know basis.
5. Compassionate and confidential support is available for any individual desiring information, assistance or referral through Campus Ministry and the Health & Counseling Center.
6. Students may consult with staff at the Health & Counseling Center for a confidential referral to an anonymous testing facility.
7. Public Health Service guidelines for universal precautions in the handling of blood and bodily fluids are followed by the Health & Counseling Center, in all laboratory classes and in other relevant situations.
State Law Requirements on AIDS Confidentiality
Current Texas laws and regulations concerning the rights of an AIDS/HIV-infected individual provide criminal and civil penalties for violating the right to privacy. It is unlawful to divulge information about a person’s health or lifestyle without that person’s knowledge and consent.
Respect is given to the privacy that residents enjoy in on-campus housing. Occasionally circumstances present themselves that necessitate authorized university personnel to enter student housing for the purpose of health and
safety inspections; repair and maintenance; assessment of damages; inventory of university property; determination of compliance with university, state or federal policies; or emergencies where imminent danger to life, safety, health or property is reasonably suspected. When possible, advance notice is given to residents.
Whenever a room/apartment is entered, university personnel will knock, announce themselves and wait approximately 30 seconds for permission to enter. If no response by the resident is made, the staff member will announce his/her intention to enter and then do so. Whenever a room is entered without a resident present, the staff member will leave a note stating the room has been entered by whom, and the purpose for the entry. Any items in violation of university policies that are in plain view or discovered in a room search will be confiscated and handled through the student conduct process.
For reasonable cause, as determined by the Director of Residence Life, Dean of Students, Vice President for Student Affairs or other officials as designated by the university administration, an administrative search of a residence hall room/apartment may be conducted if appropriate personnel believe one or more of the following conditions exist:
University Police will enter into student rooms upon probable cause, pursuant to a lawfully issued warrant, or where a lawfully recognized warrant exception exists. Any administrator or university police officer is permitted to enter upon the consent of the rightful residents of the room. University police officers do not use searches by nongovernmental administrators to circumvent warrant requirements, and when felonious criminal activity is suspected, administrators are directed to contact the police for a search, rather than conducting it themselves. Any time a serious threat of harm or a weapon is suspected, University Police will be called. When administrators are conducting an administrative search, they are entitled to look in areas and personal possessions within rooms where the items being searched for are likely to be. If such a search proves fruitless, administrators will not conduct more extensive searches without first communicating with University Police and the dean of students. During a search, administrators are permitted to bar students from the area being searched, if necessary, and to prohibit their return on an interim basis to secure an area.
Background
The missions of Holy Cross and St. Edward’s University, the operating principles of the university, and this “statement against intolerance” have all been shaped by the social teachings of the Catholic church. The principles of Catholic social teaching are a call to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world for all people. Because of these values, St. Edward’s University is committed to ensuring and protecting personal and cultural diversity, affirming tolerance, and promoting social justice through recognizing the dignity and worth of each person. The university is committed to a policy of tolerance and is opposed, in both philosophy and practice, to the oppression of diversity by individuals, groups or the institutional abuse of power.
Any student who has a complaint involving a university employee related to inappropriate behavior should report it to the employee’s supervisor or the Director of Human Resources, 512-448-8540.
Student-worker complaints involving work schedules, performance standards, job assignments, separation of service and similar matters are to be settled by the student-employee and his/her supervisor. If a satisfactory solution cannot be reached, then either party may bring the issue to the attention of the supervisor’s superior.
Students must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher when they apply to study abroad. First-year and transfer students must have established a GPA at St. Edward's before studying abroad. Additionally, students must meet the academic requirements for the specific program or exchange for which they intend to apply.
WHY? Study abroad is an academic endeavor designed to enhance your studies at St. Edward's. Academic preparation will contribute greatly to your success abroad. Similarly, students who have spent time in the classroom at St. Edward's will have a clearer idea of their academic goals. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may be able to submit a petition to the Office of International Education in order to be considered for a study abroad opportunity. Please contact the Office of International Education for more information about the petition process.
Students on academic probation are not eligible to apply for study abroad. Once a student has met the requirements for satisfactory academic standing, he or she may apply to study abroad.
WHY? Study abroad is challenging on a number of levels — including academically. To be successful in their study abroad program, students must possess strong study skills and a commitment to learning.
Students who have incomplete disciplinary sanctions or who are on disciplinary probation are not eligible to study abroad. Once a student has completed the sanctions outlined by the Dean of Students Office and is not on disciplinary probation, he or she may apply to study abroad.
WHY? Social and cultural pressures encountered abroad can be difficult to cope with. Students must successfully develop and demonstrate these coping skills at St. Edward's before entering a challenging new environment.
MODELS OF STUDY ABROAD AT SEU
The Office of International Education at St. Edward's University works with each student to help him or her identify the study abroad opportunity best suited to his or her academic and personal goals. In order to accommodate a wide range of student aspirations our office works with a variety of study abroad programs, representing both short and long-term international academic opportunities. These programs include St. Edward's University faculty-led study abroad program, St. Edward's University reciprocal exhcange programs, and study abroad/academic internship programs offered through approved program providers. All programs are credit-bearing, international programs which have been vetted by our office in terms of academic quality and student support services.
To help students have successful study abroad experiences, the Office of International Education helps students prepare throughout the semester prior to their departure. In addition to individual advising appointments, three Pre-Departure Orientations are held. Covering matters such as health and wellness abroad, academic concerns, cultural adjustment and practical matters, these orientations are designed to give students information on what to expect and what will be expected of them during their time abroad. In addition to this, while students are abroad, they still have access to their international advisor for advice and guidance via email and phone. The Office of International Education also holds an event for students returning from studying abroad to help them reconnect with the office and discuss reverse culture shock and how to apply their study abroad experience to theier academic and personal goals.
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
As noted in earlier sections of this policy study abroad is an academic endeavor designed to enhance a student's studies at St. Edward's. Academic preparation will contribute greatly to a successful experience abroad, therefore, students must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher when they apply to study abroad. Additionally students must meet the academic requirements for the specific program or exchange for which they intend to apply.
Students who have spent time in the classroom at St. Edward's will have a clearer idea of their academic goals and the university's academic expectations so first-year and transfer students must have established a GPA at St. Edward's before studying abroad. Students that apply to a study abroad program during their first semester at St. Edward's will be asked to go through a petition process and/or will be required to submit letters of recommendation. Similarly, students wishing to study abroad during their last semester at SEU must sumit a petition and show that they understand the possible complications that can occur.
Students will register for SABR marker courses in order to facilitate the transfer of credits from the host institution. Students must earn the equivalent of a grade of C or above in order to transfer study abroad credit from the host institution. Students participating in the Angers, France and faculty-led programs will register for a special section of the SEU courses in addition to the SABR marker course(s). The grade achieved on SEU courses abroad will be calculated into the GPA and the course(s) cannot be taken pass/fail.
It is the student's responsibility to make sure the transcript from the host institution has been sent to and processed by St. Edward's University.
DISCIPLINARY ISSUES
Students studying abroad successfully will follow the SEU Student Code of Conduct, the Code of Conduct or behavioral expectations of the program provider or host university, and will follow the laws of the host country. Information regarding behavioral expectations and possible ramifications of discipline infractions are discussed at one of the pre-departure orientation sessions conducted by the Office of International Education staff. At the orientation session, students will sign documents acknowledging their understanding of these expectations and the potential ramifications of discipline infractions.
Should discipline issues occur, they will initially be handled in the study abroad location by the faculty member, program provider or host institution. The director of the Office of International Education will be notified of discipline infractions should they occur; such infractions will be discussed with the appropriate campus entities. The situation will be evaluated and a decision made regarding whether or not the incident warrants a response beyond the response of those on-site at the study abroad location.
Should any infraction warrant dismissal from a program, the following immediate consequences will apply:
Please see the Technology Policy at the following link:
http://think.stedwards.edu/informationtechnology/technologyandinformationpolicy
Please see the Publicity Policy in the Student Organization Manual at:
http://think.stedwards.edu/studentlife/studentorganizationmanual
St. Edward’s University believes members of the university community, guests and visitors have the right to be free from sexual violence. When an allegation of sexual misconduct is brought to the administration, and a respondent is found to have violated this policy, serious sanctions will be assigned. If the accused is a student, the Dean of Students Office will oversee the internal adjudication process as described in the Student Code of Conduct. If the accused is a student and a university employee, the Human Resources Office and the Dean of Students Office will coordinate the internal adjudication process, as described in the Student Code of Conduct, Employee Handbook and Faculty Manual (http://think.stedwards.edu/hr/content/sexual-harassment ).
All members of the community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe on the rights of others. The St. Edward’s University sexual misconduct policy has been developed to reaffirm these principles and to provide recourse for those individuals whose rights have been violated. This policy has dual purposes. It serves as a measure to determine, after the fact, if behaviors trespass on community values. It also should serve as a guide for students on the expectations the university has preventatively, for sexual communication, sexual responsibility and sexual respect.
Overview of Policy Expectations with Respect to Physical Sexual Misconduct
a. Consent: For individuals to engage in sexual activity of any type with each other, there must be clear consent. Consent is sexual permission. Consent can be given by word or action, but nonverbal consent is less clear than talking about what you want and what you don’t. Consent to some form of sexual activity cannot be automatically taken as consent to any other sexual activity. Silence — without actions demonstrating permission — cannot be assumed to show consent. There is a difference between seduction and coercion. Coercing someone into sexual activity violates this policy just as much as physically forcing someone into sex. When alcohol or other drugs are being used, someone will be considered unable to give valid consent if that person cannot appreciate the who, what, when, where, why or how of a sexual interaction. Individuals who consent to sex must be able to understand what they are doing. You will do well to keep in mind that under this policy, “No” always means “No,” and “Yes” may not always mean “Yes.”
b. Hearings: Although in campus hearings legal ideas like guilt and innocence are not applicable, rest assured that St. Edward’s University will never assume a student is in violation of university policy.
c. Sanctions: The university reserves the right to take whatever measures it deems necessary in response to an allegation of sexual misconduct to protect students’ rights and personal safety. Such measures include, but are not limited to, modification of living arrangements, interim suspension from campus pending a hearing and reporting to the local police. Not all forms of sexual misconduct will be deemed to be equally serious offenses, and the university reserves the right to impose differing sanctions, ranging from oral warning to expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense. The university will consider the concerns and rights of both the complainant and the person accused of sexual misconduct.
Risk Reduction Tips: If you find yourself in an uncomfortable sexual situation, these suggestions may help you reduce your risk:
a. If you have limits, make them known before things go too far.
b. Tell a sexual aggressor “No” clearly and loudly, like you mean it.
c. Try to extricate yourself from the physical presence of a sexual aggressor.
d. Ask for assistance from others nearby.
e. Be responsible for your alcohol intake/drug use and realize that alcohol/drugs lower your sexual inhibitions and may make you vulnerable to someone who views a drunk or high person as a sexual opportunity.
f. Watch out for your friends and ask that they watch out for you. A real friend will tell you if you are about to make a mistake. Respect them if they do.
If you find yourself in the position of being the initiator of sexual behavior, you owe sexual respect to your potential partner. These suggestions may help you reduce your risk for being accused of sexual misconduct:
a. Don’t make assumptions about consent, someone’s sexual availability, whether he or she is attracted to you, how far you can go, or whether he or she physically and mentally able to consent to you.
b. Clearly communicate your intentions to your sexual partner and give a chance to clearly relate his/her intentions to you.
c. Mixed messages from your partner should be a clear indication that you should step back, defuse the sexual tension and communicate better. Perhaps you are misreading your partner. Perhaps your partner hasn’t figured out how far he/she wants to go with you yet. You need to respect the timeline with which your partner is comfortable.
d. Don’t take advantage of someone’s drunkenness or drugged state.
e. Realize that your potential partner could be intimidated by you, or fearful. You may have a power advantage simply because of your gender or size. Don’t abuse that power.
f. Understand that consent to some forms of sexual behavior does not necessarily imply consent to other forms of sexual behavior.
g. On this campus, silence and passivity cannot be interpreted by you as an indication of consent. Read your potential partner carefully, paying attention to verbal and nonverbal communication and body language.
If You Have Been Assaulted
Victims of sexual misconduct are strongly encouraged to report the incident and to take advantage of the university support services available to them. Every effort will be made to assist victims and to protect their rights. Services and rights available include the following:
a. A counselor will be available to assist victims.
i. The Health & Counseling Center is available 24 hours a day. Call 512-448-8538 during office hours or 512-448-8444 at other times and ask for the counselor on call. Both male and female counselors are available.
ii. The SafePlace Rape Crisis Center is available 24 hours a day. Call 512-267-SAFE.
b. Immediate medical attention is available through St. David’s Medical Center, 919 E. 32nd St. 512-476-7111. Specially trained nurses perform the exam and are available 24 hours a day.
Victims will be informed of the range of legal options available. The victims may do the following:
a. Report the assault to the University Police Department 24 hours a day at 512-448-8444.
b. Report the assault to the Austin Police Department at 911 (allows the victim access to Victim Assistance Program funds and services).
c. Report the assault to the dean of students at 512-448-8408 if the perpetrator is a student (allows conduct proceedings to be initiated). A staff member is available to explain all conduct procedures and options and to keep the victim informed of the progress of the proceedings.
d. Make an anonymous report to the dean of students using the anonymous report form at http://www.stedwards.edu/studev/judicialaffairs/index.htm. No action can be aken if the only information available is the anonymous report, but appropriate statistics and information can be kept on file.
Confidentiality and Reporting
Different people on campus have different reporting responsibilities and different abilities to maintain your confidentiality, depending on their roles at the university. When consulting campus resources, victims should be aware of confidentiality and mandatory reporting, in order to make informed choices. On campus, some resources may maintain your complete confidentiality, offering you options and advice without any obligation to tell anyone, unless you want them to. Other resources are expressly there for you to report crimes and policy violations, and they will take action when you report your victimization to them.
Confidential Reporting Options: If you desire that details of the incident be kept confidential, you should speak with on-campus counselors, campus health service providers or off-campus rape crisis resources, who will maintain confidentiality. Campus counselors are available to help you free of charge and can be seen on an emergency basis. In addition, you may speak on and off-campus with members of the clergy and chaplains,who will also keep reports made to them confidential.
Nonconfidential Reporting Options: You are encouraged to speak to university officials to make reports of incidents, including but not limited to the dean of students, Residence Life director, Human Resources director and University Police chief, or their designees. You have the right and can expect to have incidents of sexual misconduct to be taken seriously by the university when reported, and to have those incidents investigated and properly resolved through administrative procedures. Reporting does not mean that your report won’t be confidential, but it does mean that people who need to know will be told, and information will be shared as necessary with investigators, witnesses and the accused. The circle of people will be kept as tight as possible, to preserve your rights and privacy.
Sexual misconduct by a faculty or staff member or a student is a serious matter. Filing a complaint against someone for such inappropriate behavior is equally serious. The university’s objective in these situations is to resolve the matter with care and concern for the best interests of the person filing the complaint, the person against whom the complaint is being filed and the university.
A vice president will not be involved in the investigation or decision if the sexual misconduct complaint is against the administrative officer. If the complaint is against the dean of students or the director of Human Resources, he/she will not be involved in the investigation or decision.
Sexual misconduct offenses include, but are not limited to the following:
a. Sexual harassment
b. Nonconsensual sexual contact (or attempts to commit same)
c. Nonconsensual sexual intercourse (or attempts to commit same)
d. Sexual exploitation
a. Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is gender-based verbal or physical conduct that has the purpose or effect of either unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment.
Three Types of Sexual Harassment
i. Hostile Environment includes any situation in which there is harassing conduct that is sufficiently severe, pervasive/persistent and patently offensive so that it alters the conditions of education or employment, from both a subjective (the alleged victim’s) and an objective (reasonable person’s) viewpoint. The determination of whether an environment is “hostile” must be based on all of the circumstances. These may include:
1. The frequency of the conduct
2. The nature and severity of the conduct
3. Whether the conduct was physically threatening
4. Whether the conduct was humiliating
5. The effect of the conduct on the alleged victim’s mental or emotional state
6. Whether the conduct was directed at more than one person
7. Whether the conduct arose in the context of other discriminatory conduct
8. Whether the conduct unreasonably interfered with the alleged victim’s educational or work performance
9. Whether the speech or conduct deserves the protections of academic freedom
ii. Quid pro quo sexual harassment exists when these circumstances occur:
1. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct that results in adverse educational or employment action
iii. Retaliation involves harassment or intimidation of a person that includes but is not limited to threats or actual violence against the person or his/her property, adverse educational or employment consequences, ridicule, taunting, bullying, or ostracism.
Examples of Harassment: Not all workplace or educational conduct that may be described as “harassment” affects the terms, conditions or privileges of employment or education. For example, a mere utterance of an ethnic, gender-based or racial epithet that creates offensive feelings in an employee or student would not normally affect the terms and conditions of their employment or education. The following examples are sufficiently severe, pervasive and offensive to violate this policy.
i. After a relationship break-up, one of the students makes multiple attempts to publicly humiliate the other student based on his/her past sexual history, even when asked to stop.
ii. Someone displays explicit sexual pictures on the exterior of a residence hall door or on a computer monitor in a public space, even when asked to stop.
b. Nonconsensual Sexual Contact
Nonconsensual Sexual Contact is any intentional sexual touching, however slight, with any object (including body parts), by a man or a woman upon a man or a woman, without effective consent.
Effective consent is active, not passive. Silence, in and of itself, cannot be interpreted as consent. Effective consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create mutually understandable permission regarding the conditions of sexual activity — who, what, when, where, why and how sexual activity will take place. To be effective, consent cannot be procured by use of physical force, compelling threats, intimidating behavior or coercion. Coercive behavior differs from seductive behavior based on the type of pressure someone uses to get consent from another. When someone makes clear that he/she does not want sex, wants to stop or does not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction, continued pressure beyond that point can be coercive. To give effective consent, one must be of legal age.
If a person has sexual activity with someone he or she knows to be — or should know to be — mentally or physically incapacitated (alcohol or other drug use, unconsciousness or blackout), he or she is in violation of this policy.
Any time sexual activity takes place between individuals, those individuals must be capable of controlling their physical actions and be capable of making rational, reasonable decisions about their sexual behavior.
This policy also covers someone whose incapacity results from mental disability, sleep, involuntary physical restraint or from so-called “date-rape” drugs. Possession, use and/or distribution of any of these substances, including Rohypnol, Kemine, GHB, Burundanga, etc., is prohibited, and administering one of these drugs to another student for the purpose of inducing incapacity is a violation of this policy. More information on these drugs can be found at www.911rape.org.
Use or overuse of alcohol or other drugs will never function to excuse behavior that violates this policy.
The requirements of this policy are blind to the sexual orientation of individuals engaging in sexual activity.
Sexual activity includes:
i. Intentional contact with the breasts, buttocks, groin or genitals; touching another person with any of these body parts; making another person touch you or him or herself with or on any of these body parts; and any intentional bodily contact in a sexual manner, though not involving contact with/of/by breasts, buttocks, groin, genitals, mouth or other orifices.
ii. Intercourse, however slight, meaning vaginal penetration by a penis, object, tongue or finger; anal penetration by a penis, object, tongue or finger; and oral copulation (mouth-to-genital contact or genital-to-mouth contact).
c. Nonconsensual Sexual Intercourse
Nonconsensual sexual intercourse is any sexual intercourse (anal, oral or vaginal), however slight, with any object (including body parts), by a man or woman upon a man or woman, without effective consent.
d. Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation occurs when a student takes nonconsensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his/her own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the person being exploited, and that behavior does not otherwise constitute one of the other sexual misconduct offenses. Examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to the following:
i. Nonconsensual or unauthorized use of pictures, video or audiotaping of sexual activity
ii. Going beyond the boundaries of consent (such as letting your friends hide in the closet to watch you having consensual sex)
iii. Engaging in Peeping Tom behavior
iv. Knowingly transmitting an SIB, STD or HIV to another student.
Sanction Statement
Any student found responsible for violating the policy on nonconsensual sexual intercourse will likely face a recommended sanction of suspension or expulsion.
Any student found responsible for violating the policy on nonconsensual sexual contact (where no intercourse has occurred), sexual exploitation or sexual harassment will likely receive a recommended sanction ranging from warning to expulsion, depending on the facts and circumstances of the incident, and taking into account any previous campus conduct code violations.
The Critical Issues Board reserves the right to broaden or lessen any range of recommended sanctions in the complaint due to serious mitigating circumstances or egregiously offensive behavior. Neither the Community Review Board nor any review body or officer will deviate from the range of recommended sanctions unless compelling justification exists to do so.
Student Code of Conduct Special Provisions for Sexual Misconduct and Other Sensitive Issues
Please see the University-Sponsored Events, Programs and Fundraising Projects Policy in the Student Organization Manual at:
http://think.stedwards.edu/studentlife/studentorganizationmanual
Please see the Whistleblower Policy at the following link:
http://think.stedwards.edu/hr/content/whistleblower-policy
Topic |
Contact Information |
Phone |
| ABSENCES | Individual Professors | |
| ACADEMIC JOURNALS | Student Publications — Humanities | 448-8426 |
| SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS | Dean of Academic Services | 448-8581 |
| ADDRESS CHANGES |
Students -- Registrar Faculty/Staff -- Human Resources Alumni -- University Advancement |
448-8747 448-8587 448-8415 |
| ADMISSIONS | Undergraduate | 448-8500 |
| New College/Graduate | 428-1050 | |
| ACADEMIC ADVISING | ||
| Undergraduates -- Academic Planning & Support | 448-8660 | |
| New College students | 448-8717 | |
| Graduate students in Accounting, Human Services, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Organizational Leadership and Ethics, Project Management | 233-1661 | |
| Graduate students in Counseling, College Student Development, Teaching, Liberal Arts | 448-8703 | |
| ALUMNI INFORMATION | University Advancement | 448-8415 |
| AP EXAM EQUIVALENTS | Link - Advanced Placement Test | |
| AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES | Instructional Technology -- Media Equipment | 448-8663 |
| AUTO REGISTRATION | University Police Department | 448-8444 |
| BATTERY JUMP START | University Police Department | 448-8444 |
| BILLING | Student Financial Services | 448-8523 |
| BUS SCHEDULE | Library | 416-8469 |
| CALENDARS | Student Life | 448-8422 |
| Academic - Academic Calendar | ||
| Master University | 448-8740 | |
| CAPSTONE PROGRAM | University Programs | 448-8720 |
| CATALOGS |
Undergraduate Admission Center for Academic Progress Schools -- Library Past -- Archives |
416-5804 428-1050 416-8469 448-8476 |
| CHECK CASHING | Bookstore | 448-8575 |
| CHOIR | Brother Gerald Muller, CSC | 448-8670 |
| CLEP EQUIVALENTS | Academic Success Center -- CLEP | |
| CLEP/DSST REGISTRATION | Academic Success Center -- CLEP | |
| CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS | Student Life Office | 448-8422 |
| COMPUTER | Help Desk | 448-8443 |
| Computer Labs | 448-8663 | |
| CO-OP EDUCATION | Career Planning | 488-8530 |
| COPYING | Copy Center | 448-8586 |
| COUNSELING | ||
| Academic (Undergraduates) — Academic Planning & Support Services | 448-8660 | |
| Academic (New College Undergraduates) | 448-8717 | |
| Academic (New College Graduate Students in Accounting, Human Services, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Organizational Leadership and Ethics, Project Management) | 233-1661 | |
| Academic (New College Graduate Students in College Student Development, Counseling, Teaching, Liberal Arts) | 448-8703 | |
| Admission (Undergraduates) — Admission Office | 416-5804 | |
| Admission (New College/Graduate) — Center for Academic Progress | 428-1050 | |
| Career— Career Services | 448-8530 | |
| Personal — Counseling Center | 448-8538 | |
| Spiritual — Campus Ministry | 448-8499 | |
| COURSE SCHEDULE | Office of the Registar | |
| CRISIS INTERVENTION | Medical — Health Center | 448-8686 |
| Psychological — Counseling Center | 448-8538 | |
| University Police | 448-8444 | |
| Campus Ministry | 448-8499 | |
| CULTURAL FOUNDATION COURSES | University Programs | 448-8720 |
| DEAN'S LIST | Associate VP for Academic Affairs | 448-8581 |
| DEGREE AUDITS/DEGREE PLANS | Undergraduates -- Dean for the School in the Major | |
|
DEGREE AUDITS AND DEGREE PLANS |
New College Undergraduates New College Graduate Students in Accounting, Human Services, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Organizational Leadership and Ethics, Project Management New College Graduate Students in College Student Development, Counseling, Teaching, Liberal Arts |
448-8717
223-1661 448-8703 |
| DISABILITIES | Student Disability Services | 448-8561 |
| DISCIPLINE | Dean of Students | 448-8408 |
| DISMISSAL | Academic — Associate VP for Academic Affairs | 448-8581 |
| Disciplinary — Dean of Students | 448-8408 | |
| EMERGENCIES | University Police Department | 448-8444 |
| EMERGING LEADERS | Student Life | 448-8422 |
| EMPLOYMENT | Off-campus part-time employment, internships or full-time employment after graduation, Career Planning’s Job and Internship database known as Hilltop Careers | 448-8530 |
|
College and non-college work-study, Student Financial Services |
448-8523 | |
| SEU employment opportunities for students (non work-study related) and non-students, Personnel | 448-8541 | |
| FAX | Copy Center | 448-8586 |
|
FELLOWSHIPS, GRANTS, AND SCHOLARSHIPS |
Director of Fellowships | 492-3157 |
| FINAL EXAMS | Go to Office of Registar | |
| FRESHMAN STUDIES PROGRAM | University Programs | 448-8720 |
| GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM | University Programs | 448-8720 |
| GMAT | www.gmat.org | |
| GRADE DISPUTE | Professor | |
| GRADUATION CERTIFICATION | Dean of School of Major | |
| GRADUATION INFORMATION | Office of the Registrar | 448-8750 |
| GRE | www.gre.org | |
| HEALTH INSURANCE | Policy Information — Student Health Center | 448-8686 |
| Policy Payment — Student Financial Services | 448-8523 | |
| HISTORY OF SEU | Archives | 448-8476 |
| HONORS PROGRAM | Barbara Filippidis | 448-8558 |
| HOUSING | Residence Life | 448-8419 |
| ID CARDS | Auxiliary Services | 448-8601 |
| INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | Office of International Education | 428-1051 |
| INTRAMURALS | Campus Recreation | 448-8480 |
| JOB BANK | Career Planning | 448-8530 |
| LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES | Student Life | 448-8422 |
| LITERARY MAGAZINES | Student Publications — Humanities | 448-8426 |
| LOANS | Student Financial Services | 448-8523 |
| LOCKERS | Recreation Convocation Center | 448-8480 |
| Library | 416-8469 | |
| LOST AND FOUND | University Police Department | 448-8444 |
| MAJORS AND MINORS | See listings in the Undergraduate Bulletin | |
| MASS SCHEDULE | Campus Ministry | 448-8499 |
| MCNAIR PROGRAM | Woodward Office Building 133 | 428-1268 |
| MEAL PLANS | Auxiliary Services | 448-8601 |
| MEDIA EQUIPMENT | Instructional Technology | 448-8663 |
| MEDICAL NEEDS | Health Center (M–F 9AM-5PM; nurse practitioner by appt.) | 448-8686 |
| MOVIE SCHEDULE | University Programming Board | 448-8432 |
|
NEWSPAPER (Hilltopper Views) |
Student Publications — Humanities | 448-8426 |
| PARKING PERMITS | University Police Department | 448-8444 |
| PAYMENT PLANS | Student Financial Services | 448-8523 |
| PERKINS LOAN | Student Financial Services | 448-8523 |
| PLACEMENT TESTING | Academic Planning & Support Services | 448-8660 |
| POOL HOURS | Athletic Department | 448-8480 |
| PROBATION | Academic — Associate VP for Academics | 448-8581 |
| Disciplinary — Dean of Students | 448-8408 | |
| PUBLICATIONS | Alumni — Marketing | 448-8775 |
| Student — Humanities | 448-8426 | |
| RAGSDALE CENTER | Information Desk | 448-8796 |
| RCC HOURS | Athletics | 448-8480 |
| REGISTRATION | Office of the Registrar | 448-8747 |
| SERVICE INITATIVE | Student Life Office | 448-8422 |
| SPIRITUAL/RELIGIOUS | Campus Ministry | 448-8499 |
| SPORTS SCHEDULES | Athletics | 448-8480 |
| STUDENT GOVERNMENT | Student Life Office | 448-8424 |
| STUDY ABROAD | Office of International Education | 428-1051 |
| STUDENT PAYROLL | Human Resources | 416-5891 |
| TEACHER CERTIFICATION | School of Education | 448-8651 |
| TELEPHONE SERVICES | Telecommunications | 448-8443 |
| THEATER TICKETS | Mary Moody Northen Theatre | 448-8484 |
| THEFT | University Police Department | 448-8444 |
| TRANSCRIPTS | Office of the Registrar | 448-8747 |
| TRANSFER WORK EVALUATION | Undergraduate Students -- Office of the Registrar | 448-8648 |
| TRANSFER WORK EVALUATION |
New College Students |
448-8717
233-1661
448-8703 |
| Master of Accounting, MA in Human Services, Master of Business Administration, MS in Computer Information Systems, MS in Organizational Leadership and Ethics, MS in Project Management | ||
| MA in Counseling, MA in College Student Development, MA in Teaching, Master of Liberal Arts | ||
| TUITION AND FEES | Student Financial Services | 448-8523 |
| UNIVERSITY PROGRAMMING BOARD | Student Life Office | 448-8432 |
| V.A. BENEFITS | Student Financial Services | 448-8766 |
| VOCATION REHABILITATION | Student Financial Services | 448-8766 |