General Information

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Bethune-Cookman University is located in Daytona Beach (Volusia County), Florida, an Atlantic coast city with a metropolitan area population of over 500,000. The Atlantic Ocean is less than 2 miles from the campus.

The campus includes administrative and academic buildings, technology centers, student residence halls, student center, infirmary, athletic facilities and a performing arts auditorium. The address to the university is 640 Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, the site of the main administration building. The university is bounded by George W. Engram, Sr., Boulevard, Lincoln Street, International Speedway Boulevard, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. There is easy access to business centers, churches, theaters, museums, recreational facilities, bus and air terminals. Located within 100 miles of the city are areas of interest including St. Augustine, Florida; Orlando, Florida; and the John F. Kennedy Space Center.

The year was 1904, when a very determined young black woman, Mary McLeod Bethune, opened the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in Daytona Beach, Florida. It has undergone many stages of growth and development through the years. In 1923, it became a co-ed high school as a result of a merger with Cookman Institute of Jacksonville, Florida. A year later, the school became affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Evolving into a junior college by 1931, it was renamed Bethune-Cookman University.

In 1941, the Florida State Department of Education approved a four-year baccalaureate program offering liberal arts and teacher education. Mrs. Bethune retired in 1942 at which time James E. Colston became president until 1946 when Mrs. Bethune resumed the presidency for a year.

Richard V. Moore, Sr., Ph.D., became president in 1947. Under his tenure the College was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1960, joined the United Negro College Fund and other academic and professional organizations. By 1974, the curriculum expanded to 12 degree-granting fields, student enrollment increased and new buildings were constructed for residential housing and classrooms.

Appointed to the presidency in 1975 by the Board of Trustees, an alumnus, Oswald P. Bronson, Sr., Ph.D., continued the development and expansion of the College. During his tenure, a steadily increasing student body resulted in the renovation and expansion of the physical plant including new residence halls, new classroom buildings, performing arts center and acquisition of land for future construction. Presently, there are 37 academic degree-granting fields. In addition, professional studies sites throughout the state provide opportunities for students not attending the main campus location. Traditionally, the College has maintained intercollegiate athletics programs, instrumental and choral groups, which have all achieved national recognition.

Since 1943 the College has graduated more than 13,200 students who have provided support to the College. Many alumni have distinguished themselves in fields of education, medicine, business, politics, technology, science, religion and athletics.

Dr. Bronson retired in August 2004, after 29 years of leadership, passing the torch of leadership to Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed as the fifth president of Bethune-Cookman College. A School of Graduate and Professional Studies was established in 2006, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools granted Bethune-Cookman College a change in level approval to offer graduate degrees at the master’s level. Graduate students in the Master of Science degree program in Transformative Leadership began their studies in August 2006. On February 14, 2007, Dr. Reed announced that Bethune-Cookman College would officially become Bethune-Cookman University.

Founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in 1904, Bethune-Cookman University is an historically Black, United Methodist Church-related comprehensive college offering baccalaureate and master degrees. The mission is to serve in the Christian tradition the educational, social, and cultural needs of its students-traditional and nontraditional-and to develop in them the desire and capacity for continuous intellectual and professional growth, leadership, and service to others. Institutional priorities in the mission of the University are teaching, research, community service and commitment to moral and personal values.

The University enrolls promising secondary school graduates and adult learners from diverse social, economic and educational backgrounds. Most of the students come from Florida; however, the University actively recruits students from the national and international communities. To enhance student life, the University provides well-rounded activities for all students in areas, such as, service and social organizations, religious programs, honor societies, major area clubs, intercollegiate athletics, and an intramural athletics program.

Bethune-Cookman University accomplishes its mission by providing excellent facilities, instruction, current technology, and support services for liberal arts, career oriented and professional studies programs. The University emphasizes teaching by continually adapting techniques to meet student needs and by providing support programs for faculty development.

Research is conducted and encouraged in order to enhance knowledge and to meet the challenges of a changing world. The University has deep roots in the social history of America and continues to provide services to the broader community through its on-and-off campus outreach programs.

(Approved by the Board of Trustees, December 2006)

Bethune-Cookman University employees draw motivation and direction from six strongly held principles. These principles guide the manner in which we treat each other and those we serve.

1. Christian Mission. We exist to serve the needs of our communities and incorporate Christian values at every level of service.

2. High ethical standards. We conduct our business and integrity, honesty and fairness. As responsible stewards, we use our financial resources wisely by choosing business practices which are cost-effective, productive and result in a fair return on investment.

3. Quality and service excellence. We strive to meet or exceed both the service standards of the education industry and the expectations of the students we serve. We measure our success through continuous surveying of student satisfaction.

4. Compassion. We are sensitive to the needs of the individuals and families we serve and meet their needs with kindness and empathy.

5. Focus on Community. We commit time, talent and financial support to involve and educate our neighbors in the principles of civic service and social responsibility. Examples are the Town Hall forums held year around and meetings with the stakeholder groups, i.e. church, community, businesses, political leaders, alumni, parents, etc.

6. Cultural diversity. We value the diversity of our students, employees, business colleagues and visitors and treat them with kindness and respect regardless of their background, race, religion, or culture.

Vision: Students will graduate from Bethune-Cookman University as transformative leaders with complex cognitive skills; practical knowledge and competency; an appreciation of human differences and commonalities; and an integrated sense of identity and civic responsibility that prepares them to live successfully within a multicultural and global community.

The graduate, as a transformative leader, will possess:

1. Complex cognitive skills
   The graduate actively engages in critical reflection based on analysis, synthesis, and evaluation in experiences that promote positive transformation in fellow human beings.

2. Practical knowledge and competency
   When applying discipline-specific principles, the student will discriminate among possible solutions, selecting and supporting those that take into consideration societal impact, e.g., the health, safety, and empowerment of others.
   
   
   • Graduates will demonstrate an awareness of the historical development of cultures and societies. (History, Social Sciences)
      
   • Graduates will perform, interpret, analyze or, otherwise, demonstrate appreciation in musical, visual, literary, and/or other works of art. (Fine Arts)
      
   • When performing communication tasks, graduates will provide content that is factually correct, supported with evidence, explained with sufficient details, and, if written, properly documented with a minimum of errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage. (English, Communication)
      
   • When applying the principles of mathematics, science, and/or engineering, the graduate will propose and evaluate a solution to a problem. (Sciences)
      
   • When assigned to teams, graduates will share responsibilities, analyze ideas, discern feasible solutions, build a consensus, and develop a strategy for action and the evaluation of action. (Leadership)
      
   • Graduates will demonstrate competency in functioning efficiently and effectively in the management of information for problem-solving using technology. (Technology)
      
3. An appreciation of human differences and commonalities
   The graduate actively discriminates among positions, selecting and supporting those that empower fellow human beings. Across the curriculum, the student will demonstrate sensitivity and respect for human differences and commonalities in the various domains in which they occur including, but not limited to, differences by age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socio-economic status.

4. An integrated sense of identity and civic responsibility The graduate actively defends positions that move global society in a direction that promotes self-worth, self-directed lifelong learning, social justice, and civic engagement. The graduate will demonstrate a passion for lifelong learning fostered by a holistic view of self-worth and the capacity to be a self-directed learner. When assigned to teams, graduates will share responsibility, analyze ideas, discern feasible solutions, build a consensus, and develop strategies for action and evaluation in defense of positions that move self and global society in a direction that promotes social justice and civic responsibility.

Bethune-Cookman University seeks to develop graduates who are honorable, democratic citizens capable of making worthwhile contributions to society. The University expects its students to uphold the highest moral and ethical standards by practicing self-discipline. Students are held accountable for their behavior. The University believes that commitment, perseverance, and high regard for the value and quality of work should be demonstrated with pride as tasks are completed with accuracy and timeliness. Bethune-Cookman University further affirms that students should respect the environment-including the University’s property, grounds, and buildings.

Competence

Bethune-Cookman University seeks to develop graduates who demonstrate academic excellence. Graduates are expected to show competence in their academic careers and vocations through mastery of both verbal and written communication skills, research, scholarly pursuit of knowledge, and major areas of study. Bethune-Cookman University believes that competent individuals will enter the future with confidence and self-esteem.

Human Worth and Dignity

Based on the premise that all human beings are worthy of respect, honor, and dignity, Bethune-Cookman University propounds the concept of human worth that is deeply embodied in its founding and purpose. In communicating this fundamental belief, the University seeks to define those characteristics that reflect honesty, tolerance, and genuine sincerity in all phases of human relations. The University strives to instill within each student the value of human worth and to show justice, compassion, and equality toward all.

Spiritual Growth and Development

Bethune-Cookman University, founded in the Christian tradition, strives to instill spiritual growth by nurturing a continuous understanding and appreciation of the ecumenical tradition and heritage of our school. The study and acceptance of other religious cultures is shown with tolerance, understanding, acceptance, and love toward others. Students will be able to make wholesome decisions for themselves and contributions to their communities.

(Approved by Bethune-Cookman University Board of Trustees, October 16, 1992)

Bethune-Cookman University is founded on and practices Christian principles, moral and ethical behavior, and total commitment to educational excellence. As an affiliate of The United Methodist Church, the University expects its students to uphold and exhibit the highest standards of conduct and behavior at all times. Our statement on Human Worth and Dignity is included in the Statement on Ethics and Values. Students are held accountable for their behavior and are expected to respect themselves and others whether on the University grounds or in the community. Expectations in specific areas of Bethune-Cookman University life are addressed below:

Dress Code (Also see University Policy on Appropriate Dress)
At Bethune-Cookman University, students should dress in a way that shows respect for not only themselves, but all other students. We believe that Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune would expect students attending her University to dress in such a way that would uplift their race, culture and professionalism. In order to achieve this code, female students should not:

• wear tops that show their mid-riffs or sleeveless men’s undershirts

• wear skirts that do not meet the “finger-tip test”

• wear anything that may cause a disturbance to the learning environment

• wear pajamas outside of the dormitory

Additionally, male students should not:

• wear pants below their waistline, showing underwear

• wear any head coverings inside buildings (hats or “do-rags”)

• wear sleeveless undershirts to class or in the cafeteria

• wear pajamas outside of the dormitory

Classroom Conduct
The classroom is the place where students go to learn. It is imperative that the behavior in the classroom does not disturb the process of learning. It is important that every student respect rules set forth for all classes and the professor. Cell phones must be placed in the silent mode or turned completely off. Students displaying rude and disrespectful behavior towards any member of the faculty or staff will be subject to disciplinary action.

Sexual Behavior on Campus Bethune-Cookman University reserves the right to define and limit what constitutes non-acceptable sexual behavior on its campus. Sexual activity which disrespects others and violates common decency is prohibited throughout the entire campus. Students must refrain from engaging in sexual activities that in any way disrespect the legacy of our founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

Safety and Security

Students must not engage in any activities that will bring harm and/or disrespect to the University. Students are expected to display and present, if necessary, ID badges at all times when on campus.

Behavior at Public Gatherings and Assemblies

When persons enroll in college, it is expected that they have learned what is considered acceptable behavior in public gatherings. There is no excuse for any college student to act in an uncivilized manner in any assembly. Being respectful and attentive to all speakers throughout a program is a must. At Bethune-Cookman University, any disrespectful behavior exhibited during public gatherings or assemblies (i.e., inappropriate talking, yelling, walking out, using cellular devices, eating or drinking, etc.) will result in immediate removal from the assembly and disciplinary action.

Violation of any part of this policy may result in a required appearance before the University Honor Court and/or the Disciplinary Review Committee.

Signing the Honor Code for Student Conduct is a requirement for admission to the University. Compliance with this Honor Code is required throughout enrollment at Bethune-Cookman University.

(Adopted by the University Administration, December 2005)

Bethune-Cookman University reserves the right to dismiss students who demonstrate non serious academic pursuits and/or disruptive behavior. This will be determined by classroom performances, the mid-semester failure lists, and observations by faculty and staff members. Any student so dismissed will be required to leave the University immediately and their parents will be notified as quickly as possible. Student may or may not be warned prior to dismissal. Where teachers indicate that there are excessive absences and/or no possible way for the student to pass courses, the student will be asked to vacate campus housing within 24 hours and his/her name will be removed from the administrative computer. The University further reserves the right to require a student to withdraw for cause at any time. For violation of one (1) offense, a student may be sent home. For violation of two (2) or more offenses, a student will be sent home:

1. Excessive class absences. Six (6) absences are considered excessive.

2. Receiving failures or “F” grades in three (3) courses, at mid semester.

3. Failure to exhibit high standards of conduct and/or disruptive behavior in the classroom on campus grounds or in the community.

4. Excessive absences from mandatory tutorial classes. Four (4) absences are considered excessive.

The Chad Meredith Act

The Chad Meredith Act became law in Florida effective July 1, 2005. The law resulted from the drowning of University of Miami student Chad Meredith on November 5, 2001. Persons convicted of felony or misdemeanor hazing are subject to imprisonment. Bethune-Cookman University has always renounced acts of brutality and hazing during the intake process, and this statement serves to reaffirm that long-standing commitment …

For the guidance of all campus chapters authorized to conduct intake periods, the definition of hazing is as follows:

“Hazing” is any action taken or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes, including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of the University. “Hazing” includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion for social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. In addition, late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities, and any other activities which are not consistent with policies of Bethune-Cookman University or which violate local, state or federal laws, are expressly forbidden. Anyone violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, and may also face criminal prosecution.

Cognizance and understanding of the above definition and the use of common sense in the carrying out of intake activities should be sufficient to guide campus chapters to avoid hazing violations. A good rule of thumb is: “IF IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT OUT”.

Chapter members and advisors are responsible for seeing that the intake process follows steps prescribed by their respective national offices, within B-CU guidelines. No chapter or member is “above the law.” All participants should be urged to remember that the intake process is designed to prepare new “sisters” and “brothers”, and hazing has no place in this important process.

Bethune-Cookman University is committed to maintaining an educational and working environment free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment by any employee or student is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Persons violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include, but is not necessarily limited to, written warning, demotion, transfer, suspension, expulsion, dismissal, or termination. Also see the Bethune-Cookman University booklet titled INVESTIGATING SEXUAL HARASSMENT. (A full discussion is found in the Student Handbook.)

Enrolled students of Bethune-Cookman University are not permitted to bring infants and/or children into classrooms, classroom buildings or other facilities, including the library and residential halls. Further, if children are on the campus for any purpose, they must always be supervised by an adult. Appropriate disciplinary measures will apply if this policy is not followed.

The right of students to include in their wardrobe a broad array of various types, styles, colors, and expressions is fully recognized. All students, however, have a vested interest in the image of Bethune-Cookman University, and certain types of clothing tend to reflect negatively upon the University and tend to disrupt the educational process. The following types of clothing and other items, therefore, shall not be allowed in classrooms, at college-sponsored activities, in any University building including the dining hall, or on the University campus grounds:

1. Clothing or accessories that contain obscene, profane, or expressions offensive to race, gender, or ethnicity (as determined by the Administration in its sole discretion).

2. Clothing or accessories that depict nudity, the showing of male and female sex organs, or explicit sexual acts.

3. Clothing or accessories that condone or sanction violence: jewelry in the form or shape of drugs or drug paraphernalia; clothing, jewelry or other accessories with pictures of drugs or drug paraphernalia, or with expressions that condone or sanction the use of illegal drugs.

4. Clothing that is sexually explicit or suggestive.

The following are only illustrative examples and should not be considered an exhaustive list.

Female

1. No exposure of bust, stomach or full back.

2. Skirt, splits and dress lengths etc. should be such that if the wearer bends over at a 45-degree angle there should be no exposure of inner thighs or undergarments.

3. No types of clothing should be skintight.

4. Hair should always be clean and well groomed.

5. No hats should be worn inside buildings.

Male

1. No exposure of chest, stomach or full back.

2. Pants should not be worn below waist level.

3. No types of clothing should be skin tight.

4. Hair should always be clean and well groomed.

5. No hats should be worn inside buildings.
    
6. Clothing which expresses any form of ethnic degradation.

Faculty members may exclude from class persons who dress in a manner not consistent with this policy. Persons in authority may exclude from University sponsored events and campus buildings and grounds persons who dress in a manner not consistent with this policy. Persons who continually dress in a manner not consistent with the policy as stated above may be subjected to disciplinary measures as expressed in the Bethune-Cookman University Student Handbook.

Bethune-Cookman University provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled persons in accordance with the requirements of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 serve to ensure that individuals with current disabling conditions are provided reasonable accommodations to enable them to enjoy the programs, activities, services, and employment opportunities offered by colleges and universities. As these laws only apply to individuals with known disabilities, it is required by Bethune-Cookman University that individuals provide recent documentation to establish their eligibility under these laws and to document their specific accommodation needs. Individuals with a verifiable learning or physical disability affecting academic studies must submit documentation of a professional diagnostic evaluation (not older than three years) of their disability to Faith Hall, Room #10. All others with disabilities as defined by the ADA must contact the Student Affairs Office in the student center regarding living and dietary accommodations and the Testing Office in Faith Hall regarding standardized testing.

Bethune-Cookman University is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity in all phases of the employment relationship including advertising, hiring, compensation and other terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or marital status. The University is also committed to the principles of nondiscrimination in its educational programs and activities. No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability or sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the University. Any employee or student who has a complaint regarding the University’s compliance with these standards should contact the University’s Office of Human Resources Management.