Student Life and Support Services

Department of Student Life

At Bethune-Cookman University, we place students at the heart of the educational process. As an institution holding Christian Methodist values, we believe that learning and development occur both inside and outside of the classroom as evidenced by a multitude of research studies. The co-curricular environment and the experiences it provides, play a significant role in the education and development of the whole student (Tinto, November/ December 1997).

In nurturing student learning and development-intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional, and physical-we consider student organizations and their advisors to be vital partners in the process.

The Department of Student Life at Bethune-Cookman University is the centralized hub for student resources and activities. It encompasses:

• The Office of Recreational Student Services
• The Office of Student Activities
• The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
• Michael and Libby Johnson Center for Civic Engagement

Each of the offices supports the student experience by providing unique programs, services and facilities designed to foster student development and help students find their purpose.

Student Life encourages students to get involved in all aspects of college life. This includes upholding the University Core Values; creating service opportunities for students to give back; joining a Fraternity or Sorority; and/or connecting with campus resources. Whether you want to run for a position within the Student Government Association, unite your class by serving on your Class Board or joining a student organization, Student Life is here to support you.

Student Responsibility

Each student who accepts admission to Bethune-Cookman University also accepts the university’s standards if personal conduct (code of Honor). The student is expected to take full advantage of the opportunities offered within formal and informal learning environments in order to learn how to make wise decisions regarding appropriate behavior, altitude, and conduct in all settings. Policies and practices governing students and student life are found in the student handbook and posted on line.

On-Campus Housing

Bethune-Cookman University’s Office of Housing and Housing and Residence Life welcomes all fully enrolled Bethune-Cookman University students to residential housing. All room assignments are made on a first come, first serve basis for students who:

1. are fully enrolled with a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours;
2. pay a $300 enrollment fee (new students only), or pay an annual $200 reservation fee (returning students);
3. complete the required housing application; and
4. secure financial clearance from the University Bursar’s office.

Freshman and Sophomore Residency Requirement

Bethune-Cookman University requires that all freshman and sophomore single students, enrolled for twelve (12) or more semester credit hours, reside in the University’s residence halls and participate in a board plan.  This requirement excludes summer sessions and is applicable until the attainment of junior academic standing, or the receipt of an exemption from the Housing and Housing and Residence Life Office.

Exemptions to this requirement must be requested in writing (on a Release to Commute Request Form) and submitted by June 15, for Fall Semester release, or November 15, for a Spring Semester release. Release to Commute Request forms may be obtained by visiting the B-CU Residence Life webpage under the forms tab, or by calling 386-481-2420.  All Release to Commute Requests must be submitted to the Housing and Housing and Residence Life Office, via email at Reslife@cookman.edu, or mailed to the following address:   

Housing and Housing and Residence Life Office

Bethune-Cookman University

640 Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Student’s not explicitly granted an exemption will be considered in violation and may be charged for Housing.

Possible exemptions may be granted to students who:

1. Commute to class from the principal residence of a parent or legal guardian living within the 50 (road) commuting miles.  To live with a parent or legal guardian the student must provide a birth certificate signed by one or both parents or legal documentation of guardianship, and a valid driver’s license or current utility bill in the parent’s/guardian’s name to verify the address of his/her residence.
2. Are twenty-one years of age or older, having reached that age no later than the first day of classes for the applicable semester or having graduated from high school more than two years prior to the beginning of the semester.
3. Are married.  A copy of the marriage certificate must be submitted as documentation.
4. Have custody of dependent children. A copy of the birth certificate must be submitted as documentation.
5. Can demonstrate other acceptable extenuating circumstances and provide documentation as described in the Release to Commute Request Guidelines.

Application Deadlines

Windows for housing reservation are as follow: 

 Applying for housing does not guarantee a student a room or placement on the waitlist. Students must complete the housing registration and room selection processes on the dates provided, or contact the Office of Housing and Housing and Residence Life after payment for more instructions on receiving a room assignment or a spot on the waitlist (if housing is full at the time).

Residence Hall Assignments

***Please note that students desiring to reside in Lee Rhyant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Residence Hall Rates

Housing rates are listed below. All residential students are required to obtain a meal plan.

19 meals per week at a cost of $1000.

When on-campus housing cannot be assigned to a student, it becomes the responsibility of the student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) to make all necessary legal and financial arrangements to secure off-campus housing. Bethune-Cookman University assumes no responsibility for payment of rent or lease agreements, and has no official affiliations with any off-campus apartments, houses, etc.

Housing and Residence Life

Residential students are under the direct supervision of the residence hall staff. Rules governing Housing and Residence Life are provided in the Student Code of Conduct (available in print and online), and under the discretion of the professional staff in each specific residence hall.

Housing and Residence Life rooms are furnished with a bed, dresser or closet, and desk; however, students may wish to personalize their rooms with their own curtains, rugs, bedspreads, and other personalized items.

 For a complete list of what to bring and what not to bring, please enter the following URL link:

http://www.cookman.edu/currentstudents/studdev/residencelife/whattobring.html

Residential facilities are equipped with the following:

• Wi-Fi accessible
• 24-hour computer labs (except Joyner, Bronson Complex, Ja Flo Davis, and Curtis)
• Cable TV
• Study Rooms (24 hours)
• Lounges
• Laundry rooms (coinless washing machines and dryers)

It is the goal and desire of each Residence Life staff member to make each student’s living and study environment as safe and comfortable as possible. Any student who refuses to abide by University policy, as per the Student Code of Conduct, will be subject to adjudication within the Office of Judicial Affairs.

Judicial Affairs

The Bethune-Cookman University community is committed to fostering a campus environment that represents our Christian tradition, is conducive to academic inquiry, a productive campus life and thoughtful study and discourse. The student conduct program within the Judicial Affairs Office is committed to an educational and developmental process that balances the interest and safety of individual students with the interests and safety of the Bethune-Cookman University community.

A community exists on the basis of shared values and principles. At Bethune-Cookman University, student members of the community are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct that form the basis of the Code of Student Conduct. These standards are embodied within a set of core values that include integrity, social justice, respect, community. And responsibility. A Bethune-Cookman University student represents the university at all time therefore the university maintains high standards of behavior on and off campus, during the semester and in between terms.

Each member of the Bethune-Cookman University community bears responsibility for their conduct and to assume reasonable responsibility for the behavior of others. When members of the community fail to exemplify theses five values by engaging in violation of the rules and standards, campus conduct proceedings are used to assert and uphold the Code of Student Conduct.

The student conduct process at Bethune-Cookman 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 our policies. Sanctions are intended to challenge students’ moral and ethical decision—making and to help them bring their behavior into accord with our community expectations and develop an understanding of impact of their behavior. When a student is unable to conform their behavior to community expectations and/or their behavior is in danger to themselves or others, the student conduct process may determine that the student should no longer share in the privilege of participating in this community.

Students should be aware that the student conduct process is quite different from criminal and civil court proceedings. Procedures and rights in student conduct procedures are conducted with fundamental fairness, but do not include the same protections of due process afforded by the courts. Due process, as defined within these procedures, assures written notice and a hearing before an objective adjudicating officer or board. No student will be found in violation of Bethune-Cookman University policy without information showing that it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred (standard of proof). Sanctions will be proportionate to the severity of the violation, its impact upon the community and its members, and to the cumulative conduct history of the student.

Chaplaincy Department

Our mission is to cultivate faith as we honor our heritage, tradition and values through friendly service and theological engagement.

Our Explanation

Bethune-Cookman University is an exceptional place established on the historic foundation of the Christian faith. Our President, faculty, staff and students all represent diverse religious traditions from around the globe. As a Methodist endowed University B-CU is unapologetically Christian and anchored in the Wesleyan practice of Scripture, Reason, Tradition and Experience.

The Office of the Chaplaincy is the first of its kind within our history and is made up of a Dean of the Chapel, Director of Religious Life, Religious Life Programming Assistant and the support of a full-time Administrative Assistant. Together, we share the responsibility of coordinating God centered programs and initiatives that encourage the cultivation of faith development through scholarship and service.

The Office of the Chaplaincy is open to serving all faith groups regardless of race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, gender or ability. We are intentional in providing compassionate care to all who desire spiritual counseling, encouragement and guidance.

Our Priorities

• Improve and increase the number of student mentorships, e-learning opportunities and faith based activities for students.
• Provide students with leadership opportunities to cultivate faith, growth and development.
• Promote civic engagement service activities of faculty, staff and students.
• Integrate steak-holders into University through faith-based partnerships and activities.
• Raise freshmen profile by providing opportunities that help them excel in faith-based transformative experiences.
• Educational exposure through worship services, mission trips, outreach collaborative efforts with local churches, and forums based on faith, culture, scholarship and service.

Our Activities & Partnerships Programs

Our programs and services are varied in their essence and approach.

Chapel Services are offered in the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center on Wednesdays at 11:10 am and Bible Study is held in the Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn Memorial Chapel on Thursday at 6:00pm for faculty, staff, students and community members.

Additional programming includes Friday Night Live Worship Services, Alabaster Box Open Mic Experiences, Daily Prayer, the Fellowship Gospel Choir, Wildcat Worship Team, Religious Life Fellowship Student Organization, The Anointed Praise Mime Ministry, F.A.I.T.H., The Justice Coalition, Volunteer Service Project, The B-CU Prayer Meditation Room (332 Model Street), Faith Community Internships and the Chapel Assistant Program

Student Health Services

In support of the Student Affairs Division’s mission Student Health Services will promote overall student health through the provision of quality health services and health education to foster a healthy campus community.  All full time, currently enrolled students are eligible for evaluation and treatment at Student Health Service.  

The Student Health Center is open from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Some of the services provided include:

• Over the Counter medicine offered for allergy, cold, and, gastro intestinal discomfort, pain.
• Pregnancy Testing and community referral for Pregnancy Counseling
• Several Health and Wellness programs offered throughout the semester to educate regarding healthy lifestyles and the developing help seeking behaviors.
• HIV/AIDS Testing (No Cost to Students)
• Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infection (cost will vary)
• Nutritional Counseling
• Sickle Cell Education and Screening - No cost to student
• Community referrals as needed

Utilization of Student Health Services

• All students will be required to provide a completed Medical History Report including required immunizations and waivers to be maintained in Student Health Services.
• All students will be required to obtain a Physical Examination, dated within the past year and placed on file
• Students with chronic illnesses, i.e. asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. will provide documentation of their illness and current medications.
• Medical insurance is strongly recommended and a copy of the insurance information will be placed in the medical file.
• Nursing staff will make appropriate referrals when medically necessary to: Urgent Care/Emergency Room or local providers.
• Health Services Staff will assist student regarding transportation to local community medical provider.

Confidentiality Statement

All interventions and communications between students and the Student Health Services staff are confidential. No one, on or off campus, may have access to information regarding student’s health concerns without written permission from the student or his parents/guardians (if the student is a minor.) An exception to this guideline is if the health and safety of the student, campus community or community at large is jeopardized. In such cases, a decision to release information will be made after careful deliberation of the “need to know”. Consultation with the Assistant Vice President, Dean of Students and the Vice President of Student Affairs will determine extent of information to be released. The incident and steps of resolution will be documented in the student record.

Release of information regarding HIV infection/disease by court order or student’s written consent only.

Student Counseling Services

B-CU Counseling Services promotes the social and emotional development of B-CU students to facilitate their richest experience of University life.  The full range of psychological needs, from managing stress to managing mental illness, are addressed by short-term psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, drop-in consultations, and educational workshops and programs.  Additionally, Counseling Services is committed to educating the entire B-CU community about wellness and mental illness, both to enhance individual well-being and to teach others to recognize and refer students of concern to Counseling Services.

Student Counseling Services, is open from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Additionally, there is a licensed clinician on campus from 5:00-7:00 pm Monday through Friday. 

Individual and group counseling services include, but are not limited to:

Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief/loss, Homesickness, Loneliness, Perfectionism, Procrastination, Relationship issues, Sexual orientation (LGBTQ), Stress, Domestic Violence, etc.

ALL OF OUR SERVICES ARE VOLUNTARY AND CONFIDENTIAL!

Services are by appointment; however, immediate same-day services provided for students in crisis.

B-CU Counseling Services, will provide referrals and coordinate services with community providers if students are in need of ongoing clinical services and will collaborate with psychiatrist in coordination of medication oversight.

Student Accessibility Services

Bethune-Cookman University provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled persons in accordance with the requirements of the 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 participate in the programs, activities, services, and employment opportunities offered by colleges and universities. 

As these laws only apply to individuals with documented 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 disability (most recent evaluation completed within 3 years of submission) or physical disability affecting academic studies must submit documentation of a professional diagnostic evaluation of their disability.  Students requiring living, dietary, and temporary mobility accommodations must also apply for accommodations through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Please note that an application can be submitted to SAS through Wildcat Web/Student Requests/Accessibility Services Application. 

All documentation provided to SAS will be strictly confidential. No information, except as provided by law, will be released to anyone, including parents, without the student’s written consent. The academic and technical criteria required for acceptance into a particular program or for approval to participate in a particular activity shall be clearly defined by the program’s administrators in order to ensure reasonable access for persons with qualified disabilities who seek accommodations.  Appropriate instructional support services are available for students with a documented disability.   In situations where special assistance is not sufficient to permit the person with the disability to successfully complete the program or course requirement, course substitutions or formal program modifications may be requested through (SAS).

Odessa Chambliss Center for Health Equity

The Odessa Chambliss Center for Health Equity is named after the mother of Bethune-Cookman University Trustee Dr. Lucille O’Neal, and primarily funded by The Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund. Its focus is on improving the health of Bethune-Cookman students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community by identifying and addressing social determinants of health, health disparities, and social justice among participants. The fundamental principle is to educate and empower individuals to make positive lifestyle changes for the betterment of their health and the health of those around them.

The Odessa Chambliss Center provides health information that is culturally sensitive, and comprehensible public health programs. It is home to the Volusia Volunteers in Medicine, a free clinic for the working/uninsured, and a Community Counseling Center that provides counseling services to community members at no cost. The Center is an ACCESS site for the Department of Children and Families where students and community members are able apply for benefits. The Center provides Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment with Certified Health Navigators.

Some of the programs offered at the Center include:

• Tools to Quit two hour tobacco cessation session and a six week Quit Smoking Now course providing participants with support, resources, and free nicotine replacement therapy
• Weed Out Your Habits smoking cessation series every semester
• Baby and Me Tobacco Free sessions serving pregnant women to stop tobacco use. Participants receive tobacco cessation sessions with a research based program guidelines and are screened for carbon monoxide levels. Vouchers for diapers are given to successful participants for up to a year
• Quarterly Diabetes Prevention program is offered using the national model designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Weight Watchers program is offered and funded by about 70% by the Center every semester
• Annually, the Center offers a free student and employee Personal Health Assessment conducted by Florida Health Care Plans. These assessments include glucose testing, cholesterol testing, blood pressure reading, BMI, health coaching, etc., at no cost to participants
• Healthy Life program assists B-CU family to achieve better health through series of health focus sessions
• Cancer and Chronic disease prevention/management programs
• Ban the Box, and Civil Citation social justice initiatives 

Medical Withdrawal

A Medical Withdrawal request can be made when a current debilitating medical condition prevents a student from attending ALL of their scheduled classes and/or completing required coursework for the current semester. This will result in a complete withdrawal from the University for the duration of the medical condition. Requests must be made, when possible, prior to the last day of class.  

Required Documentation for Medical Withdrawal

For a medical withdrawal, student must provide a letter from their attending health care provider that specifies:

• the date of onset of illness
• the dates you were under professional care
• the general nature of your medical condition and why/how it prevented you from completing your course work
• the last date you were able to attend class
• the date of your anticipated return to school

The letter must be submitted within 5 days of submitting the initial request, typed on the health care provider’s letterhead stationery and submitted in a sealed envelope or emailed directly to studenthealth@cookman.edu.

All applications for medical withdrawal require thorough and credible documentation. The documentation you provide will be verified.  Please submit a Consent for Release of Medical Information giving the provider of your documentation written permission to discuss your case with the college medical withdrawal designee who will contact him or her for more information or verification.

Once approved the University Designee will notify the Office of the Registrar, Office of the Bursar, Financial Aid and College Advisor of documents being verified.

Student Organizations

Any student who seeks membership in fraternities, sororities, clubs, and other organized groups that are recognized and approved by the University for Students Participation and membership must meet the minimum scholastic standards as set forth by the University before approval and admission into such organizations. For students having met the minimum requirements set forth for participation, the University encourages participation in:

1. Honor Societies

Honor Societies are those in which memberships are determined on the basis of merit and achievement. The following honor societies are available at the University:

Alpha Chi Honor Society (all disciplines)

2. General Organizations

Clubs, activities, and organizations in which membership is not restricted because of a declared major within a particular department are considered general organizations. Participation in these groups is voluntary. These programs may be national or local in scope.

1. The Student Government Association at Bethune-Cookman University is the student governing body in matters pertaining to the common interests of all currently enrolled students.
2. Student Activities Board (SAB) is to develop and create programs, while working towards the mission of Bethune-Cookman University, involve students, alumni, faculty, and staff in the university to provide a premier education for its students through programming.
3. Voice of the Wildcat newspaper is the University’s student run monthly publication. It reports on activities of individual students, student organizations and, in general, the university community, especially as it relates to and impacts students.
4. The B-Cean is the University’s annual yearbook. Students are encouraged to respond to calls to have their pictures included in each issue and student organizations are urged to schedule group photo shoots for inclusion. Students also have opportunities to contribute artwork, articles, photos, etc. to the publication.
5. University-wide performing groups include the (a) marching, stage, and concert bands, (b) Concert Chorale, (c) Orchesis Dance Ensemble, (d) Inspirational Gospel Choir, and (e) Cheerleaders.

3. Fraternal Organizations

Fraternal organizations are international Greek letter organizations that have chapters on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University:

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Tau Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Beta Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Delta Alpha Chapter
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Beta Chi Chapter
*Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Theta Chapter
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Epsilon Chapter
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Beta Upsilon Chapter
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Beta Eta Chapter
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Mu Beta Chapter

*Denotes inactive status

4. Service And Social Organizations

Students interested in other service or social organizations may choose from the following:

Gamma Beta Chi Fraternity
Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority
Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity
Tau Beta Sigma Band Sorority
Gamma Phi Delta
*Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity/Sorority, Inc.

*Denotes inactive status

A cumulative grade point average of 2.8 is required to participate in service organizations. To participate in the Intake process (for fraternities and/or sororities), a student must meet the requirements of the National Pan Hellenic Council and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.80 and at least 12 Semester credit Hours. Intake and Initiation take place once each semester during the prescribed time windows designated by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Each student organization and activity must be registered in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life/Department of Student Life.

Student Activities and Involvement maintains current student organization information through the registration process completed each year. Current organizations are required to re-register each fall to remain active. New organizations and clubs are able to register during the fall registration and spring registration windows. Only new clubs and organization are eligible for spring registration.

Students must also identify at least one fulltime member of the faculty and/or staff to serve as the organization’s sponsors. The Office of Student Activities and Leadership will approve recommended persons to serve as the official sponsors of the organization.

CLUBS VS. ORGANIZATIONS According to the Bethune-Cookman University Department of Student Life, an organization is classified as a body of students that are directly regulated by the Department of Student Life or another specific campus academic or service department. Classified campus organizations must be affiliated through one of the following entities: Academic College/School, Greek Life, Service Charity, Professional Studies, Special Interest (Upon Approval), Honor Society, Student Leadership, Departmental Leadership. Classified organizations typically have independent funding resources through their tying department or have proven fundraising resources and programs. Campus organizations are eligible for SGA co-funding programs. ALL campus organizations must follow all registration requirements laid out by the Department of Student Life (OrgSync Training, Submission of Constitution, Registration Forms, Advisor Approval, and Adviser Training) and operate firmly through OrgSync procedure.

According to the Student Government Association Constitution, all organizations must maintain a minimum of ten students unless specified otherwise by Department of Student Life. According to the Bethune-Cookman University Department of Student Life, a campus club is classified as a group of students with shared interest to a particular function. Clubs are not directly regulated by the Department of Student Life or a specific campus academic or service department. Club structures are free-form and can purpose any attained interest desired (upon approval). Clubs are independently ran by students but must still contract with an on-campus advisor. Classified campus clubs are not eligible for OrgSync protocol; therefore, all campus clubs must program through co-sponsorships with approved campus organizations (including SGA and SAB). Campus Clubs are NOT to program independently at any space on Bethune- Cookman University campus. Furthermore, classified campus clubs are entitled to private meeting spaces and must request those spaces specifically through campus building managers (list provided). Campus Clubs must go through the pre-registration process to be recognized in the Department of Student Life Office and require a minimum of five members to remain active. All active clubs are eligible for SGA co-funding programs. Campus Clubs can request for status promotion to “organization” upon proven success and participation on campus.

Intercollegiate Activities

Bethune-Cookman University considers intercollegiate athletics and its student-athletes an integral part of the University. The total involvement of the coaches, faculty, staff, student-athletes, alumni, and friends provides an opportunity to share in the life of the collegiate community.

The University expects student-athletes to make earning an undergraduate degree their top priority. The University’s Athletics Department is committed to high standards of academic performance, sportsmanship, leadership, and equal opportunities for both male and female athletes. To facilitate this priority, faculty members, academic support staff, athletic coaches, medical staff, and student athletes work as collaborators and partners. The Department of Athletics provides assistance to all student-athletes to ensure their academic success. The department monitors and implements the academic advisement, tracking, and tutorial programs of its student athletes at all times to ensure academic progress and, ultimately, graduation.

The Office of Student-Athlete Support (OSAS) also provides assistance to each Bethune-Cookman University student-athlete until graduation. The OSAS links directly to Freshman College, the Student Success Center, and respective major departments for additional retention and tutorial services and support. OSAS also maintains a Tutorial Resource Center for all students, regardless of their academic status. In addition, personal academic counseling is available and provided when requested.

The University’s intercollegiate sports program is affiliated with the following governing bodies: The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is to serve in the Christian tradition the diverse educational, social, gender and cultural needs of its student athletes and to develop in them a desire and capacity for continuous  intellectual and moral growth as well as a commitment to the highest level of sportsmanship, ethics, academic and athletic performance. The University has deep roots in the history of America and continues to provide services to the broader community through a focus on service learning and civic engagement by student-athletes enrolled in a variety of courses.

Gender and Diversity Statement

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at Bethune-Cookman University considers itself an integral part of the fabric of the University. In accordance with the University’s mission, policies and procedures are developed and routinely evaluated to illustrate the University’s continued commitment to accommodate the interests and abilities of all students, student-athletes, faculty, and staff. The department is also committed to providing equal scholarship and employment opportunities to all qualified student-athletes and prospective employees regardless of race,color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, gender and sexual orientation, religion, age or disability through its intercollegiate athletics program. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics recognizes the value and strength of diversity, which is evident in our staff and on our team rosters. We celebrate the victories that come through a commitment to inclusion of people from all walks of life.

Varsity Programs

Bethune-Cookman University sponsors 17 sanctioned sports in conjunction with NCAA and Mid- Eastern Athletic Conference rules and regulations. They consist of nine sports for women and eight for men. The current sponsored sports are:

1. Football
2. Men’s Basketball 10. Women’s Basketball
3. Baseball 11. Women’s Tennis
4. Men’s Outdoor Track and Field 12. Women’s Indoor Track and Field
5. Men’s Cross Country 13. Women’s Outdoor Track and Field
6. Men’s Tennis 14. Women’s Cross Country
7. Men’s Golf 15. Softball
8. Men’s Indoor Track and Field 16. Women’s Golf
9. Volleyball 17. Women’s Bowling

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Philosophy

The members of the MEAC subscribe to the principle that intercollegiate athletics is a vital part of higher education, is regarded as an integral part of the educational program, and shall be administered and conducted with the highest degree of integrity and in a manner consistent with the institution’s educational policies.

Fundamental to the successful application of intercollegiate athletics is the mission to educate student athletes. It is the mission of the MEAC to promote student athletes’ academic and athletic success. Further, the members of MEAC are obligated to ensure that the academic and athletic mission is achieved ethically.

It is the function of the MEAC to encourage intercollegiate athletics with the highest degree of institutional control. To reinforce these principles, the MEAC believes in and subscribes to the fundamental principles governing the conduct of intercollegiate athletics as adopted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with respect to the principles governing:

Amateurism and student participation
Institutional control and responsibility
Sound academic standards
Financial aid
Recruiting
Ethical conduct
Competition in post-season and intercollegiate sponsored contests
Playing and practice seasons
Eligibility of student athletes
Personnel and squad limitations

Football television
Basketball television

Cultural Affairs

To supplement classroom instruction, Bethune-Cookman University offers a well-rounded schedule of cultural programs including, plays, lectures, and musical performances by outstanding individuals and groups. Most of these programs are free for all students upon presentation of their Bethune-Cookman University identification card. All University cultural events are open to the community and, in most cases, are free or made available at reasonable fees.

Technology Resources

All residential halls are wired for access to the Internet. Personal computers, workstations, and specialized computing equipment, found in computing labs throughout campus, are available to all registered students. The University has a 24hr computer lab for students located in the Parlin Center, with faxing and color printing capabilities. Wireless Internet access is also throughout the campus, including all academic buildings and residential halls.

Students have access to computers that have a wide range of compatibilities, including personal computers that run the latest versions of Microsoft and Apple operating systems that are connected to the University’s academic computing network. All computer labs run the latest Microsoft Office, Adobe, and virus protection software.

A 300mb pipe connects the university to the Internet. All academic buildings on campus are connected to the network through fiber optics, providing Internet access to all academic buildings on campus.  The Center for Information Technology (CIT) provides email addresses, wildcat web and blackboard accounts for all registered students, faculty, and staff.

Students are urged to make maximum use of the computing equipment for preparing papers and for increasing their skills in computer science and computer information techniques. The CIT HelpDesk provides hardware, software and networking technical support for both residential hall students and commuting students.

The Carl S. Swisher Library/Learning Resources Center

The library collection contains over 300,000 volumes, as well as print and electronic periodicals, microforms and other electronic media. An online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) provides access to the library collection via the internet. The collection is housed in open stacks except for special collections.

The Library features a Local Area Network (LAN) with access to the Internet and subscribed online databases that include ProQuest, EBSCO, Britannica Online, JSTOR, Black Studies Center, CREDO, and others other prominent scholarly resources.

As a member of the Northeast Florida Library Network (NEFLIN), Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF), Historically Black and Colleges and Universities Library Alliance, and LYRASIS, the Swisher Library has access to other resources and collections in Florida and around the country through consortia agreements and inter-library loan programs.

The Carl S. Swisher Library/Learning Resource Center (LRC) also houses a 24-hour Learning Commons, 10 conference rooms for group study, an exhibition area, a Bibliographic Instructional (BI) lab for library instructional classes, Tutorial Lab, a Faculty and Staff Training Lab, and the University Archives. Special collections include:  the Mary McLeod Bethune; the Attica Collection; and the Black Collection of books by and about Blacks. The archival area is the repository for documentary, photographic and other materials of historic value to the University and the community.  The Library provides wireless access for laptop computers.

The Carl S. Swisher Library/LRC serves as a major focus for improving learning, teaching, and research. It addresses the academic, administrative, and cultural needs of the University through the provision of resources identified above as well as consultative services offered to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

Academic Computing

The Office of Academic Computing has established a Student Support Program that focuses on student success in the areas of technology use and support. Students also have access to computer labs throughout campus. Each computer lab has access to all necessary hardware and software used for instruction at B-CU. Students receive training on the use of Blackboard through their instructor. Students are also offered several training opportunities with software that is used in their courses. Students may also request one-on-one training through Academic Computing.

The Office of Student Internships and Career Placement

The Office of Student Internships and Career Placement provides individual and group career based sessions assisting students in the career development process from the first year of matriculation until  graduation. Opportunities and assistance are also available for alumni as well.

Our programming consists of the following sessions: Resume Writing/Critique, Internships, Mock Interviewing, Career Prep and You, The Art of Networking, Negotiations, The Job Application Process, What You Need To Know About Graduate and Professional School, Selecting A Major and others.

Recruiters and Human Resource professionals also facilitate company information sessions, career internship sessions, and participate in career fairs on our campus. Graduate School representatives also provide application processes and other information conducive for a successful graduate study.

Students are strongly encouraged to visit the Office of Student Internships and Career Placement for assistance in applying for internships and jobs.

All graduating seniors are strongly encouraged to utilize the center the entirety of their senior year.

Internship Policy

Internships (including externships, cooperative education, student teaching or similar work experience) are academic, curriculum-based, educational programs that allow students to gain practical work experience, enhance student learning and, in most instances, earn academic credit at the same time. These are supervised programs of work and study which involve students working in governmental, community service, school, medical, or business settings. While a qualified supervisor in the workplace directs the day-to-day learning, the student is also supervised by a Student Success Coach or faculty liaison who sets the criteria for performance, observes the intern periodically, monitors the student’s progress, , and resolves any immediate concerns related to the internship.

Internships are hands-on and/or in-the-field experiences specifically related to the student’s major. Students are eligible for internships beginning in their sophomore year of study. Occasionally, internships are available for first-year students. Students should be aware that specific major areas of study also establish course completion and classification status as additional criteria for internship assignments. Internships must be approved by the student’s Department Chair, Academic Liaison, and/or Student Success Coach the University requires that all students applying for internships have at least a grade point average of 2.0. It is possible, however, that individual organizations will require a higher grade point average for those students they permit to intern with them. Such requirements are beyond the control of the University and students are encouraged to research specific criteria of organizations with whom they are interested in securing an internship. While some internships are paid, most are not. Students are urged not to select an internship solely on the basis of whether or not it is a paid internship opportunity. Many students have had amazing learning experiences, established significant networking channels, and laid the foundation for lifelong friendships through unpaid internships. Whether an internship is paid or unpaid is determined by each individual agency/organization. For assistance in obtaining an internship, please contact the Student Success Center

While teacher candidate interns work fulltime in a school setting for one Semester, the typical intern works ten to twenty Hours per week. An average of 45 Hours of work is required for each Semester credit Hour pursued. Internships are appropriate for advanced undergraduate students working in fields that relate directly to their career goals or academic interests. Internships are normally taken within a Semester or two of the student’s date of graduation. All internships must be approved prior to beginning the experience.

Criteria used in approving internships:

• There must be a clear and specified relationship to an academic program.
• Placement must be at a professional level of responsibility appropriate for university credit.
• Internship credit is not appropriate in an organization where a student is already employed. Exceptions may be appropriate under special circumstances. All exceptions must be approved by the School Dean, Faculty Liaison, and Student Success Coach
• Internships involving potential conflict of interests are not appropriate.
• Internships require prior approval of authorized officials including, the, Department Chair/Student Success Coach, and/or Faculty Liaison.
• A written agreement signed by a site supervisor and the School Dean is required. A copy of the signed agreement must be on file in the School Dean’s office. A list of all approved internship sites can be verified through records maintained in the Office of the Provost. It is also recommended that students attend an Internship Preparation or Employability Skills session through the Student Success Center, prior to the assignment.

The conditions of an internship should be finalized with the student before he or she reports for the assignment. These include the nature of the internship, supervisory arrangements, specific responsibilities of the intern, work schedules, and expected learning outcomes. It is expected that agency supervisors will provide a safe environment in which students can work and the materials that students need to complete their internship assignments (a desk, computer, etc.). Once the internship begins, agency supervisors should review students’ work with them regularly and treat them as professionals. The supervisor must also complete the supervisor’s evaluation form which is due on the last day of classes in the Semester in which the internship is taken. The units of credit applied to the internship are determined by the vertical curriculum for each degree and are based on certification/licensing requirements, best practices in higher education, and standards of professional societies as evidenced in the rationale for the curriculum.

For example, a maximum of three units is applied to the major in Business Administration. Units exceeding three are considered elective units and may be applied toward the overall unit total needed for a degree.

Roles

The Intern fills a position offered by a sponsoring organization and executes duties commensurate with careers and occupations found within his/her major in order to receive appropriate academic credit. The Internship Coordinator for the School reviews the students’ qualifications for an internship, discusses available internships with the intern, and assigns the intern to an opportunity that is desirable in terms of the intern’s interests and career goals. The primary supervisor of the intern is the University’s course instructor or faculty liaison. The agency’s on-site supervisor has daily oversight of the intern.

All programs allowing internships must have an Internship Coordinator. He/she is responsible for arranging the internship and communicates with the intern’s course instructor. The Coordinator is the University’s liaison with the on-site supervisor and normally has minimal contact with the intern during the course of the internship. The Coordinator also serves as the resource person for any general program problems that might arise during the internship. The Course Instructor is the intern’s Supervisor and is responsible for setting the criteria for performance, observing the intern periodically, monitoring the student’s progress, grading the student, resolving any immediate concerns related to the internship, and securing all evaluation documents. The institutional Internship Coordinator in the Student Success Center must also receive verification of all finalized application information.

Internship Provider

The Internship Provider must agree to the learning objectives, monitor student progress and make regular reports to the Faculty Liaison, or Student Success coach. Progress reports provided by the Course Instructor should include attendance as well as qualitative assessments of student learning. The Internship Provider must agree, in writing, to a contractual arrangement which must be approved by a Student Success coach. Completed internship evaluations must be provided for the Student Success Coaches in the Student Success Center

Documentation

The department/school must make available to the student and the Internship Provider copies of program documents and contracts describing the purpose and principles of the internship, including the activities and works involved and submit to the Student Success Center

Students also need to complete an internship application form through the center.

Assessment and Feedback

The department/student success center must provide scheduled contact with the Internship Provider for feedback and assessment of the student’s performance and the suitability of the site/provider. The department/school must provide routine assessment of internship providers to ensure quality learning experiences.

Internship Grading

Grades for internships are determined by the evaluation completed by the course’s instructor and from input provided on the evaluation forms completed by the internship onsite supervisor.