Student Life and Support Services

Division of Student Affairs

Bethune-Cookman University places students at the heart of the educational process. As a postsecondary education institution, we believe that learning and development occur inside and outside the classroom. The co-curricular environment and the experiences it provides play a significant role in the whole student’s education, growth, and development.

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 Division of Student Affairs at B-CU is the centralized hub for student resources and activities. It encompasses:

• The Office of Recreational Student Services
• The Office of Student Activities (Student Life)
• The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
• The Office of Civic and Community Engagement
• The Office of Judicial and Community Standards
• The Office of Student Initiatives
• Housing and Residence Life

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’s 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 join a student organization, Student Life is here to support you.

Student Responsibility

Each student who is admitted to B-CU also accepts the University’s standards of personal conduct (code of honor). The student is expected to take full advantage of the opportunities offered within formal and informal learning environments to learn how to make wise decisions regarding appropriate behavior, attitude, and disposition in all settings. Policies and practices governing students and student life are found in the student handbook and posted online.

Housing and Residence Life

Lee Rhyant Honors Hall 3rd Floor
P: 386-481-2420
E: reslife@cookman.edu

B-CU’s Department of Housing and Residence Life (HRL) is committed to providing students with meaningful living-learning experiences as a means of supporting the quality of undergraduate programs and the first-year experience. Guaranteed on-campus housing for freshmen and sophomore students not only provides incredible academic benefits (increased GPA, retention, and graduation), but it also offers an immediate opportunity for Wildcats to make new friends and build a community, which eases the transition between high school and college.   The HRL team continues to provide services to students based on inspiration, faith, motivation, passion, and commitment to make their learning experience constructive, aligned with our mission, “to provide students living in university housing with safe, well-maintained facilities and creative programs that encourage academic success, interpersonal relationships, and personal growth.”

On-Campus Housing

B-CU’s Office of Housing welcomes all fully enrolled students to its residential facilities. All room assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis for students who:

1. Are fully enrolled with a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours;
2. Pay a $300.00 enrollment fee (New Students Only) or pay an annual $200.00 Reservation Fee (Returning Students);
3. Complete the required on-campus housing application online through the Wildcat Web Housing Portal; and
4. Secure Financial Clearance from the Office of Financial Aid.

Freshman and Sophomore Residency Requirement

B-CU 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 Department of Housing and Residence Life.

Exemptions to this requirement must be requested in writing on a Release to Commute Request Form obtained from the B-CU Residence Life webpage under the forms tab, or by calling 386-481-2424 and submitted to the Department of Housing and Residence Life, via email at Reslife@cookman.edu by June 15th, for Fall Semester release, or November 15th, for a Spring Semester release.

Students 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.

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Application Deadlines

The housing reservation dates are based on the current year’s Academic Calendar published by the Office of the Registrar on the University Website.  These dates may vary for each semester or summer term.

Applying for housing does not guarantee a student a room or placement on the waitlist. Students must complete the housing registration and room selection requirements by the dates provided, or contact the Department of 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 Rates

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

Housing and Residence Life

Residential students are under the direct supervision of the Department of Housing and Residence Life staff. Rules governing Housing and Residence Life are provided in the Residence Hall Guidelines and Student Honor Code, which are 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 visit the following URL: 

https://www.cookman.edu/studentexperience/for-new-students/what-to-bring.html 

Residential facilities are equipped with the following:

• Wi-Fi accessible
• Computer labs 
• Cable TV
• Study Rooms 
• Lounges
• Laundry rooms (free for students residing on campus, available in their own residence halls)

It is the goal and desire of each Housing and 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 Honor Code, will be subject to adjudication within the Office of Judicial Affairs.

Judicial Affairs and Community Standards

The Office of Judicial Affairs and Community Standards is devoted to fostering an educational and developmental approach to student conduct, focusing on learning through self-reflection and personal accountability for behavior and decisions. The student conduct program within the Judicial Affairs Office is committed to educating our students to make better choices to support their educational and personal goals that strike a balance between the safety and interests of individual students and those of the Bethune-Cookman University community.

All B-CU students are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct that form the basis of the Student Honor Code. These standards are embodied within a set of core values that include integrity, social justice, respect, community, and responsibility. A B-CU student represents the University at all times; therefore, the University expects all students to maintain high standards of behavior on and off campus, during the semester and in between terms.

Each B-CU student bears responsibility for their conduct and assumes reasonable responsibility for the behavior of others. When students fail to exemplify these five values by engaging in a violation of the rules and standards, campus conduct proceedings are used to assert and uphold the Student Honor Code and Student Handbook.

B-CU’s student conduct process 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 help them bring their behavior into accord with our community expectations and develop an understanding of the 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 he or she 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. Student conduct rights and 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 B-CU’s 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.

The Office of Chaplaincy

Charles E. Parlin Center.

P: 386-481-2275
E: chaplaincy@cookman.edu

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.

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

The Office of Chaplaincy is responsible for 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 for all who desire spiritual counseling, encouragement, and guidance.

Our Priorities

• Improve and increase the number of student mentorships, e-learning opportunities, and faith-affiliated 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 stakeholders into the University through faith-affiliated partnerships and activities.
• Raise freshmen profile by providing opportunities that help them excel in faith-affiliated 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 Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn Memorial Chapel on Wednesdays at 11:10 am, and Bible Study is held on Thursday at 6:00 pm for faculty, staff, students, and community members.

Additional programming includes Friday Night Live Worship Services, InterFaithfully Forward Lecture Series, Daily Prayer, 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 (Parlin - 206), Mother Mary’s Market and Clothing Closet, Faith Community Internships and the Chapel Assistant Program.

Student Health Services

Texas Adams - Alumni Infirmary
P: 386-481-2920
E: studenthealth@cookman.edu

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 services at the 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 is offered for allergy, cold, and gastrointestinal discomfort, pain.
• Pregnancy Testing and community referral for Pregnancy Counseling
• Several Health and Wellness programs are offered throughout the semester to educate regarding healthy lifestyles and develop 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 the 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.
• Medical staff will make appropriate referrals when medically necessary to: Urgent Care/Emergency Room or local providers.
• Health Services Staff will assist the student regarding transportation to the 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 a 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. 

Student Counseling Services

B-CU Student 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, is 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 are 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 a psychiatrist in the 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 complete the program or course requirement, course substitutions or formal program modifications may be requested through SAS.

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, the 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 coursework
• 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 based on 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 (SGA) at Bethune-Cookman University is the student governing body in matters pertaining to the common interests of all currently enrolled students.
2. The Student Activities Board (SAB) is to develop and create programs that involve students, alumni, faculty, and staff of the University to provide a premier education for its students.
3. Voice of the Wildcats newspaper and McLeod Magazine, both with print and digital versions, are the University’s on-campus student-run publications. It reports on activities of individual students, student organizations, and, in general, the university community, especially as it relates to and impacts students.
4. University-wide performing groups include the (a) marching, stage, and concert bands, (b) Concert Chorale, (c) Orchestras, 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

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 2.80 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 30 Semester Credit Hours. Intake and Initiation take place once each semester during a designated period 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 and spring registration windows. Only new clubs and organizations are eligible for spring registration.

Students must also identify at least one full-time member of the faculty and/or staff to serve as the organization’s sponsors. The Office of Student Activities and Leadership and the National Office of the organization 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 is 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, or 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 (Training, Submission of Constitution, Registration Forms, Advisor Approval, and Adviser Training) and operate firmly through campus procedure. 

According to the Student Government Association Constitution, all organizations must maintain a minimum of ten students unless specified otherwise by the 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 a shared interest in 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 pursue any interest desired (upon approval). Clubs are independently run by students but must still contract with an on-campus advisor. Classified campus clubs are not eligible for campus 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 the Bethune-Cookman University campus. Furthermore, classified campus clubs are entitled to private meeting spaces and must request those spaces specifically through campus building managers. 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.

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.

The Carl S. Swisher Library/Learning Resources Center

Carl S. Swisher Library Building
P: 386-481-2186
E: askalibrarian@cookman.edu

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 below, as well as consultative services offered to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

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

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 other prominent scholarly resources.

As a member of the Northeast Florida Library Network (NEFLIN), Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) 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 Library also houses a Learning Commons, 10 conference rooms for group study, an exhibition area, a Library Instruction Lab, a Writing Lab, the Center for Experiential Learning, and the University Archives. Special collections include: the Mary McLeod Bethune papers; the Attica Collection. 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.

Academic Computing - The Center for Information Technology (CIT)

Faith Hall
P: 386-481-2070
E: helpdesk@cookman.edu

W: https://www.cookman.edu/cit/index.html

The Center for Information Technology has established a Student Support Program that focuses on student success in the areas of technology use and support. Students also have access to various computer labs throughout campus. Each computer lab is equipped with all the necessary hardware and software used for instruction and learning at Bethune-Cookman University.

BCU and Instructure, the creators of Canvas, offer a range of resources such as online courses, guides, and the Canvas Help Desk to assist you in mastering Canvas and resolving any issues you may encounter. First-time freshmen are required to complete the Canvas Student Orientation course, which teaches the use of Canvas and its tools. Moreover, students and faculty can quickly find answers to common questions by accessing the Canvas Guides, available 24/7/365. Students can also benefit from various training opportunities with software in their courses, including LinkedIn. Faculty members who require one-on-one Canvas training can submit a request at https://forms.gle/6vwdR8nQoQfz4zd59. Canvas Help Desk is available to students and faculty 24/7/365 through a toll-free number or live chat with a representative (click the Help icon on the Global Navigation Menu in Canvas). Support requests may also be submitted to the CIT Help Desk as needed. To begin using Canvas, please visit https://www.cookman.edu/bjmcfi/canvas.html.

Bethune-Cookman University offers an AI-driven Customer Care (Wildcat Bot) that provides answers to questions asked by our students, prospective students, former students, parents, and others, anytime- 24/7/365.

Technology Resources

The Center for Information Technology continues to implement new technologies to meet the expectations of today and near future technological demands in Higher Education.

The Center for Career Success

Judson McPhillips Building
P: 386-481-2651
W: cookman.joinhandshake.com

The Center for Career Success 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.

Our categorical Career Development/Preparation programming consists of Self-Discovery, Career Exploration/Mapping, Career Planning, and Career Action.  The Career Action category (Career Toolkit) consists of Targeted Resume Writing/Critique, Internships, Mock Interviewing, The Art of Networking, Negotiations, The Job Application Process, and What You Need to Know About Graduate and Professional School.

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 to a successful graduate study.

Students are strongly encouraged to visit the Center for Career Success for assistance in applying for internships and jobs.

All students are strongly encouraged to utilize the Center for the entirety of their tenure at Bethune-Cookman University.

Internship Policy (for Academic Credit)

Internships (including micro-internships, externships, cooperative education, student teaching, work-based learning, 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 Career 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 Career 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. Internships can be paid or unpaid experiences. 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 internships. Whether an internship is paid or unpaid is determined by each individual agency/organization. For assistance in obtaining an internship, please contact the Center for Career Success.

While teacher candidate interns work full-time 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. Internships are appropriate for advanced undergraduate students working in fields that relate directly to their career goals or academic interests. All internships must be approved prior to beginning the experience by the Career Success Coach or Academic Department/Dean of Faculty/Liaison.

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 allowed from an organization where a student is already employed. Exceptions under special circumstances may be appropriate and must be approved by the College Dean, Faculty Liaison, and Career Success Coach
• Internships involving a potential conflict of interest are not appropriate.
• Internships require prior approval of authorized officials, including the Department Chair/Career Success Coach, and/or Faculty Liaison.
• A written agreement signed by a site supervisor and the College Dean is required.  A copy of the signed agreement must be on file in the College Dean’s office.  It is also recommended that students attend an Internship Preparation or Employability Skills session through the Center of Career Success, 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 employer’s worksite supervisor must also complete the supervisor’s evaluation form, which is due during the middle of the internship and 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 1-6 credit hours per 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 Career Success Coach and/or 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 and/or Career Success Coach. He/she is responsible for arranging the internship and communicating with the intern’s course instructor. The Internship Coordinator and/or 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 Internship Coordinator and/or Career Success Coach 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 Career Success Coach 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 Career 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 Career Success Coach. Completed internship evaluations must be provided for the Career Success Coach in the Center for Career Success.

Documentation

The department/college 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 work involved, and submit to the Director of the Center for Career Success.

Students also need to complete an internship application form through the Center for Career Success.

Assessment and Feedback

The department/college 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 and the Center for Career Success must provide a 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 on-site supervisor.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Civic Center for Engagement
W. International Speedway Blvd.
P: 386-481-2215
E: athletics@cookman.edu

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 equitable 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 educational support, programming, and interpretive support to all Bethune-Cookman University student-athletes until graduation. OSAS collaborates with The Office of Student Success and Retention Services and respective major departments for additional retention and tutorial services and support. OSAS also maintains a Resource Center for all student-athletes, regardless of their academic status. In addition, personalized academic and NCAA eligibility counseling is available and provided when requested.

The University’s intercollegiate sports program is affiliated with the following governing bodies: The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) 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, academics, 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 University’s mission, vision, and policies are developed and routinely evaluated to illustrate the University’s continued commitment to accommodating the interests and abilities of all students, student-athletes, faculty, and staff. The Department is committed to providing equitable 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 also 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 the inclusion of people from all walks of life.

Varsity Programs

Bethune-Cookman University sponsors 14 sanctioned sports in conjunction with NCAA and Southwestern Athletic Conference rules and regulations. They consist of eight sports for women and six for men. The current sponsored sports are:

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