The University provides
a balanced student life program which contributes significantly to the total
educational experience of its students. Students are encouraged to participate in
a variety of co-curricular activities designed to enhance their sense of
community responsibility and their capacity for leadership.
In addition to
co-curricular activities, several University offices exist specifically to
provide support and activities to increase student success levels.
Student Government,
student organizations, and student publications, in particular, are not only a
vital part of the operation of the institution but an important part of the
total student educational experience. Students are advised to choose activities
wisely and to balance academic activities with participation in service,
spiritual, athletic, social, and recreational pursuits.
General administrative
responsibility for the student life program rests with the Student Affairs
division; however, the major initiative in developing organizations and
activities appropriate to the educational purposes of the University, as well
as in implementation of programs that have been planned, is a shared
responsibility of students, faculty, and staff.
Student Handbook – The Francis
Marion University Student Handbook is designed to provide students, faculty,
and staff valuable information regarding campus services, policies, and
procedures that pertain to student life. Upon enrollment,
Because the handbook
outlines “Student Rights and Responsibilities” in detail, it is important that
students review it carefully.
Additionally, pertinent
information relating to student organizations, University offices and services,
and campus events can be found in the handbook.
Handbooks are provided
to residential students upon checkin to the Housing facilities. Copies are
available for non-residential students at the information desk,
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
ASSOCIATION
Upon enrollment, all
full-time students automatically become members of the Student Government
Association, the organization that represents all students in planning,
organizing, and directing major campus programs for the student body.
The Student Government
Association provides an early experience in self-government that serves as a
useful background for later public service. Because the University encourages
student participation in the affairs of the school, students are appointed to
serve on many University committees. Such students are nominated by the Student
Government Association Executive Council and the Office of Student Development
and appointed by the president of the University. Leaders of Student Government
work to represent the student body as well as to develop pride in and loyalty
to their alma mater.
An elected Executive
Council and Legislative Assembly perform most of the work of the Student
Government Association.
The Judicial Council
studies and rules on interpretations of the Student Government Association
Constitution and serves as part of the process for disciplinary cases involving
student behavior and conduct. Responsibility for the maintenance of discipline
is the joint responsibility of the students, the faculty, and the
administration.
The Student Government
Association consists of three divisions:
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, composed of President,
Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
STUDENT SENATE, composed of the Vice
President of the Student Government Association and 40 Senators elected at
large. Ten Senate seats are reserved for freshmen.
JUDICIAL COUNCIL, composed of five
members who are full-time students and who have the grade point average
required by the standard procedures for the operations of the Student
Government Association as adopted by the Senate.
The University considers
all students to be adults who are capable of recognizing their responsibility
to the school they have chosen. Consequently, the University has adopted the
policy on “Student Rights and Responsibilities” which can be found in the
Student Handbook. The Student Handbook is published every year and made
available to students. It is the responsibility of each student to obtain a
copy, become familiar with the contents, and abide by the policies and
procedures contained in the handbook. While detailed policies are in the
handbook, the following are significant and should be noted:
1. The University
reserves the right to refuse admission or to require withdrawal if such action
appears to be in the best interest of the student, the student body, or the
University.
2. In order to receive
academic credits or a degree, a student’s indebtedness to the University must
be settled, and the student must account satisfactorily for all property
entrusted to his/her care.
3. The possession or
consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs by a student must conform to
4. Salesmen are not
permitted to contact students on campus, nor are students permitted to serve as
commercial agents on campus.
5. Any student
withdrawing from the University must see his/her adviser to obtain a Complete
Withdrawal Form. The completed form must be taken by the student to the Office
of the Registrar so that rolls and records can be corrected. (See Withdrawing
from the University.)
6. Students must
register any automobiles they intend to bring on campus. Permits are issued for
an academic year and may be secured during registration at the beginning of
each semester or from the Cashier’s Office.
7. Any student group
claiming sponsorship by the University and any student or student group seeking
publicly to represent the University must have prior approval from appropriate
authorities as authorized in the Student Handbook.
8. Registration assumes
students individually and collectively will conform to all regulations
published in the Francis Marion University Catalog and the Student Handbook as
well as to all special regulations (e.g., traffic rules, rules of personal
conduct at University activities, and housing rules and regulations) designed
to support the ongoing University program.
The University has
several student organizations that help meet the academic, social, political, religious,
and recreational needs of FMU students. Interested parties should contact the
Office of Student Development or the Student Government Association for more
information about current organizations. The following are the organizations
currently active at FMU:
American Chemical
Society Ars Medica Art Guild Education Club Honors Student Association Math
Club National Art Education Association Psychology Club Society for the
Advancement of Management (SAM) Sociology Club Student Nurses Association.
Alpha Psi Omega - A national honorary
dramatic fraternity designed to recognize and reward the academic excellence of
the students participating in college theatre activities.
Beta Beta Beta - A national biological honor
society designed to stimulate interest, scholarly attainment, and investigation
of the biological sciences.
Beta Gamma Sigma - A national honor
society for business programs accredited by the AACSB–International
Association for Business Management Education. Election to membership
recognizes and rewards academic excellence of students in business programs.
Kappa Delta Pi - An international honor
society in education designed to promote excellence in and recognize
outstanding contributions to education.
Omicron Delta
Kappa - A national leadership honor society which recognizes and
encourages achievement in scholarship, athletics, social service and religious
activities, campus government, journalism, speech, the ma
ss media, and creative
and performing arts. Election to membership is on the basis of merit.
Phi Alpha Theta - The national honor
society to distinguish students who excel in the study of history. The
Phi Kappa Phi - A national honor
society whose general objective is to unite university graduates of high
academic achievement without regard to department, course of study, or sex, for
the advancement of the highest scholarship. It is the pre-eminent academic
honor society at
Pi Gamma Mu - An international honor
society in social science designed to recognize those students with high
achievement in the social sciences (economic, geography, history, political
science, international relations, sociology, and psychology). Founded in 1924,
the honor society encourages excellence in the social sciences, both in
scholastics and in research.
Pi Sigma Alpha - The national honor
society in political science is designed to stimulate scholarship and
intelligent interest in political science. The national honor society sponsors
programs and events of value to the profession and teaching of political
science. Each local chapter is encouraged to provide a framework for enriching
the exposure of its members and the wider university community to the study of
government and issues of public concern.
Psi Chi - The national honor
society in psychology is designed to provide recognition for outstanding
scholastic achievement. The
Sigma Tau Delta - A national society
designed to confer distinction for high achievement in undergraduate, graduate,
and professional studies in English language and literature.
Upsilon Pi Epsilon
- A
national honorary for students interested in computer science.
Inter-Fraternity
Council – Serves as the coordinating body of the following NIC
(National Inter-Fraternity Council) fraternities at FMU: Alpha Tau Omega Kappa
Alpha Order Tau Kappa Epsilon
Panhellenic
Council – Serves as the coordinating body of the following NPC
(National Panhellenic Council) sororities at FMU: Alpha Delta Pi Kappa Delta
Zeta Tau Alpha
National
Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) – Serves as the coordinating body among
the historically black Greek organizations at FMU, including:
Alpha Kappa Alpha
– sorority
Alpha Phi Alpha –
fraternity
Delta Sigma Theta
– sorority
Kappa Alpha Psi –
fraternity
Phi Beta Sigma –
fraternity
Sigma Gamma
SPECIAL INTEREST ORGANIZATIONS
Baptist Collegiate
Ministries
Campus Crusade for
Christ
Campus Outreach
College Democrats
College Republicans
CrossRoads (Gay-Straight
Culture and Language
Interest Club
Dimensions of Diversity
Dance Team
Ecology Club
FMU Student Alumni
Association
Gamma Sigma National
Service Sorority, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity
Minority Student
Association
Minority Student Health
Career Association
NAACP
Residential Student
Association
Salt of the Earth Campus
Ministry
Sister 2 Sister
University Programming
Board
Wesley Foundation
Young, Gifted, and
Blessed Chorus
Additional information
about all of these organizations, as well as how to initiate new organizations
and activities, is available in the FMU Student Handbook.
The University
Programming Board is responsible for providing a variety of events throughout
the year for the student body of FMU. UPB is comprised of student volunteers
and advised by the Coordinator of Student Life. Past events include concerts,
performances by comedians, dances, game shows, holiday activities, and
festivals. Additionally, UPB sponsors recent feature films on a regular basis.
All activities are open to FMU students, faculty, and staff members. UPB meets
weekly during the academic year and encourages all students to get involved in selecting
and planning upcoming events. Meetings are held in the
The Office of Student
Development sponsors a number of special events throughout the academic year,
including Student Leadership training, Homecoming/Spirit Week activities, the
Ms. FMU Pageant, and the Student Life Awards.
Housing and Residence
Life supports the University mission by creating conditions in the residential system
that foster student learning, promote active engagement and collaboration with
others through mutual respect, motivate and inspire students to devote time and
energy to educationally purposeful activities both inside and outside the
classroom, encourage students to become lifelong learners, promote
understanding and appreciation for diversity issues, and provide opportunities
to attain leadership and community living skills.
Three types of housing
options exists, offering students appropriate living opportunities as they
progress through their academic career. The residence hall complexes offer
traditional student housing geared toward new students with a community on
every floor. The University Village Apartments offer upper class students a
higher level of independence. The newly constructed Forest Villas complex
offers upper class students state-of-the-art amenities with the convenience of
living on-campus. Convenient to the Ervin Dining Hall, the outdoor pool,
computer labs, and the newly constructed residential community center, the
campus housing options at FMU will meet student needs throughout their years on
campus.
The mission of Campus
Recreation Services is to enhance participants’ fitness and wellness,
knowledge, personal skills, and enjoyment by providing opportunities for a
variety of activities that may contribute to individual physical fitness and
wellness, opportunities for cooperative and competitive play activity in game
and non-game form, and access to quality facilities, equipment, and programs.
The Campus Recreation
program has a variety of programming options and is open to all students,
faculty, and staff.
The Intramural Program
provides an extensive competitive sports program for men and women designed to
offer a wide range of activities to meet the needs and desires of the majority
of the students. Competition has been organized in several sports ranging from
basketball and flag football to table tennis and billiards.
The
The Office of
Multicultural Affairs serves as a liaison for
The office plans and
implements programming that facilitates diverse student learning. Activities,
including lectures, forums, and cultural and social events, are open to
students, faculty, and staff.
The Coordinator of
Multicultural Affairs serves as adviser to the FMU Chapter of the National
Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and works in cooperation with other organizations
that represent students of color to assist in fostering a studentcentered
learning environment on campus.
The Office of
International Student Affairs provides support to students who are not citizens
of the
The office also provides
information and support regarding immigration, foreign work permits, health
insurance, taxes, and general counseling. Along with other academic and
administrative offices, the Coordinator for International Student Affairs
assists with the International Exchange programs.
Additional information
is available from the International Student Affairs Coordinator at
843-661-1185.
Student publications are
under the jurisdiction of a student-faculty-staff Publications Board. No
student publication may be distributed on campus through University
distribution
facilities without the approval of the Publications Board.
Publications are supervised by a staff coordinator who directs the activities
of student writers and assistants.
• The Patriot newspaper is published
regularly for the students of
• The Snow
Because intercollegiate
athletic programs are recognized as valuable assets in developing campus
spirit, the University strives to build a balanced, competitive athletic
program. Teams compete in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and
women’s cross country, golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and
women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track and field, and volleyball. All athletic
teams are known as the Patriots and wear the colors red, white, and blue.
The University is
affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division
II, but the University has announced plans to move to Division I over the next
few years. Francis
The University Choral
Program offers two choral performance groups: the Concert Choir and Cut Time. Academic
credit is given at the rate of one hour per semester. A total of three semester
hours of credit may be applied toward graduation. Choral groups plan several
off-campus performances as well as performances on campus for students,
faculty, staff, and community. Additional information is available from the
Director of the Choral Program.
The University Theatre
presents three or four major and several short experimental theatre productions
involving approximately 150 students each year. Casts for the productions are
selected by open acting auditions. Backstage work is done by student
volunteers. Previous experience or training is not required to take part in the
University Theatre, and all interested students are encouraged to participate.
Each year programs are
presented for the University community by outstanding artists and respected
lecturers from a variety of fields. Planning of these programs is assigned to
the Artist and Lecture Series Subcommittee composed of students and faculty
members. This committee and the University Programming Board provide a broad
range of offerings during the student’s University experience.
The Department of Fine
Arts sponsors the Art Gallery Series, hosting varied shows of two- and
three-dimensional works showcasing local and regional artists. Exhibits change
regularly throughout the academic year. The mission of the art galleries
program is to present exhibitions that support and enhance the academic goals
of the visual arts program at
Art galleries are
located in both the
STUDENT RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
Portions of the
following materials are adapted from similar documents at the
Introduction – The following
policies and procedures have been developed to ensure the rights and privileges
of all members of the University community, to communicate the expectations of
the community to its members, and to provide a basis for orderly conduct of the
affairs of the University. The Student Handbook provides detailed explanation
of these and other policies and procedures.
Rationale – The primary
purpose for the imposition of discipline in the University setting is to
protect the campus community. Consistent with that purpose, reasonable efforts
will also be made to foster the personal and social development of those
students who are held accountable for violations of University regulations. The
University student conduct system is not analogous to the criminal justice
system. The purposes, the standards of proof, the procedures and many other
aspects differ.
Interpretation of
Regulations – Disciplinary standards at the University, as presented
below, are described in writing in order to give students and other community
members general notice of prohibited conduct. These regulations should be read
broadly and are not designed or intended to define misconduct in exhaustive
terms.
Authority of the
University – The University reserves the right to take all necessary
and appropriate steps to protect the safety and well-being of the campus
community. Any act committed by a student, whether on or off campus, that is
determined by the University to be a threat to the safety or wellbeing of the
community or which is disruptive to the primary purposes of the University may
result in discipline. A student, for the purpose of this policy, is defined to
mean a person enrolled for one or more hours of academic credit or in a
noncredit course or courses offered in the name of the University, or a person
admitted or seeking admission to the University, if action is related to
University admission or a University function or event. Non-students are
expected to abide by these policies as well. It is the responsibility of the
student host of the non-student to make his or her guest aware of these
behavioral expectations.
The classroom is an
integral component of the educational community, and FMU strives to provide an
environment appropriate to the University setting. Disruption of classroom
instruction by students is not tolerated and will result in the removal of the
disruptive student or students from class and may result in appropriate
disciplinary action, to include suspension or expulsion from the University.
Violations of the Law
and Standards of Conduct – There are occasions when behavior that violates the
University Standards of Conduct also violates civil law. In these cases,
students should understand that they may be held accountable to both
authorities. Disciplinary action for violation of the Standards of Conduct will
normally proceed during the pendency of criminal proceedings and will not be
subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same
incident have been dismissed or reduced.
Standards of Conduct –
University Violations
1. Academic cheating or
plagiarism. Cheating is defined by its general usage. It includes, but is not
limited to, wrongfully giving, taking, or presenting any information or
material by a student with the intent of aiding him/herself or any other person
on any academic work that is considered in any way in the determination of the
final grade. Plagiarism involves the use of the ideas or writings of another
without acknowledgment of that use. For a more detailed description of these
two forms of academic dishonesty and how allegations of academic dishonesty are
handled, interested parties should refer to the FMU Student Handbook.
2. The illegal
manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of drugs; the use of drugs for
which the holder has no legal prescription; or other drug-related conduct which
is a violation of
3. The illegal
manufacture, distribution, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages or
being under the influence of alcoholic beverages on University property or
during University activities. For purposes of this policy, a blood alcohol
concentration of .08 or greater is conclusive evidence that a student is under
the influence of alcohol, but a student’s conduct, physical appearance, and
other factors are also evidence.
4. Sexual assault or
inappropriate sexual conduct.
5. Physical abuse or assault
of any person, or other conduct which threatens the health or safety of any
person.
6. Failure to comply
with the directions of a University official acting in performance of his/her
duty. This includes, but is not limited to, failure to report to a University
office or official after notice to do so; failure to appear for a judicial
hearing or comply with a disciplinary penalty; failure to pay promptly, after
notice, all University bills, fines, accounts, and other financial obligations;
and failure to produce positive student identification upon request.
7. Theft, wrongful
appropriation, unauthorized possession, or damage to property of the University
(including library materials) or of any organization affiliated with the
University or of another member of the University community whether faculty,
staff, student, or campus visitor.
8. Furnishing false or
incomplete information to a University official. This includes but is not
limited to providing false, misleading, or incomplete information during an
investigation or hearing involving an alleged violation of University policy or
of local, state, or federal law.
9. Forgery, alteration,
destruction, damage, or misuse of University documents, records, or
identification (e.g., University ID cards, library materials, etc.). University
ID cards are the property of the University and are not transferable. Use by a
person other than the authorized user is a violation of this policy, as is
permitting or abetting such use.
10. Any act of arson;
falsely reporting a fire or other emergency (such as the presence of an
explosive or incendiary device); knowingly setting off a fire alarm or
emergency call box when the offender knows that no fire or emergency exists; or
tampering with or removing from their proper location fire extinguishers,
hoses, or any other fire emergency equipment except when done with an actual
need for such equipment.
11. Possession, while on
University-owned or -controlled property, or at University-sponsored or
-supervised activities, of any weapons such as, but not limited to, rifles,
shotguns, ammunition, handguns, and air guns, including explosives and
incendiary devices, such as firecrackers or fireworks. Possession of
pocketknives having a blade no longer than two inches and possession of weapons
or tools required by a student’s job or studies at the location in question is
not a violation.
12. Unauthorized use or
entry into University facilities and/ or unauthorized possession or use of keys
to University facilities.
13. Obstruction or disruption
of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other
University activities, including public service functions, and any authorized
activities on University premises.
14. Disorderly conduct
or lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct on University-owned or -controlled
property or at University-sponsored or -supervised functions.
15. Violation of
properly constituted rules and regulations governing the use of motor vehicles
on Universityowned or -controlled property.
16. Violation, attempted
violation, or the incitement of others to violation of written University
policies or regulations as herein stipulated or as
promulgated and announced by
University personnel.
17. Violation, or
attempted violation, of local, state or federal law, whether on or off campus,
when it appears that the student has acted in a way which adversely affects or
seriously interferes with the University’s normal educational function or which
injures or endangers the welfare of any member of the University community.
18. Unauthorized use or
misuse of the University’s computing facilities which includes, but is not
limited to, violation of the University policy on acceptable computer use. (See
University Policy on Acceptable Computer Use located on the FMU website -
http:// alpha1.fmarion.edu/~acadcompserv/policy/ internet.htm).
19. Hazing, which is
defined as any intentional or reckless act, on or off University property, by
one student, acting alone or with others, that is directed against any other
student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that
student, or that induces or coerces a student to endanger his or her mental or
physical health or safety. Hazing includes treatment of a violent, abusive,
shameful, insulting, or humiliating nature.
20. Harassment/stalking,
which includes but is not limited to, unwanted and repeated contact (after
notice to desist) with another individual or group through personal contact,
contact by electronic or other media, or other behaviors which are perceived as
threatening or intended to intimidate or induce fear.
21. Other conduct which
a reasonable person having sufficient intelligence to acquire postsecondary
education would understand is injurious to the University or the University
community. This standard shall not be interpreted to infringe upon a student’s
constitutional rights.
University
Disciplinary Process – The disciplinary process for students is based upon the
elements of constitutional due process and local, state and federal law which
have been developed over the last several decades. While University students do
not give up their rights at the gates of the University, it is important to
understand that the level of due process in the University disciplinary system
differs from that in the legal system. The established procedures outline the
University process and shall be carried out as fully as possible. Community
members should be aware, however, that there are emergency situations in which
these procedures may be omitted when necessary to protect public safety. Any
person may refer a student or student group or organization suspected of
violation of the Code. Persons making such referrals are required to provide
information pertinent to the case and will normally be expected to appear
before a judicial board or judicial official as a complainant. A complete
description of the most recent policies and procedures relating to the
university disciplinary process may be found in the FMU Student Handbook.
It is the policy of
Sexual harassment is a
form of sex discrimination that is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 for employees and under Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972 for students. The South Carolina State Human Affairs Law also prohibits
sex discrimination.
The use of alcoholic
beverages on campus is not encouraged and is prohibited with the following
exceptions; (1) the private use of alcohol within the Village Apartments by
students of legal drinking age (2) the provision of alcohol at certain events
sponsored by a University department, contracted organization, or campus
community organization upon approval by the appropriate university official
(see herein). Events must meet all criteria contained herein. The use of
alcoholic beverages within these two exceptions is permitted only for those of
legal drinking age (21 years of age or older).
Statutes adopted by the
State of
• Purchase or possession
of alcoholic beverages by a person under 21 years old.
• Presentation of false
or improper identification in order to obtain alcoholic beverages.
• Possession of an open
container of beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage in a moving vehicle or in an
area where such possession has been prohibited.
• Driving under the
influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• Selling, giving, or
providing alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years old.
• Distribution, use or
possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Referrals or information
about alcohol and drug problems are available to any student, faculty, or staff
member of Francis Marion. For more information about these programs, contact
the Office of Counseling and Testing at 843-673-9707. Complete copies of the
FMU Alcohol and Drug Policy may be found in the Student Handbook or may be
obtained from the following offices: Student Affairs, Provost, Community
Relations, Administration/Human Resources, and Athletics.
GUIDELINES FOR
STUDENT CONCERNS OR COMPLAINTS
The University deems it
essential that all students be provided an adequate opportunity to bring
concerns, complaints, or suggestions to the attention of the administration
with the assurance they will be treated promptly, professionally, fairly, and
without fear of reprisal. If any student believes he or she has been mistreated
by any member of the faculty or staff, the procedures below should be followed.
These procedures are intended to simplify the proper route for students to
follow in reporting any perceived mistreatment by a University employee and are
not intended to replace any existing policy or process for matters that may be
grieved (i.e. sexual harassment, grade appeals, etc.).
• Concerns about faculty
on academic or other matters should be reported to the department chair or dean
who supervises the professor or instructor.
• Concerns about any
form of perceived mistreatment by a University employee should be reported to
the employee’s supervisor or to the office of the Vice President of the division
to which the employee belongs.
• Concerns about
admissions, registration, advising, or financial assistance issues should be
reported to the Director of Enrollment Management or the Provost’s Office.
• Concerns about
billing, student accounts, or other administrative issues (Campus Police,
Dining Services, Bookstore, etc.) should be reported to the office of the Vice
President of Business Affairs.
• All other concerns
about non-academic matters, including complaints about treatment by other
students, should be reported to the office of Student Development.
Students should be aware
that once a concern is reported, the complainant may be directed to take
further steps or action to have the matter addressed. By reporting to the
offices above, the student will be able to determine the appropriate steps to
address his or her concerns.