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STUDENT LIFE
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. DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRSThe Division of Student Affairs is committed to enhancing the student experience at FMU by providing services and support for students as they engage in their collegiate career and connect with the University community. Recognizing that the academic mission of the University is preeminent, programs and services are designed to support the academic success of FMU students. The divisional mission is to foster student development by engaging students in learning opportunities that encourage their personal, social, cultural, moral, physical, and cognitive growth. Offices and departments with the Division of Student Affairs include Student Activities, Counseling and Testing, Career Development, Multicultural and International Student Affairs, and the Dean of Students. Leadership for the Division of Student Affairs is provided by the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Dean of Students. 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, FMU students agree to become aware of and abide by policies and procedures contained in the handbook. 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. The Student Handbook is available on-line at www.fmarion.edu. Limited copies are available for students and offices by request. 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 Affairs 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. 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 25 Senators elected at large. Five 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 online 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:
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 Affairs for more information about current organizations. The following are the organizations currently active at FMU: Accounting Association American Chemical Society Ars Medica Art Guild Association of Computing Machinery Biology Club Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity Education Club Honors Student Association Math Club National Art Education Association Psychology Club Psychology Graduate Student Association. 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. Chi Alpha Sigma - the National College Athlete Honor Society. The organization's purposes are to encourage and reward high academic scholarship of college athletes at four-year accredited institutions; to recognize outstanding academic achievement by intercollegiate varsity letterwinners; to encourage good citizenship, moral character, and friendship among the high academic achievers in college athletics; to recognize and honor the individual athlete, his/her team, sport, athletic department, and college or university; and to mentor and to provide leadership to other athletes. 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 mass 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 FMU chapter emphasizes the common pursuit of historical understanding by students and professors. 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 FMU. Pi Gamma Mu - An international honor society in social science designed to recognize those students with high achievement in the social sciences (economics, 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 FMU chapter attempts to encourage, stimulate, and maintain high scholarship, research, and involvement of members in the field of psychology. Rho Lambda - A national honor society for members of the National Panhellenic Council. Sigma Delta Pi - The National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society honors students who have demonstrated academic excellence in the study of the Spanish language, and in the study of the literatures and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. 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 society 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 Iota Phi Theta - fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi – fraternity Omega Psi Phi – fraternity Phi Beta Sigma – fraternity Sigma Gamma Rho – sorority Zeta Phi Beta – sorority National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC) Lambda Tau Omega - sorority SPECIAL INTEREST ORGANIZATIONS Baptist Collegiate Ministries Campus Crusade for Christ Campus Outreach College Democrats College Republicans Circle-K International Dimensions of Diversity Dance Team Ecology Club First Fellowship FMU Diplomats FMU Student Alumni Association Forum for Independent Thought Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc. Gay Lesbian Bisexual Straight Alliance Habitat for Humanity Kingdom Builders Lions Club NAACP RENEW! Residential Student Association Riot Pep Club Snow Island Review Student Athlete Advisory Committee University Programming Board V-Day Student Organizations 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, www.fmarion.edu/students/handbook. The University Programming Board (UPB) 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 Assistant Dean for Student Involvement. Past events include concerts, performances by comedians, dances, game shows, holiday activities, festivals, and homecoming. Additionally, UPB sponsors recent feature films on a regular basis. All activities are open to FMU students, faculty, and staff members. UPB meets bimonthly during the academic year and encourages all students to get involved. The Office of Student Affairs sponsors a number of special events throughout the academic year, including Student Leadership training, the Ms. FMU Pageant, and the Student Life Awards. 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 Smith University Center, in partnership with Campus Recreation Services, offers a number of recreational and fitness activities for students, faculty, and staff as well as meeting space for groups and organizations. Activities available include basketball, billiards, table tennis, racquetball, and swimming. The outdoor recreational pool is open during late spring, summer, and early fall when weather permits. MULTICULTURAL AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AFFAIRS The Office of Multicultural and International Affairs provides leadership in the University's effort to support students, inform the campus community of the values of multiculturalism, and assist in encouraging a campus environment that is conducive to diverse student learning. The purpose of the office is to amplify the academic, social, and cultural development of students as well as plan and implement programs that facilitate opportunities for self expression and cultural harmony. Activities, including lectures, forums, and cultural and social events, are open to students, faculty and staff. The Assistant Dean of Multicultural and international Affairs serves as the adviser to the FMU Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), facilitates the Multicultural Advisory Board, and is one of the University's Designated School Officers (DSO) for processing immigration documentation for international students. In addition, the assistant dean works cooperatively with other campus and community organizations to foster positive and effective student-centered learning. International students, entering FMU as degree seeking or international exchange, receive support from not only the Assistant Dean of Multicultural and International Affairs, but also from faculty and staff members outside the Division of Student Affairs. The assistant dean provides information and guidance regarding immigration documentation, Curricular and optional practical training, and general counseling. Additional information is available from the Student Affairs webpage or the Office of Student Affairs at 843-661-1182. 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.
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, and volleyball. All athletic teams are known as the Patriots and wear the colors red, white, and blue. The athletic website address is www.fmupatriots.com. The University is affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with two of its sports programs competing as Division I independents and the remaining 10 as Division II members. Plans have been discussed to possibly move the entire athletics program to Division I membership in the next few years. FMU is also a member of the Peach Belt Conference, competing in 10 intercollegiate conference sports. These affiliations permit student-athletes to receive regional and national recognition for their accomplishments. Several of the University's teams have advanced to NCAA post-season competition over the last several years. FMU has been represented by student-athletes in NCAA Division II Tournament competitions every year since moving to NCAA membership in 1992. This includes a pair of tennis (doubles) national titles and a men's golf national championship in 2003; 13 trips to the men's tennis tournament; nine appearances in women's tennis tournaments; eight appearances in women's basketball; five appearances in baseball; four appearances in men's golf; three appearances in women's volleyball; two appearances in women's soccer and men's soccer; and one appearance in men's basketball and softball. FMU has twice won the Commissioner's Cup of the Peach Belt Conference, indicative of having the best all-around program in the league. FMU also ranks among the conference leaders in the number of student-athletes named to the PBC Presidential Honor Roll (3.0 Grade Point Average or B average). The University Choral Program offers two choral performance groups: 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. FMU offers three instrumental music performance ensembles: Wind Symphony, Jazz Express, and Chamber Jazz Ensemble. These are open to all students with experience on wind or percussion instruments. Academic credit is given at the rate of one hour per semester for each ensemble. A total of three semester hours of credit may be applied toward graduation. Scholarships may be available (if funded) for participation in ensembles. Additional information about all ensembles is available from the Director of Instrumental Activities. 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. FMU offers film showings free to the public. The Artist and Lecture Series presents showings at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., usually on the second and third Tuesday of each month. The English Department presents showings at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., usually on the first and fourth Tuesday of each month. All films are shown in the Ashpy Lowrimore Auditorium in the John K. Cauthen Educational Media Center. Dates of film showings may vary. Please visit the University website for the most up-to-date information. 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 FMU, providing a non-profit institutional setting in the service of society for educational purposes. Art galleries are located in the Hyman Fine Arts Center. The Fine Arts Center Gallery features large cases along glass walls, allowing three-dimensional works to be displayed and viewed from the outdoor breezeway as well as inside the lobby adjacent to the Fine Arts Theatre and Adele Kassab Recital Hall. Gallery exhibits are free and open to the public during the University's normal operating hours. A calendar of art gallery exhibits can be found on the University website. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Dean of Students (and his/her designees) is responsible for administering the student conduct process in accordance with University policies and procedures. STUDENT CONDUCT CODEIntroduction – 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 FMU 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 well-being 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. Student Conduct Code – FMU prohibits the conduct listed below. Persons committing such acts are subject to disciplinary action from the University. University Violations
University Disciplinary Process – The disciplinary process for students is based upon 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 University conduct officer 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, www.fmarion.edu/students/handbook. Portions of the materials are adapted from similar documents at the University of Maryland, the University of Tennessee (Knoxville), University of Delaware, Spelman College, and Texas Tech University, and from other materials from sources provided by the Association for Student Judicial Affairs and its members. Definitions of cheating and plagiarism are adopted from "Student Rights and Responsibilities" (1970) in the Student Handbook of the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. It is the policy of FMU, in keeping with efforts to maintain an environment in which the dignity and worth of all employees and students of the University are respected, that sexual harassment of students, employees, and visitors to the University is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment may involve the behavior of a person of either sex against a person of the opposite or same sex. As a place of work and learning for students, faculty, and staff, FMU must be free of all forms of sexual intimidation, exploitation, and harassment. All community members should be aware that the University does not condone such behavior and is prepared to take action to prevent and correct such behavior. Individuals who engage in sexual harassment are subject to disciplinary actions which may include, but are not limited to, oral or written warnings, demotions, transfers, suspension without pay, or dismissal for cause or sanction under the student Code of Conduct. 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. Students should immediately contact the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Vice President for Administration. Any faculty or staff member receiving a complaint of sexual harassment should seek the advice of the Vice President for Administration. FMU prohibits the illegal and irresponsible use of alcohol and other drugs. The University will enforce federal, state, and local laws, as well as its own alcohol and drug policies. Procedures that support these laws and policies have been instituted and are strictly enforced. It is the responsibility of every member of the University community to know the risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs and to assist the University in creating an environment which promotes health-enhancing attitudes and activities. Additional information about alcohol and drug policies and procedures may be found in the FMU Student Handbook, the FMU Staff Handbook and the FMU Faculty Handbook. The use of alcoholic beverages on campus is not encouraged and is prohibited with the following exceptions; (1) the private use of alcohol within student 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). Alcohol is prohibited in the Residence Halls. For appropriate events, the Provost or Vice President responsible for approving the event will determine how, when, and where alcohol may be used. FMU prohibits the unlawful manufacture, dispensation, possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol on its property or as a part of any of its activities by faculty, staff or students regardless of permanent, full-time, part-time or temporary status, pursuant to state and federal laws. Statutes adopted by the State of South Carolina prohibit certain activities regarding alcoholic beverages and drugs. The law provides for certain penalties including fines up to $5,000 and incarceration up to five years. Violations of the law also subject the offender to administrative sanctions under the University's rules and regulations. The following activities are unlawful:
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 843-661-1840. Complete copies of the FMU Alcohol and Drug Policy may be found in the FMU Student Handbook or may be obtained from the following offices: Student Affairs, Provost, Public and Community Affairs, 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.).
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
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