Student Handbook
General Services
ACADEMIC ADVISING
Your faculty advisor will assist you with overall curriculum planning, specific course selections, monitoring academic progress, etc., and provide you with information on curricular and co-curricular opportunities related to your college goals.
ADMISSIONS
Admissions-financial aid counselors, and the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid are housed in Student Enrollment Services on the first floor in Mohler Hall. Students seeking readmission to McPherson College after an absence of one semester or longer should contact Student Enrollment Services to make application for readmission.
Also see: Admissions
BOOKSTORE
The College Bookstore is located in the lower level of the Hoffman Student Union. Bookstore hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. All required textbooks and supplies may be purchased here, as well as a variety of McPherson College t-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, and other items. Students may charge textbooks to their student account. Personal checks for amounts up to $75 can be cashed at the Bookstore (with ID card).
CAMPUS MINISTRY
The Campus pastor directs and coordinates religious life programming. Religious life programs, activities and worship experiences are open to all students. The Campus Ministry Office is located in the Hoffman Student Union.
Also see: Campus Ministry
CAREER SERVICES
The Career and Internships Office provides planning for career direction, internships, job search, resume writing, interviewing and other relevant aspects of life planning. Various career instruments are available to aid in this process. The office is located on the main floor of Miller Library.
Also see: Career Services
CENTER FOR ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
Located on the main floor of Miller Library, the Royer Center for Academic Development assists students, individually and in small groups, in improving their academic skills. The Center offers instruction in time management, study skills, test-taking, and other college success skills. The Center offers tutoring in any subject area and manages The Write Place, a tutored writing lab. The Center also provides academic accommodation services for students with learning disabilities
COMPUTER SERVICES
Assistance with hardware and software problems with student-owned computers is available through the campus’ Computer Services Department, extension 2455, or via email (from on-campus accounts) to helpdesk@mcpherson.edu.
Also see: Computer Services: Student Info, Policies and Instructions
DINING HALL & DINING ROOMS
The Dining Hall and Mildred Siek Dining Room are located on the main floor of the Hoffman Student Union. The Mildred Siek Dining Room can be scheduled for special meals and meetings. Parties are limited to 30 people.
FOOD SERVICE
The College contracts with Chartwells to provide meals on campus. All students will be billed for the semester at the time of enrollment. Meal plan participants who will miss a meal because of a College-sponsored activity may request a sack lunch. These requests are due to the Food Service Director at least 48 hours prior to the activity.
Sick trays will be provided to meal plan students who are ill and unable to come to the cafeteria. Sick tray requests can be made to the Resident Director or Resident Assistant. Special diets may be available with proper medical authorization. There is no food service over Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break.
Also see: Dining Services
FINANCIAL AID
The Director of Admissions and Financial Aid will help students and their families gather information and process the necessary documents to apply for financial aid. Appointments can be made with the Director. Financial Aid is housed in Student Enrollment Services on the first floor of Mohler Hall.
Also see: Financial Aid
HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE
All students are required to have medical insurance coverage; the premium for this insurance will be added to the student’s billing. This policy provides minimal coverage. Students who participate in the school insurance plan will receive a brochure describing the coverage. Questions regarding filing claims or other concerns should be directed to the Business Office. If students are covered on their family’s health plan and do not wish to be included in the College’s student health plan, a waiver form must be completed and returned to the Office of the Dean of Students before Enrollment Day. Upon receipt of the waiver, the premium charge may be removed. Please contact the Business Office regarding the necessary procedure.
Also see: Forms
ATHLETIC INSURANCE
All athletes must enroll in the athletic insurance plan at the beginning of Fall semester. This insurance is in addition to either the parent’s or student’s insurance plan.
Also see: Forms
HEALTH SERVICES
McPherson College attempts to assure adequate medical care to students in two ways: required health and accident insurance and referral to local physicians for more serious medical problems. Either the personal counselor or assistant to the Dean of Students can help students make appointments with local physicians. Normally the physicians are able to see the students that same day. Over the counter medications for minor illnesses are available from the Resident Director, Resident Assistant, or the personal counselor.
HONORS AND AWARDS
McPherson College presents awards to honor outstanding scholars and outstanding student accomplishments in various activities.
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Honor Roll - Awarded to students achieving a grade point average of 3.55 or above for the previous semester’s work.
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Honorable Mention Roll - Awarded to students achieving a grade point average of 3.25 through 3.54 for the previous semester’s work.
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The National Dean’s List - Awarded each semester to juniors and seniors who achieved Honor Roll status at McPherson College who have not been nominated previously.
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Who ’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges - Awarded to seniors with outstanding scholarship, leadership, and character.
MAIL SERVICE
U.S. and internal mail are distributed daily Monday-Friday. Mailboxes are located in the lower level of the Hoffman Student Union next to the Bookstore. All students, including those who live off-campus, are strongly encouraged to obtain a campus mailbox in order to receive campus communications. Mailbox numbers and keys are assigned by the Bookstore staff. Lost keys should be reported to the Bookstore staff immediately. There is a $30.00 charge for changing locks and replacing the lost key. Mail can also be sent out from the distribution area near the mailboxes, or put in the mailbox located on Euclid Street south of Miller Library. The U.S. Post Office in McPherson is located at 115 East Kansas Avenue.
MILLER LIBRARY
Miller Library provides library and media services to the students, faculty, and staff of McPherson College in support of their classroom activities, independent research and personal interests. The library attempts to maintain a well-balanced collection of materials, both non-print and print and audio-visual equipment. Reference assistance and library instruction are available at the public services desk or online via the library’s website.
The library houses computers, binding, photoduplication, and numerous audio-visual equipment, several meeting rooms, and the ACCK Courier pickup point. The main level features lounge areas with comfortable seating and free coffee.
The Public Services Desk will ...
• answer your questions; help is always available
• receive reports of lost or stolen library card (make reports immediately);
• check out materials
Loan Periods
• Reserve materials (for use in the library only) — 2 hours
• Periodicals and circulating reference materials — 1 day
• All other materials — 1 academic term
• Any item that has been out for 30 days or more is subject to recall if needed by another patron.
There are no fines for overdue materials; however, patrons are billed for lost or damaged materials. Future enrollment is prevented and no diplomas or transcripts are issued until all materials are returned or costs paid.
Interlibrary Loan
Books or periodical articles not available in Miller Library may be requested on inter-library loan (ILL). Request forms for both books and periodicals are available in the rotary file at the Public Services Desk.
The Collections
MacPAC, the online catalog, lists the book and non-print materials as well as periodical holdings in Miller Library. Also available are many online reference and periodical databases. The library’s homepage, which can be accessed on the campus network and off-campus with your e-mail login name and password, has links to all resources.
Also see: Miller Library
MOTORIZED VEHICLES
All students are allowed to have one vehicle on campus. All students must register their motorized vehicles with the college and display their parking sticker. Vehicles that do not correctly display their parking sticker will be ticketed and/or towed. Stickers are available in the Dean of Students ’ office. Parking is allowed in parking lots and angled parking spaces owned by the College. Disabled vehicles left in the parking areas will be towed away at the owner’s expense. Vehicles are not to be parked or driven on the grass or sidewalks. The circle drive areas are designated as fire lanes, and vehicles should not be parked there. Vehicles parked there, even for a short while, may be ticketed by the McPherson Police. Any unlicensed vehicle (including vehicles with expired plates) will be brought to the attention of the appropriate officials. Any vehicle that has many parts missing, i.e., tail and head lights, tires that have been left flat for long periods of time, missing body panels, missing engines, anything that looks abandoned or neglected, is a prime candidate to be towed away at the owner’s expense. Oil changes are not to be made in the parking lots. Oil must be disposed of properly. Contact the Facility Management Office or Auto Restoration to request to dispose of oil in their recycling drums. College parking lots should be treated with the same respect as other college property.
ORIENTATION
Before each enrollment period, all new and transfer students participate in orientation programs and activities to get to know each other and the College community.
Also see: Orientation
PERSONAL COUNSELING OFFICES
Free and confidential personal counseling services are available for students five days per week. Kelli Johnson maintains her license and is available through her office on the main floor of Hoffman Student Union. McPherson College also maintains professional relationships with licensed mental health care providers in the community, including the staff at Prairie View Mental Health Center. Services at Prairie View are available to students on a sliding fee basis.
Also see: Counseling
SCHEDULING FACILITIES
All campus events that require the use of campus facilities (academic, social, athletic, or organizational meetings) sponsored by students, faculty and staff must be scheduled through the Campus Event Coordinator, extension 2438. Reservations for individual classrooms are scheduled through the SES Office, extension 1275.
Also see: Event Planning
SPORT CENTER
The McPherson College community has access to the sports facilities, including an exercise room, basketball courts, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor tracks, and a racquetball/handball court. To reserve these facilities contact the Campus Event Coordinator at extension 2438.
Also see: Event Planning
STUDENT ACCOUNTS
It is the policy of McPherson College that no individual will be permitted to enroll for any classes if that person has a balance due on their student account. If the balance is in a current status through the authorized payment plan, the above restriction will not apply. Returning students with an account balance of $500 or less and who are current in all payments will be allowed to pre-enroll for the next semester. However, if for any reason the account is not current, restrictions will be placed on the student’s ability to pre-enroll. A student in this category may be permitted to start the pre-enrollment process, but the process will not be finalized and classes will not be confirmed until the account is made current. After financial aid has been applied, full payment of any remaining balance is required at enrollment each term. Account balances under $500, or in a current status through the authorized payment plan, are not subject to this requirement. Students who do not meet this requirement will not be allowed to move into the residence halls, eat meals in the dining hall, attend classes or participate in any athletic practices. In addition, the policy will adhere to the following criteria:
1. All necessary applications and forms for financial aid, including grants, scholarships and loans, must be completed, signed and submitted no later than one month prior to the start of the academic year.
2. Students are expected to make full payment for all tuition, fees, room and board, and other charges prior to, or at the time of enrollment.
3. At the conclusion of the enrollment process, students with a small balance remaining of not more than $500 will be required to sign a promissory note, and agree to pay off the note in four equal payments.
4. Interest on student accounts will be charged at the rate of 1% per month, however there will be no penalty for early payment of the account balance.
5. Amounts earned by students working for the college, either directly or through Federal Work Study, may be applied by the student towards payment of their account balance.
STUDENT ENROLLMENT SERVICES
The staff of Student Enrollment Services provides services for prospective, new, and continuing students in the areas of admissions, financial aid, and student records. The office is located on the first floor of Mohler Hall.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Efforts are made in every department to inform students and prospective students of the rights of disabled persons under the law and the commitment of McPherson College to non-discrimination toward disabled persons. Students who have either temporary or permanent disability are welcome at McPherson College under the regular admissions requirements. These students are urged to inform the College of their disability and special needs prior to their arrival on campus to allow the College ample time to determine necessary resources and accommodations. For assistance, contact Kelli Johnson, Personal Counselor. The Campus Hearing Board has been designated as the hearing body to review complaints disabled persons may have about their treatment at McPherson College. A description of Board procedures is outlined in Campus Judiciary section of this handbook.
STUDENT UNION
The Hoffman Student Union serves as a center of activity for the College community. Areas in the Union can be reserved by contacting the Campus Event Coordinator. In addition to the dining hall and food service office, bookstore, meeting room for chapel, Campus Ministries, the Personal Counselor, and Student Government also located in the Hoffman Student Union.
TRAVEL POLICY FOR COURSES AT OTHER ACCK COLLEGES
McPherson College allows students to enroll in courses at other ACCK colleges at no additional tuition charge. A limited budget for travel reimbursement is available for individual students who are required by their major department to travel to another ACCK campus for a required course in the major. Reimbursement does not apply when the course is regularly offered on the McPherson College campus or when the student has not been continuously enrolled as a full-time student, beginning with the semester of matriculation at McPherson College.
TRAVEL TO AND FROM AIRPORTS AND BUS TERMINALS
Occasionally transportation is provided by Admissions to new students visiting campus or arriving for classes their first semester. However, all other times, students must plan to provide their own transportation.
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