Catalog - Table of Index

Campus Life

Misericordia University students take their total educational experience seriously. They recognize that their academic experience is richer when they participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities which contribute to their total development.

Athletics

Intercollegiate athletics for women at Misericordia University include basketball, cheerleading, cross country running, field hockey, tennis, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, track and field, and volleyball. Men compete at the intercollegiate level in baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country running, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, and track and field.

Members of the student body, faculty, and administration enjoy a comprehensive intramural athletic program which includes such activities as co-ed flag football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, golf, and softball.

Campus Ministry

Misericordia University is a Catholic University. As such, it offers a variety of liturgical, service, and educational opportunities in which all members of the community can express their religious faith and grow in their values. Persons of all faith and religious denominations find the campus ministry program a focus for religious, spiritual, social and community service activities.

In keeping with the University’s Mercy tradition of justice, service, and hospitality, campus ministry sponsors a wide variety of programs that provide direct service to others. These programs offer students the opportunity to test their values and the chance to develop their leadership potential. A creative liturgical program guides students in making the connection between their daily life experiences and their relationship with God and humanity. Thus, the formation of personal values, service to and justice for those in need, and worship become a part of an inclusive approach to spiritual development.

Campus Safety

The on-campus safety department operates 24-hours, seven days a week. All personnel are trained in basic emergency procedures such as first aid, CPR, and cardiac defibrillation. Safety officers are accessible to students and provide advice and literature to support a safe and comfortable campus for all students.

Clubs and Organizations

Over 35 chartered student clubs and organizations provide opportunities for personal, intellectual, and social development in a wide variety of student interests. These activities include such options as educational workshops, musical attractions, publications, and performing art shows, among others.

Services offered through the student activities department include leadership development programs, SOAR (Student Outdoor Adventure and Recreation) new student orientation programs, activities information, resources for programming and fundraising, a weekly bulletin, and the semester activities calendar.

Governing Boards

Student Government Association
An active undergraduate Student Government Association (SGA) is the liaison between students and faculty, and between students and administration. The SGA enables students to become involved in a decision making process which affect their governance. The SGA consists of eight executive board members.

The Commuter Council
The Commuter Council is attentive to the needs and concerns of non-resident undergraduate students. The council addresses both the academic and social aspects of college life for commuters.

Residential Facilities

The university operates six residential facilities: Gildea Hall, McHale Hall, Alumnae Hall, an 18-unit townhouse complex, and two houses on Lake Street. Gildea Hall is for upper class students. Co-ed by unit, students live in three-, six-, or seven-person suites. McHale Hall, our first year area, is co-ed by floor/wing. Alumnae Hall houses both first-year and upper class residents. The townhouses are for upper class students and are self-contained units with kitchen facilities. They are co-ed by unit, and each houses six residents. The two houses on Lake Street are theme houses. Residents participate in a living/learning experience. The Leadership House develops leadership skills and the S.E.R.V.E. House (Students Exploring Recreational and Volunteer Experiences) supports commitment to community service.

The environment in the residential areas is one of living and learning. A vital part of the student’s total educational experiences is the relationships that develop from living and sharing with others in the residence halls. Resident students participate in making decisions affecting their environment, and are assisted by the residence life staff members who work in unison with the students to maintain an environment conducive to academic success and personal growth. Each building also offers study rooms, laundry facilities, cable television, phone services, Internet access, and recreational lounges. Rooms are furnished with beds, desks, bureaus and closets and are conveniently located to other areas of campus.

Student Communications

Students program, manage, and broadcast on WCMR, our campus-wide radio and television stations, available on air and on the Internet. The Highlander campus newspaper is published bi-weekly of the fall and spring semesters, by students and for students. The literary magazine, Instress, contains thought-provoking short stories, poetry, essays, art, photography, music, and other creative works from our students and faculty.

The Student Health Center

The student health center, located on the lower level of the Anderson Sports/Health Center, is directed by a registered nurse with a master’s degree. The director and a part-time registered nurse function under the guidance of the university’s medical physician. The health center also has one nurse practitioner on staff. The health center is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a..m. to 4:30 p.m. The health care providers have regularly scheduled clinic hours on campus. The health care providers are also available by telephone for advice and referrals during the remainder of the week. If medical services are needed after hours, the student should contact their respective resident advisor (RA), who will, if necessary, inform the director of the problem.

Services provided by the health care providers at the health center are free to students. Prescription medication may be obtained at a local pharmacy, and incurred expenses may be billed to the student's home address.

The health center is a modern state-of-the-art facility providing: first aid, assessment and treatment of common illnesses, referral for more serious health conditions, temporary care until transfer can be arranged to local medical facility, residence hall visits when appropriate, health counseling and education, maintenance of health records, and assistance with student athletic insurance claims. These services are provided at no cost to the student.

The health center requires a medical history, physical examination, and immunization record to be completed and submitted by all new students before the start of the student's first semester of attendance. It is required that all students receive menomune and hepatitis immunizations prior to beginning their college career. Students enrolled in health science majors (nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and medical imaging) have additional yearly requirements as mandated by their department. Menomune is required by law.

Students requiring hospitalization, or those afflicted with acute or long-term illness that requires several days in bed and restriction from class, will be required to return to their homes at the discretion of the health care provider and director of the health center until activity and class attendance can be resumed. For the safety of all students it is required that students diagnosed with a communicable disease (measles, chicken pox) return home. Permission to return to campus must be provided in writing from the student's health care provider.

The health center’s self-care room is designed as a teaching model to encourage independence in the student population. Brochures and educational displays, and video are available for student instruction. Limited over the counter medications are available free of charge.

All full-time students are required to enroll in a university health insurance plan or provide photocopied proof of membership coverage in their parent’s health insurance plan. Information on a University health insurance plan is available at the Vice President of Student Affairs Office.