Student Life

Introduction
   
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Albertson students frequently comment about the warm and supportive atmosphere at the school. They find a variety of social and cultural activities available on campus that enable them to network with other students as well as faculty, staff and the community. Students are encouraged to participate in the more than 50 clubs and organizations and to organize additional activities. Dances, concerts, special interest sessions and informal social activities also provide students with choices for on-campus entertainment.

CAMPUS LIFE
McCain Student Center

The McCain Student Center is the hub of campus activity. It houses Student Affairs Offices, student government, the student newspaper (Coyote) and student yearbook (Trail), bookstore, mail center, game room, cyber cafe, movie theater, and a casual snack and dining area. There are study tables and meeting rooms, as well as a television lounge, campus information center and ATM. The facility also contains the student-run theatre (Eros), micro-business (Pathos) and media room.

Student Activities

The Student Activities Office provides advising and administrative support for student organizations on campus. The staff works closely with campus student groups to sponsor a variety of campus programs, provide leadership training, offer resource assistance, develop programming procedures, and provide advising to the ASACI Executive Council, Senate, Programming Council, Greek Council, Intramurals and Outdoor Program.

ASACI

All full-time students at the college are members of the Associated Students of Albertson College of Idaho (ASACI) and thereby have full voting rights in campus elections. ASACI membership entitles students to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities and to receive the student newspaper and yearbook.

Student Government

Student government includes executive, legislative and judicial branches. All full-time students are eligible to participate in student government as long as they are not on academic or disciplinary probation. The executive branch is elected every April and includes the ASACI president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and program council directors.

ASACI senate, the legislative branch, is headed by the ASACI vice president. Delegates representing students living off campus, in the Village Apartments and in each residence hall are elected during the fall term. The senate enacts legislation to affect changes on campus that benefit the students at Albertson College. Senate also appropriates student funds to campus organizations.

The campus judicial board functions as the judicial branch of student government. Comprised solely of students, faculty, and staff, the board hears referred cases of student misconduct.

Program Council

Program Council is responsible for planning all-campus student activities that appeal to the diverse interests of the student body. The program directors, elected by the student body, chair a council of committee chairpersons, each responsible for specific types of programs such as coffee house, movies, dances, lectures, concerts and special events. Program Council also sponsors campus-wide annual events including Bowling Nights, Midnight Movies, Winter Fest and Spring Fling.

Intramurals

The student intramural directors, elected by the student body, organize all intramural sports programs. Generally, these include flag football, basketball, volleyball, softball, recreational games, tournaments and short season special events.

Outdoor Programs

The outdoor program is primarily responsible for planning outdoor experiences (i.e., skiing and rafting trips, rock climbing, kayaking) and making outdoor equipment available for student recreational use. The Outdoor Program also operates a climbing wall located in the Activities Center. The OP is housed at 2204 Iowa, across the street from the Village Apartments.

Student Publications

The Trail is the student yearbook. It is designed and produced by a student staff. The Coyote is the student newspaper. Although it is primarily for students, it has become a forum in which students, faculty and administrators express their opinions about issues on campus. The editors are chosen each spring by a special ASACI task committee. Interested students are invited to contact editors to contribute work or to participate on staff.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The college sponsors intercollegiate athletic competition for both men and women. Men may participate in soccer, skiing, baseball, basketball and golf. Women compete in volleyball, basketball, skiing, tennis, golf, softball, and soccer.

The Albertson ski teams consistently place among the top teams in the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association national championships, winning multiple national championships in the 1980s and 90s. The men’s basketball team won the NAIA national championship in 1996 – Idaho’s first four-year institution to win a national basketball title. The baseball team won the 1998 NAIA Championship and has qualified for post-season play for 16 consecutive years – including College World Series appearances in four of the last five years. The women’s basketball team has never had a losing season, advancing to the NAIA national championship game in 2001.

Greek Organizations

One of the most fulfilling experiences a new student can have is that of gaining friendships through Greek life in one of the college's four sororities-Kappa Kappa Gamma (international), Sigma Epsilon (local), Gamma Phi Beta (international) and Kappa Alpha Theta (international)-or three fraternities-Kappa Sigma (international), Sigma Chi (international), and Delta Tau Delta (international).

Fall rush begins two to three weeks after classes commence with additional rush activities taking place throughout the academic year in accordance with each organization's event calendar.

Greek Council is composed of representatives from each sorority and fraternity. Its purpose is to promote good relations among the sororities and fraternities on campus, to further promote the development of Greek life, to help advance relations between members of the Greek system and the campus community, and to consider common concerns and organize joint activities.

Student Organizations

The spectrum of campus organizations includes literary, journalistic, dramatic, musical, religious, political, and community service groups, as well as athletic organizations and sports clubs for both men and women. There are also special societies within areas such as education, natural science, theatre, business, and anthro/sociology. Many student groups plan campus-wide programs, promote awareness, educate on an issue, arrange field trips and other off-campus activities. The freshman honorary, Phi Eta Sigma, also has an active chapter on campus.

Minority Program

The office is located on the 2nd floor of the McCain Student Center and includes a study room with computer access and a student organization office for campus use.

The focus of the program is to be the central minority student advocate in all student areas on and off campus. The department serves as a liaison among parents, the admission office, the financial aid office-scholarships (internal & external), campus counselors, study skills personnel, the campus minister and other departments. Their goal for Albertson is to reach a minority enrollment between five and ten percent of the total ACI student body.

The minority counselor advises the student organizations A.L.A.S. (Albertson Latino Americano Students) and A.L.M.A. (Albertson Latino Mariachi Association). Through these organizations students, faculty and campus administrators become involved in community-wide events such as:

  • Mother's Day
  • Cinco de Mayo Celebration
  • Mexican Independence Day Fiesta
  • Martin Luther King Day
  • Parent & Faculty ALAS Dinner
  • Dia de Los Muertos
  • Hispanic Youth Symposium
  • Tutoring and mentoring elementary and high school students.

The minority program works to encourage ACI students to reach their academic goal of obtaining a bachelor's degree and to provide inspiration to others in minority communities. All students are welcome.

Residence Life

The Office of Residence Life focuses on providing a living environment that enhances learning and personal development. Residence hall staff are educators who seek to create a community where students mature personally and academically.

For students, residence hall living offers opportunities for involvement in campus activities, personal growth, leadership development, life skills development, interaction with campus leaders, independence and fun.

Research shows that students who live on campus tend to do better academically, are more involved in campus activities, and remain in school at higher rates than commuter students. The residence hall experience is intended to complement the academic experience, help students become respected members of the campus community, and facilitate their overall growth and development.

RESIDENCE HALLS

Selecting a residence hall is much like selecting a lifestyle. There are many factors to be considered, such as size, location and facilities. The best way to determine the "personality" of each residence hall is to visit the campus. A visit provides the most accurate impression of each hall and helps the student make an informed housing decision.

The college has five residence halls and two apartment style buildings. Each of the residence halls is a small, corridor style building with centralized bathroom and shower facilities on each floor. The size of the residence hall contributes to the sense of community among residents. Each of the halls has recreation, laundry and private study facilities. Each has cooking facilities for student use. Student bedrooms are equipped with a bed, desk, chair, dresser, closet, individual heating/cooling unit, telephone jack and network connection for personal computers. Most rooms feature built-in style desks, dressers and closets. Each residence hall also has a small computer lab.

Students play a vital role in shaping the personality of their living unit. As individuals living closely with each other, students must balance their needs and desires with the rights of others. At all times residents are expected to consider and preserve the rights of other residents, directly participate in the development of the residence hall community, share equal responsibility for adhering to and enforcing the expectations of the community and take responsibility for actions that violate community expectations.

Anderson Hall

Anderson Hall was constructed in 1956 as a men's residence hall with a traditional corridor layout. Anderson Hall houses up to 93 residents and is coed by floor. It is also home to the Anderson Honors Community. Anderson Hall features a large main lounge and a large parking lot. Many Anderson rooms are singles.

Finney Hall

Finney Hall is a small colonial brick building constructed in 1910. Finney Hall served as the first women's residence hall on campus, but has also housed the dining hall and chemistry department at various points in the college's history. With the addition of the third floor in 1960, Finney Hall was restored to an all women's residence, housing up to 60 students. It features a traditional corridor layout with a limited number of single rooms. The first-floor rooms have high ceilings.

Hayman Hall

Hayman Hall is the largest residence hall on campus and is coed by neighbor. Built in 1966, Hayman has a ring layout, with common areas on the inside of the corridor and student bedrooms on the outside. Hayman Hall has predominantly double rooms, with a limited number of single rooms. Each floor has a variety of common areas available to all residents.

Simplot Hall

Simplot Hall is connected to Simplot Commons (the dining center). The south wing was built in 1948 and features a variety of room sizes and types. The north wing was added in 1961 and is single rooms. Simplot Hall is coed by floor.

The Village

The Village, an apartment-style resident hall was constructed in 2002. The Village consists of two 3-story buildings that house a total of 48 students. Each unit features single occupancy bedrooms, a kitchen, living room area, balcony, washers and dryers, cable TV, and is directly connected to the campus network. It is exclusively upperclassmen living.

Voorhees Hall

Voorhees Hall is a small colonial brick building built in 1912, with a third floor added in the 1960s. Voorhees Hall was an all-men's residence hall until 1992, when it became coed by floor. It has a traditional corridor layout with a number of single rooms. The first and second floor rooms have high ceilings.

RESIDENCE HALL LIFESTYLE OPTIONS

Special lifestyle options are available to meet the needs of various communities within the college. Students participating in special lifestyle options sign behavioral agreements and agree to abide by the special conditions of the program. Students who fail to abide by the special conditions may be administratively reassigned from the program.

Anderson Honors Community

The residents have developed an agreement for students who wish to join a community that includes a minimum grade point requirement and expectations for maintaining a quieter environment. Returning students and transfer students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Healthy Lifestyle Community

In today’s world, there is a great emphasis to be healthy. The Office of Residence Life at ACI is hoping to encourage this healthy outlook on life by designing a “Healthy Lifestyle” Floor. Residents that choose to live on this floor are committed to living a well-rounded, healthy life. This includes abstaining from drugs, alcohol and smoking. It also limits the second-hand effects of these substances.

Healthy Lifestyle residents are expected to monitor their own noise level, to respect the needs of the other residents and to maintain an environment conducive to study and sleep. These residents are encouraged to maintain their health through exercise and nutrition, maintaining a positive attitude, and working together to create an environment of harmony in the residence halls.

RESIDENCE HALL STAFF

Each residence hall is supervised by a professional hall director or an assistant hall director and a staff of student resident assistants (RAs). The residence hall staff initiate educational and social programming, advise residents on personal and academic concerns, confront inappropriate behavior, act as resources, and serve as role models. The residence hall staff are selected through an intensive process and receive on-going training.

HOW TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

To apply for on-campus housing at Albertson College, a student must submit the Residence Hall Agreement and a tuition deposit, of which $130 is applied to the housing deposit. Priority is based on the date the tuition deposit and agreement are received. Room assignments are made based on hall and room type preferences on a first-come first-served basis in accordance with availability.

Specific information about residence hall policies and procedures is outlined in the handbook. Students are responsible for knowing and complying with all residence hall policies and procedures.

The Residence Hall Agreement is for an academic year. The student may cancel this agreement before July 1 with a refund less the processing fee. After July 1, the student forfeits the housing deposit. After occupancy has begun, the student will forfeit the housing deposit and will be responsible for the entire cost of the housing agreement.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

Unmarried freshmen and sophomores under the age of 21 are required to live in one of the college residence halls unless they are living with an immediate family member or legal guardian in the local area. Freshmen and sophomores who wish to live off campus with someone other than a parent or legal guardian are required to petition the Office of Residence Life.

RESIDENCE HALL ENHANCEMENT FUNDS

The residence hall enhancement funds program was established as a method to provide funds for the enhancement of residence hall common areas. However, if damage occurs in a common area and the individuals responsible are not identified, the cost of the repairs will be charged against the enhancement funds for that respective living unit. At the end of the academic year, the living unit can make recommendations for desired enhancements to the Office of Residence Life. Residence hall enhancement funds are not refundable.

RESIDENCE HALL SOCIAL DUES

Residence hall social dues are used to promote a variety of social and educational activities within each residence hall. Typically, these funds are administered by the residence life student staff or the residence hall council. Residence hall social dues are not refundable.

RESIDENCE HALL GOVERNANCE

The residence hall council is the primary student governance structure within each residence hall. The hall council's primary responsibilities include: administering hall social dues; planning social, educational and cultural activities; promoting participation in intramurals and other campus-wide activities; making recommendations on use of residence hall enhancement funds; making recommendations regarding residence hall policy and procedure. Each hall council is led by an executive board elected by residents of the building. The composition of each hall council varies. Most hall councils use an open-meeting style of governance. The hall council is advised by the senior residence life staff member in the building.

FOOD SERVICE MEAL PLANS

All residence hall students except juniors and seniors are required to be on the meal plan. Resident students eat in Simplot Commons Dining Hall, operated by Bon Appetit, or in the Snack Bar of the McCain Student Center. Students may select from a wide range of foods and beverages at each meal. The meal plan options have been developed to suit students' eating habits, schedules and budgets. Students with special dietary needs should contact the food service provider during summer orientation.

STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICES

The Student Affairs Offices, located primarily in the McCain Student Center and in Hendren Hall, provide a variety of services and resources for students including career counseling, internship and off-campus experience placement, student health, student activities, personal counseling, study skills assistance, campus ministry, minority affairs, and residence life. Student Affairs staff members invite and encourage students to drop by and share questions, problems or ideas.

CAMPUS MINISTRIES

The college has historical ties to the Presbyterian Church. A full-time campus minister coordinates non-compulsory opportunities for fellowship and service including chapel and international missions. Over 150 students regularly participate in campus ministry programming. Volunteer participation creates an atmosphere in which students from a wide variety of religious backgrounds feel at home at Albertson while providing a positive environment for those seeking spiritual growth and integration of faith and learning in their college experience. LDS Institute also meets twice a week with an active LDSSA organization.

CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITY

Campus Safety consists of 24 hour, 7 day per week service to the campus community. Safety officers are employed by the college and trained and supervised by the Director of Campus Safety.

Campus Safety provides patrol protection to the campus, parking lots, classrooms, residence halls and administrative areas. Officers are responsible for the full range of public safety services including crime reporting, medical emergencies, fire emergencies, as well as reporting the violation of all laws and enforcement of college policies.

The college carries out its responsibility of campus safety seriously. Regrettably, colleges are not immune to the ills of society. No college campus is free of crime. Efforts are made to keep the community aware of any criminal activities that may occur and means of reducing the incidence of such activities. Safety is a community activity. Even with its resources, campus safety officers will not always be aware of all incidents that may occur on campus. It is extremely important for Albertson College community members to report all activities that may appear unusual or suspicious.

You are encouraged to call the Campus Safety Department regardless of how insignificant or trivial an incident may appear.

Students are required to comply with the directives of campus safety officers, as well as any college officials, including residence life staff members, in performance of their assigned duties. Students are required to present valid identification when requested. When there is probable cause that a crime has been committed, a campus safety officer may detain a suspect until the proper authorities arrive.

Campus crime statistics are provided in accordance with the Crime Awareness and Safety Act of 1990 and as part of Albertson College's commitment to inform the college community about campus safety and security. The statistics are reported to the campus community on an annual basis.

Typically, current and prospective students are provided campus crime statistics, which are published in the Student Handbook and are available on the Albertson college webpage under Student Life.

PARKING

All motor vehicles must display a current Albertson College parking tag if they are used on college property and must be registered. Handicapped parking permits are available from the Campus Safety Office. The college maintains parking lots near each residence hall that are reserved for students who live in the respective residence hall. There is a fee for these permits, which are obtained from the Campus Safety Office. Residence hall permits are typically available starting the third week of each term. Failure to properly display the parking permit or violations of parking regulations will result in a citation and/or the vehicle being towed at the owner's expense. Citations may be paid at the Campus Safety office during regular business hours.

CENTER FOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

The Center for Experiential Learning seeks to maximize student potential by providing a bridge to life beyond college through practical application and career development.

CAREER SERVICES

Career Services helps students determine their career focus. The career planning process is developed through courses and individual counseling, focusing on self-awareness, career exploration and goal setting. A career counselor provides interest assessments, presents seminars on career search and personal growth topics, and maintains a career resource library. The campus is linked through the Career Information System (CIS), a computer network that provides access to career exploration, graduate schools and scholarship information.

Career Services maintains contacts with alumni, business, government and other organizations. As a service to assist students, Career Services coordinates on-campus interviews with potential employers from business and governmental agencies

Credential files are maintained for teacher education majors at a nominal fee. Education graduates are encouraged to maintain a credential file from their degree-granting college or university.

Career Services maintains job listings on the college website that include external, part-time and summer employment opportunities. The career website can be accessed at http://www.collegeofidaho.edu/academics/exlearning/jobpostings.asp

COUNSELING CENTER

Individual, couples and group mental health counseling is available at no extra cost to ACI students through the Counseling Center located in Hendren Hall. Call 459-5561, or email msimmonds@albertson.edu to schedule your confidential appointment. Examples of counseling issues include stress, life transition, anxiety, relationships, family, sexuality, eating disorders, alcohol, drugs, depression, sexual abuse, date rape and self-esteem

HEALTH SERVICES

The services of a time registered nurse, located in Hendren Hall, are available to all students. Those without a personal physician in the area may arrange for medical treatment through the nurse's office. Students not already covered by an accident and sickness insurance program are required to subscribe to a college-sponsored accident and sickness policy offered through a student health insurance provider.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The college attracts a variety of students from diverse backgrounds and ethnic origins. Many foreign countries are represented on campus. With an increasing emphasis in international study and global understanding, and a renewed effort to meet the program and service needs of students, the number of international students continues to increase. The college provides assistance and information to the international community through orientation, personal counseling, advising and immigration information.

DISCIPLINARY AFFAIRS

Admission to the College is a voluntary exercise on the part of the student. In voluntarily accepting membership in an educational community, the student assumes the responsibility to abide by the academic performance standards and student conduct regulations of the campus community. It is expected that students, as part of the college community, will conduct themselves in such a way as to respect the rights of others and observe the legal norms of the larger society. These expectations are cited in various publications including, but not limited to, the Student Handbook. When a student's behavior appears to come into conflict with campus expectations or policy, the student will be confronted and referred to the campus disciplinary system. The campus disciplinary system is coordinated by the Dean of Student Affairs. The specific procedures vary according to the seriousness of the alleged infractions.

Students, faculty and members of the administration have jointly developed a set of policies and guidelines to establish the rights and responsibilities of all students. These guidelines are published in the Student Handbook, located on-line at http://www.collegeofidaho.edu/studenthandbook/index.htm. By enrolling at Albertson, students agree to abide by these policies and guidelines.

Albertson reserves the right, and by matriculation the student acknowledges that right, to dismiss or suspend any student whose conduct is unacceptable by college standards. Students should be aware of various college policies as specified in the Student Handbook.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

All new students are expected to participate in the new student orientation program. The purpose of the new student orientation program is to assist in the successful transition to the college. Prospective students receive information regarding new student orientation once they have been officially accepted by Albertson College. During summer orientation new students become familiar with the campus and its representatives by pre-registering for classes, completing financial aid requirements, arranging payment assistance plans, attending informational sessions, visiting their residence hall and receiving instruction on their laptop computer.

Fall orientation takes place in the mountain location of McCall. It occurs the week before the beginning of fall semester and is designed to develop the feeling of community, to learn about college, to meet their first year advisor, other students, faculty and staff, and to enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Participation in fall orientation has been highly correlated to academic success.

New students who enroll in the second term participate in an individualized orientation program.

STUDY SKILLS CENTER

The college offers learning support for all students. Assistance in reading, comprehension, note taking, test taking and writing are among the services available at the center. The Study Skills Center is located in Hendren Hall.