Eastern Mennonite University

A Parent’s Guide to Life at EMU

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Are career and personal counseling services available?

Yes, both services are available at no cost to students, and confidentiality is guaranteed. Career services include individual counseling sessions, interest inventories, computer-assisted guidance, career preparation workshops, simulated interview opportunities, resume preparation, and career, job and graduate school information in the Career Center.

Counseling Services provide a comprehensive program of personal growth, including individual and group therapy, assessment and referral, support groups and educational programs. Professional counselors are available to assist students experiencing a variety of emotional and social needs. Services are available by appointment. Again, all counseling services are strictly confidential.

Under what circumstances will the university contact me about my student?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (also known as the Buckley Amendment) limits disclosure of confidential materials to those released by written consent of the student. At EMU, we believe that students need to make responsible decisions about their academic records.

During their first semester of enrollment, students complete a form indicating whether they wish to have academic information released to parents or guardians. EMU faculty and staff will consult this form before responding to requests for private information. Students age 18 and older are considered to be the primary gardians of their records, with provisions identified for parents to obtain information under certain conditions.

Parents are not automatically notified of such things as disciplinary actions, health issues, class attendance, academic records, etc. However, EMU policies do require notification of parents if suspension or dismissal action is given to dependent students or if the student is deemed at risk to self or others. Information on FERPA is available on the web at emu.edu/registr/ferpa.html.

Questions should be directed to the vice president for student life, at (540) 432-4135.

Are health services available to my student?

The Health Center provides a comprehensive program of health services and wellness programming. The center is located on the second floor of the University Commons. The Health Center Director is a registered nurse who is qualified to assist students with illness or injuries. In addition, the university physician visits campus regularly to see students for examinations and treatment.

A nurse practitioner is also available by appointment. The services of the health center nurse are available without charge to students who have filed the required health records. A small fee is charged for physician and nurse practitioner visits, supplies, medications, dressings and laboratory tests. Aids such as crutches, ice packs and heating pads are available for loan.

Emergencies are generally handled by Rockingham Memorial Hospital.

Director of Health Sevices, Mamie Mellinger (540) 432-4317

What meal plan options are available?

All students living on campus must have a meal plan except for those living in Hillside Suites and Parkwoods Apartments. First-year students living on campus can choose a 20-Meal Plan, 15-Meal Plan, Block 200 or Block 150.

Optional meal plans available to sophomores, juniors and seniors are the 15-Meal Plan, 10-Meal Plan, Block 150 or Block 100. Seniors may choose from all of the aforementioned or a 7-Meal Plan. These plans include snack bar meals which is 15 per semester.

LIONS SHARE is not connected with any meal plan but is like a computerized bank card. Purchases in the Dining Hall or Royals’ Den are automatically deducted from the account balance, which must be spent during the academic year or be forfeited. Royal Cash can be used at any location.

What facilities are available for snack foods?

The Royals’ Den in the University Commons provides a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties. Snack machines are located throughout the campus.

Are there banking facilities on campus?

The cashier’s window in the Campus Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Personal or third-party checks of up to $75 may be cashed with presentation of the student ID card. Account inquiries may be made in person or by calling (540) 432-4114. A drop box is available for after-hours financial business.

Students are encouraged to use the Park View Federal Credit Union, close to the campus, for savings and checking accounts. Those services are free to EMU students.

There are several notary publics on campus to provide notarizing of documents.

Are there post office facilities on campus?

The Post Office is also located in the Campus Center. Its hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Most postal services, including package mailing, are available. A fax machine is on all the time. The fax number is (540) 432-4444.

The postmistress may be contacted at (540) 432-4253. She strongly suggests that all cash and important documents be sent by certified mail to insure arrival.

Where can my student shop?

The EMU Bookstore, located in the University Commons, offers toiletries, some clothing, books, music, cards, and school supplies. There are grocery stores and shopping districts located within two or three miles of campus, as well as throughout the Harrisonburg area.

With Love From Home Service

Dining Services and the Parent Relations Office offer a special service to parents called With Love From Home. You may have a birthday cake, balloons, fruit basket, iced brownies, cookiegram, pizza party or monthly gift baskets sent from you to your student. The number to call is (540) 432-4311, or see the special brochure in your parents’ information.

For more information contact ...

Student Life office at (540) 432-4135