Career Services

Career Services, located in University Commons room 244, is open for use by graduate students. Resources include a career library with extensive job search materials and information about applying to graduate programs of study. Services available from a trained and certified career counselor include assistance with resume development, interviewing, job-search skills and finding job opportunities. Most career services are available without charge except for some career or graduate school testing services for which a standard fee is charged. Appointments may be made by calling (540) 432-4135 to speak to the administrative assistant in student life.

Community Lifestyle Commitment

Expectations and Responsibilities for Community Life for faculty, staff, and students at Eastern Mennonite University

Preamble

Eastern Mennonite University is a Christian community in the Anabaptist/Mennonite tradition joined together for the purpose of academic study, personal development and spiritual growth. We are committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and believe that the scriptures establish the basic principles that should guide our life together. These principles include the responsibility to love God with all our being, love our neighbors as ourselves, seek after righteousness, practice justice, help those in need, forgive others, seek forgiveness and exercise freedom responsibly with loving regard for others.

We acknowledge that it is impossible to create a community with expectations that are totally acceptable to every member. Nevertheless, clearly stated expectations promote orderly community life. Because of the importance of trust in and responsibility to one another, violations of these standards are regarded as a serious breach of integrity within the community.

Commitment

As a member of the EMU community, I will strive to practice stewardship of mind, time, abilities and finances. I will pursue opportunities for intellectual and spiritual growth and demonstrate care for my body. I also will exercise social responsibility in my standard of living and use of economic resources. Realizing the destructive character of an unforgiving spirit and harmful discrimination based on prejudice, I will seek to demonstrate unselfish love in my actions, attitudes and relationships. I will be honest and show respect for the rights and property of others.

I recognize that some social practices are harmful to me, as well as harmful or offensive to others. Therefore, respecting the values of others and the mission of Eastern Mennonite University, I recognize my responsibility as a member of the community to refrain from sexual relationships outside of marriage, sexual harassment and abuse, pornography, acts of violence, abusive or demeaning language and the use of illegal drugs. Recognizing that EMU supports nonuse of alcohol and tobacco, I will respect and abide by the university policy that prohibits the use of alcohol and tobacco on campus or at university functions and the misuse of alcohol off campus.

I pledge myself to carry out this commitment in a spirit of openness and helpfulness through mutual accountability motivated by love.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees; March 23, 2001

Computer Network

EMU has an extensive computer network readily accessible to all faculty, staff and students. The library has its on-line catalog on the network. Internet access is provided. Several computer labs are available for student use.

Disability Support Services

EMU accepts and encourages students with disabilities who are motivated and who exercise responsibility and commitment to achieving their academic goals. EMU is committed to working out reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities to ensure equal access to the university and its related programs. The university complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Disabilities include learning, neurological, physical, psychological, and medical disabilities. Students should be willing to voluntarily identify their disabilities and register their documentation in order to obtain reasonable and appropriate accommodations.

Faculty and staff support individual students needing reasonable accommodations in classroom policies and procedures due to documented needs. The faculty and staff also foster the development and use of strategies that promote independence and personal success.

Accessing Services

Upon acceptance to EMU, students with documented disabilities should register the necessary documentation with the Coordinator of Student Disability Support Services (SDSS) (540-432-4233) in the Academic Support Center so it can be processed prior to registration and the student's arrival on campus. The office of SDSS is located in Sadie Hartzler Library, third floor. Students with physical disabilities related to housing should also contact the Director of Housing and Residence Life located in the Student Life Office, University Commons (540-432-4128).

Students are encouraged to meet with the SDSS Coordinator during their EMU campus visit.

Disclosure of a disability is voluntary and all documentation is kept on file and held confidential in the SDSS Office. However, students need to identify their disabilities if they wish to obtain appropriate and reasonable accommodations within their academic disciplines. Accommodations are not retroactive. Upon request, a packet of materials is available from SDSS and provides additional information to help students register their documentation and understand their rights and responsibilities in the university setting.

Students without documented evidence of disabilities who exhibit several indicators of learning or attention disorders should make an appointment with the Coordinator of SDSS for further counseling and evaluation. Screening inventories are available to further process their concerns. Referrals can be made to other community resources for further assessment and evaluation by an appropriate professional.

Disciplinary Information and Policies

Student Discipline

Eastern Mennonite University seeks to provide an educational setting where faculty, administration, staff and students work together in the common purpose of creating and maintaining the highest possible standards of academic and community life.

Our commitments reflect two basic concerns: to encourage behavior which is in harmony with the aims and purposes of the graduate programs and at the same time to provide sufficient freedom for persons to exercise individual responsibility. These concerns also extend to off-campus activities, when they affect campus life.

We believe that personal maturity and growth are encouraged most when the entire community shares in responsibility for one another. Growth is not entirely an individual process but involves the entire community as we seek to share our own concerns and at the same time respect the convictions of other persons. Our commitments include the responsibility to love God and seek after righteousness, to love others and practice justice, and to exercise stewardship and freedom responsibly.

Lines of Responsibility

The disciplinary authority of the graduate programs is vested in the president, dean of graduate programs, faculty, and the individual himself or herself. When self-discipline breaks down, direct confrontation may be required. This should be done in a spirit of concern and caring. Any student, faculty or staff member may bring an alleged violation to the attention of the provost for investigation.

Standards of Conduct

We request graduate students to respect campus standards whenever and wherever behavior impacts campus life. These standards include but are not limited to the following specific examples. Students shall refrain from immorality and the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages and drugs prohibited by law. (See "University Policies" for the "Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Policy.") Substances controlled by law are not to be abused. Unbecoming speech, conduct or dress shall be avoided.

Harassment is a violation of these standards. Communications, actions or threats which intentionally denigrate another because of his or her race, gender, religion, age, handicap or national origin will not be tolerated. This explicitly includes sexual harassment in any form of threat, coercion or unwelcome verbal advances. Respect for the dignity of all persons must be the standard.

Sexual integrity must be upheld by all.

Violence and the threat of violence against another person or group are prohibited. Unauthorized firearms and weapons are not allowed on campus.

Academic honesty is a standard of particular concern, for violations threaten the integrity of individuals and the levels of trust in the learning community. Truthfulness is essential to our concepts of God. All forms of cheating, plagiarism, forgery and furnishing false information on official documents or to campus officials are violations of this policy.

Dishonesty includes copying from another's work in an examination, submitting the same work in more than one course without the instructor's knowledge and permission, and collaboration in course assignments without permission and acknowledgement. Plagiarism, the intentional use of ideas and writings taken from another source without proper credit, is a serious offense. Knowingly helping or allowing someone else to cheat is an act of academic dishonesty.

When there is evidence of academic dishonesty, the instructor deals with the student on an individual basis and may assign a failing grade for the particular assignment or the course. The instructor will report to the student's academic advisor and the graduate dean.

Disciplinary Procedures

The director or other designated person assume responsibility for initial inquiries into an alleged infraction in consultation with the dean of graduate programs. All pertinent sources of information will be checked, including a discussion with the referred student(s). If there is evidence to support the charge, it is the task of the provost to determine which hearing procedure should be used. Faculty in whose courses violations may have occurred will be included.

For major concerns, the formal procedures outlined in the EMU policy on grievance procedures will be utilized. For other incidents, two further possibilities exist.

Informal Hearing

This procedure will involve discussion among the graduate dean, the referred student and the student's advisor.

Formal Hearing

This procedure involves a "judicial council," which will be composed of one administrator who has not been directly involved in the investigation of the situation and who can act as chairperson, one faculty member appointed by the faculty, and the student's academic advisor or another person selected from the graduate community by the student to serve as advocate.

This judicial council is used for serious or repeated violations of the standards set forth here, with formal record of the proceedings kept on file in the provost's office.

Among the possible sanctions for serious violations are: informal warning, written reprimand, letter of probation, notification of temporary suspension, indefinite suspension or a letter of dismissal (with notation on official transcript: "dismissal by graduate program action"). In case of dismissal, faculty action is necessary. Appeal of formal action taken under this policy may be filed in writing within one week of notification of its outcome, according to formal grievance procedures (statement available in the provost's office).

Hazing

Actions which are initiated against someone's will by harassing through force, banter, ridicule or criticism are strictly prohibited.

Health Insurance

All students are encouraged to have health insurance; however, athletes, students traveling on cross cultural, and international students are required to have health insurance. Students taking at least six credit hours are eligible for the plan available through EMU. Applications are available at the Student Accounts Office (ext. 4114).

Health Services

The Health Center provides a comprehensive program of health services and wellness programming. The center is located on the upper level of the University Commons in the Weaver Wellness Suite.

The Health Center director is a family nurse practitioner who is qualified to diagnose, order diagnostic testing, and prescribe medications for health problems; perform physicals; and provide immunizations. Additionally, the college physician is available for consultation by phone during clinic hours and in person for an hour every week. Office visits are available for a minimal fee. Additional services including supplies, medications, dressings and laboratory tests are available. Equipment such as crutches, ice packs and heating pads are available for loan if needed. The cost of office visits and other services may be billed to student accounts or paid in cash at the time of service.

Rockingham Memorial Hospital is a modern, well-equipped facility located three miles from campus and is available to students. Anyone requiring treatment in a larger medical center is referred to the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville.

Identification Card

An I.D. card is issued to each student and it is advisable that students carry their I.D. with them. A validation sticker for the current academic year is required proof that students are currently enrolled. An EMU I.D. entitles full-time students admission to all events sponsored by the student activity fee, including athletics.

The card is required for admission to the Dining Hall, for all transactions at the Business Office, for checking out books in Hartzler Library and for purchases at the Campus Bookstore. Replacement cards are made by appointment in Learning Resources at a cost of $5.

International Student Services

In 2008 EMU's international students (pictured above) hosted 'Define Africa,' a community event featuring authentic African food, fellowship and fun. The event was sponsored in part by the International Student Services office.

The presence of students from many nations of the world and from various ethnic traditions represented in our own country enriches the campus and helps to bring the global village into daily contact. The office of international student services provides leadership to a variety of programs and activities that affirm and support the diversity represented on campus.

The office of international student services assists international students with immigration matters, helping them in fulfilling the requirements of their visa status. Orientation for new international students is held prior to the beginning of classes each fall, and excursions are arranged to help familiarize new arrivals with the Harrisonburg region.

Throughout the year, the office coordinates intercultural activities that promote understanding of other cultures and heritages and encourage student and community interactions. Visit the office's web site at www.emu.edu/studentlife/iss/ for more information.

This office also acts as advisor to the International Student Organization.

Liability

Students are expected to respect the rights and property of others and to use campus facilities in a responsible manner. Costs of damage to university property are charged to the account of the student responsible for the damage. Students assume responsibility for damaged property and should report it promptly to the residence director and/or physical plant office. EMU is not liable for the loss of money or valuables or the loss of or damage to any person's private property on the campus due to fire, water or theft. This includes the property of resident and non-resident students and their guests.

Library

EMU's Hartzler Library

The Sadie A. Hartzler Library, which includes the Menno Simons Historical Library and the EMU archives, collaborates with classroom faculty in the educational mission of the university by acquiring educational resources, arranging them for easy access and providing instruction on their use. The Library is dedicated to saving the students' time when they are engaged in research.

The library's website (www.emu.edu/library) is the portal to many authoritative resources and services. Sadie, the online library catalog, provides efficient access to reliable sources including both print and electronic material. The numberous databases, of course, can be accessed by students anywhere they have access to the internet, but the library building provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for study and research. The library's dedicated staff is committed to quality service.

The print collection includes over 170,000 books, 1,000 current periodicals and 97,000 microfilm and microfiche, primarily periodicals.

Research databases provide access to over 13,000 full-text journals, newspapers and magazines and a catalog of over 150 million books and other materials held by libraries worldwide. The library participates in the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA), a library consortium that allows broader access to expensive online resources. Off-campus access is available to most of the research databases..

Interlibrary loan provides access to materials not owned by the Hartzler Library. To speed up access to articles, the library uses Ariel, a system that provides electronic delivery.

The library is open daily during the academic year for a total of 90 hours each week. Accommodations on all three floors provide individual study space as well as rooms for group study. Most of the library is equipped for wireless access to the internet.

Several specialized collections are located in the Hartzler Library: 1) The Menno Simons Historical Library has the finest collection of Mennonite and Anabaptist materials on the east coast with items dating from the sixteenth century to the present. The Historical Library also has an extensive collection of local history materials. 2) Collections of curriculum materials and children's literature support the teacher education program. 3) The Hartzler Library also houses the archives for Eastern Mennonite University and Virginia Mennonite Conference. 4) Learning Resources provides audiovisual and presentation equipment and support. Other services offered include producing ID cards, taking passport pictures and laminating.

The Art Gallery on third floor of the library exhibits a variety of art work throughout the academic year, including senior art majors' presentations.

Multicultural Services

Leonard Dow, an EMU alum and Mennonite pastor, spoke on campus during Martin Luther King Celebration in January 2008. He is pictured here (second from right) with office of multicultural services staff and student volunteers.

The office of Multicultural Services is charged with the responsibility to be a support service for American students of African, Hispanic, Asian and Native American descent (AHANA). In addition, the office will serve in a support capacity to the university as a whole when dealing with issues concerning AHANA students or diversity issues.

The office also is responsible for helping students to organize Black Heritage Month, Latino Heritage Month, Martin Luther King Celebrations and a number of other activities which affirm the ethnic diversity represented on campus. The office also advises various student organizations whose issues have a direct link to AHANA students.

Ultimately, the office intends to provide educational experiences for all students, faculty and staff, which will help them to understand and affirm cultural differences. All are encouraged to participate in events, programs and special functions. Visit the office's web site at www.emu.edu/studentlife/multicultural for more information.

Personal Property Insurance

EMU does not maintain insurance on student-owned property. In some cases family homeowner's insurance may provide coverage for personal property. Tenant insurance may be obtained from a local agency if desired.

Post Office

The Post Office, located in the Campus Center, carries full postal service, including stamps and certified, registered and insured mail. United Parcel Service (UPS) and fax service are also available. Full-time students are provided with a mailbox which is used for on-campus as well as postal-service mail. Campus mail is delivered free of charge, but large quantities should be alphabetized. Please restrict items to 3 x 5 and larger. Post Office hours are posted at the window.

A plain-paper fax machine is available during regular Post Office hours. The fax number is (540) 432-4444. A cover sheet is required for all faxes. Prices are:

• Local call faxes: $1.00 per page
• Long distance call faxes: $1.50 per page
• International faxes: $1.00 per page plus the cost of the phone call, which must be charged to a student, employee or department account
• No charge for cover sheet on outgoing faxes
• No charge for incoming faxes
• Prices are subject to change based on actual experience

Security

The campus security program is intended to provide a safe and friendly campus environment that supports the mission of the university. Development and enforcement of regulations, procedures and practices provide a reasonable level of security for property and provide for the personal safety of employees, students and visitors. Contact Campus Security at ext. 4911 (weekdays) or 9-432-4911 (after 5 p.m. ) with any special concerns.

Student Housing

Northlawn Residence Hall at EMU overlooks the campus fountain on the main lawn.

The university operates two apartment complexes on campus for graduate students. One complex (Village) has one-bedroom units and one complex (Mt. Clinton) has two bedroom units. All of these apartments are conveniently located and within walking distance to classes.

Please visit the following web address www.emu.edu/conferences/rentals for information or feel free to contact the apartment office at 540-432-4662.

Student Programs

Access to a wide variety of activities is one of the advantages of a university campus. Graduate students may especially enjoy the film series, performing arts events and recreational sports opportunities. Many clubs are open to both undergraduate and graduate members. See the Student Handbook at www.emu.edu//studentlife/studenthandbook/ for more details.

Telephone Service

Phone lines, including voice mail boxes, are provided in residence hall rooms and Parkwood and Mt. Clinton apartments. Students need to bring their own telephone. There is no charge for local calls. Direct-dial long-distance calls are billed monthly on the student account. Students are charged $5 for collect calls, third-number calls or any other operator-assisted calls.

Students should refer to the directions in the Campus Directory for operating instructions. If students experience difficulty with their phone or voice mail, they should dial the Help Desk at 4357 for assistance.

University Bookstore

The University Bookstore, located in the University Commons, is a full-service bookstore providing textbooks as well as inspirational and general reading. The bookstore also carries a selection of school supplies, imprinted gifts and clothing, health and beauty supplies, Hallmark cards, and CDs.