Student Life and the Co-curriculum

Academic, Counseling, Disability and Testing Services

The Center for Student Success (CSS) offers services to guide, equip, and empower students. These services are designed around a Christ-centered student growth model to encourage student success in the classroom and in life. Academic services include training in study skills, organization, and time management. Support is also provided to discuss basic skills necessary for achieving higher levels of academic performance. These services are provided within CSS and The DEN. The DEN is located in the lower level of the Jackson Library. The DEN offers tutoring and walk-in academic support. Tutoring is available in large group or small group formats depending on the course. Walk-in support is provided in content specific areas, and general academic study skills. Tutoring services are not guaranteed in all courses. An attempt is made to provide tutoring in all basic education and many specialized courses. Tutoring helps to strengthen a student's basic academic skills and course content knowledge so that he/she experiences improved academic development. Tutors are IWU students recommended by faculty, trained by professional staff, and paid to assist their fellow students. The program is beneficial for the students as well as the faculty. Individual appointments for academic study skills and executive functioning skills may be made in CSS.

Testing services in CSS include the ACT, MAT, CLEP, MCCI, testing accommodations (see "Disability Services") and counseling assessments. Tests are scheduled individually.

The CSS also houses a federally funded TRIO SSS program for Residential Campus Undergraduate and SON pre-licensure students that offers a range of services. The main goal of the program is to provide additional support services necessary to increase college retention and graduation. The program is open to first generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities.

Counseling services focus on assisting each student in developing skills, abilities, and potential within the academic, social, spiritual, physical, and emotional climate of the campus. Counseling is provided by licensed professional counselors or supervised interns. All counseling is confidential. Personal counseling includes support for psychological and emotional issues, as well as behavioral transitions.

For students with disabilities who are enrolled in any IWU program the CSS works to make programs and facilities available in a non-arbitrary and beneficial manner. The Director of Accessibility and Accommodations is responsible for receiving a request for academic or physical accommodations. The director will work with the student to obtain and review the required documentation and will assign reasonable accommodation based on documentation that supports the student's request. Academic accommodations include, but are not limited to, alternative testing environments, note-taking services, recording lectures, books in alternate format, and adaptive technology.

Athletics

The Indiana Wesleyan University athletic program is an integral part of the institution’s total education program, subject to the same aims, policies, and objectives as other institutional programs. The four core values of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics are Spiritual Growth, Academic Excellence, Leadership Development, and Athletic Excellence.

The Wildcat men compete in intercollegiate football, soccer, tennis, cross-country, basketball, baseball, golf, and track and field. Memberships are held in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and the Crossroads League. Associate membership is held in the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association).

The Wildcat women compete in intercollegiate soccer, tennis, golf, cross-country, volleyball, basketball, softball, track and field, and swimming & diving. Memberships are held in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and the Crossroads League. Associate membership is held in the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association). Our co-ed competitive cheer team is also a member of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).

The physical education and intramural sports departments provide vital programs to the students as well. Lifetime sport participation is emphasized in the physical education instruction program, while the intramural sports program allows students to pursue leisure time needs and interests in an organized and competitive manner.

Career Development

The Career Development team at Indiana Wesleyan University celebrates students’ God-given uniqueness by holistically developing and equipping them with the resources to make informed career decisions, ultimately enabling them to live a life of purpose and stewardship.

The Career Development team offers innovative and intentional programming to align with students’ development. Freshmen are guided in the discovery and defining of their life calling through coaching, assessments (Clifton Strengths, The Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), and experiential learning (job shadowing, on-campus employment, informational interviews).  The CD team helps sophomore students cultivate experiences that align with their respective passions and connects them with professional networks (internships, networking events, field trips, LinkedIn). Juniors are encouraged to pursue leadership positions in on or off campus employment, student organization, research committee, or other co-curricular involvement, as continued personal discovery and professional development. Seniors work with the CD team’s employer relations personnel to navigate post-graduate plans, complete applications, and learn about additional ways that they can secure meaningful work (job fairs, employer recruitment at the Career kiosk, Handshake job board).

The Career Development team serves students in the complex preparation of resumes, interviewing skills, professional dress, branding, and job search. For easy-access help, stop by the Career Kiosk in the Barnes Student Center. To schedule a one-on-one appointment, call the Life Calling and Career office at 765-677-2520.

Commuter Students

Commuter students are recognized as full members of the IWU community. Such status comes with the same privileges and responsibilities expected of all students.

Additionally, commuter students receive the same services and opportunities as other students on campus. IWU also recognizes the unique needs of this student group and there are some additional things the institution has been intentional to provide in efforts to ensure the success and full participation of commuter students. Specifically, the Barnes Student Center has a lounge designed for commuter students with a kitchen, lockers, lounge furniture, and tables for group studying. Finally, the university has designated a staff member as a point of contact for commuter students who have questions or concerns. Questions concerning commuter students may be directed to Life Calling & Integrative Learning Office (Commuters@indwes.edu).

Student Conduct and Community Standards

As part of the Division of Life Calling and Integrative Learning, the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards aspires to guide, equip, and empower students toward the pursuit of their life calling. We desire for our students to be in the most advantageous situations to thrive during their college experience. Toward those ends, the Office of Student Conduct helps to create a conducive living and learning environment by upholding the values and standards of the IWU community and encourages students to act with character and integrity in all areas. Community Standards & University Policies, along with an outline of the Student Conduct Process can be found in the Student Handbook located on the IWU Portal.

Drug Abuse Prevention

Drug abuse in the United States has become a major problem, and students at Indiana Wesleyan University are not immune. If you need assistance with a drug abuse problem, we encourage you to seek help at your local community drug abuse prevention center. To talk to someone in a strictly confidential atmosphere, please feel free to contact The Center for Student Success (800-332-6901) at our Marion campus. All conversations are private and will not affect your attendance at the university.

If you would like to talk to someone outside Indiana Wesleyan University, please feel free to call one of the following numbers, or a hospital or treatment center in your area:

         •     National Institute on Drug Abuse, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10A-30, Rockville, MD 20857, 800-662-HELP, 800-662-4357.

Food

You will find a variety of campus dining options located in the Barnes Student Center. The food service contractor provides well-balance meals at reasonable cost. Dietary options are available throughout our facility. Individuals with more serious dietary restrictions may contact the food service for consultation. These students’ meals are prepared to the specifications of each student’s dietary needs.

A standard meal plan is automatically part of a resident student’s room and board contract. Residents may dine in the Baldwin dining room, an all-you-can-eat self-serve buffet. Baldwin offers a variety of food choices for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Featuring cuisines from around the world including traditional Mid-west and American, Asian, Mexican, Soup and Salad, Deli and Spread, Demonstration Made-To-Order, Grill and Pizza, Rotisserie, Desserts, Cereals and Vegan stations. Students also have the option of conversion meals honored in our Wildcat Express Food Court. The food court houses seven restaurants including Chick-fil-A, 42^nd Street Deli, Brick Yard Grill, Mexican, Wild Wok, Mario’s Pizza and Grinders and Wilbur’s Wild Wings. The Wildcat Express also offers a single Grab-n-Go option for our busy students.

Students also have the opportunity to use their meal plan points in our Trader James Convenience store located in the Barnes Student Center. Trader James features a wide variety of food, snacks, beverages and personal items. Trader James also offer a variety of dietary sensitive item such as gluten free products. 

Commuter Students are encouraged to eat their meals in Baldwin dining room or the Wildcat Express Food Court. Commuter students are able to purchase meal plans, these are located online through the IWU Housing site. Commuter students may also purchase points, which are applied as a declining balance system to their ID cards for ease of convenience. Commuter students who apply points Purchases of $100 or more will receive a bonus of 25% to their account. These points may be purchased points from the food service located in the Barnes Student Center office suite 160.

Health Services

All students are required to provide a completed Health Form, including proof of immunity, to the IWU Wildcat Health Clinic by July 15th of their incoming year, or December 1st if beginning the spring semester. See the Wildcat Health Clinic portal page for updated list of required and recommended vaccines. Evidence of immunization is provided through one of the following options:

        •     Completed and signed Immunization Form by the student's medical provider

        •     An immunization record from a high school, college, or university

        •     A copy of local health department immunization record

        •     An immunization record maintained by the student or parent (cannot be a baby book record)

The IWU Wildcat Health Clinic provides a full range of care and is staffed by registered nurses, a nurse practitioner, and a part-time physician. The Wildcat Health Clinic serves students on a walk-in basis by a registered nurse or by appointment with the nurse practitioner and the physician. There is a fee to see the nurse practitioner and the physician, which can be billed to the student’s insurance or paid by students.

IMPORTANT: All students need to provide their own health insurance. Health insurance is strongly encouraged for all students.

Information Desk - Marion Campus

The Information Desk, located on the first floor of the Barnes Student Center, is the best location on campus to find details regarding phone numbers, campus events, and campus offices. Phone 765-677-4636 for more information.

Life Coaching

Through personalized dialogue and assessment tools, life coaches help students discover their unique God-given design, develop a sense of life calling, and become equipped with fundamental life skills for future personal and professional development. This is a free service offered to all CAS students. Life Coaching appointments can be made in the Life Calling and Career Office on the second floor of Barnes Student Center by calling 765-677-2520.

New Student Orientation

All entering full-time undergraduate students are required to participate in an orientation conducted at the beginning of the semester or program. This orientation is designed to acquaint students with the university programs and services available from the various offices.

Performing Arts

The Phillippe Performing Arts Center (PPAC) hosts performances by the IWU Music Division and IWU Theatre Guild. Performances are open to the campus community and the public.

This mission remains focused on a higher goal: to experience the limitless, wondrous creativity of how God is revealed to us through ministry in the arts.

Pre-Declared Student Advising

The Pre-declared classification has been established by Indiana Wesleyan University for students who enter IWU with the desire to explore academic majors and related careers before committing to a major program of study. Life Calling and Integrative Learning provides academic advising to these students.

Through individual appointments, workshops, and the Life Calling course (LFC-150), Life Calling and Integrative Learning assists Pre-declared students with the following:

1. Developing a sense of purpose and calling as a basis for making life decisions.
2. Selecting and scheduling courses.
3. Establishing and evaluating academic goals.
4. Understanding and navigating university academic policies and procedures.
5. Exploring academic majors and related careers.
6. Declaring a major.
7. Connecting with additional university programs and resources.

 

Publications

Staff positions on The Sojourn (the student-run campus news outlet) and GrantCOnnected.net (the student-run community news outlet) are available for students interested in writing, editing, photography, video, audio, web design, and graphic design. Paid positions are available for students.

The Sojourn and GrantCOnnected.net are published online and cover many aspects of campus and community life through accurate and investigative reporting.

The Caesura is a literary magazine published each spring that features the creative writing and visual art of students.

Recreation

The mission of the Department of Campus Recreation is to provide a wide variety of quality recreation, sports, fitness, and leisure activities that will increase the overall wellness of the campus community and to provide dynamic programming that enhances leadership and social development in an environment that is fair, safe, and Christ-centered.

All enrolled students (resident and commuters) as well as faculty, staff, administrators, and their spouses are eligible to participate in activities sponsored by the Department of Campus Recreation.

Activities include, but are not limited to: intramural sand volleyball, flag football, dodgeball, racquetball, inner-tube water polo, soccer, volleyball, basketball, campus golf, disc golf, 5k fun run, and bowling.

Students, faculty, staff and administrators also have access to a state-of-the-art recreation and wellness facility.

Residential Learning

The Residential Learning program at Indiana Wesleyan University is designed to provide each resident with the opportunity to grow not only academically but also socially and spiritually. The most successful students after graduation have mastered not only their course of study but have developed other areas of their lives, becoming well-rounded and balanced. With this in mind, the residence hall becomes much more than a place to sleep and study. It is a community of learning that helps students more effectively grow into the image of Christ. Our hope is that students will find the residence halls a place where individuals will join together as a family to learn from one another.

The Residential Learning program is administered by the Dean for Residential Learning. Each residence hall or area has a trained professional resident director (RD) living in the hall. Each living unit (approximately 35 students) has a specially selected and trained undergraduate resident assistant (RA). Residents are challenged and supported through the growth process by the RA who plans regular activities and programs, including spiritual growth opportunities for residents. The Resident Hall Chaplain provides additional spiritual support and guidance for residents.

The Residential Learning program at IWU provides a developmental approach for housing students. Resident students begin their stay on campus in traditional residence halls with more support and accountability. As they grow developmentally and in their independence, upper division students may transition into more independent-style living if qualifications are met.

Traditional Halls: Housing freshman through senior students in a traditional hallway: Beckett Hall (F), Reed Hall (F), Martin Hall (F), Evans Hall (F), Carmin Hall (F), South Hall (M), and Hodson Hall (M).

Upper Division Halls:

Suite Style: Open to sophomores and above, students live in suites of 4 or 8 students. Suites have private lounge space: Scripture Hall (F) and Kem Hall (M).

Apartment Style: Juniors and seniors may apply to live in apartment-style living areas, which have lounges and a kitchenette: Townhouses and Lodges.

Married Housing: University Court offers duplex apartments in a community for married students.

Prospective students interested in attending IWU and living on campus may complete an online housing application after submitting an enrollment deposit as part of the admission process. Room assignments will be made according to the date the enrollment deposit is paid.

Returning students who wish to reserve a room must complete an online Returning Student Application. Students may self-select a room online during housing selection, according to procedures outlined by the Housing Office.

Housing Exemption: Undergraduate students 16-22 years of age are required to live in University undergraduate housing unless they are married, are the legal guardian of a minor, are taking less than 9 onsite (not online) credit hours, or living with a legal guardian within 60 miles of the Marion campus of Indiana Wesleyan University.  Students who meet these criteria are eligible for exemption and may complete an Off-Campus Housing Application.

A Housing Exemption Appeal process is available to students desiring to live off-campus for financial reasons, mental/ physical/emotional health needs, or other extenuating personal circumstances.

Housing Eligibility: New or readmitted students enrolling in a traditional undergraduate academic program at Indiana Wesleyan University must be under the age of 25 at the time of initial enrollment to qualify to live in University undergraduate housing. New or readmitted students 25 years of age or older who are interested in living in University undergraduate housing may complete an Age Limit Exception Request to apply for eligibility. Returning students who are already living in or approved to live in University undergraduate housing at the time of their 25th birthday qualify to remain in University undergraduate housing until they graduate from IWU or separate from the University.

Continuous Graduate Housing: Students residing in University undergraduate housing may elect to extend housing eligibility if continuing in a residential graduate program the following semester. Students meeting the continuous enrollment criteria should contact the Director of Housing to inquire about availability.

The residence halls and apartments are closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break vacations. There is no food service offered during these periods. During these times students must secure their own housing and food arrangements. Residential Learning will assist students who are having difficulty securing break housing.

Safety Policies and Campus Crime Statistics

IWU Safety Policies can be accessed at http://www.indwes.edu/safety and includes crime statistics on certain reportable crimes, as well as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime reporting and prevention, sexual assault and other related matters. Anyone wishing a paper copy of the policies may contact the Office of Institutional Research at 765-677-1566.

Spiritual Life

Providing spiritual growth opportunities for students has been a hallmark of Indiana Wesleyan University from its beginning. Students are introduced to many different growth opportunities. This includes what takes place in the classroom, where faculty integrates faith and learning and have a vital interest in the spiritual life of students.

Providing chapel for students is another spiritual growth opportunity. Chapel is held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the semester and on Tuesday during special emphasis weeks. Chapel is a time for the university community to join together for worship and growth. Being able to attend Chapel is a wonderful opportunity and privilege.

Chapel attendance is expected of all students, and required for all resident students. It is also required for all full-time commuting students under 23 years of age with classes both immediately before AND immediately after the Chapel period. (e.g., if a student has M,W,F classes at 8:55AM and 11:15AM, then that student is required to attend the chapel service offered on those days. Conversely, if the student has a class at 8:55am and their next class is not until 12:20PM, that student is eligible for a chapel exemption). NOTE: no student is automatically exempt from chapel attendance based on age or class schedule; ALL commuter students must complete a Chapel Exemption form for each semester in order to be officially exempted. Excessive absences must be made up. See the Student Handbook (http://www.indwes.edu/Life-At-IWU/IWU-Student-Handbook) for details.

Residence halls also provide spiritual growth opportunities. Halls have weekly devotional times and students are encouraged to join a small group where Scripture memorization, accountability, prayer, and Bible study occur.

Soul-search adventure discipleship trips take students into God's creation to grow from lessons learned through camping, rock-climbing, trekking, and similar experiences.

Christian service teams minister in area churches, family camps, and youth camps through music, sermons, drama, and testimonies. The University Chorale, Wind Ensemble, and music teams travel extensively, ministering through Christian music. IWU, through World Impact, also plans and promotes several short-term mission trips through the year. A student can also find opportunities to serve through local community ministry organizations, churches and on-campus student organizations.

Spiritual growth and service opportunities are offered to students to help them to grow deeper in their relationship with God and for them to have a better understanding of how they can better serve Him and humankind with their gifts and talents.

Student Center

The Barnes Student Center is the community center of the university for all members of the university family--students, faculty, administration, alumni, and guests. It represents a well-considered plan for the community life of the university.

The Barnes Student Center provides for the services, conveniences, and amenities that the members of the university family need in their daily life on campus and for getting to know and understand one another through informal association outside the classroom.

The Barnes Student Center is part of the university educational process. It provides a social and recreational program, aiming to make free time activity a cooperative factor with study in education. Its goal is the development of persons as well as intellects.

Student Engagement

The Student Engagement office works with both new and continuing students in their pursuit of a successful academic experience, especially by promoting a smooth transition to collegiate life and by coordinating support mechanisms for students. The Associate Dean for Student Engagement also coordinates the campus-wide use of Aviso to connect students to campus resources and services that will enable them to thrive.

Student Life and Activities

Student organizations and other activities provide co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities on campus in leadership and personal growth. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of campus student organizations and activities with the intent to develop leadership skills as well as grow spiritually. The following groups and activities are designed to meet students’ needs and interests:

Student Government Association

The Indiana Wesleyan University Student Government Association (SGA) represents students in matters of self-government and problems of mutual interest to the student body and the university. Student Government is comprised of an executive board (president and cabinet), representatives for academic divisions, and representatives from student organizations. The Indiana Wesleyan University Student Government Association represents the concerns of the students to the university administration and selects students to sit as members on university faculty committees.

Student Activities Council

The Student Activities Council (SAC) consists of student coordinators who organize campus activities. SAC activities are designed to promote spiritual growth, develop and maintain school spirit, and provide fun and meaningful programs for students, faculty, staff, and the IWU community. Activities planned by the council range in interest, appeal, and complexity. Traditional events include Homecoming activities, dances, Family Weekend, SAC Weekend, and Spotted Cow Music Festival. The purpose of the Student Activities Council is to provide opportunities for students to interact socially, spiritually, and intellectually outside of the classroom.

Student Organizations

IWU proudly offers many opportunities for students to be involved in extracurricular activities. More than 30 student organizations are organized and run by students and are designed to meet a variety of interests. Student organizations represent interests in academic, social issues, recreation and student publications. Other student leadership opportunities exist in the New Student Orientation Program. For a listing of specific organizations, please visit Engage at http://www.indwes.edu/engage.