Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs assists students in all aspects of their EKU experience, which involves services, programs, and learning experiences gained through out of classroom activities. Student Affairs interacts with students through organized services and programs to create a campus responsive to individual student needs. The mission of EKU’s Student Affairs division is to provide quality services, leadership experiences, and learning opportunities that promote personal development and student success.

The following departments and areas are part of the Division of Student Affairs:

1) Campus Recreation, 2) Career Services, 3) Community Service & Student

Engagement, 4) Counseling Center, 5) First Year Programs, 6) Greek Life,

7) Meditation Chapel, 8) Multicultural Student Affairs, 9) Regional Campus

Student Affairs, 10) Student Health Services, 11) Student Health Promotion

and Education, 12) Student Involvement & Leadership, and 13) University Housing.

The Associate Provost/Vice President for Student Affairs and the Associate VP/Dean of Students are both located in the Student Services Building, Room 540. The Associate VP for Student Life is located in the Powell Student Center, Room 128.

Campus Recreation/Intramural Sports

The Department of Campus Recreation provides a variety of diverse facilities and recreational opportunities to the university community. The department promotes physical, emotional, and social growth of students, faculty and staff by encouraging the development of lifelong skills and positive attitudes through recreational activities. There are four areas within Campus Recreation: facilities, fitness, adventure programs, and intramurals.

Campus Recreation oversees the operation of the Fitness and Wellness Center. The Fitness and Wellness Center is a state-of-art facility which includes:

The department is also responsible for the Burke Wellness Center, Begley and Weaver gymnasiums, outdoor basketball courts and intramural field complex.

The fitness program is dedicated to enhancing the physical well-being of our students and faculty/staff members. A variety of group fitness classes are offered each week in our 2,000 square foot group fitness studio and are taught by trained, motivated & friendly instructors. All fitness levels are welcome and each group fitness class is offered at no charge. Classes include:

Adventure programs offers outdoor trips ranging from an afternoon to a week (or more), teambuilding on EKU’s Challenge Course, and workshops that will teach you new skills! We offer a variety of trips and workshops each semester. Previous trips have included: hiking and camping, backpacking, kayaking/canoeing, spelunking, white water rafting, climbing, canyoneering. The climbing wall is an exciting and engaging alternative to traditional exercise. The indoor climbing wall is a simulated rock formation with numerous hand and foot holds that provide mental and physical challenges to build strength, endurance, and self-confidence.

Intramural sports have been a campus tradition at EKU for over 50 years. Students play with their friends or organizations and compete against fellow Eastern students. Examples of activities we offer are flag-football, soccer, volleyball, corn hole, dodge ball, golf, basketball, and much, much more. There are also numerous individual and dual events.

Career Services

Career Services assists students who are seeking employment and/or clarifying their career direction. The career services staff is available by appointment to discuss individual job search questions.

• Career Exploration
For students who have a tentative career direction or major in mind, Career Services can help by providing information on: what students can do with a major…, career paths, supply and demand, destinations of past graduates, salaries, and potential employers. FOCUS, an online career planning tool, is available to help students explore their interests and provide detailed information on a wide variety of occupations.

• Part-time Job Program
The Part-time Job Program allows students to get connected with the community by listing part-time jobs, temporary and summer assignments with local and regional businesses. Students who participate in the program gain real world experience in the workforce while networking in the community.

• Career Preparation
The Career Services staff offers individual appointments, seminars, career fairs and other resources to help students with career preparation. These areas include resume and cover letter writing, tips on job search strategies, internet job searching, professional dress, dining etiquette, interviewing skills and assistance in identifying and connecting with potential employers.

• EKU eRecruiting
This easy-to-use and innovative system gives students and alumni greater access to career resources for career exploration and job search. EKU eRecruting provides students and alumni with the ability to submit resumes to targeted online resume books, access to current internship and job listings, and on-going notification of on-campus interviews and job fair opportunities

• Faculty Resources
The Career Center offers resources for faculty as well. The staff is available for class presentations and is happy to incorporate their services into the classroom curriculum. There are also resources on the website that provide legal guidelines for referring students, reference letter examples and much more.

Community Service & Student Engagement

WHO WE ARE

The Office of Student Life provides opportunities for students to get involved off campus by giving back to the Richmond community. The Department for Community Service and Student Engagement, located within the Office of Student Life, oversees the University’s community service program.

 WHAT WE DO

• Promote a culture of service to the EKU community to enhance student learning and personal development while teaching the need for civic responsibility and life-long service.
• Expose EKU students to diverse cultures and populations through community service activities.
• Provide a centralized location for EKU students, faculty and staff to connect with local community agencies.
• Work with Registered Student Organizations (RSO's), Living Learning Communities, and individual students to counsel and connect them with local volunteer and leadership opportunities.
• Provide local community partners with an accessible location on the EKU campus to publicize volunteer opportunities and recruit student leaders.
• Provide on-going support for the University’s Service Learning program.

PROGRAMS

Volunteer Fair:  The EKU Volunteer Fair is an occasion for EKU students to learn about the numerous volunteer opportunities in Madison County and the surrounding region. This event allows EKU students, faculty and staff the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from local nonprofit agencies regarding specific community needs.

Alternative Spring Break: The EKU Alternative Spring Break Program places teams of students in communities throughout the United States to engage in volunteer service and experiential learning during their spring break period. EKU students will complete short term community service assignments while learning about issues such as homelessness, hunger, poverty, disaster relief, literacy, and the environment. The primary goal of the EKU Alternative Spring Break Program is to provide students with the tools that they will need to develop into engaged and mindful citizens who can not only identify important social issues and community needs, but who also take responsibility and action to meet these needs. Upon return to their own communities, students will transfer the lessons learned during their trip. This improved social responsibility will create lasting relations between EKU students and our local community through volunteer service.

Freshman Service Project: During New Student Days EKU students will have the opportunity to participate in a one-time service project meeting an identified need in Madison County. Whether it be helping to build a house, painting a homeless shelter, or organizing items in a food pantry, students will have the opportunity to start off the year showing off their talents and skills to their new community all while making new friends and having fun.

 Council and Connect: Whether it’s to fulfill a class requirement or just because they want to get involved, students looking for volunteer opportunities can visit the Department for Community Service and Student Engagement to be connected with local volunteer and leadership opportunities that meet their individual needs and fit their busy schedules!

 Other Programs: The Department of Community Service and Student Engagement oversees the development and implementation of several University sponsored programs including the EKU Make a Difference Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, and the EKU Holiday Giving Program. Sign up to receive weekly emails announcing how you can get involved with these and other service opportunities!

Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center offers services designed to promote the success of students in achieving their academic, social and personal goals. The Counseling Center staff consists of psychologists and counselors who provide personal and career counseling both individually and in groups. Substance abuse assessment and counseling are also available at the Counseling Center. Referral services are provided when the need is beyond the role and scope of the Counseling Center. Psychiatric services are available on a limited basis. Counseling relationships are considered confidential as delineated by the APA Code of Ethics and Kentucky state law. Current students are eligible for counseling services.

• Counseling Services: Counseling is viewed as another form of learning while in college. Typical college student concerns that may result in counseling: adjustment to college, interpersonal conflicts, dealing with loss, test anxiety, time management, stress, academic pressures, anxiety, depression, motivation, making healthy decisions, traumatic experiences, eating concerns and choice of a major. Students can make appointments by calling 622-1303 or by dropping by the Counseling Center.

• The Career Counseling Seminar (GCS 199-one credit hour)
This course is offered each semester for students who are unsure of their majors and career direction. Forty sections are offered each year and are taught by the Counseling Center staff and part-time staff.

• “Tuesdays with the Counseling Center”
Additional services of the Counseling Center include workshops designed to address top student issues. This is a workshop series offered to students on stress management, procrastination, time management, study skills and test anxiety.

• Services for Faculty and Staff
The Counseling Center staff also provides consultation to the university community on referral and how to be most helpful to the distressed student. Guidelines for faculty on how to identify troubled students and referral to the Counseling Center can be found at http://www.counseling.eku.edu/facultystaff.php.

Extended Campus Student Affairs

The Coordinator for Extended Campus Student Affairs works with the Corbin, Danville, Lancaster and Manchester campuses and serves as a liaison with the Richmond campus.  The department strives to assist students with programs, activities, events and learning opportunities gained in addition to the classroom experience.

The office sponsors many programs and events such as:

• Student Appreciation Days
• Intramural Sports
• Clubs and Organizations
• Transition to Richmond campus tours
• College experience enhancing programs

First Year Programs

The mission of the Office of First Year Programs is to aid in the transition to college for first-year students and their parents by providing useful and timely information in a professional manner.  The office of First Year Programs is committed to encouraging first-year students to grow socially and academically and to respect themselves and all others in the Eastern Kentucky University community.  The Office of First Year Programs is committed to delivering orientation services to all students and their families. 

• Orientation

The orientation program is phase one of the first-year experience for new students.  During orientation, students and families visit the campus, meet with faculty, staff, and students, and learn more about life at EKU.  Students will also take placements exams and register for their first-semester classes.  Representatives from many areas will be available during orientation to answer questions about financial aid, tuition payment, housing, dining services and tutoring services. There are various dates and schedules to choose from including a one-day or day and a half program.

• New Student Days

The New Student Days Program is phase two of the first-year experience at EKU.  New Student Days is held a few days before classes begin in August.  At this time, all new students are able to move into the residence halls before the returning students arrive.  The purpose of this program is to enable students to meet other new students and participate in a wide variety of campus activities.  The President’s Picnic, educational sessions, comedians and lots of free food are just some of the highlights!  Students also have time to get books for classes, find classrooms, meet with faculty and get advice from current students.  All new students are required to attend.

• Orientation Class

The orientation class is phase three of the first year experience for EKU students.  The class is either one or three credit hours and is offered to all new students.  This class serves as an overview of college life.  Topics covered in the class include academic policies, adjusting to college, finance management, time management and career development.  The orientation class also serves as an important first step to learning about studying, note-taking and succeeding in the classroom. 

• EKU Reads Project

The EKU Reads Project is a summer reading assignment given to freshmen the semester prior to their enrollment.  It is designed to provide new students with a common introduction to academic life at EKU.  All incoming freshmen receive a free copy of the selected book at Orientation.  Each fall semester EKU engages in a campus wide discussion of the book during New Student Days.  The EKU Reads project is facilitated by a faculty committee with a faculty chair who works with First Year Programs. 

 • Colonel Camp

Colonel Camp was established in 2007 to allow 100 new students to get a jump start on college life through experiential learning and leadership training.  The camp takes place one week before classes begin and all participants assist as student leaders during move in day in August.

 • Family Programs

The Eastern Family Network was started in the summer of 2000 as part of an effort to get parents and other family members involved in EKU. By informing family members about campus happenings we hope they will be supportive and engaged in the educational process with their student.  Family Programs also facilitates planning for Family Weekend, a Family Network Calendar, 4-6 annual events throughout the school year, and a Family Resource page on the EKU First Year Programs web site.

Greek Life

It is the vision of the EKU Greek Community to pursue a common goal of excellence through scholastic achievement, cooperation, and service to others. This vision shall be obtained by maintaining a positive attitude and respecting the ritual of each fraternal organization.
This is What It’s All About

• Leadership: Membership in the Greek Community at Eastern Kentucky University provides an outlet for exercising responsibility, creativity, and leadership. Greek Life also fosters the development of cooperation and acceptance of responsibility as part of leadership development. A member’s campus involvement contributes to the growth and success of their chapter and certainly provides opportunities for personal development and future success.

• Scholarship: As a member of a Greek organization, you will be charged with continuing a fraternity’s or sorority’s tradition of scholastic excellence. This effort is achieved through programs aimed at enhancing study habits, time management skills, and overall academic achievement.

• Philanthropy: All sororities and fraternities sponsor national and local philanthropies such as scholarships, fellowships, and research grants. Also many national health related organizations benefit from the service and fund-raising efforts of EKU Greek members.

• Social: Social involvement is an integral part of the Greek experience. The activities provide opportunities for meeting new people and developing lasting relationships.

• Campus Activities: EKU Greeks take an active role in campus-wide activities. Participation and involvement in all areas of campus life are essential to the development of a well-rounded student.

• Athletics: The Greek community at Eastern provides the opportunity for you to participate in numerous athletic activities, such as intramurals and events.

• Greek Week: Each spring semester the Greek Community of EKU celebrates Greek Week. Some Greek Week activities include an all-Greek Inspirational Service, Greek Sing, Philanthropy Projects, Kids Carnival, Faculty/Staff appreciation, Community Appreciation lunch and Greek Games.

Eastern’s Greek community has been growing since the 1970’s and continues to reach new heights today. Being a part of a social Greek organization will offer many opportunities.

Meditation Chapel

The chapel of Meditation is the realization of a dream begun in 1968 when the Eastern Kentucky Alumni Association adopted the Century Fun Project to Finance a non-denominational chapel.  The Chapel stands as a testimonial of the love and devotion of the alumni, faculty, students and friends, a fit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of higher education on the Eastern campus.

The chapel is non-sectarian and is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the University for meditation, prayer, and spiritual reflection.  The chapel is also used for many several other events things such as:

• Weddings

• Memorial services

• Sorority and Fraternity events

• Religious organization events and services

• Academic Department meetings

• Honor Society events

• Athletic Events

The University Chaplain’s office is located in the basement of the chapel.  The Chaplain coordinates the various activities of the chapel and is available to perform weddings. Besides providing a peaceful and serene setting for prayer and meditation, the chapel is used to house various student organization meetings and services, weddings and annual memorial services.

Multicultural Student Affairs

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is actively engaged in collaboration efforts on campus. The office sponsors many programs including:

• Cultural Awareness Months
• Mix-It-Up Lunch
• Hispanic Heritage Fiesta
• Interfaith Unity Breakfast
• UnityFest
• NPHC Step Show
• Women and AIDS Series

The office also supports the efforts of various EKU student organizations such as the Student African American Brotherhood (S.A.A.B.), Black Union, FUSION (Multicultural Club), EKU Gospel Ensemble, OWLS (Older Wiser Learners), Pride Alliance, International Student Association and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC): Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta.

Student Health Services

The mission of Student Health Services at EKU is to provide our students with the best quality acute ambulatory medical care in a compassionate environment, while providing education on healthy life styles from which our students can benefit for the rest of their lives.

Student Health Services has three primary goals: First, to address any acute medical condition that threatens health, interferes with function, reduces performance, and serves as an obstacle to learning and personal growth. Second, to educate our student body on healthy lifestyle choices that promote wellness and reduce the chances of disease. – The Preventive approach. Third, to serve as a source of information and access to community based assistance programs.

Services provided at the Health Center include:

Outpatient Acute Medical Care Allergy shots

Basic Laboratory Tests     Family Planning Clinic

X-Ray Requests      Tuberculosis Skin Testing

Certain Immunizations  Health Education

Pregnancy Testing   AIDS Education / Testing referral

A variety of free pamphlets, booklets, and other materials are available at the SHS. Students may utilize the computer terminal with Internet access in the SHS lobby to look up health related topics of interest.

Student Health Promotion & Education

The Office of Student Health Promotion and Education works in partnership with students, faculty, and staff to promote optimal health. Our mission is to share information, develop skills and empower students to make healthy lifestyle choices.  We support health and wellness throughout the university community and provide opportunities for university-wide collaboration

Some of the issues addressed by the office of Student Health Promotion and Education include:

• Weight Management (FAB): FAB is a weight-loss support group conducted weekly to help EKU students and staff adopt a healthy lifestyle. There are weekly weigh-ins, support group meetings to share tips and knowledge and a graduate nutrition student to lead the sessions. At least once a month during the sessions there will be specific nutrition topics covered by the nutritionist. Walking groups are available upon request. These groups meet at Student Health Services.

• Nutrition/Counseling

• Exercise Program

• Healthy Relationships, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases

• Alcohol and Substance Abuse (in cooperation with Alcohol Beverage Control)

• Stress Management

• Tobacco Use

• Breast and Testicular cancer awareness

• Diabetes Awareness

• Peer Education

• Health Education Action Team (H.E.A.T.)  A team of peer educators whose mission is to educate fellow students on healthy lifestyle choices. The team concentrates on issues pertinent to college students, and advances its message through events organized and presented in collaboration with other departments of the University and community agencies, both in and out of the classroom. H.E.A.T. is a campus organization that is geared towards empowering students with knowledge and facts concerning health issues. Our aim is not to enforce ideas but, to assist students in making better informed decisions.

• Men Advocating Awareness about Rape and Sexual Assault (M.A.R.S.)  This group provides educational programming to all students on campus on Rape and Sexual Assault issues. They utilize the MVP (Mentors in Violence Prevention Program) model and generally present programs in teams. M.A.R.S also sponsors the yearly Take Back the Night and other awareness events.

• Student Athlete Peer Health Education Team (S.A.P.H.E.-T.) This group is designed to meet the educational needs of student athletes. The peers involved in this group are student athletes who work directly with the athletic teams.

Student Involvement and Leadership

The Office of Student Involvement & Leadership provides numerous activities to EKU students, which include registered student organizations, leadership development opportunities, and social events. The office also provides unique educational sessions to assist students in their collegiate holistic development inside and outside the classroom. In addition to academic programs, the University provides many services and activities that promote mental/physical health and social/academic well being. There are several ways to get involved. EKU is home to more than 170 registered student organizations in nine different categories:

Activity/Interests Residence Hall Councils Club Sports

Departmental HonorarySocial Fraternity

Social Sorority Service Religious

The mission of the Leadership Development program at Eastern Kentucky University is to support the development of leadership skills among current and emerging student leaders through conferences, classes, workshops, consultations and a resource center.

• Workshops and Seminars.

The Office of Student Involvement & Leadership offers many educational programs ideal for meetings, special events, and informal gatherings. Topics include: goal setting, group dynamics, time management, ethics, diversity, motivation, recruitment/retention, stress management, women and leadership, assertiveness, leadership styles, conflict management, and FISH! for college.

• Leadership Class: GSD225

This seminar course is designed to introduce current and emerging leaders to leadership theory and development. Information will be provided through group activities, guest speakers, role playing, class discussions, and assignments.

• E-LEAD Eastern's Leadership Education and Development

E-LEAD is a leadership development initiative that has been created by Student Affairs professionals and focuses on the person growth of young aspiring leaders.  To strengthen Registered Student Organizations, E-LEAD also provides ongoing developmental workshops and activities.  All EKU students have the opportunity to participate.

Student Activities

“You can go to college and earn a degree or you can get involved and receive an education.” (Author Unknown)  Here at EKU the Office of Student Life is dedicated to making sure that every student has the opportunity to get involved.  Thursday Alternative Getaway (TAG), Breaking Point Music Series, Student Activities Council, and One Night Stand Comedy Series are excellent programs geared toward entertaining EKU Students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community.  Whether you want to help select the acts, perform technical functions at the show, or simply show up and enjoy the entertainment, there is something for everyone!  Breaking Point takes place EVERY Wednesday in the Fountain Food Court on the lower level of Powell.  TAG events are designed to be alternative social options on Thursday nights.  TAG is on alternating Thursdays.  One Night Stand Comedy Series is on alternating Tuesday nights, and features performers who have appeared at some the nations top comedy clubs.  All TAG, One Night Stand, and Breaking Point events are FREE.  The Student Activities Council is a division of the Student Government and provides other entertainment opportunities throughout the year.  See you at the show!

University Housing

University Housing is dedicated to providing a variety of housing options that best meet the needs of all EKU students.  The residence halls are living-learning environments dedicated to best supporting students’ ability to live, learn, work, and play while attending EKU.

All single, full time undergraduate students under the age of 21,  having fewer than 60 credit hours, or having lived in a residence hall less than four academic semesters (fall/spring)  are required to live in University residence hall facilities.  Exception is made for students residing with their parent(s) in their parent’s principle residence within 50 miles of the Richmond campus.  Students living with parents must submit a verification form which is available through the housing office.  Students may request exemption to the residency requirement under specific circumstances to the Director. 

Each Residence Hall is equipped with the following services that come as part of the basic room rental rate:

· Cable Television- All major network and major cable stations are offered with any cable ready TV at no cost.  Enhanced services and premium channels are available at an additional charge.  For additional information, contact College Cable Services, Inc. at 800-472-2054 ext. 222.

· Phone Services- Basic phone service is provided for all residents. Each room is equipped with one phone line. Residents are asked to provide their own touch tone phone. In order to dial long distance, students may use the campus provider (ECCI) or any calling card.   Enhanced phone features are available at an additional charge.  For additional information on enhanced services or long distance, contact EKU Communication Services at 622-1903.

· Laundry Rooms- Several washers and dryers are located in every residence hall. All the machines are operated by coin or Colonel Dollars. 

· ResNet- All of the rooms come equipped with two high-speed internet connections. For more information about equipping your computer for Internet access, visit www.resnet.eku.edu

· Study Rooms- Within most residence halls are open, quiet rooms in which to study.

· Vending- All residence halls are serviced with a variety a drink and snack vending machines. The machines are coin operated, and many accept Colonel Dollars as well. 

Social, Educational, and Service-Learning Programs are offered and organized by University Housing Staff in all of our residence halls. These programs range from movie nights on the residence hall floors to volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Most often, the RAs on each floor host social programming so that the residents can get to know each other and enjoy their housing experience even more. Many of the University Housing programs are open to all campus residents.

There are multiple residence halls on campus which include Male, Female and Coed living.

Male Residence Halls: Martin Hall

Female Residence Halls: Burnam Hall, McGregor Hall, Telford Hall, and Walters Hall

Coed Residence Halls: Case Hall, Clay Hall (closed for renovation 2007 - 08)Combs Hall, Commonwealth Hall, Dupree Hall, Keene Hall, Palmer Hall, Sullivan Hall, Todd Hall and Brockton Apartments.