Student Life

Although the pursuit of knowledge is the primary purpose of higher education, the collegiate experience also involves the development of the whole person—spiritual, social, recreational, and physical.

The extracurricular experiences of the University include formal and informal indoor and outdoor recreation and organized group activities in which students learn to enjoy new and untried fields and develop the skills and competencies that they bring with them.

Informal recreation is enhanced by the natural location of the University with its on-campus outdoor facilities for golf, hiking, and nearby facilities for skiing and hunting. The friendly atmosphere of the John F. Kennedy Student Center, with its lounge, group meeting rooms, student publication offices, auditorium, food court, student offices, and bookstore, affords the University community an environment for educational growth through group discussions and personal dialogue.

Personal growth is also enhanced through social and recreational programs staged in the Kennedy Center by various University community organizations. Accessibility to several urban communities with cultural, dramatic, and sports events provides opportunities for occasional visits for more varied professional performances.

Student Government

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the primary representative body of the undergraduate population of the University.  The Senate is comprised of a diverse group of 35 senators that are elected or appointed by their peers.  SGA is the official vehicle for student opinion voiced to and from the University Community, advocating a broad range of student needs and interests within the framework of the University’s decision-making process.  SGA promotes leadership, service and community and allocates student activity funds to recognized clubs and organizations to help further these priorities.  Recent projects and initiatives include the Ice Skating Rink, the University’s academic calendar restructuring, iLead Speaker Series, the Snow Tubing Park, establishing leadership scholarships for incoming freshmen and upperclassmen, to name a few.  Elections are held in November each year if a student wishes to run for a position, otherwise all Senate meetings are open to anyone.  

Intramural Sports

Intramural programs help to develop the total individual—physically, socially, emotionally, morally, and intellectually—by affording all students, especially those not interested in varsity competition, the opportunity to express themselves by engaging in athletic activities.

The objectives in the intramural program are as follows: to help students realize the value of making wise use of their leisure time during recreation periods; to help students improve socially by engaging in activities with other students; to emphasize the value of group loyalty at the sacrifice of self-interest; and to help students understand and appreciate different sports.

An Intramural Director, Coordinators and Supervisors conduct the programs. Intramurals are publicized in the student newspaper, on campus bulletin boards, and through meetings of sports managers. Facilities used for intramurals include the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center, the golf course and athletic fields. Awards are presented to intramural victors. Intramural offerings vary from year to year according to student preferences; the list provided below indicates the range of activities that have been offered to students.

Recreation

The relationship between physical fitness and intellectual development, between good health and success in studies, is an accepted educational principle at Saint Francis University. The University also offers a variety of recreational activities that are unstructured and individualistic. Students are encouraged to engage in activities during leisure time which will provide a healthy physical, mental, emotional, and social experience that can be continued throughout a lifetime.

The Maurice Stokes Athletics Center contains many facilities, including two racquetball courts, a swimming pool and a suspended track, as well as a weight room. Outdoor facilities include DeGol Field, and several recreational areas and fields. In addition, the University maintains a nine-hole golf course where instruction is available from a resident professional.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Varsity intercollegiate athletics offer an opportunity for students to participate in competitive sports. The University is a Division I member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference, the Northeast Conference, and the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. Cheerleading and Pep Band are also offered The University supports a comprehensive Division I program for men and women in the following sports.

Fraternities and Sororities

The activities of the five fraternities and six sororities associated with the University are coordinated by the Inter-Fraternity Council and the Inter-Sorority Council which are directly responsible to the Center for Student Life.

The philosophy governing Greek societies is that they exist to help implement the goals of Saint Francis University relative to developing the whole person through scholarship, leadership, and service.

Fraternities active on campus include:
Phi Kappa Theta - Pennsylvania Tau Chapter (National), (re-established 2007)
Psi Upsilon (International) – Sigma Phi Chapter (2005)
Tau Kappa Epsilon-Delta Phi Chapter (re-established 2005), (International)
Alpha Phi Delta – Beta Lambda Chapter (re-established 2008), (National)

Alpha Phi Omega - Upsilon Beta Chapter (re-established 2010), (National service) 

Sororities active on campus include:
Delta Phi Epsilon – Alpha Sigma chapter (International) (1990)
Gamma Sigma Sigma – Gamma Phi chapter (National service) (1972)
Omega Zeta Nu (local) (2005)
Phi Delta Kappa (local) (1977)
Phi Lambda Psi (Local) (re-established 2008)

Theta Phi Alpha - Beta Theta Chapter (re-established 2010) (National)

Student Led Clubs and Organizations

Athletic, academic, and special interest clubs provide outlets for individual interests and initiative by making it possible for a student to take part in sports and extracurricular activities of various kinds. Membership in campus organizations is optional, but highly encouraged, as it gives students a chance to develop and fine tune skills that are necessary for a successful professional career. To see a complete listing of campus clubs, organizations and Greek societies, please refer to the Student Handbook. Groups are available in a wide variety of interest sets ranging from academic to activism, charitable service to athletic groups and beyond. If a student wishes to create his own club, it is very easy to do so through the Center for Student Life. In the fall of each academic year, each class elects officers to represent them throughout the year and organize events that are geared toward encouraging class unity, campus community and they also decide upon and carry out a legacy project.

The Student Activities Organization (SAO) is the primary programming body on campus and is responsible for keeping students entertained and cultured while providing an outlet for energy and, sometimes, a stage to showcase their own talents. SAO also arranges trips throughout the year to different cities for concerts, plays or museum visits.    Events on campus range from Homecoming Week, Winter Weekend, Springfest, Family Weekend, dances, poets, bands, comedians, illusionists, etc. 

Campus Ministry Department

Building Christian Life and Community Service

The college years are a time not only for intellectual growth but also a time for development in social awareness and spiritual discovery. Saint Francis University recognizes this important facet of education as a part of its Catholic and Franciscan heritage, and the University continually strives to preserve and build upon the spiritual ideals of the founders.

Staffed by a team of Franciscan friars and lay ministers the Campus Ministry Department envisions its mission as forming a faith community of worship; assisting the University community in becoming instruments of Christ’s peace as exemplified by St. Francis of Assisi; cooperating with the entire community to educate and activate people toward peace and justice in the world; responding to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the University community, and identifying and promoting the use of each person’s unique gifts and talents in the service of society and the Church.

Campus Ministry Department: Worship and Pastoral Care

Students of all faiths are invited and encouraged to participate in the various ministries and activities of the Campus Ministry Department. The liturgical ministries include lectors, special ministers of the Eucharist (these only for Catholics), choir members, sacristans, instrumentalists, greeters, and servers. Other areas of involvement include the planning and execution of retreats, continuing religious education, preparation for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, Confirmations, Bible study, prayer/discussion groups, and a host of other activities. The Campus Ministry team has a pastoral presence in the residence halls, with Student Government, and Student Activities, with the Greek organizations, and with the Athletic program. 

Mission Effectiveness and Integration

The division of Mission Effectiveness and Integration is to promote the Catholic Christian values at Saint Francis University. The overall purpose is to work with students, faculty, staff, and administration so as to have these values operative and strong in all areas of the University. This entails collaborating with the various Divisions and Departments of the Institution, both by offering programs to them and looking for ways to support their work with the above values. 

In specific ways the personnel of the division offer programming in Franciscan history, spirituality, and values. While rooted in and faithful to the Catholic Church and her teaching and tradition, programs and services are offered to those from other Christian Churches as well as general ecumenical events being held, and also inter-faith meetings and events are sponsored. The division provides teaching and collaboration regarding service work of the University, classifying and strengthening the Christian Culture at Saint Francis, and leading and fostering the works of mercy and justice. It also works in a pastoral and discernment way with the Campus Ministry Department, and the Department of Ecumenical and Interfaith Ministries, of the Student Development Division.

The Mission Division currently has two units which carry out specific works of the Division. The Dorothy Day Center, located near the main entrance to the University provides multiple services of mercy and generosity to people of all ages. The Institute for Contemporary Franciscan Life offers an opportunity to learn more about Catholic Franciscan values while taking classes from home.                

The Department of Ecumenical and Interfaith Ministry

Strengthening the Christian Culture based on Franciscan Values

Christian Culture involves ways of thinking and deciding, of loving and relating, both within and beyond a particular community. It embraces work and play, activity and leisure, what we do and what we say. It affects art and science, business and industry, health and education, drama and athletics, and more. At Saint Francis University, culture affects everything and is certainly connected to our religious practices; how we treat one another and all those who come on campus.

Pope John Paul II said that a, “Catholic University enables the Church to institute an incomparably fertile dialogue with people of every culture.” He went on to say that, “When the academic community includes members of other Churches, ecclesiastical communities or religions, their initiatives for reflection and prayer in accordance with their own beliefs are to be respected.

The establishment of this department supports the institutional diversity initiative. With an approximately 40% non-Catholic population on campus, the department, complimenting the department of Campus Ministry, strives to offer programming to meet the needs of all Christians, and those non-Christians as well. With increased emphasis on attracting international students, the department takes on an even greater significance.

Ecumenical Campus Ministry: Worship, Pastoral Care, and Programming

Students, staff, and faculty of all faiths participate in the many activities of the department. Liturgical worship includes daily prayer lead by students. Retreat Planning, and Bible Study are student driven, with many activities taking place in the Agape All-Christian Chapel. Activities include the Tuesday Evening Food and Fellowship gathering, workshops, discussion groups and prayer luncheons, plus a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and an Interfaith Awareness Week. Programming in the campus Spiritual Center, located in the DiSepio Health and Wellness Center for Rural Health, is generated by the department that includes a meditation room and an outdoor Labyrinth. Spiritual Center programming includes the spiritual practices of silence and solitude, meditation, and prayer workshops.

Along with Campus Ministry, Ecumenical Campus Ministry has a pastoral presence in the residence halls, with Student Government, Student Activities, with Greek Life, and with Athletics.

Dorothy Day Center: Social Outreach and Volunteer Service

The Dorothy Day Center is the social outreach arm of Saint Francis University. The mission of the Center is two-fold. One goal is to educate the University students in issues of social concern and justice and to involve them in volunteer service through an array of programs on campus and in the local communities. The second goal is to offer assistance to the economically, socially, and mentally needy of local communities and institutions. 

Assistance is offered in various ways that include, but are not limited to: emergency financial rent, utility, heating fuel assistance, food, clothing, furniture, basic household items, and personal hygiene products.   A volunteer service at the Center that reaches out to small children is the S.M.I.L.E. program, in which students and children interact in group-related sports activities. Plus-1 is another program that includes one-on-one activity with volunteers who are paired with a child for field trips, crafts, and group-related activities. Adult-based volunteer programs include: The Adopt-a-Grandparent program whose volunteers visit the elderly at the John Paul II Manor-an assisted living home, and the V.I.T.A. program, preparing and e-filing simple tax returns for income-eligible individuals.

In these times of reduced budgets and lessening government funding, volunteerism is becoming increasingly important to assist the poor and disenfranchised. Saint Francis University tries to help students understand their responsibility for service to society. The Dorothy Day Center is one major expression of Saint Francis University students’ education and preparation for entrance into the world of Church and society.  

Self-Fulfillment

Voices of Saint Francis

The voice of the students is best expressed by four student organizations: Troubadour — The Voice of Academia, a bi-weekly newspaper; the Bell Tower, the University yearbook; and RED Radio, Saint Francis University’s stream web radio station. Each is produced by students with the guidance of the Center for Student Life and a faculty/staff advisor.

Honors

Honoring outstanding scholastic achievement has been a tradition at Saint Francis University. Recognition for high academic attainment is given by the University through membership in the Saint Francis University Honor Society, publication of the semester Dean’s List, recognition at the annual academic awards convocation, departmental honors received at graduation, and awarding of degrees at graduation. Qualified students are also admitted to national scholastic honor societies, including several belonging to the Association of University Honor Societies (ACHS):

ALPHA DELTA MU: An honor society for students in social work, it recognizes upperclass students for academic excellence in their general and major field of studies.

ALPHA KAPPA DELTA: An honor society for students in sociology, it recognizes upperclass students for academic excellence in their general and major field of studies. Member of ACHS.

BETA BETA BETA: Recognizes upperclass students in the life sciences for outstanding academic achievement in their major field. The society strongly encourages and supports undergraduate research.

DELTA EPSILON SIGMA: Its purpose is to honor graduates of Catholic colleges throughout the country for their eminent scholastic achievements. Member of ACHS.

KAPPA MU EPSILON: An honor society for students in mathematics, it recognizes students for academic excellence in their general studies as well. Member of ACHS.

PHI ALPHA THETA: An honor society in history. Member of ACHS.

PHI SIGMA IOTA: Recognizes students for academic excellence in foreign languages, literatures, and cultures. Member of ACHS.

PI SIGMA ALPHA: An honor society in political science.

PI THETA EPSILON: To recognize and encourage scholastic excellence in occupational therapy students.

SIGMA BETA DELTA: An honor society established for students in business, it recognizes upperclass students for outstanding academic achievements in their general and major field of study.

SIGMA TAU DELTA: A national English honor society.

THETA ALPHA KAPPA: A national honor society in theology/religious studies, its purpose is to honor students in their general and major fields for both academic excellence and service to the community. Member of ACHS.

ZETA CHI: A national nursing honor society.

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center, located in Saint Francis Hall, provides confidential therapeutic services to the University community, including individual, marital, and group counseling. Counseling is provided by licensed professional counselors. Students in need of services are encouraged to call for an appointment during regular office hours. The Center is staffed one evening per week, and weekend appointments are available upon request. Walk-in appointments are available depending on staff availability.

Programming on relevant psychosocial and developmental issues is provided and sponsored by the Center throughout the year. Topics include stress management and relaxation training, sexuality, eating disorders, dating, substance abuse and family issues. The Center staff can also assist students with information about local community resources.

Resource information on mental health issues, chemical dependency and health and wellness is available at the Center and is provided to students upon request.

New Student Orientation

The Saint Francis University New Student Orientation Program helps students to learn about all aspects of the University and the environment in which the University community members live. This learning begins with the original mailings to accepted students and through meetings with University personnel, and continues throughout the students’ experiences on the campus.

During the first days at Saint Francis, all new students participate in a program which introduces them to the various offerings and activities of the University. New Student Orientation provides incoming students with opportunities for social interaction, an orientation to the University community and student services, interactive group discussions, chances to become involved in extra/co-curricular programs and leadership/skills development programs. This orientation addresses the concerns of resident, transfer, commuter, and non-traditional students. Orientation also addresses academic expectations and methods to achieve success.

Office of Career Services

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm; Evening hours by appointment

The Office of Career Services, located in Scotus Hall, is designed to provide a wide range of services to assist students and alumni with job searching and career planning. The office strives to teach each student to explore and set career goals and to continue on the correct path in searching for a job. Assistance with securing full-time employment which is related to the candidate’s interests and goals is a major function of the office. The office also seeks alternative and creative methods of job search assistance by collaborating with various groups both on and off campus.

To launch students into their lifelong career planning, the Office of Career Services offers the following:

1. Job search assistance;
2. Job search training;
3. Graduate/professional school assistance;
4. Career and educational testing and advising, including career counseling.

Job Search Assistance

Utilizing several services, students can receive assistance finding full-time employment, part-time employment or summer jobs. Specifically, students can take advantage of the following services:

1. On-campus interviews with employers conducting one-on-one interviews;
2. On and off campus job/career fairs, which allow students to explore career and job opportunities;
3. Free resume referral service connecting students with employers;
4. An up-to-date Career Resource Library, which students can use for career research;
5. Evening hours for students not able to meet with staff members during regular office hours.
6. Web-based job posting and career information sites: www.francis.edu/career and www.collegecentral.com/stfrancis
7. Job search guides and other key resources.

Job Search Training

Through individual appointments and group seminars, the Career Services staff trains students in all the skills (resumes, interviewing strategies, etc) needed to secure summer jobs, part-time employment, internships, or permanent professional positions. The majority of Career Services’ job search training workshops are integrated into the academic curriculum, delivered as part of junior and senior level seminar courses. This enables staff to adjust the content of training seminars to meet the specific needs of different majors.

Graduate/Professional School Assistance

For those students and alumni who choose to further their education, Career Services offers many sources of assistance, such as The Peterson’s Guides to Graduate Study, testing resources and seminars and publications on the graduate school application process and experience.

The Office of Career Services has an ongoing goal that guides its operation: to help individuals discover where they are currently in their career development, to provide them with skills and resources to move forward in their development, and to empower them with strategies for lifelong career planning.

Career and Educational Testing and Advising

Aimed mostly at freshmen and sophomore students, career and educational advising provides both individual and group assistance to students who are trying to choose a major, change a major, and/or establish a career direction. Through interest inventories and personality assessments, students are able to start or further explore their career goals and objectives.

Finally, the Office of Career Services consistently looks for new ways to improve services offered to Saint Francis University students. This is accomplished through developing student learning based-goals, evaluating services, keeping current on emerging technologies, improving career advising methods, and remaining up-to-date in the ever-changing demographics of college students, job markets, and careers.

Student Health Center

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Wednesdays until 7:30 pm.

The Saint Francis Health Center is located in the DiSepio Institute. The Health Center is open on a daily basis during normal office hours and on Wednesday evenings until 7:30 pm. The office is closed for lunch from noon to 12:30 pm. The Center is staffed by a team of health professionals that include a physician, physician assistant and a registered nurse.

All students must submit a completed health form (provided to students upon acceptance to the University) before treatment may be received. Furthermore, all students are required to carry their own health and accident insurance.

Services. Services available to students include general medical consultations, allergy injections and immunizations, disease prevention and education, and other immunizations. Referral to community resources will be made for students on an as needed basis.

After-Hours Medical Emergencies. If a student becomes ill during the evening or weekend hours, he/she should contact their resident assistant for further assistance. If a resident assistant is unavailable, the student should contact Campus Police by dialing extension 3360.

The Intercept Program

The University recognizes that alcohol and drug abuse is a serious issue and one that affects the social, emotional and educational development of many college students across the nation. The SFU Intercept Program is a comprehensive, institution-wide drug prevention program that attempts to address this issue with an aggressive, proactive and collaborative effort. Intercept involves education, prevention, treatment and alternative activities. Intercept involves and is supported by students, faculty and staff.

The Intercept Program is located in the Counseling Center in Saint Francis Hall. Certified Alcohol Counselors (CAC) are available for consultation and counseling. Students who have personal concerns with substance abuse or addiction are encouraged to contact the Intercept office for an appointment. Clinical treatment will be confidential.

With the aid of videos and discussion groups, counselors are available to conduct educational programs which promote knowledge and awareness of alcohol and drug issues. Students are encouraged to question, challenge, challenge, reflect and/or share insights. The Intercept staff can also provide a link for students, staff and faculty to community drug education experts. Students interested in hosting a program in a residence hall or classroom are urged to contact the Intercept Program.

For students pursuing research projects on drug and alcohol issues, the Intercept Program maintains a library of resource materials including books, pamphlets and videos.