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.

Center for Student Engagement

102 JFK (Upper level next to the Auditorium)
M – F: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
The Center for Student Engagement provides students with endless opportunities to get involved, join or create clubs and organizations, take advantage of fun events and activities, and enjoy campus recreation.
 

Our office oversees:
• New Student Orientation (see section on New Student Orientation)
• Student Government Association (see section on Student Government Association)
• Student Activities Organization (see section on Student Activities Organization)
• Student Led Clubs & Organizations (see section on Student Led Clubs & Organizations)
• Fraternities & Sororities (see section on Fraternities & Sororities)
• as well as many of the recreational opportunities on campus (see section on Recreation)

Our additional services include:
• Fundraiser requests (for recognized student clubs & organizations only)
• Shuttle/Transportation requests (visit us for more information)
• Leadership Development opportunities and training programs (visit us for more information)
• and general campus information to help answer your questions about student life at SFU
You can view our calendar of upcoming campus events and activities by visiting our interactive website at: http://life.francis.edu.

Check out SFU Student Life online and follow us through Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and Pinterest!
 

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 32 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 Red Flash DVDs kiosk, fundraising and developing plans to build a recreational center for students, restructuring the academic calendar, iLead Speaker series, the establishment of the Freshmen Leadership Scholarship awarded to three incoming freshmen students annually, and the expansion of the Clare/SGA Upperclassmen scholarship, given to a member of each upperclass annually. Elections are held in November of each year for any student wishing to run for a position; otherwise, all Senate meetings are open to anyone. To find out more, email sga@francis.edu.

Intramural Sports

Intramural programs help to develop the total individual by affording students, especially those not interested in varsity competition, the opportunity to express themselves by engaging in athletic activities. The objectives of 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 and to help students understand and appreciate different sports.

The Intramural Director, coordinators and supervisors conduct the programs. Intramurals are publicized in the student newspaper, on campus bulletin boards or via campus email. Facilities used for intramurals may include, but are not limited to, the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center, the golf course and athletic fields. Awards are presented to intramural champions. Intramural offerings vary from year to year according to student preferences and the availability of facilities. 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 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. Outdoor facilities include DeGol Field, several recreational areas and fields, and trails for jogging. In addition, the University maintains a nine-hole golf course where instruction is available from a resident professional.

Besides the spaces available at the Athletics Center, the Student Government Association has provided and maintains several other options as well. To provide for fun, the Student Government Association has provided and continuously maintains the following recreational opportunities year round: an outdoor Ice Skating Rink, the Lakeview Tubing Park, basketball court, sand volleyball courts, a 9-hole Disc Golf Course, a fire pit, and the Leadership Reaction Course. If you have suggestions to further expand recreation at Saint Francis University, please email sga@francis.edu.

The Student Activities Organization has created a space that gives some attention to each student’s “right brain!” The Do it Yourself Room space is open daily from 9am until 11pm and is meant to be a space to get creative! Learn to sew, paint a canvas, make a flyer for a class project, and more! Be as creative as you want! The Do it Yourself Room can be found in the lower level of JFK, directly across from the Campus Bookstore.

The DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness Fitness Center includes exercise and teaching areas.  The exercise areas are a core strengthening and stretching area, a cardiovascular area with treadmills, upright and recumbent bicycle ergometers, elliptical units, an upper extremity ergometer, and a rowing unit, a strength training area with a circuit of exercise units for the upper and lower extremities, free-weights, and an aerobics studio that can also be adapted to accommodate a wide variety of other group activities, e.g., meditation, yoga, dance, etc.  
 

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 Northeast Conference, The Atlantic 10 Conference the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference and the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. Marching Band, Pep Band and Cheerleading are also offered.

Fraternities and Sororities

Saint Francis University celebrates the time-honored tradition of Fraternal values through the recognition of Fraternities and Sororities. These organizations are governed by the Inter-Fraternity Council and the Inter-Sorority Council, respectively. The Greek Life program is administered by the Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Development within the Center for Student Engagement, reporting to the Vice President of Student Development. The philosophy governing the Social and Service Greek societies is that they exist to promote the mission and goals of Saint Francis University relative to developing academic prestige, ethical leadership, and a duty to serve others. 

Recognized Fraternities include:

• Alpha Phi Delta – Beta Lambda Chapter (National Social Fraternity) established 1948, re-established 2008           
• Alpha Phi Omega- Upsilon Beta Chapter (National Co-Ed Service Fraternity) established 1969, re-established 2009
• Phi Kappa Theta– Pennsylvania Tau Chapter (National Social Fraternity) established 1949, re-established 2007
• Psi Upsilon- Sigma Phi Chapter (International Social Fraternity) colonized 2005, chartered 2007
• Sigma Chi- Lambda Rho Chapter (International Social Fraternity) colonized 2011, chartered 2012
• Tau Kappa Epsilon– Delta Phi Chapter (International Social Fraternity) established 1995, re-established 2005

Recognized Sororities include:

• Delta Phi Epsilon– Alpha Sigma Chapter (International Social Sorority) established 1991
• Gamma Sigma Sigma- Gamma Phi Chapter (National Service Sorority) established 1972
• Omega Zeta Nu (Local Social/ Academic Sorority) established 2005
• Phi Delta Kappa (Local Social Sorority) established 1977
• Phi Lambda Psi (Local Social Sorority) established 1978, re-established 2008
• Theta Phi Alpha- Beta Theta Chapter (National Social Sorority) established 1988, re-established 2009

Student Led Clubs and Organizations

As members of our community, students are expected to take a proactive role in their own development, seeking experiences and opportunities that will develop them socially, morally, and culturally. Ask any University graduate about their University memories, and chances are they will mention more than the challenging academic work. They will mention their friends, their activities and their involvement in clubs, organizations, sports, etc. Opportunities to develop some of these great memories abound at Saint Francis University. Involvement in the campus is more than fun; it is an opportunity for students to grow personally and professionally. Involvement enables students to learn and to refine leadership and social skills, as well as to become responsible citizens and community members.

The Student Activities Organization

The Student Activities Organization (SAO) is a student-run organization funded by SGA that offers a wide range of programs for the enjoyment and education of the University Community. Composed of an executive board and ten committees, SAO is responsible for sponsoring many of the social and educational co-curricular activities and programs on campus. These include the following: on-campus concerts, comedy shows, themed weekends, off-campus excursions to NYC, Pittsburgh Plays, weekly shopping trips, and major weekends like Family Weekend, Homecoming, Winter Weekend, and Springfest. SAO also operates the newly created “Do it Yourself Room” in the lower level of JFK for use by organizations and students to tap into their “right brain” creativity.

SAO, in conjunction with the Center for Student Engagement, publishes a calendar of events each semester. This calendar is distributed monthly in the fall and spring semesters and is the student guide to enhancing the University Experience.

SAO owns and operates three vans which are available for use by student organizations or clubs. They are also used to transport students to and from transportation centers during vacation breaks.

Membership in each SAO committee is open; any student interested in getting involved is encouraged to participate. Interested students should stop by the SAO Office in the upper-level of JFK to get involved.

Recognized Clubs and Organizations

Saint Francis University recognizes and supports the need for learning outside of the traditional classroom setting. In order to encourage students to become involved in co-curricular activities, Saint Francis University hosts many student-run clubs and organizations. All policies concerning these organizations are managed through the Center for Student Engagement.

Here is a comprehensive listing of the many opportunities for you to get involved: http://francis.edu/clubs-organizations-and-athletics/! If a student wishes to become involved, but does not see a club or organization appropriate to an interest, the Center for Student Engagement provides information and support for starting a new one!
 

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

The Campus Ministry Department seeks to engage all members of the Saint Francis University community. Therefore, students from all faith traditions are invited and encouraged to participate in the various ministries and activities sponsored by the department. The liturgical ministries include lectors, special ministers of the Eucharist (these are Catholic specific), choir members, sacristans, instrumentalists, greeters, and servers. Other areas of involvement include the planning and execution of retreats, the Peer Ministry program, continuing religious education, Bible studies, prayer and faith sharing groups, social events and a host of other activities. The Campus Ministry team seeks to provide a pastoral presence on campus, throughout the residence halls, with Student Government, Student Activities, the Greek organizations, and with the Athletics program.

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

Students at Saint Francis University have a unique opportunity to shape their own college experiences. Although the choice to attend college is a big decision, an equally big decision is to participate in it. Saint Francis University offers opportunities for social engagement and skill development at an unprecedented level. Students have graduated SFU with a sense of accomplishment and self-fulfillment in more areas than just the academic arena. We encourage you to seek out the many pathways to self-fulfillment or to create new ones to leave behind for generations to come.

Voices of Saint Francis

The voice of the SFU student-body is best expressed by some of our student organizations: the Troubadour — the University newspaper; the Bell Tower, the University yearbook; and RED Radio, the University’s own web-streaming talk/music station. Of course, the most powerful and influential voice is that of the Student Government Association, or SGA (see the section on Student Government). Each is produced by students with the guidance of the Center for Student Engagement along with 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.

ALPHA SIGMA LAMBDA: A national honor society for adult students in continuing higher education. An association for students who have demonstrated academic excellence as well as community service. Membership is by invitation only and is based on academic standing, number of residency credits and service to others.

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.

GAMMA SIGMA ALPHA: A national honor society for members of the Greek Life community, its purpose is to honor students who have achieved a 3.5 cumulative average by their Junior or Senior year.
GAMMA SIGMA EPSILON: Gamma Sigma Epsilon is a national chemistry honor society founded in 1919 at Davidson College. The society recognizes and encourages excellence in chemistry by maintaining high academic achievement standards
KAPPA DELTA PI: An international honor society dedicated to scholarship and excellence in education. Membership in this organization promotes the educational ideals of humanity, science, service, and toil.

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. The Pennsylvania Mu Chapter of KME was installed at Saint Francis College on September 14, 1979.

ORDER OF OMEGA: A national honor society for members of the Greek Life community, its purpose is to honor those students who have contributed a great degree of leadership to the Greek Life community and general campus community.
PI ALPHA: A national PA honor society organized for the promotion and recognition of both PA students and graduates. Membership signifies the inductees’ significant academic achievement and honors them for their leadership, research, community/professional service, and other related activities. The society also encourages a high standard of character and conduct among students and graduates.

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

PHI ETA SIGMA - a national academic honor society recognizing exemplary academic achievement of first-year freshmen; any full-time, undergraduate student can be inducted after having achieved a minimum QPA of 3.5 during either academic semester of their first year.

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.

PSI CHI: The International Psychology Honor Society. This society recognizes student academic achievement and works to maintain an environment that encourages research and the advancement of the science of psychology.

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.

SIGMA THETA TAU: A national honor society for nurses.

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 all full-time students, 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 two evenings per week. To schedule an appointment, please call 814-472-3211.

Programming on relevant psycho-social 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.

Resident students who experience a crisis, after regular office hours, should contact the Resident Assistant on duty; commuter students should contact University Police at 814-472-3360.

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 that 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, international, commuter, and non-traditional students.

Office of Career Services

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

The Office of Career Services, located in Raymond 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 and off campus job/career fairs, which allow students to explore career and job opportunities;
2. An Alumni Career Mentoring Network connecting students with alumni for career advice
3. On-campus recruiting with employers conducting one-on-one interviews, presentations and information sessions;
4. Up-to-date Career Resources which students can use for career research and job search
5. Utilization of Social Media and current technologies for the job search;
6. Free resume referral service connecting students with employers;
7. Web-based job posting and career information sites: www.collegecentral.com/stfrancis;
8. Job search guides and other key resources;
9. Evening hours for students not able to meet with staff members during regular office hours.

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 x3008
Wednesdays until 7:30 PM DiSepio Institute
Closed for lunch 12:00 – 12:30 PM daily

The Student Health Center is located in the DiSepio Institute. The Health Center is open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM and on Wednesday evenings until 7:30 PM. Visits are by appointment. Walk-in appointments will be accommodated when possible.

The Student Health Center is staffed by a team of health professionals that includes a physician, physician assistant, and a registered nurse. All students are required to submit a completed health form (provided to students upon acceptance to the University) before treatment may be received.

Services: Services available to students include evaluation and treatment of acute medical conditions, allergy injections and immunizations, physical exams, travel consultations, blood draws, and urine drug screens. Referral to community resources will be made for students on an as-needed basis.

After-Hours Medical Care: If a student becomes ill during the evening or weekend hours, he/she may visit the Conemaugh MedWell site in Ebensburg for urgent care. If emergency care is needed, the student should go to the Emergency room, or call 911.

Alcohol and Drug Information Center

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 Alcohol & Drug Information Center is a comprehensive, institution-wide alcohol and drug prevention program that attempts to address this issue with an aggressive, proactive and collaborative effort. We include education, prevention, treatment and alternative activities. Our program involves and is supported by students, faculty and staff.

The Center is located in Saint Francis Hall. With the aid of videos and discussion groups, staff is available to conduct educational programs which promote knowledge and awareness of alcohol and drug issues. Students are encouraged to question, challenge, reflect and/or share insights. The Center also houses the Intercept Program, an educational program designed for students who violate the University’s Alcohol and Drug Policy.

The Center staff serves as a resource to students, providing a link for students, staff and faculty to community alcohol and drug education experts and other information. Students, faculty, and staff interested in hosting a program for a class, residential communities, student clubs, or student organizations are invited to contact the Office. For students pursuing research projects on drug and alcohol issues, the Center maintains a library of resource materials including books, pamphlets and videos. To contact a staff member in the Alcohol & Drug Information Center, please call 814-472-3029.

Students who have personal concerns with substance abuse or addiction are encouraged to contact Counseling Services for an appointment with a Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC) who is available for consultation and counseling. All clinical services through Counseling Center follow their confidentiality guidelines. To schedule an appointment with the Counseling Center, please call 814-472-3211 during business hours.

Office of Diversity and Inclusion

230 Padua Hall

It is the desire of Saint Francis University to create a campus community characterized by equal access and respected participation for all groups and individuals. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion develops programs that not only prepares students for life at the University, but prepares students to be participants in a global community. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is committed to assisting students their educational and cultural growth, development, awareness which translates into students overall success. The Office works to coordinate the campus community’s dialogue on diversity, and to give voice to diverse students in their adjustment socially, academically, and psychologically to life at Saint Francis University, so they in turn will affect life at Saint Francis University.

For more information contact Ms. Lynne Banks, Associate Dean of Students, at 814-472-3352 or via email at lbanks@francis.edu.

Office of Student Conduct

230 Padua Hall

The Office of Student Conduct enhances the Saint Francis University Community by celebrating the community values of the institution while respecting the rights of the individual. The office will facilitate the social, ethical, and intellectual development of all students by maintaining a student judicial system and programs which foster intellectual development, student engagement, social justice, self understanding and responsible leadership.

The Office of Student Conduct under the leadership of the Associate Dean of Students fulfills its mission by providing programs and services that:
• Develop, disseminate, interpret, and enforce campus rules and regulations.
• Assist students in understanding and navigating university policies, procedures and protocols.
• Design educational opportunities that allow students to use critical thinking skills to determine appropriate behaviors and the consequences for unacceptable and/or inappropriate behaviors.
• Intervene effectively when student behavior violates the Statement of Conduct.

Questions or inquires can be addressed to Ms. Lynne Banks, Associate Dean of Students, at 814-472-3352 or via email at lbanks@francis.edu.