General Information for Cumberland University Students

________________________________________
Document Number: STUD--106
Revision #: 2.0
Document Owner: VP of Facilities and Infrastructure
Date Last Updated: 05/29/2018
Primary Author: Dean of Students
Status: Approved
Date Originally Created: 11/09/2011
________________________________________
General Description

Description:
Describes functions of support services offices

Purpose:
General information for students about offices that provide support services.

Scope:
All faculty, staff, students, and administrators

Responsibility:
All faculty, staff, students, and administrators
________________________________________
Requirements

Relevant Knowledge:
Current University policy

Terms and Definitions:
Additional training
________________________________________
Policy Provisions

1. Cumberland University Bookstore

The Bookstore, located on the second floor of Labry Hall, carries all required textbooks and student supplies which are selected and officially approved by the faculty. The Bookstore accepts cash, check, debit, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. The Bookstore is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., and can be reached by calling 547-1236. The Bookstore is closed for lunch for one hour daily. It is open extended hours as necessary for student needs.

•Buy Back Policy: Cash is paid for used books at the end of each semester during Finals Week. Prices depend upon future class use at Cumberland University and relevance of the edition.

•Refund Policy: Your satisfaction is very important to us. Please remember returns can only be made with a receipt. Retain your receipts for fast and accurate return processing. All books must be returned in their original condition. Do not write in books or remove plastic wrap. The last day to return posted in the Bookstore at the time of purchase. Please be sure to return them within this time frame. Once classes have begun, all remaining textbooks are returned to the publisher. Purchase or return books before the Drop/Add date to ensure the book is available.

2. Dining Services

All students residing in the residence halls must have a meal plan, which is included in the cost of the residence hall room. Non-residential students, faculty, and staff may purchase separate meal plans that are offered by our dining services and are catered to the needs of non-residential individuals. All meal plans are available through the Office of Residence Life. The Phillips Dining Hall, located in the Mitchell Student Center serves a variety of choices including hot and cold breakfast options, meats, vegetables, sandwiches, salads, pizza, vegetarian items, drinks and desserts. Additionally, patrons may choose to bypass the dining hall and partake from the Papa John’s Pizza or Mondo’s Sub Shop, located on the west end of the Mitchell Student Center. In Labry Hall, the Coffee Kiosk offers Starbucks Coffee and a variety of grab-and-go options for customers. Visitors and guests are welcome to eat in the dining hall by paying prices posted at the door and to utilize the coffee kiosk.

The following guidelines exist for your safety and security in Phillips Dining Hall and Mitchell Student Center:

•You must present your Student I.D. card for validation at each meal period.
•Student I.D. cards are non-transferable.
•Dining Services is not responsible for lost or stolen items while in the Phillips Dining Hall or Mitchell Student Center.
•Help us be good stewards of our resources. You are welcome to additional portions in the main dining hall, but help keep waste to a minimum.
•Dishes or utensils may not be taken from the dining hall. You may take one piece of fruit with you for a knowledge boost.
•All dishes should be returned to the dish return area when you are finished eating.

3. Disability Services

Cumberland University welcomes students with disabilities and is committed to meeting their needs based on providing reasonable accommodations. Students with disabilities who would like to receive accommodations should request a meeting with the Coordinator of Disability Services upon enrollment at the University. The Coordinator of Disability Services is assisted by faculty members and Academic Affairs Office personnel in ensuring that appropriate services are available. Documentation of disability is required before services may be rendered. For more information, the Coordinator of Disability Services can be reached in Labry Hall 225 or by calling 547-1397.

4. Diversity Statement

Cumberland University staff members are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for those who seek our services regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religious preference, sexual orientation, and disabilities. We strive to be affirming and to value the dignity and worth of individuals of diverse backgrounds through our contact with all students, staff, faculty, and administrators.

5. Intramural Sports

CU's intramural program features fun and exciting competition in a variety of sports and activities including softball, basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, flag football, Frisbee golf, and other sports that vary according to the needs of the student body. Men, women and co-ed leagues are available. All students are eligible to participate and should contact the Office of Student Life for more information.

6. Jimmy Floyd Center

The Jimmy Floyd Family Life Center is a function of the City of Lebanon. Through a partnership between the City of Lebanon and Cumberland, all CU undergraduates have access to the Jimmy Floyd Center during semesters in which they are registered and enrolled in classes at no cost to the student. Graduate students are eligible to pay a fee in order to gain access to the facility. The Jimmy Floyd Family Life Center has many recreational facilities, activities and opportunities.

7. Lost and Found

Lost and found items should be turned in or claimed at the Security Office, the University Bookstore, or the office of the Executive Director of Facilities and Safety.

8. Mental Health Crisis Services and Procedures

A mental health crisis is an emotional or behavioral crisis that warrants same-day attention by a mental health professional. This may include, but is not limited to, significant changes in behavior that are not characteristic of a person, the presence of disruptive symptoms that interfere with the responsibilities of daily living, direct or indirect expressions of the intent to harm self or others, or the experience of a trauma.

Mental Health Crisis Procedures

During office hours, students may call the Counseling Center and ask to be scheduled for a crisis appointment. If no one is available or the Counseling Center is closed, the following guidelines apply:

•If a student has attempted suicide, call 911 immediately for assistance.
•If a student is in crisis and no one answers or is available at the Counseling Center, there are three options:

Call Campus Security for help, who can then call 911 or the CUCC Director.

Call 911 for assistance.
Call Wilson County Mobile Crisis at 1-800-704-2651.

Regardless of what time of day or night a crisis occurs, if a student is actively suicidal and/or homicidal, 911 should be called immediately or the student should be transported immediately to the University Medical Center emergency room.

9. Parking

All automobiles parked on campus by students, faculty, or staff must have a valid parking permit. Student parking permits are good for the academic year only. The Office of Student Life, upon completion of the registration process, provides student parking permits. Permits are good only for indicated areas. Parking outside indicated areas is a violation and subject to fine. Parking is permitted on marked paved or graveled areas only. Parking in front of dumpsters, in fire lanes, or on the grass is strictly prohibited. Vehicles parked in the fire lanes, other unauthorized places, and disabled or abandoned, or vehicles with repetitive violations may be subject to towing or impoundment at the owner’s expense. Parking fines for violations are listed below:

•No visible parking permit [$100.00]
•Failure to obtain a parking permit [$100.00]
•Parked in Handicapped space or area [$100.00] and subject to tow
•Parked in fire lane or area [$50.00] and subject to tow
•Parking in an area that impedes an entrance to or exit from campus [$50.00] and subject to tow
•Vehicle impoundment [$50.00 in addition to standard violation fee]
•Parked in a No Parking space or area [$25.00]
•Parked in a Visitor parking space [$25.00]
•Parked with incorrect decal for area [$25.00]
•Parked in an area not designated for parking [$25.00]
•Taking up more than one parking space [$25.00]

Further sanctions regarding parking violations may be applied by the Executive Director of Facilities and Safety. Fines are payable to the Business Office. Grade reports and transcripts will be held until all fines are paid in full. All towing fees are the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle. The fine for unpaid citations doubles after 30 days from date of issue.

Parking Lots

Cumberland University has designated parking lots. Lots are labeled “F” for Faculty/Staff, “R” for Residence Halls, or “C” for Commuters.
.
“C” & “F” lots include:
•Memorial Hall lot
•Spaces and lot behind Dallas Floyd Recreation Center and Bone Hall
•Area that extends out to and around the Athletic Field House
•Mitchell Student Center and Heydel Fine Arts Center lots

“R” lots include:
•The Residential Quad for South Hall, Edward Potter Hall and the Learning Commons at Mary White Hall lot
•Edward Potter Hall lot
•Justin Potter Hall lot (off South Greenwood)
•Commons Village I lot
•Commons Village II lot

Lots labeled “R” are restricted to residential student parking only. Overflow parking for faculty, staff and commuter students is located at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church at 300 South Tarver Avenue. The University reserves the right to block off certain areas of parking for special events.

10. Posting of Signs and Flyers

The posting of signs, flyers, and other advertisements and announcements is an effective means of communication throughout the campus community. All signs and flyers should be posted in a manner that effectively communicates the information yet preserves the aesthetic and structural integrity of the campus. Signs, flyers, and other advertisements and announcements may only be posted on designated bulletin boards. Specifically, signs, flyers and other advertisements and announcements shall not be posted on windows, doors, walls or other surfaces. Signs and flyers not in accordance with this policy will be removed. Should removal reveal damage to the affixed surface, the sponsoring organization or individual shall be liable for any and all necessary repairs. All flyers or posters must be approved and stamped in the Office of Student Life prior to posting anywhere on campus.This policy will help to control solicitation and minimize clutter around campus. Any flyer posted without the approval of the Office of Student Life will be removed from bulletin boards. To keep the appearance of our campus clean, please only post fliers on bulletin boards. All signs, flyers, and other advertisements and announcements of organizations and individuals external to the institution must also be approved in writing.

11. Recycling Program

Cumberland University's recycling program offers students, faculty and staff the opportunity to recycle paper, plastic, ink cartridges, batteries, electronic waste and cardboard at convenient locations located around the University's campus. For more information about the University's recycling program or to learn how you might assist the program, please contact the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

12. Severe Weather Dismissals

In the event of extreme adverse weather conditions, Cumberland University will be closed and a text alert will be sent. Every attempt will be made to notify the area radio and television stations when such closings occur. If on-campus classes are cancelled, the student and faculty should assume that off-campus classes will not meet. All students, faculty, and staff are expected to exercise discretion regarding personal safety whether the University is open or closed.

13. Student Complaints or Incidents

Cumberland University strives to provide effective and positive services and experiences. Students may register their concerns about ineffective or negative services or experiences with the Dean of Students Office. Complaints must be filed in writing using the form in Appendix A or at http://www.cumberland.edu/complaint in order for an official investigation to occur. The official investigation may result in a hearing or other appropriate measures to ameliorate the complaint.

13.1 Off-Campus Authorities for Complaints

•Complaints relating to quality of education or accreditation requirements shall be referred to the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (SACS)
(http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/081705/complaintpolicy.pdf)

•Complaints related to the application of state laws or rules related to approval to operate or licensure of a particular professional program within a post-secondary institution shall be referred to the appropriate State Board (i.e., State Boards of Health, State Board of Education, and so on) within the Tennessee State Government and shall be reviewed and handled by that licensing board
(http://www.tn.gov, and then search for the appropriate division)

•Complaints related to state consumer protection laws (e.g., laws related to fraud or false advertising) shall be referred to the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs and shall be reviewed and handled by that Unit (http://www.tn.gov/consumer/)

14. Student Mail

All resident students will receive their on and off campus mail in the mailboxes located in the Student Center. Mail boxes are available to commuters by request. Commuting students will be contacted through the United States Postal Service by the University. It is imperative that the University has a correct mailing address for commuting students. Please make any address correction as soon as possible in the Office of Academic Affairs.

15. Student Organizations

A university degree is complemented by extracurricular activities. Involvement in campus clubs and organizations leads to a well-rounded student who exhibits skills and other traits desired by employers. Campus clubs and organizations offer opportunities to participate in service projects to practice leadership skills, accomplish goals, make friends, share social occasions, and learn to communicate within a peer group whose members have similar interests. Faculty and staff members may lend their expertise to campus organizations by serving as sponsors and advisors.

Information on current campus organizations and how to begin new campus organizations is available from the Office of Student Life. All organizations must have a completed file in the Director of Student Life Office before being recognized as an organization at Cumberland University. Organizations desiring University approval must complete an Approved Organization Form at the beginning of the fall semester. Approved Organization Forms may be obtained from the Office of Student Life. Other basic Requirements for approved University Organizations include hosting one community service project and one campus event per semester by each organization.

Membership in a student organization is a privilege. Some organizations are University-based while others are affiliated with local, state, regional, or national organizations. While the University may regulate on-campus conduct of these organizations, governance of clubs or organizations may be relative to by-laws and regulations of the entity that sponsors/promotes the organization. The University reserves the right to deny any organization on campus which it believes contradicts its mission or has a mission to promote activities which are unlawful or poses a threat to the safety of the University community. All active members of recognized organizations and clubs are eligible to serve as organizational leaders, officers, representatives, and participate in University functions. Each student organization has the right to establish membership criteria above that of the University. All organizational events held on campus must have the prior written permission of the Director of Student Life. Event Forms (OEF) are available from the Office of Student Life. The organization’s president and sponsor must sign OEF forms. An event may only proceed after the OEF form has been approved and the organization has received an approved copy of the OEF form. All event forms must be submitted two weeks before the event date. Any event held without an OEF may result in disciplinary action being taken by the Office of Student Life.

________________________________________
Performance Evaluation

Performance Metrics:

Compliance with standard policy and procedure
________________________________________
Subject Experts

The following may be consulted for additional information.

Dean of Students