Academic Catalogs
Undergraduate Catalog: |
2004 - 2005 Student Services
The faculty and staff of Southwestern are committed to providing services to make the student’s university experience meaningful and enjoyable, while intentionally promoting an atmosphere conducive to student learning.
Spiritual Life
Activities are promoted which contribute to the spiritual development of students. Central to this program is the daily chapel period shared by the entire university community. Seasons of worship are accompanied by spiritual challenges extended to the students by the administration, faculty, visiting guest speakers, and fellow students. As God moves during these times, many students are filled with the Spirit and make deep personal commitments to God.
A World Ministries emphasis is planned each semester at which time Christian stewardship and consecration are stressed. Many Southwesterners have dedicated themselves to ministerial service in these meetings.
Emphasis also is placed on personal devotions in connection with residence hall life. At regular intervals entire sections of the residence halls meet for group worship. Spiritual life on campus is encouraged through a variety of student organizations and ministry groups.
Global Prayer Focus
SAGU serves as a Global Prayer Center representing the desire and focus of the districts of the Southwestern region to put SAGU at the center of a worldwide prayer movement. The Road to Emmaus Prayer Walk features a paved walk of 1/3 mile. Administrators, faculty, staff, and students use the walk daily for prayer and exercise. The Hugh Jeter Prayer Center is open daily to inspire intercessory prayer for all regions of the world as well as personal needs.
Student Ministries
Southwestern's primary objective is the training of individuals to enter world-wide Christian service. In keeping with this objective, Student Ministries complements academic training with essential practical training and opportunities essential for Christian service. Therefore, all students are required to be faithful in chapel and church attendance. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in local church ministries. All students are required to serve a minimum of one hour of practical ministry service per week. Christian service should characterize every student's life.
Personal Life
Southwestern maintains concern about the personal life of its students. All students (married or single, off campus or on campus) are expected to conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the teachings of the Word of God, the accepted standards of the Assemblies of God, and the standards of conduct held by SAGU. Southwesterners must realize the importance of exemplifying Christian living both on campus and off campus. Since many come from various backgrounds, it is necessary that each student becomes acquainted with SAGU’s standard of conduct and dress. The university states its intention of making Biblical principles its primary basis for conduct as referred to in the Assemblies of God Bylaws, Article IX, Section 6, as follows:
In view of the alarming erosion of national moral standards, we reaffirm our intention of holding up Bible standards against all forms of worldliness. We urge all believers to “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. . .For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (I John 2:15,16).”
In its teaching regarding worldliness, the Scripture warns against participation in activity which defiles the body or corrupts the mind and spirit; the inordinate love of, or preoccupation with, pleasures, position, or possessions, which lead to their misuse; manifestation of extreme behavior, unbecoming speech, or inappropriate appearance; any fascination or association which lessens one’s affection for spiritual things. (Luke 21:34, 35; Romans 8:5-8; 12:1-2; II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11; I Timothy 2:8-10; 4:12; James 4:4; I John 2:15-17, and Titus 2:12).
Student Life
Attendance at Southwestern is designed to be a life enriching experience. By living, worshipping, working, and interacting with other Christian young people, one is stimulated by the influence of examples to include Christ in every facet of daily living. A full schedule of activities is planned to emphasize the importance of Christian values.
Social Life
Social life plays an important part in the development of Christian character and poise. The university seeks to provide a well-balanced program of social events for the student body. Opportunities for social experiences are planned by the Student Congress, Student Life, and other campus organizations.
Student Conduct Committee
The Student Conduct Committee has the responsibility of maintaining the high Christian standards of the university. The committee seeks to identify models of excellence in Christian behavior and service on campus. It functions to remedy difficult problems but may also require a student who does not embrace the aims and ideals of the university to withdraw if general welfare demands it.
General Services and Policies
Orientation
Southwestern is dedicated to helping men and women adjust to life as university students. The orientation program actually begins before students arrive on campus with a series of letters which answer important questions and provide helpful information about Southwestern.
Days are designated at the opening of each Fall and Spring term for orientation, testing, and counseling. All new students participate in these activities. Freshmen students are required to enroll in the college life orientation course (GES 1112 Learning & Development). Topics covered in the course serve to better acquaint students with the distinctive programs of Southwestern and enable them to realize the most from a college education.
Campus Security Services
Campus Security provides ID card and vehicle services at the Information and Security Center (ISC). Security and safety patrols occur 24 hours a day. Students may request an escort from anywhere on campus to their dorm, especially during hours of darkness. Reports of theft, vandalism or other criminal or questionable activity should be filed at the ISC.
Student Counseling Services
Southwestern is concerned about each student. Faculty members are available during the week at posted hours for personal conferences. Also, students may access professional help in dealing with problems of social, emotional, or interpersonal nature. Trained counselors are available in the counseling center to help students who need free, confidential, Biblically based counseling in the following areas:
* Personal Counseling covering such issues as stress, loneliness, anger, self-esteem, and other relational, emotional, spiritual, moral and cultural problems that may arise in daily life.
* Premarital Counseling for pre-engaged or engaged couples and seminars each semester which cover such topics as conflict, communication, Biblical roles and responsibilities, finances, sexual relationships, and family devotions.
* Marriage and Family Counseling
* Personality Testing
* Support Groups
* Career Counseling
* Seminars on topics such as Grief, Boundaries in Dating, and The Positive Side of Being Single, etc.
* Referral Services to additional professional counselors.
Career Services
Southwestern's Career Services Office, located in the Barnes Student Center, provides assistance to the students and alumni in developing, evaluating, and/or implementing career, education, and employment decisions and plans. A variety of services are available to all majors and professional interests. Job Fairs and Career Days are organized to give students exposure to professionals who are looking for employees. Career Services offers a computerized career assessment, identifying personality, interests, skills and values. Assistance is available for resume writing. Internship opportunities are available for students after they have completed their first year of college. Planned seminars address needs relating to career development.
Accounting Office
The Accounting Office serves the students of Southwestern in their financial matters.
1. Statements are sent monthly to the individual who is responsible for paying the school account.
2. Limited check cashing is available for students with whom the university has had good financial experience.
3. Organizational funds are retained in this office.
4. Cost schedules and financial counseling are available.
This office can assist the student in many ways and students are encouraged to make use of these services.
Cashier
Check Cashing Policy: The Accounting Office will receipt any check, money order, traveler’s check, or cashier’s check, properly endorsed to the student's account. Due to limited cash on hand, checks in excess of $50.00 and two party checks cannot be cashed. No student checks will be cashed during the last two weeks of a semester to allow all checks to clear for payment. It is recommended that students who cash checks regularly open an account at a local bank.
Any returned check must be cleared immediately with cash, cashier’s check, or money order; no additional checks will be cashed if the returned check has not been cleared. If two checks are returned during a semester, no additional checks will be cashed during the balance of that semester.
Student Employment
Though Southwestern is unable to guarantee employment to students, the university makes every effort to aid students to find jobs either on or off campus. Work opportunities on campus are provided in the cafeteria, library, offices, residence halls, physical plant, and ground maintenance.
Many students seek outside employment to finance at least part of their expenses. Part-time jobs are available at many local businesses such as private homes, stores, shops, day- care facilities, and offices. Full and part-time employment is available in nearby Dallas and Fort Worth for students whose financial responsibilities are heavy.
Freshmen are generally encouraged to have sufficient funds to cover most of their first-year expenses. This will enable them to give sufficient time to university adjustment and to obtain employment without being under financial pressure.
Off-Campus Employment : Students seeking off-campus employment (full-time or part-time) should consult the Career Services Office, which maintains an active file of job opportunities.
Federal Work Study Employment: Students approved for Federal Work Study assistance should consult the Financial Aid Office for open positions.
Regular On-Campus Student Employment : Students interested in a position on campus should complete an employment application in the Career Services Office.
Founders Bookstore
The campus bookstore, located at Sycamore Place, carries a complete stock of all textbooks and supplies necessary for the different classes. Gift items, music, personal items, stationery, jewelry, school emblem jackets, sweaters, and assorted items are also available.
Housing Services
Therefore students derive special benefit from community life in a rich, Christian atmosphere, facilities are provided for single students under age 23 to live on the campus. A listing of the men and women’s residence halls is given in the section entitled Campus and Facilities.
Room Request Deposit : All new students and incoming transfer students will be charged a $150.00 dorm deposit. Upon registration and dorm move-in, $100 of the initial deposit will be credited to the student's account at the conclusion of late registration and proof of dormitory occupancy. If no dormitory occupancy occurs, no refund will be given. Each semester, current students wishing to request a room will pay, in advance, a non-refundable reservation fee of $50.00. Students who pre-register for the following semester have their dorm reservation fee waived. Room selection is only guaranteed until the close of the first day of registration.
Married Students: The university provides a limited number of apartments for married students. For more information, contact the Business Services Office. A variety of off-campus housing facilities also exist in the city of Waxahachie. For more information, contact the Student Services Office.
Food Services
Food services are provided in the university cafeteria and the Lion's Den snack bar in the student center. For a description of these facilities see the section entitled Campus and Facilities.
Post Office
All university mail is distributed by the campus post office. Boxes are rented to all students and are located in the James L. Barnes Student Center.
Health Services
The health care needs of Southwestern Assemblies of God University are coordinated through the Student Life Office.
Campus Nurse: Student applications at the university are surveyed by the Campus Nurse to determine health care needs that should be brought to the attention of food service personnel, directors of athletic activities, faculty, staff and/or administrators. A professional nurse services the health needs of the student body. The Campus Nurse maintains contact with a local physician. Students are referred to other qualified health care personnel for medical consultation, diagnosis, and/or treatment as necessary.
The Campus Nurse will maintain daily office hours which are posted on the Health Services Office door and will be available on-call through the Student Life office. The Health Services Office is located in the Davis Hall Student Services Center (see campus map).
The Campus Nurse is also available for consultation to all students living off-campus, faculty, staff and administration.
I nsurance: Southwestern Assemblies of God University requires medical clearance and accident insurance coverage for each student admitted. Participation in the student accident insurance program of the university is required. Accident insurance coverage purchased in the university program applies only to the semester for which the student has paid. During the summer, accident insurance will be provided by the school for students engaging in SAGU-sponsored ministry or athletic tours. It should be understood that SAGU does NOT provide a health or medical insurance program for students.
Our student accident policy is a secondary policy for varsity athletes. All varsity athletes are required to provide their own primary medical coverage to meet minimum requirements as set by SAGU. Proof of primary insurance will be required before an athlete may participate in varsity athletics.
HEW Regulations
HEW Regulations 84.21 . . . No qualified handicapped person shall, because a recipient’s facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped persons, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity provided by the university.
For further information on the HEW Handicapped regulations, contact the Office of Student Services.
Student Rights with Regard to Education Records
In compliance with Public Law 93-380, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you are hereby informed of your rights with regard to education records made at Southwestern Assemblies of God University.
• Other school officials and faculty who have legitimate educational interests have access to the records. Officials of other schools in which the student seeks to enroll will have access to these records upon the consent of the student.
• Also having access are authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, the Secretary, the Commissioner, and the Director of the National Institute of Education. In connection with a student's application for receipt of financial aid, access is granted to state and local officials or authorities to which such information is specifically required to be reported or disclosed pursuant to state statute adopted prior to November 19, 1974 (nothing in the paragraph shall prevent a state from further limiting the number or type of state or local officials who will continue to have access there-under).
• Access is granted to organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction, if such studies are conducted in such a manner as will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations and such information will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purpose for which it is conducted.
• Accrediting organizations will have access rights in order to carry out accrediting functions.
• Records may be viewed in compliance with judicial order or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena, upon condition that parents and the students are notified of all such orders or subpoenas in advance of the compliance there with by the educational institution.
• Student records will be updated each semester enrolled and course work with grades and total grade point average are figured for the semester's work.
• The student has the right to inspect his records maintained by SAGU. To do this the student must request the permanent record from the Registrar. At the student's expense, copies of information contained in the file may be obtained. Also, if the information contained in the file is determined to be incorrect, the right to a hearing to change, delete, or write explanations regarding the information in question will be granted. Should a file contain information on another student, only that information pertaining to the inquiring party will be provided.
• The student has the right to waive the option of reviewing recommendations for admission. The student opting to waive the right of inspection may sign the form "Student Waiver of Rights" provided in the Registrar's Office or sign the "Waiver of Rights" provided on the front of the recommendation forms used for admissions purposes. The student is not required to waive the right of inspection and would in no case be refused admission, or any of the services offered by Southwestern Assemblies of God University, because of failure to sign the waiver.
• The student has the right to challenge the content of his/her education records. To do this, the student should request the form "Request for Education Correction" from the Registrar's Office. After completing the form, it should be presented to the Registrar, and in the event the request is not approved, a date of hearing will be set. The student may be present during the hearing and will be notified on the day of the hearing of the action taken. A scheduled fee is charged for a copy of a transcript and $1.00 for anything else in the file.
• At the beginning of each semester during registration, opportunity will be given to withhold personal "Directory Information" from the public. Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, "Directory Information" includes a student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended. If one does not want the "Directory Information" made public, he needs only to sign the form, "Notice to Withhold Directory Information," that is available in the Registrar's Office.
Questions regarding the rights provided by Public Law 93-380, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, should be directed to the Registrar's Office.
Athletics and Intramural Program
The purpose of athletics at Southwestern is to promote and develop good physical health practices, as well as to offer an opportunity for the student to coordinate physical effort, self-discipline, and Christian testimony in the arena of sports. Team cooperation and the development of a sense of fair play are important components of this program.
Varsity sports include women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and cheerleading, men’s baseball, men’s basketball, football, and soccer. In cooperation with the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (1994), SAGU publishes an annual report on its intercollegiate varsity athletic programs. This report is available in the office of the Athletic Director.
Southwestern also has an aggressive intramural program. This program is open to the entire campus (administration, faculty, staff, and students). A wide variety of activities are involved (athletic activities, non-athletic activities, social and service activities).
Our student accident policy is a secondary policy for varsity athletes. All varsity athletes are required to provide their own primary medical coverage to meet minimum requirements as set by SAGU. Proof of primary insurance will be required before an athlete may participate in varsity athletics.
Student Organizations & Ministries
Booster Club
This club stimulates school spirit and involvement in all athletic activities.
Chi Sigma Phi
This organization promotes music ministries at the university and in the local church.
Christian Writers Fellowship
The Christian Writers Fellowship is a club designed to motivate and help writers. Creative writing of all types will be critiqued, and possible markets will be suggested. The main goal of the group is to produce the IMAGE, Southwestern’s literary magazine. Published annually, this magazine is designed to glorify God through encouraging creativity.
Music and Drama Groups
Southwestern's special music and drama ministry groups represent the university while ministering Christ in chapel, church, organizational, community and international settings. Students are encouraged to participate in these groups as they provide an excellent opportunity for Christian service while attending Southwestern.
Remnant Players: The Remnant Players is a select group chosen by audition at the beginning of each semester. They minister on a regular basis through the use of human video, skits, mime, and drama in churches of our region.
Spirit & Truth: A bilingual live music ministry team. This ministry seeks to travel nationally and internationally breaking down the walls, which divide individuals, cultures, churches, and communities from Jesus Christ.
Ministry Teams: Southwestern encourages student initiative and creativity to develop various ministries and outreaches. Students are to consult with the Director of Student Ministries before starting ministry teams. Students are expected to follow the highest standard of ministerial ethics and etiquette, and must have a sponsor. Students traveling in ministry must be approved by the Vice President for Student Services.
Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Alpha Theta is a professional society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. We seek to bring students, teachers, and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by our members.
Psi Chi Honor Society
Psi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship and advancing the science of psychology. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate men and women who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests and who meet at least the minimum standards of academic excellence required of Psi Chi membership.
Southwestern Missions Association
This missions-minded organization strives to extend the gospel of Christ at home and abroad by fostering a missionary spirit and promoting missions ministry. All students at Southwestern are considered members of SMA.
Front Line Ministries...Missions Committee: This group of student ministries and outreaches function under the auspices of the Southwestern Missions Association (SMA). Involvement by students is voluntary. Participation is usually on a weekly basis, but may include special events.
Crossfire: Crossfire is a street drama team that provides training and ministry to assist churches in evangelistic outreaches
Cutting Edge: A ministry to the homosexual community in Oak Lawn in Dallas, Texas every Friday night.
Impact Waxahachie: A volunteer group of students working to bridge the gap between SAGU and Waxahachie through community service at various events throughout the year.
Jesus Time: Jesus Time is a children's ministry led by SAGU students. Its purpose is to reach the children of Waxahachie with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
L.I.F.E.: A ministry team that reaches out to people in nursing home settings in the Waxahachie area.
Mu Kappa: Mu Kappa is an organization established for children of missionaries. It provides an opportunity for cultural adjustment and a network of encouragement, fellowship, and understanding.
Passion: Seeks to tear down the strongholds of Satan by praying for all Frontline Ministries.
Pierce: Pierce is a street ministry team dedicated to reaching out on a weekly basis to the "alternative" crowds in downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum.
Street Hope: Street Hope is a student outreach ministry committed to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ by means of street evangelism in local areas as well as downtown Dallas and the West End.
Unshackled: A prison ministry team that meets on Saturday mornings.
Student Congress
Student leaders endeavor to make Southwestern a better university by promoting Christian fellowship and cooperation among students and faculty. The Student Congress encourages spiritual activity, fosters school pride, promotes school spirit, and builds school loyalty. Students may make recommendations through the Student Congress to the Administrative Committee regarding matters of student concern.
Acts 2:42
An organization designed to provide socialization among married students and single parent students.
Classes
Each Class (Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors) elects four officers to represent it in the Student Congress.
Gold Jackets
This service organization consists of female students selected on the basis of scholarship and service to the university.
Men of Integrity
This is a service organization composed of male students who are selected on the basis of scholarship and service to the university.
MESA
This is a unified body of believers that seeks to give recognition to the various ethnic groups and cultures that are represented on our campus. They learn appreciation for the many facets of diversity within the Body of Christ while incorporating unity to advance the Kingdom of God.
Phi Beta Lambda
Phi Beta Lambda is a national organization for business students. It helps to develop competent and aggressive Christian businessmen and women.
Student Publications
Southwestern encourages students to develop their journalistic skills through school sponsored student publications. Such publications function under the supervision of administratively appointed sponsors who have the right to review all material prior to publication.
The Image
The literary magazine of Southwestern Assemblies of God University, TheImage, is a yearly publication exhibiting student, faculty, and administration writing.
The Lion's Roar
TheLion's Roar, SAGU's student newspaper, is written by students and printed once a month discussing current university news and events.
The Southwesterner
The university yearbook, the Southwesterner, provides a pictorial and journalistic review of the events of each school year.