Student Life
Capital University offers opportunities for engagement with faculty, staff and students outside the classroom experience. Student Affairs provides numerous programs, services, student engagement opportunities, and campus organizations that contribute to the intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual growth and development of students. Our goal in Student Affairs is to provide an accepting, encouraging and supportive environment for student success and living and learning. We encourage students to create their own individual experience to become actively engaged in the Capital University community. Actively engaged students learn and develop as leaders, serve the community, enhance interpersonal and professional skills, and develop friendships that place them on their path to success at Capital University and beyond.
Students are encouraged to call or visit when in need of assistance of any type. We will partner with you to ensure that your Capital University experience is a rich and rewarding time in your life. The following are some of the programs and services we encourage students to utilize during their time at Capital.
Accident and Sickness Insurance
Traditional Undergraduate Student Health Insurance. Capital University is pleased to provide students with a comprehensive form of accident and sickness insurance, underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA, for the 2012-2013 school year.
Capital University requires all students registered six or more credit hours to automatically be enrolled in the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan. Fees for this insurance are included on the student’s tuition bill. Students who are currently insured by a health insurance policy (i.e., their own or through their parent’s) may waive the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan. Waivers need to be completed online prior to September 7, 2012. If you do not complete the online waiver, you will automatically be assessed a single student insurance premium on your student invoice.
Please note all waiver information will be verified by a third party agency, with your insurance company as part of the insurance verification process. If insurance status cannot be verified, the waiver will be revoked and the insurance premium will remain on your student account.
No waivers will be accepted after September 7, 2012, the last day of Add/Drop for the term. If the waiver deadlines are ignored, you will be responsible for the insurance premium. Your insurance charge will not be removed from your tuition bill without an approved waiver.
The online waiver can be accessed at www.studentinsurance.com.
Center for Health and Wellness
The Harry C. Moores Campus Center offers a variety of services and facilities for the campus and is a major focal point for university activities. The Campus Center houses lounge areas; a computer lab; Dining Service; Cabaret Theatre; The Mezz; Crusader Club; the University Bookstore; Campus Mail Services; student organization offices; conference and meeting rooms; the Recreation Center with, billiards, ping-pong and video games facilities; the university switchboard; the Information Desk; Conference Services Office; Career Development; Student and Community Engagement Office; Residential and Commuter Life; Associate Provost to Academic and Student Affairs; Dean of Students Office.
Campus Health Services
The Center for Health and Wellness (CHW) located in the Kline Building, 2311 E. Main Street, offers free medical, counseling, and disability services to all students who are enrolled at Capital University.
- Medical Services - The CHW physician and certified nurse practitioners test for and treat a variety of illnesses, including but not limited to, strep throat, bronchitis, influenza, ear infections, skin rashes, and urinary tract infections. They offer gynecological exams and birth control, blood draws, physicals, and health promotion and disease prevention materials and brochures. Additionally, on-site testing, including sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, urinalysis and TB, are available at a nominal fee. Walk-in hours and scheduled appointments are available Monday-Friday.
- Counseling Services - All Capital students are eligible for 10 free counseling sessions per academic year, or 15 when enrolled year-round. Licensed mental health clinicians provide individual, relationship, and group counseling services, in addition to outreach programming and consultation services. Emergency counseling services are made available daily.
- Disability Services - The Office of Disability Services collaborates with students and professors to aid in the implementation of services and accommodations approved for students with disabilities. Students may request accommodations by providing documentation of their disability to the Coordinator of Disability Services for review (see Students and Disabilities for more specific information).
Career Development
The Career Development Office, located in the lower level of the Campus Center, assists Capital students (first-year students through seniors) and Capital alumni in the development and implementation of career goals. Students receive help with:
- selecting a major
- assessing interests and career values
- locating and applying for internships, part-time jobs and summer positions
- researching career and employment options
- writing resumes and cover letters
- finding full-time positions
- interviewing
- applying to graduate and professional schools
Students can make appointments to see the assistant director or the director of Career Development; they can also meet with Peer Career Advisers (PCA’s). PCA’s are current students who, after completing a Career Development training sequence, assist their peers with writing resumes and cover letters and finding appropriate resources.
Citizenship / Community Expectations
Capital University has established expectations that are designed to protect individual freedoms and build a strong collaborative, ethical and just community of learners. All Capital students assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an educational community. We also understand that living and learning in a community is not without difficult dialogues, personal challenges, differences of opinions and perspectives and that often we need support, opportunities to reflect and guidance. The Dean of Students is charged with helping all learners live in community that is civil and promotes effective citizenship.
All Capital students, faculty and staff have a responsibility to understand the Student Code of Conduct, the Academic Integrity Policy, as well as policies, practices and procedures identified in the Student Handbook. Whether in the classroom, outside of the classroom, in an off campus residence, on a Capital or student organization sponsored trip or in the Bexley community, all students are obligated to know the Code and abide by community standards of integrity, responsibility, respect, fairness and community.
Co-curricular Activities
Debate Team: Intercollegiate debate competition includes participation in NDT, CEDA, ADA and NEDA debate featuring travel to as many as 16 tournaments per year. In addition, on-campus debate opportunities include public forum debates, various civic engagement projects, and active sponsorship of an Urban Debate League series for middle school and high school students in the Columbus Metropolitan area. Participation is open to all Capital students regardless of prior experience.
After two years of intercollegiate competition and outstanding academic performance, team members are eligible for induction to the national academic honorary DSR-TKA, and original charter member of the National Association of Academic Honoraries along with Order of the Coif and PBK.
WXCU Radio: WXCU, Radio Free Capital, was voted the “Best Student Run Internet Only Radio Station” by the College Music Journal in 2007. The station is led by an all-student management team and features a commercial-style alternative format. Involvement in the station and management team is open to students of all majors, and freshmen can be trained on the equipment and working as part of WXCU during their first weeks at Capital University.
Intercollegiate Athletics: Capital University is a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III. Capital offers athletic programs for men in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis and track (indoor and outdoor); and programs for women in basketball, cross country, golf, softball, soccer, tennis, track (indoor and outdoor), and volleyball. There is also a performance team (cheerleading) supervised by the athletic department. The intercollegiate athletic program is advised by the faculty, which monitors the eligibility rules governing membership on athletic teams. Students with exceptional skills who are interested in participating in the intercollegiate athletic program for men and women are subject to Athletic Department and team rules established for each specific sport.
Intramural Athletics: The intramural program at Capital University is designed primarily for the large majority of students who do not participate in the intercollegiate athletic program of the university. It provides for physical development, exercise, competition, social interaction and just plain fun!
With this in mind, a diverse program of activities is offered each season of the year, with the hope that every student will find some form of recreation which will appeal to his/her particular interest.
Intramural activities have included: basketball, softball, volleyball, football, 3- on-3 tournaments, competitions, sand volleyball, weight lifting, and aerobics.
Musical Activities: Capital University musical groups are open to both full- and part-time students, regardless of major, based on an audition process. To audition, contact the ensemble director or the Conservatory Office for more information. Successful participation in a total of three credits of ensembles, or a combination of ensembles and private lessons, fulfills the University general studies requirement in Fine Arts. Ensemble and lesson options are listed in the Conservatory section of this bulletin under “ENSEMBLES” and “LESSONS.”
Skyline Columbus: Capital students produce and host this award-winning cable TV show each week during the academic year. The show consists of interviews taped in the campus TV studio, along with segments produced on locations around Central Ohio. Students can earn academic credit for working on the show as producers, camera operators, on-camera hosts, audio mixers, stage managers and technical directors. This activity is sponsored by the Communication Department and is open to students in any major.
Theatre: Capital University Theatre stages major productions every year. At times, one production is written and/or directed by a Capital student. University Theatre is open to all students, regardless of major, and to members of the community.
Department of Public Safety
The mission of the Department of Public Safety at Capital is to provide a safe and secure environment for the university community by enforcing the laws of the United States of America, the State of Ohio, the City of Bexley and the rules and regulations of Capital University.
Dining Facilities
Personal Relationships…Exceptional Culinary Experiences. Everyday, Parkhurst Dining Services serves a variety of menu options tailored to the tastes of Capital’s campus community in three dining areas (located in theHarry C. Moores Campus Center): The Capital Court Main Dining Room offers everything from Asian stir-fry, to American classics and a fresh salad bar. The Cru Club is an American grill and deli. The Mezz offers Mediterranean style options. The Cru-Brew Cafe (located in Saylor Ackerman Lobby) proudly serves Starbucks, On-the-Go sandwiches, snacks and pastries as well as delicious smoothies.
For those undergraduate students living in university housing, one of our board plans is required.
For commuter students, meal plans are available for purchase on the Capital University website, at www.capital.edu/30201/. If you have any questions concerning the Capital Bucks meal plans, please call the Dining Services office at 614-236-7100 and we will be happy to assist you. Capital Bucks and cash purchases are accepted in all four locations. You can view the hours of operation and specialty theme meals posted in these locations.
Housing
The Residence Life and Housing program is an integral part of the educational experience at Capital University. Undergraduate students who are officially enrolled full-time in classes at Capital University are required to live in university residence halls, apartments, or houses managed through the Residential and Commuter Life Office, unless they have received an approved released from the housing requirement. The Residence Life staff works collaboratively with students to create a living and learning environment that supports academic and personal development. Students are responsible for becoming familiar with the policies and procedures as outlined in the Capital University Student Handbook.
For residency purposes, a Commuter is defined as any student who has an approved release from the housing requirement, per the criteria listed below. A Resident is defined as any student who is or will be living in the Capital University residence halls, apartments, or houses managed through the Residential and Commuter Life Office.
Capital University recognizes that some students may live within the area or have other circumstances that may make them eligible to apply to reside off-campus. The following is a list of those eligibility requirements:
- Age 22 or above
- Completed 60 credit hours by the start of next semester
- Married (marriage certificate required)
- Live with parents/court appointed guardians in permanent residency within 30 miles of the campus (This information will be verified with the Office of Admission/Registrar). Please note, the 30 mile requirement for release becomes effective with students entering Capital University Fall 2012 semester.
- Special Accommodations: Diagnosis of an ongoing health-related issue requiring special living accommodations that University housing cannot reasonably provide (supporting documentation and registration wit the Office of Disability Services required).
- Extenuating Circumstances: Change in Financial Status which demonstrates a hardship if the student is required to live on campus. (Student must schedule a meeting with the Office of Financial Aid for a review.)
Housing Release Process:
Students who desire to live off-campus for the Fall semester must complete and submit an On-Line Housing Release Request on or before July 1. Students who desire to live off-campus for the Spring semester must complete and submit an On-Line Housing Release Request on or before December 1. If there is a change in residency status, students must request a Financial Aid Estimator through the Office of Financial Aid. Please note that applications from resident students requesting a Spring Release will only be considered for those students who have documented extenuating circumstances which demonstrate a possible risk or hardship if the student is required to live on campus.
Requests will be evaluated and students will receive written notification of their release status. Students are strongly cautioned against signing a lease before receiving official notification that they have been released from the Residency Requirement. Those who fail to meet University criteria for residing off-campus will be assigned to the University room and board plan and billed accordingly, whether or not they select to physically reside or eat on campus.
Please note - Collegiate Fellows (or Capital Scholars) are required to live in university housing and maintain campus residency. If a student decides to move off campus, they will forfeit the Collegiate Fellowship (Capital Scholars), and their financial aid award will rev ert back to what it was before the CF (CS) award.
Identification Cards
Current students are eligible to receive a Capital University Identification card (ID). New incoming students should check with their enrollment unit to obtain information for acquiring their own ID. A current identification card:
- identifies students as someone authorized to be on campus
- serves as a student’s meal pass;
- admits students to most campus events,
- serves as a student’s library card,
- grants students access to some campus buildings,
- may be used to obtain student discounts where offered.
Never bend, break, or punch a hole in the ID card. There is a $25 replacement fee to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged ID card. The fee must be paid in the Finance Office in Yochum Hall. The student will be issued a receipt that should be taken to the IT Service Desk (lower level of Blackmore Library). Non-functioning cards that are not visibly damaged will be replaced free of charge, provided the old card is returned. All ID cards are available during IT Service Desk operating hours. For more information, contact IT via e-mail: servicedesk@capital.edu, telephone: 614-236-6508, or by visiting www.capital.edu/IT.
International Students
International students are an important part of Capital University. Capital is aware that international students will make significant contributions in countries around the world. While they are on campus, they provide an important perspective to the education of U.S. students. Capital has students from more than 35 countries.
International students pay the same fees and must meet most of the same admission criteria as American students. In addition, international students need a TOEFL score of at least 500-paper based, 173-computer based or 61 on the ibt TOEFL, to ensure that they can experience success in the classroom.
International students and their dependents on Capital’s I-20 or DS-2019 designation must meet the university’s health insurance requirements, which minimally require major medical coverage of U.S. $100,000; medical evacuation coverage of U.S. $50,000 and repatriation of remains at U.S. $25,000. Capital University works with the Lewer Agency, Inc., to provide coverage. Requests for waivers must be approved by the International Education Office.
The Office of International Education offers support services to students such as personal counseling, advice about immigration regulations, tutoring help, vocational counseling and workshops. In addition, each student has an academic adviser who assists him or her with decisions affecting course work.
The International Student Association provides peer support and social activities to students from abroad and sponsors educational events, such as an international fair for the entire campus. U.S. students also are encouraged to join and participate.
Capital’s ESL (English-as-a-Second-Language) program offers intensive instruction of up to 20 classroom hours per week at three different levels for non-native speakers of English to prepare them for university study. The basic skill areas are covered: reading, writing, grammar, listening and speaking. American culture and study skills are incorporated in the coursework. Individualized experiences are provided in the conversation partner program and in tutorials. After achieving the necessary language proficiency in the ESL program, students may choose to apply to Capital University. ESL students who are at the advanced level and who have also applied to the undergraduate program and who are close to the required TOEFL level may take courses at Capital University with the approval of the ESL director and the course instructor. The ESL program follows the academic calendar and the language students are invited to participate in the activities of the university.
Motor Vehicles
All vehicles parking on university property must be registered with the university and display a university parking permit (F, S, D, O, W) in a clearly visible and easily readable location of the front windshield. All student permits must now be paid online. Payment will no longer be accepted in the Public Safety office. After completing the online purchase procedure the student should print out two receipts, one to keep for their records and one to be turned in at the time of application in the public safety office. Public Safety is located at 661 College Avenue, and business hours are 8:00 a.m. until midnight weekdays, closed weekends. Visitors and guests of the University must get a visitor pass at no charge from Public Safety. It is their host’s responsibility to see that they have one.
All first-year resident students and some second-year resident students are limited to the O-lot, or off-campus parking lot, located two blocks from main campus Nelson Road and Richard Street. O-lot permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. If your request is to be put on back-order, that means your name will be placed on a waiting list and you will be contacted if and when a space becomes available. Students can get to and from the O-lot aboard the campus shuttle. Weather permitting, the shuttle runs its assigned route—which includes the O-lot— every weekday from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from the O-lot back to the main campus from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., so returning students can re-park their vehicles and return to campus. Students returning after shuttle hours may park in a main campus student lot until 8:00 a.m. the next class day. The student shuttle pickup is located at the NW front door of Schaaf Hall on College Avenue.
For additional regulations, see current edition of “Motor Vehicle Regulations.”
Multicultural Affairs
The Office of Multicultural Affairs has two primary emphases: 1) university-wide implementation of diversity initiatives; and 2) student programming and support services. The director of Multicultural Affairs works with university administration, staff and faculty to provide programming, training and input in policy making to provide an environment that is reflective of the diverse population within the university community and one that is welcoming and comfortable for everyone. Services of the office include offering resources, support and leadership development for student organizations and hosting cultural-specific programming. Eleven student groups are affiliated with the office including Students for the Advancement of Afrikan American Culture; Students of Latino Affinity; Asian American Alliance; and three historically black Greek organizations.
Other services provided through the Office of Multicultural Affairs include:
- Academic and personal support services
- Student advocacy
- Peer Mentor Program
- Smooth Transitions, a pre-orientation program
Religious Life and Worship
As an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Capital University believes that the religious, social, racial and ethnic diversity of the campus community is an ideal environment in which to celebrate with the implications of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
While the tradition and heritage of the university is distinctively Lutheran, all religious programming is governed by the principle that different groups of believers will do everything together that they can, and respectfully do separately those things that their doctrines and traditions do not encourage them to do together.
In this spirit, Capital offers Sunday worship, Wednesday chapel, Thursday evening worship, Biblical and life education opportunities, service opportunities and pastoral counseling in a cooperative, ecumenical way. There are also regular opportunities for distinctive experiences (Lutheran Eucharist, Catholic mass, etc.). Capital is committed to the development of the whole person and a whole community.
Student and Community Engagement Office
The Student and Community Engagement Office is located on the first floor of the Harry C. Moores Campus Center. The office is primarily responsible for providing social, educational, cultural, recreational and community service programs for students. The staff are available for individual consultation as well as leadership development and programming workshops for student organizations. The Student Involvement Office works with fraternity/sorority life and is involved in recruitment and new member education. This office also administers the new student orientation program.
Services include: leadership development, registering on-campus student involvement, community engagement, and compiling a master calendar of student activities.
University Programming,fraternity and sorority governing councils, and Student Government are a few of the major organizations that work in conjunction with Student and community staff members.
Student Organizations
Greek-letter organizations: Capital plays host to a myriad Greek-letter organizations. There are three primary niches within the fraternity/sorority community. The Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the Inter-Sorority Council (ISC) exist to unify and govern its member organizations by providing unified programming that advances fellowship, leadership, service and scholarship by establishing and enforcing high standards, and by developing transparent, trusting relationships with key constituents. Within Interfraternity Council there are four general fraternities (Kappa Sigma Upsilon—local, Alpha Sigma Phi—national, and Phi Kappa Psi—national) and Sigma Alpha Beta, a local service focused co-ed fraternity. The Inter-Sorority Council represents four sororities Alpha Sigma Alpha, Phi Sigma Sigma, Delta Phi Epsilon-national, PiPhi Epsilon-local. Additionally, Capital students have the opportunity to seek membership in one of three historically African-American fraternities and sororities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., or Delta Sigma Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Publications: Capital University publishes two student publications. Any student can become a member of the staff or submit material to these publications.
The Chimes —the weekly newspaper
The ReCap —the literary and arts magazine
Student Government: Student Government serves as the chief liaison between the student body, administration and faculty. The mission of Student Government is to respond to the needs of the campus community and to remain fully engaged in the issues which affect the university. Members of student government are elected by the student body every spring. During these elections, a president and vice president ticket is chosen and thirty student representatives are elected to the Student Senate.
University Programming: University Programming sponsors a wide range of quality and diverse social, cultural and educational programs on campus, including nationally known comedians and music performers, weekly Wicked Wednesday night entertainment series, movies, lecturers and block parties. In addition, UP sponsors annual special events like Homecoming and Kids’ and Sibs’ weekend. Any student may become a member by serving as a volunteer.
Student Records Policy
Capital University complies with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act as amended. A copy of the university’s student records policy may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office or the Dean of Students.
Study Abroad
Capital provides several opportunities for students to study overseas. Many students have found that studying in another country not only enhances their intellectual and social skills, but also makes them more attractive to prospective employers. Capital’s programs include, but are not limited to:
- Capital University in Hungary program. This study-abroad program is offered at the Kodály Institute and is available to junior and senior music majors. All classes are taught in English. This program is offered in the fall.
- International Study in Nursing offers a study-abroad exchange program during the fall term of the senior year. Current offerings include a community health program in Sweden and Scotland. The student’s academic adviser will be prepared to counsel the nursing student on how to apply to this program.
- International Study in Social Work offers an exchange program in Sweden during the fall term of the senior year. Current offerings provide an internship program that meets degree requirements for the program.
- Each year different faculty offer short-term study abroad programs in different locations.
- The Central College Program. These opportunities are geared to students who want to intensify their language skills. Programs are offered for a semester or a year in France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Great Britain and the Netherlands.
- American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS). The American Institute for Foreign Study provides study locations in Australia, Austria, Great Britain, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Russia for a semester or year. Shorter summer traveling programs in economics, political science and the humanities also are available.
The international office contains information about many additional semester, yearlong and summer study abroad opportunities.
Students should meet with the study abroad adviser to understand and comply with the study abroad procedures. A Study Abroad Final Checklist must be completed and returned to the Office of International Education the semester before enrollment. The deadline to return Course Approval Forms and the Budget Worksheet is November 1 for spring semester programs and April 1 for fall and summer programs.
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