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. We encourage students to create their own individual experience to become actively engaged in the Capital University community. Under the umbrella of Student Life, 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 any Student Affairs office when in need of assistance of any type. Our goal is to 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.
Center for Health and Wellness (University Counseling and 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 - Capital University students who are enrolled in at least one Capital University course are eligible for free counseling sessions during that semester. The Center is staffed by a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors. The Center provides individual, relational, group counseling. In addition, to outreach programming and consultation services. Crisis counseling hours are available from 9-10 am Monday through Friday.
- Disability Services - Students may request accommodations by providing documentation of their disability to the Office of Disability Services (ODS). The Disability Services Coordinator collaborates with students, professors, and advisors to aid in the implementation of services and accommodations approved for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who wish to receive assistance/accommodations from the ODS are responsible for disclosing their disability to the Disability Services Coordinator.
Career Development
The Career Development Office, located on the second floor of Blackmore Library assists Capital students (first-year students through seniors) and Capital alumni in the development and implementation of career goals. Students receive help with:
- choosing and changing majors
- 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 (PCAs). PCAs 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. Student Affairs 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.
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 serves a variety of menu options tailored to the tastes of Capital’s campus community in three dining areas (located in the Harry C. Moores Student Union): The Capital Court Main Dining Room offers everything from Asian stir-fry, to American classics and a fresh salad bar. The One Main Cafe is an American grill, deli, and a full line of Starbucks drinks. The Mezz offers a fresh made-to-order pasta, pizza and salad concept utilizing homemade sauces and dressings. The Cru Brew Cafe (located in Saylor Ackerman Lobby) proudly serves Starbucks, On-the-Go sandwiches, snacks and pastries as well as delicious smoothies.
DINING PLANS: Dining plans are required of all students living in traditional residence halls; Capital Commons, Capital University, and Sheridan Avenue Apartments and House residents can purchase an optional plan. Dining plans are only available when classes are in session, not during break periods or between semesters.
ALL First Year (freshman) and Transfer (those with 15 or fewer hours) students living on campus are required to have the 225 meal plan for the fall semester. Upper-class students can choose from three dining plans, ranging from 315 meals to 125 meals per semester. Juniors and seniors can also select the 75 meal plan.
Students will be permitted to change meal plan options only once during the current semester. No meal plan changes will be accepted after the second week of classes of each semester.
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, cash and credit purchases are accepted in all four locations. You can view the hours of operation and specialty theme meals posted in these locations or at www.capital.edu/dining.
Housing
The Residential and Commuter Life 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.
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 - Battelle Scholars, Brockman Scholars, Capital Scholars, Collegiate Fellows, Global Ambassadors and Transfer Fellowship winners are required to live in university housing and maintain campus residency. If a student decides to move off campus, the student will forfeit their scholarship, and their financial aid award will revert to what it was before the 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 (sometimes at a discount),
- 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 your ID card. Protect and secure your ID card like your social security card. If your ID card is stolen or lost, you should report the loss as soon as possible to the office of Public Safety. There is a $15 replacement fee to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged ID card. The fee must be paid in the Finance Office in Yochum Hall. You will be issued a receipt that you should take to the IT Service Desk located in Blackmore Library. Non-functioning cards that are not visibly damaged will be replaced free of charge, provided the old card is returned. ID card service is available Monday-Friday, 8:30-6:00 PM. Special arrangements can be made for ID services after 6:00 PM on a case-by-case basis. 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, 61 on the IBT TOEFL with specific sub scores, 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. $500,000; 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 to five 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, but with five terms per year 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.”
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, located on the first floor of the Harry C. Moores Student Union, has two primary emphases: 1) university-wide implementation of diversity initiatives; and 2) student programming and support services. The director of Diversity of Inclusion 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.
Other services provided through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion include:
- Academic and personal support services
- Student advocacy
- Peer Mentor Program
- Smooth Transitions, a pre-orientation program
Office of Student and Community Engagement
The Office of Student and Community Engagement (SCE), www.capital.edu/student-activities/ located on the first floor of the Harry C. Moores Student Union, is dedicated to providing opportunities for students to become productive citizens through the creation of a vibrant, synergistic, learning-based student life community. Through this community, students strive to create programs, services, community partnerships, and resources that contribute to their intellectual, cultural, social, moral, ethical, and emotional growth and exploration while encouraging self-governance. In doing so, students engage in a wide and diverse range of initiatives within the University and broader community that contributes to their foundation for lifelong learning. The Office of Student and Community Engagement supports and supplements the institution’s mission through programs, resources, services, and a mutual-collegial relationship with campus offices to support students’ formal academic work.
The functional areas within the Office of Student and Community Engagement are Activity Management and Programming (AMP), Community Engagement, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Leadership Development, Orientation, Student Government, and Student Organizations.
Activity Management and Programming (AMP)
AMP sponsors a wide range of quality and diversity social, cultural, and educational programs on campus, including nationally known comedians and music performers, week-night entertainment events. In addition, AMP sponsors annual special events such as Back at Cap Week, Homecoming, and Family Weekend.
Community Engagement
Becoming involved in the local community is a trademark of many Capital students! The SCE is committed to providing students a variety of outlets for community engagement and service-learning. From Saturday Service events, to Awareness Weeks, to our Annual Crusader Day of Service, Capital students are engaged in contributing to their communities, finding causes and issues that matter to them, and working towards creating a better community for all that share it. The SCE works with faculty and a variety of community groups and agencies to provide service-learning classes.
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Capital University’s fraternity and sorority community continues its proud 60-year history. This established community offers a wide variety of opportunities that are different than other student organizations. These are values-based organizations that strive to make men better men and women better women. Students involved in fraternity and sorority life live their fraternal and personal values every day for the betterment of themselves, others, and their communities. Members traditionally exceed the all undergraduate campus GPA, and generally are more involved with other student organizations and the community. The University is home to 11 social fraternities and sororities that are affiliated with the Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Conference, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Each Fall semester our organizations participate in formal recruitment or intake for new members to join.
Leadership Development
Leadership Development gives students the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in their organization or life after college. The different areas in Leadership are the LEAD Program, Spring Leadership Conference, Leadership Awards Ceremony, and the Distinguished Senior Leader Awards. Each program focuses on the development, success, and recognition of student leadership.
Orientation
New Student Orientation is Capital’s initiative to transition students to college. Orientation programs prepare students for the Capital experience and give them the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, fellow new students, and current Capital students. Summer Orientation happens throughout the summer leading up to a student’s first-semester. The Welcome Weekend assists students with move-in, educational programs, and social programs for our students to be engaged with the campus community. There is also a Winter Welcome Program for all new students starting their Capital journey in the spring.
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.
Student Organizations
Capital University is home to over 80 student organizations, each with different purposes, values, and ideals to cater to different student backgrounds, vocations, majors, and more. The different categories of our organizations include, Academic and Professional, Arts and Media, Cultural, Fraternities and Sororities, Honor Societies, Intramural Sports, Religious, Service and Social and Political. Each organization was created for educational purposes that support the vision and goals of the institution. Additionally, they provide students the opportunity for personal growth, leadership development, and the building of life long friendships and more!
Spiritual Life and Worship
As an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Capital University fosters a climate of ecumenical and inter-religious relations. This reflects the diversity of our student body, as well as the administrators, faculty and staff members. Capital is committed to the development of the whole person and whole community.
Weekly Chapel is an ecumenical service held during the day on Wednesdays so that students, faculty and staff can have a common time of worship together.
Student organizations within Campus Ministries offer evening worship events, Bible studies, and outreach opportunities for students. This includes CCO, CRU, Young Life, and the Catholic Student Organization - which sponsors Catholic Mass on campus twice a month. The Inter-Faith Organization draws together people of various religious backgrounds for education and mutual understanding.
Capital partners with Christ Lutheran Church on Main Street for students who are looking for a home-away-from-home congregation.
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. The minimum requirements to participate in study abroad are: completion of at least a term at Capital University, a 2.50 GPA (some programs may have higher requirements) and a positive disciplinary record at the university. Study abroad selections should not be in a country where there is a U.S. State Department warning unless approved by the university. 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 an observational clinical in community health and psychiatric health in Sweden and Scotland. The student’s academic adviser will be prepared to counsel the nursing student on how to apply to this program.
- Capital University Intercultural Student Teaching Program allows education majors to meet part of their senior, student teaching requirements in one of seventeen different countries.
- 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.
- There are many opportunities to study in programs that are not run by Capital University. Popular options can be found at www.capital.edu/study abroad.
- 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.
The Harry C. Moores Student Union
The Harry C. Moores Student Union offers a variety of services and facilities for the campus and is a major focal point for university activities. The Student Union houses lounge areas; computers; Dining Service; Cabaret Theatre; The Mezz; One Main Cafe; the University Bookstore; Campus Mail Services; Student Government and AMP offices.; conference and meeting rooms; Conference Services Office; Office of Student and Community Engagement; Residential and Commuter Life; the Dean of Studies and the Associate Provost to Academic and Student Affairs. |