STUDENT GUIDE | 2026 - 2027
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WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT
CU NEW STUDENT GUIDE Life at CU
I am delighted you have chosen to attend Cumberland University. Transitioning to college life can be a bit overwhelming, and I want to make sure you have the tools you need to be successful throughout your college career and beyond.
History & Traditions Athletics New Student Orientation Stay Connected
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University Services
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Academic Excellence
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University Policies
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Additional Info Campus Map and Parking Need to Know Info Abbreviations Guide
Cumberland is a tight-knit community, and we’re excited that you are now part of our family.
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LIFE AT CU History & Traditions Athletics Rise Weekend Campus Connections University Life
This guide will help you through the process of becoming a CU student and will be a resource for you long after your Rise Weekend. College is an important time in your life, and I encourage you to make the most of your time at CU. Get involved in campus events and organizations, connect with your professors and classmates, take on leadership roles and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. The CU community is filled with individuals who want to see you succeed, so ask questions, learn as much as you possibly can and soak it all in. Welcome to our beautiful campus. I look forward to meeting you in person. It’s time to rise!
Stay Connected Cumberland.edu @CumberlandUniversity @Cumberlandu
Dr. Paul Stumb Cumberland University President
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@Cumberlandu @Cumberlandu
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Pride
Mission Statement
HISTORY
Founded in 1842, Cumberland University holds a unique place in American history as one of the oldest liberal arts universities in the South. Cumberland was impacted by The Civil War when University Hall was burned to the ground during Union occupancy. After the destruction, a Cumberland alumnus wrote the Latin phrase “E Cineribus Resurgo” which translates to “I rise again from the ashes.” Thus, from the ashes, the mythical phoenix became Cumberland’s enduring symbol which inspires the university to rise, endure, prosper, and illuminate the world. Cumberland University continues to rise and make the world a better place through excellence in teaching, dedication to scholarship, creativity, collaboration, compassion, and outreach. Cumberland’s alumni include 21 governors, more than 80 members of the United States Congress, two United States Supreme Court Justices, three United States ambassadors, a United States Secretary of State and a founder of the United Nations. Additionally, influential figures in the Civil Rights Movement like educator, social activist, and founder of the Highlander Folk School Myles Horton graduated from Cumberland. For more than 180 years, students who attend Cumberland University discover who they are, who they want to become and how they want to leave their mark on the world. The heart of the Phoenix burns even brighter with every graduate who walks across the stage at Commencement. Together, they use their unique Cumberland experiences to shape the world around them. Their legacies reach far beyond their time at Cumberland, and their ongoing commitment to excellence, scholarship and service will continue to inspire and impact the world for centuries to come.
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TRADITIONS Convocation
The Convocation ceremony is a ritual signaling the beginning of your college career, similar to how the Commencement ceremony serves as a ritual to mark the completion of your college career. You’ll hear welcoming messages and advice from university administrators, including the President, Provost and President of the Student Government Association.
Heart of the Phoenix Every year at the Convocation ceremony, students, faculty and staff are asked to write down any fears or concerns they have about the upcoming semester, and are then asked to commit them to the flame in the fire pit. In doing this, we believe we are stronger than the trials we may face and will rise to meet our greatest potential.
Colloquium Each fall, CU hosts an annual research colloquium for students, faculty and staff to share their academic research on a wide variety of topics. This event is a great opportunity for you to experience presenting on a topic you’re passionate about as well as hear about a variety of topics from surviving a rattlesnake bite to wedding planning.
Homecoming Homecoming is a savored tradition, and Cumberland is no different. Each fall, students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community members gather to attend the Homecoming football game and see the crowning of the Homecoming Court. The weekend is full of activities and opportunities to show your CU pride.
The mission of Cumberland University is to provide a personalized, high quality, value based educational experience that equips learners to lead, serve, and excel in an ever evolving world.
Vision Statement To transform lives through the power of education.
Core Values Our university motto “I will arise” brought life to our university symbol, the Phoenix. Through this motto, our pledge to one another is that we will rise to endure, prosper, and illuminate the world for centuries to come. This idea is the spark that continues to transform our university today. Together, WE ARISE.
We believe in...
The Cumberland Alma Mater
The Cumberland Mascot
Hail, all hail to Cumberland, Sing her praises ever To her mem’ry ever true, We’ll forsake her never Like the Phoenix from the ashes, She arose to live again Ever glorious as before, Both today and ever more.
The Phoenix is our enduring symbol to rise. In 1864 the original Memorial Hall was burned to the ground during the Civil War. In the ashes and ruins, a Cumberland student wrote the Latin phrase “resurgam” which translates to “I shall rise again.” Our mascot is a reminder of Cumberland’s ability to rise above challenges, like the Phoenix from the ashes.
The Cumberland Creed Academic honesty is essential to effective learning. Therefore, we as seekers of knowledge abide by these key values: personal integrity, individual worth, critical and independent thinking, discipline, community responsibility and accountability.
Integrity & Grit Intellectual, Personal, Professional & Spiritual Growth Critical Thinking & Communication Skills
#I tsTimetoRise
Assessment Based Continuous Improvement Appreciation for the Liberal Arts and the Cultures of the World Creating Value within our Community
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ATHLETICS
We are Phoenix! Cumberland rallies behind 35 men’s and women’s athletic teams that rise and compete for conference and national championships. In the game or in the stands you become part of the winning team. Attendance is free with your CU student ID!
MEN VARSITY SPORTS • Baseball
• Powerlifting
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Bowling
• Tennis
• Cross Country
• Track and Field
• Football
• Volleyball
• Golf
• Wrestling
WOMEN’S VARSITY SPORTS • Basketball
• Soccer
• Bowling
• Softball
• Cross Country
• Tennis
• Golf
• Track and Field
• Flag Football
• Volleyball
Rise Weekend is designed to prepare you for your time at CU and provide you with the resources and information you need to successfully navigate the college experience. Rise Weekend kicks off with new student move-in, and includes a mix of both informative sessions and fun activities to get you acquainted with your new home.
Expectations • Be on time for all orientation sessions.
• Keep cell phones on vibrate or silent.
• Meet someone new, get to know your fellow Phoenixes.
• Be open to learning, we’re all here to help you!
• Carry orientation materials with you.
• Be respectful of others.
• Wear your name tag, we’re excited to get to know you!
• No alcohol, smoking, vaping, drugs, or weapons allowed.
• Have FUN!
Questions? Email retention@cumberland.edu
• Powerlifting
COED VARSITY SPORTS • Competitive Cheer
CLUB SPORTS • Dance • Esports
JV SPORTS • Baseball • Men’s Basketball • Men’s Soccer • Men’s Volleyball • Softball • Women’s Basketball • Women’s Soccer • Women’s Volleyball
BAND • Home of the Phoenix Marching Band
Check out the full athletic schedule at gocumberlandathletics.com/calendar 5
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STAY CONNECTED As a Cumberland University student, you have access to different technology and communication that will enhance your college experience.
CU CENTRAL
As a student, you are expected to check your university email address frequently and respond to emails from professors and staff in a timely and professional manner.
CU Central is available on all smartphones and tablets and is used as a resource for all things CU. In addition to receiving important campus updates, the app is also used for attendance to scan into various events for class credit and extra credit. Once you’ve logged into the app, you can select the icon in the top left hand corner to scan QR codes at campus events.
You should already have access to your Cumberland email account. If you do not, or are having issues logging into your account, you can email IT support at support@cumberland.edu.
RAVE GUARDIAN At Cumberland, we go above and beyond to take care of you, because each of you matters.
TALK CAMPUS Cumberland’s mission to help students thrive begins with your mental health and well-being. The TalkCampus app is a peer-to-peer resource allowing you to share, connect, and feel understood.
Rave Guardian is an app that allows campus security to send each of you a direct alert to your phone via text message and email about any event, including weather, that may threaten your safety.
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD APPS Follow @cu_aroundcampus for all Student Life updates and upcoming events. 7
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We’re here to help.
All campus offices are student-centered and here to help you reach your goals. If you have any questions during your time at CU, don’t hesitate to reach out to any office or service via phone, email or appointment.
Career Services and Internships Learning & Career Commons, Office 225 careerservices@cumberland.edu 615-547-1308
Counseling Services Labry Hall 225 echristian@cumberland.edu 615-547-1397
Accessibility Services Labry Hall 226 mcurtis@cumberland.edu 615-547-1286
Registrar Memorial Hall Suite 104 records@cumberland.edu 615-547-1342
Financial Aid Memorial Hall Suite 108 financialaid@cumberland.edu 615-547-1399
Information Technology (IT Help Desk)
Labry Hall 010 support@cumberland.edu 615-547-1240
Post Office
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Mitchell Student Center, Bottom Floor postoffice@cumberland.edu 615-547-1411
The Office of Career Services and Internships supports students and alumni in the development and achievement of career decisions and goals. They provide resources to enhance students’ knowledge in the areas of career exploration, job search skills, and information on employment and internship opportunities.
Residence Life
The Counseling Center offers a solution-focused brief therapy model wherein students may be seen for less than six visits at no charge. This model is designed to help students highlight their ability to solve problems, focusing on short-term goals, learning effective means of resolving concerns and developing strategies for achieving goals.
Retention and TN Promise Support
The Office of Accessibility provides eligible students with documented disabilities equal access to Cumberland University academic and physical environments through reasonable accommodations.
Security
The Office of the Registrar provides you with the information, paperwork, records and transcripts to ensure you meet your graduation goal.
The Office of Financial Aid provides you with information so you understand what sources of financial aid are available to you, and how to apply for financial aid. They help you apply for and receive student loans, grants, scholarships, and other types of financial aid. Within the Office of Financial Aid, the Office of Student Services handles all student billing and payment plans.
The Office of Information Technology services student, staff, and faculty networks while also supporting software and computer needs.
The University Post Office serves residential students who receive and send mail and packages from both on and off-campus sources.
The Office of Residence Life provides a safe and supportive oncampus residential environment, while assisting with social and personal individualized growth.
Labry Hall 131 reslife@cumberland.edu 615-547-1225
Learning and Career Commons 202, 203, 205 & 212 retention@cumberland.edu 615-453-6344
Mitchell Student Center, Bottom Floor slewis@cumberland.edu 615-476-3061
Student Life
The Office of Student Retention and TN Promise Support provides you assistance, reminders and academic counseling to ensure you are receiving the support you need to succeed academically and reach your goal of earning a bachelor’s degree at CU.
CU Security serves as the primary first responder to all emergency incidents on campus and also works in conjunction with local police, fire, and emergency medical services to resolve emergency situations that may arise.
The Office of Student Life works to create and offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of all CU students and ensures a respectful, caring, inclusive environment. They help you shape the exciting college experience we believe every student should have.
Labry Hall 126 studentlife@cumberland.edu 615-547-1390
Student Success Learning and Career Commons 122 custudentsuccess@cumberland.edu 615-547-1238
The Office of Student Success serves as a resource for Cumberland University students in need of tutoring.
Vise Library
The mission of Vise Library is to provide a welcoming environment in which Cumberland University students, faculty, and staff are assured they can obtain the information, resources and services they need for educational, career, and personal growth.
Vise Library library@cumberland.edu 615-547-1299
For more information on each office and service, visit
www.cumberland.edu/offices-services. 10
Academic Calendar The academic calendar is where you will find all of the important dates for the year. From the first day of classes to commencement, you’ll know what to expect and when.
Aug. 24: First day of class
Sep. 7: University Closed, Labor Day
Oct. 9: Midterm grades due
Nov. 23-27: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Nov. 26-27: University closed, Thanksgiving
Dec. 4: Last day of class
Dec. 7-11: Final Exams
Academic Calendar Academic Advising Tutoring 11
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We Meet You Where You Are... And Move You Toward Success!
ACADEMIC ADVISING Your academic advisor is here to help you recognize your skills, strengths and interests as they relate to your intellectual and career goals. They are your guide for navigating the ins and outs of Cumberland University’s degree requirements and campus resources. You should meet with your advisor at least once each semester to discuss your short and long-term goals, and when considering changes that may affect your academic career or if you are experiencing any academic difficulties. Bottom line - they’re here to help you succeed!
Your Responsibilities as a Student • Communicate with your advisor frequently • Understand your degree program and the classes and requirements necessary for your specific degree/major • Check your Cumberland email daily • Meet your advisor before Priority Registration begins and come to the appointment prepared as per your advisor’s instructions
The Office of Student Success is your place for academic support when you need it. They provide academic support through tutoring, mentoring and academic assistance. We will be sure you have the tools necessary to be successful, whether that means helping you pass your hardest class or turning a B into an A!
Your Academic Coaches
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I believe the tutoring program is something that I will continue to take part in while going through college. It has given me more stability and more confidence. I have still maintained my good grades and it has given me a lot of relief. Cumberland cares enough to offer something that so many people could benefit from and with no price included. -CU Freshman
will help you navigate college life at CU, while also serving as an academic advisor to freshmen during their first year of school. We know when and how to refer you to various offices based on your needs and goals.
• Register for your classes through Student First when your registration window opens
GET CONNECTED WITH A TUTOR TODAY!
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• Be proactive about asking your advisor for help if a problem arises • Understand important dates, deadlines, university policies and your responsibilities as a student
Your Advisor’s Responsibilities • Offer guidance to clarify your options, goals and potential while also helping you develop a greater sense of awareness • Help you understand the nature and purpose of a college education • Mentor you about career opportunities related to your field of study • Provide accurate information about your academic options, requirements, policies and procedures • Help you plan your educational program and talk with you about your academic progress and performance • Help you connect with campus resources when needed • Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the federal and university regulations
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RUDY SCHOOL Jodi Trice JTrice@Cumberland.edu
OAKLEY SCHOOL Kaitlyn Outeiral KOuteiral@Cumberland.edu
KATIE MARTIN Katie Martin KatieMartin@Cumberland.edu
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UNIVERSITY POLICIES
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Becoming a Phoenix requires a certain level of responsibility. Your decisions and actions have an impact on our community, and compliance with the expectations is essential to maintaining your student status. Scan the QR code to view all campus policies. 15
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McClain Catron Alumni House Ave — Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations — Office of Marketing & Communications 2. June and Bill Heydel Fine Arts Center 3. Rudy House 4. Justin Potter Hall 5. Mitchell Student Center — Phillips Dining Hall — Bill & Joyce Barry Bistro — Post Office — Bookstore — Black Box Theater — Security 6. Memorial Hall — Baird Chapel — Office of the President — Dr. Joe & Pat Bryant Family Welcome Center — Office of Financial Aid & Billing — Office of the Provost — Office of the Registrar 7. Vise Library — University Archives — Papers of Martin Van Buren 8. Tommy Gray Memorial Tennis Courts 9. Benton Jennings Practice Facility 10. Woody Hunt Stadium & Ernest L. Stockton Field 11. Jeanette C. Rudy Clubhouse 12. Athletic Training Facility 13. Lindsey Donnell Stadium & Kirk Field 14. Billy Dee Ross Stadium 15. Labry Hall — Office of Student Life — Office of Residence Life — Dean of Students Office — Counseling Services — The Office of Accessibility Services 16. Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena 17. Bone Hall 18. Learning and Career Commons 19. South Hall 20. Edward Potter Hall 21. Howell Jackson Hall 22. Intramural Field 23. Wrestling Facility 24. Horace Lurton Hall 25. Lawlor Art Center 26. Alumni Hall 27. Phoenix Plaza 28. McFarland Hall (500 Park Ave.) 29. Nokes-Lasater Field 30. Health Services
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Parking Sidewalks ADA Entrance
Parking Lots Lot A: McClain Circle- Visitor, Faculty/Staff, Accessible Parking Lot B: Catron Alumni House- Faculty/Staff Lot C: Memorial Hall- Commuter, Faculty/Staff, Accessible Parking Lot D: Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena- Commuter, Faculty/Staff, Accessible Parking Lot E: Learning & Career Commons- Resident, Faculty/Staff, Accessible Parking Lot F/A: Commuter, Faculty/Staff, Resident, Accessible Parking Lot F/JP: Justin Potter Hall- Resident, Accessible Parking, Visitor Overflow Lot F/R: Resident Lot G: Rudy House- Resident, Accessible Parking Lot H: Howell Jackson Hall- Resident, Accessible Parking Lot I: Horace Lurton Hall- Resident, Accessible Parking Lot J: Alumni Hall- Commuter, Faculty/Staff, Accessible Parking Lot K: Phoenix Plaza- Commuter, Faculty/Staff, Resident, Accessible Parking Lot L: Alumni Hall Overflow- Commuter, Faculty/Staff, Resident, Accessible Parking Lot CC: Cumberland Corner- Commuter Lot ST: South Tarver Lot- Commuter, Resident, Accessible Parking Additional Parking with Walking Access Immanuel Baptist Church - 214 Castle Heights Ave. St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church - 300 S. Tarver Ave.
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CLASS SCHEDULE ABBREVIATIONS GUIDE
NEED TO KNOW Wifi Password
You may notice abbreviations with room numbers on your class schedule. This guide will help you find your classroom.
Name: CU Students Password: CU!Phoenix1842
Books & Gear You can purchase or rent your books for the semester, and get CU gear at the CU Shop on the bottom floor of the Mitchell Student Center. You can also order online at https://cumberland.textbooktech.com
Computers & Printing The Vise Library and Labry Hall both feature computer labs that can be used on campus. These labs are available to students for studying and completing assignments. Additionally, the Learning and Career Commons (LCC) has computers available for use. CU also offers students free printing each semester up to 500 copies. You can use your student ID number to access all of the printing stations which are located in the Vise Library, Labry Hall and the LCC.
Dining You can enjoy a typical college dining experience in the buffet-style Phillips Dining Hall, or pick up faster options like pizza or a sub at the Bill and Joyce Barry Bistro. A meal plan is included for all CU students who live on campus, and commuter students have the option to purchase a meal plan. Visit dineoncampus.com/cu or cumberland.edu to purchase Dining Dollars.
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PARKING Where do I park?
All new students will receive a student ID and parking decal. Residential students will pick up decals on move-in day, and commuter students will pick up decals during orientation. Parking lots are labeled with signage at entry points to each lot. You are permitted to park in lots that match your student status. You will receive a parking map when you pick up your parking decal at Residence Life. Sometimes parking lots fill up. If you can’t find a spot in your designated lot on campus, you can park at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, the Alumni Hall overflow lot off of Leeville Pike, or the gravel overflow lot at the corner of Leeville Pike and S. Greenwood known as Cumberland Corner. All of the lots mentioned are within walking distance and provide easy access to campus for all students.
Abbreviation
Location
AH
Alumni Hall
BH
Bone Hall
HEYDL
Heydel Fine Arts Center
LAWLR
Lawlor Room, Vise Library
LCC
Learning and Career Commons
LH
Labry Hall
MAIN-ATR
Main Athletic Training Room
McFAR
McFarland Hall
McFAR-CNEST
McFarland Hall, CNEST
MH
Memorial Hall
MSC-BBT
Mitchell Student Center - Black Box Theatre
MSC-Fireside
Mitchell Student Center - Fireside
PHX
Phoenix Plaza
VIS
Vise Library 18