Dordt Christian Community Booklet

Christian Community liFe on doRdt ColleGe’S FAitH-BASed CAMPuS

The Dordt Community dediCAted to GRoWtH

At dordt College we are a community of people dedicated to growing in the knowledge of God and his son, Jesus Christ, and in our understanding of his creation. We seek to apply this knowledge in every area of each student’s life, as well as in the area of his or her chosen career. in other words, we seek both to serve and to prepare students for service in the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

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he majority of dordt College students live on or near campus, allowing dordt to offer each person the experience of functioning as part of a unique community. While dordt is a community of people, it is more importantly a community of Christians. thus, it seeks to model itself after the believing community which is described in Acts 2 as working together, praising God always, and constantly watching out for the needs of the rest of the community. in addition we are exhorted to: ...be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interests of others. your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:2-5, niV).

in the spirit of these commands, dordt assumes that all present and potential students will prayerfully consider that their responsibility involves seeking and upholding standards and behavior that enhance the welfare and best interests of the whole group. Keeping in mind

the diverse needs of the many individuals that make up the dordt College community, certain behavioral standards have been developed. While only faith in Jesus Christ can provide the basis for our relationship to God, these standards have been adopted to promote both the growth and the testimony of our community.

Christian liberty in the dordt Community While dordt College recognizes the biblical principle of Christian liberty, we join with Paul in urging those who are stronger in the faith to be sensitive to the needs of others: ...make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. ... For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing God and approved by men. let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:13, 17-19, niV).

Responsibilities of Membership in the dordt Community As a Christian college dedicated to the task of providing an education which is in accordance with the Word of God, dordt strives to establish an environment which is conducive to the spiritual development and welfare of its students. dordt College desires as students men and women who are committed to biblical, Christian principles of life. the faculty, staff, and students at dordt College constitute a Christian community in which all must seek to speak the truth in love as brothers and sisters in the lord. Faculty, staff, and students should admonish and encourage one another unto lives of faithful obedience to him as prescribed in Matthew 18. it is expected that students will strive to obey the lord’s teaching in every area of their lives on and off campus. Students who do not share this Christian view of life may not be in a position to appreciate dordt’s educational experience.

Student Conduct Policy The college encourages students to grow in wisdom and responsibility by giving students freedom to act as adults within the educational community. The Student Conduct Code finds its foundation in the teaching of Scripture. Both students and staff are encouraged to resolve areas of conflict at fundamental levels in a spirit of mutual respect with a desire to build up the other person as directed by Christ in Matthew 18.

The Student Conduct Code is designed to provide students with guidance, correction, and an opportunity to demonstrate growth in judgment and self-control. The dean of chapel, counseling staff, residence life staff, and other members of the student services staff are available to students who desire personal guidance or a “listening ear,� and typically become actively involved in meeting with students who are being disciplined for their behaviors.

The goals of the Dordt College discipline policy, as set forth in the Student Conduct Code, are: 1. To encourage student maturity by providing students with an opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

2. To encourage student responsibility by holding students accountable for their own actions.

3. To encourage reconciliation between community members.

4. To enhance the educational purpose and atmosphere of the campus.

5. To enhance the atmosphere of safety and well-being on campus.

To accomplish its goals, the college discipline policy is structured on four levels of discipline.

For further information about specific student conduct code violations, please visit www.dordt.edu/conduct.

GeneRAl inFoRMAtion Academic Assistance the Academic Skills Center (ASK) provides free tutoring in most general education courses as well as assistance in writing, studyskills, note-taking, and test-taking for all students. the center also provides specialized services for minority and international students and students with disabilities. located in the lower level of the library, the center is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays. Students may schedule appointments at the ASK reception desk or by calling extension 6487.

Academic Standing and eligibility for Financial Aid All incoming freshmen and transfer students who are admitted in good academic standing are eligible for financial aid. Continued eligibility for financial aid is dependent upon both good academic

standing and satisfactory progress toward graduation, which are monitored at the end of each semester. If either good academic standing or satisfactory progress toward graduation is not attained a student will be limited to one more semester of financial aid.

Likewise, students who are admitted on academic probation, including students readmitted after a period of academic dismissal, will be limited to one semester of financial aid. Students so limited may receive additional semesters of financial aid if they make satisfactory progress toward graduation and meet a minimum semester grade point average specified by the financial aid office in writing.

Church Membership Dordt College recognizes the importance of church membership for Christian students. Since most students will spend two-thirds of their time away from their home church, the college coordinates student memberships at a local church on behalf of the home church and facilitates communication between these churches. The local churches stand ready to promote the faith development of students by provid-

ing the necessary pastoral care and opportunities for worship and involvement in the congregation. They or the dean of chapel will offer catechetical instruction for those student members who have not as yet made a public profession of faith.

Employment Dordt College employs students in various positions on campus. Information concerning on- and off-campus positions may be received from the director of financial aid. The college cooperates with local employers in distributing information to students as to job openings and temporary employment.

Food Service All students residing in college-approved housing without cooking facilities are required to have a college meal plan. Students are expected to follow all policies made by the management of food services with respect to the use of its facilities. Students involved

with athletic teams, music groups, etc., should consult with the manager of the food service to arrange special meal times if their schedule makes that necessary.

Students purchase the college meal plan, which provides open access to all meals seven days a week as well as additional opportunities to purchase a meal or snack at the Defender Grille. Students are only allowed in the commons if they display their meal card. Lost meal cards can be replaced at student services for a $10 non-refundable fee. Meal cards and privileges are non-transferable.

Health Care On campus student health services are available in the health services area located in the basement of Covenant Hall. Student health services will be available only after receipt of a medical history record and physical examination from the student’s family physician. The service will be available for confidential health care for students as well as for health assessments with referrals to a medical doctor when appropriate. The health services office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to

noon and Monday through Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Students may also make use of the Sioux Center Medical Clinic for services. The Sioux Center Medical Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Charges for services at the Sioux Center Medical Clinic are not covered by the college. The Medical Clinic is located at 645 S. Main Avenue, and the telephone number is 722-2609. If you need assistance in making an appointment with the Sioux Center Medical Clinic, you may contact Campus Health Services at 722-6990. For after hours assistance, the hospital emergency number is 722-1271.

If an ambulance is needed, dial 911 from a campus phone.

All medical emergencies or other health concerns requiring hospitalization should be reported to student services and the residence life staff as soon as possible. Medical and hospital personnel will make the necessary contact upon request.

Students are expected to notify their professors and the student services staff office if they will need to miss classes due to illness. Students should contact the director of residence life for additional information.

Housing options dordt College housing consists of four traditional residence halls (east Hall, north Hall, West Hall, and Covenant Hall), 32 three-bedroom apartments (Kuyper Apartments), and 60 two-bedroom apartments (east Campus and Southview Apartments). Current students sign up for housing during the spring semester. new and returning students are assigned housing in June.

Housing occupancy dates for 2011-12 Housing units open for all students on Saturday, August 20, 2011, and close for semester break on Friday, december 16, 2011, at 8 a.m. Students may remain in their units during the Heartland reading recess and during the thanksgiving holiday period. the housing units re-open on Monday, January 9, 2012, and close again on thursday, March 9, 2012, for spring break. Housing units are again open on Monday, March 19, 2012, and close on Friday, May 4, 2012. during the vacation periods when the housing units are closed, students

should make arrangements to find their own off-campus housing or register for on-campus break housing. Students desiring to stay during Christmas break and spring break may remain in campus housing only if they have an approved reason to do so. they must register and pay a fee at the housing office in the campus center.

immunizations For the health of all students, the college requires that immunizations take place prior to coming to campus. these records must be on file in the health services office before the student may attend classes and reside in college housing. Students who have not submitted an immunization form by october 1 will be required to be re-immunized at their own expense.

Insurance All students are required to purchase health insurance through the college unless proof of other health insurance is provided at the time of registration. Students are also reminded that the college’s liability insurance does not cover medical costs related to injuries sustained on campus. A personal medical policy or coverage under a supplemental plan is necessary to cover such costs. Contact student services if further information is needed.

The college’s insurance does not cover students’ personal items. Students should check whether their homeowner’s insurance will cover them while at college. If not, students should buy separate insurance if coverage is desired. Information about supplemental renter’s insurance coverage is available at any insurance agent and online.

International and Minority Students The college wishes to promote the well-being and cross-cultural adjustment of international and minority students within the Dordt

College community. International and minority students who desire assistance in meeting any needs should contact the coordinator of international students.

Mail Mail service is provided in the Campus Center. Stamps are available at the bookstore, Campus Center lower entry, or copy center.

Student mail should be addressed with the student’s mailbox number and the address: 651 6th St. NE, Sioux Center, IA 51250-1668. The mail is delivered to the college by the U.S. Post Office and then distributed to students by college personnel. By utilizing a college mailbox students authorize the college to receive their mail and to distribute it to their mailbox. Students may rent a post office box at the Sioux Center Post Office if they so desire.

Motor Vehicles Students are permitted to have motor vehicles on campus. this privilege will be continued as long as a student abides by parking regulations. each student is responsible for being familiar with the rules and regulations. Parking regulations are found online at www.dordt. edu/offices/student_services/parking.pdf. Failure to read the regulations will not be considered an excuse for non-compliance. Suggestions to improve the parking system on campus are welcomed by student services. Any suggestions should be made to the associate provost for co-curricular programs.

nondiscrimination Policy the commitment of dordt College to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national or ethnic origin, or race in the administration of its admissions, education, and employment policies is consistent with the requirements of the Age discrimination in employment Act of 1967, title Vi of the Civil Rights Act of

1964, Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965. Inquiries concerning compliance should be directed to the vice president for business affairs at the business office at 722-6010.

Notice of Accessibility for Students with Disabilities Dordt College is committed to offering equal access to people with disabilities. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Dordt College does not exclude otherwise qualified persons with disabilities, solely by reason of the disability, nor are persons with disabilities denied the benefits of these programs or subjected to discrimination. Equal access includes the accessibility of programs or activities and the learning environment.

Although certain facilities are not fully accessible to people with physical disabilities, Dordt College does adhere to the accessibility standard for existing facilities which states that the recipient’s program or activity, when reviewed in its entirety, must be readily

accessible to people with physical disabilities. Dordt College may meet this standard through such means as reassignment of classes or other services to accessible locations, redesigning of equipment, assignment of aides, alteration of existing facilities, and construction of new accessible facilities. Dordt College is not required to make structural changes in facilities where other methods are sufficient to comply with the accessibility standard described above.

The student with a disability is responsible to contact the coordinator of service for students with disabilities (CSSD) in order to initiate services. This contact should be made six months before the start of the semester of admission or as early as possible to ensure the accessibility of classrooms and housing and the availability of auxiliary aids. Students will be asked to provide appropriate documentation of the disability. On the basis of the documentation, reasonable accommodations needed to offer equal access are implemented on a case-by-case basis; therefore, the documentation is most useful if it is no more than three years old.

Reasonable accommodations may not lower course standards or alter degree requirements, but they give students with disabilities an equal opportunity to learn and demonstrate their abilities.

Students who believe they have been denied equal access should initiate the following procedures:

• member of the psychology or special education department

1. The student should report the situation to the vice president for business affairs at the business office.

• member of the academic skills center or student services, if appropriate

2. If the situation involves the accessibility of facilities, the 504 compliance officer will be notified.

3. If the situation involves the accessibility of instruction (e.g., lack of classroom accommodations), the CSSD will advise the student and every attempt will be made to work with the instructor to resolve the conflict.

4. If the situation is not resolved or if the student does not agree with the CSSD, an advisory committee will be formed to review the situation and make a decision.

The advisory committee should consist of:

• 504 compliance officer

• chairperson of the academic policies committee

Recreation Facilities The Campus Center game room includes a four-lane bowling alley, pingpong table, foosball tables, and pool tables. A game library containing nearly 100 different games is available in the gameroom in the Campus Center. Students are encouraged to suggest new games.

The Rec Center includes a synthetic track, basketball courts, weight room, racquetball courts, fitness room, gymnastics room, and dance/ aerobics studio. Recreational equipment may be checked out from the intramural office in the Rec Center. Tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and the All Seasons Center, housing an indoor pool and an ice arena, are located across the street from the Rec Center. Sioux Center also has a bike trail and an 18-hole golf course.

Residency Policy All unmarried students who are not 22 years of age by September 1, 2011, are required to live in dordt College housing unless they live at home with a parent or guardian. those students who wish to live with other relatives must receive approval from the associate provost for co-curricular programs prior to making other arrangements for housing. the student life committee may grant exceptions to this general policy where circumstances make it advisable. All requests for exceptions must be presented in writing to the associate provost for co-curricular programs prior to the academic year; mid-year requests will not be considered unless extenuating circumstances exist.

While the college is responsible for housing all unmarried students, such students do have a measure of choice in regard to room and roommates. However, the college reserves the right to make housing adjustments when necessary.

Room Furnishings All basic furnishings are provided. Students must furnish their own linens (extra-long sheets are required for all residence hall beds), pillows, blankets, bedspread, bath towels, and cooking and eating utensils if in a cooking apartment. Removal of college-owned furnishings from their assigned location is not permitted.

Additional furnishings or construction of any kind must be approved by the learning community area coordinator. no lofts may be constructed as all residence halls contain modular furniture or built in lofts. Students are encouraged to prepare their rooms so that there is a proper environment for study. Students will be charged a disposal fee if they leave any belongings behind at the end of the year.

Student Government each class elects representatives to serve on the Student Symposium, which is the student government organization at dordt College. upperclass representatives are elected during the spring

semester and freshmen representatives are elected during the fall semester.

Student Clubs Clubs are organized upon the request of students or the Student Symposium to meet the needs and interests of groups of students.

Requests for new clubs should be submitted for approval to the Student Symposium prior to each semester. the symposium will give assistance in the establishment of new clubs. each proposed club must formulate a constitution which must be submitted to the Student Symposium. each club must have a college staff member as sponsor. the sponsor is responsible to the symposium for all club activities.

All club monies must be deposited in an account with the business office.

ReCent Student CluBS And oRGAniZAtionS A Mission outReach (AMoR)

Flying Club

outdoor Soccer

Agriculture Club

Four Square Club

Pre-law Club

American Society of Mechanical engineers (ASMe)

Future Active Christian teachers (FACt)

Pre-Med Club

Art Club

Game Club

Pre-Physical therapy Club

Hands lifted up

Pre-Vet Club

Hockey

Presbyterian Student Fellowship

Community outreach Program (CoP)

institute of electronic and electrical engineering (ieee)

Psychology Club

Computer Club

Juggling Club

Creation Care Club

Justice Matters

Sioux Falls Prison Ministry

defender Capital Management Club

Math Club

dodgeball Club

Men’s lacrosse

dordt College Business Club

Men’s Glee Club

dynamic dance team

Monday Morning Coffee Club

Faith and Film Club

nursing Club

Astronomy Club Comedy league

Putting love into Action (PliA) Social Work Club Students Without Borders (Cross-Cultural Club) Swing dance Club theology Club Women’s lacrosse Wrestling Club

Student Directory Information The following information may be released without the written consent of the student. Dordt College officials will exercise care in the release of this information to insure that the student’s best interests are served. Students may request that items designated as “directory information” should not be released without prior consent. Such requests should be presented in writing to the registrar. The following items are designated as “directory information”: 1. Name 2. Home and local address 3. Home and local telephone listing 4. Date and place of birth 5. Program of study and major 6. Church denomination, home congregation, and student church membership

7. Classification (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, part-time, special) 8. Participation in officially recognized activities such as sports, drama, musical groups 9. Intercollegiate athletics eligibility information as required by conference and NAIA regulations 10. Weight and height of members of athletic teams 11. Dates of attendance 12. Degree earned 13. Most recent previous school attended by the student 14. Honors, scholarships, and awards given by Dordt College 15. Photo 16. Email address 17. Level of education: undergraduate or graduate

Student Publications the dordt Diamond is the bi-weekly student newspaper. the Canon is a collection of literary and artistic works of students and faculty. the Signet is the college yearbook. Students who wish to become writers or staff members for these publications should contact their editors or faculty sponsors. While students are given considerable freedom in expressing their views, publications are funded by the college and are subject to oversight by the student activities committee and the associate provost for co-curricular programs.

Student Record Privacy and Access Policy the Family educational Rights and Privacy Act (FeRPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. they are: 1. the right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day dordt College receives a request for access.

Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The appropriate Dordt College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Dordt College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.

Students may ask Dordt College to amend the record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the Dordt College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If Dordt College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, Dordt College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

Written student consent must be obtained before releasing personally identifiable data about the student from the records.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to college officials with legitimate educational interests. A college official is a person employed by Dordt College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom Dordt College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another college official in performing his or her tasks.

A college official has l egitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Dordt College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 600 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605 The following administrators have been designated to coordinate compliance with the various legal requirements. Inquiries should be directed to the vice president for academic affairs for Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974; to the vice president for business affairs for Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965, and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and to the vice president for student services for the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Higher Education Amendments of 1986 and 1998, and Public Law 101-226.

Student Services The Student Services offices are located in the Campus Center.

Counseling, the dean of chapel, and the director of career services are available for career, academic, personal, and spiritual counseling. The associate provost for co-curricular programs and director of residence life are available to assist students in a wide variety of needs not directly related to the classroom, such as illness, emergencies at home, and other situations in which students do not know where to seek help. Student services assists students with all of their housing needs. The career services office assists students with a variety of job placement services.

Waiver of Privacy College officials reserve the right to enter a student’s room/apartment at any time. Examples of such times are when a violation of college policy is suspected, an emergency exists, maintenance is necessary, or for random/scheduled room inspections.

Worship opportunities Sunday is a day for rest and worship. While it is recognized that these aspects of Sunday activities may be observed in different ways, every resident is to rest and worship in a way that pleases God and respects fellow residents. Worship is an opportunity to give praise to God, experience fellowship with other believers and receive spiritual refreshment and nourishment for the week ahead. the college facilitates student attendance at Sunday services by providing transportation to local churches both morning and evening. the college community also gathers for chapel held mid-morning each week. Praise & Worship, G.i.F.t. (Growing in Faith together), and Wellspring provide additional worship opportunities.

For further information about community living at Dordt College, or if you have questions, please feel free to call Bethany Schuttinga, the associate provost for co-curricular programs, at 722-6076.

diReCtoRy Academic Affairs

erik Hoekstra

722-6333

Health Services

Beth Baas

722-6990

Academic Skills Center

Pam de Jong

722-6488

Housing

Robert taylor

722-6070

Admissions office

Quentin Van essen

722-6080

library

Sheryl taylor

722-6040

Campus Security

Robert taylor

722-6116

Parking information

emily Vande Griend

722-6076

Career Services

Chris deJong

722-6072

Personal Counseling

Beth Baas

722-6990

Computer Services

Sandy Reitsma

722-6299

Physical Plant

Stan oordt

722-6401

Coordinator of Services for Students with disabilities

Marliss Van der Zwaag

722-6490

Registrar

Jim Bos

722-6030

Coordinator of Academic Services for Minority & international Students

Sanneke Kok

722-6489

Scheduling of events

Sharla Gradert

722-6303

Student Activities

Robert taylor

722-6070

dean of Chapel

Aaron Baart

722-6079

information desk/Switchboard

Jill Jacobsma

722-6000

Financial Aid

Mike epema

722-6087

telephone information

Jaris Visscher

722-6068

Food Services

Jim Calkhoven

722-6450

tuition and Fees

Michael Van Surksum

722-6013

498 4th Avenue NE l Sioux Center, Iowa 51250-1606 (712) 722-6080, 1-800-343-6738 www.dordt.edu PRINTED IN THE U.S.A., July 2011