Student Success guide 2024-2025

Student Success

Guide to Millikin

Millikin University Division of Student Affairs

Everything you need to know

to have a Great Start at Millikin University.

Mission

The Division of Student Affairs cultivates holistic student development resulting in transformational learning. In our work, we value:

Providing advocacy

Modeling inclusivity

Being responsive to change

Offering opportunities for Performance Learning

Delivering high-quality facilities, programs and services

Student Success First

Welcome to Millikin University!

We hope you become engaged in our community. Millikin students are not spectators; they immerse themselves in all things Millikin. Student Affairs has a variety of different opportunities for you! Engage in service learning opportunities, be a leader in a student organization or attend one of our many programs. Student Affairs has three primary areas that will provide you with support in your home away from home!

Student Success Center

University Commons (Room 312)

217.362.6424 • studentsuccesscenter@millikin.edu

» Academic Support

» Career & Professional Preparation

» EDGE Program

Office of Campus Life

University Commons (Room 354)

217.424.6395 • campuslife@millikin.edu

» Inclusion & Belonging

» Residence Life

» University Commons

» Student Activities & Organizations

Student Wellness Services

217.424.6360 • smbh@millikin.edu

» Health Clinic (staffed by nurse practitioners)

» Free Mental Health Services

» Free Wellness Coaching

Student Affairs Professional Staff

Our staff are here to support Millikin’s residential communities. They are fulltime, live-in, professional staff members who provide supervision and leadership in the residence halls. These staff members serve as campus resources, educators, counselors and student conduct officers, and they are a part of the on-call emergency response team.

Paraprofessionals

These student-mentors are upperclass students who are trained on campus resources, University policies and procedures, conflict resolution and developing activities and programs for their communities.

» EDGE Mentor

» Resident Assistant

» Student Experience Ambassador

» Supplemental Instruction Leader

» University Commons Building Manager

» Wellness Peer Advocate

Division of Student Affairs

We hope you have a great experience with us.

Go Big Blue!

Resources to Achieve

Student Success Center (SSC)

The Student Success Center is devoted to delivering complete, wrap-around services to foster students’ resilience, confidence, academic success and social skills. The SSC works to ensure a successful college experience, positive personal development and postgraduation preparedness. All services are free for students.

Academic Services

» Exploratory Program

» Graduate School Fair

» Supplemental Instruction

» Tutoring

» EDGE Program

» Disability Services & Testing Accomodations

» Academic Recovery

» Laptop Rental Service

» Advising Services

» Academic Coaching

Career Services

» Career Coaching

» Career Fairs

» Professional Preparation Workshops

» Cover Letter & Resume Writing

» Mock Interviews

» Career Closet

University Commons, Room 312 • 217.362.6424 studentsuccesscenter@millikin.edu

For more information, visit millikin.edu/ssc.

Student Accounts & Billing

The Office of Student Financial Services is responsible for billing and financial aid.

Shilling Hall, Room 118 • 217.424.6317 studentfinancialservices@millkin.edu

MU Student Account Suite

Millikin University Student Account Suite is a 24/7 service offered to students and their families for viewing bills, making payments and managing their student account. Students should log into myMILLIKIN and click on the “Pay Bills” icon.

For more information, visit millikin.edu/sfs.

Student Wellness Services

Millikin University applies a holistic approach in supporting student mental health. Our counselors and student wellness coach ensure a high level of care to students through assessment, outreach, case management and collaborative partnerships with local health and social service agencies. Our team of compassionate, professional counselors are equipped to treat mental health issues and intervene to prevent crises. All Student Wellness Counseling Services are free. Our team also serves on-call to respond to emergencies after hours.

Set up an appointment through myMILLIKIN, by calling 217.424.6360 or emailing smbh@millikin.edu

Medical

Medical services on campus are provided through our partnership with the HSHS regional hospital system. They provide infrastructure support for our faculty and nurseled medical clinic that provides on-site care for Millikin University students, employees, employee family members and other Millikin-affiliated parties. Medical charges route through a student’s existing health insurance.

For more information, visit millikin.edu/health-services.

Office of Public Safety

The Office of Public Safety is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers a number of resources to keep our campus community safe. They offer Safe Rides and Safe Walks from dusk until dawn every day for the safety of students on campus and affiliate properties. A dispatch center also monitors the local and national news for weather and crisis information.

Walker Hall, First Floor • 217.464.6424 publicsafety@millikin.edu

Safety Resources

MU Alert: Mobile Emergency Alert System

Opt-in to receive campus emergency alerts via text.

Rave Guardian Safety App

Free mobile app that turns your smartphone into a personal safety device and campus resource center.

For more information, visit millikin.edu/publicsafety.

Campus

Communications & Tools

Millikin Email

Your Millikin email address will serve as the primary source for campus communications. New students should begin checking their Millikin email on July 1.

myMILLIKIN (my.millikin.edu)

Centralized location for access to a variety of items such as your student account, meal/flex balance, MUOnline, Moodle, email and more.

MUOnline

Find course listings, register for classes, complete validation, view financial aid details, access grades and more.

myStream

Available through myMILLIKIN, myStream will serve as your daily source for important campus updates, including timely reminders for upcoming deadlines and events. You can expect these regular updates from several campus offices, including the Office of the President, Office of Campus Life and Information Technology.

Set up myStream email notifications:

1. Log into myMILLIKIN

2. Click “My Account” in the upper right

3. Scroll down to “Your Communications”

4. Under “Subscription Options,” choose “click here” and enter your email address

Registrar & Academic Advising

The Registrar’s Office takes pride in providing exceptional service and helping students successfully complete their educational endeavors.

Services include:

» Academic advising

» Academic calendar

» Academic policies

» Course catalog & schedules

» Graduation

» Online registration

» Transcript requests

» Validation

Gorin Hall, Room 16 • 217.424.6217 • registrar@millikin.edu

For more information, visit millikin.edu/registrar.

Information Technology

Millikin University’s Information Technology department provides support in the use of academic and administrative technology, the network infrastructure, the use of media, telecommunications and printing.

IT Services include:

» Millikin username and password

» Classroom technology

» Computer and media learning

» Microsoft Office 365 (free to students)

» Media Services

» Email troubleshooting

» Wireless and network connectivity

Shilling Hall, Room 106 • 217.362.6488 infotech@millikin.edu

DUO Mobile

This multi-factor authentication tool was implemented to secure student information. The Duo prompt is device based, with the option to remember the device for 15 days. Students must download the Duo App to receive push notifications.

For more information, including campus technology policies, visit millikin.edu/IT.

Student Employment

Millikin employs hundreds of students each academic year. Many students are offered the opportunity to work through the Federal Work-Study program, via their financial aid award. While campus employers generally prioritize hiring Federal Work-Study eligible students, there are on-campus employment opportunities for those who are not offered the Federal Work-Study program. Students should bring a passport or two original forms of identification including one photo ID and birth certificate or social security card.

For more information, visit millikin.edu/studentemployment.

Get Involved

Millikin offers 75+ student organizations and clubs, giving our students plenty of ways to get involved. If you have an interest not currently offered, you can start your own organization on campus!

We have a multitude of opportunities in the following areas:

» Athletic

» Cultural

» Fine Arts/Performance

» Government/Political

» Greek Life

» Honorary

» Leadership

» Media

» Religious/Spiritual

» Service

For a full list of campus involvement opportunities, visit millikin.edu/get-involved.

Millikin’s Residency Policy

Millikin University has a three-year residential requirement for full-time, undergraduate students.

All students must live in approved housing for at least three years, which includes:

University-owned residence halls (primarily firstyear students only);

The Woods at Millikin apartment complex (sophomore, junior and senior students); or Approved fraternity and sorority housing (must be a member of an organization with Universityapproved housing).

To live off campus, students must meet one of the following criteria:

Be 24 years of age or older; Be married;

Have dependents living with them full-time; Be of senior standing (88 credits or more AND by matriculation, beginning their seventh Millikin semester) at the beginning of the fall term; or

Live with a parent or guardian within a 40-mile radius of campus and submit required paperwork.

Housing Options

First-year students are assigned to rooms in one of Millikin’s three on-campus residence halls. Rooms are furnished with beds, desks and chairs, a dresser and closet areas. Amenities vary by hall and typically include laundry facilities, vending machines, microwave access, wireless internet and secured access.

Off-Campus Housing

Special Notes

Students who meet one of the criteria MUST submit an off-campus petition to the Office of Campus Life annually.

Students who do not meet the criteria, and/or who fail to submit an offcampus petition as directed, will be assessed an off-campus living fee. The off-campus living fee is estimated based on the on-campus room and board rate in a given academic year. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the average is approximately $7,000.

Students who request to commute from home must be commuting from the permanent home address of the parent/guardian. Students found falsifying this information will be subject to the off-campus fee of $7,000 and potential conduct inquiry.

Students who are approved to live off-campus are required to complete off-campus safety training.

Students who choose to live off-campus should also be aware that the University does not provide transportation (Safe Rides and/or medical Safe Rides) to or from off-campus residences.

All international students are required to live in approved housing and have a meal plan.

Student Conduct Off Campus

Students who live off-campus are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Millikin University Student Handbook and the Standards of Conduct. Violations of University policy, whether on- or off-campus, will be met with student conduct action. We expect all Millikin students to conduct themselves with integrity and respect to others. We encourage off-campus residents to be aware of their roles as neighbors in the Decatur community and to respect the privilege of living within our community. We caution students about engaging in activities or hosting events that may endanger themselves or their peers.

The Office of Campus Life follows a simple “three strikes” policy for offcampus students. If the University fields three or more complaints regarding an off-campus student and/or their address, off-campus approval will be revoked and each individual will be responsible for payment of the offcampus living fee.

There is much to consider when making the decision to live off-campus. Most underclass students live on-campus, and University staff and other students are available for assistance when problems arise. Additionally, on-campus students typically have meal plans. Students choosing to live off-campus must navigate how to negotiate a lease, create and maintain a budget, prepare their own meals, do their own housekeeping and make travel arrangements to and from campus.

Millikin’s residency policy is designed to support senior students as they take this leap into autonomy, and Campus Life is here to help with this transition. All students are encouraged to maintain a healthy relationship with Campus Life, even when living off-campus. Staff members are happy to talk to any student and provide advice and strategies for being a successful off-campus resident.

Become a Paraprofessional

We are looking for mature and responsible candidates who are able to develop a community and be a positive role model for students!

Application Timeline

• End of January - informational sessions announced and held

• Early February - applications open

• Mid-February - applications due

• Beginning of March - Resident Assistant group interview process

• Mid-March - position offers announced

Minimum qualifications include:

• Previous residency on-campus;

• Good academic standing; and

• No previous University student conduct file.

Being a paraprofessional includes:

• Returning to campus in late July for training;

• Monthly programs and weekly staff meetings;

• Various administrative tasks; and

• Servant leadership through educational and academic support.

Meal Plan & Flex Options

Enjoy sit-down meals or grab-and-go selections in the University Commons Dining Hall. Be sure to check out our gourmet salad bar, brick oven pizza and fresh food stations.

Meal Plan Terms

All first-year residential students are required to have a full meal plan. Students are automatically enrolled in the All-Access Plan.

Students living in residence halls will have their meal plans billed to their University accounts each semester.

Meal plans may be purchased at any time; however, changes to existing plans will only be accepted during the first 10 days of each semester and must be completed at Student Financial Services (SH118) or online.

Meal plans are non-refundable, and unused flex dollars will be forfeited at the end of the spring semester.

Flex Dollars

Flex dollars are used like a gift card balance and are the most convenient way to purchase food on campus. The University Commons Dining Hall, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Common Grounds featuring Starbucks Coffee all accept flex dollars. Additionally, students can use their flex dollars at select campus vending machines as well as Domino’s Pizza located near campus. Flex dollars can be purchased throughout the year, in increments of $100, by contacting Student Financial Services (SH118).

Flex dollars will roll from Fall to Spring terms, but unused dollars will be forfeited at the end of the academic year/Spring semester.

First-Year Residential Student Meal/Flex Plan

All-Access Plan, Meal Plan A

Unlimited meals each week

+ $300 flex per semester

$3,205 per semester

*Meal plan required for first-year residential students

Commuter or Upperclass Students Meal/Flex Options

(first-year commuter, sophomores, juniors, seniors and transfer students)

Meal Plan B

175 meals per semester

+ $100 flex per semester

$1,625 per semester

Meal Plan C

120 meals per semester

+ $100 flex per semester

$1,160 per semester

Meal Plan D

75 meals per semester

+ $100 flex

$625 per semester

Additional Options

$500 Flex

$100 Flex

On-Campus Dining

University Commons Dining Hall

All-you-care-to-eat dining featuring a made-to-order exhibition station as well as a made-to-order deli, grill, salad bar, brick oven pizza, desserts and comfort foods. The University Commons Dining Hall offers healthy alternatives as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. Use your meal credits or flex dollars here.

Hours:

Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | 5-6:30 p.m.

Late Night Grill at UC

Monday-Friday: 8 p.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday: 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Common Grounds at University Commons

Common Grounds, located on the first level of University Commons, is a We Proudly Serve Starbucks location that features a variety of made-to-order sandwiches, gourmet pastries and desserts, salads, parfaits and snacks to go along with any appetite. Grab a beverage and a snack and settle in for studying or socializing. Use your flex dollars here.

Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday: 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

Einstein Bros. Bagels at Shilling Hall

Einstein Bros. Bagels offers quick, tasty lunches — from salads to soups and sandwiches. Einstein Bros. features gourmet, to-go coffee and baked goods with madeto-order sandwiches and decadent desserts. A warm, inviting spot for conversation, this is a place to catch up with a friend, colleague or good book. Use your flex dollars here.

Hours:

Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Please Note: Hours subject to change.

Things to Bring

Be sure to discuss with your roommate who will be responsible for supplying common items.

First-aid kit that includes a thermometer and overthe-counter medications: acetaminophen & ibuprofen, allergy, cold & cough medications, at-home COVID tests

Alarm clock

Auto shut-off coffee maker

Bed risers (store bought only)

Bed quilt or spread

Social security card, birth certificate and passport (especially for on-campus employment)

Caddy to carry toiletries

Coffee mug & water bottle

Computer (Wi-Fi is provided)

Desk lamp

Extra-long twin linens

Fan

Hanging rack for towels & clothes

Insurance card

Iron and table-top ironing board

Laundry basket/bag, laundry supplies

Professional dress clothing for class presentations

Power strip and chargers

Shower shoes

Television

Toiletries

Umbrella & weather items

Masks

Things to Leave

These items are prohibited in the residence halls.

Air conditioners

Alcohol and drugs

Vape pens & other devices

Candles/incense

Curtains/draperies

All electric appliances, including those used in a kitchen and with open coils

Halogen lamps

Hoverboards or other motorized recreational devices

Large furniture pieces

Lofts, bunks or homemade bed risers

Microwaves (provided)

Pets (other than fish)

Weapons

Weights or other fitness equipment

Wireless routers

Postal Service

Students living in a residence hall can send and receive mail and packages using their campus address. When a student has a package in the University Mail Room, they are automatically notified through email. All letters will be placed in their mailbox.

University Mail Room

Shilling Hall, Room 104

Mail Room & Package Pickup Hours

Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mailbox Accessibility [Lobby only]

Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: Noon to 4:30 p.m.

Student Mail Policy

All mail for residents living in a residence hall will be picked up at the University Mail Room.

All mail for residents of The Woods will go directly to their mailbox in the main office at the apartment complex.

All mail for residents living in sorority or fraternity housing will go directly to the house address.

Students must have their student ID to pick up or to send out packages (UPS, DHL, FedEx).

Students living in a residence hall will be given their mailbox number and combination through their email account once they have validated for their first semester.

Address changes are made by the student through their MUOnline account. This applies to any mid-semester room changes, moving to a Greek chapter or mail forwarding during break times.

The following is an example of how all residence hall mail should be addressed:

First Name Last Name Millikin University 1184 W. Main St. Decatur, IL 62522

Please use your official name listed in Millikin’s records.

If you have any questions, please contact the University Mailroom at 217.424.6320.

Other Housing Addresses

Mail to the following addresses will not be delivered to the University Mailroom and Millikin University should not be included in the address.

The Woods at Millikin 1135 W. Wood St., Decatur, IL 62522-2853

Alpha Chi Omega

299 N. Fairview Ave., Decatur, IL 62522-1946

Delta Delta Delta 111 Park Place, Decatur, IL 62522-1949

Pi Beta Phi

235 N. Fairview Ave., Decatur, IL 62522-1946

Sigma Alpha Epsilon 1165 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522-2038

Tau Kappa Epsilon 1225 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522-2040

Frequently Asked Questions

Housing

FAQs

Who is required to live on campus?

Housing options for students after their first year in the residence halls include The Woods, as well as approved fraternity and sorority chapter facilities. At the end of the first semester, students are encouraged to begin thinking about their future housing plans and attend informational sessions hosted by The Woods and Campus Life. Students do not have to sign a lease at that time and should wait to do so if interested in joining the paraprofessional staff or a fraternity or sorority chapter — this takes place early in the spring semester. Students should have an idea what their future housing plans are by the midway point of spring semester.

Millikin University has a three-year residential requirement for full-time undergraduate students. Students live in Universityoperated residence halls and apartments, Greek chapter houses and The Woods.

What if I want to live at The Woods but do not have any roommates in mind?

During the spring semester, The Woods hosts a leasing party for any students who have not found roommates to lease an apartment at The Woods. At this event, students are able to meet and speak with other students in search of roommates for The Woods who share similar interests. When a student signs into the event, the student lists preferences for the ideal roommate, which is then used to locate other attendees who share the same preferences. If students decide that they would like to live together, they have the option of making a lease appointment and even signing a lease at that time. More information about this event will happen at the beginning of the spring semester.

Can I bring a vehicle to campus?

Yes! All vehicles that park on campus must be registered with Public Safety and display a valid Millikin University parking permit. Permits are $150 for first-year students and are available through Public Safety. Residential Students are only allowed to register one vehicle, but commuter students may register two vehicles. Parking Permits are valid for one year.

Students are cautioned to pay particular attention to reserved spaces such as visitor only (Millikin students are not considered visitors), handicapped parking and designated fire

lanes. Students who fail to abide by the University’s parking regulations are subject to parking tickets and/or having their vehicles towed.

How are roommates assigned?

Most new students are randomly assigned roommates based upon a few criteria. It is very important that the student completes their own Housing Application that will assist us in assigning their roommate. Habits such as smoking, sleeping, studying and housekeeping are the criteria on the Housing Application that we take into account when matching roommates. Even when these criteria are considered, a new resident may find that their roommate is from another country or speaks another language. The roommate may be of a different race, have a different lifestyle or practice a different religion. Roommates may differ from each other in any number of ways. Learning to live together successfully is an important part of the educational experience at Millikin. Room changes will not be made based upon difference in race, lifestyle, religion, ability or creed.

How do I go about switching rooms?

There are no room switches allowed during the first 10 days of classes. After this formal waiting period, students may request a room change and should contact their paraprofessional to begin the process. Paraprofessionals will assist students with any interpersonal conflicts they may be having and encourage them to complete a roommate contract. Students may be instructed to attempt to resolve the conflict. It is the philosophy of the Office of Campus Life to assist students in becoming democratic citizens; this includes assisting in difficult situations and encouraging students of different backgrounds and preferences to learn about one another. Requests for moving rooms are not always approved.

We do permit buddy swaps. Any four students may negotiate to swap roommates. After they meet with Campus Life and the decision has been made with approval to complete a buddy swap, the four students must work with the Office of Campus Life to complete the proper paperwork.

The following steps will be taken when students are unable to resolve roommate conflicts on their own:

Address the concern with the Office of Campus Life; Office of Campus Life will schedule a roommate coaching session;

Office of Campus Life will determine if a room change is granted;

Students involved will relocate to new rooms if approved by the Office of Campus Life.

The entire process may take up to two weeks to complete, pending resident involvement or cooperation.

How does laundry work?

There are laundry facilities for students located in each residence hall. These laundry facilities are open for use by residents of the specific building 24 hours a day during times when the halls are open. Residents pay a $50/year service fee for unlimited usage of laundry facilities. There is no need for coins or cards to operate our machines.

What if I have a medical condition or disability?

Students with a documented medical condition or disability should contact the SSC prior to completing the housing application. Housing applications must be submitted along with proper documentation from a medical professional in order to assist us in providing the student with the proper accommodations. Students in need of accommodations such as a single room, air conditioning, a private room or housing on a ground floor must submit their housing applications prior to the deadline. After the housing application deadline, we cannot guarantee our ability to grant these requests. The University reserves the right to have all medical documentation reviewed by a campus medical provider. Forms can be found on Millikin’s website at millikin.edu/accessibility.

Is vaping prohibited?

Yes. All forms of smoking are prohibited on all University grounds.

Can I bring my own furniture?

Millikin provides each residence hall room with an extralong twin bed, desk, chair and one dresser. Students are not permitted to bring large furniture items into the residence halls. Lofts are expressly prohibited. Small items such as storage cubes, beanbag chairs and rugs are acceptable. If students are unsure whether they will be permitted to bring a certain item to campus, they should contact the Office of Campus Life. Unapproved items will be removed at the expense of the resident.

Are the halls open during breaks?

The residence halls remain open during most breaks, but students who would like to remain on campus during the fall, Thanksgiving or spring breaks must notify the Office of Campus Life. Our official closing period occurs over the winter break. Students are not permitted to stay on campus during that time. Students enrolled in immersion or summer classes are required to pay an additional charge of $18/day, based on double occupancy as long as rooms are available. Dining services are offered with revised hours during breaks.

Will I have internet?

Wireless access is currently available in all residence halls. To connect to the Millikin wireless network, students must be running at least Windows XP SP3 on a PC or Mac OS X 10.3 or above on a Macintosh computer. Additionally, students must have a wireless network card or built-in wireless network connection that supports WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). Most laptops sold today will have WPA capability, and most Mac OS X computers will support WPA as well. Also, most add-in wireless cards available today will support WPA. Students are not permitted to set up wireless networks/routers in their rooms, as these disrupt the campus Wi-Fi.

What happens if I violate residence hall policies?

Please see a complete list of standard sanctions at millikin.edu/student-handbook. In addition to standard sanctions for violations of residence hall and/or University policies and procedures, students will likely meet with a student conduct officer (a professional staff member in Campus Life or Student Affairs). Millikin University reserves the right to change, add to or waive standard sanctions.

What are the check-out procedures?

At the end of each semester, the residence halls will close for either winter or summer break. All residents must check out with their paraprofessional and vacate by 5 p.m. on their last day of finals. Students who are enrolled in an immersion course, are part of an athletic team or are involved in other academic or co-curricular programs must contact the Office of Campus Life for approval to move out late.

Do I need renter’s insurance?

It is highly recommended that students purchase a renter’s insurance policy for the personal property within their living spaces. The University is not responsible for loss, damage or theft of items in student rooms. Students should check with their parents’ homeowners insurance; they may provide student coverage. If not, students should contact their family insurance agent to purchase a policy. Most policies are very affordable. National Student Services, Inc., offers a very affordable plan for college students with premiums starting at just $72 per year. Access more information at nssi.com/individual-quote.

Does the Student Success Center or accommodations cost money?

No, the services in the SSC are free for students.

How do I get academic accommodations from high school or a prior college at Millikin?

You will need to contact the SSC and make an appointment with Dean of Student Success and ADA Coordinator Carrie Pierson. During that meeting, you will need to provide documentation such as an IEP, 504 plan or medical documentation that can be discussed to better understand your needs.

What is Moodle?

Accessed through myMILLIKIN, this learning management system provides class resources, is where you’ll submit assignments, participate in discussion boards and more. You can also download the mobile Moodle app.

How do I find a Tutoring or Supplemental Instruction (SI) schedule?

Visit millikin.edu/SSC for a schedule. You may schedule a time with a tutor using the app on myMILLIKIN.

What is the EDGE Program?

EDGE is an academic bridge program for the transition from high school to college that takes place the entire first year of college. Select first-year students are chosen to participate in EDGE during the admissions process.

Can I get help with my resume, cover letter and mock interviews?

Yes, contact the SSC and make an appointment with staff for resume assistance or support in any professional preparation area in order to build up your skills.

What is the Career Closet?

Located in the Performance Suite, the Closet helps students focus on getting ready for their interview by providing professional clothing at no cost. Students can use these clothing options for interviews, jobs, internships and other formal occasions.

Big Blue Access: Millikin’s Online Bookstore

Big Blue Access course materials program is an innovative, personalized and affordable solution for students. Students are automatically enrolled in the program with the option to opt out. Once registered for the upcoming term, materials are compiled with physical textbooks mailed to campus while digital course material access information is emailed. The cost is included on your student account and calculated on a flat fee per student at $23 per credit hour, regardless of how much each individual textbook costs.

For more information, visit millikin.edu/bookstore.

Campus Events

How do I find out about campus events?

Millikin University hosts a variety of events each week. The easiest way to stay up-to-date is to follow our official social channels:

Facebook

@millikinuniversity

@millikincampuslife

@mubigblue

@millikincfa

X

@millikinu

@mubigblue

Instagram

@millikinu

@millikincampuslife

@mubigblue

@millikincfa

YouTube

@millikinuniversity

@millikinathletics

Linkedin

@Millikin-University

TikTok

@millikinu

@millikincampuslife

Threads

@millikinu

Weekly campus events will also be posted through myStream. In addition, you can view daily scheduled events on our website at millikin.edu/events.

A Great Start: Transitioning to Millikin

Environment

High School: You are told what to do and corrected if your behavior is out of line.

Your time is structured by others, and you need permission to participate in co-curricular activities.

High School: You are told in class what you need to learn from assigned readings.

The school year is 36 weeks long; some classes extend over both semesters and some don’t.

You seldom need to read anything more than once, and sometimes listening in class is enough.

High School: You are provided with the materials you need.

» Books are provided when you register for school.

High School: Mastery is seen as the ability to reproduce what you were taught in the form it was presented or to solve the kinds of problems you were shown how to solve.

Teachers frequently rearrange test dates to avoid conflict with school events.

Millikin: You are expected to take responsibility for what you do and don’t do, as well as for the consequences of your decisions.

You manage your own time and decide whether to participate in co-curricular activities.

Millikin: It’s up to you to do the work to understand the material; unless you ask questions or request help, you are presumed to understand the material.

The academic year is divided into two semesters of approximately 15 weeks, plus an additional week of final exams. You need to study at least two to three hours outside of class for each hour of scheduled class and complete all homework, whether it is graded or not.

Millikin: You are provided with required materials.

Students may purchase suggested materials and will be charged a per credit fee.

Millikin: Mastery is seen as the ability to apply what you have learned to new situations or to solve new kinds of problems.

Testing is usually infrequent and cumulative, covering large amounts of material. You, not the professor, need to organize the material to prepare for the test.

Professors in different courses usually schedule tests without regard to the demands of other courses or outside activities.

Schedules

High School: Your guidance counselor is responsible for making your schedule.

Guidance counselors create the schedule for you each year.

Teachers

High School: You are in a teaching environment where you acquire facts and skills.

Teachers approach you if they believe you need assistance.

They provide you with information you missed when you were absent.

They sometimes draw direct connections to lead you through the thinking process.

Grades

High School: Effort counts. Courses are usually structured to reward a “good-faith effort.”

Grades are given for most assigned work.

Initial test grades, especially when they are low, may not have an adverse effect on your final grade.

Millikin: You are responsible for your own education and the courses to take when working toward your degree.

Advisors expect you to know your eight semester plan for your major.

Millikin: You are in a learning environment where you take responsibility for reflecting and applying what you learn.

Professors expect you to initiate contact when you need assistance or have questions.

They expect you to get notes and any other class information you missed when you were absent.

Teaching styles vary: lecture, discussion, group projects, student presentations. Good notes are a must.

Millikin: Results count. “Good-faith effort” is important in the professor’s willingness to help you achieve good results, but it won’t substitute for results in the grading process.

Not all work is graded.

The syllabus is the key to the grading scale and provides the value or weight of class assignments.

Graduation requires a 2.0 GPA. Some majors require a higher GPA for graduation.

Extra credit options are rare.

Student Conduct

It is important that students consider others and think about how their behavior, attitudes and choices affect other members of the community. This is an important facet of residential living.

Students are expected to:

• Follow all policies and procedures as communicated by key staff;

• Communicate and work with their roommate(s) to develop and maintain an environment that is mutually satisfying and supportive of their academic and personal needs;

• Follow all guidelines and expectations for conduct as outlined here and in the student handbook located at millikin.edu/student-handbook;

• Be an engaged member of their hall and floor communities by participating in programs; and

• Be respectful of their fellow residents and take responsibility for their actions. Bigotry and hate will not be tolerated. Our community will pursue behavior that threatens, intimidates or harms any member of our community to the fullest extent of University policy as well as local, state and federal law. The University will not accept ignorance, anger or substance abuse as an excuse or justification for such behavior.

Alcohol Use

Only those students who are 21 years of age and older may possess and consume wine and/or beer, and only in the privacy of a 21-year-old or older student’s room, provided all those present in the room are also at least 21 years of age. Distilled spirits (also known as hard alcohol) are prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may be consumed only in individual rooms while the room door is closed and may not be consumed in hallways, stairways, elevators, lounges or any other public area of the residence hall. Individuals should make their guests aware of all aspects of the alcohol policy. Students under legal drinking age in rooms where alcohol is being consumed will be subject to student conduct action, whether personally consuming or not. Empty alcohol or tobacco containers are NOT permitted for decorative purposes in any student rooms or public areas. Alcohol in open containers is not permitted in any outside area.

Violations of Millikin University Alcohol Policy

Automatic $100 fine, student conduct session and/or further sanctions, depending on severity of violation.

Millikin University Drug Policy

*Also includes acts which may be viewed as suspicious behavior

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools Act, Millikin University prohibits the possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs on the campus property or on institutionally owned, leased, affiliated or otherwise-controlled property. Students found in violation of the above policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from housing and/or the University. Patterns of suspicious behavior that lead University officials to believe violation(s) of the University drug policy have taken place will also result in disciplinary action and may compound student disciplinary action. Students should be reminded that smoking of any kind is expressly prohibited in campus facilities. Illegal drugs include:

• Cannabis (marijuana)

• Cocaine

• MDMA/ecstasy

• GHB

• Hallucinogens

• Heroin

• Inhalants

• Ketamine

• Methamphetamines

Violations of the Drug-Free Schools Act/ Millikin University Drug Policy

Automatic $150 fine, student conduct session and/or further sanctions, depending on severity of violation. A second violation may result in student conduct probation or more serious student conduct action.

Damage to Residence Hall Facilities

Students are encouraged to inform their RA if they have witnessed damage to residence hall facilities. Students who damage University facilities are subject to student conduct action. At the end of each semester, charges will be assessed for damages beyond normal wear and tear. Individual room damages will be charged to the student(s) occupying the room. Unless the individual committing the damage is identified, the cost of damages to common spaces within facilities are divided amongst the residents of the particular facility and charged to each student account.

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. Students have the right to:

• Be notified of their FERPA rights at least annually;

• Inspect and review their records (copies are not provided, and phones are not allowed to be present);

• Request an amendment to an incorrect record;

• Contest to disclosure of personally identifiable information; and

• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA also permits a school to disclose personally identifiable information from education records without consent when the disclosure is to the parents of a student at a postsecondary institution regarding the student's violation of any federal, state or local law or of any rule or policy of the institution governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance. The school may non-consensually disclose information under this exception if the school determines that the student has committed a student conduct violation with respect to that use or possession and the student is under 21 years of age at the time of the disclosure to the parent.

Fire Safety Regulations & Explosives

• No candles allowed, even for decorative purposes. They will be confiscated. Curtains are also considered a hazard.

• No open flames (e.g., candles, kerosene lamps, cooking devices) or any incendiary devices will be permitted in the residence halls. The burning of incense is not allowed in any residence hall room or public area.

• The storage or use of flammable liquids or substances is strictly prohibited in the residence halls.

• All living spaces will be maintained to allow a wide, uncluttered pathway. Nothing may be stored in the hallway.

• The use of multi-outlet plugs or power strips in the residence halls is acceptable only if the equipment has a built-in circuit breaker.

• Live trees will not be permitted in the residence halls. Small plants are acceptable.

• In order to ensure compliance, Campus Life staff may check student rooms on a continuing basis and at any time.

• The possession or use of firearms, fireworks, other explosive materials or weapons in any University-approved housing unit or at a student activity on campus is strictly prohibited by University policy and state law. Pellet, BB, Airsoft, gel and paint guns are strictly prohibited.

• Motorcycle engines, fuel tanks, hoverboards and other motorized vehicles may not be stored or repaired within residence halls.

• The use of a fire extinguisher or other fire protection equipment for other than its intended purpose will automatically result in a fine, plus the cost of recharging or replacing the equipment. Students will also be referred for student conduct and possible legal action.

• Due to fire codes and safety, nothing may be hung from the ceiling light fixtures, sprinklers or pipes.

Pulling Fire Alarm

Falsely pulling the fire alarm will result in an automatic $500 fine and student conduct session. The local fire department may also pursue the violation.

Improper Check-Out

Failure to complete a contract cancellation or room condition report will result in an automatic $100 fine plus additional room damages as determined by Campus Life staff.

General Visitation Rules

• During open visitation hours, a community shall be open to members regardless of gender, only if invited and escorted by a resident of the community. The host must escort the guest at all times.

• Host and guest must adhere to the following community restroom and shower policies:

• At all times, guests must be escorted to and from the restroom facility by their host or hostess.

• The rights of the community members to use restroom facilities shall take precedence over their use by guests. To ensure these rights, no guest of the opposite gender may use the restroom when a member of the community is using the facility. (The restroom must be cleared.)

• Showers may not be used by members of the opposite gender at any time.

• Residents may host a guest for no more than three days in a 10day period, provided the roommate agrees. The visitation policy applies to guests and students. The host must inform their guest of our policy prior to the visit and make other accommodations if necessary. Guests staying beyond three days will be considered to be cohabitating, and both the host and the guest may be subject to student conduct action.

• The Office of Campus Life reserves the right to distinguish between a visiting guest and actual residency. A guest making unusually frequent visits will be considered to be cohabitating and both the host and the guest may be subject to student conduct action.

• Hosts will be responsible for the actions of their guest(s). The University has set maximum visitation hours as 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., Monday through Friday, and 24-hour visitation on the weekends, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Monday.

Only during these hours may residents entertain guests in their rooms with prior permission from their roommates. (Guests are defined as nonresidents of the hall or residents of a floor including people who are not Millikin students.) At all times guests must be in the presence of a resident who is acting as host. Apartments have a maximum of 24-hour visitation. This policy is NOT an open visitation policy. An individual must be a personally invited guest and in the presence of a resident who is acting as host. In other words, all non-residents must be escorted anywhere within the living unit they are visiting. Failure to comply with the escort policy as stated in the student handbook will result in student conduct action.

Violations of Residence Hall Visitation Policy

Automatic $50 fine and student conduct session.

Quiet Hours Guidelines

One of the primary rights of students in residence halls is the right to study in one’s room free from unreasonable interference. Thus, noise and other distractions that inhibit the exercise of this right are strictly prohibited. Parameters established by the Office of Campus Life are as follows:

Sunday through Thursday:

Quiet hours begin at 10 p.m. and end at 10 a.m.

Friday and Saturday:

Quiet hours begin at midnight and end at 10 a.m.

In addition, there are consideration hours which are provided to respect the rights of others to study and sleep 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Careful attention must be paid to control the noise of even normal activities due to the density of residence hall living. High noise levels of audio systems, voices or activities are never acceptable in residence halls.

During Quiet Hours, the Following Guidelines Exist:

• The noise level resulting from conversation or the use of stereos, radios, televisions and telephones in any room should not be loud enough to be easily heard outside the room.

• Floor lounges are to be used for quiet activities (e.g., study, programs, television, games, etc.). It is expected that noise will be kept at a moderate level.

• Conversations in the hallway and bathroom must be conducted at a low voice level.

• Campus Life staff may confront students who are making too much noise, even if they have not received a complaint from another student.

• Students are expected to confront other students who are making too much noise. The student making the noise is expected to reduce the noise level immediately.

Enforcement of Quiet Guidelines

Students in violation of the quiet hour policy will be referred to the Office of Campus Life. Multiple violations may result in relocation to another housing assignment.

Violations of Noise/Quiet Hours Policy

First offense: warning by paraprofessional

Repeat offenses: student conduct session

Finals Week Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are in place on all residence hall floors 24 hours a day, during the entirety of finals week. Signs will be posted within the halls informing students when quiet hours will begin, end and be temporarily lifted. Students in violation of this policy will be referred through the student conduct process and may be asked to leave the hall immediately after their last final exam.

Keys/Cards

Each student is issued a room key, and their ID is activated to enter their residence. Students should not let anyone borrow, use or possess their keys or ID. When a student changes rooms or moves out of the hall, the keys must be returned to Public Safety within 24 hours.

Propping Door(s) Open

Automatic $25 fine and student conduct session.

Locked Out

If a student is locked out of their room, they should contact Public Safety in Walker Hall at 217.464.8888 and ask to be let into their room. The resident must be prepared to show an ID to verify that they are a resident of that room. Public Safety will first attempt to contact the paraprofessional on duty. The cost to perform the key-in is $15 to be charged to the student’s account. The student will also be required to tell the staff member where their keys are and how they came to be locked out as well as proof of student identification.

Lofts

No lofts are to be built in any residence hall room and are expressly prohibited. The University is willing to provide pins to allow beds to be bunked. Please contact your paraprofessional for assistance. The University does not allow TVs or other furniture to be affixed to the wall.

Acts of Non-Compliance/

Conduct Unbecoming a Millikin Student

A number of actions constitute non-compliance and/or unbecoming conduct, including:

• Failure to comply with a reasonable request of a University official;

• Failure to schedule or attend a student conduct session;

• Failure to respond to University communication;

• Failure to complete assigned student conduct sanction(s); and

• Engaging in threatening behavior toward a University official.

Such actions result in an automatic $100 fine per act of noncompliance, up to $500 and a student conduct session with Campus Life (or upperlevel student conduct officer, depending on severity of non-compliance). The student may also be reassigned to or suspended from a residence hall without consultation. Other sanctions may apply at the discretion of the student conduct officer.

Pets

Pets, other than fish, are not allowed in residence halls for any reason (including academic). Laboratory specimens are also prohibited. If any other animals are found in a residence hall, the student will be fined $250 per day until the animal is removed.

Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

Millikin University, in compliance with the Fair Housing Act, permits students to have an emotional support animal (ESA) after approval by the Student Success Center. An ESA may not be brought on campus until it has been approved. Due to the health concerns of other students, owners of approved ESAs may be provided alternate housing arrangements. It is best for a student to request an ESA prior to the start of the academic year to avoid such housing changes. For questions, please contact the Student Success Center at 217.362.6424.

Service Animals

Pets and non-research animals are restricted on University property. However, under federal law, service animals are not excluded from University property or activities so long as they meet the guidelines set forth in this policy. Service animals are defined as animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. These tasks include:

• Guiding people who are blind;

• Alerting people who are deaf;

• Pulling wheelchairs for those with limited mobility;

• Alerting and protecting a person who is at risk for seizures; and

• Performing other special tasks.

Service animals are working animals, not pets. Please contact the Student Success Center at 217.362.6424.

Smoking, Vaping & Tobacco Use

Millikin is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus. The use of products that contain tobacco or nicotine intended for human consumption, or likely to be consumed, is strictly prohibited, whether smoked, vaped, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved or ingested by any means. This includes, but is not limited to, use of cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, hookahs, pipes, smokeless tobacco or electronic devices such as e-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-hookahs and e-cigars. Exceptions are in place for controlled research, educational or clinical programming or for smoke-cessation programs.

University residence halls in particular are smoke-free, vapor-free environments. Residents and their guests are not permitted to burn any substance that will put smoke into the private or public spaces of their residence halls or balconies; residents and their guests are also not permitted to use any device that will emit vapor into these areas. Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests. Examples of restricted items included those listed in the preceding paragraph, as well as incense, bongs or smoke machines.

Use of tobacco, smoking or vaping products is only permitted outside of buildings at least 25 feet away from any entrance. The policy applies to all University students, employees, temporary employees, interns, volunteers, contractors, consultants and campus visitors. All University-owned, operated and affiliated premises — as well as University vehicles — are included in this policy. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary or student conduct action. If anyone so chooses to use these substances off campus and brings the scent or vapor back to campus property and the scent disturbs a particular environment, they may be subject to student conduct action as the Office of Campus Life sees fit.

Fire Safety Fine: $100, Non-Drug-Related Smoking Fine: $100, Smoking In/Near Residence Hall Fine: $100, plus student conduct session.

Solicitation/Posting Information in the Halls

To ensure the security of residence halls, all solicitation, commercial activities, distribution of material under room doors, door-to-door canvassing and similar activities are prohibited in and around the residence halls unless approved in writing by Campus Life.

Special Housing Accommodations

If a reasonable accommodation for housing is requested based on a documented disability, the following must be completed:

1. Documentation of disability for special housing consideration form (completed by the medical provider/diagnostician).

2. Submit a Housing Application by June 1 for the fall term or December 1 for the spring term.

3. Provide documentation that addresses the specific needs for a reasonable accommodation(s) in housing (this documentation must be submitted to the Office of Campus Life within the established time frame).

4. Update reasonable housing accommodations on an annual basis within the established time frame designated by the University.

The Office of Campus Life and SSC review documentation to determine if an individual is eligible for special housing accommodations. If eligible based upon the documentation, the Office of Campus Life will be in contact with the individual to determine the appropriate housing. During the review process, the Office of Campus Life may confer with other University offices and departments.

Temporary Medical Conditions

Students with a temporary medical condition that affects their mobility may contact the Office of Campus Life at 217.362.6410 to discuss room reassignment options. Due to limited availability during terms, single accommodations cannot be guaranteed for temporary medical conditions. For more information visit millikin.edu/ accessibility.

Bicycles, Rollerblades & Wheeled Devices

Bicycles and scooters are convenient forms of transportation on campus as well as in the community, but it is necessary to secure these devices with a strong case-hardened lock and tempered steel chain. Please do not park these devices where it may be an inconvenience or hazard to others or where it interferes with access to a building in the event of a fire. Chain them securely to a bike rack.

Bicycles and scooters may not be stored inside any campus building at any time. For safety reasons, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades and any other wheeled device — with the exception of medical devices — are not permitted in residence halls or other campus buildings.

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual assault will not be tolerated and will be sanctioned. All reports of sexual misconduct are reviewed and investigated by the University. Reports are treated in confidence to the extent feasible, given the need to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation.

If you believe you may be a victim of sexual misconduct, or know a victim of an alleged incident of sexual misconduct, you can report it directly to the Title IX coordinator listed below:

Title IX Coordinator

Todd Ray, Chief Human Resources Officer taray@millikin.edu; 217.362.6416

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

Wallace Southerland III, Vice President for Student Affairs wsoutherland@millikin.edu; 217.424.6395

Reports may also be made via the email address TitleIX@millikin.edu. Reports submitted through this address will be responded to within twelve (12) hours.

An anonymous report can also be expressed to the Campus Conduct Hotline at 866.943.5787.

You may visit the Title IX resources app on myMILLIKIN to report and access support information.

2024–2025

Important Dates

August 11

EDGE Program & Long-Vanderburg Academy Move-In

August 12

International Student Arrival

August 13-18

International Student Orientation

August 14

Football Move-In Transfer Orientation

August 16-18

Move-In Days for New Students

August 18-25

New Student Welcome Week Mandatory attendance for all new students

August 22-25

Move-In Days for The Woods at Millikin

August 23

Transfer Orientation

August 25

Last Day to Opt Out of Big Blue Access Program for Fall 2024

August 26

First Day of Classes

September 1

Last Day to Add/Drop 16-Week Courses

Last Day to Add/Drop 1st 8-Week Courses

September 2

Labor Day (no classes)

September 6

Last Day to Change/Cancel Meal Plan

September 23-27

Homecoming Week Activities

September 27-29

Homecoming & Family Weekend

October 4

Last Day to Withdraw from 1st 8-Week Courses

October 25-27

Fall Break

November 12

Scheduling Day

November 19

Last Day to Withdraw from 16-Week Courses

November 25-December 1

Thanksgiving Break (residence halls open)

December 1

Off-Campus Petitions Due* *Seniors only

December 13

Last Day of Classes

December 15 Winter Commencement

December 16-20 Final Exams

December 20

Residence Halls Close for Winter Break (5 p.m.)

December 21-January 20 Winter Break

December 23

Winter Immersion Courses Begin

January 13

International Student Move-In

January 14-19

International Student Orientation

January 17

Transfer Orientation

January 18

Residence Halls Re-Open for Spring Semester (8 a.m.)

January 19

Last Day to Opt Out of Big Blue Access Program for Spring 2025

January 21

Classes Begin

January 26

Last Day to Add/Drop 16-Week Courses

Last Day to Add/Drop 1st 8-Week Courses

February 1

Last Day to Change/Cancel Meal Plan

February 28

Last Day to Withdraw from 1st 8-Week Courses

March 1

Commuter Waiver Due

March 15-23

Spring Break (residence halls open)

April 8

Scheduling Day

April 15

Last Day to Withdraw from 16-Week Courses

April 18

Easter Break (no classes) (residence halls open)

May 1

Declare Housing for 2025/2026

May 9

Last Day of Classes

May 12-16 Final Exams

May 16

Residence Halls Close for Summer (5 p.m.)

May 18

Spring Commencement

May 19

International Move-Out

Summer Immersion Courses Begin

Decatur, Illinois

Centrally located in the heart of the Midwest, Millikin is just three hours from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.

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