What do you want to become? How will you make a difference in this world? What does it mean for you to be truly successful? What do you treasure? What are your greatest dreams and highest aspirations? These are the kinds of big questions you bring with you to the college experience, and these are the kinds of questions Lipscomb’s Student Life Team is committed to helping you answer. Our highest ambition is to equip our students to discover the person God created them to be and to prepare them to live out God’s call on their lives with intentionality and purpose so that they can experience the joy and genuine human flourishing of a life lived under the Lordship of Christ.
Spiritual Formation at Lipscomb
The collegiate experience includes a process of formation - a journey of maturation and development that will play a major role in shaping our students’ futures. This process of formation is inevitable, but movement toward the specific goal of Christian spiritual formation does not happen without an intentional plan. At Lipscomb University we embrace the end for which Paul labored: that “Christ be formed in you” (Galatians 4:19).
Spiritual formation, or growing to become more similar to Christ, cannot ultimately be required because it is based upon a personal decision and commitment. We welcome and invite students who have not made this decision to join us on our journey, but we acknowledge the importance of everyone’s freedom of choice. We ask that all students, however, recognize and respect the centrality of the Christian faith to Lipscomb’s identity and mission.
Following is a partial list of the means for the pursuit of spiritual formation at Lipscomb: Bible classes; chapel; service projects, including service-learning (SALT) experiences and classes; mentoring; mission trips; dorm Bible studies; relationships with other students, faculty and staff; and special speakers and performers.
The mere presence of the activities listed above, however, does not guarantee meaningful results in the area of spiritual formation. A plan for spiritual formation in a university context must give attention to three realities:
- the variety of students’ backgrounds and learning styles,
- the importance of encouraging active engagement rather than passive observation,
- the need to move from required activities to internalized habits.
We seek to address each of these realities in our program of spiritual formation. Bible classes begin with the basics, taking students through the whole Bible and encouraging them to find their identity in relation to God’s mission in the world. By the time a student reaches the junior or senior level, the goal is to incorporate one or more Bible classes into each academic area, demonstrating how to think and live as a Christian nurse, engineer, teacher, doctor or other professional. Worship times in chapel provide students with a variety of choices. On Tuesdays everyone assembles together to reflect and celebrate our overall sense of community in “The Gathering” in Allen Arena. On Thursdays students choose from several smaller venues that offer traditional, contemporary and contemplative worship styles. Chapel credits may also be satisfied by involvement in such activities as small group Bible studies, mission trips and service projects.
Simply sitting in a Bible class or a worship period does not produce spiritual growth. For that reason, we strive to make these times as meaningful as possible in order to encourage participation, not just attendance. The greatest growth occurs, however, when students choose to go on a mission trip (as hundreds do each year), help feed the homeless, or in other ways live out their faith. An ever-growing array of such opportunities exists at Lipscomb, and those who choose to participate in them frequently find their lives transformed in the process.
We realize that we have our students for a limited amount of time. Once they leave Lipscomb they will not likely be in an environment in which they will be required to attend Bible classes or chapel. We seek to help them obtain knowledge, but also to equip and inspire them to pursue a lifelong path of spiritual formation.
Chapel
We truly believe that the communal pursuit of God is one of our primary callings as followers of Jesus. Chapel exists to provide consistent and intentional opportunities for the Lipscomb family to commune with God through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word.
The Gathering
The Gathering is a time when our entire campus comes together for worship in Allen Arena on Tuesdays. During this time of communal worship, the message of God is communicated by passionate speakers and through a variety of creative expressions. This large gathering also gives the opportunity for ‘community moments,’ where we recognize notable events and people from the Lipscomb family.
Breakout Chapels
Breakout chapels give a more intimate opportunity for students to come together in smaller venues across campus with specific but differing ways to pursue God. Each Thursday, students can choose between the many opportunities available. These opportunities will be communicated through the weekly Chapel email.
Chapel Requirements/Credits
Credits can be received through attending The Gathering on Tuesdays and a Breakout Chapel on Thursdays. The Gathering and Breakout Chapels begin at 10:55 a.m. Full-time undergraduate students with classes Monday-Friday are required to earn 25 credits. Students with conflicts or non-traditional schedules should contact the Chapel Office.
Commuter Student Life
As a commuter student, you are among the 1,400 Lipscomb University undergraduate students who commute to campus.
Lipscomb is located in an urban environment providing easy access to our community and downtown Nashville. We advocate for the growing population of students living off-campus and recognize the unique needs of living in the surrounding neighborhoods of the University.
Our Commuter Student Program is dedicated to the support and engagement of this student population. Regardless of whether you reside two blocks from campus or two hours, through a variety of resources and support, our office is committed to supporting your student experience as a Lipscomb Bison. Contact sam.smith@lipscomb.edu with any questions about Commuter Student Life.
Student Activities Board (SAB)
Our vision is that every student at Lipscomb will be involved and engaged in purposeful activities that promote spiritual, academic, and social growth that will last beyond a student’s time on campus.
The Student Activities Board is a student led programming organization responsible for planning, coordinating, organizing, and hosting various social opportunities on and off campus that are inclusive and welcoming to the entire Lipscomb community. Contact louis.nelms@lipscomb.edu with any questions about Lipscomb’s SAB.
Student Government Association (SGA)
The Student Government Association (comprised of 28 senators and four executive officers elected to serve for the academic year) partners with the Office of Student Life in providing opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in various activities.
Professional and Service Organizations
Lipscomb University offers more than 80 groups and organizations in which students may be involved. The diversity of focus and interest provides avenues for all of our students to address their interests and attain a sense of acceptance and belonging. The major organizational groupings are: academic, professional, honor societies, music, drama, student publications, special interest, service and social clubs.
Social Clubs
Approximately one in four of our students is involved in social clubs. These clubs are chartered to promote the spiritual mission of the school while providing avenues for social development on campus. Currently there are 14 social clubs overseen by the Office of Greek Life. The Interclub Council (ICC) and social club advisors play a vital role in working with the deans to provide leadership and direction for the clubs. Major club activities include athletics, Singarama, formals, drug and alcohol awareness training, and a variety of service projects.
Residence Life
Lipscomb realizes the importance of providing clean, well-maintained residence halls for students who are required to live on campus. Unmarried students are required to live in one of the campus residence halls unless they meet at least one of the following criteria: students 21 years of age and older, senior students with 90 credit hours, or students living with their parents in their permanent residence in the Nashville area. Married students and students over 25 are not allowed to live in the campus residence halls. Exceptions must be approved by the Dean of Student Life as indicated in the Student Handbook. Contact the Residence Life Office at (615) 966-6062 for questions regarding housing on campus.
Lipscomb provides married student housing to those qualified married students who are receiving gift aid (all institutional grants and qualifying non-institutional grants) totaling a full grant-in-aid. The availability of this housing is extremely limited and those interested should contact the Office of Rental Properties at 615.966.6173 for further information.
Career Development Center
The Career Development Center facilitates the development process by which students become ethical professionals who are self-aware, engaged, resourceful, and ready to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workplace. We are dedicated to providing professional development opportunities and connecting students and alumni to employers through both on and off campus recruiting.
Upon entering Lipscomb University, students may utilize the CDC’s services any time after being accepted. When classes begin, they are granted an account in Bison JobTrax, our online internship and job posting website that can be found on myLipscomb.
myLipscomb>Resources>Career Development. All CDC services, including career counseling, interview preparation, job search support, and networking opportunities.
Explore
The CDC encourages students to utilize available personality and vocational interest testing given through the counseling center. Upon completion, individual career counseling sessions can be scheduled with CDC staff to further discuss the assessments in regards to the selection of a major or career path or the evaluation of job opportunities.
The Career Development Center offers two 1-hour classes for students. Personal and Career Exploration helps students explore career options and choose a major best suited for their goals. Professional Advantage is a 1-hour class designed for junior and seniors that need help preparing for professional life after graduation.
Prepare
Internships allow students to gain real world experience. The CDC encourages students to participate in multiple internships to assist them in determining career fit and to gain valuable experience prior to graduation. So that students can easily identify valuable learning opportunities within their field of study, internship opportunities are pre-approved by each department prior to being posted on Bison JobTrax. Bison JobTrax is also utilized in maintaining a database of on- and off-campus, part-time and full-time employment opportunities.
Engage
Career networking, recruiting events, and mock interviews are held on campus each semester to facilitate the process by which students connect with employers. Career fairs and networking events are tailored for particular majors. Lipscomb University is also part of the local consortium of schools that hosts the Nashville Area Career Fair each spring.
University Counseling Center
The University Counseling Center offers a variety of free counseling services provided by licensed professional counselors and Graduate Student Interns under supervision.
Access to our full range of counseling services is available to currently enrolled University students who need help with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, personal or family problems, eating disorders, substance abuse, grief, stress, anger and conflict resolution, trauma, academic issues, or other concerns, including adjusting to life on campus.
The Counseling Center also provides various on-campus education programs, support groups, break-out chapels and other events that cover a variety of mental health issues and provides opportunities to encourage and support student mental health and wellness.
Our counseling services are confidential in a comfortable and private setting. The Counseling Center adheres to very strict confidentiality standards. Any information provided is strictly confidential. Counseling records are not part of the student’s educational record.
The Counseling Center is located in the SAC, at the corner entrance facing the Bell Tower and Ezell, located just off the elevator on the 2nd floor, above Au Bon Pain. Normal operating hours are 8:00 - 5:00 pm.
University students may request an appointment on the University Counseling Center website at lipscomb.edu/counselingcenter or by coming into the office to make a request. The phone number is 615-966-1781. After office hours, call 911 if it is an emergency, the Lipscomb Crisis Intervention line at 615-966-SAFE (7233) or Lipscomb Security and Safety at 615-966-7600.
Your college years will be some of the most exciting and memorable years of your life. They might also be filled with challenges, questions and anxiety. That’s when it can be helpful to know someone is available to help, listen and support you when you need it most. The University Counseling Center is dedicated to ensuring you have what you need to feel successful and supported throughout your time on campus. Seeking help through the Counseling Center does not imply weakness. It shows strength and a personal commitment to becoming a stronger person.
Health Services
Students at Lipscomb University can conveniently receive healthcare from nurse practitioners and registered nurses for common illnesses and injuries including testing, diagnosis, and prescriptions. Health Services is located adjacent to Bison Inn on the North end of Campus. Normal clinic hours during the school year are 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with shortened hours during the summer. The clinic is closed for holidays and when the university is closed.
There is a sliding scale beginning at $20 per visit for consumable products. Payment for prescription medications, imaging, and laboratory services will be up to the student and may be billed to his/her health insurance plan. The Health Center does not currently bill insurance for in-house services. Health insurance is highly recommended for students and is required for international students. Allergy shot administrations, TB skin tests, and many vaccinations are available for a fee for students, faculty, and staff.
All new students MUST submit their health forms to Med+Proctor. Please see emails you will receive for further instructions. It is required prior to class registration, and incomplete accounts could cause a hold to go on your record until all pieces are completed. For more detailed instructions regarding your Med+ Proctor account, please visit https://www.lipscomb.edu/student-life/health-wellness/health-center
The state of Tennessee requires all students born after 1956 to provide proof of two measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations or a titer showing immunity. All students born after 1979 must also have two varicella (chickenpox) vaccines or history of the disease which can be shown through a positive blood titer.
The hepatitis B (HBV) series is required for all health science students, and the meningococcal vaccine (MCV) is required for residential students because of the increased risk of this disease with college-age students. If the student (or parent/guardian for those under age 18) chooses to refuse the HBV or MCV after reviewing the information about the risk factor and dangers of each disease, he/she may sign a waiver refusing administration of the vaccines. All students must also have TB screening in the form of a skin test, blood test or risk factor questionnaire within the last year; further guidance is given on the TB Screening Questionnaire. Proof of treatment for any positive TB test must be included as well as a copy of a chest x-ray. Health profession students have additional requirements outlined by their respective schools or departments.
Athletics
Intercollegiate
Lipscomb University is committed to sportsmanship and fellowship as well as academic and athletic excellence. The Lipscomb University athletic program is an active member of the NCAA at the Division I level and is a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Lipscomb University competes in the men’s intercollegiate sports of baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field.
Lipscomb University women participate in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis softball, volleyball and track and field. Lipscomb also offers the finest in athletic facilities. The 5,000-seat Allen Arena hosts Lipscomb basketball and volleyball, serves as home for chapel and houses the athletic department. Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium serves as home to our baseball program while Draper Diamond at Smith Stadium provides a magnificent setting for our softball program. In April 2010 the 2,200-square-foot Huston-Marsh-Griffith Tennis Center was officially opened, housing a pro shop with a retail store.
Intramural Sports
Intramural sports are a vital part of campus life. The Student Activities Center and intramural field opened in 1991. Activities offered in the fall include the annual home run derby, softball, fall golf scramble, co-ed volleyball and flag football. In the spring, activities include basketball, dodgeball, racquetball, ping pong and badminton tournaments, flag football, soccer, ultimate Frisbee and spring golf scramble.
Throughout the year, various tournaments in basketball are offered such as a three-on-three, five-on-five and free throw/ three-point shooting contests.
Team sport competition is divided into both independent and club leagues. The independent league is open to all students enrolled at Lipscomb, whereas the club league is open only to those students who are members of social clubs and who meet all eligibility requirements set forth by the Office of Student Life.
In addition to intramurals, free play recreation is offered. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the SAC and its facilities including two basketball courts, weight room, indoor running/walking track, aerobics room and four racquetball courts.
Student Growth
A student attending Lipscomb University should grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and socially. Lipscomb students should be honest and truthful in all matters; abide by campus regulations; respect and obey existing local, state and federal laws; respect private and public property; observe biblical standards of conduct; and respect the rights of others. Every student is expected to familiarize himself/ herself with the Student Handbook and honor the rules and policies articulated within the handbook. Questions regarding student conduct and/or behavior should be directed to the senior vice president for student life.
A student may be requested by the provost or senior vice president for student life to withdraw from school at any time such action serves the best interest of the student and/ or the university. The request may be based on factors which include, but are not limited to, conduct inconsistent with the ideals of the university, failure to do satisfactory class work, or failure to attend Bible class. When a student is requested to withdraw from school, his/her failure to do so may lead to dismissal or loss of credit. When a student is dismissed, that dismissal becomes a part of the student’s permanent record.
Academic Integrity: A Community of Faith
Lipscomb University is a community of scholars and learners committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Our core values of Christlikeness, truth, excellence and service integrate our Christian faith with the practice of academic pursuits. As citizens of this community, students, faculty and staff share the responsibility for promoting a climate of integrity. As a distinctively Christian university, Lipscomb encourages each member of the community to grow in Christ’s image. The pursuit of truth is a constant goal of the Christian life and lays the foundation for lifelong integrity. In every facet of our work, we seek excellence in the pursuit of knowledge and the courage to make difficult choices even at personal cost. In our service in this community, our actions should reflect the second great command “to love your neighbor as yourself.” The command compels us to respect others, to treat others fairly and honestly, and to assume personal responsibility.
The life of the Christian is built on the foundation of serving others and living in truth. A community built on these principles cannot tolerate cheating, lying, fraud, theft and other dishonest behaviors that jeopardize the rights and welfare of the community and diminish the worth of the academic integrity of the community.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out broad principles. From these broad principles flow policies and practices for members of the Lipscomb University community. The Community of Faith Judicial Code and the Academic Integrity Policy can be found at academics.lipscomb.edu, in the Faculty Handbook, and in the Student Handbook.
Community Accountability-Whistleblower Policy
Lipscomb University is committed to providing all members of the university community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, vendors and guests, with a safe and productive environment. If any member of the university community has reason to believe or reasonably suspect that the university or any of its agents is acting contrary to any applicable federal, state or local laws or regulations, or contrary to any established university policy, that person may report such action or activity without fear of reprisal or retaliation. Information regarding this policy is available through the Office of General Counsel.
Intellectual Property Policy
The university has a policy regarding intellectual property. This policy exists to encourage research and innovation, clarify ownership of intellectual property rights, create opportunities for public use of the university innovations and provide for the equitable distribution of monetary and other benefits derived from intellectual property. Copies of the full policy are available in the Office of the Provost.
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