The Lipscomb faculty, staff, and administration seek to provide a transformative educational environment in classrooms, labs, internships, and one-on-one faculty-student engagement. At the same time, the Lipscomb community recognizes that a rich and rewarding college experience that helps shape the total person goes beyond a life of study. Student Life exists to create a culture that offers students from any and every background the opportunity to build relationships and discover places to belong. We welcome and orient new students, and also try to build a culture of communal life, whether the student resides on campus or commutes. Student Life settles students into Lipscomb housing and cares for them once they have a room to call home. We welcome veterans into a community where we’ve “got their backs.” The Student Life Team maintains life-giving community standards and nurtures a safe and secure environment in which students can maintain good mental and emotional health and be cared for in times of need or crisis. We oversee student engagement through social clubs, student activities, student organizations, athletics, and the Student Government Association, giving many opportunities for relationships, growth, and fun. Through Student Life, we seek to activate bold faith, offering spaces for students to grow spiritually as image-bearers of God and discover their God-given vocation to impact and serve the world. In this way, the entire Lipscomb community is committed to helping a student grow into their whole self, becoming the person God calls them to be.
Spiritual Formation at Lipscomb
The collegiate experience includes a process of formation. This process of formation is inevitable; every person is shaped or formed into a certain kind of human being, even if they do not have a particular goal in view. The specific goal of Christian spiritual formation at Lipscomb is to train to be more like Jesus in all aspects of life. Because we are a Christian university, founded on the values and virtues of Jesus, we want all students to recognize and respect the centrality of Jesus in Lipscomb’s identity, mission, and spiritual formation goals. At the same time, we welcome and invite students from any background, religious or irreligious, and acknowledge the importance of everyone’s freedom of choice. No matter the student’s faith perspective, we hope to guide the student in ways that give them opportunities to grow and become a whole, healthy, and equipped human being, ready to excel in their future settings.
A partial list of the means for the pursuit of spiritual formation at Lipscomb includes Bible classes; the university chapels; service projects and service learning; mentoring; mission trips; Bible studies; relationships with other students, faculty, and staff; and guest speakers and artists.
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:
1) the variety of students’ backgrounds and learning styles,
2) the importance of encouraging active engagement rather than passive observation, and
3) the need to move from required activities to internalized habits.
Chapels
We believe that the communal pursuit of God is one of our primary callings as followers of Jesus. The Office of Spiritual Formation intentionally creates spaces for community members to engage with God and each other. These spaces are a) communal rhythms, b) small, consistent communities, and c) one-on-one relationships.
The Gathering
The Gathering provides a weekly community rhythm when our entire campus comes together to connect with God through Scripture and worship, and to build community with each other. The Office of Spiritual Formation establishes a specific spiritual formation plan each semester for this weekly assembly. The semester theme is reflected in the day’s message and supplemented with accompanying biblical texts, songs, and spiritual practices intended to reinforce each weekly theme. The Gathering is led by faculty, staff, students, and occasionally will feature guest speakers and artists. In addition, the assembly gives us an opportunity to share Lipscomb community news and keep students informed about upcoming events.
Breakouts
Through Breakouts, we invite students to participate in a smaller, consistent community in which they have the opportunity to connect with God and other community members more intimately. Students enroll in their choice between a wide variety of Lipscomb community groups, themes, and group sizes, based on their curiosities, communities, and callings. Students commit to one of these groups each semester to experience consistent community and deep relationship.
Chapel Requirements/Credits
Because Lipscomb leadership believes that chapel experiences through the Gathering and Breakouts can be a significant part of a student’s formation, the University requires that every undergraduate student accrue a certain number of chapel credits. At the same time, we acknowledge that Christian spiritual formation cannot ultimately be required because it is based upon a personal decision and commitment. Full-time traditional undergraduate students are required to accrue 20 credits each semester by attending chapel credits events, including but not necessarily limited to The Gathering and the student’s enrolled Breakout. Attendance is tracked through the iAttended app. Students with conflicts or non-traditional schedules may contact the Office of Spiritual Formation. Please see the Student Handbook for more details on requirements.
Simply attending a Gathering or Breakout 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 activate their faith through any number of additional spiritual practices: going on a mission trip, participating in justice movements, doing a prayer walk, helping feed individuals in need, gathering for a time of praise, or getting away on a contemplative retreat, for example. 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. Therefore, we seek to equip and inspire them to pursue a lifelong path of spiritual formation.
Student Engagement
The Office of Student Engagement is here for each student to discover, embrace, and thrive in their unique role on campus. We strive to keep the student in student life by providing opportunities and creating an environment where all students understand they are a part of the Lipscomb student body and have the same access and opportunities to be a valuable contributor to the Lipscomb experience. Contact studentengagement@lipscomb.edu for any questions about any of the areas under Student Engagement.
The Office of Intercultural Development (OID)
The OID seeks to enrich the holistic development of each student by encouraging them to recognize and embrace the uniqueness of their personal culture while valuing the culture of others. Our mission is to build community through culture. So, share your culture’s traditions. Join a club. Cultivate your spiritual life and watch it flourish. The Office of Intercultural Development is your support system. We will help you connect within the Lipscomb community, Nashville, and the world.
Commuter Student Services
As an off-campus student, you are among the over 1,300 Lipscomb University undergraduate students who commute to campus. 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.
Intramural Sports
Intramural sports are a vital part of campus life. The Student Activities Center (SAC) and intramural field opened in 1991. Activities offered in the fall include the annual kickball tournament, sand volleyball, softball, Dead-Day volleyball tournament, co-ed indoor soccer and flag football. In the spring, activities include basketball, pickleball, outdoor soccer, indoor volleyball, and our Dead-Day golf scramble.
Throughout the year, various tournaments are offered, such as volleyball, spikeball, cornhole, pickleball, basketball, and more.
Team sport competition is divided into both independent and recreation leagues. Both leagues are open to all students enrolled at Lipscomb, as well as approved faculty/staff.
In addition to intramurals, open recreation (free play) time is offered. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the SAC and its facilities including two basketball courts, two weight rooms, indoor running/walking track, aerobics room, SPIN studio, pickleball courts, and three racquetball courts. Follow our instagram @lucampusrec to keep up with all things Campus Rec.
Social Clubs
Social Clubs develop student leaders, create God-honoring relationships, promote campus involvement, and serve others. Approximately 20-25% of undergraduate students are involved in Social Clubs. Currently, there are 11 social clubs overseen by the Office of Student Engagement. 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.
Student Activities Board (SAB)
The Student Activities Board is designed to bring fun programming to campus and create space and opportunities for students to come together around events that they wouldn’t normally attend together. It 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.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are designed to provide students the opportunity to develop valuable leadership skills, share experiences with friends, explore different interests, and be active members of the Lipscomb community. 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. Student organizations are open to all students who are interested in being a part of one. Professional and Academic Organizations such as certain Honor Societies are housed within individual Colleges at Lipscomb and more information can be found about them within the corresponding academic offices.
Student Government Association (SGA)
The Student Government Association exists to enhance the student experience at Lipscomb University. The SGA Senate is elected by the student body and is composed of four (4) Executive Officers and 28 Class Senators. Each class is represented by seven (7) elected officials (their Class President, Class Vice President, a Class Coordinator, and four (4) at-large Senators) and the Freshman class is represented by seven (7) members of the Freshman Leadership Council.
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; students living with their parents in their permanent residence in the Nashville area; or transfer students. Married students and students over 25 years old are not allowed to live in the campus residence halls. Exceptions must be approved by the Dean of Housing and Residence Life as indicated in the Student Handbook. Contact the Director of Housing at 615.966.6062 for questions regarding housing on campus.
Student Success and Wellbeing
The Office of Student Success and Wellbeing believes when you start well, you stay well! We are motivated by the reality that students succeed when they begin with a strong foundation and continue to take the steps necessary to care for their holistic well-being, including their social, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Our goal is to provide the necessary services and experiences to ensure students thrive at Lipscomb. To our office, retention is about more than just numbers but about whole student development and success.
We promote students’ holistic success and well-being and lead retention efforts through intentional programming, education, experiences, services, and one-on-one relationship development and coaching. Our office oversees Student Care Supports, including the C.A.R.E. Team, First Year Experiences, and new student orientation programs like NSO and QuestWeek.
Our office and staff are committed to providing the right resources at the right time to ensure your success as a student at Lipscomb. This includes connecting to resources on and off campus that will support overall well-being and providing programming and experiences that promote holistic growth and development.
Areas of responsibility include New Student Orientation programs for both freshman and transfer undergraduate students coordinated by Corey Shannon, corey.shannon@lipscomb.edu, Assistant Director of Student Success and Wellbeing. Hannah Gill, hannah.gill@lipscomb.edu, oversees first year student programming as the Assistant Director of First Year Programs. Director of Student Care, Laura Thorson, laura.thorson@lipscomb.edu, who chairs the Campus Response and Evaluation Team (C.A.R.E), and Student Care Coordinator Laura Spehar, laura.spehar@lipscomb.edu, work to support and connect students to resources both on and off campus. Dannie Woods, dannie.woods@lipscomb.edu, serves as the Dean of Student Success and Wellbeing. For more information about the Office of Student Success and Wellbeing and its services, visit www.lipscomb.edu/studentwellbeing.
University Counseling Center
The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers a variety of free counseling services provided by licensed professional counselors and counselors-in-training under supervision.
Access to our full range of counseling services is available to currently-enrolled University students who need help with a variety of issues. In addition to providing scheduled one-on-one counseling, the UCC accepts walk-in students facing an immediate mental health crisis and can provide referrals to specialized off-campus resources when necessary. The UCC also offers various on-campus education programs, support groups, break-out chapels, and other events that provide opportunities to encourage and support student mental health and wellness campus-wide. In addition, Telehealth counseling is available to students through the TimelyCare resource described below.
Our counseling services are confidential, except where the law requires disclosure (details are available in the informed consent for counseling). No one outside of the UCC has access to a student’s records, and counseling records are not part of the student’s educational record.
To get connected, University students should fill out an online request form found on the University Counseling Center website at lipscomb.edu/counselingcenter. They can also connect through their myLipscomb account or simply by coming into the office for more information. A consultation visit will be scheduled to match the student with an available counselor.
The University Counseling Center is located in the SAC (Student Activities Center), at the corner entrance facing the Allen Bell Tower and the Ezell Center. Upon entering, take either the elevator or the stairwell up to the 2nd floor. The UCC’s phone number is 615-966-1781, and office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F. If you are having a mental health crisis outside of office hours, call Mobile Crisis at 1-855-CRISIS-1 or Lipscomb Security at 615-966-7600 (if on campus). If it is an emergency, call 911.
Timely Care
TimelyCare is a telehealth program for students that provides access to 24/7 virtual mental health care. Services are accessible from anywhere in the United States, with no cost to visit.
Whether you’re anxious or overwhelmed, you can talk to a licensed provider from your smartphone or any web-enabled device. Providers are available to offer mental health support via phone or secure video visits. Check out the FAQs below to learn more.
Q. How can students access TimelyCare?
A. Students can go to timleycare.com/lipscomb to register with their school email address. Students can then have visits from any web-enabled device - smartphone, laptop, or desktop. TimelyCare is available from anywhere in the United States.
Q. Who can use TimelyCare?
A. Any Lipscomb University student
Q. What services are available?
A. The following services are available:
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TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand access to a mental health professional to talk about anything at anytime
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Scheduled Counseling: scheduled options to speak to a licensed counselor
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Psychiatry: services provided by Lipscomb counseling referral
Q. Where can I go to have privacy on campus?
A. Students can reserve study rooms in the library, talk in their car, ask a roommate for some privacy for an hour, or talk to their RHD about other spots in the dorm they might be able to use.
Q. How much does a visit cost?
A. TimelyCare services are free to all Lipscomb University students.
Veteran Services
Whether a military member, veteran, or dependent, the Veteran Services Office (VSO) will provide the student with personalized support to meet their needs as a Lipscomb student. With over 38 years of enlisted service, our team is here to serve those who have served our country.
Lipscomb, a G.I. Job’s top Military Friendly School and one of Military Times’ Top 25 Best for Vets Business Schools, provides veterans and their dependents with an academically challenging degree program that fits your career goals, along with a Christ-centered community to deepen their faith.
The experienced VSO team is available to students to guide them through any kind of question, from VA benefits to degree programs to student life. We create events specifically designed for veterans - veteran orientation sessions, professional development training, and career placement opportunities. We are committed to coaching student veterans and dependents through each step of the educational journey.
Veterans have created tremendous legacies in this country already. The Lipscomb VSO wants to prepare veterans for the next journey ahead.
Any student veteran or dependent of a veteran wishing to use any form of VA educational benefits at Lipscomb must contact one of the VSO’s School Certifying Officials at 615.966.1117.
Health Services
Health Services is located adjacent to the Bison Inn on the North end of Campus. Our street address is 3705 Ferndale Avenue. Normal 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 on school-recognized holidays. The clinic is staffed by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered nurses. Students at Lipscomb University can conveniently receive health care for acute illnesses and injuries. All health services are confidential unless the student specifies disclosure information.
Allergy shots, TB skin tests, blood tests, and some vaccinations are available in the health center throughout the year for specified fees. There is a sliding scale beginning at $50 per visit for consumable products and office visits. Payment for provider visits, prescription medications, imaging, and laboratory services will be the responsibility of the student and may be billed to his/her health insurance plan. Health insurance is recommended for all students but is not required.
All new students must submit their health forms to Med+Proctor. Please see the emails you receive in your Lipscomb email for further instructions. It is required prior to class registration, and incomplete accounts will cause a health hold to go on your record until all documentation has been submitted. 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 that all students born after 1956 provide proof of two measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations or a titer showing immunity. If there is no immunity to all three diseases, a booster shot will be required.
For students born after 1979, proof of chickenpox disease (documented date of disease or a titer) or two varicella vaccines is required.
Incoming students who are younger than 22 years of age and who will live on campus must have documentation of a dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). The dose must have been administered at greater than or equal to 16 years of age. Any student not living on campus who has not received a dose of quadrivalent conjugate vaccine within the past five years may choose to be vaccinated to reduce the risk of meningococcal disease.
All students are required to complete the TB risk factor screening questionnaire that is located on your Med+Proctor account. Some students may be required to submit additional screening in the form of a TB skin or blood test. A chest x-ray must be submitted for any positive skin test. Health Sciences students may 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 ASUN 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.
Student Growth and Accountability
Lipscomb University was founded with a commitment to biblical faith and principles. As an institution, the university seeks to equip, educate, and develop its students holistically as people who glorify God, integrating Christian faith and practice with every aspect of their lives. The university hopes to equip each student with personal integrity and a moral/ethical framework for life, which is responsible to the standards of Scripture and lived out in the Spirit of Christ.
With this goal in mind, the university has established guidelines for student behavior. As a member of the Lipscomb community, each student has the responsibility to become acquainted with the university’s policies as set forth in the Student Handbook, and to adopt a code of personal conduct which exhibits respect and concern for the values and mission of the university. Violations of university policies, the willing assistance of others who do so, and noncooperation in the fulfillment of disciplinary stipulations and/or procedures, are all actions that will be considered adverse to the mission of Lipscomb and may be subject to discipline.
Each member of the university community has the right and responsibility to hold others accountable to these standards. By doing this, the university believes it can provide an atmosphere of mutual respect and dignity, one which is conducive to academic pursuits, as well as to healthy personal development in all aspects of life.
Academic Integrity: A Community of Faith
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.
Judicial Code and Integrity Council
The foregoing Community of Faith sets out broad principles. From these broad principles flow policies and practices for members of the Lipscomb University community. The Judicial Code and Integrity Council identifies specific definitions of academic integrity infractions, provides a process for handling potential violations, and identifies the specific steps in the process. The Judicial Code and Integrity Council can be found on myLipscomb and a summary is available at www.lipscomb.edu/academics/academic-support/academic-integrity.
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 through the Office of the Provost.
Email Accounts
All students are issued a Lipscomb email account. That email must be checked regularly for campus information, class announcements, etc. The Lipscomb email account serves as the official means of electronic communication with students. Students are expected to monitor and regularly check this account for messages. The student may forward the Lipscomb account to an account that he or she checks daily.
Campus Security
Lipscomb Campus Security provides 24/7 dispatch, security patrols, and response to any calls for assistance that may arise on campus for the safety and security of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Additional services include virtual and in-person bison walks, vehicle assists (jump starts, unlocks, and tire changes), and emergency notifications through the Lipscomb Ready App and ALERTUS (outdoor audible alert system). Lipscomb Security’s Dispatch Center is located in the basement of Beaman Library and can be reached by phone at 615-966-7600 for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, please dial 911. The Lipscomb Ready app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Parking
Every student who parks on campus must register his or her vehicle and have a Lipscomb parking sticker. Parking stickers are issued 24/7 at the Lipscomb Security Dispatch Office located in the basement of Beaman Library.
All students must have a Lipscomb ID card. ID cards are used across campus for dining options, access to various events, and card access to certain buildings. ID cards can be issued 24/7 at the Lipscomb Security Dispatch Office located in the basement of Beaman Library.
NOTE: Students seeking to enroll in the Doctor of Pharmacy program should consult those portions of the catalog for specifics related to that program.
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