The Office of Student Life seeks to enhance the quality of student life through advocacy, advising, leadership development, experiential education, and support services. Outreach programs and services are designed to foster an equitable and engaged university community as well as a culture of broad social and civic understanding.

We will do this by:

• Creating a caring student-centered and TU centered atmosphere which promotes student development, mutual care and respect, ethics, leadership, balance, wellness and a place that people are excited about.
• Fostering a campus environment that promotes an understanding about the Office of Student Life and the educational aspect of out-of-the-classroom learning through both negative and positive issues.
• Enhancing the understanding that learning and fun are not mutually exclusive
• Promoting a belief that students and their wellness are the focus of decision-making. Facilitating an atmosphere where individuals are empowered to voice ideas and concerns.
• Expanding and developing traditions whereby students are proud to be at TU and will carry the traditions of their alma mater into the future.

Being a member of a student organization can be an important factor in the success and enjoyment of your college experience. While academic learning is the primary goal of college, extracurricular activities help you learn and grow beyond the walls of the classroom and can provide you with hands-on training to better prepare you for your future career.

Participation in student organizations offers you opportunities for fellowship, leadership, recreation, and meaningful interaction with faculty, staff, and students. The good friends and times encountered through being actively involved on campus can help transform what is sometimes a large and overwhelming institution into a place you can call “home.” There are a variety of organizations to choose from. In addition, you can start your own organization

ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS
The Thomas University Association of Social Workers promotes the field of social work both on-campus and through the community activities.

BAPTIST STUDENT UNION
The Baptist Student Union is a member of the Southern Baptist Association and works to provide a ministry to persons of the campus community, leading them toward faith, guiding them in Christian growth and discipleship, and involving them in responsible church membership. Membership is open to all students.

DELTA CLUB
The Delta Club is an outdoor organization whose purpose is to investigate the area within the upper portions of the Ochlocknee and Aucilla river basins, which form a triangular area of land with the bottom portion lying in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the aim of the club to educate its members in all aspects of this region, wildlife, geological features, sociological and historical aspects, all within an outdoor pursuits context. Membership is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.

GEOLOGY SCIENCE CLUB
Offers members hands-on approach to the natural sciences. Activities include lectures, discussion groups, and trips that center around earth sciences.

Student Government Association

Thomas University believes that part of a student's education is the development of his or her talents outside the classroom. Thus, the Student Government Association is charged with the following responsibilities: to represent the student body, to involve students in the SGA decision-making process, to facilitate communication between administrators, faculty, and students, and to serve as a forum for discussion of matters of broad interest to the students.SGA meetings are held regularly at an announced location on campus. Elections are held in the spring semester and officers serve terms from the following summer semester through spring semester. All enrolled students at Thomas University are members of the Student Government Association.

Campus Activities Board

Campus Activities Board is a student organization that selects and organizes activities for TU students to enjoy during their free time or as a relaxing break from their studying.The board is made up of student leaders and loads of volunteers. To become a member of CAB all you need to do is sign up or attend a meeting and get involved!

President’s Round Table

President's Roundtable is composed of the presidents of student organizations. The president of any student organization on campus must join and attend the Roundtable meetings. The purpose of the Roundtable is to provide a forum for sharing ideas and suggestions between student leaders and Student Affairs staff to ensure open communication and enhance and improve the quality of student life on campus. The Roundtable meets twice each semester in the fall and spring and is hosted by the Director of Student Life.

The Talon

The official student campus newsletter, The Talon, covers campus news, sports, campus events, activities and entertainment. Published bi-weekly, the paper is distributed free on campus. Put your creative writing talents to work as a student journalist. The Talon allows student writers, editors, photographers and artists to develop their talents and air their opinions while providing a service to the campus community.

The Thomas University Residence Hall is an 18,700 square foot brick building situated on 2.6 beautifully landscaped acres two miles from the university's main campus. The hall contains 32 spacious living units suited for double occupancy. Each unit has a private bath. The residence hall has a game room, large patio, laundry room, and study areas. A centralized mailbox is available in the great room. All residence rooms are equipped with basic cable TV Internet service. Each room has phone hook-ups. Phone service is available, but is the responsibility of the student. A pay phone is located in the common area for students use. A soft drink and snack machine is available for the students in the centralized snack area.

The Thomas University Residence Hall is committed to creating an environment that is conducive to academic progress and individual growth. Policies have been developed to protect the rights and encourage the responsibility of resident students, and for the orderly conduct of the educational process of the university.

Freshman Housing Policy

Full-time single students who have fewer than 30 semester hours are required to live on campus. Exceptions are made for married students and for those who live with guardians and commute less than 60 miles. Married freshman should submit a copy of their marriage license, and the parents or legal guardians of commuters should send a confirmation letter to the Student Housing and Residence. Others who feel that special circumstances may entitle them to an exception should mail petitions to the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Single freshmen (except commuters living with parents or guardians) who enroll and are found to be living off campus without an authorized exemption from the Committee on Freshman Residency may be subject to fines and/or other disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal.

The freshman hall policy is important because the transition from home to college life is sometimes difficult. Friendships are made that will last a lifetime. Mutual classes, organizations, social activities, and travel plans strengthen the bond among students beginning college during the same term. The sharing of these experiences provides each student the opportunity to find his/her place in the campus community.

Applying for Student Housing

Career Services provides the resources and strategies for choosing a college major, developing career plans, and making successful career transitions. As students prepare for graduation, many may be thinking, "Where do we go from here?" The tools and skills necessary to finding the perfect job are all accessible to anyone; you merely need to learn them. The Career Planning Center offers assistance in writing résumés and cover letters, learning how to succeed in an interview, and learning how to prepare you for the professional world. Also available are quality job-hunting tips and personal assessment tests to find your perfect match!

TU promotes an appreciation for diversity among our students, faculty and staff, and encourages an attitude that celebrates diversity and academic excellence. The University strives to actively support the creation of a community that is reflective of society's diverse racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, class, age, religion, and ability groups. Culturally-focused training, education programs, resources, and services equip the university community with the skills necessary to thrive within an increasingly global society.

The following programs are offered:

• Welcome Reception for Multi-ethnic Students
• Holidays Around the World Celebration
• Cultural Awareness Month Programming
• Diversity and Leadership Training for Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni
• Cultural Connections Series

In addition to co-curricular clubs and sports, the student body looks forward to special activities held each year. The Office of Student Life sponsors numerous special events during the year. Following are some special events which help students adjust to college life and provide opportunities for personal growth and service.

• Welcome Back Week
• Spring Fling Week
• Homecoming
• Mr. & Mrs. TU

For more information contact us in the Office of Student Life.

We strive to promote a learning environment that is safe, positive, and in which the rights of all members of the campus community are respected. Supporting the larger mission of both Thomas University and the Division of Student Affairs, we seek to promote student learning, growth, and development by increasing awareness of the University's expectations of behavior, holding students accountable for violations of these expectations, and developing educational sanctions designed to help students learn from their mistakes. We strive to help students at TU see both the immediate consequences and the long-term consequences of their behavior.

We believe the disciplinary process is an educational process as opposed to a punitive process. The disciplinary process allows individuals the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, while at the same time protecting the rights of all members of the University community. The disciplinary process also provides an opportunity to discover underlying issues that are leading to the irresponsible behavior. Recognizing that our students are the leaders of tomorrow, we seek to help them develop their character and become a person of integrity through this educational process.

Reports of acts and incidents involving students may be referred for evaluation and possible disciplinary action by the Director of Student Life. Reports should be directed to the Director of Student Life.

Sexual Assault

Any student who has experienced a sexual assault or an attempted assault is well aware of the trauma associated with such an act. Sexual assault can range from a stranger rape to being emotionally coerced for sex by someone the victim knows. Statistical estimates indicate that approximately one in every four women will be a victim of date or acquaintance rape during her college career. Students should be aware that any sexual intercourse without the consent of their partner is rape. Further, sexual intercourse with a partner who is unconscious or unable to consent for any reason is rape.

Sexual assault may include any involuntary sexual act in which a person is threatened, coerced, or forced to engage in against his or her will. Sexual assault may be committed by a stranger or by an acquaintance. Sexual assault may include sexual touching of another person against his or her will or forcing an unwilling person to touch another person sexually. Sexual assault occurs when such acts are committed either by force, threat, or intimidation, or through the use of the victim's mental or physical helplessness - due to, but not limited to, drug or alcohol consumption, sleep, unconsciousness - of which the assailant was aware or should have been aware.

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you are encouraged to seek medical treatment and to report the assault. You may report this crime by calling the Thomasville Police Department, or you may request assistance in reporting the crime by contacting the Office of Student Life or by contacting your resident assistant or hall director. It is important to report the assault so that evidence may be preserved to provide proof of criminal sexual assault if and when the victim chooses to make a criminal complaint.

Complaints of alleged sexual assault should also be lodged with the Office of Student Life located in the Campus Center. TU will investigate all reported sexual assaults or attempted assaults and, where appropriate, will hold disciplinary hearings to adjudicate these assaults according to the procedures outlined elsewhere in the handbook. Both the respondent and the complainant are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary hearing. Any student found responsible for a sexual assault, whether by TU or a criminal court, shall be appropriately sanctioned. A range of sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University are possible depending upon individual circumstances. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any on-campus disciplinary proceeding alleging a sexual assault.

Victims of sexual assault should recognize the importance of obtaining and/or receiving help in dealing with the crime.

Assistance is available in changing living situations after an alleged sexual assault incident, if requested by the victim and if such changes are reasonably available. The Resident Hall Director will assist the victim in making these changes. Further educational programs take place within the residence halls and for student organizations upon request.

Harassment: Sexual & Racial

Sexual harassment and racial harassment have been held to constitute a form of discrimination which is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Other types of harassment (religious, disabled, or other protected status) are prohibited by applicable law. Generally, harassment may be defined as verbal or physical conduct by a person or group of persons which interferes with a student’s academic performance or causes discomfort in the work setting or classroom.

Students who feel that they may be the victim of some form of harassment as a result of the actions of another student should contact the Director of Student Life to lodge a complaint. These cases will be resolved in accordance with student disciplinary procedures. Students who believe they have been harassed or otherwise discriminated against by a University employee should contact the Dean of the College and attempt resolution of the complaint

Title VI
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the Federal law that protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, or national origin in programs that receive Federal financial assistance.

Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities that receive or benefit from Federal financial assistance; e.g., in recruiting and admissions, financial aid, athletics, textbooks and curriculum, housing facilities, career counseling, insurance and health care, single sex groups and programs, extracurricular activities, and employment.

Mediation

Students involved in conflict(s) with another individual(s) may elect to have the conflict(s) mediated with the assistance of a third party mediator. The following information and procedures relate to the TU mediation process.

Conditions of Mediation
The following conditions must be accepted by the parties:

1. All parties involved must agree to the mediation process;
2. The resolution that results from the mediation process will be written, must be signed by all parties, and will bind the parties to abide by the agreed terms until such terms are completed, or an alternative agreement is developed by the parties;
3. The agreement reached through mediation is not subject to any appeals process; and if no form of resolution can be determined by mutual consent, the judicial coordinator may recommend that the matter be referred to the appropriate judicial body.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party (mediator) facilitates the discussion and identification of issues between the disputants, the development of alternate solutions, and the negotiation of a mutually satisfying outcome to the dispute. (taken from "Training Peer Mediators in the College and University Setting: A Trainer's Guide" by Rick Olshak)

Why use mediation?

• It is voluntary. No one is forced into mediation; it is completely up to the parties involved to determine if they will participate.
• It is confidential. There is no public record of mediation. In the beginning, every participant agrees to keep all matter discussed confidential.
• It is inexpensive - actually it is FREE!!
• It is fast. Mediation can usually take place within a couple of weeks for most situations.
• It leads to a reduction of violence. Mediation is a positive alternative that focuses on the future.
• It leads to empowerment. Mediation empowers people by helping them control decisions that affect their life.
• It has a high success rate. On average, schools with mediation programs have over an 80 percent success rate.

When would I use mediation?

• Roommate disagreements
• Conflicts or disputes with a friend
• Officers within your organization that cannot agree
• Family or spousal disputes
• When someone in class is hassling you
• When you want to preserve a friendship