VII. Student Life: How to Get Involved

Student Organizations at Maryville College

Maryville College (MC) encourages students who share common interests to form and participate in student organizations whose purposes are consistent with the MC Statement of Purpose and support the values of the College community as set forth in the MC Covenant. Participation in student organizations is an effective way to become involved in the life of the College, develop friendships, expand learning opportunities, and promote school spirit.

In addition to clubs and organizations, the Student Government Association offers important opportunities for students to participate in college governance. As a liberal arts college rooted in the Presbyterian/Reformed tradition, Maryville College takes pride in being a community sustained by participatory governance that engages faculty, staff and students.

It is essential that each student organization have a clear and formalized connection to the MC Statement of Purpose. Student organization leaders are expected to work closely with faculty and staff advisors to develop and maintain appropriate organizational goals that are consistent with the mission and purpose of the College. Since organizations affect the College’s culture, sense of community, image, and learning environment, Maryville College holds every organization accountable for its actions and may sanction those that do not support the College’s mission. With that in mind, the College has adopted the following guidelines for chartering and maintaining a student organization.

MC Student Organization Guidelines

Maryville College student organizations in good standing will adhere to the following:

Constitutions and Statements of Purpose:

Any defining documents, such as constitutions or statements of purpose, should be consistent with Maryville College’s Mission Statement, Statement of Purpose, College Covenant,
Non-Discrimination Statement, and Faith and Learning Document. As interpreted from these documents, authorized student organizations will:

1. Complement and support the Maryville College community of learning.
2. Foster scholarship, respect, and integrity of individual students and the whole Maryville College community.
3. Be inclusive in nature, with an explicit policy of non-discrimination on the basis of religious preference, gender, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, or political belief.
4. Have open meetings, accounts, and agendas.
5. Adhere to Maryville College core values as a church-related college in the Reformed tradition, understood to be “reformed, and always reforming.”

Funding Requests

Request for funds from the Student Government Association (SGA) will only be approved when student organizations meet the following minimum requirements:

1. The organization’s charter has been approved by the College President.
2. Use of activity fee funds is determined to be consistent with the defining documents of the College.
3. The organization’s file is complete in the Office of Student Affairs.
4. Sufficient funds exist.

Benefits of Student Organizations

There are two different classifications for Maryville College student organizations: Chartered Organizations and Interest Groups. The list below outlines benefits available to both types of organizations, with two additional Chartered Organization benefits list separately. Although student organizations are wholly accountable to Maryville College, authorization of a particular organization does not imply that the College endorses the ideas, beliefs, behavior, or principles of that organization. Benefits for both classifications include:

  1. Use of the Student Resource “Room” and associated supplies.
  2. Official listing on the college website.
  3. Participation at College events (e.g. Opportunities of a Lifetime Fair or Blister in the Sun).
  4. Ability to reserve and use campus facilities for organizational activities.
  5. Ability to conduct fundraisers on campus.
  6. Ability to sponsor and facilitate campus events.
  7. Opportunity to petition the MC Student Government Association for funding via bill.
  8. Opportunity to represent themselves as official organizations of Maryville College.
  9. Chartered Organizations are able to submit and receive a budget for the academic year.

Organization Disciplinary Measures

In order to maintain all student organization leaders will be required to review and update their files at both the end of the spring semester and at the beginning of the fall semester, after all known leadership changes have taken place. During the academic year, complaints concerning student organization activities may necessitate a compliance review by the Director of Campus Life, who will present relevant information to the Student Life Committee for formal disciplinary action.

Should any evaluation determine that an organization has not complied with its approved Charter, has not adhered to the Student Organization Guidelines, or has violated Maryville College Code of Conduct, the organization will be at risk of sanctions including, but not limited to the following:

1. Suspension of organizational activities for the remainder of the semester or academic year.
2. Loss of eligibility for SGA funding.
3. Permanent removal of charter.

Student Organization Renewal

At the beginning of each fall semester and end of each spring semester, every student organization is required to update its file with the Office of Student Affairs. Each group updates a one-page profile document listing the organization’s statement of purpose, officer names, and important contact information. Not only will failure to update this file hinder MC staff from accurately communicating the organizational opportunities, disciplinary measures may be pursued as well.

Starting a New Student Organization

Students interested in starting a new student organization should follow the process below:

1. Meet with the Director of Campus Life to discuss ideas and receive information.

2. Find an advisor, complete packet, and turn it in to the Director of Campus Life.

3. Director of Campus Life checks to make sure the packet is completed and notifies SGA that a new organization should be voted on for approval.

4. Meet with SGA appointee to review prerequisites and paperwork.

5. Attend SGA to present application; SGA senate will vote.

6. Student Life Committee reviews application.

7. The Vice President & Dean of Students presents approved applications to the College President.

8. College President makes final approval decision.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

The campus ministry program of the College seeks to support each student in their spiritual path and invites involvement in worship celebration, fellowship, both direct and structural service to the wider community, and counseling under the guidance of a full-time Campus Minister. The Campus Minister is available for faith-based counseling, conversation and prayer. Call 865.981.8298 for an appointment or just drop by the Center for Campus Ministry (CCM).

Worship
Students, faculty, and staff gather each Tuesday at 1:15 pm during the fall and spring semesters for an ecumenical worship service in the Center for Campus Ministry. These services, as well as special observations for Advent, Lent, and Easter, are coordinated by the Worship Planning Committee and the Campus Minister. Cummings Conversations are held each spring, with a guest speaker who leads the college and surrounding community participants in reflection on faith, social justice, and living well in a complicated world.

Fellowship
The Center for Campus Ministry is open daily as a space for informal conversation, quiet reflection, study space or as a resource for involvement. The CCM staff strive to serve the diversity of student interests and to create a welcoming space for students, regardless of their religious practice.

Student Religious Groups
The College seeks to support students at they gather with others either to grow in their own expression of faith or to explore a new path. Fellowship groups such as the following have formed, depending on student interest in any given year:

  • Buddhist Meditation Group
  • Catholic Student Association
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes
  • Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
  • Progressive Christian Community
  • Sisters in Spirit

Religious Life Committee
The Religious Life Committee is comprised of representatives of each religious fellowship group on campus, their staff and faculty advisors, as well as any external staff advisors. The group meets monthly to discuss common concerns, to update one another about plans, and to serve as a communication pathway among the groups on campus. The Religious Life Committee is led by the Campus Minister.

Scholarship Programs
The Center for Campus Ministry coordinates faith or church-related scholarship programs, including Isaac Anderson Scholars, Chapel Scholars, Church and College Scholars, and the Expanding Horizons Scholarship, as well as Community-Engaged Scholarship programs, such as the Bonner, Bradford, and Brahams Scholarships.

Peace and World Concerns

This committee provides outlets for expressing global concern through educational programming and international projects such as Bread for the World, Heifer Project, and campus awareness of and involvement in pressing social issues. This group provides educational programming and supports volunteer efforts to address human needs and concerns with particular emphasis on peacemaking. The Vice President and Dean of the College appoints a faculty member to serve as Chair. The chair works closely with the student leaders to involve membership from across the campus. Membership is open and the Campus Minister serves as an ex-officio member.

SPORTS PROGRAMS

A variety of sports and recreational programs are available to students. The varsity athletic program is a non-scholarship program affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division III. In addition, the College sponsors intramural sports for on-campus play as well as club sports for competition with other schools and leagues.

Varsity Sports
Baseball (men)
Basketball (men, women)
Football (men)
Soccer (men, women)
Softball (women)
Tennis (men, women)
Volleyball (women)
Cross Country (men, women)
Golf (men, women)

Clubs
Cheerleading
Dance
Equestrian

Intramural Sports – Opportunities are identified each semester and are advertised across campus.

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT IN CAMPUS GOVERNANCE

While ultimate authority for making decisions rests with the President and the Board of Directors, Maryville College involves the whole campus in addressing issues of general concern. The College strives to achieve consensus in planning and in the formation of institutional polices. Students, faculty, and staff have direct access to the President, as well as to the Board of Directors, through their elected representatives. Each group selects representatives and forms committees to discuss issues and participate in decision-making on the campus. Recommendations from each group are directed to the President or his/her designee. In developing campus consensus on important issues, the President may consult with various and appropriate committees (composed of Cabinet, faculty, staff and students).

Student Government Association 
Students are represented in campus governance by the Student Government Association (SGA). SGA is composed of representatives elected by the student body and establishes committees to supervise specific areas of student life and to study student concerns. The voting body consists of Senators elected by the student body to represent classes, residence halls, and commuting students. Ex-officio members include class officers, advisors, and the Government Cabinet composed of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and Public Relations Officers, and others. SGA is advised by selected members of the faculty and staff. Duties and responsibilities for SGA are outlined in the Government Constitution. Specific issues and concerns relating to student life are guided by the Student Government Association. Students interested in running for office or serving on College committees should contact their Government representative or the Office of Student Affairs at 865.981.8213.

Students may also serve on any Student Government Committee. The chair of each committee must be a member of SGA and will be responsible for reporting the activities of that committee to the SGA. Any student interested in serving on a SGA committee, should contact the SGA President.

The standing committees include:

Internal Affairs Committee: primarily handles internal SGA affairs including, but not limited to, the Constitution, the Covenant, Elections, and Public Relations from SGA to the campus community. The chair or co-chair acts as Elections Deputy.

Campus Life and Affairs Committee: primarily handles interactions between the campus and the SGA including, but not limited to, Food Services, Residence Life, Spirit and Traditions, and Traffic and Safety issues.

Post-Traditional Student Affairs Committee: primarily handles the issues and concerns of students such as, commuters, students over the age of 23, students with children, and international students.

Compassion Committee: primarily shows concern for fellow students on behalf of the SGA in times of need including, but not limited to, illness, death of family or friend, times of need on campus, etc.

Financial, Budgetary, and Organizational Affairs Committee: the primary connection between student organizations and the SGA. This committee oversees the Council of Presidents as well as the budget process and ensures that organizations are upholding their governing documents and are in accordance with all school guidelines. For information regarding campus clubs, organizations, or activities, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 865-981-8213.

Student Life Committee
The Student Life Committee is responsible for reviewing policy issues concerning Student Life at Maryville College and making recommendations concerning new or revised policies proposed by campus constituencies. The committee will also be responsible for reviewing recommendations concerning major programmatic changes affecting Student Life, and applications for recognition of student organizations.

Governance Process

  • Student Life Committee, reports to the Vice President & Dean of Students
  • Vice President & Dean of Students reports to the College President
  • College President, reports to Maryville College Board of Directors
    Note: The College President will determine which issues will be referred to the Board levels.

Membership

  1. Vice President & Dean of Students (Chair)
  2. Assistant Dean of Students
  3. Director of Campus Life
  4. SGA Vice President
  5. Student (at-large)
  6. Student (at-large)
  7. Faculty (SGA Representative)
  8. Faculty (Conduct Board Representative)

Student Conduct Board

The Student Conduct Board hears cases referred to it by the College designated Student Conduct Officer (the Vice President & Dean of Students OR her/his designee). The Student Conduct Board determines if a violation of College policy did or did not occur and assigns sanctions if necessary. The Board is composed of up to twelve (12) students. A quorum for hearing requires the presence of three (3) voting members. All potential Student Conduct Board members are selected through an application/interview process and approved by the designated Conduct Officer. A member of the faculty, selected by the Vice President and Dean of the College, along with the designated Student Conduct Officer, serve as Advisors to the Student Conduct Board. For additional information on the Student Conduct Board, see Code of Conduct, “Student Conduct Board.”

Campus Appeals Board
The Campus Appeals Board, made up of three (3) students and a faculty member, hears appeals beyond the Student Conduct Board. The appeals process involves a review of the appeals statement and written evidence from the Student Conduct Board hearing. It does not include a formal hearing. After the review, the Appeals Board may uphold the decision of the Student Conduct Board, adjust the sanctions, or remand the case back to the Student Conduct Board with an explanation and recommendations for further hearing. For further information, see Code of Conduct, “Campus Appeals Board.”

Student Programming Board (SPB)
The Student Programming Board provides an expansive schedule of events, recreational activities, educational programs, and social events for the campus community. In addition, the SPB assists other student organizations, through co-sponsorship, in carrying out ideas for campus activities. Under the supervision of the Student Programming Advisor, the Board manages a budget allocated by Student Government. Membership selection occurs every spring and fall semester. The SPB consists of a diverse group of students who are selected by past chairs as well as the Student Programming Advisor through an application and screening process. SPB meets weekly, and the meetings are open to all.

Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors are students who work with new, incoming-students during new student programs, including Startin’ Tartan (Summer orientation and advising) and New Student Orientation in the Fall. Peer Mentors are chosen by the Peer Mentor Co-Chairs and the Assistant Dean of Students. The organization’s training, functions, and expenditures are overseen by the Assistant Dean of Students.

Athletics Committee

The committee advises the administration on matters related to the intercollegiate athletic program of the College. The membership consists of two students appointed by SGA, two students appointed by SAAC, two faculty members (one of whom is the Faculty Athletics Representative), one head coach, the Athletic Director, and the Vice President and Dean of Students who serves as an ex-officio member. The Vice President and Dean of the College appoints the faculty representatives. The Vice President and Dean of Students appoints the coaching representative. The Dean of the College and the Dean of Students appoint one of the faculty representatives to serve as Chair, typically the Faculty Athletics Representative.

Campus Ministry Team

The leaders of campus organizations affiliated with the Center for Campus Ministry form the Campus Ministry Team. The group coordinates the functions of ministry organizations and advises the Campus Minister on matters pertaining to the campus religious life. Each officially sanctioned ministry organization selects a representative to the Team. The Campus Minister serves as Chair and convenes the group as needed.

Worship Committee

The committee assists the Campus Minister in guiding the worship life of the College. It plans, promotes, and presents weekly worship programs as well as annual worship experiences such as Advent, February Meetings, and Holy Week. The Campus Ministry Team recommends members for approval by Student Government, the Vice President and Dean of the College, and Staff Council. The membership consists of four students, one faculty representative, one staff member, and the Campus Minister who serves as Chairperson. Other persons may serve as interest warrants.

ACADEMIC LIFE COMMITTEES

Academic Life Council (ALC)
This committee shapes policies and procedures related to the curriculum in all instructional divisions. Three students serve on this committee (one sophomore, one junior, one senior). The Vice-President and Dean of the College appoints these students.

Academic Integrity Board (AIB)
This committee investigates and adjudicates cases of alleged academic dishonesty involving College courses or library use. The student members will be the two students with the longest service on the Academic Life Council.

International Programming Committee (IPC)
The IPC deals with all things international—study abroad, experiential trips, scholarships, curriculum, etc. Two students serve on this committee: one international student and one student who have studied abroad.

COLLEGE-WIDE COMMITTEES

Environmental & Forestry Advisory Committee
This committee addresses environmental issues on the campus and focuses on protecting the natural environment, including the College Woods. Two student representatives.

Keepers of the Covenant

Serving as an advisory group to the College President, the Keepers of the Covenant shall provide campus leadership for keeping watch over the College Covenant, and to ensure its viability as a document that inspires the Maryville College community toward honoring its principles and values. The Student Government President recommends two student members from each class to the College President each year.