Student Life
Student life is an exciting part of the Judson experience. It provides each student the opportunity to assist with the creation and implementation of the activities and programs of the College. Students are involved in committees that consider academic programs, cultural events, and student-related activities. To lend encouragement and support to the students in their educational process, the following activities and services are offered.
Student Housing
Living in a residence hall provides students with opportunities to learn relationship skills that impact all areas of life and to participate fully in the life of the College. Residential living also provides convenient and cost-effective housing for students. It is one of the most rewarding and important facets of the college educational experience.
In addition, research has shown that students who live in residence halls experience significant benefits from living on campus. For instance, Chickering* (1974) found that residence hall students did better in college, were more likely to succeed, and advanced more quickly. Astin** (1973) found that living in a residence hall had a positive impact on grade point average, completion of the bachelor's degree in a timely manner, student self-image, and satisfaction with living environment.
Judson College is so committed to the value of residential living that traditional aged, single students are required to live in a residence hall and take their meals in the college dining hall. Exceptions are made for students living with parent/guardian or spouse within reasonable commuting distance of the college. Since the residence hall program is designed for traditional aged students, the Vice President and Dean of Students reviews requests for residence hall housing for students older than 23 years of age.
Resident students are required to enroll for at least 12 credit hours during Fall and Spring semesters and/or six credit hours during Short term. The College reserves the right to determine if a student may enroll as a part-time student. Any student residing on campus who reaches the age of 23 during an academic year must complete that year on campus. On-campus housing is not available for married students or for students with children.
Questions regarding this policy should be addressed to the Vice President and Dean of Students prior to the beginning of the semester. This housing policy is subject to modifications based on the availability of on-campus housing. The College reserves the right to deny housing to a student if the student's behavior or academic standing violates the mission or policies of the College.
Career Counseling
Judson College is committed to providing students with the information and assistance necessary to select and enter a career. Career counseling and career inventories are provided to help students focus on their abilities, interests and strengths as they make decisions regarding their academic major and career path. Job listings, a career development library, "Job-Search Skills" seminars, and informational career forums are available to aid students in the job search process. Information on graduate schools, graduate school testing and application procedures are available to aid students in the process of continuing their education beyond Judson College. Career development resources are available to students through the Office of Student Services located in Blount Student Union.
Personal Counseling
A student's total development is very important. Personal problems, whether from within or beyond the College environment, sometimes divert students from their educational goals. For this reason, counseling services are provided on campus to promote the emotional well-being and adjustment of students. Students may schedule confidential appointments with a counselor by calling 334-683-5118 on Wednesdays or 205-967-3660 at other times. Appointments may also be scheduled by e-mailing the school counselor
Student Orientation
An in-depth and diversified program of orientation for new students and their families takes place before classes begin in the fall semester. An abbreviated program is held for new students who enter in the spring semester. Orientation allows students to meet college faculty, staff and students and to learn about the many college services, resources, and activities.
Included in the orientation program are placement tests, academic registration, sessions on academics and co-curricular activities, instructions on the use of the library, and discussions about college life.
Orientation extends through Welcome Week, the first week of fall semester, and JUD 101, Foundations for Success, a required course for all freshmen and transfer students with freshmen hours during the fall semester.
Student Publications
Three College publications are directed by student-elected editors:
The Triangle is the College newspaper, containing campus news, feature articles, and student opinion articles. The paper is published by a student staff.
The Conversationalist is the College yearbook. It is published by a student staff to provide an illustrated record of campus life and activities.
The Scrimshaw is the student literary magazine. It is published annually by students and contains poetry, fiction, essay and visual art by both students and faculty.
Student Organizations
The College encourages students to be involved in various organizations. These organizations are designed to provide students with further leadership, service and social opportunities. A complete list of all organizations is available in the Student Handbook.
Athletic Organizations
Athletic Board
Service Organizations
Judson Ambassadors
Judson Chapter - Cahaba River Society
Campus Ministries
L.A.M.P.s (Leading and Mentoring Peers)
Social Organizations
Social Committee
Student Governance
Honor Council
Student Government Association
Religious and Social Life
The College provides students with the opportunity for spiritual development through weekly chapel services and Campus Ministries-sponsored Bible studies, worship, and mission activities. In addition to chapel services on campus, students are encouraged to become active members of local churches, which periodically schedule events specifically for students.
A close relationship has traditionally existed between Judson and the City of Marion. Cultural awareness is promoted through formal and informal concerts, recitals and dramatic presentations, which are open to the public.
Athletics
The College has intercollegiate sports programs in basketball, tennis, equitation, volleyball, soccer and softball. Students may also participate in a variety of intramural and individual sports activities, including, basketball, volleyball, field hockey, soccer, tennis, and softball.
Honor System
Honor is at the very heart of Judson College's character and is vital to maintaining a healthy, Christ-like community. Honor suggests honesty and responsibility, out of which grow trust.
The Judson College Honor System seeks to integrate these qualities of honesty, responsibility and trust into the fabric of the lives of all members of the Judson community. Both individuals and the institution are bound by honor, with students and college in partnership to make the system successful. Qualities of honor include integrity in academic pursuits, adherence to the standards of conduct of the College and the laws of community, state and nation, and taking responsibility for failing to abide by academic integrity and standards of conduct.
An atmosphere of trust pervades the campus because of the Honor System. A Judson woman's word is her bond as she lives with honor and integrity from day to day. Each student is responsible for upholding the Honor System. Further, each member of the Judson College community, including students and employees, is responsible for reporting any violations of the Honor Code to the Vice President and Dean of Students, the Vice President and Academic Dean, or president of the Honor Council.
The Honor System is served by the Honor Council, composed of faculty, student representatives, and administrative members.
The Pledge of Honor
On my Honor as a member of the Judson College community, I will at all times strive to be honest, to be responsible for my own actions, maintaining my own integrity and the integrity of the College, and to earn the trust of the rest of the community.
Code of Conduct
Judson College students are expected to maintain high standards of personal conduct that will reflect favorably upon themselves, the Judson community, and the purposes for which the College was founded. Upon enrollment, each student becomes subject to the Judson College Honor Code, Code of Conduct, and other policies and regulations of the College.
The College reserves the right at any time to initiate appropriate action, up to and including suspension or expulsion. In the case of suspension or expulsion, no fees will be refunded, and neither the College nor its officials shall be held liable.
Student Traditions
Tradition is a word often repeated among Judson students and alumnae. Many events throughout the year center around the Judson heritage of tradition. These events include: the Marion Military Institute Reception, the President's Reception, Step Sings, Pageant, Big and Little Sister activities, Hockey Day and Wishing Well, Christmas Tea, Parents' Day, Junior-Sophomore Weekend and J-Day. Also, each year the Senior Class participates in several special traditions. All the traditions are designed to create a unique bond among Judson students.
Faith-Based Service and Learning
For over 150 years, Judson College has been committed to helping young women make a difference, both around the world and in their own backyards. In 2005, the college demonstrated its continuing commitment to service by establishing the Office of Faith-Based Service and Learning, which exists to facilitate the meaningful engagement of Judson students and employees with the people and needs of the surrounding community.
At Judson, opportunities to serve abound. Whether you're interested in tutoring children at the local elementary school, working at a community health fair, or keeping an elderly nursing home resident company, there are ways for you to incorporate service into your life as a Judson student.
Judson students also find that a number of their academic courses incorporate service into the learning process. Psychology students use their newly acquired behavioral testing skills to perform observations at the local Head Start. Biology students teach area high school students about genetics through hands-on learning labs. Education students run after-school turoring programs for children. Health students work to make sure that every child in Perry County has health insurance. Students have an opportunity to meet a genuine need, they gain academic credit, and they receive a unique opportunity to apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom in a real-world context.
Today's generation of Judson women is finding that service isn't something that has to wait until you enter the "real world" of work. They are making a difference right now.