In planning the educational experience for its students, Faulkner University gives attention to the quality of environment, activities, and associations outside the classroom as well as in the classroom. Student life plays a key role in supporting the mission, vision, and core values of the institution. Faulkner embraces the effect that student life has on the development of the whole person and the creation of a caring Christian environment. Student life works in conjunction with academic life to achieve the curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular objectives of the University. Student life activities are shaped to aid not only the intellectual but also the spiritual, social, personal, and cultural development of our students.
The student life programs, services, and activities include the Student Government Association, social clubs, academic organizations, academic/professional honor societies, performance groups/organizations, special interest groups, student publications, campus ministries, intramural sports, concerts, Jamboree and many more. Due to the nature of some educational programs of the University, the following guidelines and activities listed in this section may or may not apply to all student service areas.
Conduct, Expectations, and Regulations
Faulkner University aims to establish in its students, high standards of conduct, individual responsibility, and a sense of the worth and dignity of the individual. Firm, reasonable, and sympathetic discipline helps to accomplish this aim. In matters pertaining to personal conduct, students are expected to behave as responsible citizens in a Christian community. A student’s application for admission constitutes acceptance of the objectives and regulations of the University. The University reserves the right to dismiss a student whenever, in its judgment, the general welfare of the University seems to require such action. In all cases, careful attention is given to ensure that University procedures are followed for all students who are charged with violating any University regulation.
Faulkner University expects students to live and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with biblical principles. The pursuit of excellence in Christian behavior or action is a visible sign of spiritual growth and development. The courtesy and good manners of a Christian’s conduct are an expression of inward and personal strength of character.
The University expects students to exhibit behaviors and actions consistent with biblical principles and the University’s policy, procedures, principles or regulations at all times while a student at Faulkner and when participating in any University sanctioned event on or off campus. Detailed conduct regulations appear in the Student Handbook, published on the University’s web site. It is the student’s responsibility to read and understand this information, as they serve as the central guide for all students who live and learn within the Faulkner community.
Anchored in biblical truth, community life at Faulkner University is a disciplined life.
Community standards reflect biblical principles and Christian teaching; encouraging students, staff and faculty to live lives of holiness, love and respect for others. The intent of all discipline is to enhance growth and maturity, especially responsibility for one’s own behavior and accountability for one’s own actions.
Faulkner University’s philosophy of discipline is neither legalistic nor permissive. Instead, members of our community are called to a high standard of behavior in order to establish and maintain an environment conducive to learning and personal growth. Our ultimate desire is to glorify God with our thoughts, words, and actions.
Spiritual Life
Faulkner University is first and foremost a Christian institution whose mission emphasizes the development of the whole person in a Christian environment. Faulkner University was founded on biblical principles and is based on the conviction that the Bible is the revealed Word of God. The faculty and administration have created curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular programs and experiences to facilitate the spiritual and religious life of the University. The objective of these programs and experiences is to provide a spiritual atmosphere that draws students into a deeper spiritual life and a stronger daily Christian walk. These programs and experiences include the Christian Cultural Heritage curriculum, chapel programs, Institute for Faith and the Academy programs, residence hall devotionals, campus-wide devotionals, clubs with religious purposes, Bible classes and lectureships, mission trips, community outreach programs, and other special events. These religious and spiritual activities afford opportunities to gain deeper insight into God’s Word. A number of Montgomery churches provide programs designed especially for students of the University. Instructional and administrative functions of the University are guided by a commitment to biblical truth. For more extensive discussion of religious and spiritual life please consult the Student Handbook.
Chapel
Faulkner University has conducted daily chapel services on the Montgomery campus since it was established in 1942. Chapel programs allow an organized daily devotion for worshipping God and fellowshipping with Christians. The chapel programs are held at 10:30 am Monday-Thursday of each week, and are designed to complement the curricular and co-curricular goals of Faulkner. Chapel programs foster the development of the whole person and provide students biblical, inspirational, educational and informative material. Chapel is frequently mentioned by alumni as one of the fondest memories of Faulkner. Chapel attendance is required of all full-time students attending day classes, all residential students, faculty, and staff on the Montgomery campus. Chapel is open to all students, faculty, staff, friends, family members and other visitors who wish to worship. Chapel each week includes a variety of programming, such as a period of worship, special university programs, and educational programming. All attendees are expected to conduct themselves in a reverent manner.
Institute for Faith and the Academy
The Institute for Faith and Academy’s (IFA) purpose is to promote the understanding of how the Christian faith informs academic disciples and the development of critical and reflective thinking skills to examine the intersection of faith and academics. IFA hosts renowned lecturers, book readings, discussion groups, and conferences. IFA also publishes the Journal of Faith and the Academy.
Ministries, Missions, and Devotionals
The worship of God and fellowship with other Christians are vital for spiritual growth and development. Faulkner University encourages all students to identify with a local area church of Christ and to establish an affiliation with a congregation. In addition to local church involvement, Faulkner encourages students to become involved with Christian service opportunities in specialized ministries, such as area campus ministries, Inner-City Ministries, Adullam House, Agape, Family Promise, 100X Missions, Mercy House, Save-a-Life, assisted living/residential facilities, and Woman-to-Woman.
Faulkner encourages students to become students of God’s Word. Students gather in pairs and small groups for exploration of the Bible. Faulkner also facilitates devotional periods on the Montgomery campus in the residence facilities, Lester Chapel, and other venues on campus. These devotionals have been a Faulkner tradition for many years and have become some of the most cherished memories of alumni.
Student Groups and Events
Faulkner University offers a wide array of clubs and organizations to meet the interests and needs of students. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities the clubs, organizations and societies provide for academic challenge, social connections, and spiritual growth. Special interest clubs and organizations provide students with the opportunity to join others with similar interests, talents, or skills. These clubs and organizations offer a range of opportunities including service to Faulkner and the Faulkner community. For more extensive discussion of religious and spiritual life activities, please contact the Director of Student Activities, https://www.faulkner.edu/student-activities.
Intramural Sports and Athletics
Faulkner University provides opportunities for students in both intramural sports and intercollegiate athletics. A comprehensive intramural program including football, volleyball, basketball, kickball, softball, soccer and other individual activities is available for both women and men. The program provides an opportunity for every individual, regardless of ability, to enjoy a variety of sports in a Christian environment. Intercollegiate athletics are also an important part of student life at Faulkner.
Women’s teams represent Faulkner in soccer, volleyball, basketball, golf, softball, and cross-country.
Men’s teams compete in football, soccer, basketball, golf, baseball, and cross-country. Faulkner also offers club team participation in bass fishing and cheerleading. Faulkner is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Southern States Athletic Conference in all sports but football, which competes in the Mid-South Conference (MSC).
Social Clubs
Social clubs at Faulkner University are an important part of student life. Every student who wants to be in a club is assured of receiving an invitation to join. The six social clubs regularly engage in sports activities, service projects, and outings. The clubs are organized to provide students with a wholesome social life and opportunities to develop leadership abilities and cooperative attitudes. A highlight of each year is Jamboree, a spring production of music and theater in which clubs participate. The performances are planned, produced, and performed by the social clubs.
Performing Groups
A number of performing groups exist to provide opportunities for student aesthetic expression and to exhibit that talent to Faulkner University patrons and the public.
- University Chorus is open to all students through audition. It performs throughout the year, primarily for churches. An on-campus concert and a spring tour highlight each performing year.
- Faulkner Singers is a small ensemble, performing music more appropriate for a smaller and more advanced choral group. Membership is determined by audition.
- University Band is the Marching Eagles in the fall semester and the Concert Band in the spring semester. Ensemble membership is by audition and approval of the director. University Band performs at various events on campus and throughout the community.
- Jazz Ensemble is by the approval of the director. The Jazz band performs several times per semester both on and off campus.
- Marching Eagles Color Guard and Majorettes meet and perform during the fall semester. Membership is by audition and approval of the director and the color guard instructor. This ensemble performs at all home football games and occasionally at other events both on and off campus.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) is comprised of undergraduate students of the University. All registered students at Faulkner University are members of the SGA and subject to the SGA’s rules and regulations. The association is headed by an executive council which consists of four to six officers and representatives from each class. A cabinet of students appointed by the SGA president is in charge of specific committees. These committees are responsible for the activities of the association. The Student Government Association exists to provide close cooperation and communication among the students, the administration and the faculty, and to provide a systematic plan of participation in the responsibilities of the University. The SGA sponsors on-campus social activities and off-campus retreats, assists in planning special activities, studies campus problems and makes recommendations to the faculty and the administration on a wide range of subjects relating to the University and to student welfare.
Student Publications
The student publications at Faulkner University include the yearbook, The Sheaf, and a literary magazine, Images in Ink. Any student enrolled at Faulkner may be a staff member for these publications.
Academic Organizations and Honor Societies
Academic based organizations provide students with an interest or major in a particular area to pursue opportunities for socializing, service, research, travel, and learning. Outstanding students are also invited to join academic honors societies according to standards established by each group. Other academically oriented groups are open to all interested students. The current academic organizations and honor societies represented at Faulkner are:
- Alpha Chi National College Honor Society
- Alpha Iota Sigma Interdisciplinary Studies Honor Society
- Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society
- Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society
- Chi Alpha Sigma National Collegiate Athletic Honor Society
- Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education
- Lambda Epsilon Chi National Legal Studies Honor Society
- Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society
- Sigma Alpha Pi, the National Society for Leadership and Success
- Sigma Alpha Pi: The National Society of Leadership and Success
- Sigma Zeta National Science and Mathematics Honor Society
- Psi-Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
- Institute of Faith and the Academy
- Student Alabama Education Association
- Faulkner Film Society: The Faulkner Film Society is an extension of the Humanities Department of Faulkner University. The Faulkner Film Society hosts film screenings to encourage dialogue and film appreciation in the Faulkner community. The Faulkner Film Society emphasizes films of
- Hollywood’s Golden Age and those that display a Christian aesthetic and sensibility. The Faulkner Film Society provides opportunities for faculty, staff, and administrators to interact with students in an informal setting. Students interested in the Faulkner Film Society may contact the Department of Humanities for more information (334-386-7919).
- Faulkner’s Objective Recruiting Christian Education (FORCE): FORCE is a group of students who serve Faulkner in the Admissions Office as ambassadors and student recruiters for Faulkner. The mission of FORCE is to help prospective students plan for a successful college education experience by promoting Christian education from a student’s perspective, introducing them to academic life, conveying Faulkner’s friendly environment, stimulating positive student/teacher relationships and in all this, representing Faulkner’s student body in a Christ-like fashion. Students interested in joining FORCE may contact the FORCE Sponsor in the Admissions Office for more information (334-386-7200).
Special Events
Faulkner students have other opportunities for spiritual and service events throughout the year. These opportunities include special events such as Devoted 24/7 (hosted by the University as a day of service where the entire campus serves at local non-profits), blood drives, and works closely with local campus ministries for mission work and community service opportunities. The University encourages students to explore these opportunities to put their knowledge and faith into action through Christian service.
|
