As a Christian liberal arts institution, Arkansas Baptist College seeks to develop the whole person both inside and outside of the classroom. The Office of Student Life strives to nurture a healthy living-learning environment. The mission of the Student Life program is to provide high quality, student-centered services designed to complement each student’s academic experience. Each student’s individual gifts are to be nurtured by engagement in educational, spiritual, recreational, social, and leadership experiences in an effort to prepare them for service and a fulfilled life.
The Office of Student Life aspires to provide an environment that challenges students to reach their fullest potential, affirms the self-worth of each individual, and awakens in students an awareness of their uniqueness. In this regard, students are encouraged to become involved in the numerous activities and organizations available at Arkansas Baptist College. This involvement allows students to meet people of different backgrounds, lifestyles, and interests, thereby creating a diverse community which allows both individual and collective growth. An integral part of the college experience is the development of a sense of responsibility and self-discipline within each student. Every attempt is made to provide students with independence and the opportunity to make their own decisions. However, students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates courtesy and respect for others.
Opportunities for Involvement
Some of the most popular opportunities for involvement include:
Chapel Services. The College offers Chapel services to engage and contribute to student’s educational experiences. Arkansas Baptist College Chapel Services (Empowerment Hour) provide regularly scheduled empowerment hour assemblies during the academic school year (except during summer terms). Chapel is scheduled weekly, and is an institutional requirement for all students. These assemblies provide a variety of experiences that are educational, developmental, and spiritual in form and content. All students are required to attend, unless granted an excuse. The first Chapel of each semester always includes an address by the President on the status of the institution. The President charges the students to pursue academic success wholeheartedly. Faculty and staff are expected to attend these assemblies not only to derive the benefits from them, but also to exhibit support and endorsement for the College. Services include a devotional period and announcements of general interest. The planned programs are designed to stimulate intellectual, religious, and social development.
Academic and Honor Organizations. Every experience at the College is designed to contribute to the holistic development of the student and is treated as a learning experience. An effort is made to integrate the academic curriculum with the social integration of the student. Many clubs and organizations on campus are sponsored by academic departments and include the following: the ABC Choir, the First (a social service organization), and the International Students’ Club.
Student Government Association. The Student Government Association (SGA) is one of the principal organizations through which students share in the administration of the college. Every student is a member. Officers are elected annually by the student body. SGA allows students to take part in the decision-making process as well as provides opportunities for leadership. The SGA encourages involvement in the college community through responsible activities and specific programs.
Intercollegiate Athletics. Arkansas Baptist College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The program of activities includes both male and female participants. Some of the sports sponsored by the program are men’s and women’s basketball, cheerleading, baseball, and football. The program is designed to: (1) offer recreational and competitive activities; (2) instruct students in competition and legitimate methods of good sportsmanship; and (3) aid in the development of teamwork, group loyalty, cooperation, and sound Christian principles.
Intramurals and Recreation. Any student is eligible to compete in a number of recreational opportunities. The Little Rock metropolitan area represents one of the prime recreational resources in Arkansas. It offers a wealth of parks, picnic areas, swimming pools, movie theaters, art exhibits, and theatrical centers that are recreational and educational. Additional information concerning area recreation may be secured from the Office of Student Affairs.
New Student Orientation. Arkansas Baptist College prides itself on a comprehensive Fall orientation program that involves all new students prior to the start of the fall semester. The small-group format facilitated by faculty and student leaders allows for an intimate approach to the orientation to Arkansas Baptist College life. Emphasis is placed on getting to know one another, academic advising, discussion of social issues, and an introduction to the College’s resources.
Student Services
Mail Service. In order to guarantee that all mail is handled in an expedient manner, each resident student is requested to pick up his/her own mail in the Mailroom (basement of Old Main).
Student Housing. Arkansas Baptist College has three residence halls. These rooms have individual showers, cable connections, and wireless internet. All facilities are managed by Residential Monitors and are staffed around the clock. All housing assignments are gender based. Cost of room and board is outlined in the fee section of the catalog.
All inquiries concerning housing should be directed to the Office of Residential Life (501) 492- 0567. A room reservation fee is required to secure campus housing. All campus residents are required to take the meal plan.
Food Services. Meals are served in the dining hall three times daily with the exception of Saturday, Sunday, and holidays (two times only). It is expected that students will come to all meals appropriately dressed, that they speak in modest tones and reflect courteous manners at all times. It is expected that conduct and table manners in the dining hall will be in keeping with the standards of college culture. The College offers two differentmeal plans to resident students. Non-resident students, faculty, staff, and others may purchases meals for a modest fee.
Library Services. The J. C. Oliver Library, named for the late Dr. James Columbus Oliver, past president of the College, is the center for information, literacy, and research activities on campus. It allows us to connect all that we value in traditional library services with the possibilities of new forms of knowledge acquisition and creation. Its role is to improve the quality of life within our student community and develop the students’ ability to find and use information. It recognizes that different information needs lead to different information sources. Therefore, the internet has become the primary media for library services. The internet service provides access to thousands of full-text articles from hundreds of sources concerning education, religion, social issues, global events and issues, and science topics.
The library is dedicated to providing the highest standards in service and resources that support the college mission for excellence in learning, scholarship, and service. In a society dependent on information technology and life-long learning, the College is committed to designing an environment that’s reader-centered, book-centered, and learning-centered with a distinct commitment to preparing students for leadership and service to our nation.
The College Bookstore. When students are fully registered and courses selected, they thenmay get the books for their classes. Students will sign an acknowledgement upon receipt of the books. At the end of the semester, books should be returned to the Bookstore. Students will sign a return receipt. Student accounts will be credited. Bookstore policy is subject to change.
Parking. All students who operate a motor vehicle on campus must register it with the Campus Safety Office and be issued a registration decal. Vehicles not displaying this decal will be removed from the premises at the owner’s expense. Failure to comply with this rule could prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle or stiffer penalties.
Student ID Card. ID cards are the property of the college and must be returned to the college when students withdraw. The card must be surrendered upon request to all officials of the college in performance of their duty. Studentsmay request that the official furnish identification. ID pictures are taken at the beginning of each academic session. Anyone not possessing a valid ID card will be treated as a non-student. Students are required to show their college ID Card when conducting any financial transactions with the ABC Business Office.
Behavioral Expectations
Admission to Arkansas Baptist College is a privilege. The College seeks to provide a campus environment which will contribute to the growth of students as individuals, encouraging conduct which at all times reflects responsible membership in a Christian community. To promote this atmosphere, Arkansas Baptist College, as a private institution, reserves the right to establish certain rules and regulations. These specific regulations are published annually in the Student Handbook. Students are required to be familiar with the policies explained in the Handbook and with the spirit of the institution as identified by the policies found in both the Handbook and in this Catalog. All students enrolled at Arkansas Baptist College are expected to support the policies of college community living.
Student Conduct. Students accused of a violation of College policies and procedures are subject to disciplinary action that may include an administrative hearing or review by a member of the Student Life staff. These processes are specifically outlined in the Student Handbook.
Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Drugs. Arkansas Baptist College follows a policy of total abstinence from alcoholic beverages within the College community. The storage of, possession of, consumption of, or being in the presence of alcoholic beverages on Arkansas Baptist College property is strictly prohibited. Likewise, the violation of any College policy, rule, or regulation after consumption or while under the influence of alcoholic beverages is not tolerated. Violation of this policy may result in suspension from the College and possible prosecution by civil authority. Federal, state, and local laws prohibit the use of illegal drugs. The non-medical use of these compounds is contrary to the aims and purposes of our educational community and detrimental to its individual members. Arkansas Baptist College, therefore, prohibits their use. The storage, possession, or use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, may result in immediate suspension of those involved and may result in prosecution by civil authorities.
Smoking. Arkansas Baptist College prohibits smoking in all indoor areas, including residence hall rooms. Furthermore, the use of all tobacco products is prohibited at the College.
Civil Law and the College. The College cannot protect students from judicial processes involving violations of federal, state, and local civil law. Incidents involving bank check irregularities, larceny (furniture, items from bookstore, etc.), and other like offenses will be dealt with by civil authorities. This could involve possible arrest, trial, conviction, and penalties.
Motor Vehicles. Specific parking policies for Arkansas Baptist College are available at Campus Safety, on the college website, and in the Student Handbook. The College is not responsible for any damage or loss that may occur to a student’s vehicle or contents.
Dress. Appropriate dress is defined more by occasion and place than in other ways. Students are expected to exercise mature judgment with regard to dress at more formal occasions. Health laws require that shoes be worn in all dining areas.
Events. Approval for organizational social events may be received from the Student Life Office. Off-campus activities by service, club, or social organizations are beyond the scope of control by the College. The listing of the function on the College calendar or any other College involvement with the club or organization or event shall not be construed in any way to cause the event to be a College event or an event that the College, its agents, servants, or employees can supervise or control.
Room Inspections and Searches. The College reserves the right to enter any room, at any time, for the purpose of maintenance, health, safety, inspection, or other official business. The College also reserves the right to enter and conduct a search of any room if a violation of College regulations is suspected. All students are bound by the inspection and search procedures of the College as they now exist or may be amended.
Damage Deposit. A student who accepts College housing agrees in effect to a contract, and is responsible for maintaining the room in acceptable condition. Each student will be initially charged a $50 deposit by the Business Office. Charges for damage to the room and residence hall (which are not the result of normal wear) will be deducted from the deposit. Deposit refunds will be sent by check to those students who officially withdraw from school, graduate, or do not return for the next semester and who have properly checked out of their room.
Personal Property. Reasonable efforts are made to protect personal property of Arkansas Baptist College students. Students are asked not to leave valuables in their residence hall rooms during vacations. Students are responsible for their personal belongings and books in the College cafeteria. Arkansas Baptist College is not responsible for the loss of or damage to students’ personal property. Arkansas Baptist College recommends a review of personal homeowner’s insurance policies for coverage of students living in the College residence halls.
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