Undergraduate Student Services Information

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For more than 100 years, this institution has provided students the opportunity to reach their educational goals and career aspirations by creating programs and student-oriented services that meet their needs. The following information is a summary of the services available to assist students in meeting their academic goals.

Wichita Hours of Operation (may be extended at non-Wichita locations)
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Fridays in June & July: 8 a.m. to noon)

Call the office/department directly, or call the Wichita number and ask for the specific office or give the extension number (last four digits of phone number).

Call the Topeka number and ask for the specific office or give the extension number (last four digits of phone number).

Call the Lenexa number and ask for the specific office or give the extension number (last four digits of phone number).

Call the toll-free number and ask for the specific office or give the extension number (last four digits of phone number).

Contacting Us Online For more information on any of the following services, please visit the Friends University Web site at www.friends.edu. A student handbook is also available on line.

Olive White Garvey Business and Technology Building, Wichita

The Academic Computing Center, located in the Olive White Garvey Business and Technology Building in Wichita, is comprised of eight computer labs, which include an open lab, group lab, MacIntosh lab, and networking lab. Wireless laptop labs are available in Topeka and Lenexa to accommodate students. All computers are equipped with a variety of software programs, Internet and e-mail access to assist students.

The Technology Development Center (TDC) is available to Wichita students and faculty. Technology Resource Centers (TRCs) are available in Topeka and Lenexa for student and faculty use. Additional equipment, such as scanners and CD burners, is also available.

All labs are equipped with a variety of software programs, Internet and e-mail access. Academic Computing Centers constitute an essential element of Friends University with more than 200 computers to serve our students. Individual tutoring is available at all locations upon request.

Students are expected to follow the Internet and Network Usage Policy.

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides tutoring services for the three colleges in genetics, all levels of biology and chemistry, accounting, all levels of math, music theory and spanish.  The tutors are located with the Writing Center in Davis Hall.

University facilities are continually assessed to make sure the needs of disabled students are met. Requests for accommodation should be made to the ADA Office. The Director of Casado Center and Wellness will assist students in their requests for accommodation and help them obtain other necessary support services.

The University competes in athletics at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) level and is a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC). Men’s intercollegiate sports include soccer, football, basketball, baseball, tennis, track/cross country and golf. Women’s intercollegiate sports include volleyball, tennis, soccer, basketball, track/cross country and softball. Home competitions are free to all Friends students.

Students can purchase all their textbooks through the Bookstore, located in the lower level of the Casado Campus Center.

Student involvement plays an integral part of the complete education of Friends University students. Focusing on the “out-of-classroom” components of the collegiate experience, the staff provides opportunities for students to join our community through activities that contribute to their social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, physical and vocational growth and development.

Friends University Campus Ministries’ staff is available to help students with spiritual needs. The department offers a wide variety of activities for students to participate in:

Cornerstone - Cornerstone is a weekly gathering held in Casado Campus Center on Sunday evenings at 8 p.m. Cornerstone includes student-led worship, student testimony called “Joy of My Salvation” and teaching by Campus Ministries staff.

Mission Trip - During spring break, Campus ministries hosts a mission trip to Houston where students have the opportunity to spend the week serving the homeless.

Retreats - Campus Ministries sponsors offcampus retreats where students may relax, fellowship, hear teaching about the love and grace of God, worship and spend time in silence.

Campus Ministries Lounge - Students can come and visit with campus ministries staff members anytime, fill up on hot drinks, rest, study, and be together.

Student Groups - There are many opportunities for students to become more involved in Campus Ministries.

• Apprentice classes meet once each week and consist of students who are committed to growing in discipleship together.
• The Cornerstone Crew is a group dedicated to setting up a space for worship as well as welcoming all who enter the doors at Cornerstone.
• The Youth Ministry Team is a team that works together to connect and share their stories with area high schools and youth groups.
• The Lounge Hosts welcome visitors to the Campus Ministries Lounge and encourage other students involved in the Friends community.

The Campus and Career Transitions (CCT) Office provides current students and Friends University alumni with current information and resources related to career planning and the job search process. CCT offers various career assessments, which can be administered both on-line and in office. Assistance with resume writing, interview skills and networking is available. CCT also maintains an on-line job posting system, which allows individuals to access job opportunities that have been posted with our institution. Students and graduates are encouraged to visit the CCT Web site where a variety of resources and on-line services are available.

The Casado Campus Center is the focus of student life on the Wichita campus, providing a supportive environment of social and recreational activities. The Casado Campus Center is the home to a full-service dining hall, snack bar, bookstore, Student Government Association, Health and Wellness Office, Career Services, ADA, Orientation and International Student Offices.

Students may make payments at the Cashier’s Office in Sumpter Hall on the Wichita campus or at the main reception area at our other sites. In Wichita students may cash checks for up to $50 with the cashier. Paychecks for student employees are also available at the cashier.

The mission of the Department of Residence Life at Friends University is to further the academic mission of the University by providing quality customer service and developing living/learning communities that stimulate, enhance and extend the total learning experience within the context of a Christian university. This mission is carried out in Green Residence Hall, Smith Hall, three apartment buildings and 17 houses on campus for student housing. A Student Development Coordinator (professional staff member) and resident assistants (upper-class students) are assigned to each living area to help facilitate the development of community through educational programming.

Wichita: The Friends University Marriage & Family Therapy program provides therapy services at the Center on Family Living in a confidential setting for students dealing with individual, couple, family or child problems. Friends University students may come to the Center through their own initiative and through referrals from faculty and staff. The first six therapy sessions at the Center are offered to all students at no charge and additional sessions are available at the Center’s sliding-fee scale with a reduced-fee option. Appointments for day, evening or weekend sessions may be scheduled by calling the Center on Family Living.

Lenexa: The Master of Science in Family Therapy graduate program in Lenexa also offers six free therapy sessions to all Friends students. Reduced-fee sessions are available beyond the first six sessions. Additionally, students at the Center on Family Living in Lenexa offer a range of psychoeducational offerings upon request. Information is available through the Center to groups interested in developing educational programs focusing on family and marital issues. Please call the Lenexa site for more information on services.

The Friends University Counseling office is located in the Casado Campus Center.  It serves to educate students, faculty and staff about topics related to mental health awareness.  Services include short-term, solution-focused counseling for a variety of issues including but not limited to:  depression, anxiety, stress management, coping skills development, anger management, and life transition issues.  These services are provided to Friends University students free of charge.  In the event that continued services are required, the appropriate referral can be made.  Appointments can be scheduled by calling or stopping by the office.

Davis Communication Center (DCC) provides a variety of services to students, faculty and staff. The center offers copying services, including color copies, overhead transparencies, bindery services and much more. A wide selection of papers are stocked to give customers plenty of options. DCC also offers mailing services, including a Post Office drop box, FedEx, UPS and other shipping services, and a variety of mailing materials. Faculty and staff can also purchase letterhead, envelopes, notecards and labels.

Dining services are provided in the Casado Campus Center through the Dining Room and Freddy’s Snack Bar. All residential students and first-time, full-time freshmen in the traditional program are required to purchase a meal plan. Other students, faculty and staff can pay when they eat or purchase a meal plan. Vending machines are also available on the Wichita campus and the Topeka and Lenexa sites.

The Friends University Multicultural Student Assembly (MSA) and Falcon Activities & Campus Events (FACE) Diversity Committee work closely with the Director of Campus Life to offer diversity programming and support services to the Friends University community.  All of these entities work together to help faculty, staff and students grow in their knowledge and appreciation of diversity issues.

The Financial Aid Office assists students with every aspect of their financial aid process. Staff members evaluate students’ financial aid files, issue award notices, process loan applications and help students obtain information concerning outside scholarships.

A variety of music, theatre, dance, performance and art exhibits are available to students each year on the Wichita campus. Students may receive one free ticket per event, but you must reserve the ticket ahead of time. Reserve your ticket early to ensure availability. Students should check the Web site calendar for a listing of all fine arts events.

The Garvey Physical Education Center contains basketball courts, racquetball courts, weight room and a multipurpose recreational room. In addition to these facilities, the Hoyt Athletic Field and Lattner Tennis Courts are available for student use. Please contact the Athletic Department for availability and use guidelines.

Our Health and Wellness Office is located in the Casado Campus Center. Please check for available hours. A registered nurse is available for first aid treatment, health concerns, consultation and referral. Students can obtain applications for medical insurance through this office. The Health and Wellness Office also provides educational programming to students concerning health-related issues.

All community members, including students, faculty and staff must have a Friends University ID.  You can take your picture and obtain your ID from the Student Affairs office on the lower level of the Casado Campus Center.  Your first ID is free.  A fee is charged for a replacement Student ID.  Refer to the Fee Schedule for additional information.

The International Student Advising office assists international students in a variety of ways. They advise F-1 and J-1 Visa holding students in all aspects of the student and exchange visitor program guidelines. These guidelines include the issuing of an I-20, maintaining SEVIS records, health insurance and Visa records, employment documentation and enrollment. All of these areas are important to international students who need to “remain in status” while in the United States. It is required for international students to contact the office to update and maintain appropriate documentation.

Intramural and Recreation programs at Friends University are designed to provide each student with the opportunity to grow and learn, as well as share in fellowship with others through participation in competition and outdoor activities.  Sports include basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer and softball are just a few of those offered through the course of the year.  Student, staff and faculty participation in intramurals and recreations are viewed as a continum of the University’s commitment to providing opportunties for emotional, spiritual and social development of all of those who choose to take part.

The Edmund Stanley Library provides its students with more than 100,000 materials and more than 100 different on-line databases. The full-text of many of the periodicals and nearly all of the databases are accessible remotely via the library’s Web site at http://www.friends.edu/library and what is not found can be retrieved through Interlibrary Loan. The library also serves as a gateway to the vast research resources beyond its walls via document delivery, interlibrary loan, consortia participation and state provided on-line resources. The library contains several group study rooms, a small computer lab, and a small multi-media production/viewing/listening room for student use. Students are invited to make an appointment with a reference librarian for any assistance they may need.

The Falcon Leadership Program at Friends University offers students the opportunity to explore the many facets of leadership.  Students who are a part of the scholarship program will learn how to integrate servant based leadership, organizational theories, and personal strengths into their own style of leadership.  This year long program, renewable for four consecutive years, affords students the opportunity to prepare for a future in global citizenship and responsible leadership, while also impacting their local community and campus.  Students may also find leadership resources and guides within this department.

New Student Orientation is designed to meet the needs of all students entering the University for the first time and to help make that transition a smooth and enjoyable experience.  Parents, international students and athletes will find specific orientation programs designed to meet their needs.

Friends University is committed to building a strong partnership with students and their families in an effort to encourage academic, social and spiritual success for students.  Family members can subscribe to a weekly email newsletter that provides information about university processes and policies, upcoming events and even tips on transitioning for college students.  Each semester, parents are invited to attend an open forum where ideas about ensuring a quality experience are shared.  Family members are encouraged to attend events, eat in the campus dining halland be a part of the Friends University experience.

The Registrar’s Office maintains students’ academic records and academic history. The office processes and issues the grades for the University. The Registrar also evaluates a student’s academic record to receive the appropriate degrees. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for enrollment verifications, course registrations and academic transcripts. Transcripts may be requested at the Registrar’s front desk or by written request. Please visit the Registrar’s Web site for more information.

The Department of Security strives to maintain the safety of all members of the Friends University community, its visitors and properties. The department patrols the campus area, enforces parking regulations and responds to emergency situations. It also provides many services to students, faculty, staff and visitors, including unlocking vehicles, escorting individuals and assisting with stalled vehicles. It is the policy of the University that all emergencies be reported immediately by calling Security at 5911 and then calling 911. For non-emergency matters, security personnel can be contacted by calling 316- 295-5911 or extension 5911 if calling from a campus phone.

The Jeanne Cleary Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the annual disclosure of security information. The report, along with other security information can be found on the Friends University Web site at www.friends.edu/Security-info. To request a hard copy of this report, please contact the Friends University Security Office at 316-295-5911 or security@friends.edu.

Friends University students may make financial agreements for payment of their educational services in the Student Account Services Office. A representative will work with students, parents or sponsors individually to set up tuition payment plans, arrange for deferral of payment for employer reimbursement or discuss specialized payment arrangements to meet the individual’s needs. Students should contact the Student Account Services Office with any questions concerning their account.

The Writing Center offers assistance in all areas of the writing process, including prewriting, drafting and revising, via a one-onone session with a tutor or through an e-mail or on-line tutorial. The Writing Center also functions as a resource center where students, faculty and staff can utilize computer software, consult reference books or attend workshops. Students, paraprofessionals and faculty staff the Writing Center. The Writing Center is located in Room 109A of the Davis Administration Building and additional resources are available on the Writing Center Web pages.