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Hastings College Academic Catalog
2004-2006
Activities and Organizations
Hastings College recognizes student involvement
in campus organizations as a contributing factor to the total
educational experience. Opportunities for involvement exist
in small and large organizations, musical activities, debate,
speech, theatre and physical education, which includes a varied
intramural program in addition to an extensive intercollegiate
program.
Campus-based organizations focus on specific
areas of interest such as art, business, Bible study, or science.
Others, such as the Music Educators National Conference and
the Student Education Association, are professional in nature
and have state and national affiliation. On campus are four
fraternities and four sororities, all campus-based with non-national
affiliation. A Public Relations Council works closely with
the Admissions and Marketing and Communications offices. BACCHUS,
(Boost Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University
Students), is a campus group that educates students about
high-risk and low-risk alcohol choices, and alerts them on
issues of alcohol use and abuse. The Multicultural Student
Union addresses concerns and issues of international and minority
students at Hastings College. It is designed to bridge the
gap between different cultural backgrounds and promotes equality
among all students. The Alliance aims for equality among all
sexual orientations.
Three student-edited publications offer
a variety of opportunities for the creative mind. Spectrum,
a literary magazine, includes original stories, poetry, essays
and photographs of artistic works selected by an editorial
committee. The Bronco yearbook, first published in
1916, and The Collegian newspaper provide outlets for
the editor, writer, designer and photographer. KFKX is the
student radio station. Response News is the student-managed
television network.
Athletics
Hastings College is committed to providing
equitable athletic opportunities for its male and female students.
A member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference
(GPAC) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
(NAIA), Hastings College offers an intercollegiate program
in football, basketball, baseball, track and field, cross
country, tennis, softball, volleyball, soccer, and golf.
In accordance with the Equity in Athletics
Disclosure Act, Hastings College makes available to students,
potential students and the public, on an annual basis, financial,
participation and other information concerning its men's and
women's intercollegiate athletics program. Such information
is available for review in the Treasurer's Office of the College.
Religious Life
Hastings College was established in 1882
by Presbyterians who firmly believed that the life of the
mind and the life of the spirit go hand in hand. Today, Hastings
College continues its strong relationship to the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.), while at the same time embracing students,
faculty and staff of all denominations and beliefs.
The Chaplain’s Office and the Religious
Programs Committee of the Student Association coordinate a
variety of religious activities on campus, including organizations
such as Habitat for Humanity, Presbyterian Campus Ministry,
Catholic Fellowship, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Campus
Crusade for Christ, and the Chaplain’s Bible Study. The
Christian Ministry and Service Learning Programs provide opportunities
for study, service and leadership in local congregations and
the community, as well as mission trips and retreats for vocational
discernment.
Every Wednesday throughout the semester,
the Hastings College community gathers in French Memorial
Chapel for worship at 10:00 a.m. No other campus activities
are scheduled during this hour. The ecumenical Chapel worship
service is rooted in its Presbyterian heritage but open to
all people of faith. Students, faculty, and staff — spanning
the theological spectrum from conservative to liberal —
find a welcome home in the religious life of Hastings College.
Student Government
The governing principle that underlies campus
life at Hastings College is the maximum amount of individual
freedom commensurate with responsible living. To aid in achieving
this objective, Hastings College shares its responsibility
of governance with the entire campus community. The Student
Association assumes this responsibility on behalf of the students.
The Student Association seeks to represent
and govern the students and to promote the academic, social,
cultural and spiritual life of the campus. Governing responsibilities
of the S.A. are divided into two categories: legislative responsibilities,
which are handled by the Executive Council and the Student
Senate, and the judicial responsibilities, which are addressed
by the Student Judiciary Council.
The Student Association President oversees
the Executive Council, which is the primary governing body,
dealing with all student government matters except budget
appropriations. This body also plans the student activities
on campus and is composed of executive officers, standing
executive committee chairpersons, and one to three members
of the faculty or administration.
Honorary
Societies
Hastings College is proud to sponsor fourteen
campus honorary societies which recognize and encourage excellence
in academics and other areas of leadership. The societies
give students the opportunity to work closely with faculty
advisers on special programs and service activities and connect
students with others of similar interests. Among the honorary
societies are the Nebraska Alpha Chapter of Alpha Chi at Hastings
College whose students rank in the top ten percent of the
junior and senior classes and the Hastings College Circle
of Omicron Delta Kappa which recognizes both academic excellence
and campus leadership. A complete listing of the honorary
socities is in the Hastings College Student Handbook/Planner
and the Hastings College website.
Traditional
Activities
New Student Days - in late August/early
September are designed to familiarize all entering undergraduate
students with campus life. In an informal atmosphere, students
are introduced to members of the administration and faculty,
as well as upper-class students who represent campus organizations.
Chapel Services - The Hastings College
community meets in French Memorial Chapel for voluntary worship
services at 10:00 a.m. every Wednesday throughout the semester.
Students participate in worship in a variety of ways by serving
as readers, greeters, singers and musicians.
Family Weekend - is organized by
students and designed to acquaint families with the campus
and its programs. The day includes lunch, classroom demonstrations,
and entertainment.
Homecoming - is the biggest and most
colorful event during the fall term. The festivities begin
with a bonfire and pep rally and include crowning of Homecoming
royalty, a parade, home football game, and the Homecoming
Dance.
Christmas Card to the Community -
held in early December, this is a week-long Christmas celebration
including musical events, readings, and a campus lighting
ceremony. Students, faculty, and administration join the city
of Hastings in kicking-off the holiday season.
Boar's Head Dinner - is a dress-up,
sit-down dinner served by faculty and administration. Pre-dinner
festivities include Christmas music and the traditional walk
through the candle-lighted dining hall by a student carrying
the Boar's Head.
Artist-Lecture Series Symposium -
is a two-day event organized and planned by a student/faculty
committee. A topic is selected for the entire year and nationally
known speakers are brought to campus to enhance the regular
academic curriculum. The symposium is the culmination of the
yearlong activity.
Religion-in-Life Week - is held under
the auspices of the Religious Programs Committee and the Department
of Philosophy and Religion. The week is intended to introduce
a relevant topic to the college community and to stimulate
intellectual and spiritual development through guest speakers
at a series of special convocations, as well as other more
informal activities.
Senior Breakfast - marks the beginning
of the year-end activities for graduating seniors. Held in
late April or early May, the breakfast is planned by a junior
committee and is for seniors, faculty and administration.
May Fete - is planned jointly by
the Union Activities Committee and the Inter-Greek Council.
The spring festival traditionally includes outdoor games,
evening entertainment, picnics, dances, and the presentation
of the May Fete Court.
Honors Convocation - is held the
Friday prior to Commencement Weekend. During the convocation,
students are recognized for outstanding accomplishment in
departmental studies, extracurricular activities, and scholastic
achievement. The highlight of the convocation is the naming
of graduating seniors to Who's Who at Hastings College and
the presentation of the Bronco Award, the College's highest
non-academic honor. The recipient of the Bronco Award, established
in 1924, is chosen from Who's Who membership. Both honors
are determined by a student-faculty committee, which makes
its selections based on outstanding contributions of nominees
selected by the campus community through a voting process.
Graduation Ceremonies - include the
annual Baccalaureate Service, a senior reception, and Commencement
Exercises. Baccalaureate is held at the First Presbyterian
Church in Hastings the Friday evening after final examinations;
the senior reception follows at the President's home. Commencement
Exercises are conducted at an outdoor ceremony, (weather permitting),
or at – The Lynn Farrell Arena at the Osborne Sports
Complex the following Saturday morning.
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