Campus Life

Ferrum College encourages and supports student participation in a wide variety of co-curricular activities designed to complement the classroom experience. The primary purpose of the Division of Student Affairs involves implementation of program opportunities which promote a balanced living and learning environment throughout the campus community. Based on this philosophy, the various offices within Student Affairs implement programs that address the developmental (social, recreational, educational, and cultural) and personal needs of each student. As a result, education becomes more than facts learned from a textbook or lecture; it also includes the development of the total person.

Student Activities

Students can develop leadership potential, leadership skills and career related learning while having fun by participating in co-curricular activities and intramural programs sponsored by the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement. The purpose of the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement is to personalize and broaden educational experiences. Students, faculty, and staff are involved in all aspects of the development and implementation of programs and leadership opportunities. The utilization of student ideas, input, and involvement is vital to the development of a balanced programming format.

Spiritual Life

The college experience will include times of educational learning, physical health and wholeness, and faith formation. As an institution of higher education related to the United Methodist Church, Ferrum College seeks to create an environment that fosters this integration of body, mind, and spirit. Students from all faith traditions are encouraged to participate in outreach, fellowship, and programs that develop spiritual growth as well as celebrate their faith. At the heart of this exploration is a deeper understanding of how individual and collective beliefs shape and impact our future and world. In this spirit, the Office of Spiritual Life seeks to be a sanctuary for a diverse community for the love of God and others.

The Office of Spiritual Life assists students with connecting to various faith exploration/formation opportunities on and off campus, offers pastoral support, and journeys with students through their time at Ferrum College. The Office of Spiritual Life (Room 108) is located on the lower level of Franklin Hall.

Opportunities for spiritual growth are scheduled through the Office of Spiritual Life in both the Fall and Spring Semesters. These opportunities may include but are not limited to: small group studies/discussion, service opportunities, mission trips, intentional faith formation groups, worship arts, Panther Christian Athletes, and Mu Sigma Chi (a student Christian fraternity). Vaughn Chapel Meditation Room is open throughout the week offering a place for quiet reflection on your spiritual journey.

Gathering as a faith community for worship has always been a vital part of our spiritual formation experience. Interdenominational worship services are available throughout the year. Services are grounded in the Christian tradition, are student led and are open to all students, faculty, staff, and the local community.

In addition to Ferrum College’s worship service, faith based churches/communities representing most of the major faith traditions are located in the surrounding area. The Office of Spiritual Life can assist students in finding a church or faith community of their choice.

The college experience is a unique combination of body, mind, and spirit. Ferrum College Campus Ministries offers that space for students to seek to unite, as John Wesley once said, “knowledge and vital piety”, learning and holiness. For more information contact the Office of Spiritual Life at (540) 365-4285.

Fine Arts and Cultural Series

Ferrum College offers a wide variety of cultural-programs-for the campus and the community. The art department offers student, faculty, and guest artist exhibits throughout the academic year. The music department offers recitals by guest artists and faculty.

The Ferrum College Blue Ridge Institute & Museum features gallery exhibitions, an annual Folklife Festival, an interactive Farm Museum, Heritage Archives, FloydFest Live & Learn, and innovative outreach programming.

Visual and Performing Arts

Ferrum College believes that student performances are an important element of a total education experience. The College, therefore, supports a wide variety of student performing groups, including four major theatrical productions a year, student directed 2nd stage productions, Black Mask-Improv Club, Alpha Psi Omega-the Theatre Arts National Honor Society which sponsors and develops many productions on campus, the Concert Choir, Ferrum College Chorale, the Ferrum College Marching Band including the Color Guard, the Ferrum College Mountain Winds, Iron Mountain Brass and other instrumental ensembles.

Many students wish to develop their talents in art, music, and theatre while at Ferrum College. Students may major or minor in one of the programs in the arts or select individual applied student courses to develop their talents.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) promotes student involvement in the governance of the College; enhances the living learning environment of the campus community through sponsoring of social, educational, cultural, and recreational programs; and provides effective communication channels between students and the College. 

Clubs and Organizations

Students are encouraged to participate in one or more of the student clubs and organizations representing a wide variety of academic, social and civic interest. Membership in a campus organization enriches the educational experience, improves leadership ability, enhances academic achievement, increases career success and develops social skills. A complete listing of clubs and organizations is available at: http://www.ferrum.edu/leadershipandengagement/.

Academic and Professional Organizations

National honor societies at Ferrum College include:

• Alpha Chi (junior and senior students)
• Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice students)
• Alpha Psi Omega (Theatre students)
• Beta Beta Beta (Biology students)
• Kappa Delta Pi (Education students)
• Kappa Pi (Art students)
• Lambda Sigma (sophomore students)
• Phi Alpha (Social Work students)
• Phi Alpha Theta (History students)
• Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science students)
• Psi Chi (Psychology students)
• Sigma Tau Delta (English students)

Students may also participate in the following clubs: Agriculture Club, Art Club, Chemistry Club (including Student Affiliate membership in the American Chemical Society), Criminal Justice Club, ENACTUS-Entrepreneurial Action for Us, English Club, NSLS-National Society of Leadership & Success, Political Science Association, Psychology Club, Recreation Club, Sigma Psi Delta, Social Work Club, and Student Virginia Education Association.

Athletics

Ferrum College offers a wide variety of intercollegiate athletics for both men and women students. Men’s programs include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track & field and wrestling. Women’s intercollegiate teams include basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and wrestling. Cheerleading and equestrian teams are open to men and women.

Another popular participatory activity on campus is intramural programming. Intramurals offers a variety of sport, such as basketball, flag football, soccer, softball, volleyball, table tennis, kickball, other sports, and more fun competitive and non-competitive activities.

The Ferrum College Fitness Center, swimming pool, tennis courts, weight room, and other athletic facilities are available on a regular basis for formal and informal participation.

The College competes in intercollegiate activities as a Division III member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The 2018-19 academic year was Ferrum College’s first year as a member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), one of the oldest and most respected NCAA Division III conferences in the nation.

Honors and Awards

Each spring an awards ceremony, leadership banquet, and an athletic banquet are held to recognize achievement in academic disciplines, co-curricular activities, and athletics. Students receive prestigious awards such as:

• The Algernon-Sydney Sullivan Award is presented annually to a student in recognition of spiritual qualities practically applied to daily living.
• The James T. Catlin, Jr., Citizenship Award is presented to the graduate who has best demonstrated qualities for citizenship and general leadership ability.
• The Lillie Warwick Slaven Award is awarded to the student who exemplifies the ideals of the ministerial profession and has provided outstanding student leadership at Ferrum College.
• The Arthur S. Owens Leadership Award in Human Services is presented annually to a junior or senior student who demonstrates qualities of outstanding character, leadership, initiative, and honor.
• Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges, a national publication, invites the college to select a limited number of students annually for recognition based upon excellence in scholarship, leadership, and participation in educational and extracurricular activities, general citizenship and service to the college, and promise of future usefulness to society.

Counseling Services

All Ferrum College students have access to a professional counselor located on campus in Bassett Hall. Designed for short-term, problem-solving situations, the main objective of counseling is to help students achieve academic and personal goals as well as to provide support during stressful times.

Students should call the Ferrum College Counseling Center directly (540) 365-4219 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. to schedule an appointment or contact Jessica Stallard, LCSW by email (jstallard@ferrum.edu).  Calls or email will be returned as soon as possible during regular business hours. Education sessions and peer groups will be conducted on campus free of charge as scheduling permits.

If a residential or online student is in need of long-term therapy, the counselor may make a referral to an outside therapist for in-depth, therapeutic counseling. 

Students are assured that all counseling services are confidential between the student and counselor unless the counselor believes there is a substantial likelihood that the student will, in the near future, cause serious harm to themselves or others. In situations where a student is believed to be in danger, the counselor shall follow Ferrum College’s established protocols, which includes notifying College officials if appropriate.

Office of Career and Leadership

The primary purpose and mission of the Office of Career and Leadership is to assist Ferrum College students and alumni in developing, evaluating, and implementing career, graduate or professional school and/or employment plans. Each student’s career development is a life-long process that can be learned and developed.

A comprehensive four-year program of career development at Ferrum College includes the following elements: self-assessment, career/academic major choice, successful educational and experiential learning involvement, and preparing employment or graduate school applications. Throughout their education, students are offered activities to help them develop career planning skills.

The Office of Career and Leadership staff offers individual and group advisement, interactive computer assessment (FOCUS 2), resume reviews, job market research,  individual and panel mock interviews (using digital critique methods), graduate school planning, and training in all aspects of the employment search process. The Office of Career and Leadership website provides information on career planning programs (“What Can I Do With This Major?”, “Occupational Outlook Handbook”, etc.) and employment search activities. The website also includes links to employment search websites.  Students have access to free practice test opportunities for the graduate and professional school entrance exams. Job notices received from employers are sent to faculty and students.

Students are introduced to experiential learning opportunities such as internships which provide practical experience in the student’s major area of study. The Office of Career and Leadership also provides access to three career fair events, a graduate school fair, Federal Expo fairs and other networking opportunities.

The Office of Career and Leadership is located in the lower level of Franklin Hall. Contact at (540) 365-4441 or www.ferrum.edu/career to schedule an appointment or explore the wide variety of services that we offer to our students and alumni.

Health Forms

Personal well-being is a key ingredient to a successful college experience. As part of the enrollment process, each student is required to have an up-to-date health form and immunization record on file prior to enrollment at Ferrum College.

Tri-Area Community Health Center at Ferrum

The Tri-Area Community Health Center at Ferrum, located adjacent to the campus at 180 Ferrum Mountain Road, provides health related advice and treatment for students experiencing health-related problems. A full staff including a doctor, nurse practitioner, x-ray and lab technicians, nurses, pharmacy and support staff are available.

Ferrum College does not offer student health insurance coverage; however, it is strongly recommended that students have health insurance. Students should have a current insurance card (including prescription card) available for on-campus, emergency, or other off-campus medical care.

Residency Requirement

Ferrum College is a residential institution of higher education for undergraduate students. All full-time undergraduate students are expected to live on campus. Any exception to this policy requires a formal petition (called a Residency Requirement Waiver) to be filled out and submitted to the Office of Student Life.

Ferrum College Community Code

Together, we have the responsibility to safeguard the rights of others, to encourage discussion, to respect the right to study and learn, and to create an image and atmosphere of which we can be proud. The basis for implementing this responsibility can be found in the Ferrum College Community Code. Students are advised that it is their responsibility to familiarize themselves with all Ferrum College policies and procedures outlined in the Student Handbook, which can be accessed online at http://www.ferrum.edu/downloads/student-affairs/student_handbook.pdf

Residence Halls

The College provides a variety of residence hall living environments in which students have an opportunity to experience different lifestyles and responsibilities while in attendance at Ferrum College.

To aid in the development of a living-learning environment, residence halls are staffed with qualified professional staff and student staff members.

Student Accountability

All students are expected to abide by the Ferrum College Community Standards and Residence Hall Policies as stated in the Student Handbook, which can be accessed online at  http://www.ferrum.edu/downloads/student-affairs/student_handbook.pdf. 

The Honor System

Ferrum College’s honor system is based on the philosophy that academic endeavor is undermined by cheating, plagiarism, or lying for academic advantage. The Honor Board is made up of faculty and student members and hears cases related to the above violations. The full honor policy can be found online in the Student Handbook at http://www.ferrum.edu/downloads/student-affairs/student_handbook.pdf. Students are responsible for following its provisions.

Student Internal Complaint System

Please refer to the Student Handbook at http://www.ferrum.edu/downloads/student-affairs/student_handbook.pdf.

Student Services and Information

Dining Service-Franklin Hall Dining Hall

RESIDENT MEAL PLANS (included in board fees):

Meal Plan B will be the default resident meal plan for all residential students living in Clark, Dyer, Roberts, Riddick, Chapman, Bassett, Moore, Arthur and Susannah Wesley.

Meal Plan A: 19 meals per week plus $125/semester in Dining Dollars for use at any of our Retail Dining venues or in the Dining Hall plus three guest meals per semester.

Meal Plan B: 15 meals per week plus $260/semester in Dining Dollars for use at any of our Retail Dining venues or in the Dining Hall plus three guest meals per semester.

Please contact Student Accounts at stuacctm@ferrum.edu if you would like Meal Plan A instead of Meal Plan B.

There is no additional cost to change from Plan B to Plan A.

Meal Plan M will be the default resident meal plan for resident students approved to live in Hillcrest Apartments or 602 Apartments.

Meal Plan M: 10 meals per week plus $260/semester in Dining Dollars for use at any of our Retail Dining venues or in the Dining Hall plus three guest meals per semester.

Students enrolled in Meal Plan M may request a meal plan change by contacting Student Accounts at stuacctm@ferrum.edu. There is an additional $550 charge per semester for this option. Please contact Student Accounts (540) 365-4239 before Meal Plan A or B can be issued.

Changing Meal Plan

Students will only be allowed to change their meal plan prior to the start of the semester. If changes are not made prior to the start of the semester, the student will have to wait until the following semester to change their meal plan.

When deciding about the appropriate meal plan, consider

• How many meals are normally eaten per day
• Participation in athletic or club activities
• Whether Retail Dining food choices are desirable.

Commuter Students

Commuter students may place money on their Ferrum ID card ($20 minimum) for meals by contacting Student Accounts (540) 365-4239 or in person in John Wesley Hall (Rm 203 or 205). 

The Ferrum College ID serves as the meal card and must be presented for all meals and Dining Dollar transactions. There are limited options for students who forget to bring their ID for Dining Hall transactions: 1) Retrieve ID card and return to the Dining Hall, 2) Pay for the meal, 3) Have another student who has a card with sufficient Dining Dollars pay for the meal, or 4) Purchase a new Ferrum College ID card.

Additional Information

• The meals per week can only be used by the cardholder and are not transferable.
• Dining Dollars must be used before the end of each semester and are not refundable.
• Dining Dollars may not be used for purchase of gift cards.
• Students are allowed to add additional dollars to their account.
• If a student uses all available meals for a week, Dining Dollars may be used to purchase meals/menu items in the Dining Hall or at any of our Retail Dining venues.
• Guest meals must be identified upon entry to the Dining Hall.
• The week starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday.

Dining Hall Hours of Operation can be found online:

Please visit:  https://www.ferrum.edu/campus-life/student-life/residence-life-and-housing/dining/ for more information.

Questions or concerns regarding meal plans or the Dining Hall should be directed to the Office of Dining Services at (540) 365-4453 or nikkipittman@aladdinfood.com.

Billing inquiries and credit card payments should be resolved through Student Accounts at (540) 365-4239 or stacctm@ferrum.edu.

Post Office

All students are assigned mail boxes at the post office in Franklin Hall. Official mail from all Ferrum College offices will be sent to this box for students. All students are expected to check campus mail boxes at regular intervals. 

Transportation

The Ferrum Express is a free service that is also open to the public. Maps and Schedules can be found online at www.ferrum.edu/leadershipandengagement. Students wishing transportation to and from mass transit terminals in Roanoke should make arrangements with a friend in advance of their trip.

Email and Internet Access

Students are provided a Ferrum College email address and have Internet access via their own computer or smart device. The Library and lab computers are also available for student use.

Information Services Help Desk and Computer Labs

The Information Services Help Desk in Bassett Hall lobby is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, when Ferrum College is in session. Information Services staff and student assistants can provide support with basic hardware and software questions and troubleshooting. These services are available at no charge to students.

There are Computer Labs in Beckham Hall and Garber Hall. The Garber Hall Lab is open by appointment only. Additional computers are located on all floors of the Library for student use. Additionally, a limited number of laptop computers may be available for short-term checkout to students from the Stanley Library.

Breaks/Holiday Policy

During all breaks, residential students wishing to stay in their assigned residence hall rooms must make their request by the stated deadline before the break starts and receive approval from the Dean of Students (or designee). The Franklin Hall dining facilities may be closed during these breaks. Any person entering a residence hall without written permission will be considered trespassing and may be subject to discipline. Students are not permitted to have guests on campus when staying for breaks.

During extended breaks, the residence halls will be closed and will not be staffed. Students living in Ferrum College apartments are permitted to remain during extended breaks; however, they must receive permission from the Dean of Students (or designee).  Weekly fees may apply during breaks.

Departure at the End of the Academic Year

Students completing final examinations must depart from the College within 24 hours from the time they finish their last exam.

Motor Vehicles

A student may keep a motor vehicle on campus, provided it is properly registered with the Ferrum College Campus Police Department and is operated in a safe and orderly fashion. It is the responsibility of all faculty, staff, and students to familiarize themselves with all College vehicle regulations, as well as all applicable state laws regulating the use of motor vehicles. Temporary decals are available in the Ferrum College Campus Police Department.

No inoperable vehicles may be stored or parked on the premises. All vehicles must maintain a current license and be currently registered with all appropriate authorities and jurisdictions.