Student Affairs

An education at Midway University is not limited to the classroom or the lab. A significant part of a student’s education and growth stems from the development of strong interpersonal relationships and participation in a variety of extracurricular activities and programs. Student Affairs is responsible for residence life, student health services, non-academic student discipline, student support, disability support services, student activities, clubs and organizations, study abroad, orientation, campus ministry, community service, and student government.

Residence Life

Midway University has four residence halls on main campus and three campus homes near campus
for student accommodation. Additionally, during times of high demand, the University may elect to lease
local apartments for use by students. All students who live in a residence hall or university owned/
leased home are considered on-campus residential students. Midway University does not provide family housing.

The residence life program is designed to provide a smoke- and drug-free living-learning environment which contributes to the holistic development of students. Resident students are expected to abide by all residence hall and general University policies described in this catalog, the residence hall contract, and the Student Handbook. Policies governing residence life are in accordance with the overall philosophy of Student Affairs and are congruent with the mission of the institution to ensure the safety and health of residents. Wellness, educational, and social programming is conducted on a regular basis.

Eligibility

Midway University provides housing to students enrolled in the traditional undergraduate program.
Students are required to maintain a minimum of 12 hours each semester to live in campus housing.

Permission to remain in the residence halls with less than full-time student status must be granted
in advance by the Vice President of Student Affairs. Students over the age of 23 years must receive
special permission from the Vice President of Student Affairs to live in the residence halls. Midway
University does not provide housing for married students or students in graduate or adult/evening
programs.

Residence Requirement

All full-time undergraduate students under the age of twenty-one (21) who have completed fewer than four (4) academic semesters at Midway University are required to live on-campus and subscribe to a residential dining plan.

Housing Exemption

The University may grant exemptions to the on-campus residency requirement based upon the following criteria:

• Students who turn the age of twenty-one (21) prior to the first day of classes of term in which exemption is requested
• Students who are married
• Students who have dependent children
• Students who plan to reside with parent(s) or a legal guardian within a fifty (50) mile radius of campus
• Students who are registered for less than twelve (12) credit hours

Any student who meets one or more of the exemption criteria is eligible to submit a Housing Exemption Request Form. Students will be notified through their Midway University student email within five (5) business days regarding the status of their exemption request.

Please note that your scholarship and financial aid package may impact your eligibility to live off-campus as certain types of institutional scholarships and financial aid require recipients to live on-campus. It is recommended that you speak with Financial Aid to confirm if your aid package would be impacted by moving off campus PRIOR to submitting a Housing Exemption Request Form.

Deadlines for Housing Exemption Requests

All housing exemption requests must be submitted through the Midway University eRezLife housing platform by the following deadlines:

• Fall Term – June 1
• Spring Term – December 1

Housing exemption requests submitted through email or written declaration will not be reviewed. Any housing exemption request submitted past the deadline will be reviewed at the discretion of the Director of Residence Life.

The cost for living in University housing is listed in the University’s catalog at Tuition and Fees.

Housing Agreement

The housing agreement is a binding agreement between Midway University and the student and/or parent or legal guardian. The agreement covers the full academic year, or that portion of the year remaining at the time the housing assignment is made. The student agrees to pay all housing fees and all board fees as set forth by Midway University each academic year. Cancellation of this agreement may be made only in case of withdrawal from the University, graduation, dismissal, marriage, or exemption approved by the Director of Residence Life. The University does not provide room and board services under this contract during break periods, as outlined in the Student Handbook. Students may leave personal property, at their own risk, in their assigned rooms during certain break and holiday periods. The University is not responsible for any items lost, stolen, or damaged during the calendar year, including break periods. The student agrees to vacate their assigned room and leave it in a clean and orderly manner within 24 hours of graduation, withdrawal, or dismissal from Midway University, or at the end of the academic year.

Housing Deposit

All students wishing to live on campus are required to pay a Housing Deposit to secure their housing assignment. The Housing Deposit for NEW students is $150. The Housing Deposit for returning residential students is $150.

Housing deposits are held until the end of the academic year, at which time they will be applied to the account balance, forfeited, or refunded based on the following criteria. If the student does not attend Midway University or withdraws before the 10^th day of class, the housing deposit is forfeited. If a student chooses to live off campus at any time before or during the academic year, the housing deposit will be forfeited as space has been reserved for that student.  If the student is encouraged or made to live off campus by Midway University, the housing deposit will be applied to the student’s account at the end of the academic year.  If a deposit is not forfeited, after the end of the spring semester, it will first be applied to the student’s account balance, and any excess funds will be refunded to the student.

If a student incurs any cleaning, damage, or improper check out charges the deposit is applied to those costs and any excess is returned to the student via their selected refund option. Returning students who fail to make this payment by May 31 may forfeit their reserved living space.

Room Assignments

The Residence Life staff makes room assignments upon receipt of the application and deposit with consideration of space, information on the housing application, and specific reasonable requests of the student. Returning students are given priority when rooms are assigned for the following academic year. In circumstances where room availability is limited, the University may prioritize housing for students who live more than sixty (60) miles from campus. The University cannot guarantee that special requests for specific residence halls or rooms will be granted. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination. All housing assignments are made in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

The University reserves the right to authorize or deny all requests for changes of room or roommate, to consolidate vacancies, or to charge additional fees based upon lowered occupancy of rooms. The University may modify room assignments for disciplinary reasons, catastrophe, and incompatibility of roommates. The University also reserves the right to cancel or terminate the housing contract for disciplinary reasons.    

The Room Renewal process takes place each year during the spring semester by means of a housing lottery for the following academic year.  Participants must complete a housing application, pay a housing deposit, and register for classes for the upcoming academic year to participate in housing lottery processes.  The Director of Residence Life will give specific information and announcements concerning the process during the spring semester.  Failure to submit a returning student housing application by the deadline, pay the returning student housing deposit, or register for classes for the subsequent semester may limit a student’s ability to secure a room space.

Any reference made to residence halls includes any campus owned or leased houses, apartments, or other living space. Students in such spaces are expected to abide by any on-campus housing policy or expectation outlined in this handbook or communicated by Residence Life Staff.

Meal Plans

All students living in University housing are required to purchase a meal plan. Rates are subject to change at any time prior to the beginning of the academic year.

All students living in Midway owned or controlled housing are required to enroll in a meal plan when applying for campus housing. Students may change their enrolled plan through the first week of the semester. After that point, students will be locked into their chosen plan and will not be able to adjust their selection until the following semester. Residential students wishing to change or modify their meal plans can do so in the Student Affairs Office.

Commuter students may add the commuter plan at any point. The commuter plan rolls over from fall to spring semesters but expires at the end of the spring semester. Faculty and staff may also purchase this plan. Commuter meal plans may be purchased in the Business Office or online.

Any faculty, staff or student may add Dining Dollars at any point during the year. Dining Dollars roll over from fall to spring semesters but expire at the end of the spring semester. Dining Dollars may be added in the Business Office or online.

Campus Security

Campus Security officers patrol the Midway campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, the officers carry a cell phone to be accessible to campus community members 24 hours a day if services are needed or in the event of an emergency. Security may be reached at 859-846-5499 from a campus phone. When calling for assistance, the caller should clearly state the nature of the problem and its location.

Security measures are only as effective as individuals on campus choose to make them. Students are encouraged to use sound judgment at all times. All residence halls are under a 24-hour locked condition. Only students who live in the building and staff members with a work-related need have keys to each building. Other campus buildings have controlled access at night and on weekends. Occupants of the residence halls must ensure that outside doors are closed and securely locked at all times.

While there are certain offices that focus specifically on keeping Midway University a safe place to live and work (Campus Security, Residence Life, the Student Affairs Office, etc.), the responsibility for maintaining a safe community falls to all of its members. The University strongly encourages members of the University community to report all crimes to the appropriate authorities as outlined below.

• Reports to campus officials will be investigated and, if appropriate, disciplinary charges will be placed and/or the police will be involved. In addition, reports of crimes will be included in the campus crime statistics, even if they do not lead to a formal investigation by the police.
• If the crime is in progress, the community member should immediately contact one of the following: the police (by calling 911), Campus Security 859-846-5499, or a Residence Life staff member. The decision regarding whom to contact should be based on the intensity of or danger involved in the situation and/or the ease with which one of these authorities can be contacted. If Campus Security or Residence Life staff members are notified prior to the police being called, they will assist the community member with contacting the police and making a report.
• If the crime is discovered after it has occurred, the community member should contact Campus Security or a Residence Life staff member. The person responding will assist the community member with making a report and connecting with the police, if appropriate and desired.

The Campus Security Daily Crime Log and annual crime and fire statistics can be found on the Midway University website.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Clery Act and the Minger Act, the Campus Security and Student Affairs Departments compile crime statistics and publish an annual security report. Printed copies of the Annual Security Report may be obtained by contacting the Student Affairs Office. The Campus Crime Log that lists incidents that present a safety or security threat to students or employees is available upon request in the Campus Security office. Items are added to the crime log within 24 hours after the incident is reported to Campus Security. 

Automobiles and Parking

All Midway University students are allowed to have automobiles on campus. Students must register their vehicles with Campus Security and pick up their free valid registration permits. Students are allowed to keep the same parking pass for several years. Lots for student parking are designated on campus and parking information is available on the Campus Security Portal under parking policy. Students who violate parking regulations will be subject to ticketing. 

Student Health Services

Midway University, in partnership with Baptist Health, provides access to services to address medical needs for Midway students, faculty and staff. The Health Clinic is staffed by clinicians who can professionally diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications as needed. Our range of services includes exams, diagnosis and treatment of common ailments, allergy injections, flu shots, preventive education, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing. Appointments are required. Some walk-in appointments may be available. Telehealth appointments are available outside of posted clinic hours. 

Baptist Health files claims with most insurance carriers. Students are responsible for co-pays and/or deductibles for services provided by the  clinic. For a listing of current insurances accepted please contact Student Affairs or Human Resources.

The Clinic operating hours are located here.

Students with chronic medical conditions are encouraged to identify a medical provider in the surrounding community to assist in monitoring their conditions.

If you need assistance in identifying a medical provider in our area, please contact the Student Affairs Office.

Student Health Insurance

All students attending Midway University and taking at least six credit hours per enrollment period are eligible to participate in a voluntary accident and sickness insurance plan. Enrollment materials are available in the Business Office. Premiums are paid directly to the insurer and cannot be added to the student’s account.

All athletes must have insurance in order to participate in any sport, including riding teams. Proof of insurance must be submitted prior to practice or any participation.

Students registering for internships, practicums, clinicals, and student teaching are required to purchase their own health insurance prior to participation in these courses.

Student Development

The Student Affairs staff provides assistance to students and offers programs on a wide variety of personal development issues.  The Student Affairs Office is in McManis Student Center.  Students may either drop in or call extension 5303 for an appointment.

Religious Opportunities

While the University is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), it is fully interdenominational in scope and policy. Participation in religious services and activities at Midway University is voluntary. Midway’s Campus Minister offers a variety of programming throughout the year for interested students. Students may also choose to be involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The town of Midway has many churches readily available to students and faculty within walking distance of Midway University. The churches are active and energetic and welcome Midway students. The programs of both the University and the community are such that regular participation is possible.

Technology Services

Midway University provides technology services to all students that include:

• Email account
• Student portal which provides detailed campus announcements, news, course registration and grades, and other key information
• Internet/network connection
• Wireless service
• Print/copy accessibility
• Ellucian Go Mobile App
• Microsoft Office 365 (including 1 Terabyte of cloud storage)
• Computer labs and workstations
• After hours help desk

Student Activities and Organizations

Midway University provides students with many opportunities to become involved in social, recreational, educational, and cultural activities. Annual events include Night of Lights, the Last Supper, Midway Christmas Vespers, and graduation festivities.

Student organizations are intended to stimulate personal growth and development outside the classroom. They provide students with opportunities to supplement academic learning, sharpen leadership skills, and actively participate in the process of planning and organizing programs and events.

The following student organizations are available to Midway University students.

Alpha Lambda Delta

Alpha Lambda Delta is a nationally recognized honor society for high achieving first year students.

Eagle Outreach

Eagle Outreach is a service-oriented organization for students who have a passion for helping people. By identifying the needs of our local community, the organization helps forge a connection between the university and surrounding areas.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ mission is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. FCA’s values focus on how relationships will demonstrate a steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word through integrity, serving, teamwork and excellence.

Gamma Beta Phi (GBP)

Gamma Beta Phi Society is a national honors and service society. With watchwords of service, scholarship, and character, GBP aims to broaden members’ academic and philanthropic lives so that they may graduate, ready to make a difference in the world.

LGBT+

LGBT+ works to provide a safe space for everyone, including those in the LGBT+ community. It spreads positivity, awareness, support, information, resources and much more regarding LGBT+ topics.

Midway Activities Council

The Midway Activities Council (MAC) is a student-led organization that seeks to provide a variety of student events and programs that reach both our Midway University and surrounding community. This student group is responsible for the planning, implementation, and promotion of campus events from social events to cultural and awareness focused programming throughout the year.  These students are role models who motivate students to get more involved in campus life.

MAC adds dimension to the Midway student experience by providing programming, offering opportunities for increased campus involvement, and assisting in the overall campus life of Midway University. Each member oversees different programming outcomes to ensure a holistic experience for Midway students.

Midway Association of Nursing Students (MANS)

MANS is a pre-professional organization of nursing students. The purposes of the organization are to provide support and encouragement for nursing students, and to encourage participation in health-related events at the University. Membership is open to all nursing and pre-nursing students at Midway.

Midway Horse Association (MHA)

This is an organization that promotes interest in equine-related industries, recreational activities to both equine and non-equine students, and academic and social interaction between students and faculty.

Multicultural Student Association (MSA)

This organization is open to all international students, faculty, and staff. It is a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to fostering cultural exchanges, friendship, and support among students from all corners of the globe. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment where international students can connect, share experiences, and find a “home away from home.”

Psychology Club

This club is designed for psychology majors and minors and other students interested in the behavioral sciences. The club members organize a community service project each semester, participate in regional psychology conferences, and host speakers and informational meetings on behavioral sciences careers.

Sigma Tau Delta

A Sigma Tau Delta chapter is more than just another college club. It is a unique entity that opens the doors of opportunity for its members and facilitates academic, professional, and personal growth. There are more than 875 active chapters across the world, each defined by its location and membership, yet bound to the rest by the common goal of promoting excellence in the disciplines of the English language. Members of every chapter have the opportunity to share their love of literature and linguistics with like-minded peers, participate in rewarding activities, and be recognized for their accomplishments. They may also apply, or in some cases instantly qualify, for one or more of the Society's numerous awards and scholarships.

Student Advisory Council on Student Betterment

The Student Advisory Council on Student Betterment is comprised of Midway University students from various majors, teams, clubs, and organizations on campus. The purpose of this Council is to advise the Vice President of Student Affairs ensuring student voices are heard, in an effort to build and maintain a welcoming campus community devoted to the mission and vision of the University.

The Council will meet to address ways to create a welcoming environment and community that enhances the student experience at Midway University. This Council will identify opportunities to educate and inform the student body on topics and issues as they arise.

Student Government Association (SGA)

The Student Government Association (SGA) serves as the coordinating and central planning body for students and as the principal medium for addressing student concerns at the campus level.  The Student Government Association plans and implements Midway University extracurricular activities, promotes the welfare of every student, ensures high ideals and conduct, and fosters a spirit of cooperation amongst faculty, administration, and the student body.

Tri-Beta

This is a society for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. It also strives to have students gain a greater appreciation of the earth's diverse biological wealth among all people and promote an exchange of ideas and efforts aimed at insuring continued biological diversity and sustainable, healthy, human environments.

Student Honor Code

Midway University is a community of learners that expects integrity and honor from its members.

I will show respect for my community by behaving with honesty, integrity and civility. As a responsibility to my Midway University community, I will show respect for:

• My classmates and faculty by maintaining honesty in my academic work and refraining from cheating.
• My community and peers by maintaining integrity and honesty in my daily life.
• Faculty, staff, and members of the administration by maintaining civility and refraining from disruptive and abusive language and behavior.

I will acknowledge responsibility and accept the consequences of my actions. In choosing Midway University, I pledge to uphold the principles of the Honor Code and will cherish and guard its tradition.

Student Conduct

Students at Midway University are considered responsible adults and are expected to maintain standards of conduct appropriate to the University community. Midway University, like other educational institutions, has established regulations for student behavior. The Student Code of Conduct and other important policies are listed in the online Student Handbook.

Midway University supports the rights of its students and has established procedures to ensure the fair and equal treatment of students. The student disciplinary process found in the Student Handbook details the rights of students who have allegedly committed non-academic violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Information regarding academic infractions is in the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Required Training Policy

Midway University desires to be a safe campus free from the impact of sexual misconduct and alcohol and drug use. The University also seeks to remain in compliance with all Federal regulations. For these reasons new students will be prompted to complete required training at the start of the semester around issues which may include sexual misconduct, alcohol and/or drug use, or other topics. Students who fail to complete this training by the stated deadline will have a registration hold placed on their account until the training is completed. This hold will prevent registration for future semesters.

Student Grievance and Complaint Procedures

United States Code §1099b(a)(5)(1)(1999) and the United States Department of Education Regulations [34 CFR Ch. VI. 602.26(b)(11.) and July 2002 at 602.16(a)(1)(ix)] requires accrediting agencies to evaluate an institution on specific indicators.  One of those indicators is student complaints. An institution of higher education must keep a record of student complaints and resolution of complaints.

Included in the Midway University catalog and the Student Handbook are policies and procedures for receipt of and response to student grievances or appeals in a variety of areas, e.g., charges of academic dishonesty (Catalog--> Academic Information), grades (Catalog--> Academic Information), administrative withdrawals (suspensions, etc.) (Catalog--> Academic Policies), records content and access (Catalog--> Academic Policies), discrimination and harassment (Student Handbook--> Policy against Discrimination & Harassment), sexual harassment and assault (Student Handbook--> Sexual Misconduct Policy), and disciplinary actions and procedures (Student Handbook--> Student Code of Conduct). These defined procedures should be utilized if they apply to a specific student grievance.

To further clarify where complaints should be made and to whom appeals should be made, Midway University has developed a Student Complaint Matrix. This matrix also shows where records of specific complaints will be retained.