Javascript is currently not supported, or is disabled by this browser. Please enable Javascript for full functionality.

   
    Oct 08, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Student Affairs and Campus Life


Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs provides all students with a safe and vibrant campus life. The staff provides opportunities for students to connect with the campus community and engage in the campus culture. Students are encouraged to join a student organization or serve in a student leadership position. The Division of Student Affairs oversees the following departments: Residence Life and Housing, Disability Services, Fitness Center, Health Clinic, Student Activities, Intramural Sports, Student Life, Student Counseling Center, and the Student Success Center. For more information about the programs and services available, visit https://wmcarey.edu/office/student-affairs

Office of Disability Services

William Carey University makes every reasonable effort to meet the special needs of students who qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To be eligible for accommodation, the student must be officially enrolled at William Carey University, must meet all university program requirements, and must meet the definition of disability as defined by Section 504 and the ADA. “To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (2) have a record of such an impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment.” 

Review the university’s Disability Policy and Procedures here or, for additional information and/or to request accommodations, contact the coordinator of disability services at disabilityservices@wmcarey.edu. The policies and procedures are also outlined in The Translation.

Student Counseling Center

The Student Counseling Center provides free, confidential counseling services to the students at William Carey University. We strive to promote an environment of holistic wellness through campus outreach while offering the necessary resources to assist students in pursuing their educational and life goals. The Student Counseling Center is located in the King Student Center and is open to all students.

Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

For questions about services, visit https://www.wmcarey.edu/Office/student-counseling or call the clinic at 601-318-6808.

Student Health Clinic

Health services are available on the Hattiesburg campus at the William Carey Student Health Clinic. The clinic is in Crawford Hall and is open to all students and employees at the university. The clinic is available for the evaluation of minor illnesses and injuries. For questions about services and hours of operation, visit https://www.wmcarey.edu/page/student-health or call the clinic at 601-318-6736. 

For serious injuries and illnesses, Hattiesburg campus students have access to several immediate care clinics and two hospital emergency rooms that extend 24-hour care. Students attending the Tradition campus have access to several immediate care clinics and hospital emergency rooms along the MS Gulf Coast. The clinics and emergency rooms take most insurances and/or provide care on a fee-for-service basis.

Information about health insurance is available to students in the Office of Student Assistance on the Hattiesburg campus and in the Office of the Vice President on the Tradition campus.

Residence Life and Housing

The University provides on-campus housing for students on the Hattiesburg campus. The residence halls are comfortable, safe, and affordable. Students who live on campus can develop strong relationships in a living and learning environment focused on student growth and development. For more information about on-campus living, contact the Department of Residence Life & Housing at https://wmcarey.edu/office/housing-and-residence-life or visit the Residence Life Department in the King Student Center, room 305.

Identification Cards

Every student should secure an identification card (ID) from the Office of Student Life on the Hattiesburg campus and the Office of Student Services on the Tradition campus. Students must present their copy of the registration form to be issued an ID card. The ID card is the student’s official university identification and should always be carried. University officials, including faculty, staff, and security officers may ask students to present a valid WCU student ID at any time. Failure to present one’s ID will result in severe disciplinary action. Full-time students use the card for admission to school-sponsored activities, as a voting permit during student body elections, for securing a copy of the Crusader, and for library privileges. Part-time students have library privileges with their ID card. Misuse of ID cards subjects the user to disciplinary action.

Only one free ID card will be issued to a student during a five-year period. A fee of $10.00 is charged for the replacement of ID cards.

Office hours on both campuses: Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; and 8:00 am - 6:00 pm each day during the first week of each trimester.

Vehicle Registration

Registration of motor vehicles is a part of the academic registration procedure at the beginning of each year for all students who are permitted to bring cars on the campus. Students who bring unregistered vehicles on campus after any registration period must register them immediately after arrival on the campus. All university employees and students shall register their vehicles and secure a registration decal from the student life office. Failure to register a vehicle, to use the proper decal, or to observe all traffic regulations will constitute a violation and subject the violator to certain penalties.

Student Life

Student life at William Carey University is an experience in community Christian living. All student life, all organizational life, and all social life is directed to the ultimate purpose of preparing a person for a well-balanced vocational and social life. The university strives to give all students the opportunity to grow creatively in all aspects of personal and community life.

All students are expected to assume responsibility for their own affairs and to respect the rights and privileges of other members of the campus community. Faculty and administrators of the university are interested in students and seek to help them to achieve mature, personal, responsible objectives.

Students’ spiritual, social, moral, intellectual, and vocational maturity is increased through their participation in community housing, organizational activity, their assumption of responsibilities for campus life, and the availability of many forms of student and staff guidance.

Rules and regulations related to student campus life are set forth in The Translation, a publication of the office of student life. It governs matters of conduct and residential life and is distributed annually to all students. In addition, some academic programs provide a separate handbook for that program. These documents collectively set forth the various rights and responsibilities of students, both academically and in other matters related to matriculation. Procedures related to these rights and responsibilities, including appeals related to academic and conduct matters, are set forth in these documents.

Student Government Association

William Carey University has adopted student government because of its democratic and creative implications. Each student who enrolls in the university automatically becomes a member of the Student Government Association. Each member is given an opportunity to participate in student government by voting in SGA elections, by the voice of representatives in the Student Government Council, and by the right of personal petition. The officers of the SGA work closely with the director of student activities in planning and implementing student programs and activities. The Tradition campus has an autonomous Student Government Association. Students who wish to become involved in the Student Government Association should visit https://wmcarey.edu/page/student-government-association.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The intercollegiate athletic program consistently produces nationally ranked teams in several sports. These athletic teams are a focal point for school spirit and provide students with an excellent opportunity for sports entertainment.

The university fields varsity intercollegiate sports in basketball (M & W), baseball (M), softball (W), golf (M & W), soccer (M & W), tennis (M & W), cross country (M & W), indoor/outdoor track & field (M & W), and volleyball (W) along with junior varsity sports in basketball (M) and soccer (M) are available on the Hattiesburg campus. The athletic program is a highly respected member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC). Other SSAC institutions are in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. The university also fields co-ed archery and cheerleading.

Spiritual Formation Activities

Chapel

The purpose of chapel is to expose students to the Christian Scriptures, provide an opportunity for worship and inspiration, and for creating close community among the William Carey family. Attending chapel contributes to spiritual development of the student as a significant part of preparation for meaningful life. With certain exceptions, all undergraduate students on the Hattiesburg campus are required to attend. Chapel is held on Wednesdays at 9:25 a.m. in Thomas Fine Arts Auditorium during the fall, winter, and spring trimesters. Requests for exemptions from the chapel requirement may be made by completing an exemption request form, which is available through the Cooper School of Missions and Ministry Studies. The form may be requested by emailing the school at cooperschool@wmcarey.edu.

William Carey Lecture Series and Spiritual Emphasis Day

The Hattiesburg campus hosts the William Carey Lecture Series, which honors the university’s namesake and the efforts of Christian missions. The Tradition campus hosts a Spiritual Emphasis Day. These are annual events during which outstanding leaders and scholars from the Christian community share their experiences and testimonies.

Baptist Student Union

The Baptist Student Union (BSU) is a ministry for the campus, which is designed to facilitate and enrich spiritual growth, to share the Gospel of Christ with all students, to encourage individual and group Bible study, to encourage church membership and loyalty, and to learn about and be involved in mission projects. The BSU seeks to provide a wholesome Christian fellowship through which all students can involve themselves in ministry, personal growth, and activities. The BSU is supported by area churches and affiliated with the Collegiate Ministry of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board and the National Collegiate Ministry, a ministry of Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Student Publications

The Cobbler, the student newspaper, is a university-sponsored publication designed to report on current and future campus events. It is produced by a staff of students under the direction of a staff advisor. For more information, contact Suzanne Monk, advisor, at smonk@wmcarey.edu.

The Crusader, the university yearbook, is an annual publication of Carey’s journalism program that depicts and preserves the events that influence and shape the lives of the students during the year. It is produced by a staff of students under the direction of a faculty advisor. For more information, contact the chair of the Department of Theatre and Communication.

The Indigo is a collection of literary works written by students at Carey and published by the Department of Language and Literature.

Policies and procedures for the governance and funding of these and other publications can be found in the policies and procedures manual of the university.

Clubs and Organizations

Alpha Chi is a national honor scholarship society made up of juniors and seniors who rank in the top ten percent of their class. The purpose of this organization is the recognition and promotion of scholarship and those elements of character that make scholarship effective.

Alpha Psi Omega is a national honorary theatre fraternity. The purpose of the Sigma Chi Cast is to honor through election to membership those students who actively participate in theatre at William Carey University.

American Chemical Society is a chemistry student organization that gives students the opportunity to network with professionals.

Art Club is organized to maintain a high standard of quality art involvement on campus.

The Baptist Student Union (BSU) is a ministry for the campus, which is designed to facilitate and enrich spiritual growth, to share Christ with all students, to encourage individual and group Bible study, to encourage church membership and loyalty, and to learn about and be involved in mission projects. The BSU seeks to provide a wholesome Christian fellowship through which all students can involve themselves in ministry, personal growth, and activities.

Carey Chess Club promotes a fun, safe, and Christian environment for anyone wishing to play, learn, and grow in chess.

Carey Connection is an elite group of students who serve as student ambassadors for the university. Students are chosen through an application and interview process. Students must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA to be selected.

Carey Nexus is focused on creating an inclusive belonging for all who are affiliated with William Carey University through facilitating connections, conducting events and activities, and enhancing the “Carey Experience” for all students, faculty, and staff.

The Carey Scholars provide academic, cultural, leadership, spiritual, and service enrichment through Christian based values and beliefs for William Carey Scholars.

Cheerleaders cheer during the basketball season at home games. The team is open to men and women. Scholarships are awarded.

The Church-Related Vocations Fellowship is composed of church-related vocations students on campus, and its purpose is to promote Christian fellowship.

Cobbler Newspaper is a student-led newspaper published four times per year with online additions. Scholarships are available.

Crusader Yearbook is an annual student-led publication. Scholarships are available.

Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity installed the Omicron Sigma Chapter on the William Carey University campus on October 24, 1964. A music professional and honorary organization for both men and women, Delta Omicron is open to music majors and minors who achieve its required academic performance and professional standards.

The Diamond Girls are a group of women who add spirit and work at all home baseball games.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a student-led organization focusing on spiritual growth of all students. FCA works to serve local communities by equipping, empowering, and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. The organization holds regular Bible studies and athletic/social events throughout the year.

Gamma Chi is a woman’s social club focusing on sisterhood and community service.

International Afro-Cultural Society helps prepare students to become leaders in a diverse culture and world.

The International Student Organization is an organization whose goal is to foster understanding and better relationships among students from different countries by sharing our different cultures within the Carey community.

Intramural Sports provide students with the opportunity to participate in organized athletic activities and events. The department of intramural sports operates under the direction of the coordinator of intramural sports.

Kappa Mu Epsilon is a national honor society that promotes interest in and appreciation for mathematics at the undergraduate level. Members are selected from students of mathematics and other related fields who have attained academic distinction.

Kappa Pi is an international art fraternity open to all art majors and others in art. The Tradition campus chapter is Zeta Omega.

Mississippi Professional Educators (MPE), the state’s largest organization for professional educators, is a nonunion association of more than 8,500 teachers, administrators, support personnel, and student teachers. MPE serves members in pre-K through graduate education in both public and private institutions with the purpose of promoting better education for the children of Mississippi. Anyone affiliated with education is invited to join.

Music Educators National Convention, Carey University Student Chapter, affords music students opportunity for professional orientation and development while still in school. Membership in the chapter is open to all music students, with emphasis given to those students who are preparing to teach music in public schools.

Omicron Delta Kappa, William Carey University Circle, recognizes the high attainment of juniors and seniors as leaders in the areas of scholarship, athletics, student government, social and religious affairs, publications, speech and drama, and music. Membership is by election.

Panhellenic Council is the governing body of the social clubs, fraternities, and sororities affiliated with William Carey University. It is comprised of three delegates from each chapter (president, vice president, and the sponsor) with the director of student activities as the overseer. Panhellenic promotes the Greek community; it encourages leadership, academic achievement, and service among all social clubs.

Phi Delta Kappa International is the oldest international education honor society in the United States. Teachers and undergraduate/graduate education majors are invited to join the society.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is a musical fraternity. The organization serves men who adopt music as a profession or work to advance music in America.

Pi Gamma Mu is an organization promoting interest in the social sciences.

Pi Kappa Delta is the largest and oldest national organization for speech and debate. This honorary forensic fraternity is a nationally recognized fraternal organization. William Carey University’s Mississippi Eta chapter promotes and upholds the art of persuasion as the pinnacle of public discourse. This organization grooms students to be eloquent speakers and more civic minded.

Pi Omega is a women’s social club focusing on sisterhood and community service.

Presidents of the Round Table is composed of the presidents of all campus organizations and honor societies.

Pre-Physical Therapy organization helps PT students become aware of school requirements and the application process for entry.

Pre-SOMA is an organization that raises awareness about osteopathic medicine and helps prepare members for entrance into colleges of osteopathic medicine.

Psychology Club provides students with service opportunities related to psychology and insight into psychology-centered careers.

The Serampore Players is an organization open to all students. Its purpose is to stimulate interest in the acting and backstage aspects of a performing theatre.

Sigma Beta Delta is an honor society recognizing scholarship and achievement among business students. Junior, senior, and graduate students must be invited to membership by the faculty officers.

Sigma Delta Pi is the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society. Its purpose is to encourage college and university students to acquire a greater interest in and a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture.

Sigma Tau Delta is the international English honor society. The purpose of the society is (a) to confer distinction for high achievement in the English language and literature in undergraduate and professional studies; (b) to promote interest in literature and the English language on the local campuses and their surrounding communities; and (c) to foster the discipline of English in all its aspects, including creative and critical thinking.

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Upsilon Theta 462) supports the learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. Upsilon Theta membership is by invitation only.

The Speech and Debate Team is nationally ranked and recognized in the forensic community. The team offers the opportunity to compete in a wide variety of events (public speaking, limited preparation, interpretation, and parliamentary debate). The team travels to national tournaments. On-campus activities include talent showcases and in-class demonstrations. No previous experience is necessary to join.

The Student Government Association is an organization whose purpose is to aid in governing the student body and help serve their needs. The SGA serves as a liaison between students and administration and aids in planning campus activities and community service projects. There are both elected and appointed positions. Each student who enrolls in the university is a member of the SGA.

Student Music Therapy Organization is a student-led organization for those pursuing a major in music therapy and is affiliated with the American Music Therapy Association. Its purpose is to provide support and encouragement for its members, as well as personal growth through hands-on experiences in the field of music therapy. Members work with a variety of populations in a goal-oriented process, striving for the rehabilitation, improvement, or maintenance of the human body through music and musical activities.

The Student Nurse Association (SNA) is composed of students majoring in nursing and aids in developing the individual as a future health professional to contribute to the improvement of health care of all people. This organization is available on both the Hattiesburg and Tradition campuses.

Performance Groups and Ensembles

The School of Music offers a wide range of performance groups and ensembles, most of which are open to all WCU students by audition. For more information about these performance groups and ensembles or to audition, contact the School of Music at music@wmcarey.edu or (601) 318-6175.

Carey Chorale is the premiere auditioned choral ensemble at the university. This ensemble presents frequent concerts and performs extensively in schools and some churches. Members also participate in the Worship Choir.

Women’s Choir is an auditioned choir that sings SSAA literature and performs in chapels and other choral events. Members of this ensemble also participate in the Worship Choir.

Worship Choir is open to all Carey students and no audition is required. This ensemble performs in churches and provides music for chapel services both on and off campus.

Oratorio Choir performs major choral works and is comprised of the Chorale, Worship Choir, and guest singers from the community.

Carpenter’s Wood is an auditioned small vocal ensemble that performs in churches and for community events.

Restoration Band is an auditioned contemporary Christian band that performs in churches and student ministry events.

Worship Singers is a high energy, Spirit-led, praise and worship vocal ensemble that travels to lead in churches, Christian school chapels, and other community and regional events.

Commissioners Quartet sings a variety of men’s quartet literature for local church and banquet settings.

Musical Theater Ensemble and Opera Workshop perform a variety of productions each year. From “White Christmas” to “The Magic Flute,” these talented students have opportunities to perform large scale shows with full orchestra both at Carey and at regional theaters.

Symphonic Winds is the top auditioned wind ensemble at the university. This ensemble performs symphonic literature for concerts and school events throughout the year. Instrumentalists who do not make this ensemble are invited to participate in Concert Band.

Carey Big Band plays a variety of jazz literature from jazz standards to contemporary arrangements. They perform for campus and community events. Students who do not make this group are invited to participate in Carey Jazz Lab.

Knights of Jazz is a small jazz combo that performs for campus activities, civil functions, and community events.

Guitar Ensemble features guitar majors who play a wide variety of musical styles. These talented performers arrange literature and perform transcriptions from all the musical genres.

Spirit of Carey is a high-impact indoor marching winds, percussion, and auxiliary ensemble. This auditioned ensemble performs in gyms, parades, and other locations.

Evidence is our competitive Winter Guard International winds group that competes in regional and national contests and is made up of auditioned members from the Spirit of Carey.

Piano Ensemble features multiple pianists who perform a wide variety of piano literature. Very popular for Christmas concerts, this ensemble is available for church and school educational programs.

Handbell Ensemble performs handbell settings of sacred, classical, and secular music. Always featured in Christmas concerts, this ensemble is open to all students by audition.

Chamber Ensembles are formed from multiple studios in the music department and perform on campus and in-school settings.

William Carey University Orchestra performs a wide variety of orchestral literature. This auditioned ensemble provides music for university events, local concerts, and school programs.

Carey String Quartet performs a variety of traditional and contemporary quartet literature.

Lectureships

The William Carey Missions Lecture Endowment was established in 2007 to support the annual William Carey Missions Lecture. The fund provides honorariums to lecture speakers highlighting the centrality of Christian missions in God’s Kingdom and in the history and life of William Carey University.

The Christian Leadership Lecture Series began in 2007 to support the mission of the university to develop each student’s potential in scholarship, leadership, and service. This series brings outstanding Christian leaders each trimester to share the impact of Christian principles on his or her success.