2018-2019 UG Catalog

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Hardin-Simmons University 2018-2019
STUDENT LIFE
PROGRAMS AND POLICIES
The University expects each student to act in a mature
manner and to exercise good citizenship and good judgment
in conducting his/her personal life in both on and off campus
environments and should realize that this University is a
unique institution in terms of its traditions, policies, goals, and
regulations. In becoming part of this institution, the student
agrees to uphold these characteristics. While at Hardin-
Simmons University, the student is expected to obey the laws
of the United States and Texas, Abilene city ordinances, and
the rules and regulations of the University. The student is
responsible for being aware of University policies.
The HSU Student Handbook covers information and
expectations for students in the areas of Student Activities,
Clubs and Organizations, Residence Life, Ethics, Code of
Conduct, Athletics, and Student Ministries. All students
taking classes affiliated with HSU regardless of location are
under the policies set forth in the student handbook, which is
available a
Refer to student life web page for information on programs
and services
Athletics
State and national recognition has come to HSU because of
her athletic teams. Intercollegiate athletics are sponsored in
eight sports for men and eight for women. Men’s sports
include football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, track,
cross country, and golf; whereas sports for women include
volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, track, cross
country and golf. All sports are non-scholarship and all
students who wish to try out for any team are encouraged to
do so.
Athletic Participation Requirements
All students who represent the University in athletics must be
concurrently enrolled in at least 12 semester credits and
making satisfactory progress toward graduation. They must
have attained at least a 1.60 GPA if they have attempted 12-
32 semester credits, a 1.80 GPA if they have attempted 33-
48 semester credits, or a 2.00 GPA if they have attempted 49
or more semester credits.
In order for a student to continue to represent the University,
a student must have completed twenty-one credits in the last
academic year. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that
athletes are also making satisfactory progress toward a
degree. Credits that are taken during May Term, Summer I,
and Summer II will be counted toward the calendar year. A
list of all athletes is required to be turned into the Registrar’s
Office. The Registrar will approve all athletes for participation.
Student-athletes who qualify for championship-level play
which conflicts with finals week should be given the option of
taking their final exams either before or after completion of the
athletic event. It is the student-athletes responsibility to notify
their professors of the conflict, to work with their professors to
schedule an alternate date for the exam, and to complete any
necessary university-related paperwork prior to leaving for the
athletic event.
Convocations
All students and academic personnel are expected to attend
all official convocations of the University.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
AND POLICIES
Undergraduate curriculum at Hardin-Simmons University
incorporates four elements designed to equip conscientious
students to experience life to the fullest as educated adults:
• The Foundational Curriculum (See below; minimum of 46
credits);
• The Major: focused, in-depth study in one area chosen by
the student (Consult academic area of catalog for specific
course requirements; minimum 30 credits);
• The Minor: further concentrated study but in the student’s
secondary choice of specialized study (Consult academic
area of catalog for specific course requirements; minimum 18
credits);
• Electives: opportunities to delve into areas outside the
major and minor. (Vary according to degree. NOTE:
Education Certification hours usually replace elective choices
in the degrees of those students accepted into HSU’s teacher
preparation program).
A fifth component, The Capstone Experience is a part of
most majors at HSU and offers an overview of the knowledge
expected of graduating students in a particular major as well
as discussion of employment and graduate school
opportunities. (Usually one course, 1 - 3 credits.)
THE FOUNDATIONAL CURRICULUM
HSU’s Educational Mission:
“An Education Enlightened by Faith…”
HSU’s Foundational Curriculum seeks to integrate the
premise of a liberal arts education and the promise of the
Christian life by:
● Introducing students to disciplines of intrinsic worth that
improve the mind and heart, providing not only understanding
but the ability to live a humane life, and…
● Offering opportunities to understand Christ’s promise of
liberation and transformation of the mind and way of life.
The curricular exploration of God’s creation--its history and
order, its tragedy and wonder--challenges professors and
students alike:
- To expand the boundaries of their faith;
- To grow in knowledge and ability;
- To confront the deep richness of human
experience;
- To engage in the creative tension of life lived in
an uncertain world.
At HSU, our curriculum prepares students to lead, redeem,
and serve in large ways and small the world in which they live.
The spirit which integrates faith and learning serves as the
foundation of our campus community and gives shape to our
curricular goals:
 Develop Critical Thinking
 Develop Effective Expression
 Discover Self
 Experience Community
As a result of HSU’s faculty-developed and faculty-approved
Foundational Curriculum, graduates are responsible for and
are expected to achieve the following levels of aptitude:
COMPETENCY I:
Graduates are expected to write at a C+ level or higher.