The mission of Southern Wesleyan University is to create an atmosphere in which members of the community work together toward wholeness through the integration of faith, learning, and living. As a community, we believe that learning occurs both inside and outside the classroom and that serious effort must be exerted in both areas in order for you to receive the best education possible. Participation in co-curricular organizations at SWU, therefore, is designed to complement the curricular program and assist in preparing you for a life of active service to God and society.

Student Government Association Residence Hall Positions Clubs and Organizations

While there is no formal criterion for selecting your leadership involvement, certain positions are more demanding than others. The ranking system utilized in this directory is intended to help you select appropriate opportunities and maintain a balance between co-curricular involvement and academic achievement.

A: Advanced B: Intermediate C: Foundational

Rankings are based on the degree of commitment necessary to the organization, the amount of time needed to fulfill responsibilities, and the requisite level of leadership expertise necessary.

If you are beginning your development as a leader, let me encourage you to get involved in a couple of organizations at Level B or C. By combining your in-class study with out-of-class leadership experience, you will develop the skills, competencies and character necessary for the key leadership positions on campus. If you already have some experience and are looking for more challenge, I encourage you to increase your involvement at Level B or tackle the significant demands of a Level A position.

Get the most from your college experience. Get involved!

STARTING A CLUB/ORGANIZATION

SWU is always open to new ideas and initiatives. So, if you don’t find a campus organization that fits your talents or interests, we would be pleased to have you start one. Here’s how.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

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The Student Government Association consists of nineteen voting members and functions as both an active liaison between the students and administration and a project-oriented organization that mobilizes students to address campus and community concerns. Positions are obtained by election or application.

The SGA Council

The executive committee is comprised of ten SGA officers and the faculty sponsor. Responsibilities include long- range planning, agenda setting, and general supervision of projects and activities of the SGA. The executive committee should seek to maintain personal integrity and a high level of commitment to Christ and to service of the student body. All SGA Council members are elected in the spring semester and receive a stipend for their service to the student body.

SGA President (Stipend) Rank: A

The resident chairs both the Executive Committee and the Student Government Association. Serving as the primary liaison between students and administration, the resident's duties include meeting with the SGA advisor, the university president, the Executive Committee and the Student Government Association. The president is responsible for maintaining organizational control over student government activities in the interest of accomplishing the goals and purposes of the SGA and meeting the needs of the student body. The SGA president sits on the Student Life Council (Faculty/Staff Committee).

SGA Executive Vice President (Stipend) Rank: B

Serving as the general adjunct, the executive vice president assumes the role of the president in the president's absence. The vice president is the SGA parliamentarian, chairs the Constitutional Evaluation Committee and oversees the SGA senate. The executive vice president also directs the freshmen class in selecting a sponsor and the election of class officers. In the case of a vacancy in the office of president, the vice president assumes the duties of President.

SGA Vice President of Communications (Stipend) Rank: B

The vice president of communications is responsible for the maintenance of all official SGA documents including minutes, agendas, motions, memos, and correspondence. The vice president of communications also chairs the Voting Committee.

SGA Vice President of Finance (Stipend) Rank: A

The vice president of finance oversees all financial transactions of the Student Government Association. This includes preparation and presentation of the annual budget, monitoring SGA expenses, and regular reporting to SGA. The vice president of finance chairs the SGA Finance Committee.

SGA Vice President of Activities (Stipend) Rank: A

As chairperson of the Student Activities Committee (SAC), the vice president of activities works closely with the director of student activities and the Student Life Office in planning and implementing many of the co-curricular programs on campus. The goals of SAC-sponsored activities are to improve the quality of campus life, to foster community development, and promote the educational goals of the university.

Student Chaplain Rank: B

The student chaplain is appointed by the university chaplain to serve on SGA and represent the needs of the student body to the department of Spiritual Life and Ministry. The student chaplain assists with chapel, Cadence, Spiritual Emphasis Week, and other programs concerning the spiritual development of students.

Senator for Clubs (Stipend) Rank: B

The senator of clubs acts as a key resource for all SWU clubs. Responsibilities include supervising elections of club officers and sponsors, maintaining records of club meeting minutes, encouraging and advising clubs regarding activities and fund raising, and reporting to SGA concerning the status of clubs and their activities. The senator of clubs sits on the SGA Finance Committee.

Senator at Large (Stipend) Rank: B

The senator-at-large acts as a special assistant to the SGA president. Responsibilities include chairing the food committee, representing the student body in fulfilling social amenities, coordinating service projects, sitting on the Finance Committee, supervising special projects, and handling committee obligations as assigned by the president.

SGA Representatives

The SGA Representatives present the needs and concerns of their constituency to the SGA; however, their input on the overall mission and goals of SGA is also important. Like their SGA Council associates, representatives should seek to maintain personal integrity and a high level of commitment to Christ and to service of the student body. Most representatives are elected in the spring semester.

Class Presidents (4 positions) Rank: B

Class presidents lead all class meetings, provide leadership to their class executive committees, and are voting members of the SGA. In addition to their executive responsibilities (see Class Officers section), they are the primary spokespersons of their classes to the SGA. Elections for the sophomore, junior, and senior classes are held each spring with freshman elections early in the fall semester.

Minority Student Representative Rank: B

The minority student representative is responsible for voicing the concerns of minority students to SGA and working with the appropriate SGA and Student Life personnel to address issues and provide activities and programs for minority students.

Commuter Representative Rank: B

The commuter representative is responsible for voicing the concerns of commuter students to SGA and working with the appropriate SGA and Student Life personnel to provide activities and programs for commuters.

Residence Hall Representatives (2 positions) Rank: B

Two residence hall representatives are elected to express the needs and concerns of resident students to the SGA. One representative is elected from Stuart-Bennett and Childs Halls and one representative is elected from the apartments.

SGA Committees

Constitutional Evaluation Committee (5 positions) Rank: C

The Constitutional Evaluation Committee interprets the meaning of the constitution when questions arise and studies the constitution to make recommendations to the SGA regarding changes as needed. The Constitutional Evaluation Committee is chaired by the SGA executive vice president.

Finance Committee (5 positions) Rank: C

The Finance Committee monitors the use of all student agency funds by student organizations. It also proposes allotments for all SGA organizations and clubs. The SGA Finance Committee is chaired by the SGA vice president of finance.

Student Activities Committee (6 positions) Rank: C

The Student Activities Committee (SAC) plans and sponsors activities for the student body. Activities include concerts, movies, off-campus events, games, banquets, and parties. The goal of SAC-sponsored activities is to contribute to the quality of campus life, to foster community development, and to promote the educational goals of the University. The SAC is chaired by the vice president of activities.

Voting Committee (9 positions) Rank: C

The Voting Committee is responsible for all voting-related matters brought before the student body (SGA and class elections, homecoming court, faculty and staff of the year, etc.). The SGA vice president of communications chairs the Voting Committee.

Homecoming Committee (9-10 positions) Rank: B/C

The Homecoming Committee is comprised of the chairperson (Rank B), an assistant chairperson (optional, Rank C), and two representatives from each class (Rank C). The committee selects the homecoming theme, manages the budget, plans and implements activities, decorates for the homecoming chapel and court presentation, and organizes the court dinner.

Student/Faculty Committees (22 positions) Rank: C

The faculty and administration of Southern Wesleyan University greatly value the input of students in the university's decision-making process. As a result, students are invited to participate in several important committees that affect the direction of the entire institution. Students are appointed to the committees by SGA and ratified by the committee chairpersons.

Class Officers (12 positions) Rank: B/C

Each class elects four officers (Executive Committee) to provide leadership for their class and represent them on the SGA. The president (Rank B) leads all class meetings, provides leadership to the class Executive Committee, and is a voting member of the SGA. The vice president (Rank C) assists the president and serves as the president in the president's absence. The treasurer (Rank C) oversees all financial matters of the class. The secretary (Rank C) handles all correspondence and promotion and keeps an accurate record of all class proceedings. The Executive Committee of each class is responsible for holding meetings, setting goals, planning activities, raising funds, and motivating class enthusiasm and participation.

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RESIDENCE HALL POSITIONS

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Resident Assistants (14positions - paid) Rank: A

Resident Assistants are members of the Student Life Office staff with responsibility for the administration of the residence halls under the supervision of the Residence Director. Their responsibilities include orientation of new students, peer counseling and referrals, educational programs, and interpretation and support of the university's policies and procedures. Holding one of the most demanding and influential leadership positions, R.A.s must demonstrate maturity, integrity, and spiritual commitment.

Residence Hall Committee Rank: C

Residence Hall Committees are elected by the residence students each fall. Goals of the committees include providing educational/social programs, moderating residence community problems, and acting as the residence students' representative to the Student Government Association and university administration. Leadership positions include president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and chaplain.

Residence Hall Chaplains Rank: C

Floor and residence hall chaplains work cooperatively with the Residence Life staff to provide spiritual-life programs to the residents of the buildings in which they live. Programs include Bible studies, prayer meetings, and service projects. Chaplains are elected by the building residents.

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CAMPUS CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

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Ambassadors (8 positions) Rank: C

Student Ambassadors play a crucial role in the hospitality of campus visits for prospective students by giving campus tours, greeting students and parents during visit days, and assisting the Office of Admissions. Student Ambassadors for the 2007-2008 school year include: Jessica Allen, Brittany Buchanan, Meriel Cleveland, Aly Decken, Marie Oxendine, Tyrome Philson, Elizabeth Propst, Brittany Rodriguez, Jessica Smith, Sam Stack, Madison Tierno, Chandra Walls, and Alicia White.

Women of Excellence Program

Women of Excellence is designed for college female students who desire to be

• equipped and empowered to fulfill the calling and purpose,
• strengthened in their faith,
• encouraged to live a life of wholeness and holiness, and
• to develop healthy relationships among their peers

This is accomplished through intimate discussions, practical teaching, and encouraging fellowship from mature and godly women in leadership roles.

Sigma Delta’s (Fellow Servants)

Sigma Delta’s play off the Greek word for “fellow servants,” and models the fraternity/sorority structure through the induction of an alpha chapter, beta chapter, etc. Sigma Delta’s assist the university in creating community and building relationships with new and transfer students at orientation and beyond. Sigma Delta’s serve as role models and student leaders by exemplifying the behaviors and lifestyle expectations established by the Southern Wesleyan University and so much more.

Concert Choir Rank: B

Selected from the entire student body by audition, the choir performs a variety of choral literature representing all musical periods. The choir represents the university through tours, concerts on campus, in churches, in schools, and for civic and professional organizations. Generally, participants are expected to have prior choral experience and the ability to read music. Academic credit is available. Leadership positions include president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, chaplain, and eight committee chairpersons.

GABB (6 positions - paid) Rank: C

GABB participants are an integral part of the Admissions Office. As para-professional staff, they make telephone calls to prospective SWU students and act as personal contacts for incoming students. Candidates for GABB must be eligible for work/study.

Ministry Teams (16 positions, paid) Rank: A

Two drama teams (Acts, Too! and Second Witness), a music team (From The Heart), and a service team (Exodus) travel throughout the Southeast and other selected locations representing SWU. The purpose of the teams is fourfold: to carry the gospel to a needy world, to develop the spiritual lives of SWU students, to promote SWU to churches and the community, and to recruit potential students. Ministry teams serve in worship services, youth groups, conferences, and camps. Teams are selected each fall semester for the following year.

Music Club Rank: C

The goal of the Music Club is to promote music and programs of the Fine Arts, to present recitals and concerts, to actively involve SWU students in state and national music societies, and to foster the cultural climate on campus. Leadership positions within the Music Club include president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

Peer Advisors (8 positions – paid) Rank: A

Peer advisors work directly with faculty members to plan and co-teach SEMR 1001, Freshman Seminar. PAs provide incoming freshmen with a significant relationship with a successful upperclassman, assist freshmen with the transition to university life, provide the faculty instructor with a student’s perspective, and assist freshmen in the process of integrating faith, learning, and life. Peer advisors are selected in the spring semester.

Psychology Club Rank: C

The psychology club is open to all students, faculty, and staff members who have an interest in psychology. The club seeks to integrate Christianity with psychology, increase awareness of the field, and promote the psychology major on campus. Leadership positions include president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

Rotoract Rank: C

The Rotoract club is designed to provide international and community service, fun and fellowship for the members, and to nurture the development of leadership skills and character. Leadership positions include president, vice presidents (3), secretary (2), treasurer, directors (3), and chairpersons.

Sing With Unity Gospel Choir Rank: C

The Gospel Choir provides a unique opportunity for minority students to share their cultural background through music and worship. The goal of the choir is to celebrate cultural diversity and promote cultural awareness within the SWU community.

Student Missions Fellowship Rank: B/C

Student Missions Fellowship (SMF) is open to all students interested in missions. The purpose of SMF is to educate students about missions, prepare students for the mission field, and to develop a missions curriculum. SMF also sponsors an annual missions trip each summer. Six leadership positions are available on the SMF Executive Committee: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, activities coordinator, and member-at-large.

Student Productions Rank: B/C

The purpose of the student production is to produce a fall semester drama/comedy and a spring semester musical. Positions include actors, musicians, stage crew, lighting, publicity, set and costume design, promotion, sales, and bookkeeping. The student productions are excellent opportunities to develop your knowledge about all areas of theatre.

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