Waldorf College seeks to be a lively Christian community of learning where students are engaged, relationships are formed, and opportunities for learning abound. Our mission is to educate the whole person in an environment that emphasizes integrity and equips students to succeed and serve the communities where they live and work.
Waldorf offers a curriculum designed to liberate the way students think and approach life. They develop the ability to question and think in multiple areas of study, learning how people with perspectives that are different from their own find meaning and contribute to life. As a liberal arts college in the Lutheran tradition, Waldorf seeks to instill values of service, community, critical inquiry, and lifelong learning in each student. Our graduates leave Waldorf better prepared to understand— and to contribute to—life in our complex and ever-changing world.
As a residential college Waldorf offers a carefully designed student life program, as well as extensive co-curricular, cultural, and community service activities designed to create a campus atmosphere that gives students a well-rounded educational experience. We value high academic achievement, personal growth, the building of lasting friendships, and a growing awareness of community responsibility.
As a college engaged with the world Waldorf College seeks to bring the world to Forest City by having up to 15% of its student body consist of international students and/or persons of color. Waldorf also actively promotes opportunities for study abroad for all of its students who choose this option. Waldorf College seeks to connect to the world in new ways with a comprehensive set of online programs, blended programs (residential programs with a few online courses) and grams (mostly online courses with a residential experience.)
As a college with vision Waldorf seeks to be a place: where potential matters; where students are challenged to think critically; where students discern their vocations; where a spirit of service changes the world; where students enter to learn and leave transformed.
Waldorf ’s character is shaped by the values and beliefs of its Norwegian Lutheran founders: veracity, discipline, the dignity and responsibility of the individual, a commitment to service, and faith in God.
Waldorf was founded in 1903 by The Reverend C. S. Salveson, then the pastor of what is now Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. Unlike several other Lutheran colleges founded by Norwegian immigrants and the first generation of their progeny, Waldorf began operation as an academy and business college rather than as a preparatory program primarily for future pastors.
Thus, from its earliest days, Waldorf has viewed education sponsored by the church as vital for persons who would serve primarily in secular society. Waldorf’s emphasis is fundamentally a “stewardship emphasis”: human lives are viewed as a gift from God, and the educational enterprise offers the opportunity for the full flowering of one’s potential. Waldorf ’s mission has always stressed service to others as the means to serve God and achieve fulfilling lives. Whether as future business leaders, teachers, professors, scientists, entrepreneurs, ordained clergy, psychologists or musicians—it is hoped that Waldorf graduates will aspire to lives of service.
Since 1920, when Waldorf became a junior college, the curriculum has gradually evolved to fully reflect a liberal arts emphasis. Now, nearly all students enroll with the intent of ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree. In the spring of 1994, the College was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to offer its first bachelor's degrees.
In February of 2001, Waldorf became a fully accredited bachelors degree granting college. The "core" of the liberal arts program has as its goals that students:
Finally, the Faculty recognizes that concern for the goals of liberal education does not begin at Waldorf, nor are these goals likely to be fully achieved on this campus. The development of an appreciation of “a life of the mind” ought to begin in the home and school, be further nurtured at Waldorf, continue in baccalaureate studies at Waldorf, and in graduate schools, and become a lifelong process.
We believe the success of Waldorf’s program results from the interplay of several characteristics:
Lux et Veritas, reads the motto on the official Seal of the College—”Light and Truth.” In its Lutheran and Norwegian roots and uncommon quality of community, Waldorf College offers a distinctive educational experience in a spiritual and moral framework.
The Vice President of Academic Affairs is responsible for all academic programs. The Vice President’s office is located on the second floor of Salveson Hall at extension 8134.
Scholarship
For each credit hour of work, you will receive grade points according to the grade attained:
An "A" grade equals 4.0 grade points per semester hour; A-, 3.70; B+, 3.30; B, 3.00; B-, 2.70; C+, 2.30; C, 2.00; C-, 1.70; D+, 1.30; D, 1.00; D-, .70; F, 0.00.
A student who fails to average at least a 1.00 GPA or earn less than 10 credits after the first semester of attendance will be dismissed from the college. Those students who have less than a 1.80 cumulative GPA or less than 12 credits will be placed on probation for the following semester.
Any student who has a cumulative grade point average of less than 1.80 after the first semester, less than 1.90 after the second semester, less than 1.95 after the third semester, or less than 2.00 after the fourth semester and consecutive semesters thereafter will be placed on academic probation. If the student fails to attain the minimal progress standard by the end of the following semester, the student will be dismissed. For the complete policy on Minimal Academic Progress, please consult the Waldorf College Catalog.
If it is apparent that a student is not profiting from attendance, the Vice President of Academic Affairs may dismiss a student without any waiting period.
A student who has been dismissed for academic reasons will usually not be considered for readmission until after one semester waiting period.
A 2.00 grade point average is required for graduation. Some academic majors may require a higher grade point average for graduation.
Regularly enrolled students should register for twelve to sixteen semester credits per semester. A student who is registered for fewer than twelve semester hours is considered a part-time student. Any student whose class load drops below twelve semester hours must consult the registrar. If a student’s class load drops below 10 hours, he/she may be asked to move out of the residence halls. Students who fall below 10 hours must consult the Dean of Student Life.
Academic Support Program
The Academic Support Program is designed to enable a limited number of students, who have earned below a 2.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in high school or who have low ACT scores, to become successful in college. It offers courses for areas of academic weakness, such as reading and math, and provides tutoring services to support standard college courses. The goals of the Program are to provide students with the academic skills and knowledge needed to graduate from Waldorf.
The program is recommended for any student who experienced academic difficulties in high school. It has been especially beneficial to students with poor study skills and those who did not take a full schedule of college preparatory classes.
Students admitted through the Academic Support Program pay a fee of $450 for each semester in the Program. If they earn and maintain a GPA above a 2.0 and earn at least 12 hours of credit per semester, they are not required to be in the Program the following semester. Participation in the Program is required of any Waldorf student admitted under regular status who does not meet the standards for minimum progress. Fees are $450 per semester.
Class Attendance
You are expected to attend all classes and faculty members are expected to take daily attendance. You must immediately report absences due to illness to the nurse. If the nurse cannot be reached, you should call Student Life. It is your first responsibility to inform your professors regarding any absences.
The general provisions of the class attendance policy for Waldorf College are:
Academic Integrity at Waldorf
The foundation of Waldorf College, as a lively community of learning and faith, rests on the unrestricted pursuit of truth in every dimension of human experience. In turn, this common search for truth requires of every Waldorf faculty member, student, administrator, and support staff member, a fundamental commitment to academic integrity.
As a college community which approaches all that it says and does from a Lutheran understanding of life lived in response to God’s grace, we are also acutely aware of our capacity for human dishonesty. When human deceitfulness, in any or all of its varieties goes unchallenged and unchecked, the very foundations of the college are threatened. Therefore, cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.
To facilitate our purpose as an academic community and to promote academic integrity, the following policies are offered to promote definitional clarity and to describe the processes that will be followed when our fundamental academic integrity has been violated.
All faculty will include the following statement in each and every course syllabus: "Honesty and integrity are taken very seriously at Waldorf College. All students should be familiar with the Waldorf College Academic Integrity Policy (found in the current Student Handbook) and the consequences which will result from breaches of this policy."
Definitions of Violations of Academic Integrity
Registration at Waldorf signals the personal intention to adhere to Waldorf's standards of academic integrity. What follows is not an exhaustive list of violations rather, it represents some examples of flagrant types of behavior that are unacceptable.
Consequences and Procedures Resulting from Academic Dishonesty
Academic Integrity Violation Appeal Process
The following is the appeal process for students for all offenses in which faculty members notify the Vice President of Academic Affairs of the violation (2a, 2b, and 2c under Consequences and Procedures Resulting From Academic Dishonesty).
Appeal of the Faculty Member's Decision to the Vice President of Academic Affairs
Students may appeal the faculty member’s report of academic dishonesty to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Appeal Process
Appeal of the Vice President of Academic Affair's Decision to the Admission and Academic Progress Committee
If a student or a faculty member disagrees with the decision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, he/she may appeal the decision to the Admission and Academic Progress Committee. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will not serve as a member of this committee during the appeal process.
Members of the committee include: Registrar - Chair Director of the Academic Support Program Vice President of Academic Affairs (will not serve during the appeal process) Vice President of Enrollment Management Dean of Student Life Faculty member Faculty member Faculty member
In the event that a committee member is directly involved in the dispute, the president of the college will name a replacement for the committee member.
Appeals
Even if accompanied by an advisor, the student must take an active and constructive role in the appeal process and the hearing. In particular, the student must fully cooperate with the Committee and respond to its inquiries without undue intrusion or comment by an advisor.
In consideration of the limited role of an advisor and of the compelling interest of the College to expeditiously conclude the matter, the work of the Committee will not, as a general practice, be delayed due to unavailability of an advisor.
If additional time is necessary, the Committee shall notify the student and the faculty member and inform them of how much additional time will be necessary. The Committee’s decision shall be final.
The Admission and Academic Progress Committee will notify the student, the reporting faculty member, and the Vice President of Academic Affairs in writing of the decision made.
Forgery Policy
It is the policy of Waldorf College that if prospective or current students alter or forge academic records in any way, they will be denied admittance to or will be expelled from the institution.
Academic Achievement Center (AACE)
Want help with a math problem? Need a conference about your paper? Does a study session for your psychology test sound like the answer to your prayer? Looking for a quiet place to study alone or with a friend? Then AACE is the place for you! Located on the second floor of the Atrium, AACE provides a quiet study environment 68 hours per week with professional and peer tutors, study sessions, and computer network access.
Our staff is dedicated to helping all students reach their academic goals. Want some suggestions about how to study smart and get more out of your study time? Drop in and we'll give you our best suggestions, based on your individual learning style. Over 83% of Waldorf students use AACE each semester, so follow their lead. AACE is the place to get questions answered -- we're still working on the meaning of life -- join our conversation!
The Luise V. Hanson Library
The Luise V. Hanson Library is a center for scholarly research and study, bringing together technology and traditional access to information. The new facility (dedicated October 2005) features light spacious study and lounge areas, book capacity for over 100,000 volumes, periodicals and newspapers, the college archives, group study rooms, classrooms, wireless computer access, the writing center and a lounge.
Interlibrary loan is available free of charge for materials at other libraries. A friendly professional library staff assist students with research methods either one on one and through orientation programs or specific library classroom instruction.
The Writing Center
The Writing Center is the place to come at any stage of the writing process: understanding an assignment, brainstorming for ideas, planning a paper, writing a rough draft, or polishing the final draft of a writing project. Students of all writing abilities come to the Writing Center; in a single week we might work with Creative Writing majors who want to show their work to someone, struggling writers who need help advancing their work to the college level, Honors students who want to push their writing to a more advanced level, research paper writers who are unsure about how to make a bibliography, and international students who want to hone their English conversation skills. While most students come to the center when they are working on a specific assignment, some writers set up weekly appointments with the same tutor to receive continuous help with their grammar, reading comprehension, or general writing skills. Tutorials usually last 30 minutes, though students may sign up for more time if they are working on a longer project.
Located on the second floor of the Louise V. Hanson Library, the Writing Center is open 30-40 hours a week. Writers can make an appointment by signing up at the library's circulation desk or, if a tutor is on duty, at the writing center upstairs. For further information about the Writing Center, or to discuss setting up weekly appointments, contact the director of the Writing Center, Dr. Suzanne Falck-Yi, at 585-8218 or falckyis@waldorf.edu.
Academic Computing
Waldorf College has made a commitment to be a laptop college. All full-time students will be provided with a laptop computer to use while a student at Waldorf. Network connections are available in campus computing labs, library, AACE, Information Technologies and all dorm rooms.
Information Technologies has a Help Desk open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on third floor Salveson Hall. Limited assistance is available after hours in The Atrium Computer Lab.
Information Technologies - Computer Use Policy
Computer use by faculty, staff and students at Waldorf College is encouraged to support the educational goals of the College. This use should be consistent with the mission statement of the college, which states that, :"The College's mission is to educate the whole person in the spirit of Jesus Christ, enabling the individual to experience fulfillment through a life of service." As a result,Waldorf computer resources are to be used for educational purposes in an ethical and courteous manner. In addition, students and staff of Waldorf College are bound to adhere to the acceptable use policy of the National Science Foundation for Internet use.
Regulations:
Violation of Regulations Computer resource abuse by employees of the college will be handled through appropriate administrative channels. Computer resource abuse by students will result in charges filed and processed according to Student Services procedures. Network ports and/or user accounts may be disabled immediately by the Institutional Technologies Department pending due process by Student Services when it appears necessary to protect the security, functionality and legal obligations of the college. Computer resource abuse is considered a violation of the college’s Living Guidelines. Computer resource abuse could result in limited access, temporary or permanent loss of access, a record of the violation placed in the student’s permanent file, dismissal from college, and/or charges filed with legal authorities. Waldorf College reserves the right to use software to monitor computer and Internet activities at any time without notice.
Computer System Access Use of Waldorf College computing facilities for Internet access is restricted to current directors, trustees, officers, employees, and students to ensure compliance with our Internet provider contract. System use other than Internet may be granted to individuals outside the Waldorf community in special cases. Requests for outside use can be made to the Information Technologies Department. The Technology Committee will review all requests and recommend action. Public access is available in Luise V. Hanson Library.
System Resource Management System resources such as processor performance and disk space are routinely monitored by Information Technologies Department personnel to ensure efficient system operation. Use of Waldorf College computing facilities implies consent to such monitoring by authorized personnel.
Security Reasonably dependable security exists on the campus computer systems. However, it is recommended that highly sensitive or personal documents be stored on personal disks and not be sent using e-mail. Users need to be aware that computer resources are not completely private. Waldorf College treats all contents of electronic files as confidential and private, but is governed by all U.S. and Iowa and applicable international laws. Waldorf College has the right to change this policy as necessary.
The Student Life Office serves as a coordinating agency for all student personnel services at Waldorf College. These services include counseling, residence life, intramurals, student activities, international student services, switchboard, campus information center, student mailboxes, parking, community service, alcohol and drug and health services.
The Student Life Office, located in the Campus Center, is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Appointments are scheduled through the administrative coordinator for Student Life and Campus Center at extension 8160. The Campus Center also includes Campus Dining (641-585-8168).
Counseling Services
James Amelsberg, M.S., Counselor, Room 104 Campus Center
The counseling services at Waldorf provide assessment and referral to community counseling centers to give assistance with a wide range of personal problems which may interfere with a student’s emotional well-being, academic success, or relationships with others. (The on-campus assessment is free while the cost of referral sources are the responsibility of the student). Counseling appointments are scheduled through the Administrative Coordinator for Student Life and Campus Center (ext. 8160) in the Campus Center.
Pastoral Services
Pastor: The Rev. Steven R. Smith/Chair of Religion and Philosophy Telephone: Ext. 8253 E-mail: smiths@waldorf.edu
Pastor Services - The Chair of the Religion/Philosophy Department is responsible for overall direction of the spiritual ministry on campus. A group of area pastors representing a variety of Christian denominations have agreed to partner with Waldorf to provide pastoral care for students. Members of the Religion Department and other faculty members are also available for discussion of spiritual concerns. Parents and home pastors may wish to discuss special concerns with the campus pastor.
Health Services
Mary Mathiasen, B.A., R.N., College Nurse Telephone: Ext. 8157 E-mail: mathiasem@waldorf.edu Location: Campus Center Main Floor Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Monday - Friday During hours when the nurse is not on duty, contact your Resident Assistant. If no one is available, call the nurse at home: 581-3008.
Physicals
A pre-entrance physical exam, health history, proof of immunizations, and a mantoux tuberculin skin test are required and must be completed by the time of arrival on campus.
Loaning of Equipment
Equipment such as crutches, heating pads, cold packs, etc., are available for your use, but are to be returned in good condition after use or you will be charged the cost of replacing the article.
Class Absences
Excuses from classes are issued ONLY by the instructors. The Health Service nurse issues NO excuses but will communicate with instructors regarding class absences due to illness/injury only if: (1) the nurse has personally seen the student; (2) a parent calls to report the illness/injury; (3) a student's care is under the direction of a physician.
In Case of an Extreme Emergency:
Emergency Service is available by calling the Forest City Ambulance Service at 9-911. Then call Health Service, Residence Hall Director or Switchboard and give precise location of patient.
EXTREME EMERGENCY: includes those conditions in which seconds lost may mean death--as choking, respiratory difficulties, unconscious, loss of pulse, severe shock, profuse hemorrhage, severe head injury, etc.
In case of emergency: CALL: Health Service Nurse. If available, take to Health Service. When office is closed, consult Resident Assistant or Residence Hall Director who will contact professional help if necessary.
EMERGENCY: includes those conditions in which treatment should not be delayed until regular office hours--such as lacerations that may require stitches, suspected appendicitis or severe abdominal distress, serious nosebleed, high temperature, suspected fracture, etc.
STUDENTS HAVING A BAD DRUG EXPERIENCE of any nature may voluntarily approach the college nurse, a college counselor, or the campus pastor for immediate aid without being subject to disciplinary action. Furthermore, those students who may have psychological problems as a result of drug abuse are encouraged to seek counseling assistance from these individuals.
Health Insurance
It is required that all registered Waldorf College students have health insurance. There is a student health plan offered through the Waldorf College Business Office. The coverage is limited although it does provide some financial relief for some major medical expenses. For information, inquire at the Business Office in Salveson Hall, second floor (Beverly Retland, 641-585-8144).
To ensure your safety and the safety of those around you during your college experience we require a basic health review and proof of immunization from all students taking six or more credit hours. The required Student Health Form must be completed and returned to Student Health Services prior to your first day of class. Residents may bring it to check-in when arriving to campus.
Please Note: Students will not be allowed to start athletic practice, attend sports camps or classes without this form current and on file. They also will not be allowed to start athletic practice or attend sports camps without proof of insurance coverage in the Waldorf College area. The Student Health Form may be returned by mail, faxed to 641-585-8208, or dropped off at the Office of Student Life in the Campus Center.
Campus Dining
Waldorf is pleased to have ARAMARK, a global leader in managed services for colleges and universities, provide dining and catering services to our students. The office of the Director of Campus Dining is located in the Campus Center on the second floor, west end of the Dining Hall. The Director can help arrange for meal plans, picnics, dinners, or special dietary needs. Off-campus groups may also make reservations with the Director for catered functions or use of the College’s dining facilities.
Meal Plans In order to meet your campus dining needs, we have designed the following meal plans for the 2009 -2010 academic year. If you need to purchase a meal plan, or if you would like to make a change to the plan you have already selected, simply contact the Waldorf College Business Office.
The two meal plan options are:
Warrior Bucks Warrior Bucks work like cash without the hassle. Warrior Bucks can be added to your account by anyone at any time and have no expiration. As a bonus, for every $50 you add we'll add 10% extra on to your account. Simply call the business office 641-585-8135 to make arrangements.
Dining Locations
Contact: Brian Keely, Director of Campus Dining
Special Meals/Needs Information:
Dining Services Regulations:
Contact Information: Brian Keely Director of Dining Services Phone: 641-585-8168
Security
The college desires to have a living environment where students feel safe and secure. To that end, the college employs the Winnebago Industries security firm to supervise the campus, report ways to improve campus security, and deal with incidents involving students’ safety and security. Please refer to the campus security brochure for further information.
Campus Center
The Campus Center serves as a center for student activities on campus. The Campus Center also provides student life offices, student mail center, Student Activities, health service counseling, dining facilities, Gatsby's Grill, Campus Information Center (CIC), the Art Gallery, meeting rooms, Campus Ministry, and the Residence Life Directors offices. The Dean of Student Life serves as the Director of the Campus Center.
Policies and Rules of the Center
Telephone Services
College Telephone Number: (641) 585-2450
For College CIC information, key in “0.” For intra-campus calls, key in the four digits. To call local numbers, key in 9 + 582/585 (581 for rural areas) + the last four digits. For those on unrestricted phones wishing to place a long distance call, key in 9 + 1 + the area code + the number, or 9 + 1 + 800 + the number. For information for another area, key in 9 + the area code + 555 + 1212. The area code is not necessary for information requests in the 641 area.
For emergency 911 access, dial 9-911 and give your location.
Student Mail Center
Location: Lower floor of Campus Center
Students will be assigned a mailbox at the beginning of the first semester at Waldorf. Permission_must be granted by the student mail center coordinator to stuff mailboxes. Students are reminded that tampering with another person’s mail is a federal crime. To arrange for mail, just address your mail: Student name (number of your box, for example, 126) 126 Campus Center Forest City, IA 50436.
BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR MAILBOX DAILY.
Only first class mail will be forwarded to the student’s home after the end of a student’s academic year.
Stamps are sold in the Waldorf Bookstore.
Bookstore
Books and supplies (notebooks, pens, art supplies, etc.) may be purchased in the college-owned bookstore in Voss Hall, south of The Atrium. Stamps, stationery, photo processing, banners, gift items, imprinted clothing, balloon bouquets, and other items are available for the convenience of the students.
Charge accounts at the bookstore are not permitted unless the student has a confirmed credit balance in the Business Office. Authorization for a charge must be obtained from the Business Office before any charges may be arranged.
Smoking on Campus
Iowa law does not allow smoking or tobacco use on college property
Distribution, Sales and Equipment
Groups or individuals who wish to distribute or sell literature or merchandise or who wish to recruit students or seek membership or support for organizations shall be subject to the following regulations:
Activity Tickets
You will be given a student I.D. at the Business Office during registration which will permit you to attend most, if not all, athletic events, concerts, and other college activities. Simply show it at the gate--you'll be admitted without further charge. Don't loan your I.D. to anyone or lose it-- it's a valuable item.
Lost and Found
If you lose or find something at Waldorf, report it to the office of Student Life in the Campus Center.
Request Facilities Services/Repair Service
Needs for repair should be reported to your R.A. or Area Coordinator. Repairs will be made as soon as feasible. If you are unable to reach your R.A. or Area Coordinator in the case of a maintenance emergency, contact the Campus Information Center who will contact Facilities Services. Do not contact Facilities Services directly.
Posting Policy
Theft and Losses
The College does not insure and is not responsible for personal property which is lost, stolen or damaged. To prevent thefts, students should keep rooms locked. Students should provide security for books and personal belongings by locking their rooms. All students are encouraged to purchase student personal property insurance. In the case of a theft, contact your R.A. or Area Coordinator. Report even minor thefts.
Accidents
In case of accident, call the school nurse, extension 8157, or notify the Area Coordinator. If neither can be reached, call the Dean of Student Life or Director of Residence Life.
Entry and Search
Waldorf College recognizes the right of students to protection against unreasonable search and entry of their rooms. However, the quality of life in the residence halls is a proper aim of policy and practice at a college such as Waldorf which is traditionally a residential college. To safeguard the rights of students and still ensure the quality of collegial life,Waldorf has instituted certain regulations governing entry and search of student rooms.
Entry may take place by a college staff member without prior notification for repair, maintenance or its assessment, or when there is imminent danger to the health and welfare of students.
The Dean of Students, Area Coordinators and Resident Assistants are persons explicitly authorized to enter rooms when there is probable cause to think a college policy is being violated. Such persons shall knock and, if requested, identify themselves before entering.
Student Senate
The administration and management of the College is vested in the President of the College,under the supervision of the Board of Regents. Although students cannot unilaterally determine or change institutional policy, they are encouraged to initiate and recommend action toward these ends.
The student government at Waldorf College provides an opportunity for students to participate in the governance of student life and activities. Through these organizations the students can learn to work together for common goals, plan, and organize specific areas of student life. The Student Senate accepts all students regardless of race, disability, gender, religion or sexual preference. Student government also serves as a point of origin for ideas and concerns in relationship to the total college community. The faculty and administration recognize requests brought through the student government as meaningful and purposeful. Student government serves as an official channel of communication.
In addition to the student government organization, students are selected to serve as members of faculty committees. Student members on faculty committees are selected by the Student Senate.
Presenting a Petition or Concern
Students are encouraged to use their student government organizations as channels of communication to make concerns or recommendations for change known. Any member of the student body may present ideas to members of these organizations for consideration. Students may request that items be placed on the agenda of student government meetings through the chairman or president of the appropriate group. Student government meetings are open meetings and students may request to be heard at these meetings. Living guideline changes are initiated with the Residence Life or Student Senate.
Recognition
All organized groups consisting of three or more members are eligible to be recognized by the Student Senate and by the College. The recognition process begins by making an application to the Director of Student Activities after which the application will be forwarded to the Student Senate for consideration. The application shall include a proposed constitution including a statement of purpose and criteria for membership. A membership list shall not be required as a condition of institutional recognition. Affiliation with an extramural organization should not of itself disqualify a student organization. The College guarantees to a recognized student organization the following rights:
The responsibilities of a recognized student organization are:
Campus organizations, including those affiliated with an extramural organization shall be open to all students without regard to race, gender, disability, creed, or national origin, except for religious qualifications which may be required by organizations whose aims are primarily sectarian.
Each organization shall be free to choose its own advisor and institutional recognition should not be withheld or withdrawn solely because of the inability of a student organization to secure an advisor. Advisors may advise organizations of responsibility, but they should not have the authority to control the policy of such organizations.
The membership, policies, and actions of a student organization will be determined by vote of only those persons who hold bona fide membership in the Waldorf College community; in the case of an organization based upon a consortium arrangement, the community shall be defined as consisting of the consortia schools.
Faculty/Staff Representatives
The advisor is selected by an organization to help them as a resource person. Advisor responsibilities are to insure that College policies and procedures are adhered to, to attend as many of the meetings of the organization as possible, and to establish lines of communication with the Director of Student Activities and the Office of Student Life.
Financial Procedures
Organization members can approach Student Senate with budget requests twice a semester. An organization representative must submit the Student Senate Allocation Request Form to Senate’s Treasurer no later than noon on Monday so that it can be put on the agenda for the meeting Tuesday night. A representative from the organization must be present at the meeting to speak on why the money is being requested. The Senate will vote on the request following a discussion with the representative. If secured, the organizations represented will work with the Senate Treasurer to properly allocate the funds.
Reserving Facilities and Scheduling Events
Contact the Campus Information Center for procedures regarding reserving facilities and scheduling events.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Intercollegiate athletics at Waldorf include sports of football, wrestling, basketball, baseball, golf, and soccer for men, and soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, cheerleading and golf for women. The aim of this program is to provide a complete and balanced activity program that will meet the needs and interests of the students. It provides competitive sports for the gifted performer.
Waldorf College is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The eligibility requirements are observed on teams participating in intercollegiate athletics. The athletic director is Dennis Jerome.
Intramural Athletics
The purpose of the intramural program is to give all students an opportunity to enhance their physical well-being through friendly competition and participation. The intramural program also strives to give students an opportunity to try new or never experienced sports and recreational activities. Activities include basketball, dodgeball, kickball, frisbee golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball, foosball, ping pong, and pool. These activities are continually evaluated and updated so there are new ones emerging often. The intramural program is directed by Residence Life and the Director of Student Activities.
Cheerleaders
The purpose of this program is to help promote college spirit, lead crowd cheering at various college sports events, provide an environment enabling cheerleaders to reach individual and team skill goals as athletes, and to learn lessons useful for life.
Cheerleaders are chosen by the cheerleading coach in the summer. Freshmen through seniors are encouraged to participate. One squad cheers throughout the year, and the size of this squad varies from year to year.
Athletic and Recreational Facilities (YMCA)
The John K. and Luise Hanson Fieldhouse was dedicated in May, 1987, and provides Waldorf students with modern recreation, athletic and physical education facilities. When not scheduled for teaching, team practices, or intramurals, the facilities are available for general recreational use. In addition, the College has playing fields for baseball, softball, soccer, football and outdoor recreation. The Forest City Family YMCA is located adjacent to the Hanson Fieldhouse and is available for student use at no cost as a Waldorf College student. The “Y” has an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, cardio strength facility, steam room, game room, group fitness, racquetball courts and jogging track--all of which complement the facilities of the Hanson Fieldhouse.
The Waldorf Choir The Waldorf Choir is recognized as one of the oldest a cappella choirs in America. The choir tours annually throughout the United States as an ambassador of music for Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, a four-year college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Founded in 1916 by Oscar Lyders and strengthened under the long tenure of Odvin Hagen, after whom Waldorf’s music hall is named, the choir is now led by Blair Buffington. Deeply committed to its mission of praising God through song, the choir performs an inspiring repertory of sacred music spanning the past six centuries, including hallmarks of the Lutheran choral tradition and recent music of our time.
The choir has appeared on convention programs of the American Choral Directors Association and Music Educators National Conference, and has shared the stage with the acclaimed St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Recent concert tours have taken the choir to venues throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Europe, and Scandinavia.
St. Christopher Chorale The St. Christopher Chorale is a highly selective vocal chamber ensemble grounded in, but not limited to, the performance of early works from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque time periods. Begun as a vocal jazz performing group by Marc Hafso in the mid-1980’s, the Chorale has evolved into an elite a cappella ensemble. Musicians are selected by open audition and include students of all academic disciplines. The Chorale tours each year in conjunction with the Waldorf Choir and joins the Waldorf Choir, Sangkor and Wind Symphony for Christmas with Waldorf. The Chorale regularly represents the Waldorf College department of music in chapel and for campus and community events throughout the year.
Sangkor Sangkor's name comes directly from the native Norwegian language and literally means song choir. Waldorf's own Sangkor is an exclusive women’s vocal ensemble comprised of singers from all fields of study. Grounded deeply in the Lutheran choral tradition of a cappella singing, Sangkor performs a variety of sacred and secular treble literature for events on campus and in surrounding communities. Sangkor appears annually at Christmas with Waldorf along with the Waldorf Choir, St. Christopher Chorale and the Waldorf Wind Symphony and is featured each year at Waldorf’s Baccalaureate service. This energetic group regularly participates in outreach concerts throughout Iowa and Minnesota. Recently, Sangkor has premiered new women's choral arrangements by various composers of northern Iowa.
Waldorf Wind Symphony The Waldorf Wind Symphony, established as the Waldorf Band after the end of World War II, has won a reputation for excellence, especially in recent years. The Wind Symphony performs literature typical of top collegiate wind groups, from British band classics to the works of newer American, African and Asian composers. The Wind Symphony tours regularly both domestically and internationally.
Select members of the Wind Symphony form smaller ensembles, such as the Ambassador Brass Quintet, Jubilate Brass and the Ambassador Saxophone Quartet, which serve on campus in chapel services as well as off-campus at churches and schools. Ensemble members also form the energetic and boisterous Warrior Pep Band for football and basketball games. The Waldorf College Jazz Band rounds out the spectrum of instrumental music with jazz coffee house presentations in the Atrium.
Waldorf Jazz Band The eighteen-piece jazz band explores a variety of contemporary and older jazz styles. It is open to members of the Waldorf Wind Symphony. Each year, as personnel is available, the jazz band performs at various campus concerts and activities as well as a spring tour.
Waldorf Theatre Productions and activities of the Department of Theatre complement academic coursework in theatre and related fields. Participation in productions is determined by audition and/or interview. Acting roles as well as technical and administrative staff positions are open to all students. There are four major productions each academic year. Activities may also include trips to professional theatres; regional festivals, workshops, and auditions; murder mystery nights, and social events. Participation in these activities is open to all students in good academic standing.
Religious Life and Campus Ministry
The Religious Life and Campus Ministry programs at Waldorf College are designed to walk with students, faculty, and staff on the spiritual journey - providing opportunities to both grow in faith and actively wrestle with the deep questions of faith and life.
The Core Values of Campus Ministry are:
"this life is therefore, not righteousness, but growth in righteousness, not health, but healing, not being, but becoming, not rest, but exercise. we are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it, the process is not yet finished but it is going on, this is not the end, but it is the road. all does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified." - (Martin Luther, defense of all the articles 1521)
Campus Worship Chapel is held in the recital hall between 10:30 a.m. and 10:50 a.m., Monday,Wednesday, and Friday during the regular academic year. Worship is ecumenical, utilizing a variety of styles that reflect the diversity of faith expressions within the campus community. Students are encouraged to assist with chapel leadership. Senior students are invited to provide a homily for chapel. The weekly chapel rhythm is as follows:
Catholic Mass, sponsored by the student organization ACTS (Active Catholics Together in Service) is celebrated on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the recital hall, during the regular academic year. Noonday prayer is held on Thursdays between 12 noon and 1:00 p.m., during which the recital hall is liturgically arranged for quiet contemplation
Student Campus Ministry Teams Students are encouraged to participate in the Religious Life and Campus Ministry of the College wherever they are comfortable. Because the posture of Campus Ministry is “permission giving,” students are invited to develop programs and ministries based upon their own gifts, passions, and ideas by working with the Campus Pastor.
Student led ministries include -
Sunday Morning Worship Students are encouraged to worship in the congregation of their choice on the weekends. Information about local congregations is available at the Campus Information Center.
Student Activities Program
Social Warrior Activities Team (SWAT) SWAT is composed of various committees of students who are responsible for providing entertainment for the Waldorf campus and community. This includes bands, outdoor festivals, theme weekends, formal dances, athletic competitions and novelty events. Responsibilities include previewing and selecting entertainers, providing hospitality for performers while on campus, operating sound and lights equipment, promoting events, and organizing the Winter Dance and Spring Formal. SWAT is composed of six board members and numerous other committee members. Events are also held during finals week in an attempt to provide stress relief for students between exams. Interested persons are encouraged to apply for a committee position.
Educational Programs Educational programs are also offered through the Student Activities Department at Waldorf College. Topics have included healthy relationships, nutrition and health, domestic violence, AIDS Awareness, resume writing and interviewing skills, Alcohol Awareness Week, and volunteerism.
Amnesty International Amnesty International, winner of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize, works for human rights throughout the world. Members support the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and communicate with government authorities to release prisoners of conscience detained because of their beliefs, race, sex, ethnic origin, language, sexual orientation, or religion.
Active Catholics to Serve (ACTS) The purpose of ACTS (Active Catholics to Serve) is to get Catholic students, and any other students who so desire, involved in Catholic traditions that will guide them on their journey of becoming educated as a “whole person in the spirit of Jesus Christ, enabling the individual to experience fulfillment through a life of service.”
ALPHA CHI Alpha Chi is a coeducational society whose purpose is to promote excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction. As a general honor society, Alpha Chi admits to membership students from all academic disciplines. Only students in the top 10 percent of the junior and senior classes may be invited to membership in Alpha Chi. Membership in Alpha Chi recognizes previous accomplishments and provides opportunity for continued growth and service. As a phrase from the society’s constitution suggests, Alpha Chi seeks to find ways to assist students in “making scholarship effective for good.”
Waldorf Historia Club The Waldorf Historia is the History department’s club. It is open to all History/Political Science majors and to all those who have an interest in History, Political Science or Geography. The club generally meets on a monthly basis. Club activities in the past have included speakers, service projects, and trips to museums in Des Moines and Minneapolis to see exhibits and meet with practicing professional historians who work in the field of museum studies.
Waldorf Education Club The Waldorf Education Club is open to all education majors. This club was named ISEA Student Chapter of the year by the Iowa State Education Association in November 2005. The club provides opportunities for leadership, service, and professional development of future educators.
Global/Cultural Club The Global/Cultural Club exists to broaden cultural understanding, provide a voice for international students and U.S. students, and increase social opportunities for members. Each year the club sponsors a culture show and a global fest. Club members present programs at area churches, school and civic clubs.
LOBBYIST The Lobbyist is the student newspaper which is published seven times each semester. The paper is intended to provide a voice for the student body within the campus community and a professional opportunity for journalism students. The newspaper has won numerous awards for excellence.
WARRIOR The Warrior is the student yearbook. It is published each year in early fall and records the events of the past year. The yearbook is paid for by the Student Association assessment in student dues.
KZOW KZOW, 91.9 FM, airs alternative Christian rock music and student-produced shows 24-hours a day throughout the year. “The Rock” provides all students an opportunity to produce radio programming and promotions in a “on-air” professional setting. KZOW was the nation’s first student-operated, fully digital radio station.
Wellness Club The Wellness Club provides students with opportunities to expand their knowledge of the discipline of health promotion and wellness. Working in conjunction with the National Wellness Institute, members will:
Other organizations on campus include: Alpha Psi Omega (National Honor Society) Biology Club Comic Book Club Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Education Club Exit To Hope Film Club Gay/Straight Student Alliance Loose Change Productions Dance Team The Guild (social games) Young Democrats Young Republicans
Residence Hall Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
Since a residence hall is made up of a group of individuals in a “living learning community” each person possesses certain rights and responsibilities which must be held in high regard. Mutual respect and consideration coupled with awareness of and sensitivity to the needs of other individuals must be the standard for group living. This statement is intended to suggest minimal expectations of rights and responsibilities of hall residents, in actualizing their freedom, without placing constraints upon such rights of other residents. The following is offered as a framework for discussion and consideration:
Living Guidelines
As an outgrowth of the values aforementioned, certain standards have been established to create an environment which encourages academic achievement and learning, personal well-being and value development. Students are expected to conduct themselves as mature and responsible members of the college community. They are expected to comply with local, state and national laws as well as campus living guidelines.Violation of civil codes render students subject to civil authority and possibly college disciplinary action. Living guidelines follow and apply to behavior on campus, at any college function or on any college trip.
In addition, a RHD may also choose to impose additional educational sanctions as well as precautions to ensure that further violations do not occur and that safety is not compromised.
Damages
Residents are responsible for any damages, lost property, or unnecessary service costs caused to the residence halls through accident, neglect, or intent. When more than one resident occupies the same room and responsibility for the damage or loss in the room cannot be ascertained by the college, the cost of damage or loss will be divided and assessed equally among the residents of the room. When it cannot be ascertained who caused the damage in a residence hall, then the common area damages shall be divided and assessed equally amongst the residents of the floor or hall.
Consolidation
In order to secure housing for every student and to ensure that students who desire certain living arrangements have their needs met:
Residency:
All full-time students must live on campus and be on a board plan except those who are:
Housing Contracts
In the situation where there is a discrepancy between the handbook and the housing contract, the housing contract will be used as the primary source for policy enforcement.
Student Supplemental Accident Insurance
Full time students at Waldorf College are automatically enrolled in a Supplemental Accident Insurance Plan for the nine-month academic year. Please note, this is for accidents and injuries only; it does not cover illnesses, and only pays after their private health insurance has been processed and only under certain conditions. An injury report must be made to the proper faculty/ staff member when the accident/injury occurs. Information on the supplemental plan is distributed directly to the students each year. Additional information can be obtained in the Business Office on 2nd floor of Salveson or by calling 641-585-8144.
Athletic Supplemental Accident Insurance
All of Waldorf College's athletes have any additional supplemental accident plan which provides larger benefits but still only after the students' personal health insurance has been processed and only under certain conditions. The athletic plan covers athletes from the first day of pre-season camp to the last day of athletic competition. An injury report must be made to the coach or athletic trainer when the injury occurs. Information on this supplemental plan is distributed directly to the athletes. Additional information can be obtained in the Business Office on 2nd floor of Salveson or by calling 641-585-8144.
For both supplemental insurances, copies of the explanation of benefit from the student's primary health insurance and 1500 HCFA or UB92forms from the provider are needed to file Waldorf's supplemental insurance. These can be mailed to Waldorf College. If you have any questions, please contact the Student Insurance Coordinator at 641-585-8144.
Waldorf College permits the use of vehicles by students and has an adequate number of student parking spaces in the lots as shown in this Handbook. All residential students must purchase a parking permit to park in a Waldorf College parking lot. Permit and other college fees are available from the Business Office, and may change without notice. Compliance with this regulation, as with other college regulations, is indicated by the student's signature on the application for vehicle registration.
Permits are required to park in any Waldorf College parking lot and may be purchased for $40 for the academic year or $20 for one semester. Parking permits are non-refundable. Student parking lot spaces are allocated on a priority basis for seniors first, then juniors, etc. Current students may reserve their parking space each spring; new students will be awarded spaces over the summer.
Red Lot - Ormseth, Rasmusson residents only Blue Lot - Commuter students only Purple Lot - Breen & Tanner residents only Admissions Lot - 20 minute parking zone only Green Lot - Johnson/London residents only
Permit Regulations:
Parking Violations:
Student parking is prohibited in the following areas:
A $10 fine will be charged to students parking in any of the areas listed above. Any student issued three or more parking tickets will have their vehicle immobilized. Appeals for parking tickets must be in writing to Momo Wolapaye, Director of Residence Life, for review.
Streets on and near campus are city streets and are subject to both college and city regulations and ticketing. The city and the college do not permit overnight parking on streets on or near campus. Additionally, students are reminded they must abide by city snow removal and other regulations. Please refer to the Campus Map at the end of this Handbook for additional information.
A. Introduction
Waldorf College is committed to maintaining a community environment that supports learning, academic achievement, social development, moral and spiritual growth, emotional well-being, service and individual discipline. Waldorf campus community members are responsible for upholding the values of human dignity and world respect, and are expected to meet these standards.
Students, student groups, teams and organizations are required to abide by the stipulations of this Code. Students are also responsible for the behavior of their guests and may be held responsible for the actions of guests who violate the provisions of this Code. The purpose of issuing disciplinary regulations is to give students general notice of impermissible behavior.
Waldorf College reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well-being of the campus community. Generally, the Code of Student Conduct applies to incidents involving students that take place on College property or at College sponsored or supervised events. When the College is notified, the Dean of Students or conduct designee may determine that acts prohibited by the Code of Student Conduct, but not committed on College premises, could also be grounds for disciplinary action. Such acts include, but are not limited to drug trafficking offense, major alcohol related problems and acts or threats of violence against persons.
B. Proscribed Conduct
Any student found to have committed one or more of the following acts of proscribed conduct may be subject to disciplinary sanctions. Attempts to commit acts that are impermissible by the Code may be subject to disciplinary action to the same extent as completed violations.
C. Violations of the Law and College Discipline
Students may be accountable to both civil authorities and to the College for acts that constitute violations of the law and of this Code. College disciplinary procedures will normally progress during the pendency of civil or criminal proceedings, or any other College proceedings regarding the same conduct. Procedures in this Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings. Accused students may not challenge the College disciplinary proceedings on the grounds that criminal charges are pending or have been, terminated, dismissed, reduced or not yet adjudicated.
When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of the law, the College will not request or agree to special consideration for the individual because of his or her status as a student. If the alleged offense is also being processed under the Code of Student Conduct, the College may advise off-campus authorities of the existence of the Student Code and how such matters are typically handled within the College community. The College will attempt to cooperate with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in conditions imposed by the criminal courts for the rehabilitation of student violators (provided that the conditions do not conflict with campus regulations or sanctions.) The College will refer matters to Federal and/or State authorities for prosecution when appropriate. Individual students and other members of the College community, acting in their personal capacities, remain free to interact with governmental authorities as they deem appropriate.
D. Sanctions
One or more of the following disciplinary measures or consequences, also called sanctions, may be imposed for a violation of this Code. In deciding upon a sanction, the adjudicator will consider relevant factors including the nature and degree of the offense, the severity of any damage, injury or harm resulting from the offense, the student’s current demeanor or cooperation and past disciplinary record. The sanctions listed below may be enhanced with additional conditions deemed appropriate by the disciplinary authority.
E. Discipline Process
F. Decision Process
A decision by the Campus Hearing Board is a recommendation to the Dean of Students. Accused student(s) will be provided copies of the board decision by personal delivery, campus mail, or by certified mail to the last address provided by the student to the College and given three (3) business days to provide written comments to the conduct designee before a final decision is made.
The imposition of sanctions will be deferred for the duration of the Dean of Students review, unless, in the discretion of the conduct designee, the continued presence of the student on the campus poses a significant threat to him/herself or to others, or to the stability and continuance of normal College functions.
G. Mediation
Mediation is encouraged as an alternative means to resolve many disciplinary cases. The Dean of Students or conduct designee shall inform filing reports and accused students about the availability of mediation resources. The Dean of Students or conduct designee may decline to process a complaint until the parties in a non-academic misconduct case make a reasonable attempt to achieve a mediated agreement. To be binding in a disciplinary case, any mediated agreement must be approved by the Dean of Students or conduct designee.
H. Student Groups, Teams and Organizations
Student groups, teams and organizations may be charged with violations of this Code. A student group, team or organizations may be held collectively and individually responsible with violations by those associated with the group or organization have received the consent or encouragement of the group’s or organization’s leaders or officers. The officers or leaders of any group or organization may be directed by the Dean of Students to prevent or end violations of this Code by the group or organization. Failure to make reasonable efforts to comply with the request may be considered a violation of this Code.
I. Transcript Encumbrances
For the duration of cases that may result in suspension or expulsion, a temporary encumbrance is typically placed on the student’s records by the Dean of Students.
J. Disciplinary Files and Records
Other than suspension and expulsion, disciplinary sanctions will not be made a part of the permanent academic record, but shall become part of the student’s disciplinary record kept in the Student Life Office. Conduct not involving the imposition of sanctions other than suspension and expulsion shall be removed from the student’s disciplinary record after seven (7) years.
K. Revocation of Degrees
The College reserves the right to revoke an awarded degree for fraud in the receipt of the degree, or serious disciplinary violations committed by a student prior to the student’s graduation.
L. Interpretation and Revision
The Code of Student Conduct shall be reviewed annually under the direction of the Dean of Students. Any question of interpretation of the application of the Student Code shall be referred to the Dean of Students or his or her designee. In keeping with normal College policy approval processes, the Code of Student Conduct may be amended at any time.
In an effort to help identify sources of assistance or procedures to follow when a student has a complaint or grievance, the following grievance procedures are outlined.
Basic Assumption and Process
Ideally, situations should be resolved by direct discussion among the parties involved. All grievances should be addressed initially to the office/person involved in the dispute. When situations cannot be resolved on the basis of direct discussion among the parties, the dispute should be taken to the next level, normally the supervising person or office. Students may contact the Dean of Students for assistance in resolving a grievance or find out the appropriate office or person with whom to discuss a dispute or grievance.
A. Academic Matters Concern about academic policies, procedures, or requirements normally should be discussed with the faculty adviser and/or the Dean of the College. Classroom matters, such as disputes about grades or academic evaluation, should be discussed directly with the instructor. If after discussion with the instructor a dispute remains, the student may schedule an appointment with the division chair to discuss the concerns. The division chair will attempt to resolve the concern at the division level with the student and the instructor. If the dispute involves the division chair, the student may contact the Dean of the College for assistance.
If the dispute involves an academic evaluation, the student must present a written statement including evidence of prejudiced academic evaluation to the division chair. If the dispute involves the division chair or if a dispute about academic evaluation cannot be resolved at the division level, the student must present a written statement to the Dean of the College and include evidence of prejudiced academic evaluation and evidence of attempts to deal with it at division level.
Simple disagreements with the instructor’s philosophy in assigning grades do not constitute cause for petitioning the Dean of the College.
The Dean of the College will discuss the situation with the student and the faculty member involved and recommend a solution. The recommendation may be to the student that the grade is fair and just, or the recommendation may be to the faculty member that a different grade is justified. Final authority for a grade change rests with the faculty member.
B. Discrimination Waldorf College does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, or handicap. A student who believes that he or she is or has been discriminated against should try to resolve the matter by direct discussion. In such discussions, it is helpful to focus on the specific behaviors and to phrase complaints in the first person (e.g., “I feel discriminated against {or put down} when you do…”). Often persons are unaware of the impact of their behavior on others.
When situations cannot be resolved on the basis of direct discussion among the parties, the next approach should be to the offending party’s immediate supervisor. The supervisor should take action to resolve the conflict and report back to the complainant. The Dean of Students may be consulted to help resolve incidents of discrimination. Specific procedures for handling complaints of sexual harassment are spelled out in the college’s Sexual Harassment Policy.
C. Housing Grievances Complaints or grievances involving housing, policies, facilities or staff, should be discussed at the residence hall level with the RA, the Residence Hall Director, or with the building housekeeper. Complaints regarding residence life matters or housing charges and fines that cannot be resolved at the hall level should be discussed with the Director of Residence Life.
D. Student Employment On Campus The Complainant should first discuss the problems with the immediate supervisor. If the issue is not resolved, the problem may next be taken to the supervisor’s direct superior. The director of student employment may be consulted to discuss the dispute with the parties involved. If contacted, the director of student employment will check to see that fairness and specified procedures were followed and will try to resolve any misunderstanding among the parties.
Policy on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
Waldorf College is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment free of illicit drugs and the unlawful use or abuse of alcohol. The College recognizes that the use or consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs can adversely impact academic achievement, personal development, health and safety. Individuals who violate college policy, local state or federal regulations are subject to arrest and/or disciplinary sanctions including, but not limited to, required assessment, treatment, restrictions, fines, educational assignments or expulsion.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Policies
The Waldorf College Code of Student Conduct includes the following as proscribed (prohibited) behaviors:
These stipulations are College policy and local, state and federal laws.
Medical Emergencies: Alcohol and drug consumption can result in a medical emergency. Students and staff should request help with such an emergency immediately by visiting a hospital emergency room, or contacting 911, Campus Security, Health Services or a member of the Residence Life Staff.
Good Samaritan Guidelines: Each member of the campus community is encouraged to immediately seek help from a Resident Assistant, Campus Security, or a local paramedic unit for students whose health and well-being may be at risk due to the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs. Helping a student in need will always be viewed favorably in any follow up to an incident, including those incidents where the “Good Samaritan” and/or person in need of emergency assistance may have violated College policy.
Self-Help Guidelines: When a student recognizes that he or she has difficulty with substance abuse and agrees to a voluntary withdrawal to participate in a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program at his or her own expense, penalties incurred for disruptive behavior resulting from the use of alcohol or a controlled substance may be waived.
Sanctions
Waldorf College Sanctions: Disciplinary sanctions for violation of College regulations may include a warning, disciplinary probation, discretionary or education assignments, mediation, fines, parental notification, referrals, restitution, restrictions or loss of privileges, residence unit suspension, residence hall expulsion, temporary suspension, suspension from the College or expulsion from the College. Under federal law, the College may notify the parents of alcohol and drug violations if the student is under the age of 21 at the time of notification. While the sanction(s) imposed depend upon the severity of the offense and the history (if any), disciplinary measures typically follow the pattern outlined below:
Community Sanctions: In addition to sanctions imposed by the College,Waldorf College students are subject to sanctions imposed by the local authorities, officials in their local and/or home communities as well as those imposed by the College.
Waldorf College upholds the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This Act was designed to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their educational records and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal or formal hearings.
Students have the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including campus security personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, or official of the National Student Loan Clearinghouse), persons serving on the Board of Regents; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Generally, schools must have written permission from the student before releasing any information from a student’s educational record. However, the law allows schools to disclose records, without consent of the student, to the following parties:
Waldorf College is committed to maintaining an academic environment free from any form of sexual assault. Sexual assault involves any act of forced, coerced, or non-consensual sexual intercourse or sexual contact. Acquaintance rape is a form of sexual assault that includes manipulation within a relationship. This manipulation includes using acquaintance to gain trust and take advantage of the victim’s vulnerability.
Acquaintance rape includes:
Refer to the printed copy of the full “Waldorf College Sexual Assault Policy” for further information about sexual assault.
HARASSMENT POLICY
A. POLICY STATEMENT Waldorf College is committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere in which all members of the community are treated with dignity and respect. As part of this commitment, harassment is regarded as reprehensible and will not be tolerated by the Waldorf College community. To further the College’s educational goals and its commitment to preventing harassment of any kind, harassment education will be provided no less than annually. As an educational institution Waldorf believes that meaningful education and proactive conversation is imperative to creating a respectful community.
This policy applies to all members of the College community--students, faculty, staff, administrators, and members of the Board of Regents. Members of the college community who are traveling abroad on college business or due to a college course are expected to comply with this policy regardless of local laws and/or customs. It also applies to any persons not affiliated with the College who may have occasion to be present on campus and interact with students, faculty, and staff.
Harassment is especially serious when it threatens relationships between teacher and student or supervisor and subordinate. In such situations, harassment exploits unfairly the power inherent in a faculty member or supervisor’s position. Through grades, salary or wage increases, recommendations for advanced study, promotion and the like, a supervisor or faculty member may have a decisive influence on the student’s, faculty member’s, or staff member’s career at Waldorf College and beyond.
While harassment most often occurs in situations of a power differential between the persons involved, it may occur between persons of the same or similar status. The College will not tolerate behavior between or among members of the community which creates a hostile, intimidating, or divisive atmosphere which may prove disruptive to the College community.
B. Definitions Complainant: A member of the College community who believes he/she may have been subject to, witnessed or been informed about harassment.
Harassment: The College defines harassment as any behavior, which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, learning, or campus living environment, and which is based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other legally protected characteristic if such conduct would be offensive to a reasonable person. Additional information on Sexual Harassment and the College’s policy related to Consensual Relationships can be found at the end of this policy.
Harassment Resolution Task Force: An elected group of three faculty and two staff members which serves as an impartial fact-finding body on all Harassment complaints.
Recipient: Formally known as the Designated Complaint Recipients, these three members of the College community are individually designated to receive all harassment complaints. They are:
Respondent: The person(s) accused of alleged harassment.
C. Reporting Requirements and Resolution Procedures If you believe that you have been harassed and do not feel comfortable undertaking a conversation with the other person regarding your feelings related to their behavior you should report the conduct to a Recipient. Members of the College community who believe they may have witnessed or been informed about harassment should report the conduct to a Recipient. Whether you initiate a conversation or make a report to a Recipient, you need not fear coercion or reprisal. Upon receipt of the complaint, the Recipient will counsel the Complainant on the three campus-based resolution options available to her/him and provide information regarding counseling and other support services available at the college and through the community. Although the resolution options are presented in a suggested order, the most appropriate option(s) may be chosen in a given situation. In addition to campus-based responses, there are also legal options for the person who experiences harassment. Persons who wish to pursue legal remedies are urged to seek competent counsel in a timely fashion, as the College does not provide legal advice or representation regarding these matters.
If the Complainant does not wish to pursue the matter, the Recipient will attempt to determine whether facts support the complaint as the College has an obligation to eliminate harassment even if a particular Complainant does not so request. The Recipient will speak with the Respondent in order to determine whether facts support a complaint and prepare a written summary of the conversation with both the Complainant and the Respondent. The Recipient will prepare a written report for the President and the Chair of the Harassment Resolution Task Force (Chair) of all complaints. This written report will contain summaries of conversations, as well as any other information. The written report may contain a recommendation from the Recipient about whether or not the claim seems to have been resolved in the process of conversations. The Recipient may initiate formal procedures by filing a complaint with the Chair, and the Recipient will serve as a Complainant thereafter. All complaints of harassment of any kind will be promptly investigated.
The Harassment Resolution Task Force is charged with the responsibility of hearing, mediating, and resolving issues or complaints involving harassment that are resolved through the Formal Procedure, below. The College is liable under state and federal law if it “has notice” of a hostile environment and fails to take immediate and appropriate action. Persons determined to be in violation of the College’s harassment policy will be subject to disciplinary action ranging from verbal or written reprimand to sanctions culminating in termination or dismissal, and the possibility of referral to the appropriate authorities.
Resolution Option A: Direct Response To facilitate resolution the Complainant may choose to confront the alleged harasser directly, either in person or in writing, specifically identifying the behavior or incident found objectionable and, if desired, the remedy sought, in an effort to resolve the complaint. If the complaint is not resolved through a direct response or the Complainant feels uncomfortable about taking this action, the Complainant should report the behavior to a Recipient, as defined above. In the case of a complaint involving a student and alleged harassment by a faculty or staff member the Direct Response is not recommended due to the inherent power differential which exists.
Resolution Option B: Informal Procedure Informal procedures will generally involve efforts to mediate a resolution that both the Complainant and the person accused (Respondent) can agree upon. The mediation will not involve face-to-face meetings between the parties unless the Complainant agrees. The Chair and a preselected member of the Harassment Resolution Task Force will meet with the Complainant and then with the Respondent and the Respondent’s immediate supervisor. In the case of students, the Dean of Students will act as the Respondent’s supervisor. Every effort will be made to resolve the situation informally in whatever manner might be most efficient. If the Respondent admits to the action, and the Complainant is satisfied with an informal resolution, then the Chair in conjunction with the Respondent’s supervisor and the President(1), will determine the appropriate sanction, which may be remedial, rehabilitative and/or disciplinary. The President’s(1) decision will be final. If the Chair has been unable to mediate a resolution within fifteen (15) days of receipt, the Chair will so inform the Complainant and the Respondent that the case has moved to the Formal Procedures stage. The results of the informal resolution will be documented. This documentation will be maintained according to guidelines under “Records” later in this policy. Informal procedures must be completed within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of the complaint by the Chair.
Resolution Option C: Formal Procedure If Informal Procedures did not produce a mediated resolution that was acceptable to both the Complainant and the Respondent or if the incident is of such a nature that informal resolution is not appropriate, the case will proceed automatically to the formal stage. A written, signed and dated complaint, prepared by the Complainant and/or the Recipient, must be filed with the Chair and the case will then be referred to the Harassment Resolution Task Force. The Task Force will investigate the complaint as impartial fact finders not representing either the Complainant or the Respondent involved. If the charges are found to be valid, the President(1) in consultation with the Task Force, and the Respondent’s supervisor will determine the appropriate action to be taken. The President’s(1) decision will be final. Formal procedures must be completed within sixty (60) business days from the date the written, signed complaint was filed with the Chair.
D. Protection of Complainant and Others
All reasonable action will be taken to ensure the Complainant and those providing information on behalf of the Complainant or supporting the Complainant in other ways will suffer no retaliation as the result of their activities in regard to the process. The Complainant will be kept informed during the process. In extraordinary circumstances and at any time during the filing of a sexual harassment complaint, the President(1) of the College may suspend any administrator, faculty member, staff member, or student accused of harassment if it appears reasonably certain that harassment has occurred and that serious and immediate harm might ensue if the Respondent was not suspended.
E. Retaliation
Retaliation against an individual for a good faith report or complaint of alleged harassment or for participating in an investigation, or against an individual accused of committing harassment is prohibited by College policy, as well as by state and federal law. Retaliation is a serious violation which can subject the offender to sanctions independent of the merits of the harassment allegation. It is a violation of this harassment policy to retaliate against:
Retaliation can take many forms, including threats and other forms of
intimidation, unwarranted denial or reduction of rights and privileges, disadvantageous treatment and the like. When retaliation is charged, the complaining party should utilize the complaint resolution mechanisms specified in this policy.
(1) The Chair of the Board of Regents will assume the role of the President for cases in which the President is a party to the complaint.
F. False Accusations
Due to the nature of harassment, complaints cannot always be substantiated. The lack of corroborating evidence should not discourage complainants from seeking relief through the procedures outlined in this policy. Failure to prove a claim of harassment is not equivalent to a false allegation, however, charges found to be intentionally dishonest or made maliciously without regard for the truth will subject the complainant and/or person(s) providing false or intentionally misleading information to disciplinary action. While Waldorf College will seek, insofar as possible, to protect from retaliation persons who make allegations of harassment and/or are involved in investigating or resolving such allegations, the College will also seek to protect those accused from the effects of unfounded or frivolous allegations. It is a violation of this policy for anyone to knowingly make false accusations of harassment and disciplinary action may be imposed for making such false accusations. Such false or malicious accusations may also subject the person making such false allegations to civil liability.
G. Confidentiality
Every reasonable effort will be made to preserve the confidentiality and to protect the rights of students, faculty, staff and administrators involved in the filing, investigation and resolution of complaints of harassment. However, if the Complainant chooses to speak publicly regarding the case, the College shall not be held liable. To the extent reasonably possible, Waldorf College will treat all information received as confidential. However, where it is necessary, in the College’s sole discretion, to disclose particulars in the course of the investigation, such disclosure will be made. The parties to a complaint of sexual harassment should treat the matter under investigation with discretion and respect for the reputation of all parties involved in the process.
H. Records
No record of a complaint shall be placed in the Personnel File of an administrator, faculty member, or staff member or in the Personal File of a student if the complaint is found to be unsubstantiated and without merit. If a complaint is substantiated, an official notation will be placed in the Personnel File of the administrator, faculty member, or staff member, or in the personal file of the student, against whom the complaint is filed, and any official disciplinary action will be noted in the file.
If a Complainant chose to use the Direct Response and also communicated this situation to a Recipient, the only record that will be retained will contain the following:
If a complaint is found to be unsubstantiated and without merit at either the informal or formal level, the only record that will be retained will contain the following:
If, after initial counseling on options or unsuccessful mediation, the Complainant does not wish to pursue the complaint and the Recipient does not initiate formal procedures, the only record that will be retained will contain the following:
The College shall retain all records generated at any level in the handling of a complaint of harassment. These records shall be kept in a locked file in the President’s Office(1). The President(1) will maintain these records, and he/she alone has access to them unless he/she grants access to another person. Upon receipt of a new complaint file, the President(1) will notify the Recipient if another file pertaining either to Complainant or Respondent exists. The Recipient will then review those records to determine if there is a need to initiate additional formal procedures. Access to harassment records is severely restricted, and may be obtained only through written permission of the President(1). Under ordinary circumstances, access to records may be granted only when the information contained therein may be necessary and pertinent to the conduct of an investigation of harassment, and only to the following individuals or groups:
The President(1) has sole discretion to determine whether the need to know outweighs the need for confidentiality. In extraordinary circumstances, access to records may be granted if it is deemed necessary to prevent serious and immediate harm to the Complainant or other members of the campus community. In all cases where access to records has been granted, a statement will be affixed to the file indicating that the contents thereof are privileged and confidential, and a record will be maintained of any individual(s) obtaining access, the date, and the reason the particular record was reviewed. (1) The Chair of the Board of Regents will assume the role of the President for cases in which the President is a party to the complaint.
Definition Of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can take many forms and the determination of what constitutes sexual harassment will vary according to the particular circumstances. Sexual harassment may generally be defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature or which is directed toward a person because of his/her gender, when:
Sexual harassment may involve behavior by a person of either gender against or toward a person of the same or opposite gender. Conduct alleged to be sexual harassment will be evaluated by considering the totality of the particular circumstances, including the nature, frequency, intensity, location, context and duration of the questioned behavior. Although repeated incidents generally create a stronger claim of sexual harassment, a serious incident, even if isolated, can be sufficient. For example, a single suggestion that academic or other educational or employment rewards or reprisals will follow the granting or refusal of sexual favors, will constitute sexual harassment and grounds for action under this policy. Generally speaking, the person exhibiting the sexually harassing conduct does not have to intend or realize that the conduct is offensive in order for the conduct to constitute sexual harassment.
College Policy on Consensual Relationships
Because consent cannot be given freely in a situation where one person has power over another, romantic and/or sexual relationships between the following are prohibited: faculty and staff with currently enrolled students and students being recruited, supervisors with any person she/he supervises, Board of Regents members with administrators, faculty, staff, and students or any other College employee with someone over whom she/he has a position of power or control. Consensual relationships of a romantic or sexual nature, between a Waldorf College employee and a current Waldorf student, or between supervisors and those they supervise may be construed as, or may in fact be, harassment. Because a unique position of power or control exists in such relationships, the term “consent” is made ambiguous. Consequently, to claim a consensual relationship is not an acceptable defense against charges of harassment.
The following are exceptions to the above policy:
Notice of Privacy Practices for Protected Health Information (HIPPA)
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
1. Purpose of This Privacy Notice This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how Waldorf College Health Care Components may use and disclose your protected health information to carry out treatment or conduct health care operations and for other purposes that are permitted or required by law. Waldorf College reserves the right to make changes in this Notice of Privacy Practices. The Notice describes your rights to access and control of your protected health information. “Protected Health Information” is information about you, including demographic information, that may identify you and that relates to your past, present or future physical or mental health condition and related health care services. For purposes of this notice, we will refer to “Protected Health Information” as “PHI.”
2. Who Will Follow This Notice This notice describes the privacy policy of the various departments at Waldorf College that provide health-related services to you. Waldorf College Health Care Components include the following health care providers:
These health care provider components work together at Waldorf to provide you with comprehensive and coordinated health-related services.
3. Our Pledge Regarding Your Medical Information We understand that medical information about you and your health is personal, and we are committed to protecting it. A record of the care and the services you receive at any Waldorf College health care provider is created and maintained at that location. This notice applies to all of those records of your care.
Your personal health information is required to be kept confidential and private under a number of federal and state laws. For example, Iowa Code Chapter 22.7(2) addresses the confidentiality of public hospital, medical and professional counselor records; Iowa Code Chapter 228 addresses the disclosure of mental health and psychological information; the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. &1232(g) and 34 CFR Part 99, addresses the confidentiality of student educational records; and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 42 U.S.C. 1320(d) and 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164, addresses the confidentiality of patient health information and records.
We are required by law to:
You may obtain a copy of the revised version by contacting the Waldorf College Student Health Services and requesting that a revised copy be sent to you in the mail or by asking for one at the time of your next appointment. The current notice and any revised notice are available on the internet on the Waldorf College Website at www.waldorf.edu
Waldorf Fight Song We sing to Waldorf and the Warriors bold; We’re proud because they wear the Purple and Gold. They don’t fight to make a name; They just fight for Waldorf’s fame. Rah! Rah! Rah! Go Team! Fight Team! Victory tonight! We will cheer for you! So FIGHT! FIGHT! Win this game Your pride will show through!
The Alma Mater All hail to thee, O Waldorf We love our Waldorf College Thy praises we will sing The school of Vikings bold; Through thy beloved lobby We love her royal colors, The echoing anthems ring. The Purple and the Gold. We sing of precepts noble, Then hail, all hail to Waldorf, Of loyalty and truth, Our Alma Mater dear; Of love and labor blending May heaven’s richest blessings To guide the steps of youth. Crown every passing year.
Non-Discriminatory Policy:Waldorf College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex, age or handicap in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. Any person having questions concerning Waldorf’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, or Title IX or Section 504, is directed to contact Mary Anderson, Interim Director of Human Relations, 106 South 6th St., Waldorf College, Forest City, Iowa 50436 (641-585-8197) who has been designated to coordinate Waldorf College’s efforts to comply with these regulations. Any person may also contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U. S. Department of Education.
Notice of Program Accessibility:Waldorf College is committed to providing all of its students, faculty,staff, and visitors with equal access to its programs, events, and facilities. To this end, and in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American Disabilities Act, the College is making modifications to its buildings and grounds in such reasonable manner as to provide access for the handicapped and stands ready to supply to students and faculty, including those with limiting visual or hearing impairments, such auxiliary aids, modifications in classroom locations, and/or adjustment of classroom techniques and practices as will allow equal access to the regular program and degree objectives offered by the College. Requests for information or for modifications beyond those already completed or for assistance to accommodate individual needs should be made to Mary Anderson, Interim Director of Human Relations, 106 South 6th St., Waldorf College, Forest City, Iowa 50436 (641-585-8197).