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The Bluffton University ideal of education recognizes
the need for developing the whole person – mind, soul and
body. While giving primary emphasis to learning through study
and instruction, Bluffton provides a wide variety of
activities and organizations designed to develop all aspects
of character and personality. Students are encouraged to
select carefully among these co-curricular activities and to
participate in as many as interest and time permit.
A democratic atmosphere prevails in the
Bluffton University campus community. This is illustrated
by the campus government, jointly shared by administration,
faculty and students. The guiding policies of the university
are established by the board of trustees with administration
and faculty responsible for carrying out these policies while
sharing in campus government with elected student
representatives.
Student Senate
Composed of 17 members,
the senate has primary responsibility in the areas of
co-curricular activities. It also serves as the official voice
for students. The senate consists of four members from each
class and the president.
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Hall associations
The residents of each
hall are organized into hall associations for purposes of
self-government and social activities.
Beaver Flap, prepared daily
Monday through Friday, is distributed throughout campus on
bulletin boards and e-mail to provide up-to-date information
and announcements on campus events to students, faculty and
staff.
Bluffton, the university
magazine, is published four times a year by the
university to keep alumni and friends informed about campus
and alumni affairs. It is distributed free.
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The Bluffton University Catalog,
presents information on university policies, academic
programs, course descriptions, academic policies, faculty,
admissions, financial concerns and general information about
the university.
The Witmarsum, the campus
newspaper, is published weekly when classes are in session by
a student staff with guidance from a faculty advisor. The
newspaper is a part of the communication and theatre
department and a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and
the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
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info...
Ista, the Bluffton University
yearbook, serves as a journalistic record of the year’s
activities. It is published annually by a student staff with
guidance from an advisor.
The Shalith is a yearly literary
magazine sponsored by the English and language department and
produced by a committee of students and a faculty advisor.
Since 1962 The Shalith has published writing and art
work by Bluffton students, faculty and staff in a variety of
formats. For decades those associated with the magazine
believed that "Shalith" to be an Egyptian word meaning
“creative fertility,” but recent research has shown this is
not so, and the origins of the term are shrouded in
mystery.
Student Handbook, published each
summer by the student life office, gives an outline of all
campus organizations, activities and regulations for the
benefit of new and continuing students as well as faculty and
staff.
Directories of Faculty, Staff and
Students are published online in the fall
by the university. They provide an official roster of
students, faculty and staff.
Bluffton University seeks to provide a holistic Christian
atmosphere. This is encouraged through the lifestyle of
faculty, staff and students and through religious activities.
Certain settings are provided to give direction and
organization to worship, study and service.
BASIC is an acronym for Brothers and
Sisters in Christ. It is a student-sponsored organization that
is Christ-centered and interdenominational. Students, faculty
and staff who wish to participate are encouraged to form BASIC
groups of eight to 10 people who meet weekly each semester.
BASIC groups are meant to provide personal support, fellowship
and growth in the context of Christian community.
Chapel services are held each Thursday.
These voluntary services provide a variety of worshipping
styles using the resources of the campus pastor, faculty,
staff, students and occasionally off-campus guest speakers and
musical groups.
Diakonia (a Greek word for “in service for
Christ”) is a student-sponsored group which promotes missions
and service opportunities for students off-campus. Special
on-campus mission awareness days are also planned and
implemented.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is
a group of students, both athletes and non-athletes, who meet
regularly to discuss issues and give and receive support in
the Christian life. FCA also sponsors occasional group events
on and off campus.
Hall chaplains live in the residence halls
and are available for peer counseling and organizing religious
life activities. Activities they might plan include Bible
studies, special services, service projects and trips. They
also seek to help new students get oriented to the religious
aspect of the campus.
Ministry teams are teams of students who
develop programs to conduct in churches using music, drama,
clowning and puppetry. Through these ministry teams, students
give witness to their faith in Christ and give encouragement
to the larger body of believers.
More info...
Special emphasis days. Each spring
representatives from church mission and service agencies are
on campus for Service Emphasis Days and Mission Week. Students
can explore specific short-term, long-term or career service
and mission opportunities.
Spiritual Life Week committee. The
Spiritual Life Week Committee plans for Spiritual Life Week, a
bi-annual, week-long experience of spiritual encouragement,
enrichment and focus for the campus community. The committee
consists of eight to 12 people. Students take a major
role in planning for seminars on issues related to the
Christian faith. Guest speakers and worship experiences are a
part of the week’s activities. There is a separate committee
for Fall and Spring Spiritual Life Week.
Sunday morning on-campus worship.
Student-led worship services are held on alternating Sundays
throughout the school year. Students are also encouraged to
worship in the community church of their choice.
Voluntary service. Information about long-
or short-term Mennonite voluntary service opportunities, as
well as summer camp positions, is available from the campus
pastor. Each year service and mission emphasis days are held
to acquaint students with church agencies that provide a
variety of domestic and overseas opportunities. An off-campus
voluntary service project is organized during vacation
break.
Bluffton University has a long tradition of excellence in
music. It is known for its vocal and instrumental
organizations and the high quality of these programs. Each
organization is under the direction of a music faculty
member.
Accent! is a men's chorus that performs a
varied repertoire of choral music at several on-campus
performances each year, and occassional off-campus
performances. Membership is open to any male student.
Bel Canto is a women's chorus that
performs a varied repertoire of choral music at several
on-campus perfromances each year, and occassional off- campus
perfromanaces. Membership is open to any female student.
Camerata Singers is a select choir of 24
voices that performs primarily sacred music both on and off
campus. The Camerata Singers travel extensively to churches
throughout the school year and make an extended tour during
spring break.
Concert Band performs both traditional and
contemporary band literature in concerts both on and off
campus each year. Membership is open to any campus or
community instrumentalist.
The Jazz Ensemble studies and performs
music in various contemporary popular idioms, including
improvisatory styles. Membership is by audition.
Choral Society is a university-community
chorus that annually present portions of Handel’s
Messiah in December and another oratorio/cantata work
in March. Membership is open to all students and community
members.
The music department has regular recitals
in which students studying applied music perform. An honors
recital is held at the end of the school year featuring
selected outstanding music students. Faculty members present a
recital each year and music majors present a
full-length senior recital as well as a shorter recital
in their junior year.
more info...
The Lima Symphony Orchestra provides
opportunity for qualified instrumentalists to perform in an
orchestra. Membership is by audition.
The Bluffton University Artist Series
brings to campus each year a number of outstanding concert
artists and ensemble groups.
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info...
Musical. Each year the communication and
theatre department and music department present a musical or
opera. Participants are chosen by audition. The
musical production is presented each spring as part of May Day
activities.
Theatre. Each year the communication and
theatre department presents at least one major dramatic
production and, in conjunction with the music department, one
musical. All students are eligible to audition for the casts
and/or serve in various technical capacities in these
productions.
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Bluffton University has a number of departmental clubs that
offer students opportunities for study and fellowship in areas
of specialized interest.
Bluffton Education Organization seeks to
develop in prospective educators an understanding of the
education profession, to advance the interests and welfare of
students preparing for a career in education and to stimulate
the highest ideals of professional ethics, standards and
attitudes. There are both formal and informal meetings in
which students share ideas and concerns.
Bluffton University Art Club seeks to
provide students with an opportunity to engage in academic
discussions and participate in activities concerning the broad
range of topics pertaining to the visual arts outside of the
normal sphere of classes.
Bluffton University English Club offers
students a chance to gather for camaraderie and informal
discussions about all types of literature. The club sponsors
activities pertaining to a broad range of productions and
dinners with faculty and students.
Bluffton University Science Club's purpose
is to provide organization and support of science related
interests outside of regular courses. The club also
provides an informal forum for further exploring current
issues related to the natural sciences.
Bluffton University Sport Management Club
is a student-led group made up mainly of sport management
majors. Its purpose is to provide information about internship
possibilities, both at Bluffton and at other colleges and
professional organizations, as well as to plan and participate
in trips and various activities.
Bluffton University Student Investment
Club is open to any Bluffton University student
who is interested in learning how financial markets work.
Students get hands on experience in learning about investments
through the club's management of one of Bluffton's endowment
funds.
Economics, Business Administration and Accounting
Club provides its members the opportunity to gain
broader perspectives and insights into the business field.
This is accomplished through club meetings and gatherings
where business-related issues are discussed.
El Club de Espanol's purpose is to expose
the club members to various Spanish speaking cultures and to
enhance their knowledge and understanding of the Spanish
culture and language by integrating the Spanish culture into
their lives. The club works to bring
the organization to the community through various service
projects and to enhance the student body perspecitve of
the Hispanic/Spanish culture with opportunities in which they
will experience part of the culture first or second hand.
Family and Consumer Sciences Association
(FCSA) is designed to provide professional
development and service activities for students majoring in
apparel/interior design and merchandising, family and consumer
sciences (general and education), and food and nutrition.
Programming focuses on current issues and trends across the
profession and includes state- and district-level meetings.
Bluffton is affiliated with the American Association of Family
and Consumer Sciences – Student Member Section.
Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association
(OCMEA) is an organization of students preparing to
teach public school music as well as those majoring in music
with a liberal arts emphasis. Monthly meetings include
programs by teachers in the field. It is affiliated with the
Ohio Music Education Association and the Music Educators
National Conference. Members of OCMEA attend conventions and
conferences of these state and national organizations in
addition to local chapter activities.
People's Movement for the Advancement of
History (PMAH), or the history club
came together for students to explore their mutual interests
in studying and talking history. Through various
activities–attending films, lectures, social events and
history-related games and parties at the homes of history
faculty–PMAH students at Bluffton deepen their own fascination
with the human experience in history and together reinforce
their conviction that studying history is one of the most
intellectually enriching possible pursuits on a college
campus.
Recreation Club was formed to provide
opportunities to gain broader perspectives and insights into
the recreation field. Meetings include activities such as
speakers, social events, field trips, community events and
information about graduate school and job opportunities. This
organization also encourages spiritual fellowship among
recreation students and their instructors as well as the
entire school.
Social Sciences Society's purpose is to
examine and create interest relating to social issues and
concerns. In addition, the purpose is to explore the
meaning of justice in the broadest definition and societal
context. Members consist of those interested in issues
raised by the fields of criminal justice, sociology, pre-law
or psychology.
Social Work Club is composed of students
interested in the profession of social work and related
fields. The club's purpose is to provide students with
opportunities to affiliate with other social work students and
other professional social workers and to build an identity
with the profession. Objectives are met through activities
geared to learning, service and socialization. Programming
generally includes contacts with professionals through
speakers, agency visits, videos/films, local/state/national
conferences, service projects and social events. Popular
events include the annual "pumpkin walk" and the bi-annual
learning trip to Chicago.
more
info...
Specialized interests bring students together in the
following organizations:
The African-American Student Organization
(AASO) is established to provide a socialization
forum and to promote and share African-American culture with
the Bluffton community through various cultural programs.
Bluffton University Bauman Medical Society
enables students interested in health related vocations to
experience and investigate different aspects of the field of
medicine and prepare themselves in the best way possible to be
candidates for a career in a health related field.
Bluffton University College Republicans
increase awareness and promote the principles of the
Republican Party, aid in the election of Republican candidates
at all levels of government and develop political skills and
leadership abilities among Republican students as preparation
for future service to the party and community.
Bluffton University Chapter of Habitat for
Humanity is an
ecumenical grass-roots organization with the goal of
eliminating poverty housing. The Bluffton
University Chapter of Habitat for Humanity coordinates
work groups and fund-raising efforts to help build or renovate
houses in partnership with those in need. All students,
faculty and staff are welcome to participate.
Bluffton University
International Connection draws together students
from other lands and American students interested in foreign
cultures. It sponsors programs and activities, including the
annual international students' week.
More info...
Bluffton University Japanese Anime Club.
The purpose of this organization is to enrich the campus
community by offering students the opportunity to learn about
Eastern culture through films and DVDs which portray the
unique religion, myths, art, history, etc. of the Japanese
culture.
Bluffton University Macintosh Users Club
reperesents the interest of Bluffton University students,
staff, administration and faculty by providing an organization
through which interests may be voiced regarding use of the
Macintosh platform within the Bluffton University
framework.
Bluffton University Student Alumni
Association representatives are committed to
strengthening relationships between current students, alumni
and the university and developing an awareness of the
importance of supporting Bluffton University and preserving
its traditions.
Bluffton University Ultimate Frisbee. The
purpose of this club is to provide for those individuals who
wish to have fun and fellowship, yet play competitively, with
peers at Bluffton as well as other schools.
Bluffton University Young Democrats. The
purpose of the Bluffton University Young Democrats will be to
pursue the ideals of liberty, justice and freedom for all. The
pursuit of these ideas is through support of the Democratic
Party and its ideas, ideals and candidates.
P.E.A.C.E. stands for Peace Education and
Action Community Endeavor. The organization’s purposes are to
educate students about current peace-related issues and to
encourage and organize appropriate action in response to these
issues through consciousness-raising endeavors.
Peer Awareness Leaders (PALS) is a group
of students who work to educate the campus community about
prevalent issues affecting university students so students may
make responsible decisions. The group is an affiliate of
the BACCHUS and GAMMA Peer Education Network and is an
extension of the Bluffton student life office and consists of
student volunteers who apply for membership.
Radio station (WBWH), the campus radio
station, gives students the opportunity to experience all of
the responsibilities and privileges of broadcasting, under the
guidance of the communication and theatre department. Purposes
of the FM station include informing the campus community of
international, national, local and campus news, providing a
forum for public discourse on issues and matters of
significance to the campus community and entertaining the
campus community by playing music of diverse genres, histories
and heritages. The station is located in Riley Court.
Women's Issues Circle The purpose of this
group is to discuss any issues of particular concern to women
and to initiate activism on these issues. Activism can take
the form of raising students' awareness of women's issues or
seeking to improve conditions of women on the Bluffton campus
or in any other setting. It is our intention to provide the
student body with information on women's issues and
opportunities to discuss these issues, as well as to work
towards the betterment of women's lives by creating greater
awareness of the specific burdens society has placed upon
women. Researching, discussing and creating awareness of
medical, legal, religious and other cultural issues are within
the domain of this group.
Forum. Meeting each Tuesday throughout the
academic year, Forum is a weekly event in which
the entire university community-students, faculty and
staff-comes together to hear presentations and programs that
deal with important themes and issues of the day. The majority
of speakers are from outside of Bluffton. They range across
the academic disciplines and are chosen because of their
expertise in an area of significance for the university
curriculum.
Special forums, such as the C. Henry Smith
Lecture and the Keeney Peace Lecture, enable the articulation
of heritage values central to Bluffton. Programming is
determined by the forum director, in consultation with a
committee of faculty and students. Forum events are among
those in the list of events that qualify for arts and lecture
credit.
Intercollegiate athletics are an exciting
and vital part of life at Bluffton University. Men's
intercollegiate athletic schedules are maintained in football,
basketball, track and field, indoor track and field,
cross-country, baseball, soccer and tennis. Sports for women
include volleyball, basketball, track and field,
cross-country, fast-pitch softball, soccer, indoor track and
field and tennis.
To be eligible for intercollegiate athletics, the student
must meet the requirements of the NCAA Division III. To be
eligible for competition, a student must be enrolled in at
least 12 semester hours during the term in which he/she
participates and be making normal progress toward graduation.
For more details see the director of athletics.
To prepare student athletes for the challenges of life
beyond the playing field, the NCAA has developed the Life
Skills Program, a program Bluffton University has titled
BChamps. This program is designed to help student athletes
bridge the gap from college life to professional life, as well
as provide opportunities to make meaningful contributions to
the community. The Life Skills Program focuses on five
areas of personal growth: academic excellence, athletic
excellence, personal development, service and career
development.
Intramurals. The intramural program is
under the direction of the health, physical education and
recreation department. Two directors head this program and
student assistants help in its coordination. The intramural
program contributes to the health and fitness of the
participants and provides diversion from academic work. This
program provides the opportunity for making participation in
sports a meaningful part of a student’s total education.
Activities included in the intramural program are flag
football, powderpuff football, volleyball, 3 on 3 basketball,
5 on 5 basketball, bowling, softball and coed tournaments
in various sports. For more information students should check
the Handbook of Intramural Sports available from the
intramural directors.
More info...
Marbeck Center serves as the social, recreational,
informational and community center of the campus. The center
houses campus dining facilities, a snack shop, lounges,
bookstore, post office, information services, meeting rooms,
student activity services, student organization offices,
religious life offices, art gallery, an ATM machine, change
machine, stamp machine, copy and duplicating services, lost
and found, a mini computer lab with e-mail and Internet access
along with a variety of other facilities.
Marbeck Center is used for cultural programming for
students, faculty, staff and guests of the university, and it
serves as a home base for personal involvement in and
commitment to the life of the university.
While the basic function of the center is to meet the needs
of the campus community, Marbeck Center also serves an
important role as a meeting place for civic, community and
religious groups.
More info...
Marbeck Center Board (MCB), a student
board, is responsible for initiating and implementing a
program of activities and involvement for the enrichment of
student life on campus. MCB is composed of a student
chairperson, 15 students selected from the student body and a
staff advisor.
Marbeck Center is a member of the Association of College
Unions International (ACUI).
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