Student Services and Campus Life

I. PREAMBLE

At Atlas University, education extends beyond the classroom into every dimension of existence. The campus is a living covenant—a community where holiness, creativity, friendship, and discipline converge to form a new generation of servant-leaders.

This Policy establishes the standards and systems through which the University cultivates a thriving campus culture marked by excellence, safety, joy, and spiritual vitality. It ensures that every student receives comprehensive support—academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual—aligned with the founding purpose: Glorificatio Dei per Omnes Disciplinas.

II. MISSION OF STUDENT SERVICES

The Division of Student Services exists to:

  1. Foster personal, academic, and spiritual growth in every student.

  2. Provide holistic support systems for wellness and success.

  3. Build community through residence life, student activities, and ministry.

  4. Ensure that all campus life embodies respect, integrity, and compassion.

  5. Develop a student culture that reflects the character of Christ and the pursuit of wisdom.

III. GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

  • Dean of Students & Spiritual LifeChief administrator of student affairs; ensures integration of all campus life with the University’s mission.

  • Director of Student ServicesManages residence life, counseling, and health programs.

  • Campus Ministry OfficeOversees worship, outreach, and discipleship initiatives.

  • Director of Student ActivitiesCoordinates clubs, athletics, events, and leadership training.

  • Student Covenant CouncilRepresentative body for student governance and advocacy.

All Student Services policies are subject to approval by the President and Board of Trustees.

IV. STUDENT LIFE FRAMEWORK

Campus life at Atlas University is guided by five pillars:

  1. Holiness – Integrity and purity in all conduct.

  2. Community – Fellowship, mutual accountability, and shared purpose.

  3. Excellence – Pursuit of beauty, discipline, and achievement.

  4. Service – Commitment to others and to the Kingdom of God.

  5. Joy – Celebration of life and learning as divine gifts.

V. RESIDENCE LIFE

1. Philosophy

Residence halls are extensions of the covenantal household. Living together in harmony, students learn self-discipline, respect, and communal service.

2. Housing Requirements

  • Full-time undergraduates are required to live in University housing unless granted exemption.

  • Graduate and married housing available by application.

3. Residence Staff

Each residence hall is supervised by a Resident Director (RD) and supported by trained Resident Mentors (RMs) who provide spiritual guidance and peer leadership.

4. Conduct and Quiet Hours

Residents shall maintain an atmosphere conducive to study, prayer, and fellowship. Curfews, visitation, and quiet hours are set by the Dean of Students.

5. Maintenance and Safety

Facilities are inspected regularly by Housing and Safety staff. 24/7 emergency maintenance service is available.

VI. CAMPUS DINING AND NUTRITION

  1. Covenantal Nutrition Program: Meals emphasize stewardship of the body and environment, featuring local, sustainable, and healthful foods.

  2. Meal Plans: All residential students must purchase a University meal plan; dietary needs are accommodated.

  3. Dining Code: Respect, cleanliness, and gratitude are integral to community dining.

VII. STUDENT HEALTH AND COUNSELING

1. Health Services

The Absurd Health Center provides medical care, wellness education, and preventive programs.

  • Staffed by licensed Terrain Medicine professionals.

  • Coordination with local hospitals for advanced care.

  • No health insurance or vaccinations are required (we are mostly a digital campus)

2. Counseling Services

The Center for Covenant Psychology offers confidential, biblically grounded therapy for emotional, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing.

  • Sessions conducted by licensed Christian counselors and trained faculty mentors.

  • Crisis intervention and trauma support available.

  • Integration with the University’s theology of healing and renewal.

3. Wellness Programs

Regular workshops on sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mental health; student wellness ambassadors assist with outreach.

VIII. SPIRITUAL LIFE

  1. Chapel: Weekly worship gatherings are the heart of campus life, combining Scripture, prayer, and artistic expression.

  2. Prayer Circles: Small groups meet daily across campus for intercession and encouragement.

  3. Discipleship: Students may join mentorship cohorts led by faculty or campus ministers.

  4. Service and Outreach: Community service is a graduation requirement; campus ministry coordinates volunteer and mission opportunities.

  5. Spiritual Retreats: Annual three-day retreat for renewal and reflection.

IX. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND CLUBS

  1. Students may form organizations that align with University values by submitting a Charter Application (Form CL-01) to the Director of Student Activities.

  2. Examples include academic societies, performing arts ensembles, language clubs, and service organizations.

  3. All clubs must operate under a faculty advisor and uphold the Covenant of Learning.

  4. Political organizations are permitted only insofar as they promote civic virtue and avoid partisanship.

X. ATHLETICS AND RECREATION

  1. Atlas Athletics Program: Competitive and intramural sports promote discipline, teamwork, and health.

  2. Facilities: Athletic complex, fitness center, and recreational fields maintained to NCAA standards.

  3. Eligibility: Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and good standing with the Code of Conduct.

  4. Coaching Philosophy: Coaches serve as mentors; character outweighs competition.

  5. Wellness & Intramurals: Recreational leagues and outdoor programs encourage fitness for all students.

XI. STUDENT LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

  1. Student Covenant Council (SCC): Elected body representing student interests to administration.

  2. Committees: Spiritual Life, Academic Affairs, Campus Events, and Community Service.

  3. Leadership Development: Annual training in ethics, communication, and servant leadership.

  4. Authority: SCC operates in advisory capacity; all resolutions reviewed by the Dean of Students.

XII. INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY

Atlas University affirms that every student bears the image of God. Therefore, the University:

  • Complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  • Provides academic accommodations and accessible facilities.

  • Upholds dignity and equal opportunity for all, consistent with its faith principles.

XIII. CAMPUS EVENTS AND TRADITIONS

  1. Convocation of Covenant Scholars: Formal opening of the academic year.

  2. Festival of the Disciplines: Annual celebration of arts, music, and scholarship.

  3. Atlas Day: Founding commemoration and alumni homecoming.

  4. Midnight of Illumination: Spiritual gathering marking the close of finals each semester.

These events embody the joy and beauty of intellectual worship.

XIV. STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE OPERATIONS

  • Open weekdays 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; emergency support 24/7.

  • Staff trained in confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, and crisis management.

  • Annual report submitted to the President and included in the Institutional Effectiveness review.

XV. ASSESSMENT AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

  1. Student satisfaction measured through the Atlas Campus Life Survey (ACLS) each semester.

  2. Metrics include engagement, wellness, retention, and spiritual formation.

  3. Results analyzed by Student Services and reported to the Board annually.

XVI. SPIRITUAL AND ETHICAL FOUNDATION

Student life at Atlas University is not entertainment but formation. Every policy—from housing to athletics—exists to cultivate wisdom, humility, and love. Campus life is thus an offering, a living liturgy in which learning, play, and prayer unite.

XVII. REVIEW AND AMENDMENT

This Policy is reviewed biennially by the Dean of Students, approved by the President, and ratified by the Board of Trustees.