Student Affairs Division
Student life programs and services are driven by the York College mission, and the Student Affairs Division has as its primary goal a commitment to providing a campus environment that is developmental to student learning and student growth. The focus is on generating educational opportunities and wellness both in and outside the classroom and through all aspects of student campus life. These programs and services are directed and coordinated by the Student Affairs Division through the offices of Athletics and Recreation, Counseling Services, Dining Services, Health Services, Student Conduct, Intercultural Student Life and Global Programming, Spiritual Life Activities, Residence Life, and Student Activities and Orientation. For more detailed information about student life, please refer to the Student Handbook.
Student Responsibility and the College Community
Student Responsibility
The student at York College is a member of the academic community as well as the civil community. All students have the rights, duties, and obligations associated with being a citizen in such communities. As legal adults, students are expected to obey civil law and accept personal responsibility for their behavior.
The Spartan Oath
As A York College Student, I Pledge To:
- Demonstrate respect for others
- Exercise all actions with integrity and honesty
- Communicate and interact in a respectful and considerate manner
- Evaluate how my actions and decisions affect others and the College community
- Support and contribute to a healthy living and learning college environment
Housing and Residency Requirement
York College of Pennsylvania has a four-year residency requirement. Students of traditional college age, including transfers and readmits (who have graduated from high school within four years), are required to live in York College residence facilities or commute from the home of a parent/guardian/relative until they have received authorization to reside off-campus.
Housing contracts are for the full academic year, including for those students who become part-time during the spring semester. Students who do not qualify for commuter status are required to reside on-campus, including those who are eligible to be full-time but elect to be part-time.
Any student interested in living off-campus or commuting from the home of a parent/guardian/relative for future years must apply and attain written authorization through the off-campus/commuting application process.
Campus Safety
The Department of Campus Safety is the primary department at the College charged with creating a safe and secure educational environment. Located in the Manor Northeast lobby, the Department operates 24-hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Officers patrol the campus on foot, bicycles, Segways, and in vehicles. Officers respond to calls for service and assistance, enforce College policy and investigate all reported criminal activity on campus. The Department publishes an annual security report that includes all crime statistics for the year and certain security policy statements, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act. The Department of Campus Safety also provides a comprehensive crime prevention and education program for the College. A 24-hour-a-day escort program for students to all campus locations is available. In addition, the Department operates the West Campus Shuttle, which transports students between the main and west campus.
Motor Vehicles
The Department of Campus Safety is responsible for enforcing traffic and parking regulations on all College property. These regulations were established to provide York College with a safe and organized community in which to live and learn and are in effect at all times throughout the year. In addition to College policies, all traffic and parking regulations regulated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania apply and are enforced on campus.
All students are permitted to park motor vehicles on campus or lots adjacent to campus and must register their vehicle(s) with the Campus Safety Office. During registration, students residing in campus housing must purchase a resident parking permit hang tag, which entitles them to park in specific resident parking areas. Students residing off-campus (commuters) must purchase a commuter parking permit hang tag, which allows for parking in designated commuter parking areas. A copy of the College traffic and parking regulations and a campus parking map are distributed with each permit.
Alcohol and Drug Policy and Program
At York College most students are responsible when it comes to making decisions about alcohol and/or drug use. You must consider 1) whether to drink or not to drink; 2) the consequences for choosing to drink or abstaining from drugs and/or alcohol; and 3) how to be responsible in social situations. Students need to have an awareness about the effects of alcohol and drugs, York College regulations, and legal implications.
The Law
It is illegal in Pennsylvania for persons under the age of 21 to attempt to purchase, consume, possess, or transport any alcohol, liquor, malt, or brewed beverages. Pennsylvania law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone unless they have the proper license issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Pennsylvania and federal law prohibits the possession, manufacture, sale and distribution of illegal substances. Giving marijuana or another drug free of charge may be considered the same as sale or distribution. Possession of large amounts of drugs may be viewed as possession with intent to sell. Applicable legal sanctions may include loss or suspension of driver’s license, fines, and/or jail time.
York College Policy
Believing that the use of alcoholic beverages is detrimental to the standards of group living and academic achievement, the College does not permit students to use, possess, or be in the presence of alcoholic beverages on campus, regardless of age; unless students of legal age are in the College’s designated independent living complex and in compliance with related Residence Life policies.
Consuming alcoholic beverages off-campus is not encouraged and, if done, should comply with the Pennsylvania State Law. Any student found using or selling illegal drugs may face suspension from the College and may also be referred to the civil authorities for prosecution.
Students found in violation of the above policies may be referred to the Residence Life Office/Student Conduct. Disciplinary sanctions may include probation, removal from residence facilities, and/or dismissal from the College.
Student Affairs Departments and Services
Athletics and Recreation
York College’s sports and recreational program is designed to supplement academic experiences by providing opportunities for all students to participate in or witness intercollegiate, recreational, or intramural competitions. The program is consciously geared to student interests and needs. Care is exercised to avoid detracting from students’ academic pursuits and to enhance overall achievement.
Counseling Services
Counseling Services advances the overall wellness of students through confidential individual and group counseling sessions, consultation, crisis intervention, and specialized referrals. All services are provided by licensed mental health professionals. Staff members are available, upon request, for critical incident response and educational programming for the campus community. Services can be accessed via phone at 717-815-6437 or in person during regular business hours.
Dining Services
Compass Group-USA through its Chartwells Division works closely with the Student Affairs Division to offer, seven days a week, meals that will be both enjoyable and economical to students. The management team welcomes constructive suggestions from students about the dining services. Numerous special dinners are planned during the year, and many campus organizations plan their program refreshments through dining services.
All students living in traditional on-campus housing must purchase the College’s full meal plan. There are several food and beverage outlets on campus to serve the varied needs and schedules of our campus community.
Health Services
All registered students, full-time and part-time, are eligible to use the Health Center. All students are required to have an admission physical and immunizations on file in the Health Center, which is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Student Conduct
The College discipline process is designed as an educational one, to encourage and promote the process of self-discipline. Disciplinary action can be taken against students for misconduct/incidents while on or off campus. This includes student misconduct that is a violation of College standards, regulations, or the law and that is detrimental to the College’s lawful mission and interests. Full disclosure of the disciplinary process and the College’s Student Code of Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
Intercultural Student Life and Global Programming
The Intercultural Student Life and Global Programming Office provides educational and social programs related to diversity and global awareness for the College campus. These programs enrich the overall educational experience and assist with creating an inclusive environment leading to a holistic development for students. The Office of Intercultural Student Life and Global Programming also works closely with international students and exchange students, assisting with acclimation and transition to York College life, the York community, and American society.
Spiritual Life
Interfaith programs and worship services are planned and coordinated by the Council on Spiritual Life Activities, the religious organizations, and the chaplains in conjunction with the College’s Spiritual Life Activities Coordinator. The Council and religious staff work to foster an atmosphere on campus that will enhance an awareness of the spiritual dimensions of life. The College retains the services of Catholic and Protestant chaplains for the purpose of providing students an additional means of counseling and a source of spiritual guidance on campus. The chaplains’ offices post day, evening, and weekend hours throughout the year. Brougher Chapel serves as the center of worship for all faiths in the College community.
Residence Life
Residence life at York College is an integral part of the college learning experience. The Residence Life program seeks to provide a comfortable, safe living environment that is conducive to supporting academic success, individual growth, and group interaction and development. Residence Life fosters this environment through initiatives and activities that promote the ideals of respect, understanding, and community. It is the belief of this office that diverse students can learn to appreciate and respect one another, as well as themselves, through residence hall living. Living on the York College campus is a privilege and, in and of itself, a learning experience. Campus housing facilities include traditional residence halls, suite and apartment-style living.
Student Activities and Orientation
The Office of Student Activities and Orientation exists to facilitate students’ transition to college and provide a variety of co curricular experiences during their time at York College. The Office creates opportunities for student participation and leadership in over 90 clubs, organizations, fraternities, and sororities; volunteerism efforts, Student Senate, Campus Activities Board (CAB), ExCEL Leadership Series and service as Orientation Leaders.
Campus Life and Involvement Opportunities
A vital aspect of student life involves participation in campus activities, including student government, academic, social, and special interest organizations, and the many social, educational, and recreational events that take place on campus. A diversified program of events is planned by students on the Campus Activities Board, working with the Office of Student Activities. Each semester features a wide range of activities such as comedians, musical performers, weekend events, game shows, concerts, films, bus trips, lectures, and many other special events. In addition, academic departments frequently schedule special programs of general appeal. Department offerings have ranged from nationally known poets to state officials and leaders from industry and community life.
The Student Union serves as a central meeting spot on campus where many members of the campus community can gather to interact socially and intellectually outside the classroom. Programs offered at the Student Union provide cultural, social, and recreational activities designed to complement academic endeavors. All such programs are intended to encourage self-directed activity, giving maximum opportunity for self-realization and for growth in individual social competency and group effectiveness.
Student Clubs and Organizations
A well-rounded student is one who gets involved in co curricular activities, in addition to academics. York College offers a wide variety of activities to satisfy every interest. Escape and unwind with many of the 90-plus clubs and organizations at the College. Among these are sports, musical performing groups, the media and various publications, academic and honorary societies, religious and service organizations. There are 14 national fraternities and sororities for those who would like to be involved in Greek life. For a complete list of all of the opportunities available, check the Student Handbook and Activities Calendar.
Student Government
The Student Senate, as a representative body, provides the means for:
- responsible and effective student participation in the organization and management of student affairs;
- taking action in the best interest of the student body and college community;
- providing an official voice through which student opinion may be expressed;
- fostering awareness of the student’s position in the campus, local, state, National, and international communities.
Officers and Student Senators are elected by the students. Students are chosen by the Student Senate to participate on Academic Senate committees. Members of the Student Senate invite interested students to participate in any Senate function. The Senate meets weekly, with two faculty and three administrative advisors. Meetings are open to any member of the student body.
Campus Activities Board
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is a standing committee of the Student Senate and is comprised of an elected vice president who sits on Student Senate and appointed Student Association members. The committee works closely with the Student Activities Office to bring exciting and innovative entertainment to York College students and the community. Campus Activities Board applications are available to any interested students in the CAB Office, Student Union. CAB is interested in hearing suggestions for activities students would like to see on campus.
Campus Recreation and Fitness
Campus recreation typically encompasses free play and fitness opportunities for students, staff, and faculty. A wide variety of offerings are made available throughout the year; activities based largely on the interests of the participants.
The pool, field house, and fitness center in the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center are available at no cost to full-time students for recreational play at specified hours. Please check listings for an updated schedule of operation.
Club Sports
Many students are interested in competing against other colleges and universities without the time demands of a varsity program. For these individuals, the College offers a number of club sport programs to choose from. These teams compete against other regional two- and four-year institutions throughout the commonly known college season. Current offerings include men’s and women’s rugby, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s volleyball, women’s softball, equestrian, dance team, coed running club and coed Ultimate Frisbee.
Intramural Sports
A wide variety of 29 intramural activities allow every student to engage in some organized sport without the pressure of intercollegiate competition. Men participate in flag football, volleyball, wallyball, basketball (5-on-5 and 3-on-3), softball, indoor and outdoor soccer. Women participate in volleyball, wallyball, basketball (5-on-5 and 3-on-3), and indoor and outdoor soccer. Coed competition is also offered in all sports. Other activities, including a variety of tournaments and contests are added throughout the course of the academic year.
Intercollegiate Sports
Programs are provided for students who are physically and psychologically equipped to participate in competitive sports with representatives from other colleges. Intercollegiate sports for men include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor) and wrestling. Women’s intercollegiate program includes basketball, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball. Cheerleading is a student activity closely related to and supportive of the intercollegiate teams. The squad is comprised of both men and women. Squad vacancies are filled through open competition.
Alumni Association
The graduates of York College become members of the Alumni Association. The Alumni Association promotes the interests of the College and its more than 29,000 alumni by organizing programs for alumni and informing them of the progress and needs of their alma mater. The Association sponsors reunions, Fall Fest and Spring Alumni Weekend, and other events that bring alumni back to campus, and supports alumni chapters in locations where large numbers of alumni live.
The Alumni Association contributes to student life by underwriting projects that improve campus facilities, and sponsoring annual scholarships for more than 20 students. The Association also hosts several events for seniors each year, including networking receptions and social events that encourage class unity and inform students about their opportunities to remain involved with York College.
The Alumni Association Board of Directors consists of 24 members, and is the governing body of the Association. Any alumnus or alumna of York College of Pennsylvania, York Junior College, or the York Collegiate Institute is eligible to serve on the Board, which meets several times a year. |