Campus Life

Mission & Ministry Activities

Ministry Team

The Mission and Ministry Unit Staff provides opportunities for students, faculty, administrators, and staff to share their faith and life experiences. The staff is committed to promoting its Catholic and Franciscan mission through education, service, outreach, and witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The call to follow Jesus is based upon the Gospel mandate: “You are to love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as you love yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39). We are called to hear God’s word, take it into our hearts, and be enlightened with its truth. The staff presents programs and experiences that inform the mind, form the human character, and address issues of the spirit through evenings of reflection, special prayer services, catechesis, outreach, worship, and the ministry of presence.

Worship

The Mission and Ministry Unit Staff recognizes diversity within the Neumann University community and supports ecumenism. The staff strives to provide inclusive, welcoming worship experiences, while, at the same time, remaining ever faithful to its Catholic roots and Franciscan charism. Throughout the school year, many opportunities for prayer, liturgy, spiritual direction, the sacraments, retreats, and Bible study are made available. All are welcome.

Education

Faith and values are an integral part of education at Neumann University. We believe, however, that education is more than just knowledge. The Catholic faith and the Catholic principles of peace and social justice are promoted through ongoing catechesis as well as through various educational and consciousness-raising programs and events. Sponsored by the Mission and Ministry Unit Staff, these programs are designed to foster the intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual development of administration, faculty, staff, and students.

Service

The Franciscan tradition of service and outreach to the poor and marginalized is lived out at Neumann University. The Mission and Ministry Unit Staff is faithful to this commitment through ongoing service and outreach programs, which make service a lived experience for students, administration, faculty, and staff.

Student Affairs

Student Affairs at Neumann University consists of the offices of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Office of Enrollment Management and the Office of the Dean of Students.  The following departments comprise the Student Affairs Unit: Athletics, Counseling, Health Services, Residence Life, Student Activities, and Student Development. The mission of Student Affairs is to facilitate student involvement in holistic educational experiences which integrate intellectual and affective development in a caring and personalized environment. At Neumann University, education is viewed as multidimensional; and Student Affairs, through its programs and services, provides students with numerous opportunities to involve themselves in their own education as students and as members of the Neumann University community.

Athletics

Neumann University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division III; the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC); and the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC). Intercollegiate sports include women’s basketball, field hockey, ice hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball, as well as men’s baseball, basketball, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and tennis. Intramural sports and recreation as well as club sports are provided, contingent upon student demand. The Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality, and Character Development is home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams and the women’s volleyball team. The Bruder Athletic Fields are home to the baseball, softball, field hockey, lacrosse, and soccer teams. Ice Works, a state-of-the-art, multi-rink facility located in Aston, approximately one mile from the University, serves as the home rink for Neumann University’s men’s and women’s ice hockey teams. Other athletic facilities include Neumann’s tennis courts and a weight room/fitness center located in the University’s Living and Learning Center complex.

Student Activities

The Office of Student Activities sponsors services, programs, activities, and other events that further the mission of Neumann University and enhance the quality of campus life. Education extends beyond the classroom, and getting involved in campus life is a large part of the univeristy experience.

The Office of Student Activities complements the University’s academic programs of study and enhances the overall educational experience by promoting the holistic development of the student. The Office works directly with the following areas:

Student Activities

The Office of Student Activities sponsors services, programs, activities, and events that further the mission of Neumann University and enhance the quality of campus life. Education extends beyond the classroom and getting involved in campus life is a large part of the university experience.

This area complements the academic program of studies and enhances the overall educational experience by promoting holistic development of the student. The office works directly with the following areas:

 Mission Statement: The Office of Student Activities sponsors services, programs, activities, and events that further the mission of Neumann University and enhance the quality of campus life. Education extends beyond the classroom and getting involved in campus life is a large part of the university experience.

This area complements the academic program of studies and enhances the overall educational experience by promoting holistic development of the student. The office works directly with the following areas:

New Student Orientation: The New Student Orientation (NSO) program is designed to help entering students and their family members/supporters to acclimate to Neumann University. The New Student Orientation program provides the foundation for the overall college experience through opportunities for social interaction, intellectual challenges and cultural exchanges as well as through providing an overview of their responsibility as a Neumann University community member.  Orientation Leaders (OL) will provide members of the incoming class with information regarding the resources that are available and mentoring to support student growth and development.

Emerging Leaders: Rooted in servant leadership and vigorously pursuing excellence, the Emerging Leaders (EL’s) program at Neumann University gives first-year and sophomore students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to take on leadership positions here at Neumann and in the careers that follow graduation. The EL program is the student’s first-step to being a member of the Institute for Student Leadership Formation.

Special Events: The Office of Student Activities also provides social, cultural, educational, recreational, wellness, community service and development, governance and leadership opportunities independent of the student organization.

Student Activities: Most events on campus are selected, planned and implemented by students for students with guidance from the Office of Student Activities. Social, cultural, educational, and recreational, wellness, community service and development, governance and leadership are offered on campus.

Campus Wide Programs:

There are a number of formal and informal events which take place on campus each year. Here is a sampling of those that have become part of the Neumann tradition:

• Welcome Week (first week of classes
• Involvement Fair
• College Radio Day
• Greccio
• Breakfast with Santa
• Charter/Sponsorship Day
• Student Formal
• Color Walk for Cancer
• Black Student Union Fashion Show
• Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
• National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness WeekWinterfest
• Best Day Ever
• Class Campaign

Commuter Life

The commuter student is a vital member of the University community.  Involvement in student life can be challenging for the commuter who is often dealing with the pressures of an off campus job and family obligations.  Neumann University encourages commuters to avail themselves of the resources on campus and hope that they may participate and contribute to campus life.  There are a number of programs tailored specifically to the needs and schedules of commuters such as Commuter Breakfast and Lunch programs, study halls and the Commuter Assistant (CA) program. 

Commuter Assistant (CA) Program

Commuter Assistants are upper class commuter students who are involved in campus life and interested in assisting first year commuter students successfully integrate into the Neumann Community.  CAs advise first year commuter students on issues related to transitioning to university life while living at home, adjusting to the demands of academics, commuting tips for success, and parking.  CAs provide programs for commuter students and encourage first year commuter students to get involved in campus organizations and to attend campus events.

Lockers

Lockers are available to full time commuting students.  Lockers are located on the ground floor of the Bachmann Building.  Arrangements should be made the first week of the academic year.  Lockers are rented on a first-come, first serve basis through the Office of Student Activities.

Commuter Meal Plan

SEPTA Passes

Neumann University sells discounted SEPTA passes at a discounted rate to all full-time undergraduate commuter students. More information can be found by contacting the Assistant Director of Student Activities.

Student Participation and Eligibility

Neumann seeks to encourage full and active participation of all students in co-curricular activities. Research indicates that students who participate in campus activities tend to achieve higher grades and enjoy a much higher level of satisfaction with their University experience. This involvement is intended to supplement your academic learning, not supplant it.  Many efforts will be used to encourage full participation in campus life and activities. 

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

There are a number of different organizations at Neumann University in which students can become involved.

Students interested in academic orgs, cultural based, the arts, service and many other topics can become involved in them through membership in a wide variety of campus organizations and department related student groups.

At times, a group of students may be interested in starting a new organization.  To create a new student organization, follow the steps outlined on the Website under Student Organization Formation.  

To learn more about the organizations on campus, see Neumann’s website at http://www.neumann.edu/life/student_affairs/student_activities.asp.

Student Interest Groups

Students who have an interest in a specific discipline or topic that may not have a large number of students interested, may for a student interest group. Interest groups are not funded through the Student Government Fee or recognized as a student organization on campus. Interest groups are a great way for new ideas to form and networking to begin prior to starting the process for a new student organization.

Faculty and Staff participation in Student Activities

University faculty and staff take great interest and pride in student’s co-curricular lives.  Some formalize this involvement by becoming advisors to classes, student organizations or events. Realizing that most advisors are volunteering their time and energy out of interest for the organization and the students, these important general guidelines may be helpful for being an effective advisor.

• Discuss and develop clear expectations of advisor and members
• Provide contact information
• Become familiar with Club/organization by-laws, current objectives
• Attend meeting and sponsored events
• Periodically review the financial records of the organization
• Be familiar with the policies and regulations established for student organizations
• Assist in officer transition and help successive officers of the organization understand their responsibilities
• Advise members in making good judgements in such areas as finance, contracts, events and policies
• Attend Advisor Orientation sessions
• Remember that your role is to advise not to do
• Be available to help with group motivation, group conflict and problem solving

Advisors and student members are always welcome to contact the Office of Student Activities with questions or concerns.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION         

The Student Government Association is the voice of Neumann students that serves students by creating and supporting activities that deepen a sense of community and foster Franciscan values of respect for the individual and environment, peacemaking, and social responsibility.

By representing students and coordinating social functions, Student Government provides an opportunity for all students to become actively involved in the life of the University. . This involvement promotes the general welfare by developing community and opening channels of communication.

Student Government acts as liaison, mediator and communicator between students and the administration. As outlined in its constitution, Student Government is organized into three branches: the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial. Through its Senate and Executive Committees student proposals are brought to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the President of the University and the Board of Trustees.

Student Government meetings are open to all students and student-representatives are encouraged to keep its members informed and to participate in its functions.

Descriptions of Student Government Positions and qualifications are listed on the Neumann web site.

Student Government Board Committees:

• Academic Quality
• Archival
• Campus Improvement
• Color Walk for Cancer
• Finance
• Judicial
• S.E.P.C.H.E.
• Student Engagement
• Student Activities Board (SAB)          
• Resident Life Advisory Board (RLAB)   

Counseling Services

The mission of Counseling Services is to support students through the developmental processes that are needed to achieve their academic goals. Counseling Services provides a safe and supportive atmosphere in which students can explore and develop the socio-emotional-spiritual areas of their lives. Counseling enables students to integrate their academic experience with their total holistic development. Educational programs are also offered through Counseling Services.

Neumann University is a member of the Network of Colleges for Prevention of Drug/Alcohol Abuse and, in accordance with federal guidelines, is a declared Drug-Free Campus. For students with chemical substance problems, the services of a Certified Drug/Alcohol Counselor are available through the Counseling Office. These services are primarily preventive, with referral made to appropriate resources for additional counseling and treatment.

In order to obtain services from the Counseling Center, please utilize the link http://www.neumann.edu/life/counseling.asp

Health Services

The mission of Health Services is to attend to the physical and informational health needs of students, thereby enabling them to attain their highest potential in all aspects of life. The Director of Health Services coordinates the activities of the Health Services Office, utilizing a physician as a resource person and consultant, whenever needed. A physician is also available on campus at specified times. The Health Services Office is open to any student seeking information on health concerns and for treatment for either minor illness or a health emergency.

The Director of Health Services also provides health-related educational programs throughout the year and facilitates the formation of student health support groups and peer educators, as needed. Student suggestions and peer education involvement are welcome.

Care administered to students in the Health Services Office is free of charge.

Policy on Student Health Insurance

All full-time traditional stuents, in order to attend class and/or live in the University residence facilities, must have Health insurance.

Students participating in intercollegiate athletic programs, if injured in the course of official varsity practice or play, are primarily responsible for the first $75,000 of medical injuries connected to that injury. As a result, the University requires that all student athletes provide a copy of their insurance card to the Athletic Department, along with the Waiver Form, prior to receiving permission to participate in the athletic program. The University carries catastrophic insurance through the NCAA that covers the costs of athletic injuries which exceed $75,000. This policy has limitations. For additional information on this policy, please contact the Office of the Director of Athletics at 484-840-4716.

Health Record Form Policy

A completed Health Record Form must be filed with the Health Services Office by all full-time, traditional-age, matriculated students. Documentation of immunizations and initial tuberculin skin testing is required. An annual updating of this form is also required for all students in Nursing and other health science programs. Failure to have a completed Health Record Form on file, when required, will prevent students from taking classes, living on campus, and/or registering for classes.

All students who live in University residence facilities are required to either have immunization for meningitis or complete a Waiver Form as required by law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students are encouraged to consult with their family physician concerning specifics of this disease and the recommended immunization. Vaccination is not available through Health Services at Neumann University. In accordance with the law, students who have not been immunized or who have not submitted a Waiver Form will not be permitted to move into University residence facilities.

Residence Life

Neumann’s Living and Learning Center complex is truly a place to live and learn, and not just a place to sleep. The complex provides Neumann students with expanded opportunities for involvement in campus activities as well as individual, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical, and social growth. With each room furnished with private bathrooms and fully wired for computer, cable, and voice communication, the complex is a technologically sophisticated, yet comfortable, facility. Neumann University does not guarantee housing from year to year.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association is the voice of Neumann students that serves students by creating and supporting activities that deepen a sense of community and foster Franciscan values of respect for the individual and environment, peacemaking, and social responsibility.  By representing students and coordinating social functions, Student Government provides an opportunity for all students to become actively involved in the life of the University.  This involvement promotes the general welfare by developing community and opening channels of communication.

Student Government acts as liaison, mediator and communicator between students and the adminstration.  As outlined in its constitution, Student Government is organized into three branches:  the Executive, teh Legislative and the Judicial.  Through its Senate and Executive Committees, student proposals are brought to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the President of the University and the Board of Trustees.  Student Government meetings are open to all students and student-representatives are encouraged to keep its members informed and to participate in its functions.

Descriptions of Student Government Positions and qualifications are listed on the Neumann website.

Student Government Board Committees: Academic Quality, Archival, Campus Improvement, Color Walk for Cancer, Finance, Judicial, S.E.P.C.H.E., Student Engagement, Student Activities Board (SAB) and Resident Life Advisory Board (RLABO.

Child Development Center

The Child Development Center is a modern, octagonal-shaped building, specifically designed to house an educational program for pre-schoolers. As a state-licensed child-care facility, the Center enrolls children of Neumann University students, faculty, staff, and administration as well as the surrounding community. To be eligible for enrollment, a child must have had his/her third birthday. The Center’s 12-month program enrolls children from three through five years of age.

The Child Development Center is part of the Division of Education and Human Services. Consequently, students enrolled in Education courses frequently use the Center for observations, practical experiences, and student teaching. Work-study positions are also available at the Center.

Student Newspaper

Students interested in the field of journalism publish a newspaper entitled The Joust several times each semester. Participating students experience a range of production roles: reporter, editor, design and layout artist, photographer, and manager. Students are encouraged to contribute to the newspaper whether or not they are enrolled in journalism courses.

Neumann Student Radio Station

Students wishing to learn about broadcasting can join the staff of Neumann Radio, the University’s Internet-based radio station. Programming on the station ranges from music to talk to sports. Participation is open to all students in good academic standing. Students may fill a variety of positions at the station, both on-air and behind the scenes. Students may also submit program proposals for consideration by the station’s Executive Board. For additional information, please call 610-361-5400.

The Arts Guild at Neumann University

The Arts Guild at Neumann University was established in 1991 as a coordinating agent to enhance and extend the high level of cultural activities at Neumann University to the communities of the Delaware Valley. As reflected in its mission and vision of the performing arts at Neumann University, the Arts Guild believes that of “the great many goals in life, finding one’s own voice and at the same time being able to listen to others are among the most important. The arts facilitate this process through a rich cultural heritage, stimulated creativity, and the development of perspective and relatedness that result in good citizenship, productive lives, and personal fulfillment.”

The Arts Guild was originally comprised of three member organizations which offered musical and theatrical events to the surrounding community. Since 1991, the Guild has grown to nine member organizations: Center Stage Productions, the Cultural Arts Forum, the Delaware County Symphony, International Ballet Classique, the Neumann University Art Gallery, the Neumann University Concert Chorale, the Neumann University Jazz Band, and the Neumann University Players. These member organizations present a wide range of vocal and dance performances, diverse children’s and adult theatrical performances, as well as a variety of lectures, art exhibits, and seminars at the Fred P. Meagher Theatre, located in the University’s Life Center, and at various locations in the surrounding tri-county area.

• Center Stage Productions seeks to make the theater experience an educational, enlightening, and enjoyable event. Summer workshops and productions are open to any students who are interested in some aspect of the performing arts. Mainstage Productions, offered under the auspices of Center Stage Productions, encourages all members of the community to audition for roles in its shows.
• With the primary goal of fostering cultural programming and enriching the educational experiences both of the University and of the larger community, the Cultural Arts Forum hosts a lecture series each year, annual field trips, and other cultural events. Proceeds from these events benefit the Dr. Margaret Mary Kearney Scholarship Fund, which assists financially deserving non-traditional students.
• Founded in 1969, the Delaware County Symphony promotes the welfare of musical art by providing an opportunity for qualified non-paid musicians to perform classical music. With a company of approximately 70 musicians, the Symphony offers four full-orchestral concerts and four chamber music concerts each season. Performances often feature soloists of renown and new works by living composers. Neumann University students may audition for membership in the orchestra. If accepted for membership, students may register for academic credit on a semester basis for this orchestral experience. For this option, students are urged to consult with their academic advisor.
• The International Ballet Classique (IBC) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to preserving Russian classical ballet, advancing new and creative ideas in the arts, and bringing the art of ballet to a wide and diverse population. The professional dancers who work and perform with IBC are dedicated to the development of a new generation of qualified ballet artists.
• The McNichol Art Gallery serves as a host site for emerging artists from the surrounding area to exhibit a body of their artwork. Art exhibitions are displayed in the Thomas A. Bruder, Jr. Life Center, and each show typically runs for two months. All displayed works are in congruence with the Franciscan Mission of Neumann University.
• The Neumann University Concert Chorale provides opportunities to gain experiences in group and ensemble singing to both students as well as members of the surrounding communities. Theoretical and musical concepts are presented through the choral literature which is selected. The Chorale performs annual holiday concerts, spring concerts, and special feature performances as requested. Neumann University students may register for academic credit for this vocal experience.
• The Neumann University Jazz Band, established in 2002, has become a significant and entertaining component of the performing arts at Neumann University. Open to all members of the Neumann community, the Jazz Band explores a wide variety of repertoire, from standards of the swing era to contemporary pieces that fuse jazz, pop, and rock styles. Students assume an active role in the life of the organization by selecting music for performance each semester, and by seeking opportunities for the group to perform off-campus as a service to the surrounding community. Neumann University students may register for academic credit for this music performance experience.
• The Neumann University Players comprises a production company which designs, builds, manages, and performs at least two plays during the academic year. Members from surrounding communities are welcome to participate. Neumann students who register for theater production courses for academic credit may function in one or more “roles” in the company, such as performance, design and technical theater, or marketing. Students may continue to develop their theater skills at advancing levels of proficiency in each of these areas through subsequent semesters of study, or they may choose to explore a different area of theater-related activities. For additional information, please consult the Theater Course Descriptions   section of this catalog.

The Arts Guild, organized as a Council which operates under the auspices of Neumann University, maintains the full autonomy of each member organization. Members of the Guild’s governing body are drawn from four general areas: the arts, business, the University, and the community. For further information about the Arts Guild at Neumann University, please contact the Coordinator of Cultural Programming at Neumann University by calling 610-558-5626.

Neumann University Alumni Association

All Neumann University and Our Lady of Angels College alumni are part of the Neumann University Alumni Association. The Association serves to foster and maintain a loyal and active relationship between Neumann University, current students, and alumni through networking, involvement, and institutional advancement activities. The vision of the Alumni Association is to be a significant influence in helping Neumann University achieve its full potential as an institution of higher learning which offers a values-based education to all of its students.

Under the auspices of the Office of Institutional Advancement and University Relations, the Alumni Association and the Office of Alumni Relations and Special Programs collaborate to bring together more than 12,500 alumni for such planned events as Homecoming and Family Weekend, golf outings, outreach projects, and regional alumni receptions.

The Office of Alumni Relations and Special Programs is continually looking for volunteers to help with various projects and committees, including the Alumni Executive Board, a group of volunteer professionals who help advance the Mission and Vision of Neumann University.

Neumann University Parents’ Committee

The Neumann University Parents’ Committee provides opportunities for parents to become more closely involved in the life of the University and, at the same time, preserve, enhance, and improve the quality of the Neumann experience for all students. Serving as ambassadors on and off campus, Neumann parents are recognized for their commitment to their children’s alma mater.

Giving at Neumann University

Giving is a tradition at Neumann University.  Each year alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, graduating students, corporations and foundations support The Neumann Fund, capital improvement and endowed funds to further the mission of the University. 

The Neumann Fund is a key source of operating support that impacts virtually everything on campus.  The Neumann Fund includes the support of the Annual Fund, Scholarship Fund and Athletic Fund.  Students participate through the student philanthropy group, phonathons, outreach activities and the Class Campaign sponsored by the Office of Institutional Advancement and University Relations.

At the Commencement Ceremony, graduating students participating in the Class Campaign receive a Philanthropy Cord which is a blue and gold cord worn as a symbol of philanthropic pride demonstrating the reciprocal commitment between the graduate and their alma mater.