LEARN. LEAD. SERVE.
MANDELA UNIVERSITY
2012-2013 Undergraduate Guide Book
Table of Contents Letter from the President……………………………………………………. 2 History and Mission……………………………………………………………. 3 Core Values………………………………..……………………………………... 5 Outcomes of an MU Education……………………..……….…………….. 6
At a Glance………………………………………………………….…………… 7 The Academic Experience…………………………………..……..……… 9 In the First Year………………………………………………………….…….. 12 The Third & Fourth Year……………………………………………..………..13 [J] Term………………………………………..…………………………………... 15 Student Life…………………………………………..…………………………
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Get Involved at MU! .................................................................................. 18 Center for Campus Life………………………………………………….…… 19 Supporting Diversity………………………………………………………..…. 20 21 Words from the Wise………………………. 22 Residence Life………………………………. 23 Res Life FAQs………………………………… 24 Living Learning Communities…………. 25 Spotlight: Cultural House……………….. 26 Campus Facilities & Layout……………. 27 Mandela Day……………...........……..………..
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Letter from the President I would like to congratulate you on taking the first step toward new possibilities at Mandela University. Our curriculum and philosophy are unique because civic engagement and human understanding are at the forefront of all that we do. Our students are not only passionate about their personal intellectual pursuits— they are also passionate about the well-being of others and the future of our world. Mandela University was built upon the ideals of Nelson Mandela, a civil rights activist and world leader. The 1993 Nobel Peace Prize winner and icon of global peacemaking in light of his anti-Apartheid work, Nelson Mandela is an inspiration to our students, faculty, and staff(1). Furthermore, Mandela demonstrates a commitment to the pursuit of education and ensuring access to high-quality education by all people. As such, our MU owls engage in a high-caliber academic curriculum that allows for collaboration and innovative problem-solving. We empower our students to actively participate in their learning by engaging in and out of the classroom, and challenge our students to take on leadership opportunities that will connect their academic learning to real-world issues. At MU, we educate the whole student with a three-pronged approach that encourages students to learn, lead, and serve(2). As you review these pages, you will find a wealth of details about our academic curriculum and the various opportunities you may have here at Mandela University. I encourage you to consider how 4 years at MU could change your life for the better and provide you the necessary tools to make a positive impact in the lives of others for years to come. If you choose to become an MU owl, you will be joining a family of academic civic servants that will welcome you and empower you to spread your wings and soar. With MU pride,
Dr. Ashok Rao President, Mandela University
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History and Mission "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to Nelson Mandela: His Long Walk Freedom -Nelson Mandela change thetoworld.” (1)
Rolihlahla Mandela was born in 1918 in a tiny village in South Africa. He was the first in his family to attend school, and under the bias of the British educational system in South Africa, his teacher decided his new first name would be “Nelson”. Mandela’s father died when he Was 9 years old, and he was adopted by a Thembu tribal Chief. As a member of a royal Thembu family, Mandela attended a mission school and eventually enrolled at the University College of Fort Hare, the only residential institution of higher learning for Black people in South Africa. In his second year at University College of Fort Hare, Mandela was expelled for resigning from a position on the Student Representative Council. After returning home, Mandela became actively involved in the anti-Apartheid movement and joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1942. For 20 years, Mandela directed a campaign of peaceful, non-violent defiance against the South African government and its racist policies. He even founded his own law firm to provide free legal counsel to unrepresented Blacks.
In 1961, Mandela orchestrated a 3-day national workers strike, for which he was arrested and sentenced to 5 years in prison. In 1963 his case was brought again to trial and he was sentenced to life imprisonment for political offenses and sabotage with 10 other ANC leaders. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, 18 of which he spent imprisoned on Robben Island where he received the lowest level of treatment. Mandela was forced to mine limestone for over 13 years on Robben Island, but he also managed to earn a Bachelor of Law through a university program and share his education with some of the less-educated political prisoners. Mandela was released from prison in 1990, and a year later he was elected president of the ANC. In his presidency, he negotiated toward South Africa’s first multi-racial elections. In 1994, the negotiations were accepted and South Africa held its first democratic election. During this election and at the age of 77, Mandela was inaugurated as the country’s first Black President. In 1994, Mandela also published the autobiography he wrote in prison, titled Long Walk to Freedom. During his presidency, Mandela worked to protect South Africa’s economy from collapse and officially developed South Africa’s government. He also created a Reconstruction Development Plan to guarantee the rights of minorities and eliminate oppression. Mandela retired from his presidency in 1999, and has since published several books and raises money for his Mandela Foundation to build schools and clinics in rural South Africa.
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Mission Statement Mandela University is committed to providing students a paramount liberal education that integrates collaborative, experiential learning with opportunities for civic engagement, global exploration, and personal inquiry. We strive to educate those who have a selfless passion for society, and want to empower students to engage in life-long learning and lead principled lives of purpose(3, 4, 5).
History
In 1924, Leicester College was founded in Leicester, NY, a beautiful wooded and rural area. about 40 minutes from urban Rochester, NY. Leicester College was founded as a liberal arts institution to provide increased access to urban youth from the neighboring cities of Rochester and Syracuse. In the 1960s and 1970s, the majority of students at Leicester College became involved in activism campaigns regarding anti-War efforts, and some students became highly vocal speaking against the Apartheid in South Africa. With the guidance of one professor, Xanthe Matychak, six students traveled to South Africa to assist in the anti-Apartheid efforts. Three of these students died while protesting with the ANC. It became evident to the administration of Leiceister College that the student dynamic of the institution was quite unique with their passion and dedicated toward global, civic action. Therefore, in 1992 Leicester College adopted the name Mandela University to commemorate the unparalleled activism of Nelson Mandela. For the last 20 years, Mandela University has proudly served as an institution for higher learning committed to blending a liberal education with values for civic engagement and leadership.
Our Philosophy to Achieve our Mission: At MU, we believe that simply having a written mission statement is not enough. To ensure that our mission is not just espoused, but also enacted each and every day, we have developed the following philosophical pillars to ensure the tenants of our mission are understood and actionable by all MU students, faculty, and staff (6).
Learn. Students will engage in a vigorous curriculum to learn about themselves, their academic fields of study, and 3 core areas of inquiry: human understanding, civic responsibility, and arts of expression. Learning happens both in and out of the classroom through interdisciplinary, experiential opportunities.
Lead.
Serve.
John F. Kennedy stated, “Learning and leadership are indispensible to each other�. Likewise, we strive to provide our learners the necessary tools and experiences to develop leadership skills so they can achieve their personal and professional goals in the workplace, community, and society.
As demonstrated by the life of Nelson Mandela, every person has a civic responsibility to one another. Therefore, our learners will engage in opportunities to serve in the campus, local, and global communities and make contributions to society that align with their individual areas of passion.
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Core Values "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to Respect forthe one world.� another -Nelson Mandela change In addition to our learn, lead, serve philosophy, we have 5 core values that guide the work of our students, faculty, and staff. (7)
All members of our campus community expect and give respect to one another at all times. Everyone is on their own learning path, and it is our responsibility as members of the MU family to value differing opinions, lifestyles, and cultures.
Open-mindedness The MU campus is comprised of diverse individuals with varying cultures and opinions. We intentionally encourage individuals to step outside their comfort zone and interact with diverse others to challenge their frame of mind. Open-mindedness is essential for success.
Exploration, inquiry, and creativity(7) We challenge all community members to explore, inquire, and utilize creativity in and out of the classroom. Challenge the process, deliberate the implications of conflicting points of view, and develop creative solutions to problems.
Collaboration(7) and service At MU we believe that many minds working together can produce better results than one mind alone. Therefore, we encourage collaboration and teamwork in all that we do. Collaboration and concern for the work of others is the first step to living a life of service.
Pursuit of excellence(7) Members of the MU family are life-long learners who value diligence, hard work, and acquisition of knowledge to fuel the future. MU owls pursue excellence in all that they do academically, professionally, and through service around the globe.
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Outcomes of an MU Education Outcomes
Description
Personal Self-discovery
MU students come in at varying levels of self-understanding. We believe that understanding oneself is a necessary prerequisite to understanding others. Therefore, students will discover themselves at MU and develop personally, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
Empowered Learning
At the core of the MU curriculum is the individual drive to learn and grow during college. Therefore, we empower our students with necessary tools and skills to engage in a higher level of learning that requires students to integrate knowledge and skills. Our students are also committed to life-long inquiry and have a burning desire to learn, develop, and share knowledge.
Human and Intercultural Understanding
To live in our diverse and ever-changing world, MU students have knowledge and awareness of diverse others, develop the ability to maintain intercultural relationships, and can adapt to new environments. Our students are culturally savvy, have respect for others, engage in intercultural dialogues, and understand the constructs of power, privilege, and oppression from a national and global context.
Civic Responsibility
MU students are responsible learners who have a sense of personal responsibility for the health and condition of our society, promoting social justice, and making ethical decisions in their personal and professional lives. Our students understand their capacity to contribute to the world around them and engage in service activities that align with their passion areas
Vocational and Subject Matter Learning
We would be doing our students a disservice if we did not provide them the necessary subject matter knowledge and vocational abilities to be successful in their choice of future career. As such, MU students will gain an exemplary education in their field of study that will prepare them for success in their desired field of study.
Critical and Creative Thinking
MU students do not just absorb knowledge that is lectured to them. Instead, our students interrogate the information they read and learn, and use critical, exploratory, and synthetic thinking to analyze knowledge, develop a deeper understanding, and generate their own perspectives. Our students also create their own knowledge and utilize creative and innovative techniques in assignments and projects.
Effective Communication
Written and oral communication are necessary for success in all areas of life. Our students understand the importance of effective communication and develop exemplary skills to express their perspectives, thoughts, and knowledge through a variety of communication vehicles. Written and oral assignments are incorporated across the curriculum to ensure students continuously utilize and improve upon their communication skills.
(8,9,10,11,12)
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At a Glance
(13,14)
Student Demographics
Fast Facts •Private •4-year •Liberal Arts •2,480 students (expected fall 2012) •2-year residency requirement for undergraduates •Coeducational •Located in Leicester, NY which is a rural town about 40 minutes east of Rochester and west of Syracuse
•90% full-time enrollment •84% undergraduate students, 16% graduate students •53% women, 46% men, 1% transgender •22% of the U.S. student body are students of color •12% International students •We have students currently enrolled from 46 U.S. states and 28 countries •42% of applicants were admitted for the fall of 2011 •Of those, 62% were ranked in the top 10% of their graduating high school class
Academics & Involvement •Student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1 •Average class size is 18 students •40 majors and 17 minors offered •More than 800 courses offered each academic year •60% of students study abroad •93% participate in service activities •Graduation rate: 92% •Freshman to sophomore retention rate was 92% for 2011-2012 academic year
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“EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON WHICH YOU CAN USE TO CHANGE THE WORLD.” -NELSON MANDELA 8
The Academic Experience The Undergraduate Curriculum
(15, 16, 17)
The curriculum at Mandela University incorporates the field of study (Major) curriculum requirements with a Liberal Education Curriculum (LEC). Under the Liberal Education Curriculum, students are required to take courses that fulfill 7 areas of inquiry that are separate from courses within their Major. Details of this curriculum are outlined below.
The Liberal Education Curriculum: LEC The 7 areas of inquiry, with their academic requirements are outlined below.
Area 1: Civic Engagement(18) To achieve the civic responsibility outcome, students take 2 semesters (8 credit hours) of Civic Engagement (CE) courses, which represent a comprehensive engagement in interdependent working relationships with others to meet needs in a community. It involves forethought, preparation, consistent committed action, and continuing reflection. Each civic engagement course is designed to engage students in 40 hours of service learning: exploring, identifying, researching, and probing the root to inspired action within the self in relation to others through assigned reading, discussion, journaling, and reflective papers. Each student will create and engage in a service learning project over the course of the semester. There are 8 different CE courses offered, which include: • General Civic Engagement • CE Disaster Relief • CE Urban Youth
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Area 2: Critical and Synthetic Thinking To achieve the critical and creative thinking outcome, students take 8 credit hours of Critical and Synthetic Thinking (CST) courses. These courses challenge students to analyze and interrogate information, debate and develop arguments, synthesize facts and make recommendations for action, and deliver arguments in written and oral formats. CST course offerings include: • Introduction to Debate • Extreme Islam • The Education Dilemma • Advanced Argument Construction
Area 3: Writing To achieve the effective communication outcome, students take 12 credit hours of Writing Courses. In the first year, all MU students take Writing Seminar. In Writing Seminar, students practice different formats of writing and work with the instructor to develop personalized action plans for developing their writing throughout their time at MU. After taking Writing Seminar, students take 8 credit hours of Writing courses, which include: • Poetry and Imagery in Writing • Fiction, Voice, and Narration • Oral and Written Expression(12)
Area 4: Intercultural Understanding To achieve the human and intercultural understanding outcome, students take 12 credit hours of Intercultural Understanding (IU) courses. These courses expose students to diverse viewpoints and allow for exploration of their own cultures and identities as well as those that are different and unknown.
Every MU student takes Intercultural Bravery(19), a course that challenges students to explore their own identities, have difficult dialogues around diversity, and explore their own stereotypes and perceptions of others. After Intercultural Bravery, students can choose from the a variety of IU courses, including: • Privilege, Power, and Difference(20) • Colorblindness: Understanding Race Dynamics in the U.S. • Cultural Anthropology • International Human Rights • Independent Study Abroad* • [J] Term trips* *Please see pages 14-16 for more details
Area 5: Second Language(15) All MU students must demonstrate proficiency in a second language by completing 4 semesters (16 credit hours) of coursework in a second language of the students’ choice. Understanding of a second language can be a competitive advantage during job search, allows for increased dialogue with diverse others, and can help sharpen one’s cognitive skills.
Popular second language options include Spanish, French, American Sign Language, German, Japanese, Latin, and Arabic.
Area 6: Social and Natural Sciences As part of the liberal education, students should explore areas of the social and natural sciences that are unrelated to their academic major. As such, students take 12 credit hours of courses in the Social and Natural Sciences (SNS). Students must take at lease one course in Social Sciences and one course in Natural Sciences, and the third course can be in whichever the student prefers. The variety of SNS course options include: • Astronomy • Biology • Anthropology • Chemistry • Psychology • Geology • Sociology • Mathematics • Political Science • Economics • Linguistics • Physics
Area 7: Personal Wellness At MU, we care about the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health and wellness of our students. Therefore, students are required to take one Physical Wellness (PW) course and one Emotional, Spiritual, and Mental Wellness (ESMW) course. Each course is 1 credit hour. PW courses include: • Sports courses such as Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball, & Ultimate Frisbee • Rock Climbing • Massage Therapy • Ballroom Dancing • Swimming ESMW courses include: • Exploring Spirituality • Meditation and Yoga • Sexuality and Safety • Stress Management • Body Image and Food
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Summary of the Liberal Education Curriculum Civic Engagement courses (8 credit hours)
+ Critical and Synthetic Thinking courses (8 credit hours)
+ Writing courses (12 credit hours)
+ Intercultural Understanding courses (12 credit hours)
+ Second Language courses (16 credit hours)
+
Academic Majors Offered (21,22,23)
Students can attain a Bachelors of Arts in the following Majors: • International Studies • American Studies* • Law, Jurisprudence, • African Studies* & Social Thought • Anthropology* • Linguistics • Art • Mathematics • Biochemistry • Museum Studies • Biology • Music Theory • Chemistry • Nursing • Cognitive Science • Philosophy* • Communication & Media* • Political Science* • Cultural Studies* • Psychology* • Deaf Studies* • Religious Studies • Economics • Social Work • Environmental Chemistry • Sociology* • Environmental Science • Speech Pathology • Geography* • Theatre Performance • Geology* • Urban Studies* • Graphic Design • U.S. Ethnic Studies* • Hispanic Studies* • Vocal Performance • History • Women’s, Gender, & • Humanities and Media Sexuality Studies* • Human Rights* *Also offered as a minor Each major requires 66-84 credit hours of Major Required Courses.
Social and Natural Science courses (12 credit hours)
+ Personal Wellness courses (2 credit hours)
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= 70 LEC Credit Hours
In the First Year‌ First-Year Enrichment Course(8,24) The FYE Course is a 1 credit hour course taken in the first semester to support the transitional needs of each student as they adapt to the academic and social lifestyle of Mandela University. Each course is taught by a professor who is an expert in student transition theory, and each class is no larger than 20 students.. The FYE course focuses on topics including independent thinking and problem solving, ethical decision making, personal and social responsibility, financial literacy, professional networking, and academic fundamentals such as time management, study skills, teamwork, and campus resources.
The Common Reading Experience(8) A Mandela University tradition since 2002, all incoming first-year students are expected to read Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, prior to their first semester. Once a student accept his offer to attend MU, the Orientation Program mails this incoming student a copy of this book. Prior to coming to MU for Fall Orientation, each student is asked to read Long Walk to Freedom and write a guided reflection in response. The purpose of the Common Reading Experience is two-fold. First, it provides students a common ground during their first few days on campus. Second, the book emphasizes the values and mission of Mandela University and acclimates students to our priorities before arrival.
MU eX Program(8,25)
It’s natural to be uncertain of your future. Therefore, students who enter Mandela University as an undecided academic major are enrolled into the Mandela University Exploration (MU eX) program. MU eX participants are assigned an academic advisor who specializes in career counseling and complete Liberal Education Curriculum courses while actively pursuing career exploration and receiving individualized academic advising. MU eX students are expected to declare an academic major by the end of their third semester. Additionally, MU eX students have the opportunity to enroll in a Career Exploration Seminar course, where they identify career goals and interests and develop the self-awareness to help them determine the appropriate academic major.
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The Third & Fourth Year In the third and fourth year, students become engaged in the higher-level required courses for their academic major and often begin to delve into additional professional opportunities. Many of our third and fourth year students obtain summer internships, study abroad, and participate in [J] Term trips. Prior to graduation every student completes a senior capstone project.
Senior Capstone(8) All MU students are required to complete a Senior Capstone project in their final year of coursework before graduation. Each academic major may require the Senior Capstone to be completed in a different format, but typically the Senior Capstone is year-long project that demonstrates mastery of the 7 MU learning outcomes and proficiency in the academic coursework of the student’s Major. Capstone projects are often electronic portfolios documented through a website, blog, or leaflet. Some more unique formats of Capstone projects include thesis research projects and papers, theatrical or vocal performances, and development and implementation of a large-scale project within the community. Student Snapshot! For his Senior Capstone project, Bruce Kynoch, a 22year-old Environmental Science major, collaborated with the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate to design a sustainable (yet affordable) Habitat for Humanity home. Beyond his design work, Bruce also developed a comprehensive year-long fundraising plan to raise the $66,000 needed to finance the home and recruited over 150 volunteers from the MU community to help build.
Internships(8) Many of our students attain summer internships to gain practical, hands-on experience within their field of study. Internships are an opportunity to gain practical skills, apply knowledge to practice, and bolster one’s resume. Each year our students find internships in the U.S. and abroad with the assistance of their academic advisors. These interns return to MU in the fall with invaluable experience to share with their peers and motivation to acquire exceptional knowledge before graduation. Student Snapshot!
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Sandra Arteaga, a 21-year-old Cognitive Science major, presents research at a regional conference that she conducted during an internship with Behavioral Connections in Rochester, NY.
Study Abroad(8) Approximately 60% of Mandela University students participate in Study Abroad opportunities in more than 43 different countries. At Mandela University, we have a dedicated staff within the Study Abroad Office who assist students in navigating the process of acquiring an Independent Study Abroad. These staff members connect students to study abroad opportunities related to their areas of interest, provide guidance during the application process, help locate financial assistance, and ensure travel and accommodations are secured. Students can receive 4-8 credit hours within the Intercultural Understanding (IU) area of inquiry depending on the length of the study abroad assignment and the nature of the activities completed.
Expand Your Horizons
Student Snapshot! Kaity Werner, a 20-year-old International Studies major spent the Spring 2012 semester in Cape Town, South Africa. During her study abroad, she took 2 classes at the University of the Western Cape, explored the South Africa countryside, and volunteered at Bel-Har Primary School.
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[J] Term
Liberal Arts in Practice
What is [J] Term?(26,27) January Term, which we affectionately call [J] Term, is a onemonth educational immersion program that blends the liberal curriculum with unique experiential learning opportunities. During the month of January, students can spend concentrated time studying off campus at either international or domestic locations. Mandela University owls may choose to travel and learn with other owls through a MU course taught by an MU professor, or take a course organized through a consortium of liberal arts colleges(26). Each year, over 300 Mandela University students take part in [J] Term opportunities. Should you choose to participate in [J] term, you have a wide variety of options, including: • Intensive courses in or outside your major • Domestic travel on and off the mainland • International travel to Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Australia Every [J] Term opportunity is a faculty-led course, internship, or directed study. Students can receive 4 credit hours within the Intercultural Understanding (IU) area of inquiry for completing domestic or international course, internship or directed study during [J] Term. Up to 2 [J] Term activities (or 8 credit hours) can contribute to the IU area of inquiry requirements.
Financing [J] Term(26) Quintanilla Family Scholarships support students’ educational travel abroad with generous awards up to $5,000. Financial awards are disbursed to students who demonstrate financial need and make a strong case for the value in their study abroad. These scholarships are available to students of any academic year who are pursuing their experience for academic credit.
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Additional financial aid can be attained through the Center for Campus Life and other scholarships.
[J] Term 2013 Off-Campus Programs Include: (26) • • • • • • • • •
Sustainable Public Policies in Arizona Bahamas: Island Biogeography The Religious Culture of Ancient Egypt Multicultural and Urban Educational Field Experience in Ghana Geology and Natural History of Hawaii South Africa: Change and Challenges Language Immersion in Spain People, Animals, and Plants of Thailand Education, Language, and Culture in Vietnam
Student Snapshot! Jessie Shoemaker, a 22-year old Biology major, spent her last two [J] Terms completing two amazing projects around the world. In January 2011, Jessie traveled to Thailand for the People, Animals, and Plants of Thailand course. While in Thailand, she traversed the northern hills and lived amongst the tribal people. For her course project, Jessie recorded data on growth and other medical statistics of tribal children and implemented various practices to improve the overall health of the tribal people. In January 2012, Jessie traveled to Madagascar for the Biodiversity in Madagascar course. While in Madagascar, she completed a biodiversity survey and analysis in a remote patch of jungle off the Indian Ocean to determine if lemurs could be reintroduced to that environment.
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Student Life Here at Mandela University, we take pride in our vibrant campus community. We encourage all of our students to pursue co-curricular activities outside of the classroom because we believe that students are most successful when they are happy. Research indicates that students perform better academically when they are involved in activities outside their academic field of study(8). Participation in co-curricular activities can help students feel more engaged on campus, have fun, step outside their comfort zone, meet new people, and discover or engage in their passions! But wait, there’s more! Participating in co-curricular activities can facilitate student development of important skills such as team work, communication, confrontation, leadership, and project management. These skills are transferrable to one’s profession and can prepare students with necessary skills for internships and life after graduation!(8)
The MU Student Government is an amazing leadership opportunity…and fun!
MU offers over 12 intramural sports Join one of over 100 student organizations…or start your own!
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Fun Facts: • On average, MU students are active in 2 co-curricular activities each semester. • We do not have any Greek fraternities or sororities at MU because we believe that existence of such organizations would create divisions between and clicks amongst our family of owls. Instead, we find our students are engaged in the MU family as a tight-knit campus community (28). • According to our 2011 NSSE assessment of student engagement, students who participate in at least 1 co-curricular activity during the academic year earn on average one half letter grade higher than their counterpart on final exams.
Dance Marathon is an annual initiative held every spring to raise money for kids with cancer. Last year, over 600 students participated, raising over $58,000 of funds!
Every Saturday, student members of Habitat for Humanity build houses in the local city.
Are you a Guitar Hero? Our students know how to have fun and de-stress during finals week.
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Center for Campus Life "Education is the most powerful (29)
weapon which you can use to change the world.� -Nelson Mandela
What is the Center for Campus Life?(29) Located at the center of campus, the Center for Campus Life is at the heart of Mandela University operations. The CCL provides services and activities to foster the holistic development of students and communities at MU. The Center for Campus Life houses several offices that are integral for ensuring student success and engagement in the MU community.
Center for Campus Life Offices:
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Office of Campus Activities
Office of Multicultural Affairs
Center for Women & Gender
Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement
Office of Disability Services
Center for Religious & Spiritual Life
Student Abroad Office
Center for Student Wellness
The Learning Support Center
Student Government
Supporting Diversity
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -Nelson Mandela
At Mandela University, we welcome students, faculty, and staff of all walks of life. We believe that structural diversity, intellectual diversity, and exposure to various cultures and perspectives is necessary for our students to develop human and intercultural understanding. We also strive to be an inclusive, welcoming, and accommodating university that is respectful of the unique values, lifestyles, and needs of all of our community members. Therefore, we have several offices on campus, located in the Center for Campus Life, that are dedicated to supporting our diverse students(8). Two of our offices dedicated to supporting diverse students are the Center for Women & Gender and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Center for Women & Gender(30,31) The mission of the Center for Women & Gender is to foster an educational environment in which all community members can be personally, academically, and professionally successful without regard to gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We provide resources, support, and advocacy for the individual and collective needs of our women and members of the LGBT community. Specific offerings of the Center for Women & Gender are: • Safe Zone Training • Self Defense Courses • Parenting Courses • LGBT Resource Center • Lavender Graduation
Office of Multicultural Affairs(32,33) The mission of the Office of Multicultural Affairs is to promote an inclusive learning environment and campus community for all students, specifically those from underrepresented populations. The support services we offer enhance human and intercultural understanding, allow for personal self discovery, and foster student engagement with civic leadership, respect, and social justice.
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Office of Multicultural Affairs
“When I first arrived at MU, I entered as an undecided major and was really unsure of what I wanted to get involved in. My Resident Advisor encouraged me to run for the Student Government First-Year Representative. After looking into the position, I decided to give it a shot. I was elected to the position and fell in love with the mission and work of Student Government. Joining this organization sparked my interest in public speaking and politics, which was a turning point for declaring my academic major and finding my passion!” --Josh Stephenson, Second-year Political Science
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“I am a second-year student and the daughter of an immigrant family from Columbia. When I started classes at MU, I was not yet a United States citizen, but I really wanted to become a citizen, get my U.S. driver’s license, and vote in the 2012 Presidential Election. I requested support from the Office of Multicultural Affairs to help me through the legal and administrative components of the process to become a
Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement
U.S. citizen. I am happy to report I now have my U.S. driver’s license and voted in the Presidential Election as a U.S. citizen.” --Giselle De La Rosa, Second-year Psychology
“For the past 2 years, I have been involved in the community as a Big Sister to a 12-year-old student in the city of Rochester through the Urban Mentorship program coordinated by the Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement. Last summer, my Little Sister, Julissa, and I painted this mural outside Julissa’s high school to motivate her peers to continue their education.” --Raji Ward, Third-year Urban Education
Residence Life The Office of Residence Life Life strives to be a premier living-learning community that supports the academic mission of the university by creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for all students. We promote academic success and student development through studentcentered programs, cost-effective facilities, and presence of live-in hall staff who work to develop a respectful community in the hall (38,39).
What do we do?
At Mandela University, we believe that a comfortable, safe, and inclusive living environment will lead to academic success, increased engagement on campus, and student satisfaction (8,34,35,36,37). Pascarella and Terenzini (2005) “concluded that living on campus (versus living off campus or commuting) was the single most consistent within-college determinant of the impact of college” (p. 603).(8)
The Office of Residence Life has 8 Residence Hall Directors and 72 Resident Advisors who live and work in the on-campus residences. Our hall staff do the following to help achieve our mission: • Complete floor and building-wide programs focused on student needs and development • Create bulletin board and informational fliers • Have 1:1 conversations with residents to ensure their experience is going well and provide support • Manage facilities concerns • Complete nightly community walks to ensure safety and security
Astin Hall and Chickering Hall First-year Residences
Make our Nest your Home
Our Mission: The Office of Residence
Why do we have a 2-year residency requirement?
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What types of housing do you offer? At MU, we have 7 residence halls: What are the amenities offered? • Air conditioning • All residence room are furnished--room layouts and furnishings can be view on the Residence Life website • One computer lab in each residence • Free laundry facilities and one common kitchen in each residence • A 24-hour front desk in each of the first-year and second-year residences, which manage an array of items for residents to utilize, such as DVDs, board games, tools, and kitchen supplies • Two gender neutral bathrooms (with shower) in each first-year and second-year residence hall and the LLC cottages How are housing placements assigned? • First-year, incoming residents complete a housing preferencing form online. Housing assignments for first-year students are randomly assigned with respect to individual preferencing requests. • After your first year, students can select their own housing, with seniors making selections first, then juniors, then sophomores. • Students apply to LLCs through a separate online application by interest.
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• 3 first-year halls, which have single rooms & double rooms • 2 second-year halls, which have single rooms & double rooms • 2 upper-class halls, which have double room & suite-style rooms We also have 2 on-campus apartment complexes for upper-class students only. The apartment complexes have 4-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments with kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms.
We have 3 cottages that house our 3 largest livinglearning communities (LLCs).
Where do we eat on campus? There are 3 dining halls located in close proximity to the residences. The Owl’s Nest is an all-you-can-eat dining facility. Mandie’s and Crossroads are both payper-item dining halls that have several stations offering various types of entrees. There is also a Starbucks and several “c-stores” (convenience stores) on campus.
What are Resident Advisors (RAs)? Resident Advisors are student paraprofessionals who live in the residences and are responsible for a community of residents on their floor. RAs are upper-class students who take on a leadership and mentorship role in the hall to ensure their residents are academically successful, engaging in campus, and receiving necessary support. The RA position is a phenomenal leadership development opportunity, and is fun too!
Living-learning Communities "Education is the most powerful What is a living-learning community?
weapon which you can use to change the world.� -Nelson Mandela
Living-learning communities (LLCs) are residential communities that integrate academic and experiential learning activities with the on-campus living experience. At MU, we have 6 LLCs, which are no larger than 40 students each. This allows for LLC residents to develop a tight-knit network of peers with similar interests who live in close proximity to one another and therefore cross paths often. We believe that our living-learning communities increase student engagement and satisfaction as well as provide additional opportunities for support, communication, and development outside the classroom (8,40,41).
These 3 LLCs are located in the cottages
Global Village
Cultural House
This community is for students who have a passion for internationalism, cultural exploration, and study abroad. Residents of Global Village work toward achieving the personal self-discovery and human & intercultural understanding outcomes by engaging in dialogue and experiential activities to explore various cultures and global issues.
The Cultural House is an inclusive, safe space for domestic students of color and allies who are interested in learning from and contributing to a multicultural environment(41). The CHouse strives to be a symbol of connection for people of color at MU and allows for allies to gain critical awareness of intercultural relationships, issues, and opportunities.
Wellness
Servant Leadership House
Students in the Wellness Community share a common interest and passion for maintaining a positive and healthy personal well-being. Members of this community explore techniques for ensuring their whole well-being (spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual) is nurtured. The activities of this community support achievement of personal self-discovery.
Students in this community are passionate about two things: leadership development and civic engagement. Members of this community design and engage in team service projects and explore various leadership theories. This community helps students achieve the empowered learning and civic responsibility outcomes.
Honors
Debate House
The Honors Community supports our highachieving, academically-focused students. Subject matter competence, the pursuit of knowledge, and empowered learning are of value to Honors residents.
Some people don’t like to argue. But, for those that do, the Debate House is a great community! In all seriousness, the Debate House provides ample opportunity for students to develop skills in critical and creative thinking, oral and written communication, and construction of arguments.
A faculty member whose skills and interests align with the focus of each LLC lives within that community.
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Spotlight: Cultural House The Cultural House currently has 36 residents within the community, of which 28 are students of color and 8 are allies. The dynamic of the C-House is progressive, playful, engaging, and respectful. Although not associated with academic credit, the C-House has a curricula of activities that community members are expected to accomplish to continue living in the C-House the following semester. Requirements for C-House Members • Maintain a journal where you regularly reflect on your racial exploration process • Attend bi-weekly house meetings • Attend at least 3 “Difficult Dialogue” and “Racial Identity Development” sessions each semester (43) • Engage in informal cultural conversations with C-House peers • Complete the tasks of your “team” (creating bulletin boards, facilitating a program, planning one of the signature events
Student Snapshot!
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Jamaal Fitzpatrick, a third-year Law, Jurisprudence, & Social Thought major has spent 3 semesters living in the Cultural House. According to Jamaal, “When I first arrived at MU, I was an undeclared major and was very self conscious about my academic ability. By joining the C-House my second semester, I received support from like-minded peers and learned about racial micro-aggressions. I have since found a peer mentor within the C-House who has helped me unpack my racial identity. Today, I now have a 3.5 GPA and am confident in my academic abilities!”
Campus Facilities & Layout Living on campus also provides easy access to all of the facilities and resources Mandela University has to offer.
Not familiar with the campus layout? Imagine that the layout of the MU campus was designed in concentric circles. At the center are the 3 core buildings that are utilized by students for academic success, personal well-being, campus involvement, and support during their time at MU. These buildings are the Clark Library, the Center for Campus Life, and the Wellness Center. In the circle surrounding this core are the academic buildings where classes are held and faculty offices are located. In the outer circle on the edge of campus are two layers of residences, which includes the 7 residence halls, 2 apartment complexes, 3 living-learning community cottages, and major dining facilities.
Wellness Center Houses the recreation center, health center, pharmacy, and counseling center
Campus Center Academic Buildings Residences
Center for Campus Life
Clark Library
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“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” -NELSON MANDELA Service Spotlight International Mandela Day is a recognized day of service that occurs ever year since Mandela’s 90th birthday in 2008. Every year on Mandela’s birthday, July 18th, individuals across the globe donate 67 minutes to service in the community. The Mandela Day platform is simple and inspiring: Mandela gave 67 years of his life to fight selflessly for the rights of humanity. Therefore, MU students join together every year on July 18th to complete service in honor of our university’s namesake—Mandela. Although Mandela Day falls during our summer break where students are often away on internship, studying abroad, or participating in other opportunities, MU owls make time to serve humanity on this special day. At MU we have a comprehensive Mandela Day blog and service registry where MU students, faculty, and staff can register their individual or group service projects, share photos, and write reflections on their Mandela Day service regardless of where their summer is being spent. In 2011, we had over 1,600 MU students, faculty, and staff register their Mandela Day service activities—which accounts for 107,200 minutes of service!
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MANDELA UNIVERSITY
LEARN. LEAD. SERVE.
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Admissions Office Mandela University 1 Mandela Drive Leicester, NY, 14623 Phone: 585-344-0270 Fax: 518-344-1882 Email: admissions@mandelau.edu For application, scholarship, and financial aid information, visit our website at www. mandelau.edu/admissions
References