Student Services and Programs
A variety of student services and programs in the Student Affairs area serve the needs and interests of all students enrolled at Benedict through the cooperation of the administration, faculty, staff, and the following positions: Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students, Campus Police, Food Services, Religious Services, Counseling and Self-Development Services, Student Activities, and Student Health Services.
Residential Life
The college-housing program sets the stage for student learning by providing a living environment that is conducive to academic pursuits, personal growth and the development of friendships within each residence area. Because the living experience is an integral part of the educational process, all students except local commuters live in campus housing and participate in a college meal plan at the College. The campus facilities house approximately 1,627 full-time students. Each residence area is generally supervised by the Dean of Students, Residential Life Coordinators, Residential Life Assistants, and a team of Residential Advisors.
Students should request room reservations as soon as they are accepted for admission to the College. With the request, they must also send a room reservation fee of $100.00 online through the Tiger Portal, College website, money order, or cashier’s check made payable to Benedict College, 1600 Harden Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204. The room reservation fee is non-refundable. Continuing students are required to request housing each academic year.
Procedures and deadlines for requesting housing are communicated to continuing students.
Applications for summer housing must be filed before April 15th. For fall semester, housing applications should be filed before June 30th.
On-campus housing is provided to all eligible students on a first come first served basis. On- campus housing is provided in single-sex residence halls. Each student in on-campus housing must have a Housing Application and a signed Residence Hall Agreement on file in the Office of Residential Life. Students with special health needs are expected to report their specific housing requirements to the Dean of Students in a timely manner via the Housing Application or the College Nurse.
All Residence Halls have computer laboratories for the students to use.
Students are liable for any damage that they cause to the College’s property and will be required to pay for replacement or restoration costs. Residents who damage or vandalize housing facilities can expect disciplinary action. If damage occurs within a common area, and a staff member is unable to identify the individuals responsible for damages, all residents within that common area will be subject to damage charges. The Office of Residential Life is located on the 1st floor of Mather Hall and can be reached at (803) 705-4381.
The Office of Counseling and Self-Development Services
The Office of Counseling and Self-Development Services provides a broad range of quality programs to assist students at the college. All the services reflect our strong commitment to the individual needs of students enrolled in Benedict College. To accomplish its mission, Counseling and Self-Development has a well-developed set of goals that are consistent with the College’s mission.
The Director of Counseling and Self-Development Services provides behavioral health treatment for students, including short-term psychotherapy, group counseling, and crisis intervention. We also provide extensive outreach to students. The Director assists students with not only the normative developmental issues that one might anticipate in a college counseling setting (i.e., intimate relationships, individuation, cultural adjustment, and identify development) but also with more serious or longstanding struggles (i.e., major depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis). Our clients are diverse in terms of their sexual/affectional orientations, ethnicities, ages, genders, religions, socio-economic statuses, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. The Office of Counseling and Self-Development is located on the second floor of the Benedict College Student Health Center at 2315 Laurel Street and can be reached at (803) 705-4741.
Student Health Services
Benedict College provides a Student Health service which includes, a Health Center staffed by experienced nurse and an emergency treatment arrangement with appropriate referrals to local medical facilities as needed. Benedict College provides quality and confidential health services to our students, promote healthy lifestyles through health prevention activities, establish partnerships with other health organizations to assist in providing services and to assist students with chronic medical conditions to manage their illness with their lifestyles and promote self-sufficiency whenever possible. Triage services are provided at no cost to students except for physical examinations and some vaccinations. A brochure detailing medical services provided can be obtained from Residence Hall Directors, the Health Center, the Office of Student Affairs or the Office of Residential Life. Student Health Services is located at 2315 Laurel Street and can be reached at (803) 705-4719.
Student Activities
The Student Activities Department is responsible for planning and coordinating co-curricular activities to meet the needs of students for relaxation and enjoyment during their leisure hours. The Office of Student Activities provides a broad-based program of educational, social, cultural, spiritual and recreational programs and activities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests on campus. Programs provide out-of-class informal and formal learning opportunities that complement a curricular environment.
Students who wish to participate in activities, join an organization, pursue special interests, or assist in the planning of campus events should contact the Student Activities Coordinators or an officer or adviser of the respective organization. For additional information, see the Student Activities Handbook. The Office of Student Activities is located at 1616 Oak Street on the first floor of the David H. Swinton Campus Center and can be reached at (803) 705-4408.
The Student Government Association
The Student Government Association provides excellent opportunities for students to practice and experience the democratic process. Through the Student Government Association (SGA), many students assume leadership roles while helping to make decisions and write policies relevant to student life at Benedict College, academic regulations, and general administration of the College. The Student Government Association is a unifying force for the student body and provides streamlined communication among students, faculty, staff, and administration. The Office of the Student Government Association is located on the 2nd floor of the David H. Swinton Center and can be reached at (803) 705-4408.
Clubs, Organizations, Fraternities, and Sororities
Benedict College is a community that offers a variety of co-curricular activities and opportunities to participate in over 50 clubs and organizations that will allow students to develop and cultivate lifelong skills and friendships. This includes Greek fraternities and sororities, Greek-letter professional and service organizations, community service groups, leadership organizations, academic and honor societies, performance groups, and international and religious-based organizations. Co-curricular activities and opportunities are open to all Benedict College students in good standing.
Student Governance and Classes
Student Government Association (SGA)
Freshman Class
Sophomore Class
Junior Class
Senior Class
Honor Societies and Academic Clubs
Alpha Chi National College Honor Society
Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society
Art Club
Association of Continuing Education Students (ACES)
Beta Kappa Chi Science Honor Society
Criminal Justice Club
Delta Mu Delta Honor Society
Economics Awareness Club
English Club
Foreign Language Organization
Honda Campus All Star Challenge (HCASC)
Honors Student Association
HPER Club
National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS)
National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society
Pre-Health Club
Psychology Club
Recreation Club
Science and Mathematics Club
Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society
Social Work Club
Performing Groups
Concert Band/Wind Ensemble
Concert Choir
Gospel Choir
Marching Tigers Band of Distinction
Pep Band
Theatre Ensemble
Shared Interest/Social Organizations
NAACP Chapter 5950
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
National Association of Aspiring Black Psychologists (NAABP)
National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)
National Association of Black Engineers (NABE)
National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW)
National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ)
National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW)
National Political Science Honor Society (NPSHS)
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
Pre-Alumni Council
South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children (SCAEYC)
South Carolina Education Association (SCEA)
Student Recreation Association
T. L. Duckett Student SC Education Association
Fraternities and Sororities (NPHC)
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Gamma Pi Chapter
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Psi Chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Gamma Mu Chapter
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Epsilon Epsilon Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Gamma Upsilon Chapter
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Gamma Lambda Gamma Chapter
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Kappa Beta Chapter
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Beta Epsilon Chapter
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., Theta Kappa Chapter
Other Clubs/Organizations
Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, Inc.
Buzz Mass communication
Brothers In Unity
Cheer Phi
Choices Alcohol Education: Tiger Stripes Leadership Team
Collegiate 100
F.E.M.A.L.E.S.
Fluffy Girl Fitness
Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Inc.
I AM BENEDICT
Benedict College Ambassadors
International Student Association
Kappa Beta Theta
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc.
M.A.L.E.S.
Midnight Golf Program Alumni Association
Peer Education Program (PEP)
Phi Beta Lambda Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Xi Chapter
Phi Iota Phi Dance Fraternity Inc.
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Xi Beta Chapter
Residence Hall Association (RHA)
Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
Robotics Club
Sister Act
Striped Couture
Student Activities Planning Group
Student Athletes’ Advisory Committee
Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Inc.
Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc.
The Tiger’s Den
Tiger News
Campus Police
In any large organization, there is always a concern for safety regulations, guidelines, and policies that are designed to protect and assist the users of this diverse community. The Department of Campus Police is comprised of sworn state-certified police officers, dispatchers, and administrators. The officers are professional and courteous while addressing the law enforcement and security needs of Benedict College and the surrounding communities bordering the College’s property. The department is also responsible for enforcing parking rules and regulations on campus. A parking pamphlet is published on the Benedict College website under the Campus Police page and distributed annually to the students, faculty and staff at Benedict College. The pamphlet thoroughly outlines the regulations designed to accommodate and assist as many persons as possible with limited parking on campus. In addition, a Rights-to-Know booklet and Personal Safety Tips booklets are published annually. Both publications are available to students, faculty, staff and visitors. The Campus Police Department is located on 2400 Haskell Avenue and can be reached at (803) 253-5400.
Religious Services
Benedict College was funded through the faith of the American Baptist Women’s Missionary Society. The institution was developed to train newly freed slaves to become ministers and teachers. The Religious Services Department is committed to being the best of its kind - a multi-dimensional spiritual and moral resource for students, faculty, staff and community. It will ensure an opportunity for students to comprehensively address their spiritual development.
The Campus Minister’s position provides pastoral care to students and encourages spiritual and moral growth; plans and directs faith-based programs and activities; promotes the Baptist Colleges’ vision and identity.
The department’s greatest priority is to prepare Benedict College students to be knowledgeable, effective, and innovative professional and lay leaders in religious institutions. It also upholds the fine tradition and mandate for the College to put God first in all its services and activities. All are invited to share in the religious Services Department’s efforts to emphasize moral and ethical development on campus, to provide an environment and activities for spiritual development, and to play its part in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Sunday Worship, Bible Studies, Prayer and Fellowship Activities. In addition, all students are encouraged to join Brothers and Sisters in Christ (BASIC), a dynamic campus Christian organization for students. The Religious Services Department is located in the Administration Building Suite 103 and can be reached at (803) 705-4373.
Student Services and Programs
- Sunday Worship
Services are held in Antisdel Chapel on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. during the fall and spring semesters, Students and staff volunteer to usher and help lead worship. Guest preachers from South Carolina and the nation are also brought in to speak occasionally.
- Bible Studies and Prayer Services
Bible studies are held weekly in the residential life facilities and in other designated locations. Prayer Service is held weekly. However, the chapel is a sacred place that may be used throughout the week by students who wish to pray, read or just sit quietly.
- Guidance
The Campus Minister is available to work with students whose issues and concerns seem too large for them to handle. Appointments may be scheduled, along with meetings or crisis intervention. The campus minister is on call day and night.
- Chapel Choir
Interested persons must become a member of Brothers and Sisters in Christ and ask to serve on the Chapel Choir, dedicating about five hours a week for rehearsals and services. No auditions are required. The Choir sings hymns, spirituals, and traditional gospel music.
- Fellowship
Student religious organizations include Brothers and Sisters in Christ (BASIC), the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and the Muslim Student Association (MSA). Each group offers fellow students engaging activities that reflect their faith.
Student Grievance Committee
Benedict College recognizes the importance of providing a prompt and efficient procedure for the resolution of a student grievance. The Student Grievance Committee was established to resolve grievances in a fair and equitable manner. A grievance is a complaint arising out of any alleged unauthorized or unjustified act or decision by a member of the College community that in any way adversely affects the status, rights or privileges of any student. A student must seek redress within 90 days of the alleged grievance. The burden of proof rests with the person making the complaint.
Any student alleging violation of rights based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, national origin, ethnicity, gender, veteran’s status, or marital status shall contact the Office of Student Affairs. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall designate the appropriate College officer to investigate the allegations. The Human Resources Officer shall investigate all cases alleging discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, veteran’s status or marital status. The Title IX Coordinator shall investigate all cases alleging discrimination based on gender. The Coordinator of Disability shall investigate all cases of alleged discrimination based on physical or mental disability.
Disciplinary Suspension
The College will not accept transfer credits for courses taken at another college during the period in which a student is on disciplinary suspension.
Office of Information Technology Services
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is under the direction of the Chief Information Officer (CIO). The aim of the CIO is to lead the Benedict College community in the strategic pursuit of highly effective information systems, resources and services with the goal of enhancing the digital environment and experience for students, employees, alumni, guests, and other constituents. The Office of Information Technology department is charged with the following responsibilities:
- Provide campus networking, computer equipment and software for interdepartmental computing needs such as email, Internet access, and integrated databases.
- Assist employees in planning, selecting, and acquiring hardware and software in appropriate cycles.
- Install and maintain publicly accessible computing facilities.
- Provide campus telecommunications equipment and support.
- Provide campus audio/visual equipment and support.
- Provide user training, in coordination with the Human Resources Department for professional staff and faculty in coordination with the Dean of Instructional Technology.
- Provide all user upgrades to any supported operating system and software.
- Partner with departments to ensure that all users have access to, trained and are capable of navigating the standard College software suite. (email, internet browser etc.)
- Customize and install purchased applications in partnership with departments and units across the campus.
- Collaborate with academic department heads on the most effective non-instructional software selection and acquisition.
Athletics
The Intercollegiate Athletic Program at Benedict College is governed by the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. The athletic program sponsors fifteen intercollegiate sports teams. The male teams include basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field and cross country. The female teams include basketball, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field and cross-country. Student athletes must be in good academic standing to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Student athletes must apply for regular financial aid before athletic scholarships are awarded.
Student-athletes who are placed on academic probation will matriculate according to the College’s academic probationary guidelines. Students who remain on academic probation will not be eligible to receive scholarship funding for the next academic year. Student-athletes may attend summer sessions to attempt to improve academic status at which time eligibility will be reviewed.
Students participating in club sports must adhere to the same institutional guidelines for extracurricular activities. Club sports include football, basketball, and soccer.
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