Santa Clara University

Campus Life

Santa Clara students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities as part of their total development. The primary educational objective in supporting student activities and organizations is to foster a community that is enriched by men and women of diverse backgrounds, wherein freedom of inquiry and expression enjoys high priority. The following sections describe various aspects of student life and services.

CAMPUS MINISTRY

Campus Ministry strives to be a leaven within the University community so that the Living God may be present to all people: students, staff, faculty, and alumni. In keeping with the Jesuit tradition of developing the whole person, and with the ideal that all of us be people for others, Campus Ministry seeks to facilitate growth in individuals and the community by its presence, programs, and services. To attain this vision, Campus Ministry offers the University community a variety of programs: liturgies and other sacramental celebrations, retreats, counseling and spiritual direction, educational forums, interfaith sharing, and Bible studies. Campus Ministry collaborates with all segments of the community in the planning and execution of its programs.

The Campus Ministry staff reflects the reality of the Church today: a team of women and men—lay, religious, and priests—who collaborate with student interns and all segments of the community in the planning and execution of our programs.

In all of this, Campus Ministry is guided by the words of the prophet Micah: “This is what the Lord asks of you, only this: to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.”

STUDENT MEDIA

KSCU  The mission of KSCU is to provide hands-on radio broadcasting experience to students and community members. The staff of KSCU operates all aspects of an FM radio station in accordance with SCU’s mission and goals, and Federal Communications Commission regulations. KSCU provides a wide range of leadership opportunities in a variety of areas, including music, budgeting, fund-raising, promotions, management, and sports broadcasting.

The Redwood SCU’s yearbook, The Redwood, published its 103rd edition in the 2006–07 academic year. It strives to maintain proper journalistic guidelines while producing an accurate and quality book for the University community. Entirely student run, with the aid of a faculty advisor, The Redwood offers paid and volunteer positions in writing, design, and photography. Students at-large are encouraged to participate by contributing to the yearbook.

Santa Clara Review The Santa Clara Review is a student-edited literary magazine that publishes poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and art. Drawing on submissions from SCU students, faculty, staff, and writers outside of SCU, the magazine is published biannually. The Santa Clara Review is committed to the development of student literary talent, in both editorial knowledge and creative writing skills. Founded in 1869, the Santa Clara Review is a standing symbol of SCU’s commitment to the humanities, a central tenant of Jesuit education.

The Santa Clara The Santa Clara serves as an informative and entertaining newspaper. It is led by an editor in chief, who is supported by a managing editor, four section editors, and other writers and editors in the editorial department. A business manager and ad manager head up a complete business staff. The newspaper also has production, graphics, and photography staffs.

STUDENT RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Listed below are some of the many service centers established to meet the needs of students. Each center provides a variety of programs to encourage personal growth.

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center, located in the Benson Center, offers free professional counseling to all undergraduate and graduate students. Confidential psychological counseling in a supportive atmosphere is designed to help students develop greater self-understanding and become more personally effective. Some of the concerns that students discuss with counselors include stress, depression, sexuality, academic motivation, individual identity, family, friendship, and love relationships. The special issues of minority and international students are recognized. In addition to individual, couples, and family counseling, the center frequently offers small groups and workshops on topics of general interest.

Students in crisis or with urgent needs can usually be seen the same day when the center is open. Counseling hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some evenings by appointment. Regular appointments are made through the receptionist by calling 408-554-4172. Students can usually be seen within one week. There are times when the Counseling Center has a waiting list and students are advised about community services.

Student Health Services

Cowell Student Health Service is located in the Cowell Center on campus near the tennis courts. All students may see the Health Services medical staff by appointment while the University is in session. Students may call 408-554-4501 for hours of service and to schedule an appointment.

Graduate students who choose to use the Health Center must pay a health fee of $90 per quarter to be seen at the Health Center with no office visit charge. There may be a charge for laboratory tests and medicines. The Health Center is staffed with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and medical assistants who care for a variety of illnesses and injuries.
The Health Center hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., during the time undergraduates are in session. Call the Health Center for updated hours and information. The center is closed during the summer.

All international graduate students must carry health insurance, either their own personal plan or the University-sponsored plan. Graduate students who want to purchase the University health insurance must also pay the $90 per quarter health fee. Please call the insurance coordinator at 408-554-2379 for further information.

Center for Multicultural Learning

The Center for Multicultural Learning advances multicultural education and works toward improving the climate of diversity for all students, faculty, and staff. The center fosters and supports partnerships among University constituencies, including students, administration, faculty, staff, alumni, families, external communities, and the business and professional community. Within the University, partnerships with underrepresented students assist them to reach their full potential as learners and to integrate their academic work with their lives outside the classroom.

Partnerships with faculty and staff attempt to provide a fully integrated educational experience for all students. Partnerships with the external community help underrepresented students prepare for college and support the University’s efforts to educate all students about diversity issues in society, business, government, and for life in a global society.