Nov 08, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2020-2021 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

General Information



Summary

  1. Belmont University is a senior, co-educational university located in Nashville, Tennessee.
  2. Belmont University grants eight undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), the Bachelor of Music (B.M.), the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Science in Public Health (B.S.P.H.), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), and Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.).
  3. Majors, Concentrations and minors are offered in: Undergraduate Programs  
  4. Graduate degrees offered are the M.A., M.ACC., M.B.A., M.Ed., M.A.T., M.M., M.S.A., M.S.N., M.S.O.T., O.T.D., D.P.T., Pharm. D., J.D., and D.N.P..  Graduate programs are offered in: Graduate Programs
  5. Admissions to Belmont
  6. Cost of Attendance  
  7. Graduation requirements

An academic average of “C” on all Belmont University work attempted is required for graduation.

Accreditation

Belmont University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Belmont University.

Belmont University offers degrees in a wide range of subjects. Students seeking baccalaureate degrees may choose from over 100 major areas and 85 minor areas. Preprofessional programs are offered in dentistry, engineering, imaging technology, medicine, optometry, law, pharmacy, medical technology, and theology.

Undergraduate degrees granted by Belmont University include: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Science in Public Health (B.S.P.H.), Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) and Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.). Belmont also offers masters degrees in Accountancy (M.ACC.), Business Administration (M.B.A.), Education (M.Ed.) (M.A.T.), English and Mental Health Counseling (M.A.), Music (M.M.), Audio Engineering (M.S.), Nursing (M.S.N.), Sport Administration (M.S.A.), and doctoral degrees in Physical Therapy (D.P.T.), Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.), Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Law (J.D.), and Nursing (D.N.P.).

Affiliations and Standards

FERPA (Family Education and Privacy Act)

http://www.belmont.edu/registrar/FERPA.html

Tennessee Independent College and University Association (TICUA)

Belmont University is a member of TICUA. http://www.ticua.org/

For complaints not resolved through the processes established throughout Belmont University please see: http://www.ticua.org/about/complaint

Faculty

A highly competent faculty is the paramount attribute of a strong institution of higher education. Educational policies of the institution are established by the faculty. It determines entrance requirements for students, prescribes and defines courses of study, establishes requirements for degrees, determines rules for academic guidance of students, and recommends for degrees those students who have completed prescribed courses of study.

Belmont University has a well-educated faculty who are dedicated to their profession and to the university. Belmont University has a well-educated faculty who are dedicated to their profession and to the university. Of the 340 full-time faculty members, 88% percent hold terminal degrees.

The influence of the Belmont University faculty is felt beyond the campus. Faculty members are active in church, civic, professional, and academic associations; frequently speak to various groups; and often write for denominational and secular publications. Most faculty members have traveled extensively and many have experienced life in other sections of the United States and in foreign countries.

Instructor of Record - The instructor of record is determined by individual responsibilities within a specific course. The instructor of record:

  • has overall responsibility for the course, including:
    • design and implementation of the course
    • ongoing instruction and day-to-day delivery of the course
    • submission of the final grades according to deadlines established by the Office of the Registrar
    • student complaints and grievances associated with the course will be evaluated by students in the course and by the academic department offering the course according to University policy and procedure for teaching evaluation

 

Belmont University Mission, Vision and Values

  1. Vision:

    To be a leader among teaching universities, bringing together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service.
     
  2. Mission Statement:
    • Belmont University is a student-centered Christian community providing an academically challenging education that empowers men and women of diverse backgrounds to engage and transform the world with disciplined intelligence, compassion, courage and faith.
    • Belmont University is student-centered. The university provides an environment for students to develop intellectually, spiritually, socially and physically through experiences of learning and research, leading and serving, success and failure, and consideration and choice. Faculty, administration and staff commit themselves to guide and challenge students to develop their full potential in order to lead lives of meaning and purpose.
    • Belmont University is a Christian community. The University faculty, administration and staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. Students encounter Christian values relevant to personal growth, service, and spiritual maturity and are expected to commit themselves to high moral standards.
    • Belmont University is academically challenging. The university offers rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing knowledge and discernment, intellectual discourse and debate, and humble engagement of cultural and social perspectives within a framework of ethical and moral reflection. All learning contexts stress the skills and dispositions necessary for lifelong learning and the sustaining value of higher education in each person’s professional and personal life.
    • Belmont University welcomes men and women from diverse backgrounds. The university upholds the dignity of all and fosters an atmosphere of respect for the civil expression of divergent perspectives that enables students to learn, live, work and socialize together.
    • Belmont University empowers men and women to engage and transform the world. The university prepares students to use their intellectual skills, creativity and faith to meet the challenges and opportunities that face the human community.
  3. Values:

    As a student-centered Christian community with a rich Baptist heritage, Belmont University upholds the following core values as essential to intellectual, spiritual, personal and corporate life:

Integrity
Inquiry
Collaboration
Service
Humility

Academic Services

Information Technology Services

Data and Information Services supports and maintains the university’s administrative data and information, housed primarily on Digital Equipment Corporation midrange systems. The data and information are accessible to students, faculty and staff through interactive terminals and networked personal computers. Data and Information Services is located on the third floor of the Lila D. Bunch Library.

Technology Services provides campus support for the technological infrastructure. The areas comprising the department are Telecommunications Services, Network Services, and Internet and Library Services. Telecommunications Services maintains the university’s telephone and telephone-related services. Network Services supports the campus’ data networks. Internet and Library Services provides resources for the software related to the Internet as well as those products housed in the Library systems. Technology Services is also located on the third floor of the Bunch Library.

User Services supports the computing environment on Belmont’s campus. The department offers support for desktop applications, minor computer repair, consulting services, and support for the computer labs. User Services is currently located in the Massey Business Center Computer Lab.

The Clayton McWhorter Communications Center is located on the first floor of the Lila D. Bunch Library. This unit contains 34 Dell computers for general student use. Some workstations feature standard word-processing and spreadsheet software, while others are equipped for more demanding tasks. All of the units are networked with the entire campus.

The Humanities/Education Computer Lab in WHB 101 contains several models of Macintosh computers which can be used for word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and presentations. Students have access to Internet, the use of CD-ROMs and Teleconferencing equipment for research and training. The lab is used to provide the training as mandated by the State Department of Education for licensure in all areas. The lab is also open on a limited basis for individual student use.

The Massey Computer Lab is located on the third floor of the Massey Business Center and contains three rooms of up-to-date Dell desktop computers with two laser jet printers in each room. All computers are connected to the campus network and are preloaded with Microsoft Office and any other essential software. A scanner is also available on an as needed basis at the front desk.

Other small computer labs are located in the Belmont Heights Baptist Church, Hitch Science Building, Wilson Music Building, and Fidelity Hall.

Cooperative Education

Students who are working on jobs that directly relate to their academic major or occupational goal may receive elective unit credit for work with employers approved by the co-op director. Students may be working part-time, full-time, off-campus, or on-campus in either paid or volunteer positions.

Generally, students working part-time may receive up to three (3) hours of credit per semester; however, those students who receive special approval may earn up to six (6) hours of credit on a full-time basis. They may receive one (1) hour credit per session of summer school on a part-time basis, and two (2) hours credit per summer session on a full-time basis. Students receive co-op credit only during the semester that they work. Co-op credit will not be given retroactively. Only six (6) hours of Cooperative Education credit will count toward the graduation requirement.

Students may elect to participate in the cooperative education program to the extent that they meet the standards of the university and the guidelines in the Cooperative Education Student Handbook.

Library Services

Vision:

To promote lifelong learning in a dynamic environment, inspiring critical thinking, inquiry and discovery.

Mission:

The Library supports the University’s mission to provide an academically challenging education by:

  • Developing comprehensive collections that support the University’s curriculum
  • Delivering course-integrated information literacy instruction
  • Providing materials and assistance to support student and faculty research
  • Collecting and preserving historical materials related to the University
  • Creating an inviting atmosphere for research and study
  • Making Resources and assistance available to Belmont student and faculty on and off campus

With a faculty/staff of seventeen, the Lila D. Bunch Library offers computerized access to approximately 335,000 items, carries subscriptions to approximately 1,000 periodicals, and houses a complete file of ERIC documents from 1981 to the present. With its primary goal to enhance the university’s academic program, Bunch Library strives to provide a well-rounded, accessible collection based on the curriculum. To facilitate use of the holdings, the library offers course-related library instruction and individualized reference service. Computers located throughout the building provide computerized access to the library catalog as well as to periodical citations, full-text, graphics, and page images of articles, reports, statistics, etc. The same access is also available to Belmont students, faculty, and staff from office or home. Access to the internet is also available in the library. The library’s faculty and staff members seek to make service the library’s top priority.

Transcripts of Credit or Search for Course Descriptions

Official transcripts of a student’s grades may be requested through the University Registrar’s Office. No official transcript will be issued while an individual has an unpaid account or a specific hold that prevents release of a transcript.

If a student, member of the Belmont community or external entity such as another college/university is simply attempting to look up a course description archived catologs can be accessed from 2000-2001 catalog to the present by simply accessing the “archived catalogs” link in the catalog menu. If prior to 2000, the Lila Bunch University Library maintains paper copies of University catalogs as far back as the late 19th century.

Student Services

Belmont University Bookstore

The university bookstore is located in the lower level of the Gabhart Student Center. Available for purchase are required textbooks (new and used), school supplies, Belmont logo clothing and gift items, greeting cards, and other related campus items. Belmont students may charge their textbooks, school supplies and other required items on their student account (with a Belmont ID), and be billed through their university account. Purchases may also be made by personal check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Anerican Express, or cash. Checks may be cashed for up to $20.00 with a Belmont ID.

Visit the bookstore’s web page to check for special store hours, store policies, announcements, Belmont logo merchandise, and the list of textbooks required for Belmont classes. Also available is an opportunity to purchase textbooks on-line, prepaying with a credit card or charging on the student’s Belmont account. Find us at Belmont University’s official web address: www.belmont.edu.

Career Development

Belmont University Career Development provides a wide range of services and resources to assist students and graduates with every stage of the career planning process. Our experienced career professionals seek to empower students and graduates to identify and pursue their passions and meet the needs of the world. Career Development provides resume and cover letter review, internship and job search strategy, interview training, and career development programs and events. For more information, visit Career Development at www.belmont.edu/careerdevelopment, call 615.460.6490, or email careerdevelopment@belmont.edu. Anyone who has completed or is completing a degree at Belmont University is eligible to use the Office of Career & Professional Development.

Counseling Services

Personal counseling services are available through the Office of the Dean of Students and may help with such issues as academics, interpersonal relationships, religious questions, sexuality, stress, time management, eating disorders, addictions, anxiety, and depression. Students are entitled to a limited number of counseling sessions with a licensed counselor at no cost.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 460-6407. A code of privacy is maintained in all counseling.

Health Insurance

All students are encouraged to carry health insurance in the event of accident or illness. All residence hall students and international students are required to show evidence of adequate health insurance.

As a service to students, information concerning health insurance is available in the Office of Student Affairs and in University Health Services; however, the university does not endorse any policy, nor does the university recommend an insurance policy in which a student should enroll. Neither does the university act as an agent for any insurance company.

Belmont University assumes no responsibility for the payment of health care expenses incurred by a student beyond the established services offered through the University Health Services. Belmont University assumes no responsibility in the resolution of claims submitted by the student to the insurance company.

Health Records

All students are required to submit fully completed health records. A completed health record on file is a prerequisite for seeking health care through University Health Services. The Health Record form will be mailed to students with receipt of acceptance to the university. Current students may obtain the Health Record Form in the University Health Services Center.

Health Services

Basic Health Services are available to students through the University Health Services Center. Students using Health Services should be prepared to provide health insurance information. Inquire at Health Services regarding fees (if any) which may be incurred. As a prerequisite for seeking health care from this center, a student must have on file a completed health record.

The University Health Service also maintains an active referral list for those students desiring health care off campus. All medical expenses incurred off campus are the responsibility of students.

Office of Communications

Belmont’s Office of Communications exists to provide marketing as well as creative and production guidance and support to Belmont University Faculty & Staff in the following areas:

Media
Public Relations
Campus and Community Communications
Editing
Copy Writing
Graphic Design
Photography
Copy Services

The Communication office is located in the Massey Business Center. The office entrance is located directly under the Gordon E. Inman Center walkover bridge.

Office of University Marketing and Special Initiatives

The office works on special projects and marketing for the university. The office is located in Freeman Hall.

University Copy Center

Belmont’s Copy Center is available for all quick service copy needs. The facility, located on the northeast corner of the Massey Business Center, can assist you with your copying and printing needs. Hours of operation are 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday.

  • The Copy Center at Belmont provides:
  • Digital Copies (Color and Black/White)
  • Spiral, Heat, and Saddle-stitch Binding
  • Variety of paper colors and styles
  • Personal jobs are also accepted

Copies from electronic files submitted via e-mail at: copycenter@belmont.edu.

Cash or a personal check made payable to Belmont University is accepted for all non-Belmont work. Should you have questions or wish to discuss your print project please call 460-6630.

Publications

The Office Communications provides typesetting and design for campus publications. Issued regularly by the university are:

Circle, the news magazine for alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and friends is published by the Office of Communications.

The Belmont Literary Journal is an annual journal of creative writing, art, and photography, published each year in April.

The Belmont University Graduate Catalog, edited by the University Registrar and Provost with the assistance of the graduate curriculum and catalog committee, is issued annually. It contains information about Belmont entrance requirements, course descriptions, and the university in general.

The Belmont University Undergraduate Catalog, edited by the University Registrar and Provost with the assistance of the curriculum and catalog committee, is issued annually. It contains information about Belmont entrance requirements, course descriptions, and university life in general.

The Belmont Vision, official student newspaper, is issued every month and frequently updated online during the academic year by a staff drawn from all areas of student life and interest. A journalism faculty member supervises the production.

The Bruin Guide, the official handbook of policies, regulations, services and activities pertaining to students, is issued at the beginning of each academic year, and is published by the Division of Student Affairs.

Residence Life

Any full-time student under the age of 21, not living with relatives over age 25 or with fewer than 60 credit hours, is required to live in a university residence. Studies have shown that students who live on campus are less likely to withdraw, more likely to be satisfied with college experiences than commuters, and tend to have higher G.P.A.s.

In addition, the Residence Life Team is committed to the development of students by providing a positive living/learning environment, quality customer service, and support for diverse cultural and personal perspectives.

Information regarding campus housing fees and deposits is found on the Student Financial Service home page off Belmont’s main web page.

Once a student has contracted to live in a residential facility, he/she must notify the Office of Residence Life in order to withdraw from on-campus housing. Refer to Refund Schedule for information about refunds and cancellation fees.

Further information about campus housing may be obtained from the Office of Residence Life.

Students with Disabilities

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Belmont University will make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students with needs for academic or other accommodations should contact the Office of the Dean of Students in the Beaman Student Life Center as soon as possible. For complete details, see the brochure, “Meeting the Needs of the Students with Disabilities,” available in the Office of the Dean of Students.

Writing Center

The Department of English offers a writing center, which provides students with tutorial aid in writing essays, reports, and research papers. Students seeking help should call 460-6241 or visit WHB 209 to make an appointment for a tutoring session.

Campus Policies and Grievances

Campus Security

The Office of Campus Security (OCS) is located on the ground floor of the Gabhart Student Center. This office is normally staffed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. In compliance with the Tennessee “College and University Security Information Act” and the federal “Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act,” the Belmont University Office of Campus Security provides a monthly report of any crime on campus and provides, upon request during business hours, campus crime statistics and related data to employees and students desiring this information. The Office of Campus Security is also actively engaged in crime prevention strategies and timely security alerts.

Automobile Assistance: OCS provides services for automobiles, such as unlocking doors and jump-starting dead batteries.

Automobile Privileges: Many students find it convenient to have their own transportation available at school. There is a charge for parking a car on campus. Registration of the car and a Belmont University sticker prominently displayed are required. Students are permitted to park in any parking lot on campus, except those clearly marked for guests.

Parking permits do not guarantee a parking space, since there are more student vehicles than there are parking spaces. The university reserves the right to ticket, boot, and/or tow automobiles in violation of the parking regulations. Parking ticket fines must be paid before grades and transcripts will be provided.

Emergency Services: For on-campus emergencies, call 6911; for non-emergency assistance, call 6617.

Handicapped Parking: Handicapped students may park in the designated handicap spaces or in any parking lot on the campus, regardless of posted restrictions. Handicapped students must display handicap state-issued license plates, state-issued placard, or a handicap decal issued by the university. Temporary handicap decals are available to students with temporary injuries affecting their ability to walk. There is no fee for handicap decals.

Identification Cards: OCS generates the university ID cards and keeps an electronic file of these cards in its database. Cards are usually made during registration times and as needed.

Parking Permits: Any person operating an automobile on campus must purchase and display a valid registration decal and park only in those areas appropriately designated. Parking permits are to be displayed on the lower left corner of the rear windshield (driver’s side). Belmont Boulevard from Acklen Avenue to Portland is the property of the university. A decal must be displayed to park on this street.

Parking Violations/Fines: Failure to comply with parking regulations may result in a fine, having the vehicle towed from campus at the owner’s expense, an immobilizing boot attached to the wheel of your vehicle, or the loss of campus parking privileges. Parking ticket fines must be paid before grades and transcripts will be released.

Violation Fine  
Improper display of permit $25.00  
Improper parking 50.00  
No parking permit 50.00  
Parking in “No Parking” area 50.00  
Parking by non-handicapped person in space reserved for the handicapped 100.00  
Parking in a restricted area 50.00  

Vehicles Subject to Towing:
Illegally parking in spaces reserved for handicapped.
Blocking a firelane, drive, or walkway.

Security Escort Services: OCS provides escorts for anyone on campus at any time the individual wishes an escort from one location on campus to another.

Vehicle Registration: Students may register vehicles at the time of class registration or at other times as necessary. Temporary daily and weekly guest parking permits are available from OCS. Evening students (classes after 4:30 p.m.) are required to purchase a parking decal if they wish to park on campus. All evening students may use any parking lot or area not marked “Faculty/Staff 24 hours,” “Handicapped,” or “Reserved.”

Division of Student Affairs

Helpful information and policies are shared with students in three primary places: The Bruin Guide, The Residential Guide to Living and The Student Organization Handbook. In particular, The Bruin Guide communicates critical information about your rights and responsibilities as a student and prepares you to be successful in negotiating the policies and procedures of campus life. There are three sections to The Bruin Guide. The Governing Ideas includes a letter from the President and outlines the university’s mission statement and values. The Code of Conduct section, describes our Community Commitments and the student disciplinary process, including specific policies, as well as important notices and statements. The last section, Campus Activities, offer information and direction regarding Student Organizations, Convocation, and event planning. Occasionally, policies will change during academic year. Please refer to The Bruin Guide for the most current and accurate version of policies. We hope you find The Bruin Guide a valuable resource to your life and learning at Belmont.

The Bruin Guide is available online. Students may link to it by pasting the following url into their browser:

www.belmont.edu/studentaffairs/student_conduct_academic_integrity/bruinguide/

Please note, the above information is provided to help answer some questions you may have about Belmont’s Academic Honor System. It is not official statements of policy or process. The Bruin Guide states official policies and processes and supersedes this information.

Student Complaint and Grievance Procedures

Belmont University Internal Processes

If a Belmont University student has a grievance regarding the student’s academic division or an administrative procedure the student has the right to request a review of his or her particular situation. The student must first attempt to resolve the problem by contacting the relevant department directly and requesting a review of his or her situation. If the grievance is not resolved by contacting the department directly the student should follow up with an e-mail to the representative of that department / area and detail the concern so that the student’s concern is documented. The recipient of the e-mail, or an appropriate area designee, will respond in a timely manner.

Because the University already has several published policies and mechanisms for dispute resolution in place, students who contact the Dean of Students Office may be redirected (back) to the Dean of the relevant academic college or area if it is clear that the process and response were reviewed appropriately and in keeping with the published process; for example grade appeals. In these cases the college or area decision and response may be deemed final. 

After contacting the appropriate department directly and receiving a final response as described above, any student who still believes he or she has been treated unfairly by a university employee or process, may seek review with possible alternative resolution through the Dean of Students office. “Unfairly” means there was no process of review as described above or in a University publication; or adequate explanation of the final disposition to the student’s grievance; or there was a noted bias on the part of the decision maker, which affected the decision.

Students may file a formal complaint by e-mailing deanofstudents@belmont.edu describing the treatment, action, final decision given by the academic or administrative area and the remedy still sought. Complaints will be investigated and / or referred to other offices as necessary. A written response regarding the issue will be sent to the student who initiated the complaint within 30 days.

The Associate Provost and Dean of Students serves as the primary coordinator of response and support to students with concerns or those students experiencing a crisis. Please see the Bruin Guide, page 62. http://www.belmont.edu/studentaffairs/student_conduct_academic_integrity/bruinguide/index.html

Students should first seek a resolution through the institution’s procedures above. Grievances that are not resolved internally and may involve state consumerism, state licensing boards, or accreditation may be addressed by following the links provided below.

State of Tennessee Complaint Procedures

Should the institution not be able to resolve the student complaint, the student has the right to contact the state of Tennessee and its appropriate agency to determine the course of action. Complaints can be filed with the following agencies in Tennessee:

  • Complaints related to the application of state laws or rules related to approval to operate or licensure of a particular professional program within a postsecondary institution (college / university) shall be referred to the appropriate State Board (i.e., State Boards of Health, State Board of Education, etc.) within the Tennessee State Government. It shall be reviewed and handled by that licensing board http://www.tn.gov, and then search for the appropriate division); 
  • Complaints related to state consumer protection laws (e.g., laws related to fraud or false advertising) shall be referred to the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs and shall be reviewed and handled by that Unit http://www.tn.gov/consumer/.

Complaint Resolution Policies and Procedures for Non-Tennessee Resident Students in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement States, commonly known as SARA.

Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws that involve distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution. Complainants not satisfied with the outcome of the Institution’s internal process may appeal, within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made, to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (https://www.tn.gov/thec/bureaus/student-aid-and-compliance/postsecondary-state-authorization/request-for-complaint-review.html).

For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of SARA or the laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the SARA Policies and Standards (http://www.nc-sara.org/content/sara-manual) have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA.

For a list of SARA member States, please visit the NC-SARA website (http://nc-sara.org/sara-states-institutions). Students residing in non-SARA states should consult their respective State of residence for further instruction for filing a complaint.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Procedures

Allegations regarding noncompliance with accreditation standards, policies, and procedures may be referred to SACSCOC, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097. (The Commission’s complaint policy, procedure and the Complaint form may be found on their website at: http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/081705/complaintpolicy.pdf.

FERPA (Family Education and Privacy Act)

http://www.belmont.edu/registrar/FERPA.html

Co-Curricular Activities

Co-Curricular Involvement

Co-curricular involvement is a vital part of the overall collegiate student experience. It provides students the opportunity to apply what they are learning inside the classroom to their lives outside of class. Involvement in student activities prepares students for personal and professional success beyond graduation. 

We affirm the choice of our students to be involved in their campus community, throughout Nashville and the world. Students are encouraged to find involvement opportunities where they can exercise their passion and strengths with other students that share in a common interest. 

The Office of Student Activities is confident that there is a place for every student to get involved in here at Belmont and we are here to help each student make those critical connections. For more information about co-curricular involvement, go to www.belmont.edu/studentactivities.

Student Organizations

Student Activities affirms the choice of Belmont students to engage in the campus community by choosing to get involved in opportunities outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to find organizations where they can exercise their passion and their strengths with other students that share in a common interest. With over 130 student organizations students are sure to find ways to connect & get involved! Below is a sample of organizations by category. For a comprehensive list of organizations go to www.belmont.edu/studentactivities.

Academic/Professional

  • International Business Society
  • Student Nurses Association
  • American Marketing Association

Honor Societies

To recognize and honor students for their academic, scholarly achievements by granting membership based upon GPA.

  • Alpha Chi
  • Beta Chi
  • Psi Chi

Faith Based:

To educate students about and support particular spiritual and/or religious practices, philosophies, and/or beliefs.

  • Nurse’s Christian Fellowship
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes
  • Reformed University Fellowship

Sports Clubs

To promote and develop interest in a particular sport or activity. Sports Clubs must evidence a competitive schedule in order to be considered as such.

  • Belmont Quidditch
  • Belmont Rockouting Club
  • Belmont Equestrian Club

Multicultural

To support and enhance the education of and experiences of a particular culture

  • Hispanic Student Alliance
  • Black Student Association
  • Chinese Cultural Club

Special Interest

To provide and promote exploration and awareness of specialized interests and activities

  • Bruin Vets
  • Slow Food Belmont
  • B the Word

Social Justice & Service

To encourage service and civic engagement

  • International Justice Mission
  • Bigs at Belmont
  • Our Natural Environment

Departmental

To support and enhance the purpose and functions of University departmental initiatives

  • Bruin Recruiters
  • College of Business Advisory Board
  • Service Corps

Chartered Organizations

Chartered organizations were created by the University to directly support and enhance the mission of Belmont University. Considered a direct extension of the University, chartered organizations principally exist to serve or represent the campus community. 

Additionally, chartered organizations are a direct extension and reflection of the Office of Student Activities. A professional staff member from the Office of Student Activities serves as the advisor as a part of his/her official job description. With this in mind, all chartered organizations are to uphold the mission and values of the University as well as the Office of Student Activities. Chartered organizations are expected to support the Office of Student Activities’ mission of supporting and promoting campus engagement. The four (4) recognized Chartered Organizations at Belmont University are:

  1. Interfraternity Council (IFC)
  2. Panhellenic Association
  3. Student Activities Programming Board (SAPB)
  4. Student Government Association (SGA)

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

Interfraternity Council at Belmont University serves as the governing body of 3 national member fraternities at the institution. The Interfraternity Council works to assist and strengthen fraternities individually and collectively, develops policy, promotes educational programming, coordinates community service efforts, and furthers intellectual accomplishment and scholarship.

Panhellenic Association

The Belmont Panhellenic Association is Belmont’s “all sorority council” – a governing board for each of the five national sororities that are members of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). The Panhellenic Association at Belmont exists to develop and maintain sorority life and interfraternal relations. They take part in all-sorority programming efforts; often promote superior scholarship, leadership development and dissemination of information important to women in general. The Panhellenic Council is the coordinating body for all sorority recruiting events.

Student Activities Programming Board

Belmont University Student Activities Programming Board (SAPB) enriches campus life and connects the Belmont community through engaging, student centered programming while upholding the ideals put forth by Belmont University. SAPB is responsible for events like Girl’s Night In, Outdoor Movie Night, Throwback Prom and Fall Follies.

Student Government Association

SGA is the student governing body of Belmont University. They write legislation, provide money for student organizations and events, and represent the student body to the administration and faculty. They also assist with Homecoming and other University initiatives. SGA’s mission is to positively affect Belmont University, to the best of their ability, by collaborating between students and administration, supporting student organizations, fostering character, and abiding by the Christian standards set forth by Belmont University. 

Fraternity & Sorority Life

Belmont University is a student-centered university that focuses on developing the entire person by providing opportunities to grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially. Involvement in Belmont Fraternity and Sorority Life will provide you with the opportunity to grow and develop in a values-based social environment.

Belmont Fraternity and Sorority Life (often referred to as “Greek Life”) is based in four core principles (or pillars): Scholarship, Leadership, Brotherhood/Sisterhood, and Service (Philanthropy). These four pillars inform the ways in which students involved in fraternities and sororities at Belmont interact with one another.

Campus Traditions & Signature Programming

Campus traditions and general campus programming play an important role in supporting campus engagement and ensuring a vibrant campus community. The Office of Student Activities works to ensure that all students are aware and involved in campus traditions such as Homecoming, Fall Follies, First on the Floor, Greek Week, Life Beyond the Tower, etc. Belmont traditions become a part of a student’s overall Bruin experience thus providing them with life-long memories that while initially influenced their time on campus, ultimately provide cherished life-long memories. Additionally, the Office of Student Activities provides substantial campus-wide activities and programming that help build community and creates opportunities for students to connect to one another as well as the overall campus community.