Get Involved at McKendree!
Developing long lasting bonds and friendships is easy at McKendree. The Office of
Student Affairs is here to serve you through a variety of departments and programs
all intended to help you succeed academically while promoting a positive self- image.
Students are encouraged to fully participate in the life of the college. It is our
purpose to help create an environment that enhances the quality of your educational
experience. The inclusive spirit and tight community ensure fun and exciting things
to do on campus, including athletic events, campus organizations, fine arts events,
worship services, and much more! The opportunity to interact outside the classroom
is greatly appreciated by our students, faculty and staff.
If you are ready to maximize your college experience, click the links on the left
of the page or see below for more information on how you can "Get Involved" at McKendree
University!
Registered Student Organizations
McKendree University has numerous opportunities available for students to get involved
on campus. There are over 70 student organizations covering a diverse range of topics;
something for every individual. To help you find the organization that best suits
your interest, student organizations are placed in the following seven basic classifications:
• Academic Fraternities and Honor Societies
• Departmental Student Organizations
• Religious/Faith-Based Organizations
For more information about student organizations, you can search the classifications
(groups with web pages are listed), download the complete listing of campus organizations,
email the Director of Campus Activities, or visit the Office of Campus Activities
in Lower Deneen Center (The Lair).
Fraternity and Sorority Life
A strong academic record alone is not enough for a student to be successful in college.
For students to fully develop into excelling members of society, they must also expand
their social networks. Through their loyalty and dedication to one another, members
of Greek organizations often develop lifelong friendships while also often strengthening their characters.
McKendree University has chartered seven Greek societies: three national and four
local. McKendree's Greek life provides valued lessons in leadership, program design
and development and opportunities to work with others toward a shared goal. Greek
organizations also offer educational enhancement and community service.
Student Government Association
Student Government leaders represent the student body to various constituents, work to address student
concerns, distribute funds to registered student organizations, sponsor campus events
and initiatives, and provide services and opportunities to help engage students. You
can get involved with SGA by working with or holding office as a member of the Executive
Board or as a Senator.
Residence Life Involvement
If you are living on-campus, you may want to get involved with Residence Hall Association. This is a great opportunity for you to have a voice in issues affecting your residence
hall, as well as be involved in planning programs and events. For more information
about Residence Hall Association, please talk to your Resident Assistant or Resident
Director.
Campus Recreation and Intramurals
The Student Recreation Department operates under the premise that, in order to excel academically, students
need to have opportunities outside the classroom where they can meet other students,
socialize, develop leadership skills, and have the opportunity for fun competition
at the non-intercollegiate sport level. Intramural Sports is the co-curricular program
that complements the formal academic curriculum. We offer opportunities to currently
enrolled McKendree students, faculty, staff and their spouses/partners in a number
of competitive and structured activities each year. Participants have fun, learn new
sports, meet people from other cultures, test their physical ability, and take a break
from the everyday academic routine. Team sports generally take on a league structure
with a post-season tournament to determine champions.
Student Recreation is a department of the Office of Student Affairs. Most activities
are conducted at the Intramural (IM) Gym located on the north end of the Melvin Price
Convocation Center (MPCC). Students are welcome to participate in intramural activities,
take the initiative and organize an event or league on their own, or simply borrow
some of the equipment we have if you prefer to play some kickball, wiffleball, or
volleyball somewhere else on campus.
Leadership Programs
In keeping with McKendree’s Mission of guiding students in the pursuit of academic
excellence which will prepare them for leadership roles in our society, the Leadership program at McKendree seeks to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to be
outstanding leaders in their communities and beyond. Using the Social Change Model
of Leadership, McKendree teaches students that Leadership is much more than just being
a member of a student group or organization, it’s a process that involves working
with others to effect positive change.
The Leadership Program includes the Emerging and Advanced Leadership groups, designed
to provide leaders with experiences that help further develop their leadership and
communication skills. These students participate in fun and interactive workshops,
on and off campus activities, reflection and service and have the opportunity to travel
to various conferences and events where they interact with campus leaders from across
the country. A Leadership Minor is also offered by McKendree as a way to provide students
with the theoretical background and knowledge that will complement the out of classroom
experiences. The Leadership Minor provides a holistic approach to Leadership development
and the tools that will be used throughout life to be a force for positive change
regardless of where your career takes you.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Study abroad is an amazing opportunity for McKendree students and will be an experience of a lifetime.
McKendree University supports study abroad by making it easy and affordable for most
students. From New Zealand to Peru, there are so many countries to choose from and
students get a true immersion experience in this program, living and studying in a
culture different from what most students have experienced prior to McKendree. Participating
in study abroad will prepare students for the global economy in which we live and
work and provide a distinct edge for our graduates in the job market.
Career Services
The Career Services Office provides McKendree University students with comprehensive career planning
and job search services. A staff of experienced career counselors is available to
help students choose a potential career, gain career-related experience and prepare
for an effective job search. The Career Center also provides information on part-time
jobs (on and off-campus), internships, full-time professional employment opportunities,
and creates venues where students can network and interview with local, state, and
national employers.
Graduates from McKendree University work in a variety of settings after graduation,
including large corporations, small businesses, schools, hospitals, government agencies,
and non-profit organizations, among others. The Graduate Success Rate for the Class
of 2010 is 97% for undergraduates and 96% for graduates, as determined through a survey
distributed to all students before and after graduation. The survey results also found
that 33% of students immediately continued their education by going on to graduate
and professional schools in law, business, medicine, psychology, sociology, and communication,
among others.
McKendree Bearcat Athletics
Support the McKendree University Bearcats in a variety of NCAA Division II Inter-Collegiate athletics. With your McKendree
ID, students get free admission to all McKendree home athletic events. Become a member
of Team Bogey and the Purple Pit as a way to support athletics at McKendree.
The McKendree Review
The McKendree Review is McKendree University's official student-run newspaper. The Review currently publishes four issues of student-written content each semester as a service
to the students of McKendree University. Issues are available in newsstands around
campus free-of-charge to everyone.
Office of Campus Activities
The Office of Campus Activities offers numerous opportunities for students as well as their parents and families
to become invested and connected to life at McKendree University. The office serves
as a resource center for campus involvement through various programs and services.
It strives to engage students in exploring their co-curricular experiences, beginning
at admission and continuing through graduation. The Office of Campus Activities sponsors
programs for the entire campus community and provides leadership development opportunities
for Registered Student Organizations. Our campus community is enriched through student
involvement and each student's willingness to create and follow their experiences.
The Office of Campus Activities provides and supports a number of programs and experiences
which promote educational, cultural, recreational, social and personal growth for
students and their families. Among them are:
• Registered Student Organizations
The Lair
Through its staff and The Office of Campus Activities, The Lair serves as a gathering place for both commuter and resident students. It provides
social, cultural and recreational programming aiming to make leisure time a cooperative
factor with study.
The Lair, located in lower Deneen Center, houses a game room and dining area which
features (2) 37" LCD Screens and (2) 58" Plasma Screens - all with satellite television
channels and (2) 27" televisions with cable television. This is a great place to catch
the big game, keep up with your fantasy sports games, or watch your favorite show
with your friends!
The Office of Campus Activities, also located in The Lair, serves as a resource center
for campus involvement. Schedule an appointment to assess your interests and needs
for involvement, whether joining a campus organization, or if you just want to find
out what there is to do around campus. The office also serves as a resource for current
members of Registered Student Organizations, offering leadership resources and information.
Office of Multicultural Affairs
The Office of Multicultural Affairs educates and inspires all students at McKendree to discover a unique and special
experience in diversity. Several student organizations are supported by the office.
In addition, multicultural training and programming is an integral part of the office's
outreach to McKendree University students.
Church Relations
The Office of Church Relations offers opportunities for students to connect with each
other in community and with God. Wherever you are on your faith journey, know that
we are here to support you. We offer prayer and worship opportunities, as well as
chances to learn more about spirituality and your faith tradition. We invite you to
attend mission trips, retreats, and other fellowship activities.
The Office of Church Relations offers two faith-based organizations for students:
Commuter Student Involvement (CSI:McK)
McKendree University is committed to the success of all students. The Student Affairs
Office and the Office of Campus Activities strive to meet the varying needs of McKendree’s
commuter student population. A number of programs and activities are planned with
the intent to enhance your education and facilitate community building. We encourage
you to stop by our offices in Clark Hall and The Lair to meet our staff and learn
more about programs and events during the year.
An electronic commuter student newsletter will be published twice each semester and
distributed through the campus email system. The newsletter, coupled with an upcoming
commuter student web page will be helpful to you in learning about how to get involved,
commuter resources, and other opportunities.
