RockhuRst univeRsity 2012–2014 catalog

254sors seek to help students understand governmental regulations as well as ensure theirsuccess at the university. In addition to advising students on internship and practicumexperiences, and compliance issues with studying at Rockhurst, advisors can also assiststudents in completing employment applications through appropriate government entities.The Office of International Student Services also develops workshops and informationsessions regarding international issues for students, faculty, and staff. The officeroutinely coordinates cross-cultural programs for international students as well as thegeneral student population.Multicultural Education: Rockhurst University seeks to support students that comefrom diverse backgrounds and cultures. To that end, faculty and staff at the universityseek to provide experience inside and outside of the classroom that will both supportstudents and broaden a student’s perspective. A number of staff and faculty work closelywith the university’s Diversity Committee to ensure that the needs of all students aremet. A number of large-scale programs are planned by university offices to help providesupport and engagement opportunities for all students at Rockhurst.New Students/Retention Services: The Office of New Students/Retention Servicesfacilitates new students’ adjustment to Rockhurst by providing support, answeringquestions and assisting in problem solving. The goal of the office is to ensure that thenew student’s first year at Rockhurst is successful and satisfying, beginning with orientation.On the Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before regular fall semesterday classes begin, all new freshmen are required to be present for a special orientationprogram. A brief program is also designed for transfer students. Freshmen and transferstudents also complete the formal registration process at this time.The series of orientation presentations, discussions, a service project and socialopportunities begun during these days is designed to introduce students to Rockhurst’smission of learning, leadership, and service in the Jesuit tradition. Students are introducedto the opportunities available for assistance in improving study habits, choosingcareers, solving scholastic difficulties and interpersonal concerns. During these daysstudents get acquainted with one another, with upperclass students, the faculty andstaff.Residence Life: Residence Life considers a student’s on-campus experience an integralpart of the educational program. The group living situation is meant to enhance thestudent’s classroom experiences and provide opportunities to make responsible decisionswhich exercise self-discipline and concern for the needs of other students. Thereare different types of residential options available on campus: Incoming underclassmenare housed in Corcoran and McGee Halls; the Town House Village, Xavier-LoyolaHalls and On-Campus Houses are for upperclassmen. Each of the housing options isstaffed by a head staff member with a staff of undergraduate resident assistants. Theirmain responsibility is to assist in developing an environment which is supportive of theeducational mission of the University and conducive to the personal development ofeach student.While the residence halls have traditionally served out-of-town students, KansasCity area students are encouraged to live on campus in order to experience campus lifemore fully.Rockhurst University has a residency requirement that requires all full-timestudents to live with their parents or on campus unless students meet the followingconditions: