An Orientation Guide for Non-Traditional Students
Welcome to Graceland University!
This handbook has been designed especially for you. Hopefully it will serve as a quick and easy source of information about campus life. The official Graceland University Handbook is available online (students.graceland.edu). This serves as the official policies, procedures and regulations as it pertains to student life. The Graceland University Catalog, also available on-line, is your official source of information as it pertains to academics. It is your responsibility to become familiar with both.
Please feel free to make suggestions on ways to improve this handbook for those who come after you.
OASIS
Older Adult Student Information Services
This student organization, established in 1991, is structured to meet the specific needs of non-traditional students. What can we do for you?
- Mentoring by a returning non-traditional student
- Lounge reserved for non-traditional students
1. A place to study or hang out between classes
2. Two computers with internet access
3. Printer (no charge)
4. Refrigerator and microwave available
5. Individual lockers
6. Phone (641) 784-5428 - Monthly activities to meet your needs
OASIS Sponsor:
Lorrie Long
School of Education
Office Hours: MWF 8 – 10 a.m. TTh 1 – 3 p.m.
Phone: (641) 784-5046
Email: llong@graceland.edu
Please click here for a map of Graceland University
Getting Started Checklist
Account Balance
Where: InfoCentral
Patroness Hall
Phone: (641) 784-5067
Activity Ticket
Where: Student Life Office
Memorial Student Center (MSC)
Phone: (641) 784-5104 or (641) 784-5494
Campus Email Address
Where: Help Desk
Frederick Madison Smith Library
Phone: (641)784-5167
Campus Post Office Box
Where: Residence Life Office
Memorial Student Center (MSC)
Phone: (641)784-5107 or (641)784-5494
Flex Points
Where: Floyd McDowell Commons or Swarm Inn (MSC)
When: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: (641)784-5330
Parking Permit
Where: Residence Life Office
Memorial Student Center (MSC)
Phone: (641)784-5494
Registration for Classes
Where: CAP Center, Patroness Hall
Reception Area, Room 128
Phone: (641)784-5200
Student ID
Where: Student Life Office
Memorial Student Center (MSC)
Phone: (641)784-5104 or (641)784-5494
Academic Advising
Academic Advisor
New students are assigned an Academic Advisor who will assist with the scheduling of classes, the development of a semester-by-semester plan of coursework, and answer advising questions. Freshman students and those who have not declared a major will be advised by personnel at the CAP Center, located in Patroness Hall. Transfer students who have declared a major will be advised by faculty members in the chosen major area. The academic advisor will encourage and instruct you in the use of MyInfo (website access to your personal academic information). Through MyInfo, a student can view grades, academic records of courses completed, current registration, schedule of classes, and project their GPA for the current semester.
MyInfo (How to Access)
For quicker and more convenient access to your academic information, Graceland University provides you access to your records via Graceland’s website. MyInfo allows you to view information about yourself, including grades, academic records of courses completed and class schedule. Final grades for each session are always distributed through MyInfo.
Here is how it works….
- Go to Graceland’s website at http://students.graceland.edu
- Click on MyInfo
- Enter your user name
- Enter your password
vClick on OK
Now you are ready to use MyInfo! Notice the buttons listed down the left side of the screen. IMPORTANT: Options need to be set for the program, session, and year you wish to view when accessing your academic information. If you experience any difficulty using the instructions listed above, please use an alternate method of accessing MyInfo: http//myinfo.graceland.edu.
Please log onto the system and try it out. If you have questions, call the Help Desk at 641-784-6167 or email helptech@graceland.edu.
Register Yourself through MyInfo
- Go to http://students.graceland.edu
- Click on Academics
- Click on Returning Student Registration
- Choose your registration options and follow the steps for selecting courses.
- Click on MyInfo
- Insert your user name and password
- Select the correct semester and year on the Settings Option that you wish to schedule
- Click on Registration and begin
NOTE: Check out the Four Year Graduation Plans, the General Education requirements, and Schedule of Classes prior to completing a trial schedule.
If you have questions, contact the Registrar’s Office at 784-5221 or InfoCentral at 784-5067
For more information about MyInfo, see the Registrar’s page in this booklet.
Declaring a Major
If you have not declared a major, talk with your advisor. They can refer you to a career counselor to assist you with questions you may have and direct you to a computer based test that will determine areas you may wish to pursue.
Go online and see what Majors are offered at Graceland at www.graceland.edu/fouryearplans.
You can pick up a Declaration of Change of Major/Academic Advisor form at Info Central, located inside the north entrance of Patroness.
Alternate Learning Credit
Graceland offers nontraditional students the opportunity to earn alternative learning credit.Credit for Extrainstitutional Learning
Extrainstitutional learning is defined as learning that is attained outside the sponsorship of legally authorized and accredited postsecondary education institutions. Questions concerning extrainstitutional learning credit may be directed to the Registrar in Patroness Hall.
Experiential Learning Credit
Graceland University may award up to 30 semester hours of undergraduate credit for college-level learning that has occurred from prior work and life experiences. Students requesting learning credit must submit, at least one year prior to graduation, a completed Request for Experiential Learning Credit form for each course and supporting documentation that verifies learning. Forms can be picked up at InfoCentral located in Patroness Hall.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP exams are designed to award university credit to those students who have met a satisfactory level of proficiency in a subject area without having had formal college class work. A list of examinations acceptable for credit is available at the Registrar’s office in Patroness Hall.
Demonstrated Competence
A Demonstrated Competence petition can be used when a student feels that he/she has already met a general education requirement through another course or practical experience. This form can be obtained from InfoCentral or questions can be directed to the Registrar’s office.
Communication
Attendance Policy
If you are unable to make it to class due to weather, illness or a family situation, contact your instructor (faculty office numbers available online). For an extended absence, contact the Dean of Students, Tom Powell. The Dean is located in the Student Life Office in the MSC or call 641-784-5104.
CAP Center
The CAP Center is located in Patroness. CAP Center staff will assist you with Academic, Career or Personal needs. If they cannot help you, they will refer you to the appropriate source. Call 641-784-5200.
Dean of Students
The Dean is a student advocate who provides leadership for the Student Life area of the university. Students are encouraged to talk with the Dean about their ideas to improve student life, personal concerns, or matters that require some resolution to make their life and experience more enjoyable.
Help Desk
Contact the Help Desk at 641-784-5167 with your campus computer problems. The Help Desk is located in the basement of the library.
Inclement Weather
Because we are primarily a residential campus, classes are rarely canceled due to inclement weather. If you feel that you are unable to attend class, you must contact your instructor(s) to let them know you will not be coming – the Dean of Students Office does not grant excused absences due to inclement weather. If all classes at the university are canceled, notification will be on Channel 8 KCCI, Channel 13, WHO or call the campus switchboard at 641-784-5000. (Switchboard hours daily are 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
InfoCentral
InfoCentral is located at the south entrance of Patroness. It is open daily to assist students with academic and financial needs or call 641-784-5067.
Oasis
Oasis is located in the lower level of the library. The phone number is 641-784-5428. There is a message board for nontraditional student communication in Oasis.
Student Announcements
Student announcements are posted Monday through Friday (students.graceland.edu). If you wish to place an announcement, please visit the Student Announcements webpage for directions.
Student Directory
The Student Directory is online (students.graceland.edu ) for names and phone numbers. Your network password is required for access.
Switchboard
The campus switchboard is in operation from 8:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. The general campus phone number is 641-784-5000.
The Tower
The Tower is the Graceland student newspaper. During the academic year, The Tower is printed weekly and distributed around campus. You can pick up your copy at the Swarm Inn. If you would like to place an ad in The Tower, call 5261 or e-mail tower@graceland.edu
TV Monitors/Channel 17
TV monitors are located in the Swarm Inn and the Commons updating students with current announcements. If you would like to place an ad, contact the Student Activities office via e-mail at waske@graceland.edu. Please place ad two days prior to the date needed and provide contact number for further information.
Computer Access
Enter.NetC@fe
The Enter.NetC@fe is located in the Memorial Student Center The Enter.NetC@fe allows students access to the internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week when classes are in session. Graceland students with academic needs have priority over all other use.
Oasis Lounge
A computer and printer with network access are located in the OASIS Lounge in the MSC. This computer use is reserved for nontraditional students.
Microcomputer Lab
Graceland has a microcomputer lab, known as the MicroLab, located on the lower level of the Frederick Madison Smith Library. The MicroLab contains both a Macintosh lab and two IBM compatible labs which are also classrooms. When there are no classes in the labs, they are available to all Graceland students to work on class papers, reports, resumes, etc. Printing charges in the MicroLab are: dot matrix printers - up to 24 pages free and 5 cents per page thereafter; laser printers - 10 cents per usage; color printer - 50 cents per page. The internet is also available without charge to the students in the MicroLab.
Laptop Checkout
Students may checkout laptop computers when they are available. To reserve a computer for checkout call the Help Desk 641-784-5167.
How To Get Involved
Activity Ticket
Your ID will serve as your individual activity ticket. In addition, you are eligible to obtain an activity pass from the Student Life Office that is valid for all members of your immediate family. Either your ID or the activity pass is valid for many of the activities listed below.
Campus Organization for Social Activities (COSA)
COSA is a student organization responsible for planning and carrying out all campus-wide social activities. COSA sponsors such events as dances, live acts, concerts, variety programs, movies and other special events. All COSA events are free. Be sure to take your ID/activity pass as you may be asked to present it.
Wednesday Night Movies
COSA also sponsors the Wednesday night movies at the Coliseum Movie Theatre located in downtown Lamoni. These movies are shown at 10:00 p.m. and are free to all students.
Athletics
Most athletic events are free with your ID. Exceptions include tournaments and play-offs.
House Activities
All full time students are assigned to a house. Intramural teams are put together at the house level. The house also plans social activities for house members and their guests to supplement the COSA program. Houses have planned formals, evenings in Des Moines, barn dances, bowling parties and other fun events. If you are interested in participating in intramurals or in smaller social groupings be sure to contact your House President. If you do not know your house assignment, contact the Residence Life Office in the MSC.
Clubs and Organizations
Another great way to be involved is through Graceland’s extensive student-initiated clubs and organizations. Contact the Student Activities Office in the MSC for a list of currently chartered clubs and organizations. You are welcome to participate in as many of these groups as you like.
Wellness Room
Your student ID will allow you access into our Student Wellness room located in the lower level of Walker Hall.
Childcare Information
Funshine Day Care
Open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Drop-ins welcome at the rate of $2.75 per hour. If interested, pick up an application at 423 N. Walnut or call 641-784-7505. Scholarships are available for Graceland University students to assist with tuition, ask about it when you pick up an application.
Kaleidoscope Preschool
Located at Funshine Day Care, 202 N. Walnut, Lamoni, Iowa. 641-784-3860. This is a government funded program. Charges are based on a sliding scale with the maximum cost being $50 per month. Applications are available at Funshine.
Kid’s Express Empowerment Preschool
Located at Lamoni Elementary School, 202 N. Walnut, Lamoni, Iowa. 641-784-3860. This is a government funded program, therefore, does not charge tuition. Admission is granted according to parent income.
Decatur County Department of Human Services
For an updated list of registered home Day Care Providers, call 641-446-4312 or call the toll-free Child Care Resource & Referral at 1-800-945-9778 for possible additional names.
Local School- Lamoni Elementary School 641-784-3422, email www.lamoni.k12.ia.us
Off Campus Courses
ARRANGED COURSE
Arranged Courses are designed for students when a scheduling conflict exists that precludes enrollment in a regularly scheduled class on campus. Application for an Arranged Course can be picked up from InfoCentral. The form must be completed by the student and signed by the instructor and your academic advisor. Turn the completed application form into the Registrar’s Office. This course must be approved by the Registrar prior to admission to the course.
GLOBAL CAMPUS ONLINE COURSES
Lamoni and Independence Campus students who wish to supplement their program of study with Global Campus online courses may do so by receiving approval from their advisor, and their department chair. The hours will be billed as residential campus hours, and may count toward the student's on-campus load.
INTERNET COURSE (WWW)
Internet courses are offered to all Graceland students. To enroll in a internet class, a student must have documentation of instructor consent.
INDIVIDUAL (INDEPENDENT) STUDY
Individual (Independent) Study courses are initiated by the student. Student. They must design course and find a faculty member who will sponsor this course. Student must submit a completed Application for Enrollment in Individual Study Program form to InfoCentral.
Housing
Tower Apartments
A limited number of apartments are available for married or single parent families. These are located across the street from the campus.
Residence Halls
Single nontraditional students have the option of living in the Residence Halls on campus.
Lamoni Rental Properties
Lamoni has many rental properties for those looking for housing. A list of rental property is available in the Residence Life Office located in the MSC.
SIRHA
Many students qualify for rent assistance through the SIRHA Government Assistance Program. Eligibility is determined according to income. For more information, contact SIRHA at 641-782-8585 or email sirha@creston.heartland.net.
Registrar's Office
Application for Graduation
An Application for Graduation can be picked up at InfoCentral or found on the Registrar’s Website under “online forms”. This form should be completed at the end of the student’s junior year. This audit determines if the student is lacking any credits to graduate and will allow time for them to complete the required courses.
Change of Registration
Changes to a students schedule can be made each semester up until the class has started. Once a class has started the student must complete a Change of Registration form to drop and/or add a class(es), available at InfoCentral. (This form requires instructor & advisor signatures.)
Degree Audit
A Request for Degree Audit should be completed at the end of the student’s first three full semesters. This will allow time to determine if the student is lacking credits needed toward their degree and allows time for them to complete what is needed. Forms can be picked up at InfoCentral or completed on the Registrar’s webpage online under “online forms”.
Transcripts
No official statement of the record of any student will be released until all fees, dues, loans, fines, and tuition assessed by the university or any department have been settled. The Registrar’s Office will issue transcripts as soon as possible upon written request by the person whose record is to be sent. Transcripts should be requested at least two weeks in advance of the date required. No transcripts will be issued during the week following examinations or during the periods of registration. Copies are furnished at a charge of ten dollars each.
Student Employment
Federal Work Study (FWS) is a need based employment program. To apply, file your FAFSA. You are notified of your eligibility for FWS on the award notice you receive from Financial Aid Services. The FWS award you earn, depends on your financial need and other financial aid you may be receiving. This does not guarantee employment. It is your responsibility to apply to selected departments.
Student employment funded by the University may be available regardless of your financial need. After October 1, contact Human Resources for open positions.
Most student positions require that you work 5-10 hours per week, while class is in session. Most students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week while class is in session. Student employees are paid the federal minimum wage.
For a listing of current job openings, go to InfoCentral or see the Student Employment webpage . Forms requiring completion prior to employment are available at InfoCentral.
Students are paid on the 26th of each month or the previous Friday if the 26th falls on a weekend. The payroll period is the 21st of the previous month to the 20th of the current month. Please refer to the webpage for pay dates and timesheet deadline dates. The following paperwork is required to be on file in the Human Resources Office before a student will be paid for work study:
- direct deposit authorization
- Federal W-4
- I-9 Employment Eligibility
- work application (each academic year)
Some of the forms are available on-line links via the Student Employment web page.
Student Payroll Advance Procedures
Students may receive an advance on the next payroll with their supervisor's approval. Forms are available at InfoCentral.
