Embracing Campus Life and Facilities at Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown College, nestled in central Pennsylvania, offers a comprehensive college experience that extends far beyond the classroom. With a focus on student engagement, holistic wellness, and a strong sense of community, Elizabethtown provides an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. This article explores the various facets of campus life and the facilities that contribute to a well-rounded experience for Elizabethtown College students.

A Vibrant Community Beyond the Classroom

The college experience extends beyond academics, with extracurricular activities playing a crucial role. Elizabethtown College offers a plethora of opportunities for students to engage in activities outside the classroom. With over 80 clubs to choose from, students can explore their interests in areas such as art, music, sports, politics, and fundraising. If a student doesn't find a club that aligns with their interests, the college provides support to start their own. Academic departments often have their own clubs, fostering connections between students and faculty outside of class.

Building a Home Away From Home

Resident Advisors (RAs) reside in every residence hall to provide support services and resources, and help students engage in the Blue Jay community. The wider Elizabethtown community also plays a part in shaping the student experience, with shops, restaurants, coffee bars, sports fields, and a movie theater within walking distance of campus. The city of Lancaster, known for its vibrant artistic and cultural experiences, is just 19 miles away. The state capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, is only 16 miles from campus and serves as a hub for state government and corporate connections. Hershey, the "Chocolate Town," is also nearby, offering more than just candy.

Dining Options to Suit Every Taste

Recognizing the importance of good food, Elizabethtown College offers multiple dining venues. Students can grab a quick meal at the Jay's Nest between classes or enjoy a heartier option in The Marketplace with friends. The Blue Bean offers tea, coffee, smoothies, and the popular carrot cake.

Student Life Resources and Support Systems

The Division of Student Life is dedicated to helping students connect with campus resources, develop essential skills, and actively participate in college life. The Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students serves as the primary advocate for students.

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Campus Security

The Campus Security Department, part of the Division of Student Life, ensures a safe and secure environment. Staffed by non-sworn personnel, including officers, lieutenants, and student patrol officers (SPOs), the department works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to address any concerns. The Campus Security office is located at 605 South Mount Joy Street, across from the Office of Residence Life.

Career Services

Career Services supports students in every step of their career development journey, from choosing a career path to securing postgraduate plans. The services provided include:

Career Pathway courses: 1-credit classes designed for each year of study.
Job Shadowing and Informational Interviews: Opportunities to experience a day in the life of a professional.
P.O.S.T. (Program on Senior Transitions): Helps seniors prepare for their next steps.
Networking and Employer Connections: Opportunities to connect with potential employers.

Center for Student Involvement

The Center for Student Involvement offers a variety of programs and services to help students connect with the campus community, get involved, and create lasting memories. This includes the Office of the Chaplain and Director of Religious Life, and the Office of Student Activities.

Spiritual Growth and Religious Exploration

The Office of the Chaplain and Director of Religious Life fosters spiritual growth and religious exploration through programs like Soul Café, Interdenominational Christian Worship, interfaith prayer services, and alternative spring break trips. Religious life on campus includes student groups and ministries from various denominations and organizations. The Chaplain provides spiritual mentoring, pastoral care, and vocational exploration.

Student Activities

The Office of Student Activities (OSA) coordinates social and fitness programs, including events organized by Students Working to Entertain Etown (SWEET) and fitness activities organized by Efit. The Body Shop team manages the on-campus fitness center.

Called to Lead

Called to Lead empowers students to explore leadership within the context of their values and ethical concerns. Students earn points for participation in events and courses and receive recognition at milestones.

Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships

The Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships program encourages high-achieving students to pursue nationally competitive scholarships.

Center for Student Success

The Center for Student Success provides comprehensive academic support services through Academic Advising, Disability Services, the Learning Zone, and the Writing Wing.

Academic Advising

Academic Advising helps students develop meaningful educational plans. First-year students are assigned a faculty advisor, who also is their First-Year Seminar instructor. The office also utilizes Starfish Alert, an early-warning system for intervention and support.

Disability Services

Elizabethtown College is committed to providing equal access to all courses, programs, and services for students with disabilities, in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Office of Disability Services requires documentation from healthcare providers to determine appropriate accommodations.

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Learning Zone

The Learning Zone offers peer tutoring and resources for college success, including academic coaching and assistance with time management, test-taking, and study strategies.

Writing Wing

The Writing Wing helps students improve their writing skills with the help of trained student tutors.

International Student Services

The Office of International Student Services (OISS) provides assistance and advice for international students and sponsors international co-curricular programs.

Campus Wellness Network

The Campus Wellness Network proactively identifies and aids at-risk students by providing appropriate intervention and support.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) resolves alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct, promoting community integrity, honesty, civility, and safety.

Residential Life

Elizabethtown College requires students to live in campus housing unless approved to live off-campus. Juniors and seniors can apply to live in SDLCs, college-owned homes along the perimeter of the campus. The Coordinator for Multicultural Affairs and Residential Communities works to create an inclusive environment for all campus members. Residential housing options on campus include traditional residence halls, townhouses, apartments, and campus-owned houses, and students can choose to participate in a variety of themed housing opportunities.

Student Wellness

The office of Student Wellness provides services and programs to foster the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of students.

Student Health and Counseling Services

Elizabethtown College, in collaboration with Penn State Health Medical Center, provides comprehensive clinical health services for students. Counseling Services offers a range of mental health support services, including individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, and psychiatric services.

Health Promotion

Health Promotion promotes a healthier campus community through prevention programs and educational activities. Student Wellness Advocates focus on the eight dimensions of wellness to help students make healthy choices.

Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-Being

The Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-Being is a hub for health and well-being, supporting the college's athletics program. Features include a cardio, strength and fitness area, group fitness rooms, athletic training area, indoor track, multi-use courts, smoothie bar, and relaxation room.

Athletics at Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown College sponsors a top NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic program. The College’s varsity program operates within the principles and rules of the NCAA and the Landmark Conference’s philosophy of amateur student-athlete participation. All Elizabethtown students receive free admission to home contests.

A Close-Knit and Supportive Community

Elizabethtown College is known for its close-knit community and supportive environment. Students describe E-towners as nice, down-to-earth people with diverse interests. The college's small class sizes allow professors to get to know students personally. The college also has an "integrity policy" that students take seriously.

Location and Surroundings

Elizabethtown College is located in central Pennsylvania, close to Hershey, Harrisburg, and Lancaster. The campus is aesthetically appealing, with The Dell serving as a popular spot for students to relax and socialize. The town of Elizabethtown is a charming community with easy access to larger cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia.

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