Lenoir-Rhyne University offers students a wide variety of curricular and co-curricular opportunities for realizing their personal growth and learning goals. Students are encouraged to view their college years as a time to develop their unique talents through a holistic approach which includes an appropriate balance of curricular and co-curricular activities. The Office of Student Life assists students in their personal development through a number of services that help them make better use of their decision-making skills and foster growth and self-understanding. Offices found within student life include residence life, student support and outreach, counseling and wellness (includes student health services on the Hickory campus and personal counseling), student involvement and leadership (includes co-curricular programs, student activities, intramural, and fraternity and sorority life), and the spiritual life. Through the Office of Student Life, a conscious effort is made to provide many types of academic, social and spiritual opportunity necessary to meet the individual needs that exist among all facets of the student body. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to maintain an environment in which students may experience acceptance as unique individuals and an environment consistent with the educational, cultural, and social values of the University..
Office of Student Life
Code of Student Conduct
Policies and regulations have been established at Lenoir-Rhyne University to support and encourage its educational mission. As elsewhere in society, these policies and regulations are founded on the mutually accepted concepts of freedom and responsibility and are based on the assumption that members of the Lenoir-Rhyne community are interdependent. It is each student’s duty to protect the rights of other students, to fulfill their educational objectives and to maintain high standards of personal conduct. However, when a student’s conduct does not meet these standards, the university employs the student code of conduct to redirect the behavior into acceptable patterns. The student code of conduct seeks to protect the rights of the student while maintaining conduct that is acceptable for an academic community. Please see Lenoir Rhyne’s Code of Student Conductfor more specifics at https://www.lr.edu/student-life/dean-of-students/code-student-conduct.
Community Service
The university encourages and recognizes students who become involved in volunteerism and service to the community outside of Lenoir-Rhyne University. Students interested in participating in volunteer programs and activities should contact the career and community relations coordinator in the Alex Lee Career and Professional Development Center.
Disability Services
The university is committed to promoting and maintaining an accessible and inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We strive to eliminate academic barriers and to provide equal access in a manner that does not compromise essential elements of the University and its academic programs. The Office of Disability Services is the university office designated to determine reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities. We work to ensure programs, services and the overall campus are accessible in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the ADA Amendment Act.
Students with disabilities may request disability-related accommodation in classes, housing and other university programs from the Office of Disability Services (located in Rudisill Library Room 202). It is the responsibility of the student to disclose the disability, to request accommodation and to provide appropriate documentation of the impairment to the director of disability services in a timely manner. After a request for accommodation has been made, the documentation and the request will be carefully reviewed. If there is insufficient information within the student’s documentation to support the request, the director may request additional documentation. All decisions regarding disability-related accommodations are made through an interactive process and determined on a case-by-case basis after taking into consideration the type and severity of the individual’s disability with the impact of the accommodation on the institution’s policies and programs. All disability-related documentation must be from a qualified professional, clearly state a diagnosis and illustrate the current functional limitations of the disabling condition with how the limitation will affect the individual in an educational setting. Complete documentation guidelines are available on the Office of Disability Services website at https://www.lr.edu/student-life/health-and-wellness/disability-services.
Depending on the nature and type of disability, examples of accommodations include but are not limited to:
- Extended testing time
- Separate testing area
- Note taking software for classes
- Assistance in obtaining textbooks in alternate formats
- Accessible housing
- Accessible classrooms
For students with physical disabilities who wish to reside on campus, there are accessible residence hall rooms available. For more information about disability related housing accommodations, please contact the director of disability services at 828-328-7296 or the director of residence life at 828-328-7249.
While Lenoir-Rhyne will make reasonable accommodations in policies, procedures and programs for students with disabilities, the university does not provide personal assistance services (such as personal attendants), personal devices (such as wheelchairs or shower stools) or prescriptive devices (such as eyeglasses or hearing aids). Furthermore, class attendance is not determined by the Office of Disability Services. The course instructor determines the attendance policy for each course, and it is listed in the course syllabus. If the documented disability impacts attendance, a request for accommodation should be discussed with the director of disability services to determine reasonable accommodation.
To establish services or for more information about accommodations at Lenoir-Rhyne, contact the Office of Disability Services, Rudisill Library Room 202 or call 828-328-7296 or email the director at Deborah.Mitchell@lr.edu.
Grievance Policy and Procedures
Lenoir-Rhyne University takes seriously the concerns and grievances of its students. Lenoir-Rhyne will provide a prompt response to all written complaints, including those complaints alleging discrimination or harassment based on race, age, religion, physical or emotional disability or sex (which includes gender discrimination, sexual orientation, sexual harassment and sexual violence). Lenoir-Rhyne will work to resolve grievances as quickly as possible through the appropriate means whether that be through informal resolution or through our Student Conduct Council, Committee on Equity, or through the Title IX Office; however, the period for resolution will depend largely on the nature of grievance and the response required. It is the goal of Lenoir-Rhyne that written grievances will be resolved within a period not to exceed 60 days; however, the period for resolving grievances will depend largely on the facts and circumstances at issue and may be expanded where necessary and appropriate to reach a resolution.
For more information on academic integrity policies and procedures, please refer to The Lenoir-Rhyne University Student Handbook online at http://www.lr.edu/student-life/student-handbook and in this catalog in the Academic Regulations section. All such matters will be handled in accordance with those policies and procedures.
Health Services
The Student Health Center, located in the Cornerstone House in Hickory, provides services to help students reach optimum wellness. This is done through two modes:
- Illness and Injury Management focuses on acute illness and injury, and
- Wellness Management focuses on healthy lifestyle choices.
A physician assistant (PA) is available Monday through Friday for consultation to promote evaluation of illness or injury and healthy lifestyle choices. Services through the Student Health Center are available to all degree-seeking students at no charge; costs associated with utilizing student health services is already included in the student fees.
NOTE: Students are financially responsible for medical treatments that are received off campus. Lenoir-Rhyne has many healthcare treatment partners in the community. The physician assistant at the Student Health Center will make referrals to off-campus healthcare services as needed.
All students who plan to use the student health center are required to have a medical health record on file at the center.
The Student Health Center is open during posted hours only (https://www.lr.edu/student-life/cornerstone). The Student Health Center is closed on weekends, school breaks, and holidays.
In addition to the Student Health Center, Lenoir-Rhyne has partnered with TimelyCare to provide telehealth and tele-therapy options for all students. These services are available to students 24/7. Lenoir-Rhyne students may enroll at any time at https://timelycare.com/lr by signing up with your student email.
Immunizations
All Lenoir-Rhyne University students must adhere to immunization laws which apply to their respective campuses. Specifically for the Hickory campus, all undergraduate and graduate residential students, full-time commuter day students and part-time commuter day students taking more than 4 credit hours must have the required immunizations on file at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Records must be on file before registration takes place, or according to NC Law (G.S. 130A-155.1), you will be withdrawn from classes without credit. Registration for classes will be delayed if immunization records are not current.
Required immunizations are listed on the North Carolina Health and Human Services website found here: https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/immunization/schools. Additional vaccines or titers may be required by health-related majors or for international students. Please consult your specific academic program information, academic advisor, or the Director of International and Special Projects for specific requirements.
Acceptable records of your immunizations may be requested and obtained from a variety of sources, including: some high school transcripts; family physician; personal immunization records; military records or World Health Organization documents; or previous college or university. Immunization records do not automatically transfer from previous educational institutions and must be requested by the student. All immunization records must include dates of vaccine administration, be in black ink and include clinician signature or clinic stamp. Records will be questioned if dates do not meet NC Law (G.S. 130A-155.1) or FDA License Approval.
Questions regarding immunization requirements may be directed to the Director of Student Counseling and Wellness Services at 828-328-7959.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Lenoir-Rhyne University has a strong, broadly based intercollegiate athletic program. Lenoir-Rhyne teams are members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the South Atlantic Conference (SAC).
The university fields intercollegiate teams in football, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, softball, baseball, men’s and women’s track and field, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s swimming, women’s triathlon, and men’s and women’s golf. Additionally, Lenoir-Rhyne offers club level sports in spirit/dance, men’s and women’s triathlon, and men’s and women’s weightlifting. Scholarship aid for deserving student-athletes is available in all sports.
Intramural Sports
Lenoir-Rhyne University offers a comprehensive intramural sports program designed to promote student engagement, wellness, and community through recreational competition. Intramural sports provide students with the opportunity to participate in a variety of team and individual activities in a structured, inclusive, and fun environment. These programs emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal development while allowing students of all skill levels to compete.
A wide range of sports and activities are offered throughout the academic year, which may include flag football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, esports, and other recreational tournaments and special events. Intramural sports are open to all currently enrolled students, with opportunities to participate as individuals or as part of a team.
Through participation in intramurals, students are able to build connections, develop leadership skills, relieve stress, and enhance their overall college experience. Students interested in participating in intramural sports or learning more about available offerings should contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership.
Leadership Development
The university recognizes that leadership development is an important component in the overall development of individuals. Programs are specially designed to enhance the discovery and utilization of students’ leadership styles. There are multiple opportunities for students to exercise leadership ability through campus organizations, classroom and volunteer experiences, spiritual settings and clubs. Lenoir-Rhyne University endeavors to provide an enriching environment in which students may explore, discover and develop their own potential for leadership and service within their communities. Students who are interested in learning more about leadership development should make contact with the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership.
Libraries
Lenoir-Rhyne University libraries service both campuses. The Carl A. Rudisill Library, which includes the Lineberger Memorial Collection, on the Hickory Campus provides a wealth of information resources and services to support student learning and development both in-person and remotely. The library provides spaces for quiet study, group collaboration, formal classroom instruction, and focused research. Wireless network access is available throughout the buildings. Computers are available for use along with laptops that can be checked out for mobility. Librarians work with students and faculty to assist in the development of information seeking and management skills that support academic success and lifelong learning. For more information, including hours of operation, please visit the library services web page: https://www.lr.edu/academics/library
Multicultural Affairs
The Office of Multicultural Affairs at Lenoir-Rhyne University aspires to create a welcoming community that embraces people of different races, cultures, ages, genders, sexual orientations, religions, socioeconomic levels, political perspectives, abilities, opinions, values and experiences. Lenoir-Rhyne will strive to reflect these differences in its decisions, curriculum, programs and actions. We will also strive to create an environment that brings out the best in all people that leads to positive contributions to the Lenoir-Rhyne community. The university will seek to ensure that all have equal access to the education and resource opportunities available at the university.
Organizations
More than 50 clubs, societies and organizations invite students, faculty and staff to become involved in a variety of co-curricular activities. Additionally, Lenoir-Rhyne has several nationally-affiliated fraternities and sororities. Lenoir-Rhyne also hosts a variety of religious and other activities which are recognized by and operate under the auspices of the university pastor. Finally, more than sixteen honor societies recognize excellence in scholarship and curricular areas. Students interested in becoming involved in a club or organization should contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership on the Hickory campus.
Personal Counseling
During college years, students are navigating the exciting yet sometimes daunting transition from adolescence to young adulthood. This period can be filled with challenges and moments of uncertainty, which is why our counseling services are dedicated to offering high-quality mental health support whenever students need it.
All undergraduate students, whether full-time or part-time, are welcome to take advantage of these services. The university provides a variety of options tailored to meet diverse needs, ensuring every student can find the support they seek.Both in-person and virtual counseling are available through the Lenoir-Rhyne Counseling Center, focusing on short-term, solution-based therapy. Students can receive up to twelve sessions per academic year with our full-time counselors or counseling interns.
Additionally, The Counseling Group, a nearby Hickory-based agency, offers both in-person and virtual options with ten free sessions per academic year. To book an appointment, simply call and identify yourself as a Lenoir-Rhyne student.
Students can access an additional telehealth service through TimelyCare by signing up with their Lenoir-Rhyne email at timelycare.com/lr. This platform offers unlimited access to the Talk Now feature for 20-30 minute conversations (24/7) for in the moment support and up to twelve free scheduled counseling sessions.
For more information about these services, call 828-328-7959. We provide individual, couples, and group counseling, noting that couples counseling is only available if both parties are Lenoir-Rhyne students.
Students may choose to request a referral to a local provider at the student’s expense. Resource information regarding services provided in the community are also available through counseling services, as well as referrals to area psychiatrists and specialized mental health providers.
Counselors, as well as other appropriate staff or community resources, assist students in times of crisis or other emotional difficulties. Crisis hours are held daily at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM in the Health and Wellness Center by walk-in. If you are in need of a scheduled appointment, contact the office during regular office hours at (828) 328-7959. If you are in crisis outside of office hours, contact Catawba County’s Mobile Crisis Unit at (828) 695-2511, Smokey Mountain Center in Asheville at (800) 849-6127, or United Way 211 in Columbia at (803) 733-5400.
All counseling services are confidential. State laws and professional ethical codes dictate that the information discussed during the counseling session will be strictly confidential if you are 18 years of age or older. The counseling records are not kept as part of your academic or administrative records. Furthermore, the fact that you have used our services and the information that you share in counseling will not be disclosed to university officials, faculty, staff, parents, outside agencies or anyone else without your written permission.
Residence Life and Meal Plan Requirement
Lenoir-Rhyne University is committed to providing a supportive residential environment that fosters academic success, personal development and community engagement. To support this mission, all full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students are required to live in campus housing operated by Residence Life during their first, second and third years of enrollment and to purchase a residential meal plan.
Possible exemptions and the process for requesting exemptions are described in this policy. Students who are granted an exemption may still choose to apply for university housing and sign the housing contract, as well as purchase a meal plan, if desired. LR Online programs students are not eligible for university-operated housing through the Office of Residence Life.
Housing and Meal Plan Requirement
- All degree-seeking, first-, second- and third-year undergraduate students are required to reside in campus housing unless they qualify for an approved exemption. Residency requirement is determined by the number of fall and spring semesters a student has completed following high school graduation (exclusive of dual enrollment or early college coursework).
- Registering for majority or all online classes does not release a resident from the financial or other obligations of the residency requirement or the Residence Life Housing Contract.
- Securing of or purchasing off-campus housing prior to receiving an approved exemption does not release a resident from the financial or other obligations of this policy or the Residence Life Housing Contract.
Exemptions to the Residence Life Requirement
- The following exemptions may be approved if a student submits an exemption request with appropriate documentation by August 15 (fall semester requests) or by November 30 (spring semester requests):
- Earned as associate degree (excluding dual enrollment) or completed a minimum of six full-time fall/spring semesters of postsecondary course work (excluding dual enrollment).
- The student lives with a parent or legal guardian at their permanent primary residence, located within a 25-mile radius of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s campus.
- The student is classified as a senior based on credit hours.
- The student is 22 years of age prior to the first day of classes for the applicable semester.
- The student is married.
- The student is a veteran or active-duty member of the military (student must provide government documentation of veteran or military status).
- The student has dependent children (as defined by Federal Regulations).
- The student has a verifiable and documented disability or medical condition that cannot be reasonably accommodated within campus housing, as determined by the Office of Disability Services.
All exemption requests are reviewed by the Office of Residence Life, and approval is not guaranteed. Exemptions are reviewed on an annual basis and must be resubmitted each academic year unless otherwise specified. Lenoir-Rhyne reserves the right to require students to live on campus if exemption documentation is not provided or if information submitted is found to be inaccurate. Failure to comply with the residency requirement will result in a housing charge being applied to the student account.
Student Support and Outreach
The Office of Student Support and Outreach assists students in overcoming obstacles by connecting them with the resources and services that support their long-term success. The Office of Student Support and Outreach oversees the Student Care Referral Form, which allows Lenoir-Rhyne University faculty,staff, and students to show their commitment of care for students. Through partnerships with academic affairs, athletics, student accounts, financial aid, health and wellness, and other offices, we help to address a broad range of issues that may affect a student’s progress to graduation.
The Student Care Referral is available to all members of the Lenoir-Rhyne University community who wish to refer any student need in the following areas:
To learn more about the services offered by the Office of Student Support and Outreach, Lenoir-Rhyne’s Student Care Referral process and to refer a student, please click on the following link: https://www.lr.edu/student-life/student-support-and-outreach.
Traditions and Signature Events
Lenoir-Rhyne University offers a vibrant campus experience through a series of traditions and signature events that foster school spirit, community engagement, and a strong sense of belonging. These programs serve as cornerstone experiences within the student journey, bringing together students, faculty, and staff in meaningful and memorable ways.
Throughout the academic year, the university hosts a variety of large-scale events designed to celebrate campus life and enhance the student experience. Signature programs include Welcome Weekend, which introduces new and returning students to campus through engaging activities and community-building experiences; Homecoming, a longstanding tradition that celebrates school pride through events, competitions, and social gatherings; and Spring Fling, a week of themed programming that provides opportunities for connection, entertainment, and campus-wide participation.
Additional events such as the Student Life Awards recognize outstanding student leaders, organizations, and contributions to campus life, while late-night and end-of-semester programs offer students opportunities to relax, celebrate accomplishments, and connect with peers in a safe and engaging environment.
These traditions play a vital role in shaping the Lenoir-Rhyne experience by creating shared moments, strengthening campus culture, and promoting active student involvement. Students are encouraged to participate in these events and contribute to the ongoing legacy of campus traditions. For more information, students should contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership.
University Publications
Lenoir-Rhyne has a variety of official publications. For the students on the Hickory campus there are two official publications which contain the conditions and terms to which students agree when they enroll. These are the Undergraduate Catalog, The Student Code of Conduct, The Residence Life Community Living Guide and The Lenoir-Rhyne University Student Handbook. All students can access the publications on the university website at www.lr.edu. The Undergraduate Catalog contains academic information. The Lenoir-Rhyne Student Handbook, The Student Code of Conduct and The Residence Life Community Living Guide contain guidelines for campus citizenship and gives important information concerning campus resources and activities. Other special publications are developed by various groups and provide information specifically related to the activities of these groups. All students can access the handbook, code of conduct and community living guide on the Lenoir-Rhyne website at http://www.lr.edu/student-life/student-handbook.
Vehicles - Hickory Campus
All students, faculty and staff of the university who operate a motor vehicle on the campus are required to register their vehicle with the Public Safety Department. Parking an unregistered vehicle on campus will result in a $75 fine. All motor vehicles parked on Lenoir-Rhyne property must be kept in working condition. Disabled vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. The public safety staff publishes a brochure that outlines the regulations pertaining to use of vehicles on campus. This information is also on Lenoir-Rhyne’s website, http://www.lr.edu/student-life/vehicle-registration-parking.
Students may also keep bicycles on campus as long as they are properly registered and stored in appropriate areas. There is a fee for registering automobiles and motorcycles; however, bicycles and mopeds are free to register.
Worship Services and Devotional Life
Given Lenoir-Rhyne’s connection with the ELCA and because of the importance of supporting the spiritual development of students, Lenoir-Rhyne offers weekly worship services on the Hickory and Columbia campuses.
On the Hickory campus, chapel is held at 10 a.m. every Wednesday in Grace Chapel. A brief service of Holy Communion is held each Monday at 10:10 A.m. A Bible study led by the university pastor is offered Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Additional devotional, faith-sharing and Bible study opportunities are offered by religious organizations and the university’s pastor’s office.
LTSS have Chapel services that are held daily when seminary is in session. LTSS Chapel Services are held in Grace Chapel and are provided via live stream. Please see the chapel calendar for more information.
A Muslim prayer room is available in the International House.
The Meditation Chapel in the Cromer Center lobby is open for personal prayer and meditation during regular Cromer Center hours. Additionally, the university pastor’s office provides information regarding worship opportunities in Hickory area congregations.
BEAR Central
BEAR Central on the Hickory campus includes a variety of academic services, offices and resources that help students reach their educational and academic goals. Conveniently located on the second floor of the Carl A. Rudisill Library, the learning space includes an open collaborative study area; individual study nooks; computer labs; group tutoring spaces as well as academic coaching and tutoring services; Writing and Speaking Services; The Advising Center; and Disability Services..
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