Student Association
The Student Association is the most inclusive of the McMurry student organizations. Composed of all full-time students of the University, this organization exists primarily to promote the democratic expression and exercise of student opinion, and to represent, serve, and assist students in matters relating to student social life, activities, and elections. The leadership of the Student Association is the McMurry Student Government which is divided into executive, judicial, and legislative branches, the last of which is composed of the Senate. All officers of the Student Association are elected by the student body or appointed by the Executive Council.
Athletics
McMurry University participates in 20 intercollegiate sports. Men are provided opportunities to compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis and track and field (indoor and outdoor). Women are provided opportunities to compete in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, softball, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball.
Philosophy and Purpose of Intercollegiate Athletics
The McMurry Athletic Department is committed to the enhancement of the educational experiences of its scholar-athletes within the established Christian Liberal Arts tradition of the university. Through the provision of equitable opportunities for growth and excellence through intercollegiate athletics competition and the intentional integration of athletics and academic experiences, the Athletics Department is dedicated to the academic success and progress toward graduation of its scholar-athletes, as well as the development of skills necessary for lifelong social responsibility and service. Furthermore, the Athletics Department seeks to maintain personal and professional integrity by adhering to the philosophies and ethical standards of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), the American Southwest Conference (ASC) and McMurry University.
Athletic Department Mission
The McMurry University Athletics Department will make personal investments in the lives of our scholar-athletes and use the intercollegiate athletics experience to Develop Champions for Life!
Departmental Core Values - War Hawks R.I.S.E.
Responsibility
We will be great ambassadors to McMurry, while setting a positive example for young people on our campus and in our community.
Integrity
Our actions will be consistently honest, humble, and Christ-Centered.
Service
We will be great teammates to our peers and to our community.
Excellence
We will work tirelessly to achieve goals in the classroom and in competition.
Music Organizations
McMurry Marching Band:
The McMurry Marching Band consists of students from all areas of study, including music majors and non-majors. Participation is required for all instrumental music majors and those on departmental scholarship. The Marching Band presents half-time shows at football games and parades during the Fall semester, and becomes the Symphonic Band in the Spring semester, during which it appears in concert at schools, churches and community events. The Marching Band meets daily and membership is open to any student with prior high school or college instrumental experience. Participation is required for all music majors and those on departmental merit scholarships.
Wind Ensemble:
The Wind Ensemble is the top band at McMurry University. Well known for its remarkable presence and dynamic range, this favored group has traveled the globe on invitation to attend conferences and present unique music. This storied ensemble has had a long legacy of excellence of presentation in instrumental circles, and many notable band directors have come from their midst. Membership to the Wind Ensemble is by competitive audition, and participants are expected to tour with the ensemble each year.
Symphonic Band:
The Symphonic Band is the entry band for the University, and is the Spring counterpart to the fall’s Marching Band. This larger ensemble performs a couple of times during the semester, and often serves as the training band for music majors who are learning a secondary instrument. As a concert ensemble, Symphonic Band plays a wide range of band literature, and presents not only classic literature for band, but also contemporary new works for band.
Chanters:
This group is the premiere touring choir of McMurry University. Membership is through competitive audition and offers students an opportunity to experience a challenging ensemble with a rich choral tradition. Chanters serves as ambassadors of McMurry University, and tour each semester, performing at churches, schools and conventions. National or international travel is planned on a rotational basis opposite regional tours around Texas and contiguous states. While Chanters sing primarily a cappella music, they are also called upon to perform a wide range of musical genre including choral/orchestral works. Our goal is to educate students, and touch and change lives through our music.
McM Sounds:
A small, select choral ensemble, Sounds performs a wide variety of a cappella literature which demands excellent musicianship. Typically the group presents signature selections by some of the world’s leading jazz arrangers. Sounds works to develop choral blend, musical accuracy and artistic interpretation for a variety of musical styles, and often performs without a conductor. McMurry Sounds typically tours with Chanters and performs for numerous university and civic events. Students are eligible for this group if they are a current member of Chanters and are selected through a competitive audition at the beginning of the fall semester. Our goal is to build individual musicianship and artistry in the advanced singer.
Jazz Ensemble:
The Jazz Ensemble at McMurry University focuses on all styles of jazz and emphasizes continual development in improvisation. The Jazz Ensemble at McMurry University features a variety of configurations including traditional big band, the War Hawk Brass, a New Orleans style brass band, and jazz combos. Performance opportunities include at least one scheduled concert each semester with regular additional performances at local/regional venues.
Percussion Ensemble:
The Percussion Ensemble is an active chamber ensemble open to all students regardless of major with permission of instructor. Performance ranging from standard repertoire for large ensemble to cutting edge, and commissioned works for smaller groups, the Percussion Ensemble presents two to four concerts each year and may include some travel. Another component to the ensemble is the Warhawk Steel Drum Band that rehearses on the same Tuesday/Thursday schedule with Percussion Ensemble.
Trumpet Ensemble:
The McMurry University Trumpet Ensemble is required for all Trumpet majors and open to others with permission of the instructor. The ensemble performs the standard repertoire and also regularly premieres newly commissioned works. Students will learn to play in multiple genres including classical, jazz, and popular styles. Performances may include on and off-campus recitals, recruiting tours, competitions, and regional/national conferences.
Publications
The Galleon:
The University literary magazine, The Galleon, publishes the best essays, poetry, short stories, and other literary efforts of the greater McMurry community. Students, alumni, and faculty interested in creative writing and visual arts are invited to contribute to this annual magazine edited by students and published under the auspices of the Department of English.
Talon:
The University yearbook, Talon, is published in the fall. It pre-sents a record of student and campus life during the previous academic year. The Talon is published by the Office of University Relations.
The War Hawk Herald:
The official newspaper for the greater McMurry community, the War Hawk Herald is published biweekly by students under the auspices of the Office of University Relations. Reporting on current campus events, the War Hawk Herald is devoted largely to the interests of the student body. The War Hawk Herald Editorial Advisory Board, consisting of students, faculty, and administrators, works together with student editors and writers to determine editorial policy and content. The War Hawk Herald is not published during recesses or summer sessions.
National Honor Societies
Alpha Chi:
The James Winford Hunt chapter of Alpha Chi, a national scholarship society, was organized in 1926. Eligibility is based upon character and scholarship. Members are elected from the top ten percent of the junior and senior classes. Its purpose is to encourage sound scholarship and devotion to the truth.
Alpha Kappa Delta:
The Phi chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, an international sociology honor society, was chartered at McMurry in 1990. The purpose of Alpha Kappa Delta is to promote an interest in the study of sociology and the research of social problems.
Alpha Lambda Delta:
A national honor society for freshmen with aGPA of at least 3.5. McMurry’s chapter was installed in 2001.
Beta Beta Beta:
The Pi Beta Chapter of Beta Beta Beta was installed in 1979. Its purposes are to promote scholarship, dissemination of scientific knowledge and biological research.
Kappa Delta Pi:
On May 18, 1951, the Eta Epsilon chapter of the national honor society in education, Kappa Delta Pi, was chartered at McMurry University. The purpose of Kappa Delta Pi is to encourage high professional, intellectual, and personal standards and to recognize outstanding contributions to education. As an international organization, it has among its members the outstanding educators of the world.
Kappa Mu Epsilon:
In the spring of 1987 the Texas Iota chapter of this honorary mathematics fraternity was formed on the McMurry campus. The purpose of Kappa Mu Epsilon is to promote and encourage mathematical activity.
Kappa Pi:
In spring of 1969, Epsilon Theta chapter of Kappa Pi, an international honorary art fraternity, was organized on the McMurry campus. The purpose of Kappa Pi is to encourage creativity, expand the student’s knowledge in the visual arts mount exhibitions and sales of art work, and provide scholarship opportunities.
Phi Alpha Theta:
Chartered in 1971, Phi Alpha Theta is an international honor society for history; membership is open to students who meet the academic requirements and have completed twelve hours of history. Sigma Beta chapter seeks to promote excellence in the study and writing of history and provides opportunities for students and professional historians to share ideas.
Phi Epsilon Kappa:
In the fall of the academic year, the department of Kinesiology at McMurry University actively encourages its majors and minors to be members of the Klub (spelled with a K for Kinesiology). In the spring semester, the sponsors review the grades and the service credits of the Klub members. Only those who have attained highest standards are inducted into Phi Epsilon Kappa, the national departmental fraternity.
Pi Kappa Delta:
The Texas Gamma chapter of Pi Kappa Delta, a national forensics fraternity, was organized in 1967. This national organization was founded in 1912 to promote scholarship, intellectual and personal development, and to recognize outstanding contribution in the field of public speaking.
Psi Chi:
The McMurry University chapter of Psi Chi was chartered in April 1999. Psi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship and advancing the science of psychology. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate men and women who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests and who meet the minimum qualifications. Psi Chi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Society (APS).
Sigma Delta Pi:
The Lambda Epsilon Chapter at McMurry University was chartered in April, 1975. Sigma Delta Pi is a society to honor students who seek and attain excellence in the study of the Spanish language and the literature and culture of Spanish speaking peoples.
Sigma Pi Sigma:
The McMurry Chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma, physics honor society, was chartered in 1962. The objective of the Society is to recognize the attainment of high scholarship and potential achievement in physics. Membership is open to juniors and seniors who have attained high scholarship in physics and other subjects and who give evidence of professional merit, proficiency, or distinction. The Society is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is an affiliated society of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Sigma Pi Sigma is an integral part of the Society of Physics Students operating within the Education Division of the American Institute of Physics.
Sigma Tau Delta:
In 1951 the Phi Epsilon chapter of the national honorary and professional society of Sigma Tau Delta was chartered on the campus of McMurry University. Membership in the society is open to students who meet the academic standards and who are interested in the study of English and in writing and publishing.
Professional Organizations
American Chemical Society:
The McMurry Student Affiliate Chapter received its charter early in 1964. All students interested in chemistry as a profession are eligible for membership in this organization after satisfactory completion of the first semester of general chemistry. The purpose of the organization is to stimulate a professional interest in chemistry, to keep students abreast of recent developments in the chemical field, to provide a forum for discussion of chemical topics, to promote scholarship, and to encourage fellowship among those interested in chemistry.
Association Of Texas Professional Educators:
ATPE is a professional organization that is available for all pre-service educators that attend McMurry University. The McMurry Chapter of ATPE is affiliated with the Texas ATPE. Activities include meetings, fund-raising,and trips to the state convention in Austin, Texas. Programs include guest speakers, professional development and other educational topics. ATPE is open to all education majors.
Association Of Information Technology Professionals:
AITP is a professional organization whose mission is to serve “members by delivering relevant technology and leadership education, research and information on current business and technology issues, and forums for networking and collaboration.” (AITP Mission Statement 2008) Student membership is open to all students interested in computing and information technology. Activities of the McMurry AITP Student Chapter include regular chapter meetings, fund raisers, special programs like relevant guest speakers, student programming and technology contests, participation in service projects, and trips to regional and national conferences. The McMurry AITP Student Chapter is sponsored by the Dallas (professional) Chapter.
Kappa Delta Sigma:
Is an organization for students who intend to pursue some form of ministry. This group meets twice a month for the following purposes: 1) to provide fellowship for those interested in ministry; 2) to study various forms of the Christian ministry; 3) to serve others oncampus and off-campus.
Kinesiology Klub:
The McMurry Kinesiology Klub is open to all interested students. Activities include programs with guest professionals, field trips to professional meetings and workshops, and fund-raising activities. Qualifying Kinesiology Klub members are inducted each spring into the national fraternity, Phi Epsilon Kappa.
McMurry Mathematics Club:
The McMurry Mathematics Club was organized in the fall of 1971 by students with an interest in mathema-tics.
The purpose of the club is to provide mathematical activities that go beyond the usual, promote interest in mathematics, and to encourage fellowship among those with an interest in mathematics.
Model United Nations Club:
Model United Nations at McMurry is an inter-disciplinary organization that provides students with opportunities to travel and to engage in interactive simulations focusing on thematic global issues, such as promoting religious freedom, human rights, nuclear nonproliferation, etc. Model UN at McMurry is open to all majors with an interest in understanding how issues impact countries differently, and how countries derive different responses to those issues.
Psychology Club:
The McMurry Psychology Club “TRI-PSY” was organized to promote interest in psychology, to provide psychological activities beyond the usual classroom situations, to enhance contacts between students and local mental health professionals, and to encourage fellowship among psychology students. It is open to all students with an interest in the science and practice of psychology.
Shareholders Business Club:
The purpose of the Shareholders Business Club is to promote interest in Business among the students of McMurry University. Membership is open to any student in the School of Business at McMurry, as well as any other student with an interest in Business.
Society Of Physics Students:
The McMurry Chapter of the Society of Physics Students is a charter chapter of the Society which was founded on April 22, 1968. The purpose of the Society is to promote educational activities for all students interested in physics and to encourage and assist students to develop the knowledge, competence, enthusiasm, and social responsibility that are essential to the advancement of physics. Membership is open to all students interested in physics.
Sociology And Criminology Club:
The McMurry Sociology Club was organized in the fall of 1982. The group renamed, Sociology & Criminology Club, in 2017. The purpose of the Club is to promote the study of society, to enhance the understanding of careers and professionalization, and to encourage fellowship among students interested in sociology and/or criminology.
Special Interest Groups
McMurry Student Foundation (MSF):
The McMurry Student Foundation (MSF), formerly known as the Student Ambassador Board, was established in 1992. The purpose of this organization is to act as a liaison between McMurry students, alumni, and special guests. The members of MSF strive to instill a spirit of philanthropy in fellow students and alumni, which will create the desire to increase the wellbeing of McMurry through charitable giving. Our goals are to increase awareness throughout the student population about philanthropy and what it means to be engaged alumni. MSF plays a vital role in the mission of McMurry University: preparing students for a fulfilling life of leadership and service.
Servant Leadership.
The Servant Leadership Center of the Southwest strives to help students become effective servants and leaders. Through curricular and extracurricular efforts, the Servant Leadership Center affirms that the most effective leaders are, first, motivated to serve. In addition to six academic courses in servant leadership, a minor, and a BIS field of study, the Center oversees the Resident Servant Leader Learning Community, service learning opportunities, and a variety of service events. Rather than offering a “program” as such, the Servant Leadership Center seeks to be a presence on campus that inspires and celebrates servant leadership wherever it may be found, whether these instances of servant leadership are part of a specific program or spontaneous acts that empower others to grow and serve.
Service Clubs
Alpha Phi Omega:
Organized in 1964, the Omicron Delta Chapter of this national service fraternity was founded for the primary purpose of service to the University in all areas of civic life. New members are added each year. The prospective members serve a period of pledging during which time they are required to participate in various service projects.
Kappa Kappa Psi:
Kappa Kappa Psi is a co-educational fraternal organization that advances college and university bands for the benefit of its members and society through dedicated service and support to bands, encouragement of musical growth, lifelong educational experiences, leadership opportunities, and recognition.
Social Clubs
There are eleven social clubs on the McMurry campus. They are founded upon democratic principles and are dedicated to the promotion of wholesome social activities. The student social organizations and Interclub Councils are all under faculty/staff sponsorship.
Clubs for Women:
Alpha Psi Alpha
Delta Beta Epsilon
Gamma Sigma
Pi Delta Phi
Theta Chi Lambda
T.I.P.
Clubs for Men:
HEI
KIVA
Ko Sari
Makona
XO
Campus Activities Board (CAB)
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is a student run organization which Campus Life serves the McMurry Student Body through planning and sponsoring a variety of programs on campus. The mission is two-fold: educate and entertain the student body with engaging programs and to provide leadership training for CAB members. CAB values creativity, integrity, passion, diligence and service. Through membership and service to the university, CAB increases retention at McMurry.
Alumni Association
The Alumni Association is a representative body of McMurry alumni whose primary focus centers on honoring, preserving, and celebrating university traditions, instilling a strong sense of connectedness and pride, and creating a culture of stewardship for McMurry University, The Association provides editorial input for the alumni publication, the Messenger, and coordinates homecoming events such as class and special emphasis group reunions. In addition to homecoming, the Association hosts numerous alumni and Young Alumni events throughout the year. Outstanding alumni leadership is recognized by the selection and presentation of the Distinguished Alumni and the Cross and Flame Awards. The Cross and Flame is awarded annually to an individual in the Northwest Texas and New Mexico Annual Conferences and to one at-large recipient from other Annual Conferences of the United Methodist Church. The Alumni Association’s board of directors is comprised of twenty-one members who serve as a liaison between the alumni and the university and represents alumni interests and contributions as vital components in the success and fulfillment of McMurry University’s core values.
McMurry Religious And Spiritual Life
Religious and Spiritual Life Office - Garrison Campus Center Room 107. Sharing in United Methodism’s concern that “knowledge and vital piety” be creatively joined, McMurry University emphasizes its mission and core values centered on the spiritual dimension of life. The University Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain serve as advisors, mentors, and companions on the journey to provide leadership and direction with students, faculty, staff, and administrators who desire to live out their own calling for spiritual health and wellbeing. Students are encouraged to take an active part in religious and spiritual activities on campus. Opportunities are available for everyone to attend and lead in a variety of worship settings; participate in fellowship, study, and accountability groups; explore vocations in service to others; and grow in wisdom and maturity in their faith and life journey. Organizations associated with Religious and Spiritual Life include: FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), BTA (Better Together Alliance) and RSL (Religious and Spiritual Life).
Counseling Services
Counseling Services is devoted to helping students who need assistance in coping with personal problems. These include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, issues of abuse or trauma, family of origin issues, self-esteem, relationship issues, substance abuse, and grief. All on-campus counseling services are free and confidential to McMurry students and staff.
Career Development
McMurry University office of Career Development provides a variety of career opportunities that can assist students and alumni in making wise career decisions. Opportunities provided are:
- Career Counseling/Testing - Help with decisions concerning majors, careers, and career-related issues. Learn about yourself and what careers/majors would be a good fit for you.
- Workshops/Resources - Assistance in creating resumes, job search strategies, interview skills, networking, and job fair skills.
- Employment Services - Facilitate Work Study award verification and hiring process. Provide online listings and job search tools for offcampus part-time and full-time jobs as well as internships. Resume andcover letter assistance is available. Opportunities are provided for on- campus recruiting, on-campus interviews, workshops and other career development support.
- Special Programs - Recruiters from across the state come to our on-campus and off-campus Career Fairs to recruit our students and alumni. Senior programming brings together many resources for seniors to gain information concerning graduation and life afterward. The Etiquette Dinner offers an informational dining experience on proper etiquette.
Health Services
The Health Services Office is open Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Closed on Friday. Health services are provided by a registered nurse for assessments of illness and injuries with referrals to a physician if necessary. Information on health questions and resources are available. Most services are free of charge. A nominal fee is required for flu vaccinations due at the time of service. All students are required to supply a Medical History Form, proof of immunizations and health insurance.
Bacterial Meningitis
Updated October 2013
In accordance with Texas Senate Bill 62, all first-time students under 22 years of age, including transfer students, dual credit students attending classes on McMurry’s campus, and any student who previously attended McMurry University before January 1, 2012 and is seeking to be readmitted, must present a certificate to the institution demonstrating they have been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis within the past 5 years. In addition, students must have received the vaccination at least 10 days prior to attending class. Students will not be permitted to register for classes until proof of vaccination is on file in the Health Services Office. The bacterial meningitis vaccination required by law to attend college must include protection from A, C, W and Y meningococcal strains. Bacterial Meningitis B is not required by law.
Insurance
Domestic Student: All students are required to have health insurance and must supply copy of front and back of health insurance card to have on file in Health Services.
International students: All international students are required to have health insurance coverage. Health insurance will be provided to international student that do not have insurance coverage and the cost will be applied to their student accounts. To avoid being charged for health insurance, students must provide documentation that their personal insurance provides all of the following:
- Minimum of $90,000 coverage for injury and illness Repatriations/evacuation required
- If a student athlete - coverage must include intercollegiate sport injuries.
- Must make arrangements to opt-out in person in the Health Services and provide a copy of the front and back of their health insurance card.
The Office Of Accessibility And Accommodations
The purpose of The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations is to enable students with disabilities to participate in the full range of college experiences; to promote an environment that is barrier-free, and to actively address and promote disability awareness within the campus community through programs and services designed to meet the academic and professional needs of the individuals with disabilities. Qualified students with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, not be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of reasonable University services, programs, or activities or be subjected to discrimination of any kind. To be eligible for services, the student with a disability must provide The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations current documentation that describes the specific disability prior to or at the beginning of the semester. The documentation must be from a licensed or certified professional in the area of the disability (i.e. psychologist, physician or educational diagnostician). Students with disabilities must contact The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations to discuss academic needs before the beginning of their first semester or as soon as they are diagnosed with a disability. Once documentation is on file, reasonable accommodations may be made. To obtain additional information or specific guidelines on particular services students should contact the Disability Coordinator.
Conference And Enrichment Services
McMurry University’s Conference and Enrichment Services office coordinates a variety of activities on the campus with special emphasis on summer youth camps, community outreach, church activities, off campus organization meetings and conferences and workshops. These programs represent an opportunity to bring prospective students onto the McMurry University campus and to serve the Abilene community with year-round enrichment experiences.
Student Conduct
Consistent with the United Methodist Church philosophy and principles, McMurry University is strongly committed to the development of the student and promotion of personal integrity and self-responsibility. Students enrolling at McMurry become citizens of the community and are entitled to enjoy the privileges and assume the responsible obligations associated with this affiliation. Since the rights of all students are protected, and an atmosphere conducive to intellectual and religious development, personal growth, and community association are to be promoted, standards and guidelines on student behavior are necessary. The Student Code of Conduct is intended to outline certain responsibilities and expectations of McMurry students and assist the students to understand their role in the academic community.
A student who enrolls at McMurry University is expected to conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an educational, Methodist-affiliated institution; to adhere to University policies; to show respect for properly constituted authority; and to observe correct standards of conduct. It is the student’s responsibility to be knowledgeable about all University student conduct policies. Any student who engages in conduct that is prohibited by the University is subject to judicial action whether such conduct takes place on or off the campus or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct. Furthermore, a student is subject to judicial action for prohibited conduct that occurs while participating in off-campus activities sponsored by the University, or University organizations, including, but not limited to: field trips, internships, socials, training exercises, pledging, rotations or clinical assignments. Violations of the McMurry Student Code of Conduct are referred and adjudicated through the Student Affairs office under the general direction of the Dean of Student Affairs. The Student Code of Conduct is available for review in the Student Handbook.
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