Student Information
Housing Information
Richmont Graduate University does not maintain student housing or dormitories. Information concerning local, private housing is available through:
Atlanta Information
Atlanta, known as the “Gateway to the South,” is a respected center of learning as well as a southeastern center of business and commerce, finance, transportation, medicine and health care, sports and recreation, and the arts. Information about the arts, banking, public transportation, churches, employment, medical services, motor vehicle registration, points of interest, recreation, shopping, sports, taxes, utilities, and voting can be obtained at:
www.metroatlantachamber.com
Chattanooga Information
Richmont is pleased to also offer its degree programs in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the “Scenic City of the South.” Long noted for its history and tourist appeal, Chattanooga more recently has garnered international attention for its downtown revitalization and environmental leadership. Information about services and opportunities in Chattanooga can be obtained at:
www.chattanoogachamber.com
Student Life
Richmont students come from a wide range of geographic regions and backgrounds. This diverse student body provides excellent opportunities for learning and social life.
Richmont provides opportunities for students to participate in a wide range of activities and courses designed to enhance their educational experience. These activities include, but are not limited to: diversity celebrations, informal gatherings, and a variety of guest speakers and professionals. Official student activities will be coordinated through the Office of Student Affairs.
Orientation
All new students are required to complete an online orientation process to learn about Richmont Graduate University and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills that are essential for success as a graduate student. Students receive information about online orientation as soon as they receive access to their Richmont email account. Richmont’s online orientation is completed in Canvas, and students have access to this online material during their tenure as a student. Students are encouraged to refer back to their Orientation course in Canvas as a resource.
Communication within the University
Effective communication between the university and its students is essential for student success. As a result, there are several methods of communication that allow Richmont to connect with students, and that also allow students to connect with Richmont staff and faculty.
Email
Richmont faculty, staff, and students all have a Richmont email address. It is the student’s responsibility to check this university email regularly, since this is the only method of communication from Richmont staff and faculty. Students are responsible for all information communicated to them via their Richmont email account.
Faculty & Faculty Advisor Appointments
Students are responsible to contact faculty and advisors to schedule necessary appointments. Students can reach faculty through their Richmont email account, or phone.
Changes in Personal Information
Please keep the Records Office informed when you change any of your personal data (name, address, phone number, etc.). The Records Office will note the change in the online directory.
Student Identification Cards
Each student who attends a physical campus at Richmont Graduate University receives a Student ID card upon matriculation into the program. This card allows access to the campus buildings.
Campus Alerts
Richmont utilizes a campus alert system to alert students when either campus will close due to weather or other emergencies. Students are automatically enrolled in this program upon matriculation using their phone number and Richmont email address. In the event of a campus closing, Richmont will alert students to the status on each campus. Please make sure to check your Richmont email and/or cell phone regularly during these times.
Copyrighted Material
Richmont Graduate University recognizes the legal rights of copyright holders in any form. It prohibits illegal downloading and copying and sharing of such materials, either in physical form or digitally. Failure to follow this policy has both legal and university disciplinary implications. Students may also contact their campus librarian for further information and for assistance in legally obtaining research materials.
Canvas
Canvas is the university’s platform for course delivery. Canvas has four primary purposes in Richmont courses:1) to provide students an opportunity to receive timely information about course assignments, grades, and announcements; 2) to promote thoughtful, intentional interaction between course instructors and students (as well as between students) as they work on course materials; 3) to provide a method for students to complete quizzes and exams and upload papers; 4) to enhance Richmont students’ learning experience.
Every student has access to Canvas during their time as a student. Students are responsible to access Canvas regularly and to be familiar with all resources and materials in Canvas in order to successfully complete their courses. Students who encounter problems with Canvas can contact helpdesk@richmont.edu.
CAMS
CAMS is the university's student information system. Students will utilize their CAMS Student Portal to register for classes, review student documentation, manage their student financial account, and review unofficial transcripts.
Students will receive assistance with CAMS during their initial registration meeting. If a student encounters technical problems with CAMS or is unable to log into their Student Portal, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@richmont.edu.
Internet Access & Software
While enrolled in classes, students are responsible to maintain continuous access to a working and dependable internet provider as well as reliable email software that can send and receive attachments. It is highly recommended that you have access to Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, etc.) for assignments. A student’s experience is highly dependent on the quality and functionality of your computer equipment. The full list of technology requirements is listed in the Graduate Catalog. You can also email helpdesk@richmont.edu for questions and support.
Program of Study
Students complete a Program of Study before they matriculate into their perspective program. Template sequences for each degree program and certificates are provided for students to complete their program. Using this as a guide, Richmont staff meet individually to assist each student as they develop a program of study, outlining the sequence in which he or she plans to take the courses for the selected program. The Program of Study is signed and approved by the student and the Records Office. The signed document is kept on file in the Records Office. Students who deviate from their Program of Study are required to resubmit a Program of Study for the following reasons: change of degree, change of certification(s), or change in length of time to complete the degree. A Program of Study is required to complete a student’s academic file.
Children & Guests Policy
The facilities of Richmont Graduate University are restricted to use by students, faculty, staff, and guests of the university, except when all or part of the university location, its buildings, or its facilities are open to the general public for a designated time and purpose. A “guest” of the university is a person invited by an officer, employee, or student to visit the campus at a specific time and place for a designated purpose. Guests must sign in and out at the front desk. Personal guests of students are permitted as long as they restrict the length of their campus visits and abide by all appropriate guidelines and policies related to their visit, including but not limited to not disrupting the student or any other person’s work or other appropriate use of the campus. By inviting a personal guest on campus, the student assumes responsibility for that guest and should remain with the guest. Guests are not permitted to attend class with a student unless the student obtains the faculty member’s prior permission. Such permission will only be granted in very special and limited circumstances.
Arranging childcare is the personal responsibility of students who have children. Students are not authorized to bring children to a university facility for extended periods of time. Frequent or lengthy visits of children are not permitted, as they may create disruptions and distractions and present a liability to the university for their safety. Minors under the age of 12 should not be left unsupervised at any time at any of the university facilities. Children may not attend class, use university equipment, or be left unattended on university property. Childcare issues frequently arise when university holidays and those of the child’s school do not match, or when a child is sick and cannot attend school or daycare. Students must plan for these challenges in advance. Asking a faculty member to allow a child in class is not an option, as faculty members are not authorized to allow children to attend class.
Self-Care and Professional Responsibility
Graduate school presents many challenges to developing professionals, leading students to occasionally neglect maintenance of an appropriate balance between professional activities and self-care. Richmont reminds students that development of professional competencies is dependent upon effective self-care behavior (i.e., sleep, adequate nutrition, exercise, medical health and mental health care when needed, social support, church involvement, etc.).
It is the student’s responsibility to maintain effective self-care behaviors while in graduate school. Students have access to their advisor, enhancement programs, mentors, and other resources while enrolled. Students are made aware of these opportunities at their orientation and in a bi-annual email. Students also have access to a list counselors who offer reduced fees for Richmont students.
Richmont’s graduate training programs are small professional communities in which students support one another in developing effective self-care behaviors, much like the broader profession will be upon graduation. When a student recognizes that another student regularly neglects his/her self-care, the student should try to offer assistance to the other student in obtaining help before discussing it with a faculty member. Should the other student continue to engage in significantly unhealthy self-care behavior following peer assistance, you, as the observer, should discuss your concerns with your advisor or dean. This is your professional responsibility. Faculty may also discuss observed concerns with students regarding neglect of regular self-care.
Faculty are open to requests for accommodations in particularly distressing periods (e.g., personal or family tragedy, illness, etc.). In such situations, consistent with demonstrating professional competence, the student should bring the situation to the attention of his or her advisor (or faculty member) in order to plan for how to handle the potential program hiatus (e.g., coursework, clinical cases, etc.). The Records Office can offer assistance if the need for extended absences arises. Students should also be sure to address financial considerations (loans, assistantships, impact on tuition fellowship, etc.) when considering a hiatus from the program.
Student Support
Student Resources Website
Richmont maintains an internal website of Student Resources to connect students with resources through the Records Office, Student Affairs, Career Services, etc. Students can access the Student Resources website through their Richmont Office 365/email account. This website is the central location for students to access semester schedules, course syllabi, etc
Library Services
Students have access to many library materials and databases online. All passwords for databases are provided by the Library. Students can access all of the databases on the Richmont website. For any library questions, concern, or support, please email libraries@richmont.edu.
Training & Continuing Education
Richmont conducts and sponsors events on counseling and ministry with a Christian emphasis designed to bring together those in the helping fields to participate in training and spiritual renewal. These events offer periods of instruction, support, and developing of professional relationships.
Counseling Referral List for Students
Richmont maintains a referral list of local counselors and spiritual directors who provide reduced-fee services for Richmont students. In accordance with ethical guidelines on dual relationships, faculty members do not provide professional counseling to students. The referral list is available to students on the Student Resources page.
Mentorship
Students have access to a wide selection of alumni mentors during their time at Richmont and after they graduate. Each mentor relationship is unique, and many mentors develop a lasting relationship with their Richmont student. Students interested in obtaining an Alumni Mentor can complete an application on the Student Resources page or contact alumni@richmont.edu.
Student Emergency Fund
Richmont Graduate University’s Student Emergency Fund (SEF) provides limited financial assistance to currently enrolled students who are struggling financially due to uncontrollable circumstance and require emergency monetary assistance as a last resort. Funds must be used to aid in short-term crisis matters which would otherwise jeopardize the student’s ability to attend Richmont Graduate University. Students can apply for funds from the Student Emergency Fund online at richmont.edu.
Career Services
Richmont offers career resources to students as they prepare to secure a job following graduation. Students can obtain feedback about studies, resumes, and interviewing skills as well as obtain information about upcoming employment opportunities. The Office of Student Affairs maintains a database of information that students can access online.
Accommodations for Students
The Office of Student Affairs assists the university in fulfilling its commitment to educate and serve students with disabilities who qualify for admission. The Office of Student Affairs coordinates and provides a variety of academic and support services to students. Richmont's mission is to promote equal educational opportunities and a welcoming spiritual, academic, physical, and social environment for students with disabilities at Richmont Graduate University.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, provides the foundation for equal access for students with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 furthers civil rights of persons with disabilities by mandating equal educational opportunity.
Richmont Graduate University will provide reasonable accommodations to the known physical and mental limitations of a qualified individual with a disability unless to do so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the university, or unless it would fundamentally alter a degree or course requirement.
A student who desires accommodations should complete the online Richmont Student Accommodations Application and upload the required documentation.
The Office of Student Affairs will work with students who are approved to receive accommodations to ensure that their professors are aware of their approved accommodations.
Advisement
Upon acceptance to Richmont, each student is assigned an academic advisor. The advisor assists the student in becoming acclimated to the Richmont community, in career planning, and in a variety of other aspects of involvement in the university’s program. Though the advisor may guide students through the process of selecting courses, ultimately the student is responsible for following their Program of Study and the university degree requirements and policies as outlined in the Graduate Catalog.
THRIVE: Wellness & Self-Care
Richmont Graduate University desires for students to succeed in their graduate program and succeed in their new career to the fullest. Developing as a professional in mental health service or in ministry is a process that is both rewarding and challenging. THRIVE is our campus-wide emphasis on wellness that helps students to focus on wellness. Richmont is interested in students’ overall wellness, not simply academic performance. We want students to live a satisfying life while in graduate school and develop and practice the tools to find fulfillment in life after graduation. Students are encouraged to create an individual wellness plan during their first semester.
Richmont cares deeply about the wellbeing of our students. The university places strong emphasis and value on wellness in spiritual, relational, physical, emotional, and mental domains for our staff, faculty, and students.
Office of Diversity & Inclusion
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) was formed to lead Richmont’s aspirations for the intentional cultivating of a university-wide environment of safety and inclusion for all faculty, staff, students, and alumni from marginalized populations. With the goal of addressing discrimination and inclusion concerns, it is intended to emulate Christ, cultivate community, and of course, embrace diversity. ODI welcomes all students, faculty, staff, and alumni to seek us out and find support for any diversity and inclusion needs. For more information, visit richmont.edu/about/odi
Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of work-study positions are available at Richmont. Students will receive electronic notifications when positions become available.
Scholarships
Applications for scholarships are available online at www.richmont.edu or from the Admissions Office. Please consult the university website for all current scholarship opportunities and deadlines.