Eastern University seeks to provide a Christ-centered environment and educational program that stimulates the growth and development of each student socially, intellectually, spiritually, and culturally. The Eastern community, diverse in cultural, social, racial, academic, and economic backgrounds, is a powerful and positive dimension of Eastern’s educational process. This community is a nurturing and caring one that provides support to students as they deal with the developmental issues of identity, intimacy, service, and vocation.

Christian Formation Programs

As an intentional Christian community, students, faculty and staff gather for voluntary chapel each Wednesday morning. Moreover, many students throughout the week lead informal times of worship in various locations with various foci. Additional opportunities for worship, prayer, and community building are facilitated through the Office of Faith & Practice.

A wide range of ministry opportunities for students includes serving in inner-city neighborhoods, tutoring children, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ while serving others. Service learning is required of all first-year and transfer students. It is also encouraged in other courses and programs. Eastern University also has active student ministry organizations, such as the Y.A.C.H.T. club (Youth Against Complacency and Homelessness Today), Prison Ministry, and many others, all designed to increase and enhance students’ connection and commitments to their wider world, justice issues, and their own spiritual formation. Domestic and international missions opportunities, during breaks and in summer, stretch students to serve God outside the immediate area. Rural and urban settings for ministry and service contribute to students’ engagement with God’s movement in the world in challenging and innovative ways.

The Student Chaplain program fosters spiritual formation among students. Student Chaplains facilitate evening Grow Groups in the residence halls to foster a deepening relationship with Jesus. Faculty also often serve as spiritual mentors to students. Some undergraduate and graduate internships are provided in or to Christian agencies and churches.

Outreach groups, including Turning Point, a student ensemble, share God’s abiding truth and love through vocal music. The Angels of Harmony, a Gospel music choir, present students with opportunities for sharing their talents beyond campus.

Windows on the World

The theme running through all of Eastern’s programs is the development of Christian leaders for the 21st century and beyond. Windows on the World provides a strong intellectual, campus-wide forum where faculty and students enter into dialogue and debate in areas of the arts, culture, marketplace, and political engagement. The forum’s purposes are to enrich the vision of faculty and students; to stimulate engagement with secular issues from a Christian perspective; to provide an all-campus opportunity to hear leading Christian thinkers present differing Christian perspectives on complex issues; and to articulate reasons why Christians should serve the common good, all to the greater glory of God.

Fall Convocation

The Fall Convocation formally introduces the new academic year. The President uses this forum to highlight ways faculty and students express and implement Eastern’s mission, to induct new full-time faculty, to officially welcome and dedicate new students, and to announce new programs and other campus developments. The theological core of Eastern’s educational philosophy is affirmed by the new faculty and administration members joining with all faculty and administration in signing the statement of faith.

Residence Life

The University provides housing options in the form of traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. Each hall has a Residence Director or Graduate Residence Director, Resident Assistants, and Student Chaplains, who work together to manage the facility and act as resource people and counselors for the residents. The objectives of the Residence Life Program are to provide an atmosphere conducive to academic success; to provide a context for interpersonal, social, and spiritual growth; and to provide support to assist in problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Academic Resource Center

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) offers tutoring, writing assistance, testing, EQUIP, and the Act 101 Program. 

At the Tutoring Center, a staff of supervised peer tutors assists currently enrolled traditional undergraduate students with coursework, study skills, test preparation, and time management. NetTutor is provided for online and graduate students.

The Writing Center is staffed by trained peer writing assistants dedicated to helping students improve their writing across all courses and in any subject area.

The Disability Accommodations Testing Center provides a proctored, distraction-reduced environment for students with testing accommodations. This ensures that students with identified disabilities can take their exams in a setting tailored to their needs.

Academic Coaching helps students achieve their academic goals and enhance their overall college experience. It involves one-on-one sessions with a trained academic coach who provides guidance, support, and strategies tailored to the student's individual needs.

The EQUIP pre-college summer program helps selected entering students bridge the gaps between high school and college. (Students typically enter EQUIP upon referral by the Admissions Department.)

The Act 101 Program (PA Higher Education Equal Opportunity Program) supports motivated Pennsylvania residents with certain academic and financial needs by providing a special program of academic and personal support. Entrance into Act 101 is by invitation after a student is determined to be eligible.

Cushing Center for Counseling and Psychological Services

The Cushing Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers in-person counseling and teletherapy (options available depend on the student’s enrollment status) to support students’ emotional wellness and academic success. Services are contingent on availability and the appropriateness of the student’s needs for our services. Services are offered at no extra charge to currently enrolled students.

Office of Disability and Access

Students with documented learning or physical disabilities that interfere with academic performance or daily routines can apply for modifications in how academic work is presented and tested, or for physical supports needed for daily living. All involved departments on campus then work together to provide reasonable accommodations for eligible students. Interested students should contact the Office of Disability and Access (ODA) as early as possible for further information and guidance about specific policies and procedures.

The Center for Career Development

Career planning and coaching assistance is available for all students. The Center for Career Development engages students as they explore their God-given talents, discern career and vocational goals, and seek internship and employment opportunities that will allow them to serve and thrive. Services include career counseling, professional development workshops and networking events, resume and cover letter critiques, and access to online resources, including our internship/job board, Handshake.

The College Success Program for Students Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The College Success Program (CSP) offers specialized support to students with autism spectrum disorder to support their academic success, emotional wellness, and participation in the life of the university. The CSP is open to students in traditional undergraduate programs and involves an application and a fee. The program is offered through the Cushing Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Leadership Fellows Program

The Leadership Fellows Program (LFP) is for selected students with demonstrated leadership ability and is designed to advance and support students’ understanding and demonstration of servant leadership within the Eastern community and global community at large. The program aims to prepare students for purposeful cultural integration as productive innovators and leaders; encouraging them to address current social problems through thoughtful faith-based service and influence the world through a commitment to Christian leadership and behavioral integrity.

Wilson Goode Scholars Program

Student servant leadership demonstrated the ability to forge relationships across diverse populations is fostered through the Wilson Goode Scholars Program, which honors the work and service of Dr. W. Wilson Goode. In addition to coursework, program participation, and campus community engagement, the reward is renewable each year.

Student Government

Student Government (SGA) oversees other clubs and helps finance groups on campus, as well as updating policies and advocating for students.

Student Activities Board

The Student Activities Board (SAB) is a club on campus that plans weekend activities for students.

Student Publications

The Waltonian, the student newspaper, is staffed by students and is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.

Inklings, a literary periodical printed annually, includes poetry, prose, drawings, and photographs by students, faculty, and staff members.

Honor Organizations

The honor societies at Eastern recognize scholarship and leadership, and emphasize the centrality of academic life in the college experience.

Alpha Kappa Delta is the international sociology honor society that acknowledges and promotes excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology.

Delta Mu Delta is a national honor society in business administration.

Kappa Delta Pi is an international society for undergraduate and graduate education students.

Psi Chi is a national honor society for students majoring or minoring in psychology.

Theta Alpha Kappa is an honor society for students of religion and theology.

Sigma Zeta is a national honor society of the natural sciences and mathematics.

Other Organizations

Students participate in many social service, ministry, and academically related clubs and organizations, including, but not limited to:

American Chemical Society (ACS) is an international educational and scientific society devoted to members of the chemical profession. Campus chapters are designed to bring together students interested in chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering to meet various learning and service objectives. The Eastern University chapter has won several grants and national recognition awards for participation in community interaction projects with elementary school students.

American Marketing Association (AMA) Collegiate is a national professional organization striving to be the most relevant force and voice, shaping the practice of marketing in the world. AMA Collegiate is the official undergraduate student organization facilitating leadership, intellectual exploration, career development and community enhancing activities in the discipline of marketing. The chapter’s goal is to provide tomorrow’s marketing professionals the resources and skills to continue to advance the industry. Students across all fields of study are invited to join.

Black Student League endeavors to bring all black students at Eastern into a closer fellowship and to promote black culture on campus.

The Eastern University Health and Medical (EUHM) Club, student president, and the faculty advisor work together to provide Pre-Med students with many enriching opportunities. The club visits local medical schools in the area to attend their open houses and invites guest speakers to campus to talk about their medical programs. Furthermore, the club provides the opportunity for students to discuss questions about the MCAT, science courses and the application process. All students interested in medical, veterinary, and dental schools as well as physician assistant programs and other careers in the health professions are invited to join the EUHM Club. 

Bridges helps undergraduate and graduate international students adjust to American life and feel at home, and promotes fellowship among its members.

Multicultural Awareness Advisory Board (MAAC) is a club that brings cultural awareness to campus. They plan events for students and lead discussions centered around race. 

Nurses’ Christian Fellowship welcomes BSN students to participate in meetings on campus.

The Student Social Work Association (SSWA) is a student-administered club that welcomes all students interested in social welfare or social work. Students are able to build community while engaging in service projects, self-care activities, and discussing current topics.

* Refer to the website for a full listing of all clubs and organizations

Social Life

Campus-wide social activities include performances, movies, and dances. Students participate in plays, dance and musical performances, talent shows, coffeehouses, contests, and intramurals. Highlights of the year include the Spring Banquet, and Homecoming.

Cultural Enrichment

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the rich cultural offerings in the greater Philadelphia area. The University sponsors trips to the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the New York Metropolitan Opera. Artists-in-residence provide regular concerts and art exhibits.

Student theatrical productions are staged each fall and spring. Three other performance opportunities for student and alumni-led productions are offered in September, January (24-hour New Play Workshop) and a student produced/directed/acted program in May (Performing Arts Living Room PALR).

Dance, instrumental and vocal ensembles perform at Fall Convocation, Christmas Chapel, seasonal concerts, and weekly concerts in the Jammin’ Java Coffee shop.

Athletics

The Eastern University athletic department is affiliated with the NCAA Division III and participates in the Freedom Conference under the umbrella of the Middle Atlantic Conference (Freedom and Commonwealth Conferences). Intercollegiate sports offered to women include field hockey, cross country, basketball, soccer, softball, lacrosse, tennis, golf, volleyball, and indoor and outdoor track & field. Intercollegiate sports offered to men include soccer, cross country, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, golf, tennis, volleyball, and indoor and outdoor track & field. The University will be launching E-Sports in Fall 2020.

Eastern also offers an intramural program designed to provide enjoyable recreational activities. Getting involved in intramural sports is a great way to meet new people, join in supporting school spirit, and get a little exercise. Intramural offerings are subject to change based on student interest and facility availability.

Intercollegiate Athletic Eligibility

To be eligible to represent the institution in intercollegiate athletics, students must be enrolled in a minimum full-time program of study, be in good academic standing, maintain satisfactory progress toward a baccalaureate degree, and have NCAA eligibility remaining. Students in a non-traditional program (including any student who is enrolled as a student in any program at Esperanza College) or graduate program who desire to play, should seek an eligibility review from the Compliance Office in the Department of Athletics.

Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act of 1994

In compliance with the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act of 1994, the Equity in Athletics Report is available upon request from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Financial Report Disclosure

Annual notification to enrolled students is provided by the Student Development Office by request to the Vice President for Student Development.

Statement of Behavioral Standards and Expectations

Eastern University, as an intentional evangelical Christian academic community, aspires to pattern itself after the relationship between Jesus and his followers. That first Christian community demonstrated the attributes of forgiveness and accountability, affirmation and challenge, forthrightness and patience, in a spirit of servant-hood and respect for diversity in the body of Christ. Eastern University attempts no less.

As a Christian university and a Christian community, we are concerned with establishing standards of conduct consistent with a Christian lifestyle. We believe these standards flow from biblical values and from our commitment to be witnesses to one another. We also believe these standards are in the best interests of each individual student as well as the community as a whole.

Believing that freedom is essential to Christian growth and maturity, the University limits its rules and regulations to policies and practices considered essential to the community’s well-being. The following are specific violations of University policy and will result in disciplinary proceedings:

1. All forms of dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, furnishing false information to the University, and altering documents with the intent to defraud.
2. The use, sale, distribution and/or the possession of marijuana and other illegal drugs.
3. Unauthorized use of tobacco products. The campus is smoke free.
4. The use or possession of alcoholic beverages on campus or in areas adjacent to the campus. 
5. Inappropriate behavior resulting from being drunk, intoxicated, or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
6. Unauthorized visitation in University housing.
7. Inappropriate displays of affection.

Students who violate these expectations and standards are accountable for their behavior. The principle of accountability is basic to providing a climate that encourages students to take responsibility for their choices and actions. Students can expect to be confronted, counseled, advised and when warranted, disciplined. In order to provide a climate of trust and trustworthiness, the University, through the Dean of Students, is committed to the principle of due process for all students. Practices in disciplinary cases may vary in formality with the gravity of the offense and the sanctions to be applied. (Note: More detailed statements regarding behavioral standards and expectations can be found in the Student Handbook.)