Student Life
Students spend the majority of their time at Augustana outside of the classroom: studying, sleeping, eating, relaxing and taking part in student activities. Encourage your student to become involved in a variety of organizations and activities. There are more than 150 student groups on campus, including academic clubs, multicultural organizations, honor societies and social organizations. A complete list of the groups may be found on the Augustana website under student organizations. Each year, we usually add two or three groups, so if your student cannot find something of interest, suggest that he or she meet with the Director of Student Activities to see about starting a new organization.
Because 30-35% of Augustana's student body joins a social fraternity or sorority, most students face the question of whether or not to affiliate. Recruitment-an opportunity for new students to attend social events sponsored by all the Greek groups-occurs at the end of winter term. Students are matched with the individual Greek group at the end of the Recruitment period, and the new member period occurs during the first five weeks of spring term Recruitment is a great way to meet other students and gives each Greek group an opportunity to express to new students what makes them unique. A number of students attend Recruitment functions and then choose not to join a group. If your student decides to join, before he or she enters into the new member period we encourage you to have a conversation about what to expect. The Greek advisor informs students of what is appropriate, not appropriate and illegal in the new member process, but sometimes the secretive nature of Greek groups makes it difficult to monitor this time period. The more we can work together to educate students about healthy relationships and group activities, the better our Greek system will be.
In addition to student groups, there is an on-going schedule of social and educational activities. Comedians, movies, service projects, multicultural activities, leadership workshops, dances, athletic events and intramural sports are available on a weekly basis through the Office of Student Activities. Campus ministries also sponsors a range of worship experiences, Bible studies and service projects. These events provide a balance to the classroom and an opportunity to meet new people and get to know old friends better.
Because your student will maintain a household at college, there will be some normal expenses in addition to tuition, room and board. Books will cost between $300 and $500 a term. Being able to join friends for a pizza or a movie occasionally is important to well-being. Students could spend between $75 and $100 per month on food, entertainment and incidentals. Most on-campus entertainment is free, but students also enjoy getting off-campus occasionally, which may be an expense.
Students may use the ATM machine located in the College Center, Westerlin or Swanson Commons or cash checks at the College Center or Business Office for a small fee. Usually, businesses will cash out-of-town checks with a student ID. Banks within an easy walk of campus include: American Bank, I.H. Mississippi Valley Credit Union, Wells Fargo Bank and US Bank.
