Student Handbook
INTRODUCTION AND MISSION STATEMENTS
The Student Handbook is a compilation of administrative practices and policies, mandated state and federal practices, and campus policies that have been the traditional province of Community Assembly.
For practicality in maintaining a handbook that is a useable document for students, and not confused by sections determined by ownership, the Student Handbook is an administratively based document that is annually revised with selected administrative oversight.
Community Assembly remains a primary decision-making body for campus policy and can be addressed to review new administrative policies, existing policies, or enact new policy, particularly within the sections of the handbook related to Community Assembly, Student Senate and the Luther Code.
It is the responsibility of each student to become familiar with the guidelines in the Student Handbook, as well as other official information such as the College Catalog, residence hall contract, dining service policies, and information provided by other offices or services.
If you have questions regarding the Student Handbook or policies, contact the Student Life Office, Dahl Centennial Union 2nd floor, phone 1020, or at students@luther.edu. Primary resources for academic information are the Academic Dean’s Office, the Registrar’s Office, and the College Catalog. Policies are subject to change.
Luther College Mission Statement
In the reforming spirit of Martin Luther, Luther College affirms the liberating power of faith and learning. As people of all backgrounds, we embrace diversity and challenge one another to learn in community, to discern our callings, and to serve with distinction for the common good.
As a college of the church, Luther is rooted in an understanding of grace and freedom that emboldens us in worship, study, and service to seek truth, examine our faith, and care for all God’s people.
As a liberal arts college, Luther is committed to a way of learning that moves us beyond immediate interests and present knowledge into a larger world—an education that disciplines minds and develops whole persons equipped to understand and confront a changing society.
As a residential college, Luther is a place of intersection. Founded where river, woodland, and prairie meet, we practice joyful stewardship of the resources that surround us, and we strive to be a community where students, faculty, and staff are enlivened and transformed by encounters with one another, by the exchange of ideas, and by the life of faith and learning.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Adopted May of 1998
The Luther College community is concerned about the impact we, as individuals and as an institution, have on the environment. As citizens of an earth community, it is our obligation to identify problems which militate against a sustainable future and to implement viable solutions to those problems. In support of the movement towards an environmentally sustainable future, we commit ourselves to the following goals:
1. To identify environmental pollution and degradation taking place on campus, and to institute environmentally sound operations.
2. To work in collaboration with the Decorah community and other organizations to assist in finding solutions to environmental problems.
3. To affirm and expand the Luther College community’s commitment to recycling, waste reduction, and resource conservation.
4. To forge collaboration among departments, faculty, and students to develop curricula, interdisciplinary approaches, research initiatives, and outreach activities that address the issues surrounding an environmentally sustainable future.
5. To encourage all departments to explore environmental issues in relation to their respective disciplines, with the larger aim of providing all students with the information and understanding needed to become ecologically responsible citizens.
Student Life Office
Dahl Centennial Union, Phone 1020
The Dean for Student Life is responsible for a wide range of student services and activities, and is also the primary liaison between Student Life and the faculty, administration, and Board of Regents.
The following services are coordinated through the Student Life Office:
- student handbook
- grievance procedures
- harassing conduct complaints
- withdrawal and reentry procedures
- student directory
- student files
- judicial system
- orientation
- sexual harassment/abuse complaints
- student leadership programs
- general information on Student Life programs, services, co-curricular programming, and other collaborative efforts on campus