Marymount encourages and supports a varied and imaginative activities program in keeping with the aims of the University. The Office of Student Activities guides both undergraduate and graduate students in planning and implementing activities that are culturally enriching, intellectually stimulating, and recreational. Current student interest influences the kinds of programs that receive emphasis.
The Activities Programming Board (APB) schedules comedians, movies, concerts, trips, performing arts, social events, and co-curricular activities. Most are open to the entire Marymount community, local residents, and members of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Please refer to the Student Handbook for further information about clubs and organizations at Marymount. The Student Handbook is available online in the “Student Life” section of the University Web site. It is also available by request from the Office of Student Development, in School offices, and in the Office of the Registrar.
In accord with the mission of the University as a Catholic institution, the Campus Ministry program seeks to provide religious services, activities, and pastoral care that encourage the spiritual growth of all students. Graduate students are welcome to get involved as participants or leaders.
There is a weekly Mass and a faith discussion group in the Ballston Center, specifically designed for graduate students. Retreats, prayer services, Bible studies, small faith groups, sacramental preparations, faith-formation programs, and additional activities are sponsored by the Campus Ministry Office each semester. Campus Ministry also sponsors Universitywide volunteer service programs coordinated by students under the guidance of assistant directors of Campus Ministry.
For students of other faiths and traditions, schedules for services at churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques easily accessible from the University and referrals for spiritual counseling are available through Campus Ministry. While attendance at any exclusively religious service is voluntary, all members of the community are invited to all Campus Ministry services and programs.
Marymount University is a member of Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Undergraduates are eligible to participate in a variety of men’s and women’s varsity intercollegiate sports, and graduate students are welcome to attend all athletic events. The University is a member of the Capital Athletic Conference. There are men’s teams in basketball, cross-country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, and swimming. Women compete in basketball, cross-country, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, and volleyball.
Graduate students are eligible to participate in intramural sports and activities. These include most of the aforementioned sports as well as flag football, softball, aerobic dance, weight training, and water polo.
There are meal plan and retail dining choices at both the Main Campus and the Ballston Center available to all students. The Gerard Dining Hall, on the Main Campus, is an “all-you-can-eat” facility for students, faculty, and staff. Bernie’s café, offering snacks, beverages, and “grab-and-go” meals, is located in the Rose Benté Lee Center. The cafeteria at the Ballston Center is an “all-you-can-eat” facility with à la carte breakfast.
The Ballston area also offers a number of dining options within walking distance of Marymount’s Ballston Center, including sit-down and fast-food restaurants, delicatessens, and coffee shops.
The Marymount Campus Safety Department is a 24-hour, 365-day operation. The campus safety officers work in conjunction with all members of the University community to ensure safety. The department does so through the prevention of campus crime; the establishment of a safe environment in campus buildings, on roadways, and at parking facilities; and by providing prompt and friendly information and assistance to members of the University community and campus visitors.
All students are required to obtain a Marymount University photo identification card, which is used in conjunction with a card control system for access to certain campus locations and facilities, as well as for general identification purposes.
All cars parked on campus must be registered and display a current Marymount parking permit. Information about parking options, fees, and regulations is available from the Office of Campus Safety.
Students may take advantage of the University’s free shuttle bus service connecting the Main Campus, Ballston Center, Ballston-MU Metro station, and designated off-campus parking facilities. Shuttle timetables are arranged to accommodate class start and end times and service to the Metro on weekends. Security escort service is available by request to students, faculty, and staff 24 hours a day on the Main Campus and during class hours at the Ballston Center.