Marymount encourages and supports a varied and imaginative activities program in keeping with the aims of the University. The Office of Student Activities guides 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 members of the 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 Government Association (SGA) is comprised of elected class officers as well as an executive board of elected and appointed members. With the motto “Working for Students” as its guide, the SGA exists to serve as the official representative of the undergraduate student body; to provide a balanced forum for communication among students, faculty, and administration; to advance student opinions and concerns through legislative action and policy recommendations; and to ensure a fair and representative judicial process. Members serve on University and faculty committees to provide a student perspective on various issues impacting Marymount students. SGA efforts are supported by the Student Government Activities Fee, paid by all full-time undergraduates, and funding may be requested by groups or individuals for events and activities that will benefit the entire community. Developing leadership and communication skills, a sense of duty, and promoting student involvement and advocacy are some of the intended outcomes of participation in SGA activities.
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. For Catholic students, Mass is celebrated daily and at convenient times. Confessions are heard regularly and a schedule is posted on the Campus Ministry Web site. 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 the 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.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many fine resources of the nation’s capital and this region.
Students may wish to visit The Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theatre, Arena Stage, Verizon Center, Constitution Hall, National Theatre, Wolf Trap, or Lisner Auditorium to enjoy popular, classical, and traditional programs in drama, music, and dance.
The University also arranges trips and encourages informal visits to such places as the Smithsonian Institution, as well as museums, art galleries, parks, and monuments. Most of these Washington resources are no more than 15 minutes from the University by car or are easily accessible by public and Marymount shuttle transportation. Many Washington museums and monuments do not charge admission.
Marymount University is a member of Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Varsity intercollegiate sports for men are basketball, cross-country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, and swimming. Varsity intercollegiate sports for women are basketball, cross-country, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, and volleyball. The University is a member of the Capital Athletic Conference. Intramural sports and activities include most of the aforementioned sports as well as flag football, softball, aerobic dance, weight training, and water polo.
Students who are under 21 years of age and whose families do not live within approximately a 25-mile radius of the University are required to live on campus during their first two years of college. Due to space limitations, and in accord with the mission of the residence life program to provide a developmentally appropriate residential living experience, on-campus housing and University-sponsored off-campus housing are only available to undergraduate students who are 21 or under at the time they first become residents. Residence life policies are fully described in the Student Handbook. Please refer to this document for further information.
Student development services are available to all students in accord with provisions in the Student Handbook. During fall and spring semesters, upcoming student activities are listed on the Marymount University Web site under Student Life and in FYI, the weekly calendar.
In addition, students residing off campus are encouraged to become involved in the Commuter Advisory Board (CAB). Its goal is to improve the educational and social experience of commuter students and the greater University community by providing a voice for, and advocating on behalf of, the commuter-student population at Marymount. CAB sponsors events at commuter-friendly times.
There are meal plan and retail dining choices at both the Main Campus and the Ballston Center. 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 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.