Student Involvement

To help you make the most of your college experience, HCU offers a vast array of opportunities beyond the classroom, such as academic contests, performing arts, concerts, art exhibitions, participation in intramurals, and supporting the championship intercollegiate athletic teams. You may also pursue leadership positions in Student Government, Student Programming, Ministry Leadership, clubs, organizations, and multiple other arenas.

Athletics

Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation strives to enhance the mind, body and spirit of students, faculty and staff by providing programs, services, and facilities that are responsive to the physical, social, recreational, and lifelong educational needs of the campus as they relate to health, fitness, and learning.

• Intramural Sports (IMS)
• Club Sports
• Epic Adventures
• Email studentlife@hc.edu for more information.

Eligibility

The following persons are eligible to participate in Campus Rec programs: (1) students currently enrolled at HCU and in good standing, (2) alumni (HCU graduates), and (3) HCU faculty and staff.

• Students who are members of an NCAA or a collegiate team may NOT participate in the related Intramural or Club Sport. This applies to student athletes who are listed on the official NCAA or collegiate team/practice roster. This restriction remains in effect for one semester after the individual is removed from the NCAA or Collegiate roster.
• Rules for all sports can be found in the HCU Campus Rec Handbook.

Health and Injuries

Since participation in the Campus Rec program is on a voluntary basis, neither the University nor any Campus Rec staff member will accept responsibility for injuries sustained while participating in scheduled activities. All participating students are encouraged to have health insurance.

Awards

The Dr. James W. Massey Male Intramural Athlete of the Year, the Dr. W. Lou Shields Female Intramural Athlete of the Year and the Intramural Team of the Year are awarded each year at Honors Convocation to the individuals and team accumulating the most points during the season.

Student Organizations

Student Organizations are a vital part of college life and offer HCU students a myriad of opportunities to connect and become involved in campus life. Participation in these groups will provide additional opportunities to enrich your college experience. For more details about organizations, contact the Student Involvement Office, second floor of the Baugh Center, 281-649-3238.

Greek Life

The Greek community at HCU is made up of fraternities and sororities, which  encourage academic achievement and leadership development with their members. Fraternities and sororities also encourage their members to give back to HCU and the greater Houston community through a myriad of philanthropic projects and opportunities.

Recruitment/Membership Intake

Each group may have different recruitment dates and formats. For more information about these groups and their recruitment/intake schedules please contact the Student Life, studentlife@hc.edu, or go to Greek Life. Not all chapters will accept first-time freshmen.

Music Performance Opportunities

Students who sing or play an instrument are encouraged to participate in one of our many musical ensembles at HCU. Participation in Schola Cantorum and/or University Singers is determined by audition with Dr. John Yarrington. He can be contacted at 281-649-3027 or jyarrington@HC.edu. Participation scholarships are occasionally awarded for both groups if one qualifies. Additionally, one has the opportunity to sing in either the Men’s or Women’s Glee Clubs. Both groups meet on Tuesday afternoons once a week for 30 minutes. Please contact Dr. Yarrington for more information. Students who play musical instruments and would like to participate in the Husky Band are encouraged to contact  Professor Patrick Moore. Husky Band encompasses the marching band as well as the concert band. Participation scholarships are available to qualified students.

Special Events

Art Exhibitions – The Visual Arts Department presents various professional and student art exhibitions throughout the academic year, including faculty, alumni, and visiting artists from the professional community. The Masters of Fine Arts holds an annual qualifying Thesis exhibition for all MFA candidates that are graduating, along with MFA thesis lectures, open to the public. Senior art majors are highlighted each semester through the exhibition of their senior projects. The Annual Student Art Exhibition, to be held in the Fall, features the work of all undergraduate art students. The University Academic Center houses the Contemporary Art Gallery and Gallery 220 where diverse exhibits rotate every two months during the academic year. The Fine Arts Museum, also located in the University Academic Center, contains masterworks by artists such as Anthony Van Dyck and Marc Chagall.

Elections – During the fall and spring semesters, Student Government elections are held. Special elections are held for Homecoming Court, Mr. and Miss HCU, and other leadership positions and honors.

Founders’ Day – A special convocation is held in the fall semester to honor the University founders. This service marks the month the state of Texas granted Houston Baptist College its charter, designating it as an educational institution.

Homecoming – A week of activities during the fall semester to show your Husky Pride sponsored by the Student Programming Board. Students and alumni celebrate the university by attending events throughout the week. The Homecoming Court is honored during Homecoming Convocation and at halftime of the Football Game.

Honors Convocation -The last Convocation of the academic year is a special program honoring the University’s outstanding students. In addition to awards presented by each of the colleges and schools, other awards are presented for athletics, student life and the president’s office.

Husky Revue – This yearly tradition held in the Spring is a campus-wide variety show that allows students to showcase their talents, sponsored by the Student Programming Board.

Late Nite Breakfast – Need a break from studying? Then this yearly tradition is for you! Breakfast is provided for all enrolled HCU students on the day before finals during fall and spring semesters. Beginning at 9:00 p.m., breakfast is served by faculty, administration, and staff in the Baugh Center Cafeteria.

Organization Fair – Organizations have an opportunity to introduce themselves to the campus community, promote upcoming events, and recruit new members.

Recruitment/Membership Intake – Early in the Fall and Spring semesters, HCU’s Greek Life organizations begin their recruitment activities. See “Greek Life” under the organization section for more details.

Spiritual Growth – A variety of opportunities are available to encourage spiritual formation. Refer to the Spiritual Life section in this handbook. Spiritual Emphasis Week (IGNITE!), held in the fall, and Passion Week, scheduled in the spring, feature special speakers and events.

Spring Fling – This campus-wide event, on the last day of spring classes, is a highlight for the semester and offers entertainment for all. Students, faculty and staff participate in a variety of activities and enjoy fun, games, and food that are sponsored by Student Programming Board.

Student Government Association (SGA)

We, the Student Association of Houston Christian University, by and with the consent of the faculty and administration, in order to govern ourselves more wisely; to promote greater understanding and cooperation with the faculty and administration; to foster the recognition of privileges and responsibilities of the students of the University community; to provide opportunity for responsible individual and collective action; to foster high ideals of conduct and academic standing; and to establish worthy traditions, establish the Student Association and the Student Government Association.

All currently enrolled students of Houston Christian University shall be members of the Student Association and shall be entitled to all rights and privileges outlined therein. The Student Association members shall come from the Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior classes; and from all colleges and schools of the University organized under their dean.

Elections for all SGA positions, except freshman representative, are held each spring. Freshman representatives run for office each fall. For more information you may stop by the Student Life Office, on the second floor of the Baugh center.