Campus Life
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College strives to educate the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. Student life complements academic life by providing an atmosphere for learning to live, understand and contribute to a community made up of people from different backgrounds. The atmosphere here encourages freedom, tolerance and responsibility.
Campus New Student Orientation
All new resident and commuter students are required to participate in New Student Orientation during their first semester. New Student Orientation is designed to help new students begin their transition into college and to find a sense of belonging at The Woods. The program has something for all of our new students, including first year, transfer, and international students. Orientation includes events, conversations, and activities that enrich your Woods experience and help you feel at home. Returning students play an important part in the planning and implementation of these programs, keeping them fresh, exciting and geared to student needs. Students joining the College in January are given a brief orientation when they arrive. Orientation continues through the WC 100 Into the Woods, Out of the Woods, Communities and Education course.
Residential Life
All full-time students in the campus program are required to live on campus, unless they meet the specific criteria to be classified as a commuter. Part-time students (enrolled in 11 credit hours or less) in the campus program are not bound by residency requirements.
Students residing on campus live in Le Fer Hall and can select a room that uses a community-style bathroom or one that has a suite-style bathroom. Student rooms are equipped with wireless internet and cable connections. New students are assigned rooms prior to their arrival on campus, while returning students select their rooms for the following year during the Spring semester. Le Fer Hall has staff members called Resident Community Advisors who live on campus to assist with emergencies. Additionally, resident assistants help students with the transition to community living and aid with emergency situations.
All students who live on campus are on a 19 meals per week meal plan. Breakfast is served in the Oakley Student Center in Le Fer Hall. Lunch is served in O’Shaughnessy Dining Hall and The Woods Café is located in Rooney Library. Dinner, Saturday brunch, and Sunday brunch are served in O’Shaughnessy Dining Hall. Hot dishes, salads, sandwiches and vegetarian meals are available at lunch and dinner.
Students who are 24 years of age or older, who are financially independent as defined by financial aid regulations or whose permanent, legal addresses are within 45 miles of the College may choose to commute.
Student Activities
Social, educational and community service activities are planned by Campus Life and student clubs and organizations. Students will find a wide variety of activities and events on campus each week. Campus Life organizes local and regional trips for students each semester.
In addition to intercollegiate athletic competitions, students are encouraged to take advantage of other social and recreational opportunities on campus including intramural and club sports. Available for student use are a fitness room and many acres of fine walking, biking and jogging areas. For indoor fun, the Oakley Student Center and the Sullivan Lounge have flat-screen televisions and game tables for student use.
Student Health
The Student Health Service Clinic and the Student Counseling Center offer free services to undergraduate students currently enrolled at the College. The Student Health Services Clinic is operated by Union Health and is located in the Rooney Library. The Student Counseling Center is located on the first floor of Le Fer Hall.
The Student Health Services Clinic is staffed by a nurse practitioner, nurses, and support staff. If the healthcare needs of the student cannot be met by the SMWC Health Services Clinic, the student can be referred to the proper provider. Most services provided by the Student Health Services Clinic are covered by student tuition and fees, however a few services such as immunizations and lab work have additional fees that will be billed to the student’s health insurance.
The Student Counseling Center is staffed by a full-time licensed counselor. The counselor works with students experiencing personal problems and conflicts. The staff may also make referrals to agencies in the Terre Haute area.
Before enrolling, students are required to submit a current immunization record and emergency contact form. The forms are available on the Student Life section of the SMWC website, www.smwc.edu. For questions please contact Campus Life at CampusLife@smwc.edu or (812) 535-5219.
Student Publications
Aurora, founded in 1870, is the campus literary magazine published once a semester under the direction of a faculty member. Staff positions are open to all students. Creative material submitted by any member of the College community is reviewed for publication.
Student Senate
The primary organization for student government on campus is Student Senate. It acts as a liaison between the student body and the College Council by preparing and presenting legislation. It also serves as an advocate for student interests to the College administration.
Student representatives also serve on the College Council, which is comprised of faculty, staff and students, and is the main legislative body of the campus concerning matters affecting the entire College community. Resolutions require approval by the President of the College.
Intercollegiate Athletics and Fitness Activities
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) adheres to the philosophy that intercollegiate athletics, intramurals, and fitness activities remain an integral part of the institutions combined academic efforts. They are subject to the same aims, policies, and responsibilities, like other institutional services.
Every student is encouraged to participate in intramurals and fitness activities both on and off campus as a means of extending their formal education.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) sponsors 13 intercollegiate athletic programs and is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The equestrian program is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
The Pomeroys first scholarship athletic program began in 1994 with women’s basketball. One year later, softball was added to the list and became the department's second sport.
In 2000-01, SMWC transitioned from the National Small College Athletic Association (NSCAA) to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). This was a key component in the department's growth for athletics.
In 2000, women’s soccer entered the fold, the institution did not add another sport until equestrian and women’s golf in 2008. In the following year, women’s cross country joined the mix. During 2015, the institution made history and announced it would become coeducational.
Since 2015, one sport has been added each year beginning with volleyball in 2015, men’s golf in 2016, men’s cross country in 2017, and men’s soccer in 2018. For the 2019-20 calendar year, SMWC has added men’s and women’s track & field.
Deanna Bradley serves as the athletic director and leader of the athletic department. She has fulfilled this role since her arrival at The Woods in 1991.
As SMWC enters its 26th season of intercollegiate athletic scholarship competition, the Pomeroys have established a great deal of success. The department holds 13 USCAA National Championships, 13 USCAA National Runners-Up, 32 post-season appearances, 63 USCAA All-Americans selections, 134 USCAA National All-Academic team members and three USCAA Coach of the Year recipients.
Clubs and Organizations
| Aurora |
Madrigals |
Soph./Fresh. Leadership Council |
| Black Student Association |
Mu Phi Epsilon |
Student Activities Committee |
| Book Club |
Music Therapy Club |
Student Nurses’ Association |
| Chorale |
Nursing Honor Society |
Sustainability |
| Collegiate Horseman’s Association |
Peace and Justice Club |
World Wide Woodsies |
| Cycling Club |
Phi Beta Lambda |
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| Dance Team |
Psychology Club |
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| Drama Club |
Rowing Team |
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| Ethics Bowl |
Senior Class Officers |
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| Indiana Student Education Association |
Student Activities Committee |
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| Junior Class Officers |
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Leadership Opportunities
| Class Officers |
Resident Assistants |
| International Student Assistants |
Student Senate |
| Orientation Leaders |
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Student Services
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College provides a variety of student services to its undergraduate students, whether they are enrolled in the campus program or Woods Online.
Career Development Center
When it comes to landing a job in a student’s desired field, it is best to look at the process as a journey and not a destination. By starting career planning early, students are provided with ample time to network and make vital connections, research career options and gain the necessary experience and tools to hit the ground running upon graduation. The Career Development Center (CDC) is available to help students develop professional readiness - to make a fluid transition from college to graduate/professional school or to the workplace.
The CDC focuses on building relationships with and connections between students, alumni, faculty and employers that lead to transformational experiences and outcomes. CDC programs, events and resources are intentionally planned to benefit students, including networking opportunities, professional development activities and experiential learning programs. Staff members are available to offer career and graduate school guidance to students and alumni, and to assist in creating individual career plans.
Students are encouraged to visit the Career Development Center and regularly meet with the staff. In addition to individual advising appointments, students may tap into the Online Career Resource Center at http://career.smwc.edu. Registered students have 24/7 access to job and internship postings, event registration, an alumni mentor database and links to helpful career-related resources and announcements.
Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry at SMWC is grounded in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church and in the spirit of the Sisters of Providence. Students of all faith traditions are encouraged to participate in programs and activities both on and off campus. Students are empowered to take leadership roles in the planning and implementation of programs including:
- Community outreach and service opportunities in the local area
- Bible study, prayer groups and liturgical experiences
- Retreats and events that will enrich the student experience
- Alternative Fall and Spring Break Trips
The Campus Minister works with campus ministers from parishes and leaders from other faith traditions within the local community to encourage students to keep connected with their faith traditions.
Students with Disabilities
The College is committed to providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations to students with documented disabilities in order to afford them an equal opportunity to participate in the College’s programs, courses, activities and housing. In order for the College to assist students with disabilities effectively under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), students who have been accepted for enrollment and request accommodations must provide documentation of their disability from a physician, psychologist, testing center, state or federal agency, or other qualified evaluator. The ADA Advisor is designated to communicate with prospective or matriculated students to discuss needed support services and to communicate in writing what services the College may provide.
Procedures for requesting accommodations:
- Contact the ADA Advisor (LRC@smwc.edu or 812-535-5271) to discuss concerns and how to register with Disability Support Services
- Provide the ADA Advisor with at least one of the following:
- Letter from a treating professional (i.e. Physician, Psychologist, etc.) confirming the disability
- Previous IEP or accommodation plan for institution of learning
- 504 Plan
- Diagnostic Testing Results
- Once documentation is received, the ADA Advisor will verify the information and contact the student to discuss academic needs/concerns.
- Based on this conversation, the ADA Advisor will establish a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) and provide a detailed explanation of utilizing accommodations at SMWC.
- Each year, the ADA Advisor will revisit accommodations with student to determine if changes need to be made.
Please note:
- Academic accommodations are given on a case-by-case basis.
- Academic accommodations are not retro-active.
- Students must communicate request for accommodations with instructor prior to due dates.
- Students needing housing accommodations should visit www.smwc.edu/lrc
Event and Facilities Reservations
The Conference Office manages overnight guest reservations at the College Guest House on a year-round basis, and housing in Le Fer Residence Hall in the summer months. The Conference Office also manages the rental and scheduling of all College facilities and grounds for meetings and social events.