Enrollment and Student Services

Mr. Kent Dacus
Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services

Dr. John Montgomery
Associate Vice President for Student Services

Ms. Kelly Palmer
Administrative Assistant
Phone (951) 343-4687
FAX (951) 343-4576

Philosophy of Student Development

As a Christian institution, California Baptist University has dual responsibilities to its constituency. As an academic institution, it seeks to promote high scholastic standards, stimulate mental alertness, impart a general knowledge of the natural world and of the history and institutions of human society, and to assist students in choosing and learning an area of specialization for their life’s work.

As a Christian institution, the University seeks to promote and follow the spiritual principles set forth by Jesus Christ. In acknowledging these principles, the University places special emphasis on leading students in an active pursuit of the spiritual values of life and developing leaders for the Southern Baptist churches of California and beyond.

Students at CBU are individuals involved in academic pursuits and at the same time are members of a Christian community nurturing one another in spiritual growth. The University expects students to take seriously this two-fold responsibility.

The Student Services Division is committed to the intellectual, spiritual, social, aesthetic, and physical development of California Baptist University students so that they are assisted in becoming autonomous, competent, responsible, and interdependent individuals who use their intellects and skills with wisdom and integrity.

Freedom and Responsibility

California Baptist University students are entitled to the same freedom as any other citizen of our country. It is the Policy of the University to ensure these rights are consistent with the provisions of law, acceptable tastes, and purposes and goals of the institution. When matriculation in the University requires that conditions be placed upon Student freedoms, these conditions and their rationale are clearly delineated.

At California Baptist University, the concepts of freedom and personal responsibility are inextricably bound together. The University community, like any other, functions upon the principle that all members respect and protect the rights of their fellow citizens. Students are encouraged to develop these values which represent mature, self-disciplined people who appreciate the privilege of education and are willing to accept its responsibilities.

When people choose a college, they commit themselves to its philosophy of education, policies, and regulations. Students are to demonstrate proper respect of University personnel which includes, but is not limited to, compliance with directives of University officials in the performance of their duties.

Even though students may not agree with a few rules established by the University, it is expected that they comply with them in a manner conducive to the highest moral standards and in keeping with the discipline of the academic community.

Generally, through appropriate procedures, institutional judicial measures shall be imposed for conduct which adversely affects the institution’s pursuit of its educational objectives, which violates or shows a disregard for the rights of other members of the academic community, or which endangers property or persons on institution or institution-controlled property.

Responsibility for enforcement of Student Conduct Policy lies with the Dean of Students, Director of Student Conduct, and other Student Services staff. This group defines behavioral expectations and takes appropriate action in support of University Policy.

Standard of Student Conduct

In order to achieve its mission, California Baptist University expects members of the campus community to accept responsibility for their personal conduct and to encourage others within the community to do the same.

All students enrolled at California Baptist University are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Standard of Student Conduct, regardless of age, classification, or the number of credit hours being taken. The Standard of Student Conduct is established for the purpose of outlining expected behavior of students in the University community. The Standard of Student Conduct shall be defined as any and all policy, procedure, and/or behavioral expectation contained within the Student Handbook and the University Catalog.

If the conduct of any member of the campus community is found to be detrimental to the academic, social, and spiritual development of others within the community, the University (through its various offices and personnel) provides guidance, direction, and if necessary, judicial action.

This Standard of Student Conduct shall apply to any and all lands owned or leased by the University, as well as to any location where a student is engaged in a University activity. Examples of such coverage include, but are not limited to, athletic teams and performing arts groups traveling to and participating in events off campus, student teaching and observation/participation, student government, recognized organizations and clubs engaging in a club event or activity, off-campus internships, international internships, international student teaching, academic extracurricular travel, faculty-led academic engagement and service-learning, clinicals/health fairs, student field practicums, student independent or directed studies, student research, community service, study abroad, International Service Projects.

Students should understand the commitment to the spirit of the University and realize that their enrollment is viewed as a willingness to abide by and accept the responsibilities of the environment.

Philosophy of Discipline

The purpose of discipline at California Baptist University is to assist in maintaining individual and community growth. Personal growth and maturity are encouraged most when each member of the University community uses self-discipline and shares the responsibility to care enough about others to confront them when appropriate. The responsibility to confront one another in a loving manner should enable inappropriate behavior to be corrected on a personal level.

Unfortunately, situations may arise which warrant a formalized judicial process. Judicial procedures are designed to provide a just and equitable process of educational discipline. While every effort is made to protect the rights of students, the University does not attempt to duplicate or to emulate court proceedings and should not be viewed as such. Student judicial procedures, student rights, and the appeal process are outlined in detail in the Student Handbook.

Enrollment and Student Services Division

The Enrollment and Student Services Division encompasses the departments of Admissions, Commencement, Community Life, Counseling Center, Intercollegiate Athletics, Provider Food Service, Recreation, Residence Life and Housing Services, Safety Services, Spiritual Life, Student Care, Student Senate, Title IX, University Card Services, and the Wellness Center. In addition to providing general supervision of the offices that comprise the Student Services division, the Student Services Office provides services that include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Administrating student health insurance provided through the University and accepting proof of insurance (as required by University policy)
• Referring students to campus resources
• Facilitating the judicial action and non-judicial action appeals processes
• Investigating student allegations and complaints
• Reviewing and approving on-campus postings (flyers, posters, etc.)
• Any issue dealing with food services
• Title IX Office

Activities

In addition to maintaining the University’s activity calendar, serving as an activity-planning resource, and assisting with the oversight of student clubs and organizations, the Community Life Office plans and implements campus activities, educational programs, cultural programs, and seminars that reflect the Christian values of the institution.

University Student Senate

The University Student Senate is committed to the development of the student body and serves as a formal conduit through which student-related concerns, views, and interests can be communicated to University Officials.

Campus Housing

The Residence Life Office strives to promote the mission of California Baptist University by providing an on-campus living environment that is conducive to scholarship, personal growth, and development. Accordingly, living in residence at CBU carries with it a distinctive set of privileges and responsibilities. Students who reside on campus live in a community with their peers and are entrusted with the responsibility to challenge and support each other in a respectful, cooperative, and communicative fashion. This environment provides students with enriching experiences, which may help to promote healthy interpersonal relationships.

Students interested in campus housing should consult the Office of Residence Life.

Career Center and Student Employment

The Career Center is a one-stop shop for helping students prepare for an internship or their next step following graduation. From professional development to networking, the Career Center serves as a connection between education and career and equips students with the professionalism necessary to excel in their respective careers while becoming effective servant-leaders for Christ in the local and global workplace. In addition to more than 10 career-specific fairs, the Career Center hosts a variety of workshops and seminars covering such topics as improving interviewing skills, enhancing a resume, and boosting LinkedIn profiles. Mock interviews with Career Center staff or volunteer employers help prepare students to distinguish themselves in the interview process. Walk-in hours are available, and the Career Center’s new photo booth allows students to take professional headshots for free.

Clubs and Organizations

Clubs play an important role on the California Baptist University campus by encouraging students to pursue interests, develop leadership skills, create meaningful relationships, and enhance academic achievements. A list of chartered clubs and organizations as well as club and organization policy and procedures are available in the Community Life Office and on InsideCBU.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The Athletics Department provides education for the body, mind, and spirit of each student-athlete at California Baptist University. Under the direction of the athletic director, CBU offers a comprehensive athletic program with staff who address NCAA compliance, communications, development, athletic training, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, academic advising, facilities and event management, marketing and fan engagement, ticketing and sales, and media production. In addition to encouraging Christ-like competition by all participants, CBU coaches diligently strive to educate students and provide an environment in which students experience athletic, academic, and personal success.

Intramural Sports

California Baptist University is committed to the overall educational experience. Intramural sports play an integral part in this experience in the following ways:

• Encourage students to work together in pursuit of individual and team goals;
• Provide students an enjoyable way to interact with others;
• Offer students avenues to relieve stress or anxiety;
• Help students begin an attitude of lifelong physical fitness.

The University’s intramural sports program maintains a full schedule of athletic and recreational activities throughout the academic year. Activities include a variety of seasonal competitions between organized teams, tournaments, individual competitions, and non-athletic events.

First Year Experience (FYE)

First Year Experience is designed to assist new Students with the transition to university life and the California Baptist University community through a University Success course. This course is required of all unmarried, full-time undergraduate Students who are first-semester freshmen and under twenty (20) years of age. Students who have completed a similar course and/or completed a full semester of transferable coursework at another institution are not required to enroll in the FYE course.

Recreation Center

The Recreation Center is a state-of-the-art fitness and recreation facility. The Recreation Center offers members of the campus community a wide range of personal fitness and group exercise opportunities. This facility is equipped with a number of recreation features including a state-of-the-art cardio and weight room, racquetball courts, a gymnasium with basketball and volleyball courts, group exercise rooms, a rooftop track and soccer field, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and lounge spaces located throughout the facility.

Safety Services

California Baptist University maintains a Department of Safety Services to enhance the safety and security of the campus community. In addition to staffing the Welcome Pavilion and patrolling school properties, the department provides twenty-four (24) hour assistance with emergencies, crime and injury reporting, safety escorts, and education of the campus community on safety and security practices.

Community and Emergency Notification

The University has developed a multimedia system to immediately notify students, faculty, staff, and visitors of any emergency circumstance or serious situation that poses a credible threat to the safety and security of the campus community. Components of this system include:

• A siren/verbal warning system capable of projecting audible messages across open areas of the main campus.
• CBU Alert - an “opt-in” system capable of transmitting and delivering messages to all subscribed email and cellular telephone addresses on file with the University.*
• All University-issued email addresses.**

*Students must “opt-in” to receive these messages.
**Parents or guardians of students enrolled at CBU may also be added through the student’s account.

Any or all parts of this system may be activated in response to any specific incident.

For instances when there is no immediate threat to the safety of the campus community, but it is desirable to provide information for educational or crime prevention purposes, email distribution is used to disseminate relevant facts and measures to be implemented or considered.

Vehicle Registration

Students who operate a vehicle on campus must register for a parking permit with the Department of Safety Services. Parking permits are issued for the current school year. Drivers are expected to comply with the University traffic and safety regulations and non-compliance may result in the issuance of a citation and/or suspension of parking and/or driving privileges on campus. Copies of the California Baptist University Vehicle Code are available in the Student Handbook.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) assists international students and scholars in transitioning into the CBU community, exploring American culture, and understanding U.S. immigration regulations. ISSS ensures that students understand institutional expectations, provides support services, processes immigration documents, plans and implements activities that promote campus awareness and appreciation for cultural understanding and experience, and assists students in becoming integrated into the CBU community.

Spiritual Life

California Baptist University is committed to the biblical teaching of the Christian faith. As a result, the University has sought since inception to evidence the values of Christian living in the lives of students, staff, and faculty as they live out the Christian ethics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Though students are not required to be Christians, the University encourages students to grow in their relationships with God by exploring the gospel and expressing the Christian faith in a variety of ways.

As a University committed to the Great Commission, the University provides opportunities for spiritual growth and formation through the Spiritual Life Office. The mission of the Spiritual Life Office is “Investing in lives to develop followers of Jesus.”

California Baptist University requires students to take Bible-based courses in Christian studies; however, the University also offers students many opportunities to explore and express the Christian faith. Students are encouraged to participate in ways unique to personal needs and interests through regularly scheduled times of spiritual emphasis, Bible studies, worship gatherings, evangelism, ministry teams, community service, and missions.

Chapel

The California Baptist University community gathers regularly in the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center for worship, fellowship, Christian growth, and spiritual encouragement. Chapel planning is informed by the Core Four of the University (Academically Prepared, Biblically Rooted, Globally Minded, and Equipped to Serve) with a view toward biblical, gospel-centered transformation. As a result, most Chapel speakers are invited to speak from and explain the Bible and biblical themes/concepts, but some speakers may be invited to share how God has worked in and through them. Occasionally, Chapels will be programmed primarily for expressions of musical worship.

Chapel services are organized, coordinated, and implemented by the Dean of Spiritual Life and the Director of Chapel. Occasionally, as deemed appropriate by a University Officer, members of the campus community are recognized for notable accomplishments during Chapel. Holidays, cultural programs, and other forms of recognition and/or expression are not included as part of Chapel programming; such events may be coordinated through the Community Life Office.

Compassion Ministries

By putting faith into action, Students learn the significance of demonstrating the love of Christ in the context of the gospel. Participating in local projects for a day or a weekend, working with the homeless, or serving the local community in various ways gives Students the opportunity to make a physical and spiritual difference in the lives of others.

Discipleship Ministries

Students are encouraged to grow in their relationships with Christ through participation in discipleship and mentoring in the context of weekly small groups, weekly large-group meetings, regularly-scheduled conferences, and other events that encourage spiritual growth. Weekly gatherings focus on Bible-based teaching that addresses topics pertinent to students regardless of Christian experience or spiritual maturity. Students are also encouraged to participate in training that promotes development of ministry strategy for after graduation.

Third Culture Kid (TCK) Ministry

At CBU, TCKs are American Students who spent most or all of their developmental years outside of the United States. Although they are Americans by birth, they often do not feel connected to American / Californian culture or the culture of the American University. The TCK Ministry comes alongside and supports TCKs to assist them in bridging cultural gaps they encounter during their time at CBU so that they can grow socially, spiritually, and academically.

Mobilization

In cooperation with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and various missions organizations, International Service Projects (ISP) creates opportunities for Students to participate in the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19-20) so that they might gain a global vision for the cause of the gospel and cross-cultural experience through service learning. ISP teams have served in more than 50 countries since 1997. Participation in ISP programs listed below is open to California Baptist University Students who meet participation requirements, successfully complete the application and interview process, fulfill fundraising obligations, and are in good academic and behavioral standing with the University. The application and selection process is coordinated by the Mobilization ministry of Spiritual Life and takes place during the fall semester. 

Encounter. Teams of California Baptist University Students serve internationally for approximately two to three (2-3) weeks during the summer months. Each team is led by a designated University Official or other approved member of the University community. The projects differ depending upon the service opportunities of the selected area.

Immersion. Teams of California Baptist University Students serve internationally for approximately eight (8) weeks during the summer months. Ministry focus varies depending on the outreach strategy of the selected area(s). Summer of Service was established in 2010 and in 2017 was rebranded as Immersion.

Student Support

The Student Support Office includes Student Care, Mental Health, University Card Services, and University Commencement. Additionally, this office oversees the University events calendar, assessment initiatives for the Student Services division, and a variety of other campus-based programs and initiatives. The Student Support Office is located in Lancer Plaza. 

Student Care

Student Care coordinates campus-based resources and support for Students who experience difficulties (e.g. extended hospitalization, health issues, personal crises, loss of an immediate family member, etc.) that significantly impact the ability to navigate college life or continue enrollment in courses. The Student Care staff assist Students in communication with faculty and staff in situations that require an extended absence from campus. Student Care is located within the Student Support Office in Lancer Plaza. 

Mental Health

The Mental Health Office is responsible for biblical, Christian, and ethical campus-wide mental-health initiatives to provide resources and care to the campus as well as effective assessment and case management for students in crisis. Initiatives include the development, implementation, and promotion of mental healthcare resources; coordination of strategies to ensure positive mental well-being among students; and training of student leaders, faculty, and staff for the identification and prevention of mental health issues among students. The Mental Health Office collaborates with the California Baptist University Counseling Center as well as other departments, schools, and colleges within the University to ensure appropriate student care. The Mental Health Office is located in the Student Support Office in Lancer Plaza.

Student Health Insurance

California Baptist University contracts with Wellfleet Student to provide student healthcare insurance. Requirements, eligibility, and cost related to student health insurance are determined by student enrollment status.

Students in the following CBU domestic populations are eligible to opt-in and enroll in the student health insurance plan.

• All traditional graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in seven or more units.
• All traditional graduate and undergraduate Nursing students enrolled in one or more units.
• All traditional graduate students in the Athletic Training, Physician Assistant, Social Work, and Speech Language Pathology programs enrolled for one or more units.

International graduate and undergraduate students are required to have the student health insurance plan and are automatically enrolled in the program. 

Dependent coverage for spouses and children of students enrolled in the Wellfleet Student Plan is not available. 

Information regarding the student health insurance plan provided by CBU may be accessed at www.calbaptist.edu/healthinsurance. Students who have questions regarding the student health insurance plan, after reviewing the information provided online, are encouraged to contact University Card Services for assistance. University Card Services is located in the Student Support Office in Lancer Plaza. 

Student ID Cards

The CBU ID Card (CBU Card) enables access and commerce across campus for current CBU students, staff, and faculty. Cards must be carried at all times and presented to university officials upon request. New and replacement cards may be obtained in University Card Services, located in the Student Support Office in Lancer Plaza. 

Student Meal Plans

University Card Services and Provider Contract Food Service work closely together to create dining options that meet the needs of the CBU community. 

Meal Plans consist of two parts:

• Meal Swipes can be used to obtain a full meal.
• Dining Dollars are a pay-as-you-go option that will work similar to an ATM debit card. Dining Dollars may be used to obtain a full meal or individual items and are accepted at any of the campus dining locations. 

Undergraduate residential students must purchase a meal plan. Graduate students and commuter students are not required to purchase a meal plan but may choose from all the plans offered. Meal Plans are sold by the semester. Unused Meal Swipes and Dining Dollars do not rollover from semester to semester. Additional meal plan information may be found on the University Card Services website. University Card Services is located in the Student Support Office in Lancer Plaza. 

University Commencement

The University Commencements staff coordinates all University commencement activities, which includes regalia distribution, graduate photos, event scheduling, and event ticketing. Commencement ceremonies occur at the conclusion of the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Grad Fest is an “open house style” event designed to provide Students who are eligible to participate in commencement exercises graduation-related information and items including academic regalia (caps and gowns, hoods [for master’s and doctoral degrees], and tassels). Current information can be found on the University Commencement website. The University Commencement department is located in the Student Support Office in Lancer Plaza. 

Title IX

California Baptist University is committed to providing a learning, working and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility and mutual respect in an environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes all forms of sexual misconduct.

Sex discrimination violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity. CBU considers sex discrimination and sexual misconduct in all forms to be a serious offense. Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking Based on Sex.

CBU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities. This policy extends to employment with and admission to the University, as well as access to facilities, financial aid, and courses.

Per Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” For more information regarding Title IX, please visit: https://calbaptist.edu/about/title-ix. 

Wellness Center

The California Baptist University Wellness Center, located at 3626 Monroe Street, houses the CBU Health Center and the CBU Counseling Center. The goal of the Wellness Center staff is to provide effective health, wellness, and counseling services that promote academic and personal success.

Student Health Center

The Health Center is available to all members of the campus community. To help maintain a healthy campus environment, students are encouraged to visit the Student Health Center at the onset of illness symptoms and other health-related concerns. Health Center staff can address most conditions that are treated in an urgent care facility.

The Health Center is operated in cooperation with Riverside Medical Clinic that provides staffing and insurance billing services. In addition to accepting student health insurance (UnitedHealthcare Student Resources) provided through California Baptist University, most PPO insurances and HMO insurances (that name Riverside Medical Clinic as their primary medical group) are accepted at the Health Center. Kaiser Permanente Health Plans are not accepted at the Student Health Center. The Health Center has reasonable walk-in rates for all CBU community members beginning at $23. For students, faculty, and staff needing ongoing care and prescriptions for pre-existing conditions, it is recommended they visit their primary care physician.

For days and hours of operation, please see The Health Center for current information.

Call 951.321.6520 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are required for all routine well- and/or preventative-services visits. Walk-ins are welcome.

Counseling Center

The CBU Counseling Center offers a full range of counseling assistance as members of the campus community strive to become more effective, productive, and comfortable with University life. The mission of the Counseling Center is to provide Christ-centered, biblically-based, and psychologically-sound therapy with a foundational approach of hope, healing, truth, and grace.

Counseling is provided by Marriage Family Therapist trainees and associates under the professional supervision of fully-licensed therapists. Issues that can be addressed with a counselor through individual or group therapy include but are not limited to the following.

• Addiction & Substance Abuse
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Divorce
• Eating Disorders
• Family Conflict
• Grief
• Identity/Self Image
• Life Transitions
• Relationship Issues
• Stress
• Trauma

Counseling is confidential except where limited by law. These limitations include any plan to harm others or self along with issues of child and/or elder abuse.

The Counseling Center is available to all students. Appointments, which are offered in-person and via telehealth, are scheduled upon request and are typically available within one (1) week. Walk-in appointments are available for crisis situations. Call 951.689.1120 or visit the Counseling Center website for additional information.