Student Life at Rockhurst
FAQs for Students

1. Can new students pick their own roommates?
When you apply for housing you fill out a form that asks your preference for a roommate. If both students write each others names down on their respective forms then this request will be honored.

2. Do I need a computer?
Rockhurst has many computer labs on campus that are accessible 24 hours. If you are accustomed to immediate and frequent access, you may choose to bring your own.  Each residence hall room is equipped with two ports.

Rockhurst has a campuswide wireless network. Students, faculty and staff can access it from anywhere on campus, including university buildings, the Quad, residence halls and townhouses, even the athletic fields. The current network covers every inch of campus.

3. Do I need a car?
Most freshmen do not have cars on campus. However, if you have a car, you are welcome to bring it. It is usually easy to find a ride to run errands around the city and also easy to get a ride home for the weekend (especially if you live in St. Louis or Omaha).

4. What percent of students are in Greek life and what is deferred Rush?
35% of men are members of fraternities and 25% of women are members of sororities. Deferred rush at Rockhurst University means freshmen must wait until January to experience Rush and decide if they want to join a Greek organization. Because Rockhurst is a relatively small campus, we believe it is best that the first semester on campus be spent getting to know all students.

For more information about Greek life at Rockhurst, you can download and print* a copy of 'It's All Greek to Me', (3MB, PDF file) a comprehensive introduction to Greek life at Rockhurst. 

5. How do I find my advisor?
Your advisor's name should appear on your class schedule. If not just stop by the Dean's Office in Van Ackeren 215 and they can assist you. Take it upon yourself to get to know your advisor. Office hours should be posted on their door. Advisors will receive your midterm grades. They will also provide you an alternate pin number which you will need to register for classes online.

6. How do I add or drop a class?
You want to give serious consideration before you drop a class. Your status as a full-time student will change if you drop below 12 hours each semester. If you decide it is necessary, you must obtain a drop/add form from the Dean's Office in Van Ackeren 215 or Conway 201. This form must be signed by your instructor, your advisor, and your financial aid advisor. Before dropping, talk it over with Sandy Waddell, your instructor or advisor.

7. When do I need to declare a major?
Majors are declared your sophomore year during the spring semester. Your advisor will be able to assist you with this process.

8. Will I lose my scholarship after one semester of low grades?
Scholarships are awarded by the year, however, if after one semester your grades do not meet academic standards, you may be placed on Financial Aid Warning. After your first year at Rockhurst if you have not met your scholarship GPA requirement, then your scholarship may be decreased. For further questions, please contact the Financial Aid office at (816) 501-4600.

9. What do I do if I don't like my roommate?
Shortly after the fall semester begins, you will be able to change roommates if necessary. In order to change rooms you should: 1) talk to your current roommate, 2) find someone to move in with, 3) talk to your RA and 4) visit the Residence Life office or website to fill out the paperwork. If you have difficulty with these procedures, please contact Sandy Waddell, director of new students, in Massman 7.

10. What happens if I get written up on a disciplinary matter?
As expected, it depends on what the offense is. Disciplinary matters are handled first by the Resident Director in the building and if necessary you are referred to the Assistant Dean of Students in Massman 2. Check out the Student Handbook for more specific information about the disciplinary process. If you are 18 years or older, FERPA protects the confidentiality of all disciplinary matters.