Student Development

VP Student Development/Dean of Students (906) 487-7324

Assistant Dean of Students (906) 487-7554

Academic Success Coach (906) 487-7326

Disability Student Services (906) 487-7362

ACADEMIC SUPPORT/Student Development

New Student Orientation

All newly admitted Finlandia University students with 24 or fewer college credits (obtained post-high school graduation) are required to participate in the full New Student Orientation program and enroll in the one-credit course, UNS 115 – Sisu Seminar.

The orientation program gives new students opportunities to:

Learn about the academic program and support opportunities
Become aware of on and off-campus resources and programs available to Finlandia students.
Meet faculty, staff, and students
Participate in activities designed to acquaint new students with the campus and its community

The Sisu Seminar introduces students to the goals of university education, the skills needed for university success, and the programs, services, and facilities available.

Orientation programs are provided at the start of the fall and spring semesters.

Academic Advising

Academic advising is a dialogue between student and advisor to promote responsible and appropriate choices and facilitate a successful academic experience. Each student is assigned an academic advisor in the student’s selected program of study. If a student changes his or her program of study, the office of the University Registrar assigns a new advisor.

Disability Student Services (DSS)

It is the mission of Disability Student Services to guide students with diagnosed disabilities to self-advocate for both their academic and personal needs. DSS provides eligible students with courses and testing accommodations and access to auxiliary aids and services like Learning Ally audiobooks.

To qualify for DSS, a student must present appropriate documentation that specifically states the disability. Once enrolled, DSS participants are required to renew specific student accommodations each semester. The Academic Success Coach assists students in arranging accommodations, ~~and~~ completing the required paperwork, and will monitor and assists students with individual course accommodations.

Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC)

The Tutoring and Learning Center, in Nikander 10, offers all Finlandia students free tutoring and help in most General Education courses and selected upper-level courses through Learning Labs and individual appointments. TLC services include academic coaching, peer and professional tutoring, study groups, and the use of a small computer lab. Through the TLC, Finlandia University faculty members provide students with study aids such as classroom reserve material. An additional TLC was opened in Nikander 12 and offers study tables as well as a balcony lounge area for student use. Both TLCs are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with regular evening hours during the fall and spring semesters.

Testing Center

The Testing Center is located in Mannerheim 116. Testing Center services include testing accommodations (DSS participants), testing proctors, and Institutional Challenge Exam (ICE) proctoring. Specific testing hours are posted each semester, and all tests must be scheduled 48 hours in advance. See the Academics section in this publication for more information.

TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO/SSS)

TRIO Student Support Services is a grant funded by a U.S. Department of Education to serve 180 students per academic year. Once accepted to TRIO Student Support Services the program works with students throughout their college experience to deliver a program of academic and personal support designed in partnership with the student. Services are designed to assure that participants persist from one academic year to the next and graduate with a bachelor degree. To be eligible to participate in TRIO/SSS, students must be the first generation in their family to pursue a bachelor’s degree, or have financial need, or possess a learning or physical disability. Applications for the program are available in Nikander 11 or online at finlandia.edu/academics/trio-student-services/

The program services that are provided capitalize on each student’s strengths. Students meet with a TRIO Professional Academic coach 3x per semester to create and measure completion of a Graduation and Career Plan. Each student’s GCP is individualized to utilize their strengths and overcome challenges. As part of their individualized plan, students may participate in supplemental instruction in English or math, professional tutoring, attend college success skill workshops, receive financial aid assistance or financial literacy education, engage in service opportunities, attend graduate school field trips, leadership conferences and explore career opportunities. First and second-year students who have earned 59 credits or less and are receiving a Pell Grant may also apply for Grant Aid, which is a small financial award to help with overage costs. TRIO students also have TRIO only access to a computer lab including free printing, free school supplies and free copying.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

On- and off-campus activities present students with multiple opportunities to exercise social skills in conjunction with educational programs, campus ministry, volunteer opportunities, leadership experiences, and entertainment. Most on-campus activities are free and open to Finlandia students, faculty, and staff. Finlandia offers ample opportunities for students to become involved through the Student Senate and various social and academic clubs and organizations. Students are informed of campus events and activities via e-mail, the Finlandia University website, and campus-wide message boards.

Throughout the academic year, the Campus Event calendar includes events such as concerts and lecture series, performing artists, visual arts presentations, dances, and movies.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Finlandia University is affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. Finlandia offers the following women’s sports: basketball, cross-country, hockey, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Finlandia offers the following men’s sports: baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, hockey, and soccer. The Finlandia Lions compete in the following conferences:

- The Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference (C2C): men’s and women’s cross-country, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and softball
- Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC): baseball, affiliate membership

- The Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA): men’s and women’s hockey programs

- Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC): football, affiliate membership

Finlandia University also sponsors the following sports that are not affiliated with the NCAA: esports (coed) and ACHA D2 men’s hockey.

- National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) – esports
- Independent – ACHA D2 men’s hockey

The intercollegiate athletics program encourages personal growth, academic success, and the development of athletic skills. Finlandia University does not offer athletic scholarships.

Campus Ministry and Spiritual Life

Finlandia University is among 26 colleges and universities affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). One expression of Finlandia’s Christian identity and Lutheran heritage is Finlandia Campus Ministry, which reflects the university’s commitment to encouraging spiritual growth among students, faculty, and staff. Finlandia’s spiritual life, shaped by Lutheran commitments, embraces and celebrates the diversity of all religious traditions and expressions present on campus.

Finlandia encourages all students to explore expressions of spirituality that speak to them. Christian worship is one of those expressions, and is offered throughout the Hancock/Houghton community at a variety of denominations on a weekly basis, and at the Chapel of St. Matthew throughout the semester. Also available in the area are several Buddhist meditation groups, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, and other diverse expressions of religious community. Any student wishing to explore or start a religiously affiliated or seeking group on campus is encouraged to work with the Campus Pastor, for encouragement and logistical support.

The weekly Community Meal (made by students, for students) takes place in the lower level of the Chapel which is also the location of the student needs pantry called The Table. The Campus Pastor helps coordinate these feeding ministries, oversees all activities scheduled at the Chapel of St. Matthew, offers counseling services to the university community, and maintains relationships with area churches and other faith-based organizations. Contact the Campus Pastor at (906) 487-7239.

Servant Leadership Program

Servant Leadership, a significant expression of spiritual life at Finlandia, explores the relationship between faith, vocation, and service and seeks to empower students to realize the unique contributions they offer as citizens of the world. Servant Leadership courses encourage students to explore their spiritual development, expand their worldview, and boost self-awareness and leadership abilities to support them in their desire to serve the common good and become agents for change. Servant Leadership courses can fulfill from three to nine credit hours of electives: REL 230, Servant Leadership; REL/SOC/NUR 236, Servant Leadership in Tanzania; and REL/SOC 237, Servant Leadership for the Local Community. The Koskela Servant Leadership House is a co-curricular living and learning community for female students who are committed to personal growth and servant leadership as a means of building a vibrant and caring community. Contact the Director of Servant Leadership at (906) 487-7558.

Student Senate

The Finlandia University Student Senate plays a vital role in the development of the campus community by: 1) Responding to requests and concerns submitted by the student body, faculty, and staff; 2) Organizing and promoting academic, spiritual, social, cultural, and recreational activities; and 3) Fostering high standards of Christian character and conduct throughout the university community. Each spring semester elections and interviews are conducted to select students for student leadership positions. The Student Senate is involved in various aspects of student life and is responsible for coordinating or assisting with numerous on-campus activities. The Senate may form subcommittees and special interest groups to address specific student concerns. All students are welcome and encouraged to participate in Student Senate activities.

STUDENT SERVICES

Campus Safety and Security

The Department of Campus Safety and Security (DCSS) cooperates with other campus departments to maintain a safe and secure living and learning environment. The DCSS acts as the liaison between the university and local law enforcement and emergency response agencies. The Hancock City Police provide routine patrols in campus parking lots and investigation services. . DCSS provides the following:

Identification cards for employees and students;
Parking permits for employees, and students;
Compliance with the federal Clery Act and U.S. Department of Education on-campus crime reporting requirements;
Enforcement of campus parking policies; and
24-hour DCSS presence on campus.

An Annual Campus Crime Report is available at the Campus Safety and Security office in Finlandia Hall. Contact DCSS at (906) 487-7307.

Finlandia Fitness Center

The Finlandia Fitness Center, in the Paavo Nurmi Center, is equipped with cardiovascular training machines including elipticals, exercise bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, weight training equipment, and free weights. Students taking courses for credit may use the fitness center free of charge with a valid Finlandia University ID. Fitness Center hours are posted. Low-cost fitness center memberships are available to the public.

Finlandia Dining Services

Dining Services are offered in our full service Café located on the first floor in Finlandia Hall. The Café serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday we offer Brunch and Dinner. The Café is open throughout the academic year, with the exception of scheduled university breaks, when the Café will be closed. All students living in Finlandia Hall are required to purchase a meal plan. Several plans are offered.

Rajaton (Limitless) Plan: This plan is required for resident students with less than 30 credits earned.

Kulta (Gold) Plan: This plan offers 15 meals per week, this plan is offered to resident students with 30+ credits earned and non-resident students.

Hopea (Silver) Plan: This plan offers 12 meals per week, this plan is offered to resident students with 50+ credits earned and non-resident students.

Dining Plans offered to Commuter Students, Faculty and Staff

Pronssi (Bronze) Plan: This plan offers 5 meals per week.

Block Plans: Block plans are offered in lots of 10, 40 and 80 meals. Block plans are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Block plans may be purchased from the cashier in the Cafe or the Student Accounts Office.

Punch Cards: 10 meal punch cards may be purchased from the cashier in the Café. These punch cards are valid until all meals are used. They do not expire.

All students must present a valid student ID upon entering the Café. Your ID will verify what meal plan you have purchased. Individual Meal Plans are not to be shared. Students are not permitted not lend or swipe their card in the dining hall for anyone else other than themselves. For more information about Dining Services, go to the Dining Services page on the Finlandia University website, click the Offices and Services tab and Dining Services will appear on the drop down menu.

Health Services

There are numerous non-emergency medical clinics and walk-in health care providers available in the local community and the region. The two closest hospitals are UP Health System-Portage, Hancock, and Aspirus Keweenaw, Laurium. Both hospitals have 24-hour emergency services, as well as additional clinics in Hancock, Houghton, and the surrounding area, including walk-in care for non-emergency services.

Residence Life

The Office of Residence Life ensures an appropriate community atmosphere, aids in residence hall administration, and assists students with personal, academic, and administrative concerns. Residence Life staff members work to organize residence life programming that focuses on building community, striving academically and understanding the world. The Residence Life staff will work ~~also work~~ with the Student Senate and the Director of Student Engagement to organize student activities.

In its residence hall, Finlandia University seeks to provide a living environment that assists students in accomplishing their academic, vocational, and social goals. This objective is implemented by professional and paraprofessional staff who are available to assist, mentor, and/or advise students; enforce Student Code regulations; and promote educational, social, recreational, and leadership development programs. The university’s requirements for on-campus residence are part of the effort to ensure the optimal experience for students. Residence life promotes educational, social, recreational, and leadership programs that are considered a key component of the Finlandia experience. Therefore, the university requires that all students live in the University residence hall while enrolled for classes except those students who have met at least one of the following criteria:

have completed 48 credit hours post high school graduation
are twenty-one (21) years of age or older by December 16, 2022;
are residing with parent(s), brother(s)/sister(s), or grandparent(s) within a 630 mile radius of campus;
are married and/or have joint or full physical custody or overnight visitation rights of a minor child(ren);
have prior or concurrent military service;
Medical conditions that the University is unable to accommodate on campus

These housing requirements are conditions of enrollment that must be met throughout the academic year.

Student Handbook

Finlandia University has developed standards and policies for student behavior for the purpose of furthering its educational objectives. These standards and policies support the educational mission of the university by fostering an environment conducive to student learning and personal growth and development. Student standards of behavior, and the procedures for addressing student conduct which violates university policy, are specified in the Finlandia University Student Handbook. All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the information in the handbook and the community standards established therein. The Student Handbook is available on the Finlandia University website.

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

AIR FORCE & Army ROTC

Finlandia University students may participate in the Air Force or Army ROTC program offered through Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, in accordance with provisions of collaborative agreements.

TRIO Pre-College Programs

Community programs, TRIO Talent Search and TRIO Upward Bound, are housed and directed together to ensure the programs are utilizing resources to best serve local underrepresented populations secure postsecondary success. Both programs are proudly hosted on the campus of Finlandia University and 100% grant funded by the US Department of Education. For information, call (906) 487-7343 or visit keweenawtrio.org

TRIO Upward Bound (UB)

The TRIO Upward Bound (UB) program is proudly hosted by Finlandia University serves 84 high school students from Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw counties. The program promotes the skills and motivation necessary for success in college. To be eligible, students must come from modest income backgrounds and/or from families where neither parent possesses a bachelor’s degree; two-thirds of participants must meet both requirements. Students’ eligibility to enter the program begins immediately after completion of the 8th grade, and ends following completion of the 10th grade.

Participants remain in the program through high school graduation. All TRIO UB services are provided without cost to program participants. Services include academic guidance and counseling, tutoring, college visits, cultural experiences and field trips, college and financial aid application assistance, ACT/SAT and college application fee waivers, a six-week summer residential program, core curriculum instruction, and educational/social activities. TRIO UB is 100% grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

TRIO Talent Search (TS)

TRIO Talent Search (TS) is 100% grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education and proudly hosted by Finlandia University. The program reaches 729 students annually across six Upper Peninsula counties: Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon. Our mission is to assist middle and high school students in completing secondary school and entering programs of higher education. TRIO TS provides various free services, including one-on-one and group career exploration and academic counseling; workshops to learn study skills, test-taking strategies, and goal-setting; tutoring and mentoring; ACT/SAT and college-prep seminars; tours of college campuses throughout Michigan and the Upper Midwest; and individual and group financial aid and college application assistance. All services are free to participants.

To be eligible, students must come from modest income backgrounds and/or from families where neither parent possesses a bachelor’s degree; two-thirds of participants must meet both requirements. Students’ eligibility to enter the program begins immediately on acceptance into middle school and ends following completion of the 10th grade. Participants remain in the program through high school graduation.