Savanna Hoffman
Spring Arbor University (SAU) is a small, private, not-for-profit university located in Spring Arbor, Michigan. It offers a range of degree programs and has a strong emphasis on spiritual life and Christian community. As of Fall 2018, the total enrollment at SAU was 3,436 students, including on-campus, professional studies, and graduate students. The university has faced some controversy due to accusations of discrimination against LGBTQ students and faculty members, with policies in place that prohibit same-sex dating behaviors and enforce gender-appropriate clothing. Despite this, SAU has been ranked in the top tier of Midwestern regional universities by U.S. News and World Report's America's Best Colleges for 15 consecutive years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Spring Arbor, Michigan |
| Type | Private, not-for-profit, 4-year, co-ed |
| Campus setting | Rural |
| Acceptance rate | 37% |
| Graduation rate | 60% |
| Total enrollment (as of Fall 2018) | 3,436 |
| On-campus enrollment (as of Fall 2018) | 1,145 |
| Enrollment in professional studies (as of Fall 2018) | 662 |
| Number of graduate students (as of Fall 2018) | 1,629 |
| On-campus enrollment (as of Fall 2021) | 961 |
| Number of denominations represented on campus | 42 |
| Number of undergraduate majors offered | >70 |
| Number of athletic teams | 1 |
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What You'll Learn
In 2018, there were 3,436 students enrolled at Spring Arbor University
Of the 3,436 students enrolled in 2018, 1,145 were on campus, 662 were enrolled in professional studies, and 1,629 were graduate students. SAU's campus is home to its traditional undergraduate students, who are required to attend chapel services on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:05 am. These services include student-led worship and speakers handpicked by the Chaplain, such as pastors, entrepreneurs, professors, and missionaries.
In addition to its spiritual focus, SAU also offers a diverse range of academic programs. As of 2021, SAU offered over 70 majors and programs at the undergraduate level. The most popular undergraduate majors in 2021 included business, management, social work, and nursing. SAU also offers online undergraduate degree options, such as Associate of Arts and Associate of Science in Business.
SAU has a unique culture and community that attracts students from various backgrounds. It has an acceptance rate of 37% and a graduation rate of 60%. The university's athletic teams are called the Cougars, and they compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Crossroads League. SAU also emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth alongside academic excellence, with a mission to empower students to thrive in an ever-changing world by integrating faith and knowledge.
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By 2021, on-campus enrolment had fallen to 961
Spring Arbor University (SAU) is a private, not-for-profit, four-year liberal arts college located in Spring Arbor, Michigan. The college is rooted in Jesus Christ and dedicated to spiritual growth and academic excellence. It offers over 70 majors and programs at the undergraduate level and graduate degrees.
The university has a strong emphasis on spiritual life and requires that all students attend a chapel service on Mondays and Wednesdays, which includes student-led worship and guest speakers. SAU also offers campus groups and events designed to foster spiritual growth, such as the Spiritual Life Retreat and the Community of Learners program.
In Fall 2018, the total enrollment at SAU was 3,436 students, including 1,145 on-campus students, 662 enrolled in professional studies, and 1,629 graduate students. However, by Fall 2021, on-campus enrollment had fallen to 961. This decrease in on-campus enrollment could be attributed to various factors, such as changes in student preferences, competition from other institutions, or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education.
SAU has faced criticism and accusations of discrimination against LGBTQ students and faculty members due to its religious beliefs and policies. The university was granted a Title IX exemption in 2014, which allows it to discriminate on religious grounds. SAU's student handbook prohibits "same-sex dating behaviors" and has dress code policies that require clothing to be "gender-appropriate." These policies and statements by university affiliates have sparked controversy and raised questions about inclusivity and discrimination on campus.
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The university has faced accusations of LGBTQ discrimination
Spring Arbor University (SAU) is a private, not-for-profit, Free Methodist university in Spring Arbor, Michigan. It was founded in 1873 by leaders of the Free Methodist Church and has since developed into a university with a strong emphasis on spiritual life. All students are required to attend a chapel service on Mondays and Wednesdays, and there are various campus groups and events designed to foster the spiritual life of students.
SAU has faced numerous accusations of discrimination against LGBTQ+ students and faculty members. The university received a Title IX exemption in 2014, allowing it to discriminate on religious grounds. This has been a highly controversial issue, with many people arguing that the university is engaging in open discrimination while receiving federal funding. SAU's policies and exemptions have been criticised for alienating and hurting individuals, as well as failing to produce anything positive.
One of the most notable incidents involving accusations of LGBTQ+ discrimination at SAU involved Dr. Everett Piper, an alumnus, former administrator, and former president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University. In 2018, Piper posted a vitriolic response to stories in The Pulse, a student news source, in which gay students were seeking affirmation and conversation. Piper compared LGBTQ+ students to white supremacists and questioned why one "sinful habit and predisposition" was being normalised while another was condemned.
The SAU student handbook has been criticised for prohibiting "same-sex dating behaviours" and stating that those who violate this community standard will be offered "counsel and support to encourage students towards living lives consistent with the biblical teaching on sexuality." The handbook also states that students' clothing must be "gender-appropriate" and that the university will not support "expressions or actions that are deliberately discordant with birth gender." These policies have been seen as going further than most in setting parameters on how LGBTQ+ students can express themselves, contributing to a significant proportion of LGBTQ+ students feeling unsafe at the university.
In addition to student demonstrations and petitions calling for more support for LGBTQ+ individuals, there have been several personal accounts of discrimination. For example, Andrew Deeb, a transgender man, felt isolated at SAU and was told to live off-campus during his third year, creating financial hardship. Similarly, Rev. Dr. Julie Nemecek faced discrimination after coming out as transgender while working at the university; her pay was cut by 20%, and she was forbidden from discussing her transition with anyone connected to the university.
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The SAU student handbook prohibits same-sex dating behaviours
Spring Arbor University (SAU) is a private, not-for-profit institution located in Spring Arbor, Michigan. It is a Christian liberal arts school with a strong emphasis on spiritual life. SAU offers over 70 majors and programs at the undergraduate level and had a total enrollment of 3,436 students as of Fall 2018.
The SAU student handbook has come under fire for its prohibition of "same-sex dating behaviours". Page five of the handbook states that students are required to abstain from any sexual activity, including "homosexual activity" and same-sex dating. SAU alumni and current students have spoken out against this policy, with some organizing walks to show support for LGBT students and spread awareness and acceptance across the campus and beyond.
SAU's stance on this issue is rooted in its religious perspective. Jon Bahr, vice president of enrollment and marketing at SAU, has stated that the school teaches from the perspective of the Bible, but understands that not all students will agree with every aspect. He emphasizes their commitment to supporting all students and providing an environment conducive to higher learning, even if it means engaging in debates and dialogues about controversial topics.
The university's policy has attracted criticism and led to accusations of discrimination against LGBTQ students and faculty members. In 2018, Dr. Everett Piper, an alumnus and former SAU administrator, made a controversial statement comparing LGBTQ students to white supremacists. SAU was also recognized as one of the worst campuses for LGBT youth in the country by North Carolina-based Campus Pride in 2016, partly due to its Title IX exemption, which allows the university to discriminate on religious grounds.
Despite the controversy, SAU maintains that their policies are consistent with their religious mission and rules for all students. The handbook also prohibits other behaviours that clash with the school's Christian identity, such as hazing, heterosexual promiscuity, and alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
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Spring Arbor University is located in Michigan
Spring Arbor University (SAU) is a private, not-for-profit, four-year liberal arts college located in Spring Arbor, Michigan. It is a small, co-ed college with a rural community setting and is primarily a residential campus. The college has an acceptance rate of 37% and a graduation rate of 60%.
SAU has a strong emphasis on spiritual life and is rooted in Jesus Christ and a vibrant Christian community. All students are required to attend a chapel service on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:05 am. These services include student-led worship and speakers such as pastors, entrepreneurs, professors, and missionaries. Aside from chapel, there are campus groups and events designed to foster the spiritual growth of students, such as the Spiritual Life Retreat and the Community of Learners program.
SAU offers over 70 majors and programs at the undergraduate level, including associate, bachelor's, master's, certificate, and doctoral degrees. The university also offers online undergraduate degree options, such as Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Business. The Spring Arbor athletic teams are called the Cougars, and the university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
As of Fall 2018, total enrollment at SAU included 3,436 students, with 1,145 on-campus students, 662 enrolled in professional studies, and 1,629 graduate students. By Fall 2021, on-campus enrollment had fallen to 961, with around 42 denominations represented on campus. SAU has faced accusations of discrimination against LGBTQ students and faculty members due to its policies and community standards.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2018, 3,436 students were enrolled at Spring Arbor University.
As of Fall 2018, 1,145 students were enrolled on campus. By Fall 2021, this number had fallen to 961.
As of Fall 2018, there were 1,629 graduate students enrolled at Spring Arbor University.
Spring Arbor University has an acceptance rate of 37%.
