The university emphasizes education of the whole person and provides opportunities for the development of the intellectual, spiritual and social areas of the student’s life. Some of the activities designed for a well-balanced Christian life are residence hall activities, films, musical performances, seminars, prayer groups, mission trips, discussion groups and athletic events. Spiritual Formation and Christian Community directs events pertaining to student life.  A listing of student activities can be found in the Student Handbook and opportunities for leadership can be found on the CU website or by contacting the office of Spiritual Formation.

Campus Housing

The goals of a spiritually contagious, academically excellent, richly resourced, and culturally diverse environment are best reinforced and accomplished when students are living together in community for this season. We believe the economic and social investment made to live on campus pays great dividends in the lives of our students.

Because living on campus is an integral part of a Cornerstone student’s experience, all students up to age 21 are required to live on campus with a few exceptions as spelled out in the Housing Policy Exemption Application form. Students who are age 25 and older must secure written permission from Residence Life staff to live in the residence halls. Off-campus housing is a privilege that may be reconsidered in the event of a significant breach of the policies outlined in the Student Handbook. Commuting students are required to annually complete an off-campus residence information form.

Campus housing at Cornerstone provides a variety of options in several residence halls. Each of the campus residence halls has its own unique personality and style. The following information will give you an inside look at each of the halls and how they add to the community life atmosphere at Cornerstone.

Babcock Hall was built in 1979 and is named after Dr. Wendell Babcock who served Cornerstone from 1955 to 1993. Over that time, he provided inspiration to hundreds of students as musician, choral director, and instructor of Bible and English. Babcock is co-ed by floor with female students on the first two floors, and male students on the third floor.  Approximately 109 upperclassmen call Babcock home every year. This hall is considered “apartment-style”, containing living units with a full kitchen facility, bathroom, two bedrooms, and a living area. Wi-fi and air conditioning are provided throughout the residence hall. Each floor has a laundry room, and the hall has a community lounge on the first floor where residents can watch tv, study, or just relax with friends.

Central Hall was built in 2013 through gracious donations for the baseball field and residence hall project. Central Hall is situated on the second and third levels above the baseball stadium and houses approximately 92 upperclassmen. The second floor is available to male students, while the third floor is available to female students. The structure of the hall follows a suite format where two rooms, each housing two residents, are joined by a bathroom. Laundry facilities and Wi-Fi are available throughout the residence hall. There are two single-occupancy, barrier-free rooms, and an elevator to assist physically challenged students. The community lounges on the second and third floors provide space for students to interact, watch television or study.

Cook Hall, built in 2000, is named after Emajean “Pat” Cook, the devoted and loving wife of Peter Cook, a successful businessman whose philanthropic endeavors have included a gift in support of this residence hall. Cook Hall houses 136 female students, comprised of both new freshmen and upperclassmen.  Residents live in suite-style rooms, consisting of two bedrooms with a bathroom in between. Laundry facilities and Wi-Fi are available throughout the residence hall.  There are two single-occupancy, barrier-free rooms and an elevator to assist physically challenged students. Cook Hall is connected to Van Osdel Hall by a three-story glass atrium. The common areas include shared lounges, kitchenette, study lounge and game area for the 256 residents in the two halls. It is an appealing place for people to come together for social interaction and relaxation.

Crawford Hall, built in 1980, is named after Dr. Joe Crawford who was associated with Grand Rapids Theological Seminary for 52 years. Dr. Crawford began as a student at Cornerstone in 1948 and continued to teach until his home going on November 3, 2000. Crawford houses approximately 109 upperclassmen and is co-ed by floor with female students on the first two floors, and male students on the third floor.. Each living unit is comprised of a kitchen with a stove and refrigerator, bathroom, living area and two bedrooms. Wi-Fi is available throughout the residence hall and every floor has laundry facilities. There is a community lounge, as well, and residents are encouraged to use these lounges to interact, study or watch television.

Keithley Hall, built in 1975, is named after Howard Keithley who faithfully served on the board of trustees of Cornerstone University for 32 years and as interim president (1958-59). The structure of the hall follows a suite format where two rooms, each housing two students, are joined by a bathroom, which provides a convenient living arrangement, and the first floor has laundry facilities. Wi-Fi is available throughout the residence hall. Keithley has a prayer room and a nicely furnished lounge on the first floor. Keithley is co-ed by floor, and houses approximately 80 upperclassmen. The first floor is available for male students and the second floor is available to female students. The cozy environment facilitates opportunities for interpersonal and spiritual growth through use of the large prayer room and ease of access on campus.

Pickitt Hall, built in 1970, is named after Ann Pickitt, wife of Allegan businessman Harry Pickitt, who supported the building of this hall. Pickitt houses up to 120 female students and is one of the primary residence hall for freshmen. Pickitt offers newly renovated community style bathrooms.  Laundry facilities are provided on the first floor, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the residence hall. The students in Pickitt have access to a large, fully furnished lounge on the first floor.  The north side of Pickitt has the advantage of a beautiful view of the pond. The community setting of Pickitt Hall makes it an ideal place for freshmen to grow in their faith, to build godly relationships with each other, and develop skills to best transition to college.

Quincer Hall, built in 1964, is named after Sheldon B. Quincer who was one of the ten original part-time instructors at Cornerstone in 1941 and faithfully served as an instructor for the institution for 27 years. At full capacity, Quincer houses 55 male freshmen in two wings, with community style bathrooms, and laundry facilities between the halls. Wi-Fi is available throughout the residence hall. Quincer has a lounge for community building with furniture and a TV. Quincer is an energetic community where the residents are challenged to be men of God who sharpen one another through accountability and truth.

Van Osdel Hall, built in 1977, is named in honor of Oliver W. Van Osdel. Van Osdel is a three-story residence hall that can accommodate 103 residents. Van Osdel houses male students and offers a mix of new freshmen and upperclassmen.  The rooms are arranged in a suite-style where two rooms, each housing two students, are connected by a shared bathroom. Laundry facilities are available on the first floor, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the residence hall. Van Osdel, also known as “VO,” has a spacious lounge in the basement, with a ping pong table, foosball table, large television and study lounge. It shares a three-story atrium with Cook Hall, with lounges on the second and third floors. VO seeks to provide an environment where students are challenged spiritually, socially and physically, in hopes to encourage them to deepen their relationships with God and other fellow believers.

Campus Rental Apartments

Campus Rental Apartments are located on the edge of campus. They are leased on a year-to-year basis, primarily to graduate students and undergraduate students who are not eligible to live in the residence halls.  Priority for leasing each year is determined by overall housing needs of the university. Available apartments are reserved on a first come, first serve basis. These leased apartments are managed by Campus Housing - campus.housing@cornerstone.edu or 616-222-1423.

Fuller, Knol, and Morris Halls, built in 1965, 1965 and 1970, are named for David O. Fuller, first president of Cornerstone University, Gerard Knol, third president of Cornerstone, and Lloyd Morris, former board member and pastor. The three apartment-style buildings contain a total of 48 one-and-two-bedroom units and include laundry facilities.

Campus Safety

The mission of the Campus Safety Department is to promote and provide safety, security and service to our students, faculty, staff and guests through information, education, public and personal relations and enforcement. Our efforts involve service to and protection of our general campus community and all properties and assets therein. Campus Safety personnel provide 24/7/365 campus safety and security patrols, as well as 24/7/365 switchboard and dispatch services. Campus Safety, including switchboard, is located at the east entrance of Faber Hall next to the bookstore. Photo ID cards are issued at this location for all students and employees as well. Safety officers patrol the campus pro-actively, enforce parking and traffic regulations as well as behavioral and conduct standards, and respond to emergencies and investigate incidents. The Department of Campus Safety also provides an array of other convenience services including special needs transportation, assistance with vehicle lockouts and battery boosts. For emergencies or general service requests, including general information inquiries, contact the Campus Safety Department by dialing ‘0’ (Zero) from campus phones or 616.949.5300 from all other phones.

Chapel

Chapel is the spiritual heartbeat of our campus.   It exists as an intentional space to gather together as a community in the midst of the busy seasons of college life. Cornerstone teaches its students to be thoughtful and intentional about their Christian growth, and chapel provides an opportunity to integrate faith and learning as a larger community. All full-time undergraduate students are required to attend 25 chapels each semester. Our community gathers together to hear from God’s Word and sing His praise. Occasionally, students attend smaller gatherings led by academic departments. Our chapels are led by student-led worship teams. Please see the current student handbook for a full description of the chapel attendance requirement.

Community Life

Community Life is an important part of the Cornerstone experience. Whether students live in residence halls or commute from off-campus, we have programming to encourage growth through our unique community.

Residence Life

The purpose of Residence Life is to:

• Challenge - toward spiritual, personal and educational growth
• Connect - in community for students to be known
• Care - through value-centered support.

Late night talks in the lounge, residence hall traditions, Bible studies, hall events, and more are a part of residence life. Our team of Resident Directors (R.D.) heads up a team of student leader Resident Assistants (R.A.) in each building to help students navigate campus life, get acquainted with one another and their surroundings.

Commuter Life

Eating lunch, hanging out in the Commuter Corner, and connecting with other students is made easier for non-residential students through our Commuter Life program. The Student Development staff and student leaders from CUSO (Cornerstone University Student Offices) are there to help non-residential students navigate campus life. From commuter lunches to breakfast gatherings, sports events, fun activities, or providing information and direction, the dedicated commuter team is there to serve students. The Corum Student Union has a dedicated “commuter corner” for students to study, get information, or just hang out between classes.

Counseling Services - THE WELL

Counseling services are available to all traditional undergraduate Cornerstone students who wish to have a safe, confidential conversation with counselors who are equipped to provide support, encouragement, and tools for the challenges of life. The Well provides Christ-centered counseling and recognizes the Bible as the foundation for healthy living. There is a minimal fee for counseling, however no students are denied services for financial reasons. The Well is located in the Center for Academic Success. Appointments can be made by phone (616.977.5477), email (the.well@cornerstone.edu), or by coming in during office hours (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.). More information about The Well can be found at: www.cornerstone.edu/university-offices/the-well.

Discipleship Opportunities

Opportunities for discipleship at Cornerstone create an atmosphere that encourages spiritual growth and challenges individuals to become more like Christ in thought, word, and deed. These opportunities include small group gatherings, mentoring relationships with peers, faculty and staff, events in the residence halls, getting off campus for retreats, and simply living life together in community. While recognizing that discipleship happens in various contexts through various means, some of the key elements include prayer, accountability, Bible study, book discussions, serving or spending time together.

Global Opportunities

The Global Opportunities program exists to provide students avenues to engage in service and ministry in a culture different from their own, both nationally and internationally. Students will go out in teams or individually to work with pastors, missionaries, national church leaders and local agencies. A variety of ministry programs will be served depending upon the needs of the given location. Previous locations include India, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Zambia, Kosovo, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chicago and Haiti.

Health Services

On-campus health services are available to all students regardless of their specific health insurance plan.  Students have access to visits with a nurse for minor injury or illness, such as colds, flu, headaches, rashes, and digestive disorders.

The following services are available through CU Health Services:

• Appointments: Nurse
• On site sick care office visits
• Blood pressure checks (free)
• Health education and wellness promotion
• Loan items (crutches, wheelchairs, etc.)
• Referrals to specialists
• Resource materials on health related topics (free)
• International Travel Consults
• Immunizations (in collaboration with Calvin College Health Services)

Multicultural Affairs

This department strives to promote biblical and theological awareness, acceptance and appreciation of culture - our own culture and the cultures of others.  It encourages members of the Cornerstone community to seek a glocal (local and global) perspective from a Christian worldview, while providing opportunities for interaction, education and service.  The mission is to equip individuals to learn, love, live and lead together.

Musical Activities

There are numerous musical opportunities on campus. Private lessons are available to non-music majors on many orchestral instruments, piano, organ, guitar, drum set and voice. Performance ensembles include the following:

• University Chorale (MUP-X01)
  This select choral ensemble is dedicated to the performance of outstanding choral literature, providing singers with a number of exciting opportunities. Focusing on public performance as a means of worship and Christian service, the Chorale performs a broad spectrum of choral literature, including a cappella motets, large-scale works for chorus and orchestra, spirituals and contemporary compositions. Auditions for the Chorale are held at the beginning of each fall semester. Membership by audition only.
• Chancel Singers (MUP-X11)
  A large choral ensemble emphasizing the performance of a variety of choral literature for the joy of singing, the development of the singer, and the inspiration of audiences. The choir prepares for seasonal concerts, ministry in chapel and on campus, as well as occasional concerts in the community. Membership is open to all students without audition.
• Symphonic Winds (MUP-X21)
  A select group of woodwind, brass and percussion players committed to the quality performance of outstanding wind ensemble and concert band literature. Each semester the Symphonic Winds perform formal concerts consisting of standard and contemporary masterworks. Membership by audition only
• Credo (MUP-X51)
  This high-energy vocal ensemble specializes in sacred and secular a capella music and contemporary singing with an uncompromising dedication to excellence. Eight gifted and highly motivated singers, selected by audition only, train in the art of jazz in a wide variety of settings: on campus, in area churches, high schools and more. Membership by audition only. Co-requisite: MUA course in appropriate performance area. Two semester (fall and spring) commitment.
• Small Instrument Ensemble (MUP-X51)
  An opportunity to study and play standard small ensemble repertoire.  Membership is by audition only.
• Worship Ensemble (MUP-X71)
  This ensemble is comprised of drums, bass, keyboard, guitars and vocalists, and primarily serves in the university chapels. Students prepare and minister music for congregational singing and develop both musical and ministry skills. Membership is by audition only. Prerequisite: 2nd semester freshman

University Community Commitment

Cornerstone seeks to create a student-focused learning community where Jesus Christ is central. Two foundational documents help define and motivate that type of community – the CU Community Covenant and the CU Student Handbook.

Each year every member of the campus community (faculty, staff and students) commits to pursue the principles of righteousness, peace and joy outlined in the CU Community Covenant.

Additionally, students at Cornerstone are expected to affirm their commitment to abide by the policies outlined in the CU Student Handbook. This interactive document specifies these policies as well as the rationale behind them. It can be found on the CU website.