Thriving at Doane University: A Deep Dive into Student Life
Doane University, with its campus spanning approximately 300 acres, offers a vibrant and engaging student life experience, fostering a close-knit community where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. With a total enrollment of around 1,993 students and a student-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, Doane provides a personalized educational experience that encourages students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and make a meaningful impact on the world. The Division of Student Affairs empowers Doane students by providing inclusive community experiences that enable them to achieve their potential and use their talents to work, lead, and serve throughout their lives.
A Welcoming and Diverse Community
Doane University hosts a moderately sized student body, with a total enrollment of 329 new students in the most recent entry period, comprised of 246 freshmen and 83 transfer students. The undergraduate student body largely consists of young adults aged 18 to 21, with 439 students between 18 and 19 years old and 356 aged 20 to 21. The presence of younger undergraduates below 18 is also appreciable, numbering 185. The student body demographics are marked by a considerable proportion of in-state students, who make up 67% of the population. Out-of-state students represent 31%, suggesting a degree of geographic diversity. Almost all students are from the United States, at 98%, further emphasizing its domestic focus.
Racial and ethnic diversity at Doane University is moderate. Hispanic students number 113, African American students 42, and White students comprise the largest group with 647 individuals. Other groups include Native American students (4), Asian students (9), Pacific Islander students (2), those identifying with two or more races (39), and a category of unknown ethnicity encompassing 66 students.
It is important to the student affairs team that students feel a sense of belonging at Doane. Diversity, equity and inclusion are imperative to our mission and values. At Doane, we give you the resources and opportunities to succeed, everything from special learning accommodations to gender equality. Part of our diversity initiative is to give students the opportunity to find and foster their religious beliefs. We create an environment where you can gain a perspective on all religions to bring our university closer together. The Federal TRiO Programs are outreach and student services to support students from different backgrounds.
Extracurricular Activities and Organizations
Student life at Doane University is enriched by a variety of extracurricular activities. Involvement in activities and leadership opportunities is encouraged. The variety of clubs and organizations at Doane ensures students can pursue multiple interests and find their niche within the campus community. Their involvement enriches their college experience, giving them the chance to explore their identity, meet new people and contribute to the vibrant campus culture.
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Doane University offers a variety of student groups that cater to diverse interests, particularly in the performing arts and public speaking. Among these are the Jazz Ensemble, Alpha Psi Omega, Collegiate Chorale, Concert Band, and Doane Forensics. Regarding student demographics related to social organizations, there are 11 male and 17 female participants, compared to a total student population of 518 men and 420 women.
The university offers opportunities for involvement in the arts, including drama productions, a campus band, chorus, and a campus radio station, providing creative outlets for students to express themselves and engage with the community.
Student Perspectives on Involvement
Let's meet Sara, a first-year student at Doane University, who is eager to get involved on campus. She explores a wide range of student clubs and organizations, from academic societies to cultural groups and recreational clubs. With so many options, she finds herself joining the Student Programming Board, an intramural team and a community service organization. Clubs and organizations help students transition into college more smoothly. With a sense a belonging and a supportive group of peers surrounding them, students are empowered to pursue academic and personal goals.
Let's meet Maria, a first-year college student at Doane of Latinx heritage. Coming from a predominantly Latinx community, she feels a bit isolated and disconnected from the college's campus culture. The academic pressure, coupled with being away from family for the first time, adds to her stress and anxiety. Maria learns about a Latinx student organization on campus named DULSA (Doane University Latino Student Association). Curious, she attends a meeting. She meets students who share similar cultural backgrounds and experiences. The group organizes cultural events, like celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month, and holds workshops on navigating college life as a Latinx student. They also offer mentorship programs where upperclassmen guide freshmen like Maria through academic challenges, internships and professional networking.
By participating in campus clubs and organizations, students have enriching opportunities to develop leadership skills and pursue interests applicable to a career after graduation. Let's meet John, a Doane graduate who majored in policy and values. John was always passionate about leadership and student advocacy. Upon arriving at Doane, he was unsure how to get involved in shaping campus policies. After learning about University Student Congress, John runs for a representative position and wins. Throughout his four years at Doane, he advocates for his peers and works with university administrators to make a tangible difference on campus.
Read also: Tuition Fees at Doane
Athletics at Doane University
Doane University provides a range of athletic opportunities through its participation in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The university competes in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), offering students the chance to engage in competitive sports while pursuing their academic goals. The institution supports multiple varsity teams, including men's and women's basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track and field. Additionally, women have opportunities to participate in volleyball and softball, while men can take part in football and baseball. Facilities dedicated to athletics provide student-athletes with adequate spaces for training and competition. The university emphasizes the balance between athletics and academics, ensuring student participation in sports complements their educational pursuits.
Campus Resources and Support Services
Doane University offers a comprehensive network of resources and support services to ensure student success and well-being. The Academic Success Center is made up of passionate professionals who will provide you with a variety of career development resources and tools to help you achieve academic and personal success. Whatever your life’s mission is, we support your goals. We’ve always championed the brave men and women who defend our freedom.
Health and well-being services are well-represented on campus. Students have access to a health clinic and psychological counseling, ensuring support for both physical and mental health.
Doane University offers students access to two libraries, including its main facility, Perkins Library. The number of libraries at the university is considered average compared to other institutions, placing it in the top half nationally. The libraries collectively provide approximately 76,619 physical books, although this total is lower than most schools, ranking in the bottom 40 percentile. Facilities at the libraries include study rooms and physical access during set hours, but do not offer all-day availability. Both physical and digital access is supported by trained staff to assist students in their research and studies.
Housing and Residence Life
Average Housing Cost is $12,786 per year. First-Years in College Housing 92%. Housing Options include Coed Housing and Theme Housing.
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Our five residence halls have great amenities to make you comfortable in your new home. The Division of Student Affairs includes the following areas: Residence Life, Dining Services, Health & Wellness Center, Counseling Services, Safety & Emergency Management, Enrollment Days, Residence Life Events & Orientation, Student Congress (STUCO), Judicial Affairs Office, Student Programming Board (SPB), Student Clubs & Organizations, Greek Life, and Hansen Leadership Program.
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