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BSN Student Life & Student Activities
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Cara Bonfiglio
Student Admissions & Progressions Coordinator
School of Nursing - BSN Program
Hands-on learning
Service Learning
Because learning takes place not only in the classroom but also in the community, service-learning is an important part of the nursing curriculum. Service-learning provides the following benefits:
- Fulfills community needs
- Promotes civic responsibility
- Actively reflects and reinforces classroom learning
- Develops strengths that last a lifetime
Building Knowledge
Service-learning activities enhance your nursing skills as you progress through the program. Written assignments are part of most activities.
Opportunities in & out of the classroom
Student Life
Small classes allow maximum interaction with classmates and instructors in a program focused on student engagement and real-world experiences.
Professional and service organizations allow you to serve your community and engage in activities that prepare you for the nursing profession.
Student organizations arrange a variety of social activities throughout the academic year that allows you to relax and strengthen friendships.
Professional Development
National Student Nurses Association & Kansas Association of Nursing Students
All students become members of the national and state professional organization for students upon entry into the nursing program. We recommend that all nursing students become active members of the professional organization. A faculty member serves as an advisor for the organization.
Eta Kappa Chapter-at-Large
Eta Kappa Chapter-at-Large, a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, is a collaborative effort between Baker University School of Nursing and Washburn University School of Nursing. Sigma Theta Tau International recognizes superior achievement, recognizes the development of leadership qualities, fosters high professional standards, encourages creative work, and strengthens commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession. Eligibility requirements include a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, rank of upper 35 percent of the class, leadership skills, and completion of at least one-half of the nursing curriculum and faculty endorsement. Qualifying students will be invited in their final semester. Inductions take place twice a year.
Student Activities
Student Representation on School of Nursing Committees
One or two students will be selected to represent the student body on each of the following committees:
- Faculty Senate
- Program Evaluation and Outcomes Assessment
- Educational Programs and Curriculum
- Student Affairs
Student Senate Organization
Two representatives are elected from the new first-level class each semester, and they represent their class throughout their time at the School of Nursing. The Student Senate Organization conducts special projects, provides activities for students to participate in, and gives back to the community. Meeting times will be determined each semester by the staff and faculty sponsors.
Ambassador Program
Students can apply to become an ambassador at the end of the first level. Students are selected by faculty and staff. Ambassadors are expected to represent the school in a professional manner. Orientation to ambassador responsibilities is provided at the beginning of the second level. Ambassadors receive $50 toward book expenses for second, third, and fourth levels and are expected to participate in a minimum of four events each semester.
Nurses for Cultural Awareness
Nurses for Cultural Awareness welcomes all students with an interest in expanding or enhancing their cultural competency. The club allows explorations of various cultures, values, and belief systems. Meeting times and places will be announced.
Nurses Christian Fellowship
All students are invited to join Nurses Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational group affiliated with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. There are no dues. The meeting times will be determined at the beginning of each semester to accommodate the needs of participants.
Spiritual Life Services
The hospital chapel is open 24 hours and all are welcome who wish to spend time in prayer and meditation.
Nursing students may also participate in spiritual life activities on the Baker campus in Baldwin City.
Collins Library
Located on Baker University’s Baldwin City campus, the Collins Library serves Baker students on all campuses. Online library resources are available 24 hours a day at Baker University Collins Library.
518 Eighth Street, Baldwin City, KS 66006
785.594.8414
library@bakerU.edu
Dining & Snack Locations
Food Connection
Eat-in or carry out. Open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Friday. Lunch and dinner specials, sandwiches, soups, hot beverages, fountain drinks, and yogurt are available. Located in the North Patient Tower, first floor of Stormont Vail Health.
Sunflower Terrace Cafeteria
The employee cafeteria in the basement level of the hospital has daily specials as well as a salad bar, grill, soups, and more. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available.
Java Plaza North & South
Two coffee shops, located at the entrances to the North Tower and South Tower of Stormont Vail Health, offer a variety of coffee and drink specials.
Auxiliary Gift Shop
The Gift Shop, located on the main level of the hospital next to the Food Connection, provides a convenient location to get greeting cards, gifts, and snacks. Store Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday.
Food Vending Machines
Located off the basement hallway joining the North and South towers. Vending machines are also located on the first and second floor of Pozez Education Center.
Surrounding Area
Just a mile from downtown Topeka, nursing students are close to the heart of the city. The business district features dining facilities, from fast food to locally-owned restaurants. A wide variety of retail shopping centers, including the West Ridge Mall, are nearby.
The capital city is in Shawnee County and has a population of about 121,000 residents. It has an active arts community and offers a variety of recreational and social activities.
Nursing students live independently off-campus. Topeka offers a variety of rental housing, including apartments, condominiums, and houses. Contact the student admissions and progressions coordinator at cara.bonfiglio@bakerU.edu or call 785.354.5850. Students also carpool to campus from nearby towns, including the popular residential choice, Lawrence, Kansas.