Current Students
- OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
- HOUSING
- RESIDENCE LIFE
- STUDENT HANDBOOK
- RELIGIOUS LIFE AND EDUCATION
- STUDENT DISABILITY SERVICES
- STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
- STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH
- SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
- CAMPUS DINING
Dr. Michael Harpe
The purpose of Student Affairs at Rust College is to enhance the learning experience of each student by offering opportunities to engage with the entire campus community and to a certain extent, the Holly Springs community.
Whether students are participating in our Student Government Association, one of the Divine Nine Greek Letter Organizations, taking part in athletics or one of our extracurricular activities, or simply attending one of our yoga sessions, students gain valuable leadership and organization skills. As a bonus, Rust College is more than an institution: we are family! Students who regularly take part in campus activities mingle with students from all over the country and the world. They are exposed to new cultures and make friends for life.
Contact Us
Dr. Michael Harpe
Vice President for Student Engagement UNCF Campus Transformation Officer
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4081
Em: mharpe@rustcollege.edu
Carolyne Turner, M.Ed.
Director of Campus Enrichment & Student Engagement
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4410
Em: cturner@rustcollege.edu
Residence Life
Residence Halls
*DAVAGE-SMITH RESIDENCE HALL
*E.L. RUST RESIDENCE HALL
*WIFF RESIDENCE HALL
*GROSS RESIDENCE HALL
*EMMA ELZY LIVING/LEARNING RESIDENCE HALL
*MI RESIDENCE HALL
For more information, questions or concerns, contact residencelife@rustcollege.edu
Contact Information
Ricca M. Wright
Director of Residence Life
150 Rust Avenue
Holly Springs, MS 38635
662-252-8000 Ext. 4803
residencelife@rustcollege.edu
Student Handbook
Students should use this information for planning online and residential classes.
Student Handbook 2021-2023 (Revised)
Religious Life and Education
Religious Education
As a United Methodist-related institution, Rust affirms the Wesleyan tradition of “knowledge and vital piety.” The Religious Education Department helps students explore religion, spirituality, and moral values as an integral part of a liberal arts education. On-campus activities include chapel, Vespers, spiritual formation groups, mission, and study groups. All on-campus religious activity must be approved by the Chaplain. A directory of congregations for off-campus worship is also available.
The Rust community worships in James A. Elam Chapel. The Chaplain provides counseling, spiritual direction, and mentoring. Students may serve on the Religious Education Committee to plan programming. The College welcomes students from all religious traditions as well as those with none. All interactions about religion shall be respectful and tolerant of others. Proselytizing (soliciting converts to one’s personal religious practice) is not allowed.
Religious Organizations
- Methodist Student Movement (MSM)
- YMCA
- YWCA
- Sunday School
- Baptist Student Movement (BSM)
- Catholic Student Association (CSA)
- Religious Life Contact
Contact Us
Dr. Stephen Redmond
Campus Chaplain
Email: Sredmond@rustcollege.edu
Telephone: 662-252-8000, ext. 4400
Find Us on Social Media
Religious Life Facebook: RC Religious Life
Religious Life Instagram: rustcollege.religiouslife
Student Disability Services
Rust College is glad you have chosen to become part of the Bearcat family, and we look forward to working with you. The office of Access and Accommodations is excited to meet you and provide an accessible environment for you to grow and develop into proud graduates of Rust College. We seek to provide an outstanding experience and equal access to all programs and services while you are here at Rust College.
If accessing the buildings or classrooms are an impediment or if you have difficulties with the format of classroom materials/examinations, please alert us as soon as possible. We are more than happy to accommodate your needs.
Please contact the ADA/504 Coordinator:
Rhyshine Lucas
Email: rlucas@rustcollege.edu
Phone: 662-252-8000 ext. 4950
Feel free to drop by during business hours. We are located in:
Shaw Hall
The Office of Student Success and Persistence
Upon meeting with the ADA/504 Coordinator, the student will receive a letter of accommodation. It is the student’s responsibility to provide instructors with the letter.
Student Health Services
The college operates a student health center. Cases requiring emergency treatment after office hours may receive care from the Marshall County Hospital Emergency Room or the Memphis Methodist Hospital. Local doctors are used for office calls. Complete physical examinations are required for admission to Rust College. The main objective of the health center is to keep the student in the classroom and as healthy as possible. Seminars and workshops are an essential part of the program. All professional services are delivered with attention to confidentiality. In the event of a serious illness or injury, parents or guardians will be notified at the discretion of the staff.
We are currently located in Shaw Hall.
Contact Information
Victoria Jackson,
Director of Student Health
Email: vjackson@rustcollege.edu
Phone: 662-252-8000 ext. 4099
Available Health Services
- Referrals to local clinics
- Mental health
- Drug screening
- Blood drives
- Wound care
- Annual physical examination for athletes
Hours Of Operation
Weekday | Open | Closed for Lunch | Open |
Monday | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Tuesday | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Wednesday | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Thursday | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Friday | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Appointments
Appointments are not required; students are served through a walk-in system.
Insurance
The student health insurance is coordinated by Educational and Institutional Insurance Administrators, Inc. It is an EXCESS plan and will only pay after any other valid and collectible insurance has paid or denied an eligible claim. Students must be actively enrolled and insured at the time the expense is incurred. The expense must be incurred within 104 weeks of the date of sickness. You may contact the following to become familiar with the benefits offered.
NAHGA Claims Services
P.O. Box 189
Bridgeton, ME 04009
Email: eii@nahga.com
(800) 952-4320
Fax (207) 647-4569
Medical Excuse Policy
The Student Health Center provides medical excuses to take to their faculty confirming medical treatment. Students under treatment for health reasons outside of Student Health Services (SHS) may bring documentation to SHS to be submitted to their health record.
Student Mental Health
Here at Rust College, we understand that adjusting to college life can be difficult. Many students travel far away from home, some must juggle jobs and class, and still others may need a safe and confidential space to work through emotionally/psychologically difficult personal situations. With that in mind, Rust College offers mental health services free of charge to its students. If you are in need of mental health services, please contact our mental health counselor.
Counseling Services Overview
At Rust College Counseling Services, we are committed to supporting the emotional, psychological, and academic success of our students. Our lead counselor brings over five years of professional experience in the mental health field, providing compassionate, culturally competent care. A proud graduate of Jackson State University, she holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has specialized expertise in working with diverse college student populations.
Our Approach
We offer a student-centered, strengths-based approach to counseling, integrating evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and mindfulness techniques. Each session is designed to empower students, enhance resilience, and promote personal growth.
Services Provided
- Individual Counseling
- Crisis Intervention
- Mental Health Assessments and Screenings
- Group Counseling and Workshops
- Referrals to Community Resources
- Psychoeducation on Stress Management, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, and Academic Challenges
Areas of Focus
- Adjustment to College Life
- Anxiety and Panic Disorders
- Depression and Mood Disorders
- Stress and Time Management
- Identity Development
- Relationship Issues
- Self-Esteem and Confidence Building
- ADA Compliance
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a supportive and confidential environment where students can explore personal challenges, build coping skills, and achieve their full potential, both academically and personally.
Confidentiality
All services are confidential within the limits of the law. Students’ privacy and trust are respected at every stage of the counseling process.
Getting Started
Students can schedule an appointment by visiting Health Services or by clicking this link Book time with Ryshine Lucas, emailing rlucas@rustcollege.edu, or calling 662-252-8000, ext. 4950. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Rhyshine Lucas
Mental Health Counselor
Email: rlucas@rustcollege.edu
Phone: 662-252-8000 ext. 4950
Appointments are available via Zoom Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m until 5:00 p.m.
Sexual Misconduct
Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form
Staff
Carolyn Turner
Director of Campus Enrichment and Student Activities
Title IX Investigator
Campus Dining
Campus Dining is located in the Brown Mass Communications building on the first floor. They are open seven days a week for students, faculty, and staff. Meal plans are available. As hours vary on the weekend, please see our operation hours below.
Dining Hours
Breakfast
Mon – Fri 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Lunch
Mon – Fri 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Brunch
Sat – Sun 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Dinner
Mon – Thu 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Fri – Sun 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
