Frequently Asked Questions

How many students attend Southeastern? 2,320 undergraduate

What percentage of students live on campus? Approximately 70%

What is Southeastern's student - teacher ratio? 19:1

What is the percentage of male and female students for traditional, undergraduate students? 44% male, 56% female

What does the phrase "liberal arts university" mean when referring to Southeastern University? From the university's inception in 1935 as a Bible Institute to train pastors and missionaries, Southeastern has rested on a solid foundation of vision and faith. That foundation has held firmly as Southeastern has evolved and relocated through the years, gradually expanding its mission and degree offerings.

During the 1970s Southeastern's leadership, recognizing the increasing challenges and complexity of modern culture, adopted a "liberal arts" curriculum. The purpose of a liberal arts curriculum is to provide you with a more well-rounded education, to increase your understanding and appreciation of God and His creation, and to help you understand your role and responsibility in society as a Christian.

The idea of a "liberal arts" education stretches as far back as the early church. Its purpose was to teach wisdom, and to expose young men and women to all areas of learning and truth - math, science, art, and written and spoken communication - from a Biblical world view. This is grounded in the belief that God is the source of all truth, and, as believers, we must strive to better understand our world from that context.

Southeastern's liberal arts curriculum follows this model, requiring students to complete a 54 credit-hour "core" of liberal arts (or general education) courses in a variety of subjects. Southeastern seeks to graduate men and women who combine this broad knowledge with faith, compassion, humility, self-discipline and careful thinking.

Is Southeastern an accredited university? Southeastern University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award baccalaureate and master's degrees.

What courses does Southeastern recommend I take in high school? The following is a list of generally accepted high school course work which most universities recommend for university admission:

4 years of English
3 - 4 years of Math
3 - 4 years of Social Studies
3 - 4 years of Natural Sciences
2 years of Foreign Language

Southeastern understands, however, that you may be unable to complete these course work requirements or that your high school may not offer all of the recommended classes. It is ultimately most important that you have met all of your high school's requirements for graduation, or that you have earned a GED diploma in order to be eligible for admission to Southeastern.

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Chapel

How often is chapel? Chapel services are held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m, as well as Monday nights at 9:00 p.m. and Tuesday nights at both 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. All Monday night and morning chapels are held on campus in Bush Chapel, while the Tuesday night chapels are held at Mitchell's Coffee Shop in Downtown Lakeland. Chapel services include faculty- and student-led praise and worship, dynamic teaching, and occasional guest speakers.

Is chapel required? Yes. As a Christ-centered university, our most distinctive characteristic centers on the integration of faith and learning. Therefore all students are encouraged and expected to include an active devotional life, regular church attendance and chapel services as part of their collegiate experience. Chapel services are the spiritual center of the Southeastern community and serve as a time of corporate worship. Students are allowed a certain number of excused absences based on various criteria (see the Student Handbook for specific requirements).

Student Life

What does Student Life look like at SEU? Southeastern University has a vibrant campus life built around Student Development. We are committed to fostering an authentic Christian community for our students, which includes active clubs and organizations, worship experiences, leadership opportunities, community outreach, and numerous events such as Homecoming, Club Rush, Battle of the Dorms, and Conference. Student gathering space also is a priority on campus, evidenced by the recent additions of fire pits and a sand volleyball court. The Department of Spiritual Formation encourages student spiritual growth through the Life Journal and other initiatives. Overall, it's our goal for students to know that they are the mission of our university and we are committed to making your experience at SEU life-changing.  

What is Southeastern's dress code? Southeastern's dress code essentially asks for "modesty" from students. Modesty can be defined as anything that does not draw inappropriate or undue attention to one's self. Southeastern desires to prepare you for professional careers after your collegiate experience. Our goal is for you to be aware that churches, businesses and organizations may require higher standards of dress. You may refer to the Student Handbook for additional information on Southeastern's dress code.

What athletic programs does Southeastern offer? Southeastern competes in the NAIA and is a member of the prestigious The Sun Conference. In addition, The Fire is a dual member of the NCCAA Division I and offers intercollegiate scholarships in men's soccer, basketball, golf, and baseball, and women's volleyball, soccer, tennis, and basketball. Athletic tryouts are held during each semester. For information on Southeastern's athletic programs, call (863) 667-5946 or e-mail Athletic Director Duane Aagaard at daagaard@seu.edu.

You also may participate in one of Southeastern's numerous intramural programs, including softball, volleyball, basketball, and flag football.

Applying to Southeastern

When should I apply to Southeastern? High school seniors who will be first-time freshmen are encouraged to apply to Southeastern during the fall of their senior year. This will allow sufficient time to apply for financial aid and meet scholarship deadlines. First-time freshmen applying for the Spring semester should submit their application by November 1.

Transfer students should complete their application by November 1 for the spring semester. Fall applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the recommended deadlines, however, applications will be considered after the recommended deadlines. Please note that late applicants requesting on-campus housing will be subject to the availability of space on campus.

How long does the application process take? You will know the status of your admission within two weeks of Southeastern receiving your completed application (essays, recommendations, transcripts, ACT/SAT scores). For your convenience, the application has a checklist to which you may refer. You may call the Admission Office at (800) 500-8760 and speak to your admission counselor to determine if your file is complete.

Do I have to be a Christian to attend Southeastern? As a Christ-centered university, Southeastern requires that all students, faculty and staff have made a commitment to the lordship of Jesus Christ in their lives. The community of believers at Southeastern University is committed to the development of spiritual and academic excellence. A commitment to join Southeastern's community obligates each individual to a standard of scriptural behavior.

What does Southeastern look for in admission? Our desire is for you to be successful in your university experience. In keeping with this goal, the Admission Committee gives consideration to the following factors in admission to Southeastern: your Christian character, your readiness to succeed at the collegiate level as reflected in school records, SAT or ACT scores, personal recommendations, and your desire and willingness to learn.

The admission of all students is made after careful evaluation of each applicant's personal and academic qualifications. No applicant will be denied admission to Southeastern University on the basis of race, color, sex, national, or ethnic origin. Southeastern does not discriminate against individuals with physical or mental disabilities who are otherwise eligible for admission to the university.

What is the enrollment confirmation fee? Due to Southeastern's rapid growth, the university implemented the enrollment confirmation fee. The enrollment confirmation fee is required of all accepted students who plan to attend Southeastern University and live either on or off-campus. The $200 fee provides you with the guarantee that your class schedule will be held and that your on-campus housing will be reserved.

The deadline for the enrollment confirmation fee is June 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester. The $200 fee will be reflected as a credit on your student account.

Is the enrollment confirmation fee refundable? Yes, the $200 fee is refundable if you request a refund in writing prior to the appropriate deadline (June 1 for the fall semester or December 1 for the spring semester).

Ministry

I feel called to ministry. Since Southeastern is a Christian, liberal arts university, how well will Southeastern prepare me for ministry?

Southeastern's degree programs in religion and ministry provide a well-rounded education in Bible, theology and practical ministry. There are numerous opportunities for student ministry experience, and there is a required internship in all but one of the degree programs. The College of Christian Ministries and Religion faculty members are seasoned veterans of teaching and preaching ministries and committed to investing their wisdom into your future. There also are ministerial seminars at least twice per year in which successful pastors and missionaries are invited to our campus to help students prepare for ministry in the twenty-first century.

Southeastern University faculty and leadership consistently encourage ministry majors to a higher level of knowledge and exposure. Ministry graduates often are challenged by diverse congregations, with members representing varying degrees of spiritual backgrounds, education, cultures and professions. Southeastern is committed to equipping you with the wisdom, knowledge and spiritual disciplines to effectively serve and lead these diverse ministries. Our ministry graduates affirm how Southeastern's Christ-centered liberal arts education will provide you with a superb framework for learning how to most effectively relate and communicate with people from multiple walks of life.

Ministry graduates of Southeastern University are actively recruited for church and para-church ministry positions. Many now enjoy successful careers as pastors, district superintendents, national and district youth directors, university professors, military chaplains and in numerous other ministry positions. Graduates of the missions program serve in every country where missionaries are currently serving.

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