We’re glad you’re here.
Choosing a college is a significant decision for both students and their families. Whether your student is continuing a proud Evangel legacy or is the first in your family to attend college, we understand how meaningful this journey is for you, too.
We’re here to support you every step of the way — and to help you feel confident about the road ahead.
You play a vital role in your student’s college journey.
The college search and transition process is a major milestone for you as well as your student. You likely have your own questions, concerns, and hopes — and you should. Evangel is here to support you both every step of the way.
The best way to get to know Evangel is to schedule a campus visit and experience it firsthand. But if a visit isn’t practical right now, we’ve gathered answers to the questions parents ask most often — just for you.
Safety and Security:
What measures does Evangel take to ensure the safety of students?
The number one goal for the Department of Public Safety is to ensure the safety of students, staff, faculty and those who visit our campus. We have 14 employees in our department, and two uniformed officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our campus is well-lit with buildings located close together, which allows for a quick response time to any situation that may arise. All of our buildings are controlled by electronic lockdown, and our residence halls are locked 24-7 (only authorized personnel and the students who live in them have access via proximity access cards). We also have 100 plus security cameras strategically located around our campus, which are monitored by staff around the clock. We pride ourselves on maintaining a safe, low-crime campus, and our highest priority is the security of your student.
Read the annual security report.
Can freshmen have cars on campus?
Yes, any student may have a car on campus. However, it’s also helpful for parents to know that it isn’t necessary. Everything on campus is within walking distance, and our students often get together and share rides to church and other off-campus destinations. The city bus also stops by campus regularly. So students will do just fine if they do not have a car.
Academics:
What if my student hasn’t decided on a major?
Many college freshmen start classes without having decided on a major, and many students will change their major at some point in their college career. College is a natural time of growth and exploration. Assure your student that it is OK to enter college without a declared major. Evangel has classes and programs designed to help students discover their strengths and calling, and faculty will work with your student to help them select a major.
What if my student is struggling academically?
The Center for Student Success (CSS) offers a wide range of services to students, including but not limited to, tutors, study skills resources, time management and disability services. Students can contact the CSS at any time for help. In addition, if you feel your student needs specific help, you can contact Assistant Director of the Center for Student Success Jennifer Jackson for more help.
Will I receive a copy of my student’s grades?
While students are encouraged to share their grades with their parents, Evangel is prohibited by federal law from releasing grades to anyone other than students. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) governs students’ rights regarding educational records. Learn more about FERPA.
Health and Wellness:
Is medical care available on campus? What should students do when they need to see a doctor?
Evangel’s Health Services office in the Wellness Center functions as an acute care, walk-in facility. A licensed Family Nurse Practitioner provides primary healthcare services (diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions) at no cost to students. Nominal fees are charged for immunizations, laboratory tests and some procedures. When necessary, the nurse practitioner will make referrals to a local physician.
Can my student receive mental health services on campus?
Counseling Services is a part of the Wellness Center at Evangel. Under the direction of a Christian licensed professional counselor, the counseling staff provides Christ-centered counseling on a short-term basis. Counseling assists students in developing behavioral, academic, physical and vocational maturity. The philosophy of Evangel University Counseling Services focuses on a Christian values developmental model. This is a professional service that guards confidentiality carefully.
Our campus pastor also offers pastoral care and counseling to students.
Spiritual Life:
How does Evangel approach the spiritual development of students?
We understand that your student’s spiritual development is a primary concern for you – and we share that concern. Our job at Evangel is to help students continue to mature in the faith that has already been instilled in them no matter where they are in their journey.
The integration of faith, learning, and life is paramount to all we do at Evangel. We seek to instill spiritual growth on a personal, corporate, and academic level. Students will connect with peers in various contexts across campus through student-led small groups that provide opportunities for discipleship and connectedness in residence halls, on athletic teams and more. There are also corporate worship opportunities three times weekly at University Chapel and student-led chapel services as well as Spiritual Emphasis Week held each semester which brings our student body together for worship and spiritual growth. Finally, students will connect with Spirit-filled faculty and staff who are genuinely concerned for their spiritual health and development. This comprehensive approach strengthens student’s spiritual growth at every level.
What kinds of outreach opportunities does Evangel offer?
We believe every student is called to serve the Body of Christ regardless of occupational roles. Evangel Student Ministries is an on-campus organization for student outreach and ministry. As students reach out to serve the campus, the community, the local church and beyond, they develop skills in leadership and service.
Where do students attend church?
Sunday services are not held on campus because we encourage students to get involved and serve in a local church. The Springfield area has many wonderful churches from which to choose, and students often carpool to services. The Spiritual Life office can assist in recommending a local church if your student is not sure where to go.
Residence Life:
What if my student has a roommate problem?
There are several steps in place at Evangel to proactively work toward solving roommate problems. First, students are encouraged to take any problems they may have to their residence assistant (RA). The RA is trained to coach students on how to talk to their roommates and set up new boundaries. If conflict persists after coaching from the RA, the RA and the student(s) go to the residence director (RD) for advice and new strategies. As a last resort, if all strategies and new boundaries have been learned and applied to no avail, students may be moved to a different room to eliminate the problem.
Can my student stay in the residence halls during vacations?
Students are allowed to stay in the residence halls during all breaks that fall within the academic semester. However, meals during breaks do not run on regular hours — and on long breaks such as Spring Break, meals may not be served at all. Students will be notified of the changes in meal schedules with enough time to plan accordingly.
Most students are required to leave the residence halls over Christmas break, but they are allowed to leave their items in their rooms if they are returning the following semester. There are a few exceptions for some students who live internationally. If your student has nowhere to go over Christmas, they may contact their RD for more information.
Where can my student store belongings over the summer?
All students must move entirely out of their rooms after the spring semester; those staying for summer classes must move into the residence hall being used for summer students. All belongings must be moved and stored off campus. Many students pool resources to rent space in local storage units over the summer or make arrangements with friends or family who live locally to store belongings.
Current Evangel Parents
You’re already part of the Evangel story.
As a current EU parent, you’ve seen firsthand the value of an Evangel education — from strong academics to a Christ-centered community and a campus environment that supports your student’s growth and well-being.
Your role continues to matter. Staying connected not only helps you feel more informed, but it also strengthens your student’s support system.
We invite you to join our Evangel Parents Facebook group — a space to connect with other families, share insights, and ask questions. Request to join here.
And remember to explore the resources throughout this EU Parents section to stay in the loop and engaged.