Library

The Benedictine University Library directly supports the academic mission of the University through selecting, curating, creating, preserving, and providing anytime access to digital and physical resources and through providing the finest in-person and virtual support and services to all of our regional and global library constituents. The library also seeks to support the General Education Curriculum which is at the heart of our liberal arts-based system of curricular and co-curricular electives in areas representing multiple disciplinary approaches and modes of problem-solving. Benedictine’s courses are designed to represent critical skill and knowledge areas for active and responsible citizenship and stewardship of the Earth, lifelong learning, global awareness, integrative knowledge and effective interpersonal communication.

In accordance with the University’s mission, the library endeavors to enhance the University’s Roman Catholic tradition and Benedictine heritage, the culturally diverse demographics of the Benedictine community, and the commitment to assist students in becoming responsible citizens and leaders in the world community. The library will also share its resources with outside communities, including the broader academic community and local users.

The Information Literacy Curriculum offered by the library covers all coursework and is designed to help students at all levels to find, evaluate, use, analyze and share information and construct knowledge in a clear, compelling and ethical manner. Librarians are available to work with faculty, classes and individual students to achieve these goals.

Collections

• More than 375,000 books (print and electronic)
  • 106,000 print titles
  • 269,000 ebook titles
• Access to more than 125,000 periodicals (print and electronic)
  • 6,000 print periodicals
  • 35,775 digital periodicals
• More than 46,000 streaming videos
• More than 70 different databases in a variety of subject areas, most accessible from off campus
• Technology Collection – WiFi Hotspots, Laptops, Microphones, Chromebooks, Graphing and Scientific Calculators, Video Camera, HDMI cables, smartphone chargers
• Instructional Materials Collection – juvenile books, teacher’s kits, curriculum resources
• Copies of theses and dissertations completed at Benedictine University and George Williams College
• Archives and Special Collections

Services

• Information Literacy Instruction
• Reference/Research Help
• Circulation
• Reserves
• Interlibrary Loan - ILLiad for articles and I-Share for print resources
• Collection Development, Acquisitions

Consortium Affiliations

• Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI)
• LIBRAS

Academic Support Center

The mission of the Academic Support Center (ASC) is to support students’ academic development through resources and services that serve to maximize their academic success, enhance their student experience and better prepare them for further study. The Academic Support Center engages students by providing support for academic work as well as co-curricular activities and professional goals. The center’s services include:

• Academic support and tutoring functions
• Learning specialists
• Peer tutors
• Study skills
• Accommodations services for students with disabilities

Academic Support Services

The Academic Support Center provides a variety of academic support services for all student groups. These services are free of charge to all students.

Learning Specialists

Students may arrange for individual appointments with one of our learning specialists in the areas of math, science and literacy (reading and writing). Appointments can be made by contacting the learning specialists directly or by contacting the main office number at (630) 829-6041. Students who need remote assistance should contact learning specialists directly.

Peer Tutors

In cooperation with the academic departments, the Academic Support Center offers peer tutoring sessions for a variety of classes. These sessions help students clarify difficult concepts and prepare for quizzes and exams. They are led by instructional assistants who have successfully completed the course and have been identified by faculty members as individuals who possess both content knowledge and the ability to communicate that knowledge to fellow students. Subject areas that are typically supported by these sessions include accounting, biology, chemistry, economics, physics, psychology and the humanities. The availability and times of tutoring sessions vary by semester.

Study Skills

The Academic Support Center assists students with the development of general study skills to improve performance and reduce stress associated with college study. This can be arranged through an individual appointment, or students can take advantage of a series of study skills workshops conducted each semester. Contact the center at (630) 829-6041 to arrange an individual appointment for assistance.

Accommodation Services

Benedictine University is dedicated to the creation of an accessible environment through reasonable and appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities. Students with a disability are encouraged to seek assistance with the Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility. Accommodation services are available for students with disabilities on a case-by-case basis and if documentation from a properly licensed clinician supports the accommodation. Students eligible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973), whose disability interferes with a major life activity, are urged to self-identify so that the process for receiving assistance can begin as soon as possible.

Commonly granted accommodations include the following:

• Extended time for testing in a quiet test environment
• Preferential classroom seating
• Designated note taker in class / Ability to audio record lectures
• Test Reader and/or Scribe

Students with questions or would like to inquire about the processes for academic or housing accommodations should stop by the Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility in Kindlon 310 or call (630) 829-6032 to arrange proper documentation for equal access to educational and campus services.

Career & Personal Development

The Office of Career and Personal Development takes a customized approach to the services it offers to students, alumni, employers, faculty, and staff — helping these valuable members of the Benedictine community to thrive. 

Students and Alumni:

We work closely with students and alumni to understand their career goals and provide individualized guidance on how to achieve them. We view career development as part of the academic process. We help students with key career readiness elements, so they are equipped with the tools they need to meet and exceed their goals. We do this by: 

• Facilitating an understanding of self-including passions, values, interests, strengths, skills, and goals. 
• Encouraging exploration and open-mindedness to career possibilities.
• Providing meaningful learning experiences.
• Facilitating connections with employers and alumni that lead to mentoring relationships, internship opportunities and career opportunities.

Employers:

The Office of Career & Personal Development cultivates employer relationships. We help prepare Benedictine students with the education to successfully advocate for their own career success via resume and cover letter templates, mock interviewing practice, networking tips and skills, and effective job and internship search strategies. This career education is informed by our work with employers to ensure understanding, trust, and cooperation that our practices are in line with market demands and industry trends.

Faculty and Staff:

We collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with tools that will help them successfully attain the careers they aspire to. We do this by delivering classroom presentations and integrating career learning activities into the curriculum so that students develop skills in career exploration, resume writing, interviewing, networking, marketing themselves, and internship and job searching.

Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry, rooted in the Catholic Benedictine wisdom tradition, celebrates the rich diversity of faith traditions, religions, and worldviews at Benedictine University. Campus Ministry brings to life the Benedictine hallmarks through service projects, interfaith dialogue, faith development, and leadership opportunities. Together we work to strengthen the common good through our everyday lived experiences of culture, faith, and justice.

Mass is celebrated at St. Benedict Chapel and provides a space for prayer and reflection on campus. The Interfaith Prayer Room is located in Kindlon Hall 136/137 for community members to spend time in prayer, meditation, and contemplation. The Ablution Room is located across the hall. All are invited to walk the grounds of the University and visit the Ave Maria Shrine, the Stations of the Cross, Marian Grotto, and the Peace Pole.

Visit www.ben.edu/campusministry to learn more and contact campusministry@ben.edu

Wellness Student Center

The staff of Wellness Center is dedicated to the promotion and maintenance of health on campus as well as the promotion of a life lived in balance. We recognize the important role that health and well-being play in students’ academic success and achievement of their goals. It is our mission to support students in maintaining wellness and educate them to take responsibility for their own health and wellness.

The Wellness Center is open during the academic year to all registered students of Benedictine University.

Services Available

• Evaluation and treatment of minor acute illness and injury.
• Family practice physician on campus two hours per week.
• Variety of over-the-counter treatments and limited antibiotics as prescribed by physician.
• Health education resources.
• Individual, couples and group counseling with a licensed professional and graduate level interns.
• Crisis Intervention.

Dining Services

For more information about dining options on campus please visit http://dining.ben.edu

The Bookstore at Benedictine University

Benedictine University is proud to partner with our online bookstore to offer our students competitive and reduced textbook costs as well as a quick, easy ordering process including the opportunity to use financial aid if applicable. Our online bookstore offers not only new, but used, and electronic versions of most course required material including textbooks that can be purchased or rented! 

The Campus Store at Benedictine University

The Campus Store serves and provides not only our current, but future, and preceding academic scholars both on campus and online with apparel and supplies. We offer a huge selection of gear from top quality brands, all in one convenient place. We serve our campus community by providing unique University decorated merchandise and gifts for future and current students, faculty, and staff as well as our Alumni. We are passionate about our goal of bringing fans across the globe access to their favorite team's gear. We pride ourselves on not only carrying a large selection of officially licensed products from the top brands, but also industry leading customer service, shipping and return policies. Show off your school spirit with the latest in Benedictine University apparel. 

Benedictine Fitness Center

The Benedictine Fitness Center provides state-of-the-art facilities for students, athletes, faculty, and staff. The center has both early morning and evening hours of operation. For more information, check out the Athletics website at benueagles.com.

Benedictine University Campus Safety

Benedictine University Campus Safety serves and protects students, faculty, staff and guests of the University 24 hours a day and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of personal integrity and ethics.  Our highly trained staff is there to respond to any safety concerns or emergency situations. Some of our services that we provide are safety escorts, vehicle lockouts/jumpstarts, incident reports/investigations, accident reports, educational programs and much more.  We also maintain a close working relationship with Lisle Police Department who will respond when needed.  For more information please visit us, we are located in the lower level of the parking garage or call us at (630)-829-6122.

Alumni Association

Graduating students are members of an ever-expanding organization – the Benedictine University Alumni Association. As a member of the alumni community, the University still plays a very important role in your life. There are many ways for alumni to stay involved with Benedictine and to keep in touch with classmates. In addition, Benedictine University alumni are entitled to many special benefits. The Alumni Association operates through the services of an all-volunteer Alumni Council, that supports all alumni programs and events through the Office of Alumni Relations. These programs include: class reunions; Homecoming; admissions recruitment; regional alumni activities; alumni chapters; and more. Contact Michelle Rollins, Director of Alumni Relations, at (630) 829-6077, or mrollins@ben.edu, or visit https://ben.edu/alumni/ for more information.