Louisiana State University of Alexandria Student Handbook Louisiana State University at Alexandria 8100 Hwy 71 South Alexandria, LA 71302-9121 Phone: 888.473.6417 Phone: 318.445.3672 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LSUatAlexandria Twitter: https://twitter.com/LSUAlexandria/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/lsua TABLE OF CONTENTS Campus Directory ............................................................................................................................................................. 1-2 Welcome from Chancellor & SGA President .................................................................................................................... 3-4 Accreditation, LSUA History, Mission Statement, Vision Statement ................................................................................... 5 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS Semester Hour System ........................................................................................................................................................ 7 Student Responsibility ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Reading a Course Description and Sample Curriculum .................................................................................................... 7-8 Policy Statements ................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Family Education Rights & Privacy Acts (FERPA) ................................................................................................................ 9 Use of University Facilities ................................................................................................................................................. 11 Smoking Policy .................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Policy Regarding Children on Campus or in Classrooms ................................................................................................... 12 Campus Publicity Policy ..................................................................................................................................................... 12 Academic Programs ........................................................................................................................................................... 13 Important Information for New Students ......................................................................................................................... 13 Times, Places, Levels and Types of Classes ........................................................................................................................ 14 Registering for Courses ...................................................................................................................................................... 16 Fee Payment ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Financial Aid and Scholarships ........................................................................................................................................... 17 How to Make “A’s” at A ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 How to Avoid Getting “F’s” ................................................................................................................................................ 18 Tips for Surviving Your First Semester ............................................................................................................................... 19 CAMPUS LIFE (GET INVOLVED) Student Housing ................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Student Organizations Guidelines ..................................................................................................................................... 22 Organizations ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Student Role in Institutional Decisions .............................................................................................................................. 25 Recreation & Fitness .......................................................................................................................................................... 25 Club Sports ......................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Intercollegiate Athletics ..................................................................................................................................................... 26 Volunteer Opportunities.................................................................................................................................................... 27 STUDENT RESOURCES Student Support and Advising Center ............................................................................................................................... 29 Library Services .................................................................................................................................................................. 30 Information and Educational Technology Services ........................................................................................................... 31 Auxiliary Services ............................................................................................................................................................... 32 General Information .......................................................................................................................................................... 33 CAMPUS SAFETY University Police ................................................................................................................................................................ 36 Emergency Phones ............................................................................................................................................................ 36 Crime Awareness and Campus Security Guide .................................................................................................................. 36 Emergency Response Procedures...................................................................................................................................... 36 Safety Policy ....................................................................................................................................................................... 37 Weapons Policy.................................................................................................................................................................. 37 Sale or Use of Illegal Drugs ................................................................................................................................................ 37 Crime Statistics .................................................................................................................................................................. 37 LSUA Campus Security Report ........................................................................................................................................... 37 CAMPUS MAP CAMPUS DIRECTORY ADMINISTRATION Chancellor, Dr. Dan Howard ............................................................................................................................318-473-6444 Provost and Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Barbara Hatfield ........................................318-473-6446 Interim Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administrative Services, Mr. Deron Thaxton .......................................318-473-6408 Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs and Director for Student Support, Dr. Eamon Halpin.............................................................................................318-427-4468 Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, Ms. Heather Poole..................................................318-484-6578 COLLEGES AND DEPARTMENTS COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Department of Arts, English and Humanities ..................................................................................................318-473-6581 Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences ...............................................................................................318-473-6470 Department of Biological Sciences ..................................................................................................................318-473-6431 Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences........................................................................................318-473-6591 COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES Department of Allied Health............................................................................................................................318-473-6446 Department of Business Administration .........................................................................................................318-473-6414 Department of Education ................................................................................................................................318-473-6474 Department of Nursing ....................................................................................................................................318-473-6459 SERVICES AND DEPARTMENTS A.C. Buchanan III Allied Health Building ..........................................................................................................318-487-5504 Accounting Services and Bursar Operations....................................................................................................318-473-6407 Advising Center ................................................................................................................................................318-767-2604 Admissions .......................................................................................................................................................318-473-6417 Alexandria Museum of Art...............................................................................................................................318-443-3458 Athletic Department ........................................................................................................................................318-473-6486 Auxiliary Services .............................................................................................................................................318-473-6579 Bookstore.........................................................................................................................................................318-473-6420 Campus Medical Emergency .....................................................................................911 (9-911 from Campus Phone) Center for Academic Success ...........................................................................................................................318-619-2973 Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) ..............................................................................................................318-619-2973 Children’s Center .............................................................................................................................................318-473-6484 Continuing Education ......................................................................................................................................318-473-6495 Campus Housing ..............................................................................................................................................318-767-2616 Enrollment .......................................................................................................................................................318-473-6717 Enrollment Management.................................................................................................................................318-473-6423 Fitness Center ..................................................................................................................................................318-473-6597 Honors Program ...............................................................................................................................................318-427-4423 IET Services ......................................................................................................................................................318-473-6574 Library, James C. Bolton...................................................................................................................................318-473-6438 Lost and Found ................................................................................................................................................318-473-6579 LSUEjer .............................................................................................................................................................318-619-2906 Multicultural Affairs .........................................................................................................................................318-473-6452 OaKards............................................................................................................................................................318-473-6579 1 DIRECTORY (CONTINUED) SERVICES AND DEPARTMENTS Records ............................................................................................................................................................318-473-6417 Student Government .......................................................................................................................................318-473-6452 Student Life ......................................................................................................................................................318-427-4403 Student Support...............................................................................................................................................318-473-6545 Switchboard .....................................................................................................................................................318-445-3672 Testing Center ..................................................................................................................................................318-427-4492 Transcript Requests .........................................................................................................................................318-473-6417 University Police ..............................................................................................................................................318-473-6427 Vehicle Registration .........................................................................................................................................318-473-6579 V.A. Representative .........................................................................................................................................318-473-6427 2 Welcome from Chancellor Thank you so very much for becoming a part of Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA). LSUA has an exceptional history dating back more than 50 years of providing access to high quality educational opportunity, in a challenging and supportive environment, at a reasonable price; thereby, providing an excellent educational value for its students. A wide array of financial assistance is offered to students through LSUA including federal loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, a substantial amount of scholarship support (academic, performance, merit, and need based), is provided by LSUA and the LSUA Foundation. This support creates ladders of opportunity, helps students persist through graduation, and enables students to keep debt burdens associated with attending and graduating from LSUA to an absolute minimum. Faculty members at LSUA are experts in their respective academic fields or areas; are engaged actively in teaching, research and creative expression, and service; and are committed to helping students survive, thrive, achieve, and graduate from LSUA. This enables students, upon graduation, to be exceedingly well prepared to enter the workforce or advance to graduate or professional schools. Staff members and administrators at LSUA are first-rate and dedicated to their supporting roles in the efficient and effective operation and administration of the University. LSUA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. All academic courses and programs offered by LSUA are developed, approved, and delivered by LSUA faculty and approved by the LSUA Board or Supervisors and the Louisiana Board of Regents. As a consequence, an academic degree from LSUA provides an excellent foundation for and entrée to advanced academic courses, programs, and degrees at other institutions of higher education (both public and private). Students at LSUA have the opportunity to enjoy the full college experience (both within and outside of the classroom) on a beautiful campus anchored by magnificent live oaks; while at the same time benefitting by attending small classes (with and overall student to faculty ratio of 15 students to 1 faculty member). This allows students to become part of the campus family and known on campus by their name and personally rather than being lost in a large student body and experiencing a depersonalized educational experience. As a consequence of having its own properly staffed and well trained police force and an excellent crime prevention program, LSUA is one the safest and most secure campuses in the United States. A more comprehensive list of distinctive characteristics or points of pride is available at: www.lsua.edu/about/PointsOfPride. In order to provide a level of excellence not otherwise possible by funds provided by the State of Louisiana (through legislative appropriates and other means) and through tuition and fees paid by students and their families and other supporters, LSUA , the LSUA Foundation, and the LSUA Alumni Association actively seek philanthropic contributions and corporate support. This includes gifted funds to support endowments (which create perpetual sources of funds through investment of the gift and creation of earnings) and immediate use funds. Philanthropic contributions and corporate support may be used for a wide array of purposes including, but not limited to, scholarships, educational travel, and development funds for students; professorships, endowed chairs, and travel and development funds, for faculty; equipment for instruction and research, library acquisition funds, “bricks and mortar” projects such as new academic facilities; and for other good, appropriate, and necessary purposes. Accordingly, LSUA actively seeks additional philanthropic and corporate support. Additional information about LSUA is readily accessible through the LSUA website at http://www.lsua.edu/ Please feel encouraged to share with me your ideas for improving LSUA by communicating with me by email chancellor@lsua.edu or by phone (318) 473-6444. Once again, thank you so very much for deciding to be a student at Louisiana State University Alexandria. Warmest regards, G. Daniel Howard, Ph.D., CGFM, CFRE Chancellor 3 Welcome from Student Government President Your LSU of Alexandria Student Government Association (SGA) is dedicated to the preservation of and advocacy for student rights, interests, and progress because of its relationship with the administration, and the campus community. Our offices are in the Student Center, right by the entrance across from the bookstore. Please stop by to chat, or discuss any questions or concerns about LSUA. We are here to serve our fellow students! If you need funding for an event, consider the guidelines highlighted on the SGA page. Our meetings are held in the Sentry Room, usually at noon every Tuesday. Anyone may attend a meeting; bring your lunch and join us. To speak with me, or one of my officers, call the SGA office, 318-473-6452. Remember, research suggests students involved in student organizations and campus activities have better G.P.A.s, graduate sooner, and have richer college experiences. Your student government is waiting for YOU! Sincerely, Brandon Crain B.S. Business, 2015 4 ACCREDITATION Louisiana State University at Alexandria is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Louisiana State University at Alexandria. Note: The purpose of publishing the Commission’s address and telephone number in this document is to enable interested constituents to 1) learn about the accreditation status of Louisiana State University at Alexandria; 2) file a third-part comment at the time of Louisiana State University at Alexandria’s decennial review; or 3) file a complaint against Louisiana State University at Alexandria for alleged non-compliance with a standard or requirement of the Commission on Colleges at the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Normal inquiries about Louisiana State University at Alexandria (i.e., about admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc.) should be addressed directly to the institution and not to the Commission’s office. LSUA programs in Nursing, Clinical Laboratory Science, Radiologic Technology, Pharmacy Technology, and Teacher Education are accredited by their respective accrediting agencies. University Mailing Address Louisiana State University at Alexandria 8100 Highway 71 South Alexandria, LA 71302-9121 University Contact Information Switchboard – 318-445-3672 Web Address www.lsua.edu Email www.lsua.edu/contactus HISTORY The Louisiana legislature authorized the establishment of LSUA as a two-year commuter college under the governance of the LSU Board of Supervisors in 1959, and the campus registered its first students in September 1960. The Division of Nursing initiated the first degree program, an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, in 1964. The Board of Supervisors, the Louisiana Board of Regents, and the legislature authorized LSUA to offer bachelor’s degrees in 2001, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges approved the substantive change in 2002. LSUA began offering baccalaureate degrees in Fall 2003. LSUA is a component of the Louisiana State University System which also includes Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, LSU Agricultural Center, LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center, LSU Shreveport, LSU Eunice, LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport, and LSU Health Care Services Division. MISSION STATEMENT As the only state-supported undergraduate university in Louisiana, LSUA’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of affordable undergraduate degrees in a robust academic environment that challenges students to excel and creates proactive and reciprocal relationships that meet the needs of the diverse student body and community that it serves. VISION STATEMENT LSUA envisions itself as a University of choice, recognized for academic excellence, committed to student and community growth through teaching, research, and service, and, esteemed as a contributor to the economic, cultural, and intellectual growth of Louisiana. 5 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS 6 SEMESTER HOUR SYSTEM The value of each course of instruction and the amount of work required for graduation are measured in semester hours. A semester hour of credit represents an hour of class work, or two to four hours of laboratory work per week for the semester. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY Each student is personally responsible for completing all requirements established for his or her degree by the University and department. It is the student’s responsibility to learn and meet degree requirements. A student’s advisor may not assume these responsibilities. Any substitution, waiver, or exemption from any established requirement or academic standard may be accomplished only with the approval of the provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. It is important that you obtain a copy of the LSUA Catalog in effect the first semester you enroll in the University. That edition becomes your catalog of record until you graduate unless you change your major or interrupt your studies by not enrolling for a semester or more. Make sure that you learn all requirements for your degree and keep a record of your progress toward earning that degree. Educational Assessment/Graduate Exit Examinations Candidates for degrees are required to complete an exit examination, as stipulated by the Academic Affairs office. The academic department from which the candidate is graduating may require additional exit assessments. Reading a Course Description All courses offered at LSUA are listed in the LSUA Catalog. The diagram below will help you understand course descriptions. 7 Sample Curriculum Requirements for earning every degree at LSUA are included in the LSUA Catalog. The following example will help you understand those requirements. 8 POLICY STATEMENTS The following policy statements directly affect student life at LSUA: PS 206 PS 207 PS 215 PS 217 PS 218 PS 224 PS 226 PS 227 PS 228 PS 239 PS 241 PS 242 PS 247 PS 250 PS 251 PS 253 PS 254 PS 256 PS 267 PS 272 Student Class Attendance Policy Student Grievance Policy Policy Concerning Student Publications Privacy Rights of Students (Buckley Amendment) Grades and Grading Sexual Harassment Advertising, Soliciting and Selling on Campus Illegal Use of Drugs and Alcohol Code of Student Conduct Guidelines for Student Organizations Maintenance and Retention of Student Educational and Financial Records Policy for Students with Disabilities Sexual Assault Network and Email Password Policy Guidelines for Student Activities Policy Concerning Technical Resources Student Service Philosophy University Housing Intellectual Property Policy Tobacco Free Campus It is important that you become familiar with the information in these policy statements, especially those that define acceptable and unacceptable student conduct, those that specify penalties that the University can impose for improper conduct, and those that describe your rights and responsibilities as a student. LSUA policy statements can be accessed at: http://chancellor.lsua.edu/policies/ FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. These rights are presented here: 1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the university receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar an official, written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records when the student believes they are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the university to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. In such cases, students should write to the university official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the university decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, it will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided when the student is notified of the right to a hearing. 9 3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (such staff include law enforcement and health personnel); a person or company with whom the university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the university’s governing boards, or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. The university will not disclose educational records without written consent when requested by officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Directory information concerning the student may be released by the university unless the student has requested that such information not be released. Under the terms of FERPA, directory information includes the following items: Student Name Student ID Photograph Local Address/Phone Home/Address/Phone E-mail Address Date and Place of Birth Degrees and Awards/Honors Received and Dates Dates of Attendance (Current and Past) Full or Part-Time Enrollment Status Participation in Officially Recognized Activities Participation in Officially Recognized Sports Weight/Height of Members of Athletic Teams Most Recently Attended Educational Institute Major Field of Study/Classification Students’ overall grade point averages may be released to honorary organizations only when they are to be used in determining eligibility for membership. Students who wish to withhold directory information should complete the appropriate form in Records before the seventh class day of any term. Requests to prevent disclosure of directory information will remain in effect until a written request to rescind is received by the Registrar. LSUA also maintains a global email-address list via Microsoft Outlook. Students who wish to add their physical addresses and their phone numbers to this directory can do so by logging on at www.my.LSUA.edu and then clicking on the Update User Info link. Parents or guardians of students who are dependents for income tax purposes may review their dependents’ academic records. It is assumed that all undergraduates are independent of their parents. Each request to review a student’s academic records must be accompanied by appropriate documentation. Transcripts, however, cannot be released to a third party without the student’s signature, except in those circumstances indicated in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. 10 4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Louisiana State University at Alexandria to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is provided below: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-5920 USE OF UNIVERSITY FACILITIES LSUA's facilities and programs are generally reserved for accomplishing the objectives and programs of the university. Visitors and non-university affiliated groups may use campus facilities only under specific guidelines and only after obtaining appropriate authorization. Academic and Administrative buildings are opened by Facility Services personnel. LSUA Police secure the buildings. Hours they are secured may vary from building to building, depending on use. Buildings and grounds of the campus are patrolled regularly by LSUA Police Officers. They can also report other problems such as safety hazards, defective lighting etc. LSUA's general safety policies and procedures are reviewed and distributed regularly by the campus Safety Committee. This committee is comprised of eight members of the faculty and staff. The committee identifies safety hazards and makes recommendations to maintain a safe campus. SMOKING POLICY Smoking or the use of other tobacco products is prohibited on University grounds; LSUA owned or leased properties; and campus owned, leased, or rented vehicles beginning August 1, 2014. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, clients, contractors, and visitors and is in effect before, during, and after campus business hours. Signs are installed on campus in compliance with the law and LSUA policy. LSUA is committed to supporting all students and employees who wish to stop smoking and using other tobacco products. There are numerous tobacco cessation services available both on and off campus. These include: www.quitwithusla.org - The Quit With Us, LA website provides tobacco users with important information and tips on quitting. 1-800-Quit-Now – The Louisiana Tobacco Quitline provides free confidential advice and support by trained tobacco cessation specialists to Louisiana residents 13 years of age and older. Individual on-campus cessation counseling and support groups with a Certified Personal Counselor/Facilitator is provided by the Department of Student Support. LSUA’s Tobacco-Free Campus policy (P.S. 272) can be found by following this link: http://chancellor.lsua.edu/docs/default-source/Policies/policystatement272.pdf?sfvrsn=4. 11 POLICY REGARDING CHILDREN ON CAMPUS OR IN CLASSROOMS Traditionally, LSUA has not banned children from classrooms because many of our students are parents and they will sometimes have difficulty with child care arrangements. It would be unfortunate for students to have to miss class because of child care problems. However, whether or not children are allowed in a class is totally the prerogative of the individual instructor. Students must obtain the instructor's permission before bringing a child to class. Subject matter in a college course might be unsuitable for children, or the instructor may simply prefer not to have children in his/her classroom. Children attending classes must be quiet and well-behaved. An instructor may ask the parent and child to leave if the child is being disruptive to the class. Under no circumstances should children be allowed in laboratory or activities classes where a child could be injured or could possibly break university equipment. All children, whether in classrooms or elsewhere on campus, must be supervised by an adult. When unsupervised children are observed on campus, they should be reported to University Police, who will attempt to locate their parents. CAMPUS PUBLICITY POLICY Section I The Campus Publicity Policy is designed to maintain order for the Campus Bulletin Boards and buildings. NO information, notices, or advertisements may be posted without prior permission from the Director of Student Support (LSUA Student Center 206). Section II No fliers, advertisements, coupons or other published materials may be placed on vehicles parked on LSUA property. In addition, no such materials may be posted in classrooms, except instructional materials placed by authorized college personnel. Groups wishing to advertise on campus may purchase ad space in the campus newspaper. Contact newspaper personnel at 318-473-6452. Section Ill Signs, posters, or fliers displayed by authorized students or campus groups must be removed within 48 hours after the event. Section IV SGA Elections Committee will establish guidelines determining the size and dimensions of signs. Copies of the guidelines will be available in the Student Government Association Office. Section V No signs, fliers or advertisements will be posted on painted surfaces, wooden structures or glass surfaces anywhere on campus. Any damages to these surfaces will be charged to the sponsoring group of the activity. Section VI No signs may be placed on the library or departmental buildings; however, signs may be placed on the bulletin boards. Signs must be cleared through the Director of Student Support. 12 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS The degrees offered by the university are listed below. Please consult the most recent edition of the LSUA catalog for current information about individual programs. Baccalaureate Degrees Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies Bachelor of Arts in English Bachelor of Arts in History Bachelor of General Studies Concentrations in: Arts Management, Biology, Chemistry, Disaster Science and Emergency Management, Elder Care Administration, Health Sciences, Humanities, Kinesiology, Pharmaceutical Marketing (under development), Political Science, Psychology, Visual and Performing Arts Bachelor of Science in Biology Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science in Elder Care Administration Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Bachelor of Science in Nursing Bachelor of Science in Psychology Associate Degrees Associate of Arts Associate of Science Associate of Science in Nursing Associate of Science in the Care and Development of Young Children Associate of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology Certification Add-on Certification in Early Childhood Education Add-on Certification in Special Education (Mild Moderate) for Elementary Education Grades 1-5 Add-on Certification in Special Education (Mild Moderate) for Secondary Education Grades 6-12 Certification in Pharmacy Technology Certification – Only Program Alternative Path Elementary Education, Grades 1-5 Certification – Only Program Alternative Path Secondary Education, Grades 6-12 Certification – Only Program Alternative Path Health and Physical Education, Grades K-12 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS Admission to the University It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required documentation is sent to LSUA in a timely manner. Provisional admission, pending receipt of complete and official academic records, may be granted when it is impossible to obtain these records prior to scheduled registration dates. This admission will be cancelled if the required records are not received by Admissions by the first day of classes or if it is determined, upon receipt of records that the applicant does not qualify for admission. For additional information concerning admissions, contact Admissions in Abrams Hall or call 318-473-6417. 13 Academic Advising New students meet initially with advisors in the Advising Center who will assist you with making initial educational plans, inform you of available resources, and assist you in a successful transition to the university. You will be assigned an academic advisor who will be a faculty member in the Academic Department of your major. This person will be your advisor of record with whom you will need to meet as soon as possible after your initial registration to discuss your educational plans. Contact your Academic Department or Self-Service to find the name of your advisor of record. TIMES, PLACES, LEVELS AND TYPES OF CLASSES Times: When you review the Schedule of Classes, you will notice that some classes are taught on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, some on Monday and Wednesday, some on Tuesday and Thursday, some at night, and others in a variety of online configurations. Places: LSUA offers classes at locations other than campus. Check the Schedule of Classes carefully when selecting classes. Off Campus Sites: LCRP – Learning Center for Rapides Parish (England Air Park) LSUAMA – LSUA Museum of Art (Downtown Alexandria) ALHC – Allied Health Center (807 Jackson – Downtown Alexandria) OFFCAM – Off campus site such as a school, hospital, etc. Be sure to check your Schedule of Classes carefully so you will be able to reach the site of your classes on time. Levels: Course Numbering System: 0001 – 0009: Offered by LSUA to permit students to make up deficiencies in previous training or to improve their facility in certain basic skills. Students cannot use these courses to meet their degree requirements. 1000 – 1999: Primarily for freshman. Ordinarily open to all students. 2000 – 2999: For sophomore level or above. It is not advisable for a freshman to register for a sophomore-level course unless the student has a grade point average of at least 2.50 or a composite ACT score of at least 26, or has placed into the course through an advanced-standing examination. 3000 – 3999: Generally for students of junior level or above. Students below junior level should consult with their advisors before registering for one of these courses. 4000 – 4999: For advanced students of junior or senior level. Any student who has accumulated less than 60 hours must have the permission of the appropriate department chair before registering for one of these courses. Types of Classes Regular Full Term: These classes are taught in a traditional timeframe of 16 weeks for Fall and Spring semester or 8 weeks for Summer. A-Term and B-Term: A-Term and B-Term classes are courses offered in a concentrated format each semester. These courses meet for longer periods of time and are referred to as “A-Term” (the first half of the semester) and “B-term” (the second half of the semester). Students may register for B-term classes until the beginning of the B-term. These courses are not recommended for first-time freshmen. Pre-session Pre-session classes are taught between semesters in an extremely compressed timeframe of 3 weeks. Make sure that you evaluate carefully your academic record, the course requirements, and your ability to devote a significant portion of your time to completing them before you decide to enroll in a Pre-session class. These classes are not recommended for first-time freshmen. 14 Distance Learning (E-Learning): Many courses use electronic methods to enhance the learning experience. Students enrolling in such courses must ensure that they have access to the necessary technology to be successful in these courses before registration. E-Learning courses are designated in the schedule by the last character of the course section number. X – Courses are face to face meetings with the instructor I – Courses that are 100% online; student does not have to come to campus at all J – Courses that are 76% - 99% online K – Courses that are 50% - 75% online L – Courses that are 25% – 49% online C – Courses that are delivered via compressed video Full Time or Part Time Status Status Full-time Half-time Less than Half-Time Regular Semester 12 or more hours 6-11 hours 1-5 hours Summer Semester 6 or more hours 3-5 hours 1-2 hours Time Management and Stress Management If you work 40 hours or more a week, it is not realistic to register for 12 hours or more. You can go to class and you can go to work, but when you try to access that small window of time left in your day to study, you will find that you are too tired to focus on your classwork. Be realistic about selecting the number of hours for which you register. Do you have family obligations that will make study time and class attendance difficult? If you must be home by 2:30 when your child gets off the bus, make sure you don’t select classes that will not allow you to get home by that time. Think about your unique situation and be wise about scheduling classes. Remember you may need to spend time on campus to complete some of your assignments. Successful management of your schedule will contribute to you achieving your ultimate goal of earning a college degree. Trial Schedule Your trial schedule lists the courses you plan to take. Come prepared with your trial schedule when you meet with your advisor. Together, you and your advisor will decide which classes will best fit your curriculum so you can proceed toward graduation. Below are some factors you should consider as you make your trial schedule: Your academic successes ACT Scores Credit hours Full-time/part-time student Prerequisite courses General education courses Major and curricula Day/Time/Location of course Workload/course load/overload Financial aid CLEP courses (testing out) Family obligations 15 Selecting a Major Some students may have selected their major; other students may be “undecided.” It is okay to be “undecided.” That is part of the college journey. Your advisor will help you navigate selecting your major, and if needed, changing majors. The Advising Center in Student Support can provide assistance in helping you choose a major. Freshman Orientation For all new and transfer students with fewer than 30 credit hours, Freshmen Orientation is the first step to becoming a successful college student! During a full day led by LSUA’s Student Ambassadors, students will gain vital information about campus programs, policies, procedures, and a special meeting with their respective academic department. Freshman Orientation is a fun an interactive introduction to LSUA and university life! Center for Academic Success - Mulder Hall 130 LSUA is committed to student success. We want students to grow and prosper and become life-long learners who leave LSUA not only with a degree, but with a set of skills empowering them to succeed in any field they choose. The LSUA Experience was created to assist students as they transition from high school into college. It is designed to prepare them to be successful college students and to help them find a home here at LSUA. The cornerstone of The LSUA Experience is an elective course for first-year students (LSUA 1001-Seminar for Academic Success). This course is paired with upper level courses (LSUA 3001, 4001-Academic Leadership I, II) which allow accomplished students to hone their own skills by working as peer mentors with incoming students. These highly interactive courses are dedicated to providing the support, skills, and enjoyment inherent in a college experience. Join us!! Honors Program Excellence. Leadership. Service. In the spirit of academic excellence, the LSUA Honors Program is designed to attract a broad range of academically talented students with the potential for academic excellence and leadership. It challenges them to pursue new heights. Honors classes introduce unique opportunities and differing perspectives that open the student’s mind to unveil its full potential. One goal of the honors program is to meet the challenge of all students who are motivated to achieve academically. Students who earn 18 hours of honors course work in their curriculum will be given a special medallion to wear at graduation. Members of our honors family will have access to faculty advice on graduate school applications, special speakers and lecturers, opportunities to publish research in undergraduate journals and present work at conferences, priority registration, guidance in competing for national scholarships, and service opportunities. Placement and Advanced Standing LSUA offers the opportunity to students with superior ability to demonstrate academic competence through examinations. Students may qualify for advanced standing credit through ACE (American Council on Education), ACT (American College Test), AP (The Advanced Placement Program of the College Board), CLEP (Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination Program), COMPASS (Computer-Adaptive College Placement Test), Credit Exams (Departmentally Administered LSUA Credit Exams), and Credit for Approved Specialized Certification or Training Programs. Please see the most recent LSUA Catalog sections on Placement and Advanced Standing for information on these opportunities. REGISTERING FOR COURSES To complete registration, select and register for courses online via www.my.lsua.edu Adding Classes 1. You may begin adding courses through my.LSUA once registration begins. You may continue to add courses online until the date published in the Academic Calendar (online registration is generally turned off at the end of late registration of full term). 2. Once online registration is turned off, please consult with your academic department for options. 16 Dropping Classes 1. You may begin dropping courses through my.LSUA once registration begins. You may continue to drop courses online until the date published in the Academic Calendar (online registration is generally turned off at the end of late registration of full term.) 2. Once online registration is turned off, all drops are processed in the departmental office in compliance with deadlines published in the Academic Calendar. 3. You will fill out a 'Schedule Change' form with the department administrative assistant. Withdrawing from a course after the 14th class day results in a grade of "W'. 4. Your advisor will sign the form and give you a copy to keep until the end of the semester. Students are encouraged to keep copies of all official documents from the university. 5. The completed form is sent to Records office for data entry and finalization of drop request. 6. Resignations (dropping all of your courses) are initiated in the Advising Center, 318-767-2604. 7. Students may review the drop/resignation completion via their online unofficial transcript. 8. After the last day to withdraw from a course with a "W', a student who does not attend class and meet course obligations will likely receive a grade of "F" at the end of the semester. 9. Please consult the Academic Calendar on the website or published in the most current LSUA Catalog for dates concerning dropping or adding courses. FEE PAYMENT Students can verify amount owed the University by checking their account online or by contacting Accounting Services at 318-473-6407. For more information on ways to pay fees, please access: http://fas.lsua.edu/departments/Accounting/PaymentDates/ REGISTRATION IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL FEES ARE PAID! FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS – ABRAMS HALL A limited number of honor awards and scholarships are granted to students with outstanding records. Additional assistance is provided for students who need financial help to meet college expenses. Such assistance is provided through loans, grants and part-time employment. Additional information concerning financial aid appears in the catalog and details may be obtained from Financial Aid and Scholarships in Abrams Hall or by visiting the financial aid link at the University's website http://sfa.lsua.edu/ IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO APPLY! If you do not apply for financial aid early, your money will probably not be ready at the beginning of the semester. That means that you will have to find a way to pay your fees before classes begin. If you are eligible for a PELL Grant, when it comes in, you will receive any money above and beyond your tuition and fee expenses. IT PAYS TO APPLY EARLY! If you have not applied for a PELL Grant, go online to: www.fasfa.ed.gov and fill out the FAFSA form. You must supply all documents before aid can be dispersed. ALL RECORDS MUST BE RECEIVED BY ADMISSIONS AND RECORDS AND YOU MUST BE OFFICIALLY ADMITTED AS A REGULAR STUDENT BEFORE RECEIVING YOUR FINANCIAL AID! Before dropping courses, students are strongly encouraged to visit the Financial Aid Office to understand the impact of course load changes on financial aid or fees owed to the university. Loans are also available to assist students in paying for college. Loans are not free money and must be paid back. Be very careful when applying for loans. You don't want to have a huge debt to repay when you graduate. 17 HOW TO MAKE "A'S" AT A 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Go to class. Attending class is essential to your learning. Faculty guide your study and learning through interaction in the classroom. If you are taking an online class, you must login and complete assignments on schedule. Buy your textbooks. If a text is required for a class, and you don't buy one for weeks, you are already behind. Keep your syllabus for each class in the notebook with your class notes. The syllabus guides your study, helps you know what chapters or concept(s) to read for what class, explains the grading system, lists test dates, has information concerning how to contact your professor (including office hours), and serves as your information source for any given class. Some professors put their syllabus on line. If that is true, print a copy to keep with you. Always, always, always read the chapters or concepts you will be going over in class before the lecture. You will be better prepared to learn, and you will be surprised how much it facilitates your note taking. Take good notes. Don't just highlight your book. Use the kinesthetic exercise of taking notes to your advantage. Listening intently enough to take down the main idea is a learning experience within itself. Use an outline form starting with the main idea, followed by supporting points. It is difficult to learn from notes if you take them as if you are writing a letter. Begin learning the material presented in class before you go to the next class. As you have probably heard before, cramming for a test does not work. You cannot remember, understand, and learn all that material in a few days before the test. Put key facts on note cards and begin the learning process from class-to-class. Read your notes every day from test period to test period. By the fourth day of class, you should be reading all note pages from all four classes, etc. Learn mind mapping. This technique is the process of putting information together in a pictorial form. It is easy to learn and is a valuable tool to use in learning material. To learn more about this process, visit Student Services. Form and/or join a study group. If you are taking a math class, a study group can really help with the homework. Get together as soon after class as possible and get homework done together. Each of you will understand and remember certain areas better than the other. Teaching each other is the highest form of learning material. Use the free tutoring services provided through Student Services. Tutoring hours are posted on the door to the TLC Lab or inquire in the Student Services office, located within the Student Success Center. Don't be a "CCC "(car-to-class-to-car) student. Stay on campus and get your homework done where help is available. This is when you will have time to go by your professor's office and ask for clarification of a concept you didn't understand. Once home, the phone calls your name, the refrigerator calls your name, friends call your name; the TV calls your name, etc. It is hard to do your work at home. Stay here where you have access to resources. Get your homework done on campus and go home with "guilt free, free time." If you make a grade below a 70 on your first exam, it may be time to visit an academic counselor in Student Services, an advising counselor in the Advising Center, your professor, or others who might help you assess your situation and help you get on track before the next test. Don't wait until you have two low test grades before you seek help. Remember, college courses may only have three to four tests, one of those being a final. Get help early. HOW TO AVOID GETTING "F'S" If you are be unable to continue attending a class or just stop coming to the university, make sure that you see your advisor and drop the class(es). A "W" (withdrawal) is always better than an "F". Save your GPA. Keep in mind, however, that LSUA policy allows only one drop per class. If you drop a class and schedule to take it later, you must prove that you have extenuating circumstances before you can drop it again. Discuss dropping a class with your class instructor and with your advisor before you decide to complete a drop. Withdraw from a class through the right channels. If you have a PELL Grant, make sure you go by Financial Aid and Scholarships before dropping a course. Dropping all your classes constitutes withdrawal from the University (Resignation). This process begins in the Advising Center. 18 TIPS FOR SURVIVING YOUR FIRST SEMESTER • • • • • • • • • • Save all forms! o Bookstore receipts may be important for the return of a book. o Your copy of a Schedule Change form is important in proving that you dropped or added a class o Your copy of a Curriculum Change form is important in proving when you changed majors and will identify the catalog outlining degree requirements you will have to meet. Watch your credit. o Credit cards are often offered to college students. Don't get caught in this trap. Remember, you must make payments on credit cards and most of those small payments go toward interest. Best advice, don't get one. Watch your student loans. o Don't get loans that are not necessary to keep you in class. Those loans seem like a wonderful answer to your money problems now, but remember ......they add up fast, and as soon as you stop going to college, or graduate.....you must begin paying them back. Don't finish college with a huge debt. Visit your Academic Advisor. He or she is there to help. Get to know your professors and get help early on in your classes. Keep your class syllabus with your class notes. The syllabus tells you when assignments are due, when tests are scheduled, how grades are calculated, and how your professor can be contacted, and other important information. Keep a copy of: o Advising form from your meeting with your advisor o A current copy of your Degree Audit o Schedule Change forms (add/drop), Resignation form, and Curriculum Change forms o All your LSUA Catalogs. Always know which catalog under which you are pursuing your degree. o Academic Calendar - The Academic Calendar lists all the important deadlines and due dates. Always check with Financial Aid before add or withdrawing from a class. Changes to your schedule could affect your financial aid. If your book comes wrapped in shrink-wrap, do not open it until after the first day of class. The professor may not use the text. Once the shrink-wrap is removed, the book may not be accepted as a return. Get an OaKard (ID) and Parking Decal. 19 CAMPUS LIFE (GET INVOLVED!) 20 LSUA provides students with an array of opportunities to participate in campus activities. These opportunities include working on student publications; participating in intramural sports; supporting LSUA's intercollegiate sports teams; participating in student organizations; serving on Student Government; serving on campus committees; exercising at the Fitness Center; and living in LSUA's student housing complex. STUDENT HOUSING (THE OAKS) The "Oaks" Residence Hall at LSU Alexandria is a community “Where You Can Live, Where You Learn, and Love Where You Live!” At The Oaks you will enjoy the convenience that only on-campus living can provide, along with an opportunity to become deeply involved with campus life. LSUA offers an environment where students get the benefits of a larger institution with the friendly and supportive culture of a small scale university. What does this mean to you? You will have more one-on-one attention, stronger relationships and the opportunity to become involved in many levels of university activities. Become involved at LSUA and make your own mark on history. The Oaks is a community complete with all the activities and amenities you deserve. One bill, no hassles, pure enjoyment! Come check us out. Save gas and live where college is going on. AMENITIES Provided WITH that ONE Bill: Laundry Facilities Game Room Individual Leases On-Site Management Computer Lab On LSUA Campus On-Site Swimming Pool Cable TV Including HBO High-Speed Internet Access Included Water, Sewer, and Trash Included Full Kitchen and Appliance Package High Quality and High Style Furnishings Electricity Allowance 21 LSUA and our student leadership staff work hand-in-hand to create an environment that seamlessly blends academic and social well-being. Through our "Students First" residence life program, students are connected to LSUA and to the surrounding community. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS GUIDELINES LSUA has a variety of organizations that meet our students' interests and needs. The Guidelines for Student Organizations are contained within Policy Statement 239, located on the LSUA website at: http://chancellor.lsua.edu/policies Students may organize and join organizations to promote their common interest in accordance with the educational aims of the University. Membership shall be open to students without regard to race, creed, or national origin except for religious qualifications that may be required by organizations whose aims are primarily sectarian in nature. National Social Greek organizations are exempt from Title IX requirements only as they relate to their status as single sex organizations. These rights are reserved. However, it is the expectation of LSUA that social Greek programs are open to qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, or disability. Students who wish to organize a new organization may begin the process by reviewing Policy Statement 239. The next step is to visit Student Services for a Petition for Official Recognition form. For additional information contact Student Services, 318- 473-6545; or visit our offices in Student Support. 22 ORGANIZATIONS Student Government Association – 318-473-6452 LSUA’s Student Government Association (SGA) is an organization of elected students who represent all LSUA students to the campus community. The SGA is not the same as a high school student council, where emphasis is often on planning social events. Your SGA is actively involved in improving and enhancing the quality of student life on campus. SGA members work closely with administrators, faculty, and staff, providing input that may influence administrative decisions directly affecting students. SGA is committed to addressing student concerns. Your SGA representatives are liaisons between students and faculty to ensure you have clear and unbiased representation on campus. Every student enrolled in any LSUA course is a member of SGA. Election of officers occurs every spring; eligibility requirements are announced on the LSUA Webpage. Become a Senator! Develop relationships with established members of the university community Express the opinions of your fellow students Cultivate leadership skills In order to serve as senator, representing your classification (freshman, sophomore, etc.), you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0, be at least a part-time LSUA student, and not on disciplinary, scholastic, or attendance probation. The SGA office has the petition forms. SGA Mission Statement SGA officers and senators will serve as liaison between the students, faculty, and administration, providing a strong student voice. SGA will weigh all perspectives through positive student leadership, and work for responsible and ethical outcomes for LSUA students. Student Relief Registered and active student organizations, and student events or activities sponsored by faculty are eligible to apply for Student Relief Funds through SGA. After presenting proof of fundraising, students and student organizations can apply for up to $1000 in an academic year. Salaries, scholarships, cash awards, personal expenses, deficit or loan payoffs, advisor expenses, departmental requests, and all other activities that fall outside of university regulations are not eligible. Further, individual students, sponsored by a faculty member, may apply for up to $500 in funding during an academic year and must abide by the same guidelines as student organizations however, individual students do not have to show proof of fundraising. Student Relief Application forms are available in the SGA office. Applications should be received at least 14 days prior to the requested date for funds, and students must be prepared to present their requests to the SGA Board for approval. Each organization is limited to receiving only the amount approved by the SGA Board at the initial presentation meeting; if an event or organization goes over a proposed request for funds, SGA is not responsible for funding more than what was approved. The SGA offices are in the Student Center, across the sidewalk from the student bookstore. The office number is 318473-6452. Professional Clubs –for information on these clubs contact Student Services unless otherwise noted AAUW (American Association of University Women) Biological Science Organization (BSO) – Contact Biology Department Clio Society – (History) Contact Behavioral and Social Sciences Department Criminal Justice Association– Contact Behavioral and Social Sciences Department 23 Delta Chi Kappa (Military Student Organization) Fresh Campus/Tobacco Free Living Gamma Lambda Tau (Clinical Lab Tech) – Contact Allied Health Department Green Team LSUA Student Ambassadors LSUA Collegiate 4-H Club Multimedia Organization (MMO) Oaks Resident Council Psychology Club – Contact Behavioral and Social Sciences Department Student Government Student Nurses Association – Contact Nursing Department Student Radiological Technology Association– Contact Allied Health Department Contact information for Professional Clubs is available at this link: http://www.lsua.edu/CampusLife/activities-organizations Honor Societies Gamma Beta Phi Lambda Tau Chi (Math Club) Phi Beta Lambda (National Business Organization) Psi Chi (International Honor Society in Psychology) Sigma Tau Delta (International English Honor Society) Lambda Pi Eta (National Communications Honor Society) Religious Clubs Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) Catholic Student Organization (CSO) Publications Sauce Piquante - Campus yearbook The Sentry - Newspaper Jongleur - Literary Magazine http://www.lsua.edu/news/Publications?page=1 Student Activities • Ms. LSU Alexandria Pageant • Mardi Gras Parade • Organization Fair • Tobacco-Free Living College Coalition • Harvest Feast • Spring Fling Week • Theatrical Plays • Trick or Treat Street • Other special events Multicultural and International Affairs Committee (MIAC) The cultural and international origins and backgrounds of LSUA's students are diverse. The Multicultural and International Affairs Committee works to promote and increase awareness of inclusiveness, equity, and diversity throughout our campus. It coordinates special activities, programs, and events in recognition of the fact that the 24 diversity of human experiences and perspectives fosters excellence in faculty recruitment and student retention. Contact the SGA office for more information. STUDENT ROLE IN INSTITUTIONAL DECISIONS LSUA has a long tradition of encouraging student participation in the decision-making processes of the campus. Where appropriate, student representatives serve on Faculty Senate committees and administrative committees. Students on such committees are voting members with all the rights and privileges of other members. The committees that currently have student representation are listed below: Faculty Senate Committees Admissions and Standards Improvement of Instruction Library Public Relations Administrative Committees Arts and Humanities Athletics Council Campus Beautification Fitness Honors Convocation Information Technology Advisory Committee Multicultural and International Affairs (SGA president) Operation of the Student Center Student Conduct Student Grievance Student Organizations and Activities Student Publications Committee Student Technology Fee Traffic Appeal Students who are interested in serving as committee representatives should contact the Office of the Chancellor or the President of the Faculty Senate for more information. Students are also invited to offer their ideas and suggestions to LSUA's administrators. RECREATION & FITNESS Fitness Center The Fitness Center has fitness rooms (including cardio, weight-lifting, and martial arts), a full size swimming pool and a basketball gymnasium. Normal hours for the Center are from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Swim hours are only available when the pool is staffed by a life guard. Check with the Fitness Center Director or check the postings at the Fitness Center. Golf Course (318) 473-6507 LSUA has a beautiful nine-hole golf course that is used for teaching physical education classes and is also open to the public. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy lower rates than the general public. The course is open from 7:00 A.M. to 7 P.M., seven days per week. Golf carts are available to rent. The golf course office is located in Avoyelles Hall. For information and current rates, call 318-473-6507. The golf course is a short walk from any location on campus. For more information on the golf course, access the following link: http://fas.lsua.edu/Departments/AuxiliaryServices/golf-course 25 Jogging/Fitness Trail A Jogging/Fitness trail winds through campus for a distance of about two miles. The trail connects to LSUA’s twentystation Fitness Course adjacent to Mulder Hall. The trail and course are open to LSUA students, faculty, and staff as well as to the public. For more information a link to the webpage with a map of the course is below. http://www.lsua.edu/docs/default-source/CampusMapPDFs/WalkingTrail.pdf?sfvrsn=4 Tennis Courts The tennis courts are located on the east side of campus behind the Fitness Center. The courts are open to students at no charge. Intramural Sports The Intramural Sports Program is designed to provide every student an opportunity to participate in competitive and noncompetitive recreational sports and activities. Intramural sports are designed to develop team work, sportsmanship, and leadership. Every student, regardless of his or her skill or ability, is given the chance to enjoy various voluntary competitions which build positive lifetime attitudes toward recreation. Game equipment is furnished by the Intramural Sports office. Watch for sign-up information on campus. For additional information talk with the Director of the Fitness Center, located in the Fitness Center. CLUB SPORTS LSUA competes in the following Club Sports. Please access the individual websites for additional information. Golf - http://www.lsua.edu/ClubSports/Golf Pom Line - http://www.lsua.edu/ClubSports/PomLine Rugby - http://www.lsua.edu/ClubSports/Rugby Swimming - http://www.lsua.edu/ClubSports/Swimming INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS The university competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). LSUA joined the Red River Athletic Conference in 2014. The RRAC includes Bacone College (Okla.), Huston-Tilloston University (Texas), Jarvis Christian College (Texas), Langston University (Okla.), LSU-Shreveport, Our Lady of the Lake University (Texas), Paul Quinn College (Texas), Texas College, University of St. Thomas (Texas), University of Texas-Brownsville, University of the Southwest (New Mexico), and Wiley College (Texas) in addition to LSUA. Teams Men’s Baseball Basketball Soccer Women’s Basketball Soccer Softball Tennis 26 Athletic Teams' Mascot – The Generals • The LSUA Generals' Baseball and Softball teams, known as the LSUA Generals, earned the name from the significant history of Central Louisiana in the early years of World War II. • Alexandria, Pineville and regional Central Louisiana were the homes to numerous Army training camps and facilities. • In 1940 and 1941, the region was selected to host the "Louisiana Maneuvers" in which the planning and logistics for the United States' entry into the European Theater of World War II were undertaken. • More than 350,000 soldiers undertook the multi-month mock battles and maneuvers that over the entire region from Alexandria west into Texas and north up to Shreveport. • Leading these maneuvers, planning efforts and participating in this undertaking were several United States General Officers and several who would soon be promoted to the rank of General Officer, including Omar Bradley, Mark Clark, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Walter Krueger, Ben Lear, Lesley J. McNair and George Patton. General Dwight D. Eisenhower would eventually be named the Supreme Commander of all Western allied troops in the European Theater and later become President of the United States. For more information on the Athletics Department, the following link is provided. http://www.lsuagenerals.com/ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Tree Campus USA Because of the historic live oaks and other trees on campus, LSUA was designated as part of the Tree Campus USA program sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota. A campus must meet five standards in order to maintain that designation, three of which involve students. If you are interested in this program, please contact the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Services at 318473-6408. Campus Beautification The campus typically conducts Campus Beautification Days each year. Students are encouraged to volunteer for this activity along with administration, faculty, and staff. 27 STUDENT RESOURCES 28 STUDENT SUPPORT Student Support offers an array of services to assist students as they strive to realize their educational goals. These services include professional advising; career guidance; personal and academic counseling; assistance for students with disabilities; support for veterans and active-duty military; testing administration; and coordination of student life. Student Support offices are located on the second floor of the Student Center, West Wing, directly above the bookstore. Counseling • Professional counseling staff • Personal, career and academic counseling • Confidential • Career assessments and interpretation • Seminars and workshops Tutoring Labs Free tutors available each semester for biology, chemistry, mathematics, and writing. Lab hours are posted at the tutor lab locations in Mulder Hall (Math) and the Science Building (Chemistry and Biology). LSUA Writing Center is located in the Bolton Library. Peer mentors and professional tutors will staff the center. Hours of operation are posted in the Library and in Student Support. Job Placement Assistance • Part-time off campus job assistance • Job opportunity board • Job assistance for graduates and alumni • Resume assistance • Networking support and interviewing information • DISCOVER, a computer based career assessment software package • Career counseling • Job Fair Testing Center (318-427-4492) • Special testing for qualifying students with disabilities • Testing for Internet Classes • Make-up test service • ACT • CLEP • Independent Study For more information on Student Support, please access this link: http://studentsupport.lsua.edu/Home.aspx ADVISING CENTER - STUDENT CENTER 211; (318) 767- 2604 The Advising Center, located in Student Support helps students make a successful transition to university life and to build a solid foundation for future success in college and beyond. In particular, academic advisors help students to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. select a course of study appropriate to their abilities and interests understand and follow the requirements of their degree programs assess their progress towards meeting those requirements learn how to calculate their grade point average (GPA) develop and practice habits that lead to success in academic courses develop independence and a sense of responsibility 29 7. 8. 9. 10. understand and practice principles of academic integrity balance study, work , and leisure time become familiar with university policies and procedures learn about campus resources available to them Once enrolled at LSUA, each student will be assigned an academic advisor. Transfer and re-entry students will be advised by faculty members within the discipline of the student's major. New freshmen and students, who have not yet decided on a major will, unless otherwise indicated, be advised by Advising Center personnel. Students are required to see their assigned advisors before they schedule classes online. They should keep in mind that between semesters and during Summer semesters departmental advisors are generally less available than they are during Fall and Spring. Continuing students need to see their advisors during the Fall semester to find classes for the Spring semester and during the Spring semester to find classes for the Summer and Fall. For more information about the Advising Center visit their website at http://advising.lsua.edu Military Friendly Campus LSUA is designated as a Military Friendly School, meaning that it ranks as one of the top 20% of colleges, universities, and vocational schools in the nation in its efforts to welcome military veterans to campus. The Veterans Support program is sponsored by the Advising Center. Information for veterans can be found at the following link: http://advising.lsua.edu/VeteransSupport.aspx Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Students who identify themselves to SSD and present written documentation of a learning, physical or psychological disability may be eligible for academic accommodation(s). Students who are having problems or need assistance should contact the Director of Student Services, located in Student Support, telephone (318) 473-6545. Special support services available may include but are not limited to the following: • Disability management counseling • Books on Tape • Referral for Tutoring • Referral to on-campus and off-campus resources, services, and agencies • Special Testing • Other appropriate accommodations • Assistance with enrollment and registration • Advocacy on behalf of students with campus faculty, staff, and students LIBRARY SERVICES – JAMES C. BOLTON LIBRARY; 318-473-6441 Library Services is designed, equipped and organized to provide students with resources and services most helpful to their growth and development. The library and the services it offers are an integral part of the university experience, and provide opportunities for students to study, conduct research, develop specific interests, and acquire information literacy skills. Library Services includes the Archives and Special Collections division which collects university records and preserves primary sources that document Central Louisiana history. The archives are open to all researchers and scholars by appointment (phone 318-619-2960). The Library also houses a permanent art collection that features the works of regional artists of exceptional talent. The works are displayed throughout the building. 30 Help using the library - Individual help with research and the use of library resources is always available from a reference librarian. Be sure to ask for help whenever you need it. Opportunities for group instruction in the use of library resources and for students to become more "information literate" are advertised each semester. Group sessions centered on specific information needs can also be scheduled on request. Individual and group study - Group conversations and group study should be limited to rooms that are provided for that purpose. Areas are set aside for those who require a quiet space. Areas of the library where a certain amount of noise and conversation are inevitable are the lobby and reference areas. Off-campus use of online resources - Check with the Library reference desk for details about LSUA library resources that are available online. This information is also available at the Library webpage: http://www.lsua.edu/library Circulation Rules - LSUA picture ID is required to check out books. Books circulate for thirty days. Books may be renewed unless requested by another patron or they are overdue. A "hold" may be placed on any book already checked out; instructors occasionally request that the library recall a book so that it may be placed on Reserve. Recalled books are due back immediately. The library operates on a "no fines" system. This system continues to operate because of the cooperation of each student. Most reserve books are to be used only in the library. A few reserve books are allowed to circulate overnight or on weekends only and must be returned by 9:00 a.m. on the date due. Reference books and periodicals may only be used in the library. Book replacement charges - LSUA library books are property of the State of Louisiana. Restitution will be required of the borrower for any library materials that are lost, mutilated or destroyed. Lost or destroyed book charges include the cost of replacement for a college library book as recorded in the current edition of The Bowker Annual and a service charge of $35 for each lost or destroyed book. INFORMATION AND EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (IET); 318-473-6574 The Department of Information and Educational Technology (IET) Services provides technological support and training for the entire campus community. It maintains helpdesk services via phone during working hours and online 24/7. It also provides campus computers, wired and wireless network access, telephones, web page updates, and computer and software training. IET also supports the university's records and registration system and maintains a portal page where all students, faculty and staff can check e-mail, access course materials, register for courses online, and access other resources. The training schedule of IET classes can be found at http://iet.lsua.edu/training or by logging on to my.LSUA at http://my.lsua.edu . The classes are free to LSUA students, faculty, and staff. IET's Help Desk number is 318-473-6421. my.LSUA – my.LSUA is a web site where LSUA community members can sign in to access multiple services and information with only one login. Students can register for classes online, access e-mail, announcements , appointments, help desk requests, course sites on Moodle tutorial software, advisor information , or view current or past semesters grades. Services available on this site continue to increase. Please check out http://my.lsua.edu.myLSUA which is managed by IET Services. Self-Service - Self-Service is LSUA's online registration system. Students can register for classes from home or use one of the computer labs on campus. Log in to http://my.lsua.edu and click Register for Classes. Moodle Moodle is integrated with your existing campus logon user name and password. This means you can use the same user name and password that you use to logon to computers on campus. For example, if your name is John Doe, your logon will be something like “jdoe” or “john.doe”. The password will be the same as you use currently. For more information on using Moodle the following link is provided: http://moodle.lsua.edu/ 31 Technology Center (TC) - The Technology Center (TC) offers a wide variety of services to students, faculty, and staff. A large computer lab is available as well as a smaller training lab. Two full time education technology specialists are available to assist faculty with creation and use of multimedia to develop instructional materials. Training sessions for students, faculty, and staff are offered monthly. To view our training schedule and register for training visit http://iet.lsua.edu/training/ If you would like to schedule individual appointments. Please call 318-473-6574. Instructional Computing - Students can use the TC Lab or any of six other computer labs across campus to access word processing, the Internet, career exploration, and various content related software programs. Tutorial programs offer skill development for basic academic courses such as reading, math, and science. Tutorial programs are available from off campus through my.LSUA. Lab locations, hours, and software availability are posted at each lab and on the LSUA website (http://iet.lsua.edu/computerlabs). Student workers are also available at posted times. For more information about the TC Lab, call 318-473-6574 Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Resources Use of computers on campus is regulated by PS 253. Please access this link for additional information: http://chancellor.lsua.edu/docs/default-source/Policies/policystatement253.pdf?sfvrsn=3 AUXILIARY SERVICES Student Center Room 201; 318-473-6579 Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The following services are provided by Auxiliary Services: • Magnolia Cafe Student Center 318-473-6430 Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Grill closes at 2:00 p.m.); Friday 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Grill closes at 1:30 p.m.) The Magnolia Cafe provides many options for your dining pleasure. These include a grill line which has breakfast foods, sandwiches, poboys, chicken baskets, French fries and more. It also offers a salad bar, a hot food line with different meals daily, deli sandwiches and soup. The drink bar offers coffee, ices, cappuccino and a variety of soft drinks. For more information on pricing see the following link: http://fas.lsua.edu/Departments/AuxiliaryServices/Dining • Mail Room Student Center East Wing 318-473-6576 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The university provides a mail room for sending on- and off-campus mail, including boxes, and for buying postage stamps. There is also a U.S. Postal Service drop box outside the Live Oaks Room on Middleton Drive. • Student Center Lobby/Game Room The Lobby/Game has a small relaxation area just inside the west entrance. The game room is located on the second floor and has a pool table, ping pong, and foosball for your entertainment. • OaKard ID When first enrolled at the university, students are issued photo identification cards at no cost. The ID card, OaKard, is the property of the university. Students who alter or intentionally mutilate a University ID card, who use the card of another, or who allow others to use their ID cards may be subject to university discipline. A $25 charge is assessed to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated ID card. If a replacement card is issued, the original card is no longer valid and cannot be made valid. An identification card may be obtained in Auxiliary Services, Room 201 of the Student Center, during registration periods only after registration fees are paid. Identification cards may also be replaced during the semester in Auxiliary Services. OaKards may also be obtained during fee payment. What an OaKard can be used on campus for: • Cafeteria • Copies and prints • Vending machine snacks and drinks 32 • • • • • Admission to campus events Cash from ATMs* Depositing money on your student account Making your life simpler. . . . . .GET YOUR NEW OAKARD *On-campus ATM services provided by Campus Federal Credit Union. If a student wants to put money in his/her OaKard account, a Value Added Kiosk is located in the Student Center, Library, and in the Oaks. Traffic and Parking Rules and Regulations Please refer to the Traffic and Parking Rules and Regulations Brochure available in the Auxiliary Services office, Student Center, Room 201. A copy of the Traffic and Parking Rules will be given to students when they register their vehicle(s). How to Avoid Getting a Parking Ticket Get a Decal Read the Parking Rules Make sure your tires are not on the lines Don't speed Don't play loud music Don't pull through or back into a parking space Don't park in handicap or faculty/staff spaces Don't park on the grass Vehicle Registration All motorized vehicles must be registered immediately upon arrival on campus in Auxiliary Services, Room 201 of the Student Center. Disciplinary charges will be levied for failure to register a vehicle and for violation of published traffic and parking regulations. Vehicle registration is available every day, including fee payment days. Students may obtain their auto decal at a cost of $28 anytime throughout the year. After two decals have been issued, additional decals will cost $2.50. To register your vehicle, you will need your license plate number. If on occasion you may be driving another vehicle, get a decal for it also. Auxiliary Services opens at 7:30 AM so you may register your car before going to class, or get a temporary decal. Handicapped parking is available for those with a valid LA state issued Handicapped Placard and matching driver’s license. http://fas.lsua.edu/Departments/AuxiliaryServices/parking GENERAL INFORMATION Epps House This Creole Cottage was built in 1852 by Edwin Epps, who was the final owner of Solomon Northup whose story of slavery inspired the critically-acclaimed movie Twelve Years A Slave. The house was relocated and reconstructed on campus in 1999. The Epps House is open Thursdays through Sundays from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. for tours. There is no admission charge. For tour information, contact the Arts, English, and Humanities Department, 318-473-6581. For more information regarding the Epps House follow this link: https://www.lsua.edu/about/campus/location/epps-house Alexandria Museum of Art The Museum was founded in 1977 and occupies the Historic Rapides Bank Building, circa 1898, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The expanded AMoA is the centerpiece of Alexandria's riverfront, situated on the entire 900 block of Main Street. The museum is comprised of exhibition spaces, curatorial and collection storage, administrative and education space and public gathering areas. The Alexandria Museum Association is now owned by the Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA) Foundation. 33 The museum offers educational and community programming on a weekly and monthly basis, including Family and Adult Studio Art Classes, Yoga in the Gallery, Acoustic Music Concert Series, Rhythm & Rhymes Spoken Word Poetry Performances, Second Saturday Market and Experimentation Stations, Lectures & Films. Admission is free for LSUA students with your OaKard. For more information visit: http://www.themuseum.org/ Voter Registration; 318-473-6579 LSUA offers persons the opportunity to register to vote when applying for admission to the University. This service is available in Auxiliary Services, Student Center 201. Students may complete the application while in the office or they may choose to take the application to forward later to their local Registrar of Voters. Student Center The Student Center is comprised of the main building and two wings. The main building contains the Magnolia Café, the mailroom, a recreation room, the offices of the Student Government Association, Auxiliary Services, and Campus Federal Credit Union, the Middleton Room, the Bayou Robert Room, and the Live Oaks Room. The West Wing houses the bookstore and the University Gallery on its first floor while the second floor houses Student Support, the Advising Center and the Testing Center, tutoring, and a large computer lab. The East Wing, named for the late LSUA English professor Barbara Brumfield Caffey, includes the Sentry Room and a ballroom. LSUA Bookstore; 318-473-6420 The LSUA Bookstore is under the management of Barnes and Noble. The bookstore stocks emblematic items from both LSUA and LSU as well as textbooks, regular books and much more. To access the LSUA Bookstore online the following link has been provided: http://lsua.bncollege.com 34 CAMPUS SAFETY 35 UNIVERSITY POLICE – CHAMBERS 144 The University Police Department is located in Chambers Hall, 144. For non-emergencies, call 318-473-6427, or 5555 from any campus phone. Dial 911 (9-911 from a campus phone) for all emergency situations. University Police are fully commissioned police officers, and handle any police matters that occur on campus, or at satellite LSUA facilities. All state and campus traffic laws are enforced by University Police. Campus speed limit is 15 mph on all roadways and 5 mph in parking lots. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. You are requested to operate and park your vehicle in a safe and courteous manner at all times. http://police.lsua.edu EMERGENCY PHONES In the event of an emergency, DIAL 911 (9-911 from a campus phone). For all other non-emergency calls, contact University Police at 318-473-6427 (dial 6427 or 5555 from a campus phone). There are 13 Blue Light Emergency Phone Towers installed across campus. Four are located on The Oaks property, and nine others are situated throughout campus. Pressing the RED EMERGENCY button will directly connect you with the Rapides Parish 911 Call Center. CRIME AWARENESS AND CAMPUS SECURITY GUIDE Louisiana State University at Alexandria, strives to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for the entire University community by establishing and maintaining policies and procedures. Although there is no record of serious crimes occurring on the LSUA campus at any time during its history, students, faculty, staff, and visitors are urged to be aware of, and alert to, the possible existence of criminal activity; and therefore, should become familiar with LSUA's policies to promote a safe campus environment. Students, faculty, and staff should report any suspicious, unsafe, illegal, or disruptive activity that could hamper the orderly operation of the campus to the University Police, Chambers 144, 318473-6427, or Auxiliary Services, Room 201, Student Center, 318-473-6579. Reports of crimes may also be made to the Switchboard Operator in Abrams Hall, to the Office of Finance and Administrative Services, Room 115, Abrams Hall, or to any other administrative office. After 4:30 p.m., any crime or emergency should be reported to the University Police. From a campus phone, call 6427, or "5555" or call 9-911 from any campus phone. If using a cell phone dial 318-4736427 or 911. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES Campus emergencies, defined as unexpected, serious occurrences resulting in injury or illness, and requiring immediate attention, are handled by an Emergency Response Team. Appointed by the Chancellor and chaired by a designated "Emergency Response Person-in Charge," the team includes members of the administration, faculty and staff. To ensure that experienced people are on the team at all times, members are appointed to rotating terms. The university's general procedures for emergences are presented here: 1. 2. 3. A room for campus medical emergencies is located in F. Hugh Coughlin Hall (Nursing Education Building). Access to this room is controlled by the members of the Emergency Response Team. In the event of an emergency situation, always DIAL 911 (9-911 from a campus phone). Following any emergency, a report should be immediately submitted to Mr. Chad Gauthier, the campus safety officer, who will then be responsible for contacting family members and completing the report for filing and future reference. 36 SAFETY POLICY LSUA makes every effort to ensure that the campus facilities, buildings, and grounds are designed and maintained to promote safety and to minimize criminal opportunity. Access the following link for more information on Safety and Risk Management: http://fas.lsua.edu/Departments/Safety/ Safety Tips Always lock your car Never leave valuables in sight Make sure you have all your property when you leave an area Always be aware of your surroundings WEAPONS POLICY The use of weapons by university police officers and other officers from other law enforcement agencies is governed by state law and departmental regulation. The use or possession of firearms or other weapons by students, employees, or visitors while on campus is prohibited. SALE OR USE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS LSUA complies with all federal and state laws which prohibit the use, possession, and sale of illegal drugs. Louisiana State law prohibits the consumption, possession, distribution, possession with intent to distribute, or manufacture of drugs described as controlled dangerous substances under Louisiana Revised Statues 40:964. The university is a drugfree zone under Louisiana law and will not shield any student, employee, or visitor from action by civil authorities. Alcohol and drug awareness programs are presented to provide information to employees and students. Drug and alcohol counseling and referral information are available in the LSUA Counseling Center or through the University's Employee Assistance Program. Visit the following link for LSUA P.S. 227 – Illegal Use of Drugs and Alcohol http://chancellor.lsua.edu/docs/default-source/Policies/policystatement227.pdf?sfvrsn=4 CRIME STATISTICS Efforts are continuously made to inform the LSUA community of matters that affect their personal safety and well-being. In compliance with the CLERY ACT, University Police report crime occurrences and statistics annually to the Department of Education. Weekly reports of University Police activity are available for public review at the University Police office at Chambers Hall 144, Monday through Friday during normal business hours. These figures are published annually, as a matter of public record, and may be obtained from the LSUA Police or from the Office of Finance and Administrative Services. Any reports regarding current problems and reported crimes are published in the student newspaper, The Sentry. LSUA CAMPUS SECURITY REPORT In compliance with the 1998 provisions of the Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act, LSUA provides information on the Statistics webpage for your information. http://www.lsua.edu/about/Statistics Note: All students should be familiar with the contents of this handbook because they are responsible for compliance with university policies governing student life. The policies and descriptions of services may be altered to carry out the purposes and objectives of the university; therefore, the university reserves the right to change any of this material at any time. 37 Campus Map 1 ABRAMS HALL (8) ACORN LAKE (25) ADMISSIONS (8) ART GALLERY (9A) AVOYELLES HALL (2) BALLROOM (9B) BAPTIST STUDENT CENTER (12) BASEBALL FIELD (18) BAYOU ROBERT ROOM (9) BOLTON LIBRARY (6) BOOKSTORE (9A) CAFFEY ANNEX (9B) CATHOLIC STUDENT CENTER (11) CHAMBERS HALL (4) CHILDREN’S CENTER (21) COUGHLIN HALL (5) EPPS HOUSE (22) FACILITY SERVICES (19) FITNESS CENTER (3) FITNESS TRAIL (16) FOUNDATION (5) GATEWAY OAK GROVE (10) GOLF COURSE (14) GOLF COURSE OFFICE (13) GOLF POND (31) GUARD LAKE (17) GYMNASIUM (3) INTRAMURAL FIELD (29) LIVE OAKS ROOM (9) MAGNOLIA CAFÉ (9) MULDER HALL (26) NURSING AUDITORIUM (5) OAKLAND HALL (7) PROMETRICS TESTING (9A) RECORDS OFFICE (7) RESIDENCE HALL (24) SCIENCE BUILDING (1) SCIENCE POND (30) SENTRY ROOM (9B) SOCCER FIELD (27) SOFTBALL FIELD (18) STUDENT CENTER (9) STUDENT SUPPORT (9A) SUBWAY (28) SWIMMING POOL (3) TECHNOLOGY CENTER (23) TENNIS COURTS (15) THEATER (26) UTILITY PLANT (20) WALKING TRAIL (16) WEIGHT ROOM (3) 1