CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY 2015 – 2016 CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY Student Handbook 2015– 2016 INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION Clark Atlanta University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctorate 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 Clark Atlanta University. i FOREWORD The primary purpose of the Student Handbook is to provide students with information, guidelines, and policies that will guide their successful adjustment as citizens of the Clark Atlanta University community. The standards set forth in this Handbook shall serve as a guide for conduct for Clark Atlanta University students. Upon matriculation, Clark Atlanta University students are expected to abide by the rules and regulations contained in this Handbook and are further expected to conform to all general and specific requirements, to comply with duly constituted authority, and to conduct themselves in accordance with the ideals, educational goals, religious, moral, and ethical principles upon which the University was founded. Evidence of inability or unwillingness to cooperate in the maintenance of these ideals, goals, and principles may lead to sanctions that may include warning, reprimand, conduct probation, suspension, or expulsion. Specific violations of the rules and regulations governing student conduct are handled by the Vice President for Student Affairs or designees. Breaches of academic integrity are handled by the appropriate academic officials and/ or the University’s Judicial Hearing Board. The content of this handbook is accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change from time to time as deemed appropriate by Clark Atlanta University in order to fulfill its role and mission or to accommodate circumstances beyond its control. Any such changes may be implemented without prior notice or obligation, and unless specified otherwise, are effective when made. This handbook is not to be regarded as a contract between the student and Clark Atlanta University. Clark Atlanta University complies with all local, state, and federal nondiscrimination laws and regulations in the provision of educational services. ii TABLE OF CONTENT OVERVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY ........................................................................................1 History .............................................................................................................................................1 Traditions ........................................................................................................................................1 Mission Statement .......................................................................................................................... 3 Vision Statement .............................................................................................................................3 Core Values .....................................................................................................................................3 Spirit of Greatness ...........................................................................................................................4 Decorum Guide ...............................................................................................................................6 School Seal ......................................................................................................................................7 Use of Institutional Name ...............................................................................................................7 School Colors ..................................................................................................................................7 Mascot .............................................................................................................................................7 Mottos .............................................................................................................................................7 Campus Cultural Creed ...................................................................................................................8 Alma Mater .....................................................................................................................................9 UNIVERSITY CAMPUS AND FACILITIES .........................................................................10 Buildings .......................................................................................................................................10 Campus Map and Legend .............................................................................................................12 Building Hours ..............................................................................................................................13 University Property .......................................................................................................................13 Student Center ...............................................................................................................................13 Recreation/Intramural Sports ........................................................................................................14 Recreational Facilities ...................................................................................................................14 Recreation Room ..........................................................................................................................14 Fitness Facilities ............................................................................................................................14 UNIVERSITY SERVICES ........................................................................................................14 Academic Enrichment and Success Academic Enrichment and Success: Academic Support Services /Tutorials .........................15 Admissions (Office of Admissions) ..............................................................................................15 Bookstore ......................................................................................................................................15 Dining Services .............................................................................................................................16 Career and Professional Development ..........................................................................................16 Community Service Program ........................................................................................................17 Counseling and Disability Services (Services for Students with Disabilities) .............................17 Financial Aid / Scholarship Information .......................................................................................18 International Student Services /Office of Multicultural Affairs/ Office of Admissions ...............18 Laundry Services /Auxiliary Services ..........................................................................................19 Lost and Found .............................................................................................................................19 Mail Service ..................................................................................................................................20 Print Shop ......................................................................................................................................20 Panther Access Worldwide (PAW) Card ......................................................................................21 LAZ Parking .................................................................................................................................22 Public Safety (Department of Public Safety) .................................................................................23 Religious Life ................................................................................................................................23 iii TABLE OF CONTENT Student Health Services ................................................................................................................24 Student Health Services / Peer Education .....................................................................................24 University Registrar ......................................................................................................................24 o Veterans Services ..............................................................................................................25 Woodruff Library (Robert W. Woodruff Library) ........................................................................25 UNIVERSITY POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION ...................................26 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act .................................................................................26 Official Absence Excuses .............................................................................................................29 General Information About Campus Safety and Security ............................................................31 Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures .......................................................................32 Missing Student Notification Policy