THE LOWDOWNTHE LOWDOWN 2007-2008 THE LOWDOWN A STUDENT HANDBOOK A Joint Publication of Student Government Association and Division of Student Affairs University of South Alabama Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002 Editor Martin Statkewicz Although the contents of this handbook represent the most current information at the time of publication, changes may be made with respect to the information contained herein without prior notice. - 1 - UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA TELEPHONE: (251) 460-6111 OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AD 122 • MOBILE, ALABAMA 36688-0002 Dear Students: We are extremely pleased that you have joined the University of South Alabama family. Not only will your University of South Alabama education benefit you intellectually, economically, and socially, but you will become a part of something truly special - a circle of people who share in common their college education. The University of South Alabama is dedicated to providing new and exciting opportunities. Everywhere you look, something exciting is happening at USA! We urge you to get involved in every aspect of campus life. The University of South Alabama experience is best defined as its people – our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends – who share a common enthusiasm. We’re excited that you are a part. Please let us know how we can help you make all of your college dreams a reality. Sincerely, V. Gordon Moulton President UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA VICE PRESIDENT TELEPHONE: (251) 460-6171 FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS SC 270 • MOBILE, ALABAMA 36688-0002 Dear Student: We are so very glad that you are a student at USA. Every institution of higher education has it rules, regulations, and procedures that it adopts to help its staff and students have a rewarding experience. The Lowdown contains most if not all of the rules and regulations that you need to know. Be sure and look through this handbook, it may help you navigate this place. Above all, be a member of the Jaguar family. This handbook includes information about SGA, Jaguar Productions, African-American Student Association, Council of International Students, and over 200 other organizations in which you can get involved. All of us in Student Affairs are here to help you in any way possible. GO JAGS! Sincerely, Dale T. Adams Vice President for Student Affairs AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS INSTITUTION THE LOWDOWN UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION 280 STUDENT CENTER TELEPHONE: (251) 460-7191 MOBILE, ALABAMA 36688-0002 Dear Fellow Students: Welcome to the University of South Alabama! I am honored to serve as your 2007-2008 Student Government Association President, and I hope that your experiences are as warm and welcoming as mine have been. A very successful man once told me that there are two types of people in life: those who drift through life waiting on opportunities to arise, and those who plan a course of action and stick with it. The drifters just wait around and hope for something better to come along. They spend their entire lives jumping from one opening to the next, hoping they will finally stumble on success. The planners, however, have a clear direction. Things might not always work out how they planned, but they have a very specific path to success in mind that they can stick to as closely as possible. Being a college student means there is an entire world of opportunity that is available to you. Take advantage of that. Join on-campus organizations, or create your own if necessary. Volunteer in your community. When you get involved in your school, you will learn to love it even more. Plan a path to success. Your college experience will depend on what you make of it. Finally, remember that Student Government is here to protect the students' interests. We are your resource. We are your elected officers, and we are here to serve you. There are many ways to get involved with SGA. Please come by our office anytime, even if its just to say hello. We are located in the Student Center, Room 280. I look forward to an exciting year here at USA! Go Jags! Sincerely, Jennifer Edwards SGA President - 4 - THE LOWDOWN UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION 280 STUDENT CENTER TELEPHONE: (251) 460-7191 MOBILE, ALABAMA 36688-0002 Dear Fellow Students, Welcome to the University of South Alabama. As the editor of the Lowdown for this upcoming year, I hope that the information provided here will make you aware of all of the great opportunities that you have as a student at USA. This book will give you the materials that you need to get involved in all areas of student life. I believe that taking advantage of the opportunities that South Alabama offers will greatly enrich your college career on both a social and professional level. Getting involved on campus was one of the best decisions that I have made as a college student. It has helped me develop as a person along with making friendships and contacts that I will have for a long time. I believe that your experience at South Alabama will provide you with all of the resources you need to be successful in college and throughout life. Sincerely, Martin Statkewicz SGA Vice President - 5 - THE LOWDOWN UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION 280 STUDENT CENTER TELEPHONE: (251) 460-7191 MOBILE, ALABAMA 36688-0002 Dear Fellow Students: On behalf of the Student Government Association, I want to welcome you to the University of South Alabama. You have chosen a great school to attend! From our fantastic Intramural Sports Program, popular Greek life, our exceptional Student Government, or any of the other outstanding student organizations and clubs, you are bound to find the right place to fit in. Also, keep in mind that we have a new state-of-the-art recreation center and several other additions to our school being built to fit your needs. As treasurer, I will strive to support your student organization in any way possible, and I will personally answer any questions you may have. Do not hesitate to call me at 802- 1622, e-mail me at [email protected], or stop by the SGA office during my office hours and I will gladly assist your needs. Also, don't forget to look in The Lowdown for information on how SGA allocates money to the campus organization. It gives you information of the differences between Appropriations and Co-Sponsorships, and what needs to be accomplished by each organization before the budget meeting. Furthermore, be sure to check the dates of the budget meeting and budget packet deadlines at the beginning of each semester. I am very excited about this upcoming year and am looking forward to seeing all of you soon! Sincerely, Matt Hayes SGA Treasurer - 6 - THE LOWDOWN TABLE OFTABLE CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents ................................................................ 8 - 7 - THE LOWDOWN TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from President V. Gordon Moulton Letter from the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Dale T. Adams Letter from the Student Government Association President, Jennifer Edwards Letter from the Editor, Martin Statkewicz Letter from the Treasurer, Matt Hayes CALENDAR .................................................................................................................. 186-238 USA SPIRIT The Spirit of South Alabama ........................................................................................... 12 TABLE OFTABLE CONTENTS Alma Mater ........................................................................................................................ 13 Fight Song .......................................................................................................................... 14 Campus History ................................................................................................................ 15 University Vice Presidents and Deans .......................................................................... 15 Board of Trustees .............................................................................................................. 16 Mission ............................................................................................................................... 17 Athletic Mission ................................................................................................................18 TRADITIONS Homecoming ..................................................................................................................... 20 Greek Week ....................................................................................................................... 20 Spring Fling ....................................................................................................................... 20 International Spring Festival .......................................................................................... 20 Miss USA Pageant ............................................................................................................ 20 Student Art Show ............................................................................................................. 20 College Bowl ..................................................................................................................... 20 Oozeball ............................................................................................................................. 21 Midweek Nooners ............................................................................................................ 21 African-American Awareness Observance .................................................................