Student Handbook VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY VOLUME 5 Except where expressly noted herein, this Student Handbook is not, nor is it intended, to create a contract between any student and the university. The terms set forth in this Student Handbook do not create contractual or legal rights for students. The provisions of this handbook are not to be regarded as a contract between any student and the University. The University reserves the right to change any of the policies, rules, and standards of conduct at any time as may be necessary in the interest of the University. The University also reserves the right to modify or discontinue any of the services, programs, or activities described in this handbook. 2 CONTENTS | STUDENT HANDBOOK VOLUME V 4 Welcome from the President CAMPUS LIVING 5 Welcome from the Vice President 31 Housing & Residence Life for Student Affairs & Dean of Students 33 Dining Services 7 VSU Mission Statement 38 Bookstore 39 Odum Library STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION 39 Student Mail Center 40 Health Services 9 SGA Constitution 40 VSU – 1Card Services 9 Welcome from the 41 University Police Student Government (SGA) President 42 Parking & Transportation STUDENT AFFAIRS ACADEMICS 20 Student Affairs & Dean of Students Office 44 Policies & Procedures 21 Counseling Center 49 Student Records 22 Alcohol & Other Drugs Education 49 Graduating with Honors 23 Office of Health Promotions 50 Dean’s List 23 Career Services 50 Honors College 23 Cooperative Education 51 Office of Academic Student 24 Office of Testing Instructional Support (OASIS) 24 Access Office 52 Student Success Center 25 Office of Financial Aid GENERAL INFORMATION DEAN OF STUDENTS 53 Finance & Administration 25 Student Conduct Office 57 Student Organization Regulations 26 Office of Student Life 64 Student Code of Conduct 26 Greek Life 83 Family Educational Rights 27 Orientation & Leadership Programs & Privacy Act (FERPA) 27 Campus Recreation 84 General Public Forum Venue Policy 28 Volunteer Services 85 Conflict Resolution Policy 29 Parents & Family Association 85 Equal Opportunity Statement 29 Athletics & Sports 87 Campus Map 29 Alumni Relations 88 Campus Telephone Quick Reference Simply click on the title of the section you’d like to view for a shortcut to that page. 3 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT | STUDENT HANDBOOK VOLUME V President’s Welcome Welcome to Valdosta State University. When applying to be VSU’s new president, I was fully aware of the university’s outstanding reputation as a regional public university. Having had the privilege of being on campus for some time now, however, I continue to discover more of what VSU has to offer. Whether you are visiting our Web site or are planning a visit to our beautiful campus, I know that you will make those same discoveries. Valdosta State University has been serving the citizens of South Georgia for over 100 years, and is dedicated to educating the citizens and leaders of the 21st Century. With a focus on the future and a respect for our history, we serve as the intellectual and cultural hub of our region. Our faculty and staff have built an unrivaled living and learning environment that prepares our students not only for their chosen careers, but also for the ever-increasing demands of global citizenship. Our 40,000 alumni in Georgia and all over the world have taken what they learned at VSU and carried that knowledge into their communities and chosen professions. The 2012-13 academic year is yet another exciting one at VSU. For example, students and faculty are fully utilizing the innovative Dr. WIlliam McKinney laboratory facilities of the newly expanded Bailey Science Center. President of Valdosta State University This fall, we will break ground on our $36 million Health Sciences and Business Administration Building, which symbolizes our commitment to regional engagement and partnership. The 140,000 square-foot facility will house academic programs in Nursing, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, Social Work, Health Care Administration, and Dental Hygiene (in partnership with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College). These are just a few of the exciting things happening at VSU. A tour of our campus or this Web site will show you much more. Whether it is through attending arts and cultural events, Blazer athletic events, or learning about our nationally recognized academic programs, I invite you to discover all that VSU has to offer. 4 LETTER FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT | STUDENT HANDBOOK VOLUME V FROM THE DESK OF THE Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, welcome to Valdosta State University. Our dedicated staff will work to provide you with a wide array of programs and services that will help you succeed at VSU. As one of the most beautiful campuses in the south, VSU prides itself on being student-centered. Students are what make VSU the dynamic, growing, and nationally recognized institution that it is. We believe you will have an excellent experience at VSU, both in and out of the classroom! Valdosta State University is on the move with new facility construction under way to enhance the learning environment and prepare our students as future leaders in a global society. A new $36 million, 140,000 square-foot Health Sciences Business Administration facility is currently under construction that will house Nursing, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, Social Work, Health Care Administration and Dental Hygiene. An addition to the Bailey Science Center opened in the fall of 2012 which provides faculty and students with new laboratories. We have a comprehensive Student Health facility that treats and educates students on their health needs. VSU has a cutting-edge Student Recreation Center. This comprehensive wellness center is the heart of campus activity! Russell F. Mast The complex also includes three lighted outdoor intramural fields, adjacent to Vice President for Student Affairs Centennial Hall, a 30 element, low and high ropes challenge course behind and Dean of Students the Sustella Parking Deck, and an outdoor rental center (CORE) located in the south end of the Sustella Parking Deck. Students may present their student ID and rent all types of outdoor recreation and camping gear. In January of 2010 the Student Union opened its doors and has become the central hub of activity for the entire campus. This state of the art facility includes; dining opportunities, VSU Bookstore, meeting rooms, student organization offices, Theater, ballrooms, game room, and administrative offices for Student Life, SGA, Greek Life, CAB and the Vice President for Student Affairs. The Division also has a fully accredited Counseling Center that assists students with personal needs. The Career Center Offices work with students in meeting their future career goals. VSU awarded over $130,000,000 in financial aid during the last fiscal year, and the knowledgeable staff in the Financial Aid Office is always available to help students. The Access Office also supports students with disabilities by offering accommodations, tutoring, interpretation support and workshops to assist students with their academic success. 5 LETTER FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT | STUDENT HANDBOOK VOLUME V Continued The Office of Testing provides a wide variety of services from graduate school admissions tests to teacher certification exams. National research shows that students graduate quicker and with better grades if they maintain campus involvement. Student Affairs urges students to get involved in campus organizations and activities. There are almost 200 active student organizations on campus, including 23 Greek social organizations, over a dozen faith-based campus ministry groups, numerous intramural opportunities, and many service and academic clubs. Volunteer Services helps connect VSU students and organizations with community service projects in the area. A leader in the world of NCAA Division II Athletics, VSU has one of the most successful and well-rounded intercollegiate sports programs in the nation. The Blazer and Lady Blazer athletic teams compete in the Gulf South Conference (GSC), one of the toughest conferences in the country. Valdosta State University has 12 intercollegiate athletic teams. VSU has won six national titles: football (2), men’s tennis (2), baseball (1), and this past spring women’s softball won the national title with a 58-5 record. It is our goal to make your VSU experience memorable and satisfying. We strive to offer the highest level of professionalism and commitment to students. If there is any way the Division of Student Affairs team can assist you, please contact my office at (229) 333-5941 or reach me through electronic mail at [email protected]. Also utilize our Parent Resource Center. This site will help family members stay connected with campus events and provide valuable current information on resources and deadlines. 6 MISSION STATEMENT | STUDENT HANDBOOK VOLUME V VSU Mission Statement Since 1913, Valdosta State University has been a major provider of educational services for South Georgia. The beauty and consistency of its Spanish Mission style of architecture are indicative of its dedication to serving the region’s heritage while developing programs and services to enhance its future. Within the context of the University System’s VSU prides itself on offering nationally accredited programs in Art, Valdosta State University possesses the core Business, Music, Nursing, Sports Medicine/Athletic Training, Speech- characteristics of a regional university. Language Pathology, School Psychology, Theatre, Public Administration, The core characteristics include: Social Work, and Teacher Education which have a magnet effect beyond the institution’s primary setting. In its academic credit programming, A commitment to excellence and responsiveness VSU will place a priority on developing existing programs that aid the within a scope of influence defined by the needs educational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of its region and of a specific region of the state and by particularly new programs in health-related professions and public administration.