ADDENDUM In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fort Valley State University is committed to ensuring that every member of our community remain safe. We are taking every reasonable step to adhere to all guidance established by the CDC and other public health officials. It is the expectation that all students comply with the safety guidelines and protocols that have been instituted to minimize the risks associated with the coronavirus. This includes social distancing, the wearing of masks in identified areas, unauthorized gatherings and other safety measures. Students who do not comply with established safety guidelines and protocols will be subjected to the student conduct process of the University as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct [Article II: Section 5: Insubordinate Behavior (Failure to Obey University Officials and Failure to Obey University Policy)]. July 1, 2020 Revised January 27, 2021 1 FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY A State and Land-Grant University University System of Georgia 1005 State University Drive Fort Valley, Georgia 31030–4313 www.fvsu.edu STUDENT HANDBOOK (Effective January 27, 2021) An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Institution Fort Valley State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and education specialist degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Fort Valley State University. This handbook is prepared for the convenience of students and does not constitute an official publication of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. In case of any divergence from or conflict with the Bylaws or Policies of the Board of Regents, the official Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents prevail. For additional information contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at (478) 825-6291. Revised January 27, 2021 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Campus Map ................................................................................................................................................. 5 Building Codes ............................................................................................................................................... 6 Mission Statement ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Welcome Messages President ................................................................................................................................................. 8 Provost .................................................................................................................................................... 9 Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management ......................................................... 10 Dean of Students .................................................................................................................................. 11 President of the Student Government Association ............................................................................... 12 General Information .................................................................................................................................... 13 History ......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Traditions .................................................................................................................................................... 16 The Alma Mater ........................................................................................................................................... 17 Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management ........................................................................... 18 Recruitment and Admissions .................................................................................................................. 18 Financial Aid ............................................................................................................................................ 18 Cashier’s office ........................................................................................................................................ 20 Semester Expenses ............................................................................................................................. 21 Refund Policy ...................................................................................................................................... 21 Residential Life ............................................................................................................................................ 21 Food Services ..................................................................................................................................... 23 Transportation Services ............................................................................................................................... 23 Campus Police and Safety ........................................................................................................................... 23 Student Counseling and Outreach Services ................................................................................................. 24 Athletics....................................................................................................................................................... 26 Campus Life ................................................................................................................................................. 28 Student Organizations Listing ............................................................................................................. 32 Guidelines and Rules .......................................................................................................................... 35 Greek-Lettered Organizations ............................................................................................................ 36 University Bookstore ................................................................................................................................... 37 Academic Affairs .......................................................................................................................................... 37 Academic Colleges and Divisions ............................................................................................................ 38 The University College ............................................................................................................................ 39 Academic Advising ............................................................................................................................. 39 Academic Counseling and Differently Abled Services ........................................................................ 40 Testing Services ................................................................................................................................. 41 TRiO ................................................................................................................................................... 41 Registrar’s Office .................................................................................................................................... 42 Class attendance Policy ..................................................................................................................... 43 Late Arrival Policy .............................................................................................................................. 43 The “Forgiveness” Policy ................................................................................................................... 43 Change of Schedule (Drop/Add) ........................................................................................................ 44 Uniform Grading System ................................................................................................................... 44 Grade and Academic Appeals ............................................................................................................ 45 Academic Standing ............................................................................................................................ 45 Notice of Privacy Rights ..................................................................................................................... 46 Policy on Access to Records ............................................................................................................... 46 Withdrawal Procedures ..................................................................................................................... 47 Revised January 27, 2021 3 Medical Withdrawal Policy ................................................................................................................ 47 Military Resource Center/Veterans Affairs .................................................................................................. 48 Hunt Memorial Library ...............................................................................................................................