Guide To Student Consumer Information
In 1958, when the law provided for the establishment of junior colleges in Georgia, Columbus State University opened at the renovated Shannon Hosiery Mill on Talbotton Road with 15 faculty members and nearly 300 students. A move to our present location in 1963 ushered in a period of rapid expansion. In 1965 the Regents approved the college's application to become a four-year institution, and the first four-year class graduated in 1970. Masters and Specialist degrees were soon added.
The guide contains a brief description of important information about CSU, financial assistance, graduation rates, athletic participation, campus security, student rights and responsibilities, study abroad, voter registration, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Specific information about programs and services is available from the colleges and University departments. This guide to consumer information is available through the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Columbus State University, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31907. Phone: (706) 507-8800 Fax: (706) 507-8735.
| Topic | Brief Description | Associated Web Address or Contact Information |
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| Accreditation |
Columbus State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, nexus, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Columbus State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Columbus State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
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| Athletic Program Participation and Financial Support | The annual Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act Report that contains participation rates, financial support, and other information on men's and women's intercollegiate athletic programs. | Athletics Compliance |
| Campus Safety and Crime | University Police publishes The Rap Sheet annually to inform students and others about how to stay safe at Columbus State. Crime statistics are also presented, as well as information about parking and other topics related to University Police services. | Annual Security and Fire Safety Report |
| Copyright Infringement | The Office of Information Security oversees the policies and sanctions related to copyright infringement and liabilities students may face for unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials. | Copyright Infringement |
| Create Care (Formerly Behavioral Assessment and Recommendation Team (BART)) | Create Care is dedicated to a proactive, coordinated and planned approach to the identification, prevention, assessment, management, and reduction of interpersonal and behavioral threats to the safety and well being of Columbus State University students, faculty, staff, and visitors. | Create Care |
| Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures | The University has a comprehensive emergency notification system including radio alerts, the “CougarAlert” emergency notification system, telephone trees, loud speakers on CSU police vehicles, and campus-wide email system. | University Police |
| Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) | Copies of the complete policies and procedures for reviewing educational records and requesting an amendment of the records may be obtained from the Registrar's Office. | FERPA Information |
| Financial Aid | Descriptions of available federal, state, institutional, and private sources of student assistance. | Financial Aid |
| Gainful Employment Disclosures | Gainful employment disclosures. | Gainful Employment Information |
| Graduation Rates | The six year graduation rates of degree-seeking first-time full-time freshman are available in the Annual Fact Book, Facts and Figures, and Common Data Set Reports. | Institutional Research |
| Graduation Rates for Student Athletes | This information must be provided to student athletes, their parents, high school coaches, and guidance counselors when an athletically-related student aid offer is made. | Athletics Compliance |
| Information About The Institution | Descriptions of academic programs, degree offerings, instructional facilities and labs and instructional personnel are available from various schools/colleges and from the online CSU Catalog. | Academic Catalogs |
| Institutional Drug and Alcohol Policy | The Columbus State University Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs is published annually in the Student Handbook. | Student Handbook |
| Misrepresentation | Information on the institution's commitment to integrity in communication and federal Misrepresentation regulations. | Misrepresentation Information |
| Placement Information | Information on placement of and types of employment obtained by graduates of the Columbus State University's degree programs. | Steppingblocks |
| Refund Policies | Tuition and Fees, Housing and Meal Plan, and Financial Aid Refund Policies. | Refund Information |
| Retention Rates | Retention rates of degree-seeking first-time full-time undergraduate students are available in the Annual Fact Book, Facts and Figures, and Common Data Set Reports. | Institutional Research |
| Scholarship Scams | The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) web site contains important information for students and parents about scholarship scams. | FTC Information |
| Services and Facilities for Students with Disabilities | The Office of Disability Services coordinates and provides various academic and support services to students with disabilities as defined by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. | Center for Accommodation and Access |
| Student Complains | Columbus State University takes student and consumer complaints very seriously. CSU works with students and consumers to resolve formal complaints in a timely manner. With that goal hand, this complaint process serves as an ongoing means for students to discuss concerns or register formal complaints that pertain to alleged violations of State consumer protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising; alleged violations of State laws or rules relating to the licensure of post-secondary institutions; and complaints relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements. | Student Complaints Information |
| Student Loan Deferments for Performed Services | Borrowers in the Federal Direct Loan program may be eligible for deferred payment provisions for service in the Peace Corps, service under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, or comparable service as a volunteer for a tax-exempt organization of demonstrated effectiveness in the field of community service. | Financial Aid Loan Information |
| Study Abroad | Students regularly enrolled in a university degree program who enroll in a CSU study abroad program or a non-CSU study abroad program may receive financial aid if they are otherwise eligible. | Study Abroad Program |
| University Withdrawal Policy | The official university policy on withdrawal from courses is contained in the online CSU Bulletin. This includes Medical Withdrawals | Academic Regulations |
| Vaccinations | Immunization requirements for students entering the University. | Student Health Center |
| Voter Registration | Applications for voter registration for Georgia residents are available at the SGA Office in the Davidson Student Center 207, 706-568-2403. | Georgia Secretary of State Website or U.S. Election Assistance Commission |
