Student Activities and Support Services
Columbus State University is dedicated to developing the full potential of its students. It provides opportunities for students to explore personal, professional, and social interests; to develop leadership capabilities; and to broaden intellectual and cultural dimensions through student activities programs and services consistent with the goals and purposes of the university.
The office of the assistant vice president for student affairs is responsible for student activities and university recognized student organizations. The student activities fee helps to defray the operational expenses of a number of programs and services which are intended for the benefit of all students. A student-faculty committee advises the university administration in the allocation of these fees and policy issues.
Art Gallery
The student art gallery has a number of art exhibitions on display throughout the year. These displays feature the contemporary works of art by international, national, regional and local artists, as well as student artists. The highlight for many of the exhibits is the reception for the visiting artist attended by faculty, students and community members. There are also various workshops by these artists that are available for students. Annually, during the spring, the Student Art Exhibition provides the climax for the art student's academic year.
Athletics
The university is a Division II member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The director of athletics administers intercollegiate athletics in accordance with the regulations of the NCAA and the policies of a faculty-student committee. Women compete in intercollegiate basketball, softball, tennis, and cross country; while men compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, and tennis. Any student interested in competing on any sports team should contact the athletic director.
Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation offers a coeducational intramural program for students, faculty, and staff, which provides a wide range of activities for both teams and individuals. Current programs include flag football, volleyball, softball, tennis, bowling, basketball, golf, road races, racquetball, table tennis, eight ball, chess, checkers, card games, superstars competition, sports and games clinics, and individual challenges. In addition to scheduled activities, the tennis courts, gymnasium, fitness center, handball courts, intramural field, and swimming pool are available for free play. Hours of operation are posted each semester in appropriate locations. For information, contact the Campus Recreation Office in 212 Davidson Center, (706) 568-2273.
Clubs and Organizations
Students are encouraged to participate in the programs and services of student organizations which can enhance personal and professional development. The following clubs and organizations have been recognized by the university. For further information regarding clubs and organizations, contact the assistant vice president for student affairs, 271 Davidson Student Center, (706) 568-2273.
Academic and Professional
- Accounting Society
- Association of Nursing Students
- Association of Information Technology Professionals
- Cadets in Action
- CMENC
- Communications Club
- CSU International Club
- CSU Recreation Association
- History Club
- Jazz Band
- Lambda Alpha Epsilon
- Literature Club
- Math/Computer Club
- Masters of Public Administration Association
- Psychology Club
- Respiratory Therapy Club
- Singers
- Student Association of Educators
- Student Musicians' League
- Student Personnel Association
- Symphonic Wind Ensemble
- Tri-Beta
- University Symphony Orchestra
Honor Societies
- Alpha Phi Sigma
- Beta Beta Beta
- Kappa Delta Pi
- Phi Alpha Theta
- Phi Beta Delta
- Phi Kappa Phi
- Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
- Pi Alpha Alpha
- Pi Kappa Lambda
- Pi Sigma Alpha
- Psi Chi
- Sigma Theta Tau
Special Interest
- Baptist Student Union
- Black Student Coalition
- Chi Gamma Iota
- CSU Housing Association
- Greek Council
- Saber, student newspaper
- Student Government Association
- Student Programming Council
- Young Republicans
National Social Sororities
- Alpha Kappa Alpha
- Delta Sigma Theta
- Delta Zeta
National Social Fraternities
- Alpha Phi Alpha
- Kappa Sigma
- Sigma Nu
- Tau Kappa Epsilon
International and Multicultural Student Services
The Office of International and Multicultural Student Services, located in 271 Davidson Student Center, assists international students with all issues related to their adjustment to campus and community life. The director serves as the academic advisor for entering international students and assists in matters of immigration, health insurance, tutoring, housing and legal problems. Students may also seek information concerning the studies abroad program in this office. For further information, contact the director at (706) 568-2273.
Minority Affairs
The Office of Minority Affairs provides assistance and support to African American students in the areas of advising, tutoring, and the coordination of academic workshops and social activities. All programs are specifically designed to enhance the personal development, retention, and academic success of the students. The office is located in Davidson Student Center, Room 271, (706) 568-2273.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association represents the interest and welfare of students through its elected officials and representatives. Student government has as its purposes the encouragement of student participation in university affairs and the promotion of understanding among students, faculty, and administration. The student forum advises the university administration on student issues, recommends students to serve on university student-faculty committees and administers programs and services consistent with the privileges granted in its constitution.
Student Musical Organizations
Opportunities are available for students to participate in instrumental and choral activities through three organizations: the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Chorale. Music majors are particularly urged to participate in musical performances related to their special interests. In addition to the organizations, a number of musical ensembles are open for participation by all students: Singers, Brass Choir, Jazz Band, Flute Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Pep Band, and other small ensembles. Students who wish may, with the approval of the director, register for one hour of credit each semester they participate in an ensemble.
Student Newspaper
The student newspaper, The Saber, offers a wide variety of opportunities for interested students to gain experiences in writing editorials, reporting, photography, layout, and business management. It reports and interprets news of interest to the campus community and expresses opinions on significant matters.
Student Programming Council
The purpose of the SPC is to contribute to the social, recreational, cultural, and educational development of the university community through programs and services. A program of concerts, lectures, films, and other entertainment is provided through a portion of the student activities fee paid by students at registration. Student admission is free or at reduced rates.
Theatre
The university theatre provides students with an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of dramatic activities, including main stage productions , as well as several shorter studio theatre presentations each semester. Experience and training can be gained in acting, directing, makeup, stage craft, costuming, and house management. Academic credit may be earned for participation in theatre productions. Student admission to the university theatre productions is free.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center, located in 146 Davidson Student Center, offers a variety of services to all students, staff, faculty, and alumni. The counseling staff consists of mental health professionals who are trained and experienced in facilitating personal development. A confidential atmosphere is provided where personal, social, and academic concerns may be discussed. These concerns include, but are not limited to, the following: anxiety management, depression, career decisions, loneliness, interpersonal relations (peers, boy/girl friend, family), and academic difficulties.
If the counseling staff are unable to provide the necessary service for a client, appropriate recommendations are discussed and referrals are made. The orientation and philosophy of the center give equal consideration to the emotional, personal, academic, and vocational aspects of each student's development.
Each semester, the counseling staff present outreach programs on topics such as test anxiety reduction, stress management, assertion training, study skills improvement, and other life skills. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these free workshops.
Psychological testing is available in areas of interest, intelligence, and personality. The primary purpose of the testing services is to assist students in self-awareness and to integrate this awareness into decision-making skills and rewarding behavior. In addition, fee-for-service assessment is available for students who wish to petition for special academic accommodations.
Career Center
The Career Center, located in 147 Davidson Center, provides students and alumni with career information, current employment and experiential education opportunities, and assists in the development of effective job search skills. Students are encouraged to visit the Career Center for all types of employment needs, including student assistant and work-study employment, part-time, and full-time positions. In addition, the cooperative education program exists to help students not only meet the financial needs of attending college, but also to provide students with professional work experiences that complement their classroom learning. Students are also encouraged to become involved with the campus volunteer program, as another avenue to gain career-related experience while attending school.
The Career Center offers a variety of career-related programming throughout the year. Careers Expo, held each winter, is the largest event of its kind in the Columbus area, providing students with an excellent opportunity to speak with some 80 potential employers. Underclassmen are encouraged to use this event for information gathering purposes, while seniors and alumni can network for potential employment opportunities. In addition, Education Job-a-Rama provides graduating education majors the opportunity to interview with representatives from several school districts. Job search seminars and interviewing skills workshops are presented several times throughout each semester, as well as specialized programming on such topics as business etiquette and obtaining employment with the state.
Resume preparation is a big part of the job search process, and the Career Center provides both the technology and the expertise to students and alumni who are creating or updating their resume. In addition, students and alumni purchasing Resume Expert software for a nominal fee will be able to have their resume uploaded into a database for employer access. Not only will resumes be mailed or faxed to potential employers, but those registering with the Career Center through Resume Expert will be notified of all on-campus recruiting opportunities.
Cooperative Education
The purpose of the cooperative education program is to provide Columbus State University students with a well-balanced combination of academic study and alternating periods of professional work experience related to the student's major and/or career goals. Cooperative education is a way for a student to earn college expense money while gaining practical, on-the-job experience. This allows the integration of classroom theory with professional work experience. Columbus State University students can be placed in co-op positions with companies which would most likely never come to campus to recruit, possibly giving students their only opportunity to make contact with such companies. By participating in the co-op program, the student has the opportunity:
- To develop professional work habits
- To realistically test career choices
- To achieve smoother transition into full-time employment
- To earn partial funds to support a college education
- To apply classroom learning to a work setting
- To gain valuable work experience and professional contacts that will help in seeking employment after graduation
- To observe a potential employer and workplace before accepting full-time employment
- To obtain job offers at higher starting salaries upon graduation
More information on cooperative education may be obtained by contacting the Career Center.
Student Health Services
The Student Health Center is located in 222 Davidson Center. During the regular academic terms, the clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. After hours students may receive assistance from the Public Safety Office in the Davidson Center. A family practice physician is available to see students on campus four times a week at no cost to the student.
The university is not responsible for medical bills or for illnesses/injuries incurred in free play, physical education classes, university-sponsored intramural sports, or other regularly-scheduled classes or activities.
All students are urged to have health insurance coverage of some type. A group student health and accident insurance plan is available to all Columbus State University students. Information and applications can be obtained from the Student Health Center.
The Student Health Services budget is derived from student health fees. Fees cover professional services, selected over-the-counter medications, first aid supplies, and educational materials. Community referrals and health counseling are available through the health center. All medical care and counseling are confidential. For further information, contact Student Health Services, (706) 568-2039.
Student Medical Withdrawals
A student may be administratively withdrawn from the university when, in the judgment of the vice president for student affairs, and after consultation with appropriate university officials, such as the director of Student Health Services and/or the director of the Counseling Center, it is determined that the student suffers from a physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health condition which poses a significant danger or threat to the student, the university, or the rights of others in the university community. A student shall, upon request, be accorded an appropriate hearing with the vice president for academic affairs prior to final decision concerning continued enrollment at the university. In emergency situations, a decision on medical withdrawals may be made prior to a hearing, but review of the decision may be made at the request of the student.
Reserve Officers' Training Corps - ROTC
The university, in conjunction with the U.S. Army, maintains a Department of Military Science for those students who elect to combine military leadership and managerial training with a traditional academic program. Upon completing ROTC, students are commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army. The Military Science Department is staffed by active duty officers and noncommissioned officers. The military science curriculum, 32 credit hours, is divided into the basic course (freshman-sophomore) and the advanced course (junior-senior). The basic course is open to all students. The advanced course is open to all students; students who are not contracted cadets may audit classes only. Textbooks and other required course materials are furnished at no charge. Scholarships are also available.
The Division of Continuing Education and Regional Services
The continuing education program is one of the largest and most comprehensive programs of its kind in the state. Non-credit courses, conferences, and workshops are offered in career and professional development, leisure activities, and issues of public concern. Most courses are presented at the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center for Continuing Education. While continuing education courses do not earn credit toward a college degree, many courses earn continuing education units (CEUs), a nationally-recognized method for measuring non-credit course work. Contact the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center, (706) 568-2023 for a free catalog describing current continuing education courses.
Housing
CSU Courtyard I, a 234-bed student residence complex that features four-bedroom apartment units, is located just a short walk from the center of campus on College Drive. The fully-furnished units feature private bedrooms with a shared common area. Also in this complex is a more traditional "dorm-style" facility with 32 beds arranged with two persons to a room. A clubhouse, swimming pool with sundeck, laundry facilities, and cable TV round out the amenities.
CSU Courtyard II, a 212-bed complex is arranged in one, two and three-bedroom apartment units. This complex, located on Gentian Boulevard, has the same amenities as CSU Courtyard I. The Housing Office, located in CSU Courtyard I at the corner of University Avenue and College Drive, provides management for both of the residence complexes. For information, contact the director of residence life at (706) 568-2026.
Public Safety Department Motor Vehicle Regulations
The Public Safety Department is located on the first floor of the Davidson Student Center. The department has 11 sworn police officers. The officers are responsible for life and property safety, parking enforcement and enforcement of state and local laws. They also lock and unlock campus buildings, assist motorist with battery jump-offs or keys locked in vehicles, and patrol university campus on foot and in marked patrol vehicles. The Public Safety department is a member of the Georgia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Parking Association.
Motor vehicles parked on campus require a parking permit decal which may be obtained at the campus Public Safety Office. A permit is valid for the school year and must be purchased every fall semester, or upon entering. Charges for the permit are located in the expenses section of this catalog. Temporary parking permits for unregistered vehicles are available at no charge from the Public Safety Office. Special parking permits are available for visitors to the campus.
Designated parking areas are provided for visitors, faculty, staff, and students. All faculty and staff parking lots, except lots 8 and 18, are open for students after 5:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and from 5:30 p.m. Friday to 7:00 a.m. Monday. Parking is not allowed on university roads and drives. The speed limit is 20 mph on university roads and 10 mph in parking areas. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times.
Violations will result in a fine of $10 per citation, with a $25 first-offense fine for unauthorized parking in spaces designated for the disabled. Second offense for unauthorized parking in spaces designated for the disabled will result in a fine of no less than $100 and no more than $200; third offense, no less than $200 and no more than $500. Offenders must appear in Municipal Court. Fines are payable at the Public Safety Office. Failure to clear fines before the end of the semester could prevent or delay registration for following semesters. Cars may be towed from the university campus under the following conditions: blocking traffic, student cars parked in areas designated for faculty and staff (other than times specified above) or visitors, or any condition that creates a safety hazard. Any fee or release charge must be paid by the student.
A complete code of motor vehicle regulations may be found in the Student Handbook and Public Safety Office.
Fort Benning Center
The university office on post provides services to Fort Benning personnel and their family members. Assistance with advising and registration is available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Fort Benning Center, Building 2603, second floor. For more information, visit the center or call (706) 689-8668 or (706) 545-1085.
