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. The athletic department also supports a nationally-ranked co-ed cheerleading squad for which auditions are held each spring.
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, racquetball, table tennis, eight ball, chess, checkers, card games, superstars competition, and individual challenges. Outdoor adventure trips include whitewater rafting, canoeing, backpacking, and snow skiing. In addition to scheduled activities, the tennis courts, gymnasium, fitness center, handball courts, and an intramural field 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 university has recognized the following clubs and organizations. 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 ECHO History Club Jazz Band Lambda Alpha Epsilon Literature Club Math/Computer Science Club Masters of Public Administration Association Political Science Association Psychology Club Respiratory Therapy Club Singers Sociology Club Student Musicians' League Student Personnel Association Symphonic Wind Ensemble Theatre Advisory Council Tri-Beta University Symphony Orchestra
Honor Societies Alpha Phi Sigma Beta Beta Beta Kappa Delta Pi Mu Phi Epsilon 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 Columbus Real Estate Investors’ Group C.O.R.E. College Life CSU Housing Association CSU Islamic Association E/L Network Greek Council Ladies of Black & Gold Minority Student Union Saber, student newspaper Self-Defense Club Student Government Association Student Programming Council
National Social Sororities Alpha Kappa Alpha Delta Sigma Theta Delta Zeta Phi Mu Kappa Sigma Omega
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 Cougar P.A.W.S., 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 100 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.
The Career Center offers resume preparation assistance using the web-based system, 1st Place. This service, which is free to students and alumni, allows the creation of a professional-looking resume which can then be distributed to employers who contact the Career Center. This system may be accessed through any Internet provider at www.colstate.edu/student/career.
Those wishing to relocate outside the Columbus area upon graduation are advised to utilize Georgia HIRE, a statewide, shared-resume database. This system, a cooperative effort between JOBTRACK corporation and the University System of Georgia, allows resume posting and job notice retrieval and is accessible through the website address above.
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. The hours of operation are posted each semester. After hours, students may receive assistance from the Public Safety Office in the Davidson Center. A family practice physician is available to see students during scheduled clinic hours 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. Active duty officers and noncommissioned officers staff the Military Science Department. 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 Department of Public Safety is located on the first floor of the Davidson Student Center. The department has 11 sworn police officers who are responsible for life and property safety, parking enforcement and enforcement of state and local laws. The officers also lock and unlock campus buildings, assist motorists with battery jump-offs and keys locked in vehicles, and patrol the university campus on foot, bikes, and marked patrol cars. The Department of Public Safety has membership in the Georgia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.
Operation and parking of a motor vehicle on campus is a privilege. All motor vehicles (including motorcycles) parked on campus and CSU Courtyard I & II are required to have a university decal. University decals may be obtained at the Department of Public Safety in the Davidson Student Center; decals for Courtyard residents may be obtained at the Housing Office. Permits are issued for the school year. Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for vehicles (to include parking citations) while their vehicles are located on university property. Temporary permits are available for students, faculty, and staff free of charge at the Department of Public Safety. Temporary permits should be obtained and placed on vehicles upon arrival on campus. A parking decal is included in the university access fee. Additional decals may be purchased for $5.00 each.
A complete code of motor vehicle regulations may be found in the Student Handbook and Public Safety Office. For more information, visit the Public Safety website at www.colstate.edu.
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 2613, second floor. For more information, visit the center or call (706) 689-8668 or (706) 545-1085.
