Student Activities and Support Services

Columbus State University is dedicated to developing the full potential of its students. A variety of opportunities are provided 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 Dean of Students 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.

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.

Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation offers a wide range of team and individual coeducational intramural programs for students, faculty, and staff. Current programs include flag football, volleyball, softball, tennis, bowling, basketball, golf, eight ball, chess, checkers, card games, 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 207 Health and Safety Center, (706) 568-2273.

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 spring, 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, Teacher Recruitment Fair 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 http://career.colstate.edu.

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 Web 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.

Clubs and Organizations

Students are encouraged to participate in the programs and services of student organizations that can enhance personal and professional development. The university has recognized the following clubs and organizations. For further information regarding clubs and organizations, contact the office of student life, 271 Davidson Student Center, (706) 568-2273.

Academic and Professional
AMSA - Premedical
Counseling Student Association
Early Childhood Organization
History Club
Lambda Alpha Epsilon
Max Club
Psychology Club
Sociology Club
Student Nursing Association

Honor Societies
Alpha Phi Sigma
Beta Beta Beta
Chi Sigma Iota
Honors Causa
Kappa Delta Pi
Lambda Pi Eta
Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Beta Delta
Phi Kappa Phi
Pi Alpha Alpha
Pi Kappa Lambda
Pi Sigma Alpha
Psi Chi

Special Interest
Baptist Student Union
CORE
Cadets in Action
College Republications
CSU Islamic Association
Freethought Society
Greek Council
National Pan-Hellenic Council
Orientation Team
Residence Housing Association
SABER
Student Government Association
Student Political Awareness
Student Activities Council

Social Sororities
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Delta Sigma Theta
Delta Zeta
Phi Mu
Xi Theta
Zeta Phi Beta

Social Fraternities
Alpha Phi Alpha
Kappa Alpha Psi
Kappa Sigma
Sigma Nu
Tau Kappa Epsilon

Performing Arts
Collegiate Music Educators National Conference
CSU Jazz Bands
CSU Symphony/Orchestra
Mu Phi Epsilon
Phi Mu Alpha
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Student Theatre Advisory Council
University Singers

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 relationships (peers, boy/girl friend, family), and academic difficulties.

If any of 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.

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 an advisor for international students and assists in matters of immigration, health insurance, tutoring, housing and legal problems. 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.

University Police/Motor Vehicle Regulations

The University Police Department is located on the second floor of the Gym Annex. The department has 19 sworn police officers who are responsible for life and property safety, parking enforcement and enforcement of state and local laws. The officers also secure 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 University Police Department in the Health and Safety Center; decals for Courtyard residents may be obtained at the Residence Life 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 University Police Department. Temporary permits should be obtained and placed on vehicles upon arrival on campus. Two parking decals are 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 the University Police Department. For more information, visit the University Police Web site at www.colstate.edu.

Residence Life

CSU Courtyard I, a 230-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 four private bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a shared common area and a full kitchen. Also in this complex is a more traditional "dorm-style" facility with 16 private bedrooms. A clubhouse, swimming pool with sundeck, laundry facilities, and cable and Internet connections round out the amenities.

CSU Courtyard II, a 349-bed complex is arranged in one, two, three and four-bedroom apartment units. This complex, located on Gentian Boulevard, is also within walking distance of the center of campus and has the same amenities as CSU Courtyard I, plus outside storage. Each four-bedroom unit consists of four private bedrooms with a vanity in each bedroom, and two bathrooms.

Each apartment complex has a full-time resident manager. The director of residence life can be reached at the Residence Life Office at Courtyard I, (706) 568-2026.

Student 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.

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 Handbook

A student handbook is available to all CSU students, faculty, and staff. The handbook contains general information on student life, student services, campus organizations, and fraternities and sororities. University policies and student rights and responsibilities are also included in this publication.

Handbooks are distributed during new student orientation and are also available in the Student Life Office, Davidson 277, at the Information Desk in the first floor of Richards Hall, and in most academic department offices.

Student Health Services

The Student Health Center is located in the Health and Safety Center. The hours of operation are posted each semester. After hours, students may receive assistance from the University Police Department in the Health and Safety 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 dean of students, 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 student 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.

Student Musical Organizations

Opportunities are available for students to participate in instrumental and choral activities through three large ensembles: the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Chorale. All students are urged to participate in musical performances related to their special interests. In addition to these ensembles, a number of small ensembles are available, including University Singers and Jazz Band. 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 Activities Council

The purpose of the Student Activities Council (SAC) 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.

Writing Center

The CSU Writing Center offers free, confidential tutoring for writing assignments in a variety of disciplines. Students can brainstorm ideas for assignments, bring in outlines or rough drafts, or ask for help with particular grammar or punctuation concerns. The Writing Center can also assist students with preparation for the writing section of the Regents' Test. Peer tutors help writers by conversing with them about the project at hand, asking students to articulate their intentions and concerns about the project and drawing upon students' own knowledge to enhance and extend their practices of writing. The Writing Center is located in 209 Arnold Hall, next to the English Computer Lab. For more information and up-to-date semester hours, visit our website at http://langlit.colstate.edu/writingcenter.