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Student Activities and Support Services - Columbus State University

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Academics

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.

Academic Support

At Columbus State University, providing academic support services to students is a community effort. The various university offerings afford opportunities for every student to succeed. In all stages of their academic programs of study, students are able to benefit from dedicated faculty and staff, academic advising services, teaching libraries and computer labs, tutorial services, specialized courses, computer assistance and instruction, student organizations and clubs, intellectually stimulating and engaging programs, and challenging and enriching opportunities for growth. These extensive programs and services enable the university to realize its mission and vision by providing a student-centered developmental program while educating students to think critically, work creatively, communicate effectively, and become technologically literate. In addition, these and other initiatives enhance Columbus State University's commitment to function as a visible, responsible and responsive student-centered institution dedicated to academic excellence.

Center for Academic Advising

The Center for Academic Advising serves as a central resource for students to gather information about academic programs and opportunities across campus. The Center assists students in exploring suitable programs of study and refers them, when appropriate, to related campus services such as the Career Center and the Counseling Center. Advisors at the Center for Academic Advising work closely with academic departments, and offer specialized advising to transfer students, first-year students who have not selected a major program of study, and continuing students who are considering changes in their academic programs. The Center for Academic Advising supports and encourages students to make responsible and informed decisions for themselves about their courses of study. The Center for Academic Advising is located in 104 Woodall Hall.

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, cross country and soccer; 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 intramural programs for students, faculty, and staff. Current programs include flag football, volleyball, softball, tennis, 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. In the Jobs Room at the Career Center, students and grads will find a variety of opportunities offered by local as well as state and nation-wide employers seeking qualified candidates. This includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal employment. The jobs are both casual ' perfect for the student ' and professional, right for the graduate. The Career Center is also the source of information for on-campus employment including student assistant and work-study positions, and employment with the on-campus vendors.

The Career Center offers a variety of career-related programs throughout the year. In addition to posting positions in the Jobs Room, employers provide information tables at various locations on the campus during the semester. Job search seminars and interviewing skills seminars are presented several times throughout each semester, as well as specialized programming on such topics as how to prepare for a career fair and obtaining employment with the state. Check the Career Center website frequently for the schedule of employers and seminars.

Major career events are a highlight of the year on any campus. CSU students are invited to attend several events during the year; however, two of the largest are sponsored by the Career Center -- Career Opportunities and Careers Expo. Career Opportunities is organized by a consortium of colleges, and attracts a diverse group of employers from across the state. This event is held each Fall semester in Atlanta. Careers Expo, held each spring on the CSU campus, is the largest event of its kind in the Columbus area, providing students and grads with an excellent opportunity to speak with over 80 employers and school districts. Underclassmen are encouraged to use this event for information gathering purposes, while seniors and alumni can network for potential employment opportunities.

The Career Center supports the students' need to have a professional presentation. The Center offers resume preparation assistance using ResumeMaker, which is free to students and alumni, and allows you to create a professional resume in the Career Center's computer lab. After uploading your resume through our software, you can make necessary revisions on any computer with internet access. Once approved through our critiquing service, your resume can be posted on CougarTRAK for employers nationwide to review. Remember, ResumeMaker must first be accessed through the Career Center's computer lab. For more information on Career Center services, visit our website 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 MonsterTRAK and the University System of Georgia, allows resume posting and job notice retrieval and is accessible through the Career Center web site.

Activities related to the students' classroom experience are offered through the Career Center and includes the Cooperative Education program and internship opportunities. Students are also encouraged to become involved with Cougar P.A.W.S., the campus volunteer connection, as another avenue to gain career-related experience while attending school.

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.

Internship is meaningful work related to the students' course of study for course credit. An internship is an academic activity, offered and defined by many of the CSU majors within the individual schools. The School determines the eligibility for participation, the requirement for course credit, and supervises the students' activity.

Both programs allow the integration of classroom theory with professional work experience, and the opportunity to develop professional work habits. Participating in experiential programs allows the student to:

  • Realistically test career choices
  • Achieve smoother transition into full-time employment
  • Apply classroom learning to a work setting
  • Gain valuable work experience and professional contacts that will help in seeking employment after graduation
  • Observe a potential employer and workplace before accepting full-time employment
  • Obtain job offers at higher starting salaries upon graduation

More information on experiential education, including volunteering, may be obtained by contacting the Career Center.

Center for International Education

The Center for International Education increases an understanding of the world among CSU students, faculty and staff.  CIE provides advising for study abroad and exchange programs.  It also provides advising to international students, including cultural and personal counseling, general academic counseling, and advising on immigration matters.  Students seeking assistance should contact (706) 565-4036.  CIE is located in the International House on Clearview Circle.

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
  • Association for Computing Machinery
  • Arden
  • Cadets in Action Collective
  • Counseling Student Association
  • French Club
  • History Club
  • Lambda Alpha Epsilon ' American Criminal Justice Association
  • LEAD (Leadership Education and Development)
  • Max Club
  • PVMA ' Pre Veterinary Club
  • Psychology Club
  • Sociology Club

Honor Societies

  • Alpha Phi Sigma
  • Beta, Beta, Beta
  • Chi Chi
  • Honoris Causa
  • Kappa Delta Pi
  • Lambda Pi Eta
  • National Society for Collegiate Scholars
  • Omicron Psi
  • Phi Alpha Theta
  • Phi Alpha Alpha
  • Phi Beta Delta
  • Phi Kappa Phi
  • Pi Kappa Lambda
  • Pi Sigma Alpha
  • Psi Chi
  • Sigma Tau Delta

Special Interest

  • African Students Organization
  • Action International
  • Baptist Collegiate Ministries
  • College Republicans
  • CSU Ambassadors
  • Cougars for Christ
  • CSU Democrats
  • Genesis
  • Greek Council
  • Minority Student Union
  • Newman Society of CSU
  • Orientation Team
  • Residence Housing Association
  • SABER
  • Student Government Association
  • Student Political Awareness
  • Student Activities Council
  • Tri-Beta
  • Westminster Fellowship

Social Sororities

  • Alpha Delta Omega
  • 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
  • Omega Psi Phi
  • Phi Beta Sigma
  • Sigma Nu
  • Tau Kappa Epsilon

Performing Arts

  • CSU Chorale
  • CSU Jazz Bands
  • Philharmonic Orchestra
  • CSU Pep Band
  • Collegiate Music Educators Association
  • Mu Phi Epsilon
  • Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
  • Sigma Alpha Iota
  • University Singers
  • Wind Symphony
  • Wind Orchestra
  • CSU University Studio Theatre

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 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, assertiveness 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.

Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services coordinates the compliance of Columbus State University with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, not merely to achieve legality, but to foster academic potential through individualized plans tailored to the particular needs of students with disabilities. Students with documented physical, psychological or cognitive disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible so that proper accommodations may be made in a timely manner.

Diversity and Multicultural Services

The Office of Diversity and Multicultural Issues and Services, located in the Davidson Student Center, room 271, provides assistance and advocacy to minority and multicultural students. Sensitivity to minority, multicultural and cross cultural students is an important aspect of the office. The office consults with student groups regarding programming for this aspect of Student Life.

First Year Experience® Program

New students face many challenges when making the transition to university life. CSU's First Year Experience Program is designed to help smooth this transition. The components listed below are intended to assist new students in building a foundation for academic success while promoting social, cultural and personal development.

  • Adult Re-Entry Program
  • Career Development and Exploration
  • Cougar Kickoff
  • Freshman Convocation
  • Freshman Leadership Program
  • Freshman Learning Communities
  • Freshman Seminar (CSUS 1106)
  • Freshman Orientation
  • Welcome Week

Refer to the University College section of this catalog and to http://uc.colstate.edu/first_year.asp for more information.

Minority Advising Program

The Minority Advising Program promotes the academic welfare of African American and other minority students at CSU. Through programs, activities, and services, the Minority Advising Program enhances the personal development, retention, and academic success of the students it serves. MAP programs, activities, and services are open to all CSU students. Contact the Division of Student Affairs for more information.

Residence Life

CSU Main Campus Housing

CSU Courtyard I is a 430-bed student residence complex that houses all freshmen residents. Special programming and activities are planned for the freshmen at Courtyard I. The Wall Street Program for Business majors and the Intensive Study Program for upperclassmen with a 3.0 or higher G.P.A are also located in Courtyard I. It is located, just a short walk from the center of campus, on College Drive. A clubhouse, swimming pool, laundry facilities, outdoor recreation area, basketball courts, gameroom, and cable and internet connections are included amenities.

CSU Courtyard II, a 349-bed complex is arranged in one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments. Courtyard II houses all upperclassmen and is located on Gentian Boulevard, which is within walking distance of the center of campus. Courtyard II also houses the Global Village Program for international residents. It has a clubhouse, laundry facility, cable and internet connections, balconies, and outdoor storage.

Each apartment complex has a full-time live-in Residence Life Coordinator and a staff of Resident Assistants to make the living on campus a great experience. The Office of Residence Life is located on University Avenue (behind Courtyard I) and the office number is (706) 568-2026.

RiverPark Student Housing

RiverPark student housing, a 360 bed student housing facility made up of three buildings in uptown Columbus, is open to all CSU students. The three buildings (Rankin, Columbus Hall, and Broadway Crossing) are conveniently located to serve students in the nearby art, music, and theatre classes. RiverPark student housing is apartment style living with a community atmosphere. Resident Advisors live in each building and contribute to the campus experience with special programming and activities. Amenities include: basic furnishings, laundry facilities, Card Access control, unlimited high speed internet, cable, recreation and fitness facilities. The RiverPark campus has a dedicated shuttle to and from CSU's main campus .

Student Art Galleries

Student Art Gallery

The student exhibition spaces located on The RiverPark campus in the Corn Center for the Arts will have a number of art exhibitions on display throughout the year. These displays feature contemporary works by student artists. Annually, during the spring, the Student Art Exhibition is the high point of art students' academic activities during the year.

The Norman Shannon and Emmy Lou P. Illges Gallery

The exhibition space located on The RiverPark campus in The Norman Shannon and Emmy Lou P. Illges Gallery features exhibits by international, national, regional and local artists. This 3000 square foot gallery exposes students to the finest available traditional and contemporary visual artwork. The highlight for many of the exhibits is the reception for the visiting artist attended by faculty, students and community members. Workshops by these artists are offered and may be attended by University students . 

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 271, in most academic department offices, and on the Web at http://studentservices.colstate.edu/06-07_handbook.pdf.

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 by appointment 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 office 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 in the Schwob School of Music. Individual auditions and professor/conductor approval is required for all CSU ensembles, including Wind Symphony, Wind Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, Chorale, University Singers and Jazz Band. Students selected for participation in these various ensembles may register for one hour of credit per semester. All rehearsals and most performances are in the RiverCenter. A university shuttle is available to transport students from the main campus to the RiverCenter.

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

CSU Theatre provides students with an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of dramatic activities which includes main stage productions, as well as several shorter studio theatre presentations each semester. Experience and training can be gained in acting, directing, musical theatre, children's theatre, makeup, design and production, and arts management. Academic credit may be earned for participation in theatre productions. Student admission to the university theatre productions is free.

Tutorial Services

Free tutoring is provided to students enrolled in learning support and many core curriculum courses through the Office of Tutorial Services, located in Tucker Hall. Free seminars and workshops provide information and strategies that assist students in making satisfactory academic progress.

University Police/Motor Vehicle Regulations

The CSU University Police Main Campus office is located on the second floor of the Health and Safety Center. The CSU University Police RiverPark campus office is located at 1013 Broadway. The department has 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 patrol the university campus on foot, bikes, and marked patrol cars. The University Police Department 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.

Habitual parking violators will be booted and/or towed. Tow and Boot Fees are the responsibility of the violator. The Boot Fee is $25 and can be paid to the Student Payment Center in Fine Arts Hall.

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 http://police.colstate.edu.

Writing Center

The CSU Writing Center (116 Woodall Hall) provides free assistance for writers of all levels and abilities and from any discipline. Formally trained peer consultants can help writers understand assignments and generate ideas; focus, organize, and develop drafts; document sources to avoid plagiarism; and edit for usage and punctuation errors. Besides consulting with students about class assignments, consultants will also help students prepare for the Regents' Test and compose essays for scholarship and program applications. Additional services include online consultations, workshops on writing issues, and classroom based consulting. For more information, visit our website at http://langlit.colstate.edu/writingcenter.

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