General Information
Continuing Education
Check out Columbus State University's Continuing Education (CE) online at http://continuinged.ColumbusState.edu. CE offers professional development and certificate programs, as well as fun classes for your personal and career development. We also offer a wide range of online courses. Pick up a catalog today at one of our great locations. Classes are held on campus at the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center and downtown at the Rankin Arts Center located at 1004 Broadway. For more information on our exceptional centers, call 706-507-8070 or visit our website http://continuinged.ColumbusState.edu
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency on any CSU Property (Main Campus and RiverPark Campus), contact the University Police Office immediately at 706-568-2022. Call this number and report the nature of the emergency (accident, illness, commission of a crime, etc.) and the exact location where the emergency has occurred. Help will be dispatched according to the nature of the incident. Remain at the location until help arrives.
In the event a student needs to be located due to an emergency, such as a serious accident, serious illness, or death, which has occurred off campus, please call University Police at 706-568-2022. ONLY EMERGENCY notifications will be made.
Behavioral Assessment and Recommendation Team (BART)
BART is the program used by faculty, staff, and students to report incidents of behavior that may threaten the safety and well-being of Columbus State University students, faculty, staff, and visitors. However, If there is an active or immediate risk of violence to self or others, University Police should be contacted at 706-568-2022.
I. D. Cards (Cougar OneCard)
Your CSU student ID card, the Cougar OneCard, serves many purposes. It is the official student ID of Columbus State University and allows you to check out books in the library, attend campus events, use the recreational complex and access your meal plan. Additionally, the ID can also be activated as a MasterCard debit card tied to a free online checking account.
This ID card is good for your entire university career at Columbus State University. Cards are made during the semester at the ID desk located in the University Police Department. The first card is free, but there is a charge for any replacement cards. To report Cougar OneCard lost or stolen 24 hours a day, please sign on to www.CSUCougarOne.com If needed for library or meal-plan use, temporary cards will be issued at the CSU ID desk. If you have questions regarding your card, you may call University Police at 706-568-2022.
Intercollegiate Athletics
The university is a Division II member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the Peach Belt Conference. The director of athletics administers intercollegiate athletics in accordance with the regulations of the NCAA and the policies of a faculty/student athletic committee. Women compete in intercollegiate basketball, softball, tennis, cross country, soccer, golf, rifle and track & field. Men compete in intercollegiate baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, rifle and track & field. Any student interested in competing on any sports team should contact the athletic director. The athletic department also supports a dance team and nationally-ranked co-ed cheerleading squad.
Lost and Found
The lost and found service provided by the University Police Office is located at the University Police Department. Items turned in will be logged and retained for 30 days. All unclaimed items after thirty (30) days will be disposed of by donation to local charities. Every means available will be used by the University Police Office to return all property to the original owner.
Students, other than resident students, are asked not to have personal correspondence sent to the university. There is no effective method of getting mail to individual students after it has been delivered to the campus. A student who receives correspondence as a member of an officially recognized campus organization may pick up this mail from the box assigned to the organization in the Student Government Association office.
Payments by Check
Students may pay university fees by check. A fee of thirty dollars or five percent, whichever is greater, will be charged for any returned check. If a check is returned, subsequent payments by the student must be made in cash or money order for a one-year period. Should any student have more than one check returned to the university, that student may be placed on a cash basis indefinitely.
Rings
The CSU class ring is a symbol of pride and dedication in earning your degree from Columbus State University. Your ring is unique to the students and alumni of Columbus State University. Wherever you go, other alumni of CSU will recognize your ring. The CSU class ring and pendant are available through the Columbus State University Bookstore.
Telephone Calls
University telephones are used for official business only. Pay telephones are located on the second floor of the Davidson Center, first floor of the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center (handicap accessible), first floor of Center for Commerce and Technology (handicap accessible), and first floor of the RiverCenter (handicap accessible). These phones should be used for personal calls. All phones considered handicap accessible are wheelchair accessible and have “LBZ” devices for the hearing impaired. TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) services are offered in the University Police office, Health and Safety Center and the Academic Support Center, Schuster. In addition, there are four “no cost, on campus dialing only,” phones available for students. One is located in the main entrance of Howard Hall, another is located in the vestibule of the library, another in the interior hallway of the Admissions Office in University Hall and a fourth is located on the second floor of the Davidson Student Center.
Emergency phones are located in elevators and in parking lot areas. The phones in the parking lots are freestanding “poles” with blue lights attached to the top of the pole. They are single button devices that dial the University Police Office.
Traditions
There are a number of activities that occur annually on the CSU campus. These events have proven to be popular with the university community and have become recognized as “traditions”.
Cougar Picnic
On the first Wednesday of the school year, the entire campus gathers around the Clock Tower for food and entertainment. Student organizations are present and excited to recruit new members, while other students mingle and make new friends! It's a fun way to kick off the school year.
Freshman Convocation
Freshman Convocation is a formal ceremony held at the beginning of each academic year. During this event, entering freshman are introduced to CSU's president, vice presidents, deans and faculty. They are also formally inducted into the CSU community of scholars. During the reception that follows the ceremony, students have an opportunity to talk with faculty, staff and alumni.
Midnight Madness
This event takes place each year in October and is the official start of basketball season all across the nation. NCAA dictates that no athletic teams can officially practice until a set date. On the evening of Midnight Madness, students meet at the Lumpkin Center to play games, compete in contests, and watch the cheerleaders and dance team perform. The evening concludes with the introduction of both the men and women's teams and a scrimmage game.
Homecoming
Homecoming usually occurs Spring semester. This week is full of traditional events that help celebrate the CSU community. Events include the Mr./Ms. Courtyard pageant, Homecoming Ball, tailgating, and student organization competition. Homecoming is organized by the Office of Student Life & Engagement. For more information contact them at 706-568-2273.
Scholastic Honors Convocation
This Spring Semester event showcases our outstanding students and faculty. Among the honors awarded are Who's Who, outstanding students in each discipline, Top Academic Student, Faculty Cup, Faculty Service Award, Faculty Research and Scholarship Award and Educator of the Year.
Voter Registration
Voter registration service is available for those students who wish to register to vote or for those who have had a change of address since their initial registration. The form is available in the Schuster Center, 216, 706-507-8730.
