DIVISION FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

Eric J. Summers, Vice President for Student Affairs

 

The Division for Student Affairs complements the University’s academic mission by providing a safe and supportive campus that affords students with ample opportunities for development in addition to important services that add value to the campus experience. At the core of the Division’s work is the belief that student involvement (defined as time spent on campus, involvement with student organizations, interaction and familiarity with faculty and staff, development of a peer support group, and commitment to academic pursuits) is critical to student success. As such, the Division serves as a resource to all students, regardless of major or classification.

 

Student Affairs Mission Statement

The Division for Student Affairs enhances growth of Southeastern students and fosters pride in the institution through the provision of superior campus services, meaningful opportunities for student development, and maintenance of a safe campus. The Division for Student Affairs oversees several services and programs as follows:

 

Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students provides personal development opportunities for all students through its wide range of programs that are designed to enhance the quality of student life. The Office of the Dean of Students has direct oversight of the Division’s assessment, parent programming, first-year co-curricular programming, free expression policies, registration of events/activities, new student orientation presentations, divisional on-call, and various other policies and procedures. 

 

Recreational Sports and Wellness

The REC provides students with opportunities to create and maintain healthy lifestyles through participation in programs and use of the Pennington Student Activity Center facility. The department offers dynamic fitness equipment along with an indoor track. There are also group exercise studios that are available to everyone along with a racquetball court and a multi-sport gymnasium. There are classrooms for student organizations to utilize and a lobby to take a mental break. Intramural Sports, Club Sports, Group Exercise Classes, Personal Trainers and special events are offered throughout the year.

Intramural Sports

Intramural Sports are designed to provide Southeastern Louisiana University students and employees who are members an opportunity to participate in a variety of competitive sports in a safe, fun, and structured environment. Some of the events are flag football, softball, basketball, soccer, racquetball and tennis.

Club Sports

Men’s Lacrosse, Men’s Rugby, and Tennis are all active club sports. If you have a passion for a sport and you would like to start a club, please talk with the Competitive Sports Coordinator. A club sport is a student organization designed to serve individual interests in different sports and recreational activities. These interests can be competitive, recreational, or instructional. Clubs compete with other clubs, organizations, colleges, and universities but should not be confused with a varsity sport administered by the Athletic Department. Varsity teams must follow NCAA rules and regulations, are usually fully funded, have paid coaches and athletic trainers, practices and competitions are mandatory, and today’s varsity sports usually require a full year commitment. Club Sports often compete with other universities but are not affiliated with the NCAA, the majority of their funds are self-generated, coaches are often volunteers, and the organization and administration of the club is determined by the club officers.

Fitness

Group exercise classes are workouts put to music for a fun, team oriented approach to fitness led by our motivational instructors. These classes are a nice break from other modes of exercise. With a variety of classes and facility hours, there's truly something for everyone. Our qualified group fitness instructors will lead you safely and smoothly through the classes of your choice. 

Personal Training

At The Rec, your success is our success! Our personal trainers hold a nationally recognized personal training certification and are fully equipped to help you accomplish your goals. Our personal trainers can assess and create custom exercise programs to suit your wants and needs.

 

Student Advocacy and Accountability

Southeastern Louisiana University, in pursuit of its educational mission, seeks to teach students citizenship, to value others and respect community. The University affirms that students, upon enrollment, do not lose the rights of, nor are they exempt from, fulfilling the obligations and duties of citizens. Students have the responsibility to familiarize themselves with the Student Code of Conduct and the University policies including, but not limited to, those pertaining to harassment, computer use, academic dishonesty, and traffic regulations. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which supports the educational mission and functions of the University, as well as to comply with all federal, state, and local laws, and all applicable University policies.

Sanctions

The following sanctions shall be effective at all universities under the jurisdiction of the University of Louisiana System:

  1. Any student who is found to have violated any of the rules of personal conduct may be sanctioned up to and including suspension, dismissal, or expulsion. If the violation is found to be of a serious nature, such student shall at minimum be suspended or dismissed for one academic year.
  2. A visitor to the campus found to have violated any rules of personal conduct may be denied admission to the University. If the violation is found to be of a serious nature or to have contributed to disruption, the visitor shall at a minimum be denied admission or employment for twelve months.
  3. The President of the University is authorized to bar from the campus any student who has committed an act of misconduct in violation of the rules of personal conduct and whose presence on the campus constitutes a clear and present danger to the orderly processes of the University.

Separation from the University

Students who are found responsible for serious violations of the Student Code of Conduct or who habitually violate the Student Code of Conduct may receive a sanction that separates them from the University. Such sanctions could include the following:

  1. Disciplinary Suspension: Involuntary separation of the student from the University for a definite period of time after which the student is eligible to apply for readmission assuming no intervening serious misconduct has occurred. The student is placed on disciplinary probation for the first semester following return to the University. Conditions for readmission may be specified. Students who are involuntarily separated from the University are restricted from visiting or entering any Southeastern Louisiana University premises for the period during which their sanction is in effect without advance written authorization from the Chief Student Conduct Officer. A hold may be placed on the ability to register and/or the records of the students who are involuntarily separated from the University for the period of separation.
  2. Disciplinary Dismissal: Involuntary separation of the student from the University for a definite period of time and without a guarantee of readmission. The terms of readmission will be established by the Chief Student Conduct Officer with the burden of proof lying with the student. Conditions for consideration of readmission may be specified. Students who are involuntarily separated from the University are restricted from visiting or entering Southeastern Louisiana University premises for the period during which their sanction is in effect without advance written authorization from the Chief Student Conduct Officer. A hold may be placed on the ability to register and/or the records of the students who are involuntarily separated from the University for the period of separation.
  3. Disciplinary Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from the University. Students who are involuntarily separated from the University are restricted from visiting or entering Southeastern Louisiana University premises for the period during which their sanction is in effect without advance written authorization from the Chief Student Conduct Officer. A hold will be placed on the student’s ability to register and may be placed on the records of those who are involuntarily separated from the University.

In certain circumstances where there is a perceived threat of safety to the University Community, the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Chief Student Conduct Officer, the Assistant Director of the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability (OSAA), or designee, may impose a University or residence hall suspension prior to final disposition of the matter. Upon issuance of an Interim Suspension, the Chief Student Conduct Officer, the Assistant Director of OSAA, or designee, shall endeavor to contact the Student, advise the student that an Interim Suspension is in effect, and provide the Student with an opportunity to address the alleged misconduct. 

 

Student Engagement

The Office for Student Engagement encourages and facilitates student engagement in student organizations including Student Government Association and Greek letter organizations, leadership development, and participation in campus-wide events and community service. The Office for Student Engagement is committed to providing development opportunities for all students and challenging them to become empowered, motivated and experienced leaders and citizens through a comprehensive co-curricular experience.

Student organizations are vital to Southeastern’s campus life and provide varied opportunities for students to enhance classroom experiences through interaction with individuals of varied interests, ideas, and values. There are over 100 student organizations that include honor societies and departmental, religious, service, and special interest groups. The following organizations are presently active at Southeastern:

Student Government Association

Southeastern’s Student Government Association (SGA), of which each student is a member, is the principle organization of the student body and is part of the Office for Student Engagement. The SGA provides student representation to the faculty, administration, and community. The SGA constitution provides for a three-branch system of government that includes executive, legislative, and judicial units. All branches are elected by the student body.

Departmental Organizations 

American Association of Drilling Engineers, American Industrial Hygiene Association, Biology Graduate Student Organization (BGSO), Biology Undergraduate Society (BUGS), Delta Omicron Professional Music Fraternity, DSA Leadership Ambassadors, Financial Management Association, GRE Physics Club (GREP), Italian Club, Le Circle Francais (French Club), MBA Society, National Association of Black Accountants, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), Pre-Law Students Association, Press Club, Public Relations Student Society of America, Sigma Alpha Iota-Mu Rho Chapter, Social Work Club, Society of Physics Students, Southeastern Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Southeastern Ceramics Club, Southeastern Education Association of Students, Southeastern Integrated Science Club (STEMS), Southeastern Marketing Association, Southeastern Sociological Association, Southeastern Student Nurses Association, Southeastern Trumpet Guild, Southeastern Undergraduate Mathematics Society (SUMS), Spanish Club, Student Athletic Training Association (SATA), Student Council for Exceptional Children, Visual Arts Society.

Honor Societies

Alpha Kappa Delta, Alpha Psi Omega, Beta Alpha Psi, Chi Sigma Iota Sigma Lambda Upsilon, Gamma Beta Phi, Honors Club, Kappa Delta Pi, Lambda Pi Eta, National Society for Collegiate Scholars, National Society of Leadership and Success (Alpha Sigma Pi), Pi Mu Epsilon, Psi Chi, Sigma Alpha Iota, Sigma Tau Delta/The English Club.

Religious

Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Catholic Student Association, Delight Ministries, Everdeeper College Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Lions for the Lamb, Presbyterian Campus Ministry, Southeastern Christian Association, Southeastern Gospel Choir, The MVMNT.

Service Organizations

Circle K International, Lion P.A.W.S., National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Rotaract Club at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Special Interest

Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), Best Buddies, Black Student Union, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club, College Democrats, College Republicans, Creative Media Club, Cultural Collision, C2, Ducks Unlimited, E.L.I.T.E. Women, Flipside Dance, InFocus, Justice4All, Lion Design Association, Lion Toastmasters, Lions4Life, MADE Men, National Association for Mental Health, Palmetto Press, Phi Beta Lambda, Reconnect, Residence Hall Association, Southeastern Student Section AIHA, SLU College Republicans, SLU Student Veterans Association, Sons of Promise & Daughters of Destiny Mentorship Program, Sounds of Silence, Southeastern Guitar Club, Southeastern Karaoke Society, Student Council for Exceptional Children, The Lion Performing Arts Club, Young Americans for Liberty.

Fraternities

Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Tau Gamma, and Theta Chi.

Sororities

Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Sigma Tau, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Mu, Sigma Gamma Rho, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Theta Phi Alpha, and Zeta Phi Beta.

 

Multicultural and International Student Affairs

The Office of Multicultural and International Student Affairs works to create a campus environment that encourages and welcomes diversity. The office coordinates a wide range of programs and services in cooperation with academic departments, student organizations and other student support units. These activities assist students in achieving academic success and provide the campus with avenues for learning about and celebrating new cultures and diverse ways of thinking.

 

Campus Activities Board 

Southeastern recognizes the value of extracurricular and co-curricular activities both as an integral part of the educational process and as a means of relaxation and entertainment for students. The Campus Activities Board’s (CAB) purpose is to enhance the educational process by allowing students to plan social, cultural, and entertainment programs for the campus community.

 

Student Publications

Student Publications is home to the award-winning student newspaper, The Lion’s Roar, and the award-winning student yearbook, Le Souvenir. Student journalists working in the office are responsible for the planning, writing, designing, and production of The Lion's Roar newspaper and Le Souvenir yearbook, as well as a variety of other media at Southeastern Louisiana University. Student Publications is committed to producing quality media that enhance the University while maintaining a learning-lab environment in which excellent communication skills and sound journalism will be learned and practiced by students. Dedicated to upholding the standards of responsible journalism, Student Publications provides the campus community with designated public forums for the expression of ideas and opinions in a free and open environment, and the exchange and dissemination of information. These dedicated student-led forums fulfill a role critically essential to the health of a vibrant university in a democratic society. 

Through the presence of a student-run newspaper and yearbook, the department provides the students, faculty, and staff of Southeastern with a variety of services and outcomes. While aiding in the creation of various media produced by the department, student staff members also benefit from the opportunity to learn and improve writing, reporting, editing, photography, layout, and graphic design skills. The office strives to produce award-winning University run and student-led publications that chronicle and document the history of the University while providing meaningful student opportunities that enhance the collegiate experience through education, training and hands-on experiences, management, leadership, ethics, responsibility, and community service. The department also provides students with a working environment that fosters the development of skills such as time management, human relations, teamwork, and fiscal responsibility.

Student Publications supports the mission and goals of the Division for Student Affairs and the entire University by providing both individuals and groups at the University with vehicles to publicize activities, events, and topics of relevance to the campus community. In addition, the media produced by the students in the office serves the community with information, curation and interpretation of news, and entertainment content localized to the campus.

 

Office of Career Services

The Office of Career Services (CS) provides job search assistance and career counseling/coaching services to juniors, seniors, graduate students, and alumni. CS also provides assistance in locating off-campus part-time employment opportunities in the surrounding areas to all classifications of currently enrolled students.

Career counseling/coaching services include information and sessions to discuss career goals, develop resumes and cover letters, and polish job interview skills. Career assessment is also available to clarify interests and personality strengths as they relate to appropriate career choices. Job search services include on-campus interviews, job vacancy postings, and campus-wide and specialized career fairs.

Students interested in any of these services should contact the Office of Career Services – www.southeastern.edu/career - careerservices@southeastern.edu – 985-549-2121 – SU Annex, Room 2102.

 

Office of Student Accessibility Services 

The mission of the Office of Student Accessibility Services is to ensure access for qualified students with disabilities, promote self-advocacy skill development, and provide guidance to the University community to enhance the understanding and support of students with disabilities.

In accordance with applicable law and University policy, Southeastern Louisiana University ensures equal opportunity for all qualified students with disabilities, without regard to disability, in the programs and services provided by the University.

SAS provides disability-related accommodations to students who are qualified and self-identify with the office. These services may include classroom accommodations, testing accommodations and the use of auxiliary aids. We work closely with other departments to facilitate these accommodations. The office also provides outreach and education to increase disability awareness within and around the Southeastern Louisiana University community.

To receive accommodations, students with disabilities must self-identify by providing current documentation from an appropriately licensed professional on official stationary regarding the nature and extent of the disability and the recommended accommodation(s). Detailed self-identification, documentation and accommodation request information is available from the Office of Student Accessibility Services.

 

University Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers professional mental health counseling services to assist with personal and social concerns. Individual, couples, marriage, family and group counseling is available to all students, faculty and staff. The UCC staff also provides emergency services after hours.

Professional services are confidential except in cases of danger to self or others, evidence of child/elder abuse or neglect, court order, written permission of the client to disclose, or if the counselor is legally challenged by the client. The UCC staff adheres to the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics and the Code of Ethics of the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners. The UCC is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc.

 

University Police Department

The Southeastern University Police Department is a service and safety oriented department with broad enforcement powers, dedicated to providing an atmosphere in which the mission of the university can be accomplished. Providing a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff is a top priority at Southeastern. The department operates 365 days a year, 24/7, and provides a full range of law enforcement services, including criminal investigations, accident investigations, and emergency services. Representatives of the department are actively involved in instructional and educational outreach. University police have jurisdiction over all university properties. Police officers are commissioned through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes, 17:1805.

Call boxes are strategically located throughout campus for students, faculty, and staff to summon assistance from the university police department. In addition, during an emergency, the university police can be contacted by dialing 2222 on a university phone. All 911 calls made on a cell phone will go to police agencies closest to the cell tower used by the caller's phone. Callers should let the 911 operator know the emergency is located on Southeastern’s campus.

Individuals arrested for violations of law are transported to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail (felony) or the Hammond City Jail (misdemeanor) for booking. Violations of university regulations are reported to the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability for further action. 

 

Transportation Services

Shuttle Service

Students, faculty and staff may ride the Lion Traxx Shuttle 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday (no Friday Service). Riders must present their Southeastern ID to board. Two routes cover the campus with shuttles making the loop around campus every 15 minutes. For time, stops, and more information, call 549- BUSS (2877).

Campus Parking Regulations

Campus parking regulations are explained in detail at: www.southeastern.edu/resources/policies/assets/traffic_parking_regs.pdf. Students are responsible for knowing and understanding the regulations, where they are authorized to park, the campus speed limits, and enforcement procedures.

Parking areas on Southeastern’s campus are designated and marked specifically faculty/staff, resident student, freshman commuter, upper class commuter, and motorcycles. Handicapped and maintenance vehicle parking spaces are also clearly marked. All parking areas are indicated by color code on the Campus Map.

Students requiring the use of a handicapped parking space must have a state issued handicapped hangtag, placard, or license plate and a Southeastern handicapped hangtag. Those who fail to obtain a Southeastern handicapped hangtag will be issued a parking citation. In accordance with state law, unauthorized parking in a handicapped space will result in a $275 parking citation.

Motor Vehicles

All students and employees of the University are required to purchase a parking decal/hangtag prior to parking on campus. All visitors are required to register their vehicle with Transportation Services and receive a temporary parking tag. Any vehicle parked on campus without a current parking tag will be issued a ticket

Bicycle Registration

The University requires that every bicycle parked or stored on an approved campus bicycle rack be registered with the Office of Transportation Services. Mandatory registration helps the University gather data to determine if there are adequate bike racks and rack locations on campus. Registration is also the best way to help recover a bicycle in the event it is lost or stolen. This requirement applies regardless of whether the owner is a student, faculty, staff, or visitor to the University. The bicycle registration is at no cost. Failure to register a bicycle may result in a $15 unregistered bicycle citation if parked on campus. Bicycle operators should register their bicycles at the Transportation Services Office located in Pride Hall, 1301 SGA Drive. Any individual with questions regarding the bicycle registration process may call 985-549-5695.