Nicholls State University

Reaffirming our commitment to excellence in education through reaffirmation of SACS-COC accreditation

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Core Requirement 2.10

Consistent with its mission, the institution provides student support programs, services, and activities that promote student learning and enhance the development of its students. (Student Support Services)


X   Compliance       Partial Compliance      Non-Compliance

Narrative

Nicholls State University is in compliance with Core Requirement 2.10.

Student support services are aligned with the University Strategic Goals [1]:

•  Advance knowledge in higher education
•  Increase opportunities for student access to and success in higher education
•  Promote responsible citizenship and leadership within an increasingly diverse population
•  Promote the social, cultural, and economic development of the region

Nicholls State University provides student support services that promote student learning and enhance the development of its students. These services are offered in response to student needs and interests as identified by student satisfaction survey results [2], University and program specific assessment activities, enrollment reports [3], and a review of best practices advocated by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) [4], as well as other professional organizational standards and journals. Each student service unit has a published mission statement which is aligned with Student Affairs' Planning Principles and Goals [5] and the University's Strategic Goals [1]. Each service offered is designed to increase the likelihood that students will enroll or continue enrollment, graduate, and/or prepare for entrance into their chosen post-graduate experience.

The administration of student support services is organized into four distinct administrative areas within the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services: Auxiliary Services, Enrollment Services, Student Life, and Student Services. This administrative structure reflects the results of University and external consultant studies, institutional and unit assessment activities, and best professional practices. The following is a list of student service units organized by administrative structure area.

Auxiliary Services [6]

Auxiliary Services offers a variety of services to students which contribute to an overall positive experience on campus. These include the following:


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Dining Services [7] are located in Vernon F. Galliano Hall Cafeteria and in the food court of Donald G. Bollinger Memorial Student Union. A wide range of services is offered to the campus community.

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Bookstore [8] services are provided by a contracted company. The University Bookstore stocks all required textbooks and materials as well as a wide variety of basic materials and supplies.

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Campus Facility Reservations [9] coordinates reservations for all non-academic facilities for on-campus and off-campus groups.

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Colonel Card [10] is issued to all students, faculty, and staff during their association with or attendance at the University. The Colonel Card provides access to designated events, facilities, and services.

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Continuing Education [11] coordinates credit programs in addition to developing youth and adult non-credit programs which provide opportunities for intellectual and personal development. For off-campus groups and their programs, this office provides a one-stop service to coordinate food and housing services, schedule University facilities and equipment, and provide management, marketing, and fiscal monitoring.

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Housing Operations [12] supervises the campus housing/meal plan and coordinates all business functions related to the residence halls, family apartments, and farm rental housing including application processes, deposits, billing, maintenance, and facility operations.

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Post Office [13] serves as a contract station for the United States Postal Service. It provides faculty, staff, and students with post office boxes and services.

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Student Programming Association [14] coordinates entertainment and activities to enhance the social and educational atmosphere of the campus.

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Student Union [15] provides an environment of recreation, relaxation, social interaction, exploration of personal interests, leadership opportunities, exchange of thought and learning, and offers many valuable and enriching services to the University community.

Enrollment Services [16]

Enrollment Services provides high-quality support services to students and to the academic units that carry out the University's instruction and service programs.


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Admissions [17] is responsible for conducting the University's student recruitment and admissions programs. This office processes applications for admission or re-admission to the University.

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Orientation [18] for first-time entering freshmen and transferring freshmen is designed to acquaint the student with the University campus, academic programs, and support services. New students receive academic advising and register for classes during orientation.

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Financial Aid [19] handles grants, loans, student employment, and scholarships. Detailed information can be found in the Bulletin or by visiting the office for personal assistance. Financial Aid Counselors are available by appointment.

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Scholarship Program [20] administers the University's scholarship programs, both privately and publicly funded.

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Student Employment [21] manages on-campus employment for about 700 students in various capacities.

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International Student Admissions [22] is responsible for recruiting international students and processing applications in accordance with University policy and federal guidelines.


Student Life [23]

Student Life provides students with the opportunity for involvement and personal enrichment through the following programs:


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Campus Recreation [24] coordinates intramurals, provides facilities and equipment for recreational activities, coordinates fitness and wellness programs, and maintains the campus swimming pool.

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Greek Life [25] coordinates the University's sororities and fraternities.

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Judicial Affairs [26] administers the student disciplinary process.

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Parking Services [27] issues decals to all students, faculty, and staff, and administers parking enforcement regulations. The office provides a parking/traffic handbook which outlines all parking/traffic rules and regulations to those who obtain parking decals.

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Residence Life [28] and Residence Hall Association [29] coordinate resident student development and provide educational and social opportunities for residents.

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Student Government [30] represents and advocates the student body's needs and development on campus.

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Student Organizations Program [31] coordinates entertainment and activities to enhance the social and educational atmosphere of the campus.

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University Police Department [32] is dedicated to providing a safe, secure, and crime-free environment for the entire Nicholls community. University Police provide 24-hour services. They are also first responders in emergency situations and are trained to use Automatic External Difibulator equipment.


Student Services [33]

The unit of Student Services provides wellness services and educational programs that assist students in achieving their personal, academic, and professional goals. Student Services includes the following:


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University Counseling Center [34] is fully accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS) [35] and provides personal and career counseling, psycho-educational programs, consultation, and crisis intervention.

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University Health Services [36] provides basic, acute health care, health education and promotion programs and services, and disease prevention.

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Career Services [37] provides professional coaching, résumé writing assistance, interview skill development, placement assistance, online career exploration materials and programs, career days, and seminars.

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Women's Resource and Services Office [38] provides violence-against-women prevention programs and direct services for victims of violence against women.

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Disability Services [39] provides assistance to students with disabilities in their adjustment to college and serves as a liaison with faculty to accommodate students with disabilities.

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Peer Education [40] is a student organization that provides education and prevention programs as well as printed wellness information.

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Testing Center [41] serves as a facility for students with disabilities to take exams and offers standardized tests (i.e., ACT, GRE, etc.).

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Rape Aggression Defense Systems [42] is a program which is offered several times per year for female students.


Support for Distinctive Populations

The needs of diverse student populations are met additionally through programs that address specific components of the student population. These include the following:

Honors Program
The Honors Program [43] is designed with highly motivated students in mind. Its mission is "to create enhanced educational experiences for a community of intellectually curious and academically talented students through challenging and creative opportunities that foster a life-long love of learning. Through innovative instruction, honors students receive a distinctly personal education that significantly involves them in the learning process," as described in the Bulletin.

Students with Disabilities
The Office of Disability Services [39] provides assistance to students with disabilities in their adjustment to college and serves as a liaison with faculty to accommodate students with disabilities.

International Students
International Student Admissions [22] assists international students with the admissions process and with adaptation to American life upon their arrival and throughout their matriculation. This office also coordinates international student orientation and a welcome back party, advises the International Student Organization, provides tax preparation assistance, and maintains all required government reports.

Student Athletes
The Office of Athletic Academic Advising [44] supervises all aspects of academic compliance, including scheduling and registration, monitoring of progress toward degree, and eligibility. This Office also administers the Athletic Life Skills Program which combines the efforts of the NSU Athletics and other services on campus to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience. Using athletics as preparation for success in life, this program supports intellectual development, enhances interpersonal relationships, builds positive self-esteem, and promotes respect for diversity.

Students with Mental Health Needs
The University Counseling Center [34] provides counseling for and assists students with mental health, psychiatric, and developmental issues. The Center is fully accredited and currently maintains a staff of three licensed counselors.

Academic Support Services
The University offers a variety of academic support services which promote student learning and enhance the development of its students, as described in Comprehensive Standard 3.4.9 [45].


Documentation

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Documents

Original Hyperlink

Local Copy

1

NSU Web Page, Strategic Goals

Original Hyperlink

Same

2

ACT Student Opinion Survey

Original Hyperlink

Local Copy

3

Spring 2005 Enrollment Analysis

Original Hyperlink

Local Copy

4

Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) Web Site

Original Hyperlink

Same

5

Student Affairs Strategic Goals and Planning Principles

Original Hyperlink

Same

6

NSU Web Page, Office of Auxiliary Services

Original Hyperlink

Same

7

NSU Web Site, Dining Services

Original Hyperlink

Same

8

Web Site, Nicholls State University Bookstore

Original Hyperlink

Same

9

NSU Web Site, Student Union, General Reservation Procedures

Original Hyperlink

Same

10

NSU Web Site, Colonel Card Office

Original Hyperlink

Same

11

NSU Web Site, Office of Continuing Education

Original Hyperlink

Same

12

NSU Web Site, Office of Housing Operations

Original Hyperlink

Same

13

NSU Web Site, Student Union, NSU Post Office

Original Hyperlink

Same

14

NSU Web Site, Student Programming Association

Original Hyperlink

Same

15

NSU Web Site, Donald G. Bollinger Memorial Student Union

Original Hyperlink

Same

16

NSU Web Site, Office of Enrollment Services

Original Hyperlink

Same

17

NSU Web Site, Office of Admissions

Original Hyperlink

Same

18

NSU Web Site, New Student Orientation

Original Hyperlink

Same

19

NSU Web Site, Office of Financial Aid

Original Hyperlink

Same

20

NSU Web Page, Office of Financial Aid, Scholarships

Original Hyperlink

Same

21

NSU Web Page, Office of Financial Aid, Student Employment Information

Original Hyperlink

Same

22

NSU Web Page, International Student Admissions

Original Hyperlink

Same

23

NSU Web Site, Office of Student Life

Original Hyperlink

Same

24

NSU Web Site, Campus Recreation

Original Hyperlink

Same

25

NSU Web Site, Greek Life

Original Hyperlink

Same

26

NSU Web Site, Office of Student Judicial Affairs

Original Hyperlink

Same

27

NSU Web Site, Parking Services

Original Hyperlink

Same

28

NSU Web Site, Office of Residence Life

Original Hyperlink

Same

29

NSU Web Page, Office of Residence Life, Residence Hall Association

Original Hyperlink

Same

30

NSU Web Site, Student Government Association

Original Hyperlink

Same

31

NSU Web Site, Student Organizations

Original Hyperlink

Same

32

NSU Web Site, University Police Department

Original Hyperlink

Same

33

NSU Web Site, Office of Student Services

Original Hyperlink

Same

34

NSU Web Site, University Counseling Center

Original Hyperlink

Same

35

Web Site, International Association of Counseling Services (IACS)

Original Hyperlink

Same

36

NSU Web Site, University Health Services

Original Hyperlink

Same

37

NSU Web Site, Career Services

Original Hyperlink

Same

38

NSU Web Site, Women's Resource and Services Office

Original Hyperlink

Same

39

NSU Web Site, Office of Disability Services

Original Hyperlink

Same