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 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 student success through the integration of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. The Division is committed to expanding learning opportunities beyond the classroom contributing to a sense of identity and loyalty for the institution, and creating an environment that is safe, friendly, supportive, and caring. The Division develops and engages students by providing intentional services and programs that prepare them for life now and beyond graduation. The Division for Student Affairs oversees several services and programs as follows:
Dean of Students
The Office of the Dean of Students is a highly visible and accessible resource that provides advocacy, outreach, and developmental opportunities for all students that are designed to enhance the quality of student life. The Office of the Dean of Students strives to assist and advocate for students through personal hardships and matters that may negatively impact the college experience. The Office of the Dean of Students guides faculty, staff, students and parental figures to resources and programs and helps to explain processes that may facilitate informed decisions. The Office of the Dean of Students has direct oversight over various policies and procedures including free expression, alcohol and drugs, food policy, Registration of Events/Activities, new student orientation presentations, divisional on-call, and university-excused absence requests.
Recreational Sports and Wellness
The Department of Recreational Sports and Wellness 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 a wide range of dynamic fitness equipment along with an indoor track. There are also group exercise studios that are available to all members 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 Assistant Director of Competitive Sports and Fitness. 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.
Student Advocacy and Accountability
In pursuit of its educational mission, Southeastern Louisiana University seeks to teach students the value of good citizenship, to value others, and to respect the community. Students must familiarize themselves with the Student Code of Conduct and the University policies including, but not limited to, harassment, computer use, academic dishonesty, and traffic regulations. Students conduct themselves in a manner that supports the educational mission and functions of the University and 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:
- Students responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct are issued sanctions up to suspension, dismissal, or expulsion. If the violation is severe, such student shall at minimum be suspended or dismissed for one academic year.
- The University Police Department is authorized to bar any visitor who has committed an act that violates local, state, or federal laws. The visitor shall at a minimum be denied admission or employment for twelve months.
- The President of the University or their designee is authorized to impose interim measures on students who have violated the Student Code of Conduct and whose presence on the campus constitutes an immediate threat to the physical safety of the campus community.
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:
- Disciplinary Suspension is the involuntary separation of the student from the University for a definite period after which the student is eligible to return. The student is placed on Disciplinary Probation for a period following the return to the University. Students 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. Holds prevent the student’s ability to register in the University and retrieve the student’s involuntarily separation records from the University for the period of separation. Students are responsible for dropping any classes and paying fees assessed on their student accounts. In addition, a notation will appear on the transcript stating the terms of the suspension period.
- Disciplinary Dismissal is the involuntary separation of the student from the University for a definite period and without a guarantee of readmission. The Chief Student Conduct Officer establishes the terms of readmission, and readmission will be specified. Students involuntarily separated from the University are restricted from visiting or entering Southeastern Louisiana University premises during which their sanction is in effect without advance written authorization from the Chief Student Conduct Officer Holds prevent the student’s ability to register in the University and retrieve the student’s involuntary separation records from the University for the period of the separation. The student is placed on Disciplinary Probation for a definite period following the return to the University. Students are responsible for dropping any classes and paying fees assessed on the student accounts. In addition, a notation will appear on the transcript stating the terms of the suspension period.
- Disciplinary Expulsion is the permanent separation of the student from the University. Students can only visit or enter Southeastern Louisiana University premises if they receive written authorization from the Chief Student Conduct Officer. Holds prevent the student’s ability to register in the University and retrieve the student’s involuntarily separation records from the University. Students are responsible for dropping any classes and paying fees assessed on their student accounts. In addition, a notation will appear on the transcript.
In certain circumstances where there is a perceived threat of safety to the University Community, the University shall have the ability to take reasonable interim measures necessary to ensure the physical safety of members of its campus communities during a timely investigation and adjudication of a student disciplinary issue, including but not limed to, the ability to make adjustments in student housing arrangements, impose conditions of mutual no contact between the accused student and the alleged victim, temporarily suspend a student, or ban a student from campus.
Such reasonable interim measures shall require, within seventy-two hours of the alleged violation being deemed an immediate threat, written notice of the interim measure explaining the institution’s reasons for enacting the measures and within seven business days of the written notice as outlined in the above paragraph, unless otherwise waived by the accused student, an interim measure hearing to determine whether there is substantial evidence that the student poses a risk to the physical safety of a member of the campus community and that the interim measure is appropriate to mitigate that risk.
At the hearing, both the accused student and the alleged victim shall have the right to be represented, at the student’s expense, by an attorney or a non-attorney advocate who may fully participate during the hearing. An accused student’s waiver of the right to an interim measure hearing shall not constitute an admission of guilt or a waiver of any additional rights provided for in this section.
The Code of Student Conduct applies to behaviors on campus, at University sponsored events and may also apply off-campus when the University determines that off-campus conduct affects a substantial University interest. A substantial University interest is defined to include any situation where it appears that the student’s conduct may present a danger or threat to the health or safety of self or others, any situation that significantly impinges upon the rights, property, or achievements of self or others or significantly breaches the peace and/or causes social disorder, any situation that is detrimental to the University’s educational mission and/or interests, and/or any situation where the conduct adversely affects the university community, pursuit of its objectives, or neighboring communities.
Jurisdiction applies to all University locations, including where the University is extended to distance education, such as study abroad, service trips, experiential learning opportunities, athletic events, club sports, and other group travel. Jurisdiction may also be applied to behavior conducted online, via email, or through electronic mediums in cases where the behavior is not protected by freedom of expression. The University does not regularly search for online information but may take action if such information is brought to the attention of University Officials.
Student Engagement
The Office for Student Engagement encourages development through co-curricular and extracurricular experiences while providing an inclusive environment for the student body. We facilitate involvement and real-world readiness for our students through engagement in Student Organizations, Student Government Association, Leadership Development, Multicultural and International Student Affairs, Campus Activities Board and Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Student Organizations
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 85 student organizations that include honor societies and departmental, religious, service, and special interest groups.
Student Government Association
Southeastern’s Student Government Association (SGA), of which each student is a member, is the principal 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. The heads of the branches (President, Vice President and Chief Justice) as well as student Senators are elected by the student body.
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Southeastern is currently home to 29 inter/national social Greek letter organizations that are governed by three councils. Each of these organizations offer full-time students membership as a college activity and an experience that lasts a lifetime. We have three different councils at Southeastern which includes the Collegiate Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Interfraternity Council. Order of Omega is a leadership honor society for undergraduate members of fraternity and sorority organizations.
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. Project P.U.L.L. (Promoting Unity through Leadership & Learning) is a program that enhances the educational experience for freshmen through mentoring, leadership development, service and fun activities. Designed as a continuing orientation initiative, the goal of the program is to facilitate holistic development and progress towards graduation.
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. Tradition events into Strawberry Jubilee, Gumbo YaYa, Miss Southeastern Louisiana University Scholarship Competition, and many more.
Leadership Development
Leadership Development is designed to help students discover and develop their leadership abilities. The Office for Student Engagement offers unique opportunities for students on all levels of leadership training. Among these opportunities are ExCEL Leaders’ Scholarship Program and the Student Organization Leadership Experience.
Office of Student Publications
The Office of Student Publications is home to the award-winning student digital news source, 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 and Le Souvenir and various other media at Southeastern Louisiana University. Student Publications is committed to producing quality media that enhances the University while maintaining a learning-lab environment where students will learn and practice excellent communication skills and sound journalistic practices. Dedicated to upholding the standards of responsible journalism, Student Publications provides the campus community with designated public forums for expressing ideas and opinions in a free and open environment and exchanging and disseminating 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 student-run media, the department provides the students, faculty, and staff of Southeastern with various services and outcomes. While aiding in creating 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.
The Office of 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 is your gateway to unlocking endless career opportunities and personal growth. Our goal is to empower students and alumni to explore, prepare for, and achieve their career goals through comprehensive resources, tailored guidance, and innovative programs. We accomplish this through a multitude of offerings that can be accessed throughout a students time on campus and after graduation. Specialized career coaching, technological resources, connections with employers, and on-campus career events are just a few of the ways that we help our students and alumni embrace the fear and unknowns that can be associated with the post-graduation, professional world.
Working collaboratively with internal and external partners and consistent with the mission of the university, the Office of Career Services provides centralized and comprehensive knowledge, resources, and support to students and alumni, primarily in the cultivation and enhancement of skills to explore part-time job and career options, master internship/job search techniques and strategies, and connect with industry partners through experiential and professional opportunities.
Career Coaching and Advising - Our team of experienced career advisors offers personalized one-on-one sessions, in both live and virtual formats, to help students explore career options, identify strengths and interests, and develop strategic career plans. We provide guidance on resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, networking strategies, and job search techniques.
Workshops and Events - We host a wide range of workshops, seminars, and career fairs throughout the year to enhance students’ professional skills and connect them with potential employers. Topics include resume building, LinkedIn optimization, job search strategies, interview techniques, professional etiquette, and more. Throughout the year we host multiple career fairs such as the seasonal part-time job fairs, the campus wide career fair, and several specialized career fairs that occur in different colleges on campus.
Internship and Job Opportunities - Our office collaborates with employers locally and nationally to offer internship and job opportunities across various industries and sectors. We maintain an online job board called Handshake, where students can search for internships, part-time jobs, full-time positions, and volunteer opportunities tailored to their interests and qualifications.
Career Development Resources - We provide access to a comprehensive range of career development resources, including online career assessments, industry guides, salary negotiation tips, graduate school preparation resources, and professional development webinars. Providing online tools to support students at every stage of their career exploration and development is essential to career development and preparation.
Alumni Services - “Once a lion, always a lion” is more that just a motto, it’s our purpose. Our services extend beyond graduation to support alumni in their ongoing career advancement and professional development. Alumni can access career advising services, job search resources, networking events, and technological tools to facilitate career transitions and progression.
At the Office of Career Services, we are committed to empowering students and alumni to navigate their career journeys with confidence and success. Whether you’re exploring career options, seeking internship or job opportunities, or preparing for graduate school, we are here to support you every step of the way. Visit us today and take the first step towards unlocking your potential and achieving your career aspirations. Students and alumni interested in any of our offerings should contact the Office of Career Services - www.southeastern.edu/career - careerservices@southeastern.edu - 985-549-2121 - SU Annex, Room 2102.
Student Accessibility Services
The mission 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 stationery regarding the nature and extent of the disability and the recommended accommodation(s). Detailed self-identification, documentation and accommodation request information is available from Student Accessibility Services by visiting our ACCOMMODATE portal on our website at www.southeastern.edu/sas or by calling 985-549-2247.
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 are available to all students, faculty and staff. The UCC staff also provides services after hours for on campus mental health emergencies. 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 Accreditation of Counseling Services.
University Police Department
The Southeastern University Police Department strives to partner with the Southeastern Community to create a safe and secure inclusive campus for our students, staff, faculty, and visitors. The department consists of P.O.S.T certified sworn law enforcement officers commissioned pursuant Louisiana Revised Statute 17:1805 and handles all incidents that occur on campus property.
University Police provide community outreach and engagement by providing crime prevention classes, RAD self-defense classes, Coffee with a Cop events, social media engagement, and Blue and You events, to name a few.
Through collaboration with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, UPD continues to be proactive on matters that may affect the campus or students.
In 2021, University Police introduced a new safety phone application, Lion Safe. This app is free to all users and includes safety features such as virtual and friend walks, mobile blue lights, and reporting crime tips. This app is monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The application is available for download in the Apple and Google Play stores.
In addition to the Lion Safe app, Southeastern also has stationary blue lights placed all throughout campus and inside the residential halls. These blue lights are for summoning assistance from the University Police Department. In addition, during an emergency, the University Police can be contacted by dialing 2222 on any university phone. Anyone calling 911 will be connected to Tangi 911. Callers should let the 911 operator know the emergency is located on Southeastern’s campus. Callers will then be redirected to a University Police Department Communications Officer for further assistance.
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.
The University Police Department is located on the ground floor of Pride Hall and is staffed and operational 24 hours a day/365 days a year. UPD can be reached at 985-549-2222
Transportation Services
Shuttle Service
Students, faculty and staff may ride the Lion Traxx Shuttle 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Thursday (no Friday Service). Riders must present their Southeastern ID to board. The main route covers the campus with shuttles making the loop around campus every 15 minutes. For time, stops, and more information, call 985-549- BUSS (2877).
Campus Parking Regulations
Campus parking regulations are explained in detail in the Parking Rules and Regulations manual. 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 placard or license plate and a Southeastern handicapped permit. Those who fail to obtain a Southeastern handicapped permit 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 permit prior to parking on campus. Parking permits can be purchased online through the online T2 parking portal located at Southeastern.t2hosted.com. 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
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.
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