Louisiana State University of Alexandria Student Handbook
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Louisiana State University of Alexandria
Student Handbook
Louisiana State University at Alexandria
8100 Hwy 71 South
Alexandria, LA 71302-9121
Phone: 888.473.6417
Phone: 318.445.3672
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LSUatAlexandria
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LSUAlexandria/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/lsua
TABLE OF CONTENTS Campus Directory ............................................................................................................................................................. 1-2 Welcome from Chancellor & SGA President .................................................................................................................... 3-4 Accreditation, LSUA History, Mission Statement, Vision Statement ................................................................................... 5 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS Semester Hour System ........................................................................................................................................................ 7 Student Responsibility ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Reading a Course Description and Sample Curriculum .................................................................................................... 7-8 Policy Statements ................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Family Education Rights & Privacy Acts (FERPA) ................................................................................................................ 9 Use of University Facilities ................................................................................................................................................. 11 Smoking Policy .................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Policy Regarding Children on Campus or in Classrooms ................................................................................................... 12 Campus Publicity Policy ..................................................................................................................................................... 12 Academic Programs ........................................................................................................................................................... 13 Important Information for New Students ......................................................................................................................... 13 Times, Places, Levels and Types of Classes ........................................................................................................................ 14 Registering for Courses ...................................................................................................................................................... 16 Fee Payment ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Financial Aid and Scholarships ........................................................................................................................................... 17 How to Make “A’s” at A ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 How to Avoid Getting “F’s” ................................................................................................................................................ 18 Tips for Surviving Your First Semester ............................................................................................................................... 19 CAMPUS LIFE (GET INVOLVED) Student Housing ................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Student Organizations Guidelines ..................................................................................................................................... 22 Organizations ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Student Role in Institutional Decisions .............................................................................................................................. 25 Recreation & Fitness .......................................................................................................................................................... 25 Club Sports ......................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Intercollegiate Athletics ..................................................................................................................................................... 26 Volunteer Opportunities.................................................................................................................................................... 27 STUDENT RESOURCES Student Support and Advising Center ............................................................................................................................... 29 Library Services .................................................................................................................................................................. 30 Information and Educational Technology Services ........................................................................................................... 31 Auxiliary Services ............................................................................................................................................................... 32 General Information .......................................................................................................................................................... 33 CAMPUS SAFETY University Police ................................................................................................................................................................ 36 Emergency Phones ............................................................................................................................................................ 36 Crime Awareness and Campus Security Guide .................................................................................................................. 36 Emergency Response Procedures...................................................................................................................................... 36 Safety Policy ....................................................................................................................................................................... 37 Weapons Policy.................................................................................................................................................................. 37 Sale or Use of Illegal Drugs ................................................................................................................................................ 37 Crime Statistics .................................................................................................................................................................. 37 LSUA Campus Security Report ........................................................................................................................................... 37 CAMPUS MAP
CAMPUS DIRECTORY
ADMINISTRATION
Chancellor, Dr. Dan Howard ............................................................................................................................318-473-6444
Provost and Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Barbara Hatfield ........................................318-473-6446
Interim Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administrative Services, Mr. Deron Thaxton .......................................318-473-6408
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs and
Director for Student Support, Dr. Eamon Halpin.............................................................................................318-427-4468
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, Ms. Heather Poole..................................................318-484-6578
COLLEGES AND DEPARTMENTS
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Department of Arts, English and Humanities ..................................................................................................318-473-6581
Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences ...............................................................................................318-473-6470
Department of Biological Sciences ..................................................................................................................318-473-6431
Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences........................................................................................318-473-6591
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
Department of Allied Health............................................................................................................................318-473-6446
Department of Business Administration .........................................................................................................318-473-6414
Department of Education ................................................................................................................................318-473-6474
Department of Nursing ....................................................................................................................................318-473-6459
SERVICES AND DEPARTMENTS
A.C. Buchanan III Allied Health Building ..........................................................................................................318-487-5504
Accounting Services and Bursar Operations....................................................................................................318-473-6407
Advising Center ................................................................................................................................................318-767-2604
Admissions .......................................................................................................................................................318-473-6417
Alexandria Museum of Art...............................................................................................................................318-443-3458
Athletic Department ........................................................................................................................................318-473-6486
Auxiliary Services .............................................................................................................................................318-473-6579
Bookstore.........................................................................................................................................................318-473-6420
Campus Medical Emergency .....................................................................................911 (9-911 from Campus Phone)
Center for Academic Success ...........................................................................................................................318-619-2973
Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) ..............................................................................................................318-619-2973
Children’s Center .............................................................................................................................................318-473-6484
Continuing Education ......................................................................................................................................318-473-6495
Campus Housing ..............................................................................................................................................318-767-2616
Enrollment .......................................................................................................................................................318-473-6717
Enrollment Management.................................................................................................................................318-473-6423
Fitness Center ..................................................................................................................................................318-473-6597
Honors Program ...............................................................................................................................................318-427-4423
IET Services ......................................................................................................................................................318-473-6574
Library, James C. Bolton...................................................................................................................................318-473-6438
Lost and Found ................................................................................................................................................318-473-6579
LSUEjer .............................................................................................................................................................318-619-2906
Multicultural Affairs .........................................................................................................................................318-473-6452
OaKards............................................................................................................................................................318-473-6579
1
DIRECTORY (CONTINUED)
SERVICES AND DEPARTMENTS
Records ............................................................................................................................................................318-473-6417
Student Government .......................................................................................................................................318-473-6452
Student Life ......................................................................................................................................................318-427-4403
Student Support...............................................................................................................................................318-473-6545
Switchboard .....................................................................................................................................................318-445-3672
Testing Center ..................................................................................................................................................318-427-4492
Transcript Requests .........................................................................................................................................318-473-6417
University Police ..............................................................................................................................................318-473-6427
Vehicle Registration .........................................................................................................................................318-473-6579
V.A. Representative .........................................................................................................................................318-473-6427
2
Welcome from Chancellor
Thank you so very much for becoming a part of Louisiana State University at Alexandria
(LSUA). LSUA has an exceptional history dating back more than 50 years of providing access
to high quality educational opportunity, in a challenging and supportive environment, at a
reasonable price; thereby, providing an excellent educational value for its students. A wide
array of financial assistance is offered to students through LSUA including federal loans,
grants, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, a substantial amount of scholarship
support (academic, performance, merit, and need based), is provided by LSUA and the
LSUA Foundation. This support creates ladders of opportunity, helps students persist
through graduation, and enables students to keep debt burdens associated with attending
and graduating from LSUA to an absolute minimum.
Faculty members at LSUA are experts in their respective academic fields or areas; are engaged actively in teaching, research
and creative expression, and service; and are committed to helping students survive, thrive, achieve, and graduate from LSUA.
This enables students, upon graduation, to be exceedingly well prepared to enter the workforce or advance to graduate or
professional schools. Staff members and administrators at LSUA are first-rate and dedicated to their supporting roles in the
efficient and effective operation and administration of the University.
LSUA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and
baccalaureate degrees. All academic courses and programs offered by LSUA are developed, approved, and delivered by LSUA
faculty and approved by the LSUA Board or Supervisors and the Louisiana Board of Regents. As a consequence, an academic
degree from LSUA provides an excellent foundation for and entrée to advanced academic courses, programs, and degrees at
other institutions of higher education (both public and private).
Students at LSUA have the opportunity to enjoy the full college experience (both within and outside of the classroom) on a
beautiful campus anchored by magnificent live oaks; while at the same time benefitting by attending small classes (with and
overall student to faculty ratio of 15 students to 1 faculty member). This allows students to become part of the campus family
and known on campus by their name and personally rather than being lost in a large student body and experiencing a
depersonalized educational experience. As a consequence of having its own properly staffed and well trained police force and
an excellent crime prevention program, LSUA is one the safest and most secure campuses in the United States. A more
comprehensive list of distinctive characteristics or points of pride is available at: www.lsua.edu/about/PointsOfPride.
In order to provide a level of excellence not otherwise possible by funds provided by the State of Louisiana (through legislative
appropriates and other means) and through tuition and fees paid by students and their families and other supporters, LSUA ,
the LSUA Foundation, and the LSUA Alumni Association actively seek philanthropic contributions and corporate support. This
includes gifted funds to support endowments (which create perpetual sources of funds through investment of the gift and
creation of earnings) and immediate use funds. Philanthropic contributions and corporate support may be used for a wide
array of purposes including, but not limited to, scholarships, educational travel, and development funds for students;
professorships, endowed chairs, and travel and development funds, for faculty; equipment for instruction and research, library
acquisition funds, “bricks and mortar” projects such as new academic facilities; and for other good, appropriate, and necessary
purposes. Accordingly, LSUA actively seeks additional philanthropic and corporate support.
Additional information about LSUA is readily accessible through the LSUA website at http://www.lsua.edu/ Please feel
encouraged to share with me your ideas for improving LSUA by communicating with me by email chancellor@lsua.edu or by
phone (318) 473-6444. Once again, thank you so very much for deciding to be a student at Louisiana State University
Alexandria.
Warmest regards,
G. Daniel Howard, Ph.D., CGFM, CFRE
Chancellor
3Welcome from Student Government President
Your LSU of Alexandria Student Government Association (SGA) is dedicated to the
preservation of and advocacy for student rights, interests, and progress because of
its relationship with the administration, and the campus community.
Our offices are in the Student Center, right by the entrance across from the bookstore. Please stop by to
chat, or discuss any questions or concerns about LSUA. We are here to serve our fellow students! If you
need funding for an event, consider the guidelines highlighted on the SGA page.
Our meetings are held in the Sentry Room, usually at noon every Tuesday. Anyone may attend a meeting;
bring your lunch and join us. To speak with me, or one of my officers, call the SGA office, 318-473-6452.
Remember, research suggests students involved in student organizations and campus activities have better
G.P.A.s, graduate sooner, and have richer college experiences. Your student government is waiting for YOU!
Sincerely,
Brandon Crain
B.S. Business, 2015
4ACCREDITATION
Louisiana State University at Alexandria is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane,
Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Louisiana State University
at Alexandria.
Note: The purpose of publishing the Commission’s address and telephone number in this document is to enable
interested constituents to 1) learn about the accreditation status of Louisiana State University at Alexandria; 2) file a
third-part comment at the time of Louisiana State University at Alexandria’s decennial review; or 3) file a complaint
against Louisiana State University at Alexandria for alleged non-compliance with a standard or requirement of the
Commission on Colleges at the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Normal inquiries about Louisiana State
University at Alexandria (i.e., about admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc.) should be
addressed directly to the institution and not to the Commission’s office.
LSUA programs in Nursing, Clinical Laboratory Science, Radiologic Technology, Pharmacy Technology, and Teacher
Education are accredited by their respective accrediting agencies.
University Mailing Address
Louisiana State University at Alexandria
8100 Highway 71 South
Alexandria, LA 71302-9121
University Contact Information Web Address Email
Switchboard – 318-445-3672 www.lsua.edu www.lsua.edu/contactus
HISTORY
The Louisiana legislature authorized the establishment of LSUA as a two-year commuter college under the governance
of the LSU Board of Supervisors in 1959, and the campus registered its first students in September 1960. The Division of
Nursing initiated the first degree program, an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, in 1964. The Board of Supervisors,
the Louisiana Board of Regents, and the legislature authorized LSUA to offer bachelor’s degrees in 2001, and the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges approved the substantive change in 2002. LSUA
began offering baccalaureate degrees in Fall 2003.
LSUA is a component of the Louisiana State University System which also includes Louisiana State University and
Agricultural and Mechanical College, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, LSU Agricultural Center, LSU Pennington
Biomedical Research Center, LSU Shreveport, LSU Eunice, LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, LSU Health Sciences
Center Shreveport, and LSU Health Care Services Division.
MISSION STATEMENT
As the only state-supported undergraduate university in Louisiana, LSUA’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of
affordable undergraduate degrees in a robust academic environment that challenges students to excel and creates
proactive and reciprocal relationships that meet the needs of the diverse student body and community that it serves.
VISION STATEMENT
LSUA envisions itself as a University of choice, recognized for academic excellence, committed to student and
community growth through teaching, research, and service, and, esteemed as a contributor to the economic, cultural,
and intellectual growth of Louisiana.
5IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
6SEMESTER HOUR SYSTEM
The value of each course of instruction and the amount of work required for graduation are measured in semester hours.
A semester hour of credit represents an hour of class work, or two to four hours of laboratory work per week for the
semester.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Each student is personally responsible for completing all requirements established for his or her degree by the University
and department. It is the student’s responsibility to learn and meet degree requirements. A student’s advisor may not
assume these responsibilities. Any substitution, waiver, or exemption from any established requirement or academic
standard may be accomplished only with the approval of the provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student
Affairs.
It is important that you obtain a copy of the LSUA Catalog in effect the first semester you enroll in the University. That
edition becomes your catalog of record until you graduate unless you change your major or interrupt your studies by
not enrolling for a semester or more. Make sure that you learn all requirements for your degree and keep a record of
your progress toward earning that degree.
Educational Assessment/Graduate Exit Examinations
Candidates for degrees are required to complete an exit examination, as stipulated by the Academic Affairs office. The
academic department from which the candidate is graduating may require additional exit assessments.
Reading a Course Description
All courses offered at LSUA are listed in the LSUA Catalog. The diagram below will help you understand course
descriptions.
7Sample Curriculum
Requirements for earning every degree at LSUA are included in the LSUA Catalog. The following example will help you
understand those requirements.
8POLICY STATEMENTS
The following policy statements directly affect student life at LSUA:
PS 206 Student Class Attendance Policy
PS 207 Student Grievance Policy
PS 215 Policy Concerning Student Publications
PS 217 Privacy Rights of Students (Buckley Amendment)
PS 218 Grades and Grading
PS 224 Sexual Harassment
PS 226 Advertising, Soliciting and Selling on Campus
PS 227 Illegal Use of Drugs and Alcohol
PS 228 Code of Student Conduct
PS 239 Guidelines for Student Organizations
PS 241 Maintenance and Retention of Student Educational and Financial Records
PS 242 Policy for Students with Disabilities
PS 247 Sexual Assault
PS 250 Network and Email Password Policy
PS 251 Guidelines for Student Activities
PS 253 Policy Concerning Technical Resources
PS 254 Student Service Philosophy
PS 256 University Housing
PS 267 Intellectual Property Policy
PS 272 Tobacco Free Campus
It is important that you become familiar with the information in these policy statements, especially those that
define acceptable and unacceptable student conduct, those that specify penalties that the University can impose for
improper conduct, and those that describe your rights and responsibilities as a student.
LSUA policy statements can be accessed at: http://chancellor.lsua.edu/policies/
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational
records. These rights are presented here:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the university receives
a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar an official, written request that identifies the
record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the
time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records when the student believes they are
inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the university to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or
misleading. In such cases, students should write to the university official responsible for the record, clearly
identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the university
decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, it will notify the student of the decision and advise
the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information
regarding the hearing procedures will be provided when the student is notified of the right to a hearing.
93. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education
records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits
disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official
is a person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff
position (such staff include law enforcement and health personnel); a person or company with whom the
university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the university’s
governing boards, or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee,
or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational
interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional
responsibility.
The university will not disclose educational records without written consent when requested by officials of
another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
Directory information concerning the student may be released by the university unless the student has
requested that such information not be released. Under the terms of FERPA, directory information includes the
following items:
Student Name
Student ID Photograph
Local Address/Phone
Home/Address/Phone
E-mail Address
Date and Place of Birth
Degrees and Awards/Honors Received and Dates
Dates of Attendance (Current and Past)
Full or Part-Time Enrollment Status
Participation in Officially Recognized Activities
Participation in Officially Recognized Sports
Weight/Height of Members of Athletic Teams
Most Recently Attended Educational Institute
Major Field of Study/Classification
Students’ overall grade point averages may be released to honorary organizations only when they are to be
used in determining eligibility for membership.
Students who wish to withhold directory information should complete the appropriate form in Records before
the seventh class day of any term. Requests to prevent disclosure of directory information will remain in effect
until a written request to rescind is received by the Registrar.
LSUA also maintains a global email-address list via Microsoft Outlook. Students who wish to add their physical
addresses and their phone numbers to this directory can do so by logging on at www.my.LSUA.edu and then
clicking on the Update User Info link.
Parents or guardians of students who are dependents for income tax purposes may review their dependents’
academic records. It is assumed that all undergraduates are independent of their parents. Each request to
review a student’s academic records must be accompanied by appropriate documentation. Transcripts,
however, cannot be released to a third party without the student’s signature, except in those circumstances
indicated in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
104. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Louisiana State
University at Alexandria to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is provided below:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5920
USE OF UNIVERSITY FACILITIES
LSUA's facilities and programs are generally reserved for accomplishing the objectives and programs of the university.
Visitors and non-university affiliated groups may use campus facilities only under specific guidelines and only after
obtaining appropriate authorization.
Academic and Administrative buildings are opened by Facility Services personnel. LSUA Police secure the buildings.
Hours they are secured may vary from building to building, depending on use. Buildings and grounds of the campus are
patrolled regularly by LSUA Police Officers. They can also report other problems such as safety hazards, defective lighting
etc.
LSUA's general safety policies and procedures are reviewed and distributed regularly by the campus Safety Committee.
This committee is comprised of eight members of the faculty and staff. The committee identifies safety hazards and
makes recommendations to maintain a safe campus.
SMOKING POLICY
Smoking or the use of other tobacco products is prohibited on University grounds; LSUA owned or leased properties;
and campus owned, leased, or rented vehicles beginning August 1, 2014.
This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, clients, contractors, and visitors and is in effect before, during, and after
campus business hours.
Signs are installed on campus in compliance with the law and LSUA policy.
LSUA is committed to supporting all students and employees who wish to stop smoking and using other tobacco
products. There are numerous tobacco cessation services available both on and off campus. These include:
www.quitwithusla.org - The Quit With Us, LA website provides tobacco users with important information and
tips on quitting.
1-800-Quit-Now – The Louisiana Tobacco Quitline provides free confidential advice and support by trained
tobacco cessation specialists to Louisiana residents 13 years of age and older.
Individual on-campus cessation counseling and support groups with a Certified Personal Counselor/Facilitator
is provided by the Department of Student Support.
LSUA’s Tobacco-Free Campus policy (P.S. 272) can be found by following this link:
http://chancellor.lsua.edu/docs/default-source/Policies/policystatement272.pdf?sfvrsn=4.
11POLICY REGARDING CHILDREN ON CAMPUS OR IN CLASSROOMS
Traditionally, LSUA has not banned children from classrooms because many of our students are parents and they will
sometimes have difficulty with child care arrangements. It would be unfortunate for students to have to miss class
because of child care problems.
However, whether or not children are allowed in a class is totally the prerogative of the individual instructor. Students
must obtain the instructor's permission before bringing a child to class. Subject matter in a college course might be
unsuitable for children, or the instructor may simply prefer not to have children in his/her classroom.
Children attending classes must be quiet and well-behaved. An instructor may ask the parent and child to leave if the
child is being disruptive to the class. Under no circumstances should children be allowed in laboratory or activities classes
where a child could be injured or could possibly break university equipment.
All children, whether in classrooms or elsewhere on campus, must be supervised by an adult. When unsupervised
children are observed on campus, they should be reported to University Police, who will attempt to locate their parents.
CAMPUS PUBLICITY POLICY
Section I
The Campus Publicity Policy is designed to maintain order for the Campus Bulletin Boards and buildings. NO
information, notices, or advertisements may be posted without prior permission from the Director of Student
Support (LSUA Student Center 206).
Section II
No fliers, advertisements, coupons or other published materials may be placed on vehicles parked on LSUA
property. In addition, no such materials may be posted in classrooms, except instructional materials placed by
authorized college personnel. Groups wishing to advertise on campus may purchase ad space in the campus
newspaper. Contact newspaper personnel at 318-473-6452.
Section Ill
Signs, posters, or fliers displayed by authorized students or campus groups must be removed within 48 hours
after the event.
Section IV
SGA Elections Committee will establish guidelines determining the size and dimensions of signs. Copies of the
guidelines will be available in the Student Government Association Office.
Section V
No signs, fliers or advertisements will be posted on painted surfaces, wooden structures or glass surfaces
anywhere on campus. Any damages to these surfaces will be charged to the sponsoring group of the activity.
Section VI
No signs may be placed on the library or departmental buildings; however, signs may be placed on the bulletin
boards. Signs must be cleared through the Director of Student Support.
12ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The degrees offered by the university are listed below. Please consult the most recent edition of the LSUA catalog for
current information about individual programs.
Baccalaureate Degrees
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Bachelor of Arts in English
Bachelor of Arts in History
Bachelor of General Studies
Concentrations in: Arts Management, Biology, Chemistry, Disaster Science and Emergency
Management, Elder Care Administration, Health Sciences, Humanities, Kinesiology, Pharmaceutical
Marketing (under development), Political Science, Psychology, Visual and Performing Arts
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science in Elder Care Administration
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Associate Degrees
Associate of Arts
Associate of Science
Associate of Science in Nursing
Associate of Science in the Care and Development of Young Children
Associate of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science
Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology
Certification
Add-on Certification in Early Childhood Education
Add-on Certification in Special Education (Mild Moderate) for Elementary Education Grades 1-5
Add-on Certification in Special Education (Mild Moderate) for Secondary Education Grades 6-12
Certification in Pharmacy Technology
Certification – Only Program Alternative Path Elementary Education, Grades 1-5
Certification – Only Program Alternative Path Secondary Education, Grades 6-12
Certification – Only Program Alternative Path Health and Physical Education, Grades K-12
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS
Admission to the University
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required documentation is sent to LSUA in a timely manner. Provisional
admission, pending receipt of complete and official academic records, may be granted when it is impossible to obtain
these records prior to scheduled registration dates. This admission will be cancelled if the required records are not
received by Admissions by the first day of classes or if it is determined, upon receipt of records that the applicant does
not qualify for admission. For additional information concerning admissions, contact Admissions in Abrams Hall or call
318-473-6417.
13Academic Advising
New students meet initially with advisors in the Advising Center who will assist you with making initial educational plans,
inform you of available resources, and assist you in a successful transition to the university.
You will be assigned an academic advisor who will be a faculty member in the Academic Department of your major. This
person will be your advisor of record with whom you will need to meet as soon as possible after your initial registration
to discuss your educational plans. Contact your Academic Department or Self-Service to find the name of your advisor
of record.
TIMES, PLACES, LEVELS AND TYPES OF CLASSES
Times: When you review the Schedule of Classes, you will notice that some classes are taught on Monday, Wednesday
and Friday, some on Monday and Wednesday, some on Tuesday and Thursday, some at night, and others in a variety of
online configurations.
Places: LSUA offers classes at locations other than campus. Check the Schedule of Classes carefully when selecting
classes.
Off Campus Sites:
LCRP – Learning Center for Rapides Parish (England Air Park)
LSUAMA – LSUA Museum of Art (Downtown Alexandria)
ALHC – Allied Health Center (807 Jackson – Downtown Alexandria)
OFFCAM – Off campus site such as a school, hospital, etc.
Be sure to check your Schedule of Classes carefully so you will be able to reach the site of your classes on time.
Levels:
Course Numbering System:
0001 – 0009: Offered by LSUA to permit students to make up deficiencies in previous training or to improve their facility
in certain basic skills. Students cannot use these courses to meet their degree requirements.
1000 – 1999: Primarily for freshman. Ordinarily open to all students.
2000 – 2999: For sophomore level or above. It is not advisable for a freshman to register for a sophomore-level course
unless the student has a grade point average of at least 2.50 or a composite ACT score of at least 26, or has placed into
the course through an advanced-standing examination.
3000 – 3999: Generally for students of junior level or above. Students below junior level should consult with their
advisors before registering for one of these courses.
4000 – 4999: For advanced students of junior or senior level. Any student who has accumulated less than 60 hours must
have the permission of the appropriate department chair before registering for one of these courses.
Types of Classes
Regular Full Term: These classes are taught in a traditional timeframe of 16 weeks for Fall and Spring semester or 8
weeks for Summer.
A-Term and B-Term: A-Term and B-Term classes are courses offered in a concentrated format each semester. These
courses meet for longer periods of time and are referred to as “A-Term” (the first half of the semester) and “B-term”
(the second half of the semester). Students may register for B-term classes until the beginning of the B-term. These
courses are not recommended for first-time freshmen.
Pre-session
Pre-session classes are taught between semesters in an extremely compressed timeframe of 3 weeks. Make sure that
you evaluate carefully your academic record, the course requirements, and your ability to devote a significant portion
of your time to completing them before you decide to enroll in a Pre-session class. These classes are not
recommended for first-time freshmen.
14Distance Learning (E-Learning): Many courses use electronic methods to enhance the learning experience. Students
enrolling in such courses must ensure that they have access to the necessary technology to be successful in these
courses before registration. E-Learning courses are designated in the schedule by the last character of the course
section number.
X – Courses are face to face meetings with the instructor
I – Courses that are 100% online; student does not have to come to campus at all
J – Courses that are 76% - 99% online
K – Courses that are 50% - 75% online
L – Courses that are 25% – 49% online
C – Courses that are delivered via compressed video
Full Time or Part Time Status
Status Regular Semester Summer Semester
Full-time 12 or more hours 6 or more hours
Half-time 6-11 hours 3-5 hours
Less than Half-Time 1-5 hours 1-2 hours
Time Management and Stress Management
If you work 40 hours or more a week, it is not realistic to register for 12 hours or more. You can go to class and you can
go to work, but when you try to access that small window of time left in your day to study, you will find that you are too
tired to focus on your classwork. Be realistic about selecting the number of hours for which you register. Do you have
family obligations that will make study time and class attendance difficult? If you must be home by 2:30 when your child
gets off the bus, make sure you don’t select classes that will not allow you to get home by that time. Think about your
unique situation and be wise about scheduling classes. Remember you may need to spend time on campus to complete
some of your assignments. Successful management of your schedule will contribute to you achieving your ultimate goal
of earning a college degree.
Trial Schedule
Your trial schedule lists the courses you plan to take. Come prepared with your trial schedule when you meet with your
advisor. Together, you and your advisor will decide which classes will best fit your curriculum so you can proceed toward
graduation. Below are some factors you should consider as you make your trial schedule:
Your academic successes
ACT Scores
Credit hours
Full-time/part-time student
Prerequisite courses
General education courses
Major and curricula
Day/Time/Location of course
Workload/course load/overload
Financial aid
CLEP courses (testing out)
Family obligations
15Selecting a Major
Some students may have selected their major; other students may be “undecided.” It is okay to be “undecided.” That is
part of the college journey. Your advisor will help you navigate selecting your major, and if needed, changing majors.
The Advising Center in Student Support can provide assistance in helping you choose a major.
Freshman Orientation
For all new and transfer students with fewer than 30 credit hours, Freshmen Orientation is the first step to becoming a
successful college student! During a full day led by LSUA’s Student Ambassadors, students will gain vital information
about campus programs, policies, procedures, and a special meeting with their respective academic department.
Freshman Orientation is a fun an interactive introduction to LSUA and university life!
Center for Academic Success - Mulder Hall 130
LSUA is committed to student success. We want students to grow and prosper and become life-long learners who
leave LSUA not only with a degree, but with a set of skills empowering them to succeed in any field they choose. The
LSUA Experience was created to assist students as they transition from high school into college. It is designed to
prepare them to be successful college students and to help them find a home here at LSUA. The cornerstone of The
LSUA Experience is an elective course for first-year students (LSUA 1001-Seminar for Academic Success). This course is
paired with upper level courses (LSUA 3001, 4001-Academic Leadership I, II) which allow accomplished students to
hone their own skills by working as peer mentors with incoming students. These highly interactive courses are
dedicated to providing the support, skills, and enjoyment inherent in a college experience. Join us!!
Honors Program
Excellence. Leadership. Service.
In the spirit of academic excellence, the LSUA Honors Program is designed to attract a broad range of academically
talented students with the potential for academic excellence and leadership. It challenges them to pursue new heights.
Honors classes introduce unique opportunities and differing perspectives that open the student’s mind to unveil its full
potential. One goal of the honors program is to meet the challenge of all students who are motivated to achieve
academically. Students who earn 18 hours of honors course work in their curriculum will be given a special medallion
to wear at graduation. Members of our honors family will have access to faculty advice on graduate school applications,
special speakers and lecturers, opportunities to publish research in undergraduate journals and present work at
conferences, priority registration, guidance in competing for national scholarships, and service opportunities.
Placement and Advanced Standing
LSUA offers the opportunity to students with superior ability to demonstrate academic competence through
examinations. Students may qualify for advanced standing credit through ACE (American Council on Education), ACT
(American College Test), AP (The Advanced Placement Program of the College Board), CLEP (Subject Examinations of the
College Level Examination Program), COMPASS (Computer-Adaptive College Placement Test), Credit Exams
(Departmentally Administered LSUA Credit Exams), and Credit for Approved Specialized Certification or Training
Programs. Please see the most recent LSUA Catalog sections on Placement and Advanced Standing for information on
these opportunities.
REGISTERING FOR COURSES
To complete registration, select and register for courses online via www.my.lsua.edu
Adding Classes
1. You may begin adding courses through my.LSUA once registration begins. You may continue to add courses
online until the date published in the Academic Calendar (online registration is generally turned off at the end
of late registration of full term).
2. Once online registration is turned off, please consult with your academic department for options.
16Dropping Classes
1. You may begin dropping courses through my.LSUA once registration begins. You may continue to drop courses
online until the date published in the Academic Calendar (online registration is generally turned off at the end
of late registration of full term.)
2. Once online registration is turned off, all drops are processed in the departmental office in compliance with
deadlines published in the Academic Calendar.
3. You will fill out a 'Schedule Change' form with the department administrative assistant. Withdrawing from a
course after the 14th class day results in a grade of "W'.
4. Your advisor will sign the form and give you a copy to keep until the end of the semester. Students are
encouraged to keep copies of all official documents from the university.
5. The completed form is sent to Records office for data entry and finalization of drop request.
6. Resignations (dropping all of your courses) are initiated in the Advising Center, 318-767-2604.
7. Students may review the drop/resignation completion via their online unofficial transcript.
8. After the last day to withdraw from a course with a "W', a student who does not attend class and meet course
obligations will likely receive a grade of "F" at the end of the semester.
9. Please consult the Academic Calendar on the website or published in the most current LSUA Catalog for dates
concerning dropping or adding courses.
FEE PAYMENT
Students can verify amount owed the University by checking their account online or by contacting Accounting Services
at 318-473-6407.
For more information on ways to pay fees, please access: http://fas.lsua.edu/departments/Accounting/PaymentDates/
REGISTRATION IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL FEES ARE PAID!
FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS – ABRAMS HALL
A limited number of honor awards and scholarships are granted to students with outstanding records. Additional
assistance is provided for students who need financial help to meet college expenses. Such assistance is provided
through loans, grants and part-time employment. Additional information concerning financial aid appears in the catalog
and details may be obtained from Financial Aid and Scholarships in Abrams Hall or by visiting the financial aid link at the
University's website http://sfa.lsua.edu/
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO APPLY! If you do not apply for financial aid early, your money will probably not be ready at
the beginning of the semester. That means that you will have to find a way to pay your fees before classes begin. If you
are eligible for a PELL Grant, when it comes in, you will receive any money above and beyond your tuition and fee
expenses. IT PAYS TO APPLY EARLY!
If you have not applied for a PELL Grant, go online to: www.fasfa.ed.gov and fill out the FAFSA form. You must supply
all documents before aid can be dispersed. ALL RECORDS MUST BE RECEIVED BY ADMISSIONS AND RECORDS AND YOU
MUST BE OFFICIALLY ADMITTED AS A REGULAR STUDENT BEFORE RECEIVING YOUR FINANCIAL AID!
Before dropping courses, students are strongly encouraged to visit the Financial Aid Office to understand the impact of
course load changes on financial aid or fees owed to the university.
Loans are also available to assist students in paying for college. Loans are not free money and must be paid back. Be
very careful when applying for loans. You don't want to have a huge debt to repay when you graduate.
17HOW TO MAKE "A'S" AT A
1. Go to class. Attending class is essential to your learning. Faculty guide your study and learning through
interaction in the classroom. If you are taking an online class, you must login and complete assignments on
schedule.
2. Buy your textbooks. If a text is required for a class, and you don't buy one for weeks, you are already behind.
3. Keep your syllabus for each class in the notebook with your class notes. The syllabus guides your study, helps
you know what chapters or concept(s) to read for what class, explains the grading system, lists test dates, has
information concerning how to contact your professor (including office hours), and serves as your information
source for any given class. Some professors put their syllabus on line. If that is true, print a copy to keep with
you.
4. Always, always, always read the chapters or concepts you will be going over in class before the lecture. You
will be better prepared to learn, and you will be surprised how much it facilitates your note taking.
5. Take good notes. Don't just highlight your book. Use the kinesthetic exercise of taking notes to your advantage.
Listening intently enough to take down the main idea is a learning experience within itself. Use an outline form
starting with the main idea, followed by supporting points. It is difficult to learn from notes if you take them as
if you are writing a letter.
6. Begin learning the material presented in class before you go to the next class. As you have probably heard
before, cramming for a test does not work. You cannot remember, understand, and learn all that material in a
few days before the test. Put key facts on note cards and begin the learning process from class-to-class.
7. Read your notes every day from test period to test period. By the fourth day of class, you should be reading all
note pages from all four classes, etc.
8. Learn mind mapping. This technique is the process of putting information together in a pictorial form. It is easy
to learn and is a valuable tool to use in learning material. To learn more about this process, visit Student Services.
9. Form and/or join a study group. If you are taking a math class, a study group can really help with the homework.
Get together as soon after class as possible and get homework done together. Each of you will understand and
remember certain areas better than the other. Teaching each other is the highest form of learning material.
10. Use the free tutoring services provided through Student Services. Tutoring hours are posted on the door to
the TLC Lab or inquire in the Student Services office, located within the Student Success Center.
11. Don't be a "CCC "(car-to-class-to-car) student. Stay on campus and get your homework done where help is
available. This is when you will have time to go by your professor's office and ask for clarification of a concept
you didn't understand. Once home, the phone calls your name, the refrigerator calls your name, friends call
your name; the TV calls your name, etc. It is hard to do your work at home. Stay here where you have access to
resources. Get your homework done on campus and go home with "guilt free, free time."
12. If you make a grade below a 70 on your first exam, it may be time to visit an academic counselor in Student
Services, an advising counselor in the Advising Center, your professor, or others who might help you assess
your situation and help you get on track before the next test. Don't wait until you have two low test grades
before you seek help. Remember, college courses may only have three to four tests, one of those being a final.
Get help early.
HOW TO AVOID GETTING "F'S"
If you are be unable to continue attending a class or just stop coming to the university, make sure that you see your
advisor and drop the class(es). A "W" (withdrawal) is always better than an "F". Save your GPA. Keep in mind, however,
that LSUA policy allows only one drop per class. If you drop a class and schedule to take it later, you must prove that you
have extenuating circumstances before you can drop it again. Discuss dropping a class with your class instructor and
with your advisor before you decide to complete a drop. Withdraw from a class through the right channels. If you have
a PELL Grant, make sure you go by Financial Aid and Scholarships before dropping a course. Dropping all your classes
constitutes withdrawal from the University (Resignation). This process begins in the Advising Center.
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