Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs is committed to providing an exceptional co-curricular experience, supportive of the academic program at Fayetteville State University from orientation through graduation. With a strong emphasis on total student development, the division strives to prepare each student for a productive, ethical and meaningful life after college, while fostering an inclusive campus community in support of the educational mission of the university.

The philosophy of the division is that student development is an on-going and cumulative process of intellectual, psychological, cultural, social, and spiritual growth. This growth and development is shaped by a student’s involvement outside the classroom and is a valuable part of the collegiate learning experience. Accordingly, the goals of Student Affairs are: to provide programs, services and events that promote cultural enrichment and development; to collaborate with academic units and utilize Experiential Learning opportunities to enhance students’ productivity; and to maintain a campus environment that encourages social diversification while promoting interpersonal interaction.

The Division of Student Affairs encompasses the administrative Office of the Vice Chancellor and the following units: Career Services, the Office of Residence Life, the Center for Personal Development, the Office of Student Engagement, Intramurals and Campus Recreational Services, Student Health Services, the Rudolph Jones Student Center, and the Office of Student Conduct.

Career Services Center

The Career Services Center, located in the Rudolph Jones Student Center, provides support and assistance for all students. Services are available to undergraduates, graduate students and recent alumni of the university in their preparation for securing meaningful employment. The office offers career exploration seminars, workshops, job fairs, symposia and classroom presentations. All students are expected to start the career services process in the freshman year and continue through graduation. The Career Resource Library offers materials and information regarding careers, the job search process and company literature, as well as graduate schools and fellowship programs.

Job Location and Development Program

The Job Location and Development Program, located within the Advisement and Career Services Center, assists currently enrolled students in finding part-time and summer employment at off-campus locations. The program affords opportunities for students to learn skills while developing work habits and values that will benefit them throughout their careers.

Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education (CO-OP), offered through the Advisement and Career Services Center is a unique plan of education, which integrates a student’s academic and career interests with productive work experiences in cooperating employer organizations. Through this interaction, students enhance their education and improve their personal and professional development. The academic advisor, cooperative education coordinator, and the employing supervisor all share in the intellectual and personal development of the student. The cooperative education experience enhances the self-awareness and direction of students by allowing them to develop practical skills and gain exposure to work environments beyond the university.

To ensure proper credit, students must complete all paperwork and approval processes prior to registering for CO-OP courses. Approval includes the cooperative education coordinator, academic advisor, department chair, and dean.

Center for Personal Development

The Center for Personal Development offers programs, services and activities to assist students with social, personal and academic growth during their matriculation at the university. In addition to counseling services, the Center for Personal Development staff presents workshops and outreach activities designed to enhance students’ self-esteem, study skills, leadership abilities, and decision-making skills. A confidential counseling atmosphere is provided for all enrolled students where personal, social, and academic concerns may be discussed.

Individual and group counseling sessions are available, and the information discussed therein is held in strict confidence to the limits provided by law. No record of counseling is made on academic transcripts or placement files. Referrals to community agencies are made when necessary. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Other times are available by appointment.

Services for Students with Disabilities and the Drug and Alcohol Education Prevention program are also coordinated through the Center for Personal Development.

Services for Students with Disabilities

The university provides for the matriculation of all students without regard to sex, race, religion, or disability. The university continues to be sensitive to the identification of possible barriers to students with disabilities and attempts to make reasonable accommodations for these students. Students with disabilities who need assistance in utilizing university services should register with the Center for Personal Development as soon as they are admitted to the university.

Drug and Alcohol Education Prevention Program

The Substance Abuse Prevention Program offers awareness information in an attempt to curb alcohol and other drug use and its associated negative consequences. A comprehensive prevention approach has been established that combines traditional educational programs with strategies aimed at informing the social environment on campus. Successful partnerships have been established with the following agencies in an effort to provide current information to the student population: Cumberland County Health Department, Cumberland County Mental Health Center, North Carolina Highway Patrol, ABC Alcohol Law Enforcement, Operation Sickle Cell, Inc., HIV/STD Prevention Program, and Rape Crisis Volunteers of Cumberland County.

Intramurals and Campus Recreational Services

The Intramurals and Campus Recreational Services program is a unique opportunity for members of the Fayetteville State University community to participate together in sports leagues, tournaments and special events. There are five team sports competitions: basketball, flag football, soccer, softball and volleyball. Other individual sports and special events include track, soccer, dodge ball, racquet ball, weightlifting, swimming, water aerobics, exercise equipment/ activities (Zumba, T-25 & Insanity), indoor/ outdoor track, and bike riding.

Participants do not have to possess superior athletic abilities. All levels of skill are incorporated. Eligibility is limited to Fayetteville State University students, faculty, and staff. Complete participant eligibility rules and sport specific rules can be found in the soon to be published Intramurals and Recreational Services Handbook.

The Intramurals Sports Office is located on the first floor of Williams Hall.

Residence Life

The primary goal of the Department of Residence Life is to create an atmosphere that is conducive to the overall educational mission of the university. Efforts are made to integrate academic and out-of-class learning while providing opportunities for self-identity, social networking, leadership development, and civic engagement through the Residence Hall Association.

The main office of Residence Life is located in Williams Hall. There are currently nine residence halls on the main campus and one apartment complex adjacent to the campus, offering comfortable and safe accommodations to approximately 1,600 students. Each facility is supervised by a group of adult professional staff members and supported by responsible student staff members, who aid as peer leaders assisting residents in their adjustment to college life.

An annual application and fee are required before a student can move on campus. Currently, priority is given to first year freshmen and sophomores in accordance with the on-campus living policy; however, upperclassmen and graduate students are welcomed based upon space availability. All residents are responsible for acquainting themselves and adhering to the policies and regulations outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, Guide to Residential Living, and the FSU Housing Application.

Residence hall living is based on community effort, mutual respect, and consideration of others. A written set of Community Living Standards is issued to residents and collectively reviewed at the beginning of each academic term. Community standards are designed to ensure that all students have a positive residential experience. As members of the residence hall community, students are expected to abide by the residence hall regulations, as well as all other college policies and federal, state, and local laws. Alcohol, weapons, and drugs are strictly prohibited on campus.

Rudolph Jones Student Center

The Rudolph Jones Student Center serves as the community center for students, faculty, and staff by providing an environment conducive for growth and exchange. The Office of the Student Activities, Office of Career Services, Office of Student Conduct, Photography, Student Government Association, Student Activities Council, AUTOS Commuter Student Association, Fayettevillian Yearbook, and the VOICE Student Newspaper are housed in the facility. The Student Center is equipped with meeting rooms, student lounge areas, television lounge, recreational space with a hot grill, 100-seat movie theatre, full service post office, and cafeteria. Other services available in the Center include a copy machine, vending machines, and teller machine.

Office of Student Engagement

The Office of Student Engagement provides opportunities for students to involve themselves in co-curricular activities. Through this involvement, students are challenged through experiential learning and receive practical experience in program planning, leadership, problem solving, and consulting.

The Office of Student Engagement is responsible for certifying and monitoring the registration process for student clubs and organizations. Procedures for registering a student organization and for establishing a new student organization can be found in the Student Handbook.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the organization that represents Fayetteville State University students. SGA strives to meet the needs of students and to act in their best interests. The officers focus on communications with students and on general operation of the Student Government. The Senate, composed of student representatives, is responsible for examining student concerns and making appropriate recommendations to the university administration.

Student Activities Council

The Student Activities Council (SAC) has been established as the primary planning and implementation board of the majority of students’ social, cultural and recreational activities and events. The Council is comprised of several elected underclassmen and executive board members. Council members are elected annually and serve as representative of their constituents.

Student Health Services

The mission of Student Health Services is to provide quality, cost effective health care and health educational services that will assist the students in their environments for better physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Student Health Services is located in the Spaulding Building. All currently enrolled students are eligible for health care. Treatment of minor illnesses and minor injuries are provided at Student Health Services. Students needing referrals for specialized services are referred to local area clinics and hospitals. The student is responsible for all charges not covered by their personal insurance plan, and/or their Student Medical Insurance Plan.

In order to give satisfactory service to each student, the Student Health Services staff desires the cooperation of each student in adhering to Student Health Policies. All students who have medical problems or questions are invited to consult the Student Health Services staff. On each visit to Student Health Services a valid Fayetteville State University Identification Card must be presented prior to treatment and/or services.

Medical Provider hours for routine treatment are posted, but may vary during summer sessions. After hours, for non-life threatening issues, students can contact the Health Line Blue at 1-877-477-2424. If experiencing a life-threatening emergency, students should contact the Residence Hall Advisor/Director, the Campus Police, or the Emergency Management System (911).

Insurance

Fayetteville State University requires each student to have accident and medical insurance either by their personal policy or under the FSU Student Medical Insurance Plan. Brochures describing the Student Insurance Plans are available at Student Health Services and online at www.studentinsurance.com.

The premium for the Student Accident & Sickness Insurance Plan is included in each student’s semester bill as long as three criteria are met:

1. Six or more credit hours taken on the main campus.
2. Student is eligible to pay the student health fee.
3. Student is enrolled in a degree-seeking program.

Students who do NOT wish to be enrolled in the Student Insurance Plan MUST present proof of personal insurance coverage and complete the insurance waiver online only at www.bcbsnc.com/fsu. The deadline will be announced via email. Students who participate in varsity athletics are not allowed to waive their FSU Student Accident & Sickness Insurance Plan without the permission of their respective coach or the Athletic Director.

Any student enrolled in the Student Insurance Plan may also enroll their eligible dependents and/or spouse.

International students are insured under the University System International Insurance plan. All international students are to contact Student Health Services for information.

Medical Immunization Requirements

Fayetteville State University and North Carolina Statute, G.S. 130A-155.1, require that all new, readmitted and transfer students taking more than four hours on campus before 5:00 p.m., and students applying for admission to the Teacher Education Program complete the medical/immunization requirements. The required immunizations are listed on the Student Health Form included in the admission packet sent to all new and readmitted students. These forms are also available online and in the Spaulding Building.

Additional Information

All medical/immunization records should be mailed directly to Student Health Services. The immunization record must be physician-certified or verified by a clinic stamp. A physician must verify any medical exemption from the immunization requirement on the Medical Exemption Statement form (DHHS 3987). All medical information is confidential and is not divulged without the written consent of the student. The university is required by North Carolina state law to withdraw all students who do not provide the necessary immunization records. This administrative withdrawal can result in loss of grades and/ or academic credit. Students who are exempt from the immunization requirement include the following:

1. Students taking fewer than four credit hours
2. Students attending evening classes only
3. Students attending weekend classes only
4. Students taking off-campus classes for the duration of their degree

All students must still complete the Student Health Form upon acceptance to the University.

Medical Excuses

Medical excuses are given only when the Medical Provider deems it medically necessary. An appointment with Student Health Services does not mandate a medical excuse. Medical excuses are not issued for missed class time. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged not to schedule appointments during class time.

The Office of Student Conduct

The Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Director of Student Conduct administers judicial policies and adjudicates alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct for the university student judicial system. The Code of Student Conduct applies to all enrolled part-time, full-time, and graduate students while they are on premises owned by the university, on city streets running through or adjacent to the campus, and in off-campus facilities occupied by students by virtue of their association with an organization recognized by the University.

The Associate Vice Chancellor also provides various means of support as needed in crisis situations that involve students and other university offices. In addition, the Office Student Conduct oversees the National Pan Hellenic Council, Inc., the Student Judicial Board and the Order of Omega Honor Society. The Office of Student Conduct is located in the Rudolph Jones Student Center.

Alcohol/Drug Policy

Alcoholic beverages and drugs are strictly prohibited for students on the campus of Fayetteville State University. This includes the possession, sale, distribution, and consumption of any alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs.

Counseling and Rehabilitation

Counseling and rehabilitation related to alcohol and drug abuse are an important part of the university’s alcohol/drug policy. The following specific activities shall be implemented:

1. Information regarding the Center for Personal Development’s services and referral process for alcohol and drug abuse shall be disseminated to students, faculty, administrators, and staff.
2. Members of the academic community who are aware of individuals with alcohol/drug problems shall be encouraged to make referrals to the Center for Personal Development or other agencies.

Enforcement and Penalties Trafficking in Illegal Drugs

For illegal manufacture, sale or delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver any controlled substance identified in Schedule I through VI, NC General Statutes 90-89, 90-91 through 90-94, (including but not limited to heroin, mescaline, lysergic acid diethylamide, opium, cocaine, amphetamine, methaqualone, marijuana, pentobarbital, codeine) the minimum penalty shall be expulsion from enrollment of any student or dismissal from employment for any faculty member, administrator or any other employee.

Illegal Possession of Drugs

For the first offense involving the illegal possession of any controlled substance identified in Schedule I, NC General Statutes 90-89, Schedule II, NC General Statutes 90-90, the minimum penalty shall be suspension from enrollment for a minimum of one calendar year for any student, faculty member or employee. For a second offense for possession of any controlled substance identified in Schedule I, NC General Statutes 90-89, or Schedule II, NC General Statutes 90-90, the minimum penalty shall be expulsion from enrollment or dismissal from employment.

For a first offense involving the illegal possession of any controlled substance identified in Schedules III through VI, NC General Statutes 90-91 through 90-94, the minimum penalty for any student, faculty member or other employee shall be probation, for a period to be determined on a case-by-case basis. A more severe penalty may be imposed including the maximum penalty of expulsion for students and discharge for faculty members, administrators or other employees.

A person on probation must agree to participate in a drug education and counseling program, consent to regular drug testing, and accept such other conditions and restrictions, including a program of community service, as the chancellor or the chancellor’s designee deems appropriate. Refusal or failure to abide by the terms of probation shall result in suspension from enrollment or from employment for any unexpired balance of the prescribed probation.

For second or other subsequent offenses involving the illegal possession of controlled substances, progressively more severe penalties shall be imposed, including expulsion of students and discharge of faculty members, administrators or other employees.

When a student, faculty member, administrator, or other employee has been charged by the university with a violation of policies concerning illegal drugs, he or she may be suspended from enrollment or employment before initiation or completion of regular disciplinary proceedings if, assuming the truth of the charges, the Chancellor or, in his absence, the Chancellor’s designee concludes that the persons continued presence within the university community would constitute clear and immediate danger to the health or welfare of other members of the university community. If such a suspension is imposed, an appropriate hearing of the charges against the suspended person shall be held as promptly as possible thereafter.

A complete statement of the Fayetteville State University Alcohol/Drugs Policy can be found in the Student Handbook, which is published by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct

Sexual Harassment

The university is committed to taking effective action to prevent and correct sexual harassment by or against members of the university community. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

• submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic or student status, or
• submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment, academic, or other institutional decisions affecting such individual, or
• such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance, academic activities, or student experience, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, academic, or student life environment.

Students who believe they have been the victims of sexual harassment and/or who wish to file a complaint regarding an issue of sexual harassment should consult the university’s Sexual Harassment policy at http://www.uncfsu.edu/policy. Such complaints shall be reviewed, investigated and resolved in accordance with that policy.

Sexual Misconduct and Interpersonal Violence

The university is committed to fostering a safe campus environment where sexual misconduct and interpersonal violence are unacceptable and are not tolerated. Sexual misconduct is defined as any act of a sexual nature perpetrated against an individual without effective consent or when an individual is unable to freely give consent. Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Attempted or completed intercourse or penetration (anal, oral or vaginal);
• Sexual touching (including disrobing or exposure);
• Sexual exploitation;
• Sexual intimidation;
• Sexual coercion; or
• Interpersonal violence (including sexual violence, stalking, and physical assault).

The university encourages students who may have experienced sexual misconduct or interpersonal violence to speak with someone at the university so that the university can provide the support that is needed and respond appropriately. The Sexual Misconduct and Interpersonal Violence policy can be found at the following link: http://www.uncfsu.edu/Documents/Policy/students/SexualMisconduct.pdf

Consulting with a Health Care Professional - A student who wishes to confidentially speak about an incident of sexual misconduct should contact either of the following individuals who are required to maintain confidentiality:

Reporting an Incident of Sexual Misconduct or Interpersonal Violence - The university encourages students to report incidents of sexual misconduct and interpersonal violence. A student who wishes to report or has questions about university policies and procedures regarding sexual misconduct or interpersonal violence should contact the university’s Title IX Coordinator.

Unlike the Licensed Professional Counselor or the Director of Student Health Services, the Title IX Coordinator is legally obligated to investigate reports of sexual misconduct or interpersonal violence, and therefore cannot guarantee confidentiality, but a request for confidentiality will be considered and respected to the extent possible.

Students are also encouraged to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the university’s Police and Public Safety Department at (910) 672-1911.

Written Complaint Procedure

At Fayetteville State University, we recognize our students as the primary customers for all of the services that we offer, from classroom instruction to personal counseling to computer labs. When an area of the university needs improvement or change to better serve the needs of our students, we appreciate hearing from them.

As a first step, students are encouraged to discuss their complaints directly with the person responsible for the area or problem. If the issue is not or cannot be addressed through discussion with the responsible person; and if there are no methods prescribed for appeal in the applicable area in the relevant Academic Catalog, Student Handbook, or other official university documents, then the issue should be outlined in writing and submitted to the following offices in the order indicated:

Academic Complaints:

1. Department Chair
2. Dean of the School/College

Non-Academic Complaints:

1. Department or Office Director
2. Vice Chancellor of the Division to which the Department or Office reports

Each office listed above will respond to the student within 10 working days of receipt of the written suggestion or complaint. If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved at the first level, the student should submit his/her request to the next highest level. If the issue remains unresolved at the highest level indicated above, the student(s) should appeal to the Office of the Chancellor.

Americans with Disabilities Act Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Complaint Procedures

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of physical or mental handicap by programs receiving federal assistance. Section 504 focuses on program accessibility, academic accommodations, and integrated settings. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination based on disability in all programs, activities, and services of State and local governments.

As an institution that receives federal assistance from the U.S. Department of Education and as a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina (a state agency), Fayetteville State University must comply with the laws and regulations pertaining to Section 504 and ADA. It is the policy of FSU that no qualified individual with a disability will be excluded, by reason of such disability, from the participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities offered by FSU or be subjected to discrimination.

Additionally, FSU does not discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability, in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, advancement, or discharge of employees, employee compensation, job training, or any other term, condition, and privileges of employment. These procedures were established to provide an individual with the means to file a complaint if the individual believes that he or she has been discriminated against based on disability. A student, employee, applicant or member of the public who wishes to file a complaint regarding the University’s compliance with ADA/Section 504 must file such a complaint with the Director for the Center for Personal Development, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC 28301-4298.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Fayetteville State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and employment and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. Moreover, Fayetteville State University values diversity and actively seeks to recruit talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. Any individual with a concern, grievance or complaint of discrimination or retaliation should utilize the university’s policies listed above or the applicable employment related grievance procedures for faculty and EPA non-faculty employees.

Students who believe they have been discriminated against should contact the Office of Student Conduct or the Title IX Coordinator.