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Purpose Statement
As an integral part of the University’s educational process, the Division of Student Services is committed to the belief that education extends outside the formal classroom setting. The Division implements programs and services designed to complement classroom experience, preparing students to be educated and productive members of society. Student Services seeks to do this by offering opportunities for social, intellectual, physical, spiritual, and emotional growth, by encouraging students to become actively involved in campus life, by serving as an advocate for student concerns to the University community, and by creating an environment responsive to individual differences and representative of the University’s diverse population. Through these services and programs, students will develop a mature sense of value and responsibility, as well as a sound intellectual competence.
Community Living
Research conducted nationally indicates that on-campus residence is one of the strongest influences on the student’s successful completion of an undergraduate degree. Those who live on campus are at the center of University life and are thus able to make the most of academic and co-curricular opportunities. They become part of a vital living-learning community, making friendships that last a lifetime.
Nearly 600 students make their homes in MUW’s six residence halls. While each facility is unique, all of them offer a community supportive of academic excellence. Staff and student leaders live and work in the halls, coordinating services and programs that facilitate student success both in and out of the classroom. Availability of academic support and computing services, opportunities for student leadership training, participation in recreational activities, and availability of a sympathetic ear are just a few of the services available to students living in the residence halls. Because a living-learning environment is so conducive to student success, we strongly encourage all students to live in university residence halls.
General Information
When a student is admitted to the University, he/she does not receive a room automatically. Rooms may be reserved only by filing an application with the Department of Community Living. Moreover, those who elect to live in residence halls are required to participate in a meal plan. Charges for living expenses, which are payable during registration, can be found in the Tuition and Expenses section of this Bulletin.
Facilities/Furnishings
A variety of living spaces are available to students residing in the residence halls, and students can choose based upon their personal preference and availability. These facilities include suites, deluxe suites (with kitchenettes), and individual rooms. Each of the residence halls has a study room with computers and a lounge equipped with televisions, and other recreational materials. Laundry rooms are located in each facility with free laundry for residents. Room furnishings include desks, chairs, single beds, microfridge, and dressers. Students are expected to furnish their own bed linens, blankets, pillows, curtains, towels, and any other articles for personal use or room decoration.
High speed internet access is available in each room; however, if residents wish to benefit from this convenience, they must provide their own computer. Also, each residence hall has wireless connection available to all students. For those who do not have a personal computer, there are computer labs located in the study rooms of each residence hall.
Custodial and facilities staff are responsible for routine repair and cleaning in common areas such as: lounges, lobby bathrooms, corridors, and walkways.
Procedures and Policies Governing Student Housing
As a condition of residence, students who live in university facilities are required to obey the laws of Mississippi, the policies of Mississippi University for Women, and the regulations of the current MUW Student Handbook.
Students are responsible for the physical condition of their rooms and for their conduct and that of those who visit them. Individuals who occupy rooms in the University’s residential facilities will be held responsible for any damage to the room itself or to the furniture and equipment in the room. No firearms, fireworks, extension cords (except multi-outlets with circuit breakers), alcoholic beverages, or pets (other than guide dogs supporting sight impaired persons or fish in an aquarium) are allowed in residence halls. All MUW residence halls are smoke-free environments.
The University is not responsible for loss of or damage to personal property. Large sums of money or items of substantial value should not be left unsecured in the rooms. Students are encouraged to carry appropriate insurance for their personal property.
The administration reserves the right to refuse admission, to relocate, or to evict any student in any hall at any time.
Residence halls will be closed between fall and spring semesters, between spring and summer semesters, and between summer and fall semesters. Halls may close during other university holidays. On-campus accommodations for residence hall students may be available at additional cost during these periods. Between semesters, students are expected to check out of their residence halls immediately following their last examination or class. Those who find it necessary to remain on campus after the completion of their academic work must notify the Department of Community Living.
Students are expected to be economical in the use of water, light, and heat and to keep their rooms in good condition.
Personalization
Residential students may, within guidelines, personalize their rooms. Personalization includes hanging posters, bringing pictures from home, additional lighting, etc.
Application for Housing
To apply for campus housing, students must send a completed housing application to the Office of Community Living, 1100 College Street MUW-1626, Columbus, MS 39701-5800. Signed applications indicate the student’s acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined therein including a $100 deposit. $75.00 of this deposit will be credited towards the student’s room and is refundable prior to June 1, in writing to Community Living, 1100 College Street MUW-1626, Columbus, MS 39701-5800, requesting such a refund. Please be aware that the agreement is for the full academic year, including both fall and spring semesters.
Room Assignments
Housing assignments are based on the date of application. Students can request specific roommates in accordance with the housing policy; however, those who do not indicate a preference will be assigned a roommate. Should the designated co-habitant request a change in assignment or fail to enroll, the remaining student has three options: (1) secure a new roommate, (2) move to another room where there is a vacancy, or (3) pay the established rate for a private room (if available as deemed by the Department of Community Living). Further information on this policy may be obtained from the hall staff, the Department of Community Living, or the Student Handbook.
Commuting Students
Limited overnight and weekend accommodations are available in the residence halls for commuting students. The conference housing policy outlines the stipulations for temporary accommodations. Contact the Department of Community Living for further information by calling (662) 329-7127.
Change of Registration–Drop/Add
Courses may be added or dropped without penalty during the first few days of a term using Banner Web on-line. Students should check the academic calendar, student handbook, and/or student activities calendar for all important dates concerning dropping a course, adding a course, or changing their grade status in a course. After that time, students will need to consult their advisors for drop/add procedures. The add/drop transaction is not final until the changes have been processed.
Withdrawal from MUW
Students who wish to withdraw from the University must do so through the College or School of their major or through the Center for Academic Excellence if they are undeclared. The last day to withdraw from the University is listed on the Academic Calendar. Once the withdrawal request form is processed, this is an irreversible action.
Withdrawal from Mississippi University for Women does not necessarily indicate a clearance of financial or other obligations. All obligations to the University must be met regardless of withdrawal status. Refunds, if any, are made according to the MUW refund schedule listed in the University Accounting Office’s Tuition and Fees webpage, based on the date of withdrawal.
Leaving the University without filing a formal withdrawal notice will result in failing grades in all courses for which the student is registered. Withdrawing from a residence hall is not the same as withdrawing from university course work.
Withdrawal Effect on Tuition–Adjustments to Charges/Refunds
Adjustments to tuition and housing expenses are made for students who officially withdraw from the University during the first ten days of classes in the full-term fall, spring, and during the first 6 days of the full summer term, or during the first three days of the five-week summer sessions, or during the first five days of the accelerated fall and spring sessions. Students will be assessed $100.00 or 5% of full tuition (whichever is lower) and reimbursed for the remainder. No refund in tuition will be given after the above listed periods. Tuition charges are not adjusted if classes are dropped after the last day to add/drop classes via Banner Web. The last day to add/drop via Banner Web is the last day to add a class. See the Academic Calendar for specific dates.
Withdrawal Effect on Housing—Refund of Housing and Meal Plan
Housing expenses will be pro-rated, based on actual residency. Students withdrawing from student housing before the contract period ends will be assessed an additional $250.00 termination fee. Students who withdraw from student housing during the first five weeks of the fall or spring semester will receive a pro rata refund of their original meal plan disbursement.
Non-Attendance of classes does not constitute an official withdrawal from the University. Per contract agreement, students who remain enrolled but who withdraw from the residence hall will receive no refund of fees, and if they signed a two-semester contract they will be billed again for housing in the spring semester so long as they are still enrolled at MUW. Students who withdraw from the University during the first two weeks of classes will have their living expenses pro-rated, based on actual residency. Students who are charged for a private room will have rates adjusted if the private room status is changed. No adjustments will be made in housing fees in the last thirty calendar days of the semester. Students who move out of the residence halls because they are engaged in directed teaching or other field experiences will have their living expenses pro-rated, based upon actual residency.
Students who withdraw from the University are responsible for any balance remaining on their account.
Withdrawal Effect on Financial Aid
Students who choose to withdraw from the University prior to the end of the term must follow the “Withdrawal Process” established by the University. (Students who wish to completely withdraw from the University must do so through the College or School of their major or through the Center for Academic Excellence if they are undeclared.) Failure to complete the semester may have an effect on the financial aid funds disbursed to a student’s account and paid to cover tuition, fees, bookstore charges, campus housing costs, or paid to the student as a refund. Students who withdraw before the 60% point in the semester will have a “pro rata reduction” in the amount of financial aid disbursed. The federal regulations expect students to “earn” the use of funds for attending the “entire” semester. The percentage of the semester that was not attended becomes the percent of funds that may need to be returned. This reduction will leave an unpaid balance owed to the University on the student’s account BUT student loans will be reduced with their lender and other aid funds will be returned to the program accounts for possible use in the summer semester.
Failure to complete the semester and failure to “officially” withdraw is considered an “unofficial withdrawal”. Failure to complete the courses in the semester will result in a grade of F. Faculty are requested to report the last day of class attendance (LDA) or participation in a class project or activity to allow the Financial Aid Office to calculate the percentage of the course the student completed. When no LDA is provided, the 50% point or mid-term date is used to determine the amount of aid to be returned to the federal or state programs. The longer students attend, the lower the amount of funds to be returned and the amount owed MUW will also be less.
Withdrawal Effect on Course Grade
Withdrawing by the last day to withdraw without receiving a grade results in a grade of W on the student record, which does not calculate in the GPA. Withdrawing after that date, but by the last day to completely withdraw from the university, results in a grade of WP or WF. WP grades do not affect GPA, but WF grades do calculate into the GPA, the same as a grade of F. The withdrawal dates and deadlines are published in the Academic Calendar.
Student Services and Organizations
Campus Health Services
Ambulatory care and health education are goals of the Campus Health Center. All students are eligible to use the Health Center. No fee is charged for routine visits though there is a nominal charge for medications, supplies, and complete physical exams.
The Health Center is administered by the Dean of the College of Nursing and Speech Language Pathology, and it is staffed by nurse practitioners, registered nurses with Master’s degrees, who, in their expanded role, are licensed to diagnose and treat many common conditions. The protocols for treatment are developed in conjunction with the Mississippi Board of Nursing and a collaborating physician, who is available at all times for consultation and/or referral.
The Health Center is open from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday during the academic year. The Center is closed on Saturday and Sunday and during regularly scheduled student holidays.
Student health insurance may be obtained through a commercial carrier.
Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation strives to provide quality recreation opportunities for the MUW community and to create a safe environment that fosters development of the mind, body, and soul. We offer programming that is tailored to the needs and desires of our students. Six program areas (Aquatics, Intramural Sports, Open Recreation, Outdoor Adventure, Special Events, and Wellness) provide excitement and diversity to everyday, campus life.
In addition to quality programming, Campus Recreation manages the Pohl-Stark Complex, which includes the Pohl Academic Building and the Stark Recreation Center. The complex, which opened in April of 2007, houses a 5,000 square foot strength and conditioning room, 3 basketball/volleyball courts, an elevated 3 lane indoor track, 2 racquetball courts, 2 aerobic studios, locker rooms, and an indoor 6 lane swimming pool. This dynamic facility features space for all your recreation and fitness needs in addition to classrooms, lounge space, meeting rooms, and a state of the art Exercise Science lab.
Campus Recreation employs a large number of students each year to manage the Pohl-Stark Complex and coordinate programming. Students find employment ranging from Intramural officials and scorekeepers to facility staff, personal trainers, lifeguards, and office assistants.
The services and facilities provided by Campus Recreation are free for any registered MUW student. Supplementary membership opportunities are available for an additional fee. For questions or information concerning Campus Recreation programs, membership, or employment please call us at (662) 241-7494, stop by the Stark Recreation Center Office, Rm. 101 or email us at campusrecreation@sa.muw.edu .
Career Services
The Office of Career Services, located in Cochran Hall Room 405, provides students and alumni with resources to facilitate career planning and job hunting, as well as opportunities to assess their interests, skills, and abilities. The Career Services library provides a variety of professional development publications, along with internship and job announcements. Students can also benefit from computerized assessments that assist them in selecting a major and/or minor and researching career opportunities.
The Office of Career Services hosts local job fairs for specific majors and/or for the entire student body. MUW also participates in regional career fairs, and informs students of similar opportunities at the national level. The Office of Career Services offers a variety of free workshops each semester. These include, but are not limited to, seminars on self-assessment, selection of a major, employment correspondence, interview strategies, business etiquette, dining etiquette, and portfolio development. Students can also benefit from many other resources, including videos and/or flyers that provide information about majors, careers, jobs, internships, portfolio development, and self-presentation.
Counseling
Community Living provides free and confidential counseling to students on an individual basis. The department also provides campus programming on various mental health issues such as stress management, test anxiety, self-esteem, alcohol awareness, depression, and eating disorders. Students who wish to engage any of these services are urged to contact the Department of Community Living.
Food Services
Sodexo Campus Services Inc. provides food services for the University. A student must participate in a meal plan if the student resides in university housing. Computer programmed, picture I.D.’s are used by residential students to gain entrance to the Dining Center. Non-residents and guests may purchase meals with cash. Students requiring special diets must have a physician’s dietary prescription sent to the Health Center, which will in turn contact the Food Service provider. The MUW Food Service Advisory Board, composed of students and food service staff, meet regularly to evaluate and recommend changes to food service programs. The MUW Food Services are located in the following areas:
Nancy Hogarth Dining Center: Cafeteria-style service is provided seven days a week while school is in session. The cafeteria-style service offers unlimited servings of a wide selection of salads, entrees, vegetables, desserts, and beverages. The facility also includes a grill.
Catering: The Dining Center provides a full range of catering services for the University community.
The Subway Cafè: A licensed franchise of the Subway brand, operated by Sodexo, is located in the Hogarth Student Center.
Hearin Leadership Program
The mission of the Hearin Leadership Program is to teach students basic leadership skills and, thereby, to facilitate their meaningful participation in contemporary society. Students learn to collaborate and cooperate with others as well as to think critically and creatively.
The Hearin Leadership Program creates experiential educational opportunities for student leaders. Students have the opportunity to direct various campus groups and thus gain firsthand leadership experience. The Hearin Program also sponsors a variety of educational opportunities open to all students, including exciting and interactive speakers, leadership workshops, and leadership activities on and off campus. Located in Cochran Hall, the Hearin library houses valuable resources, including contemporary books on leadership theory and thought.
Recipients of Hearin Scholarships must fulfill annual requirements for renewal of their award. Additional information is available at http://www.muw.edu/hearin.
Orientation
MUW’s student orientation program familiarizes new students with academic requirements, campus activities, services, traditions, and fellow students. In addition, orientation offers new students academic advising and opportunities to register for courses. Sessions for transfer students and freshmen are held each summer. For more information concerning orientation, visit www.muw.edu/orientation.
Student Activities
A wide and varied program of experiences is necessary to develop the many facets of the well-rounded personality; therefore, MUW sponsors organizational, social, recreational, cultural, and leisure activities.
Participation in campus organizations helps students develop interpersonal, organizational, problem solving, and leadership skills and familiarizes them with their personal capabilities and limitations.
The Office of Student Life, in conjunction with other offices and organizations, coordinates a variety of events throughout the year. From comedians and concerts, to fine art shows and theatre productions, there is always something to do on campus.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) at MUW represents the mechanism through which students are able to participate in University governance, ensuring an exchange of ideas and opinions between the student body and the administration. The Student Government was created in 1910 with the adoption of the SGA Constitution. It is patterned on our national government, including executive, legislative, and judicial branches. SGA acts as the official voice of the student body and as mediator between that body and the local, state, and federal governments. The association strives to promote the welfare and to maximize the personal, social, and political development of all students at Mississippi University for Women. Students are encouraged to become involved in SGA activities and to contact the SGA Office with any concerns arising from their enrollment at MUW.
Student Organizations
Involvement in organizations helps students develop leadership skills, meet people with similar interests, gain professional contacts, and become well-rounded individuals. The Office of Student Life registers over 75 student organizations each year, and the Student Life staff can assist those interested in either forming new organizations or joining current ones. A complete list of registered student clubs, societies, and associations follows. The list is subject to change.
Departmental Organizations are associated with academic colleges and departments or with specific majors. Departmental Organizations include Art Students League, Health and Kinesiology Club, Institute of Management Accountants, Minority Student Nurses Association, Mississippi Organization of Associate Degree Student Nurses, Mississippi Association of Student Nurses, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Phi Beta Lambda, Professional Association of Family and Consumer Science, Psychology Club, Society of Professional Journalists, Spanish Club, Mississippi Association of Educators, and Student Nurses Association.
Honorary Organizations select members on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, and/or service. Students should contact the organization’s current president or advisor to obtain criteria for membership. Honorary organizations include Accounting Honorary, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Beta Beta Beta, Hottentots Leadership Honorary, Kappa Delta Epsilon, Kappa Mu Epsilon, Lambda Tau: Chi Chapter, Lantern Honor Society, Mortar Board, Phi Alpha Theta, Phi Epsilon Kappa, Phi Theta Kappa: Epsilon of MS, Phi Upsilon Omicron, Psi Chi, Sigma Tau Delta, Sigma Theta Tau, and Aristos.
Religious Organizations meet the needs of students with similar spiritual values. They are open to all students regardless of denomination. Religious organizations include Baptist Student Union, Catholic Student Association, Ecumenical Council, United Harmony Ministries, and Wesley Foundation.
Service Organizations provide a specific service to the entire campus community. The mission of these organizations includes the improvement of campus life. This category includes all governing bodies. Service organizations include Class Council, Student Government Association, Residence Hall Association, Interclub, International Student Association, National PanHellenic Council, Student Alumni Ambassadors, Student Government Association, Orientation Leaders , Student Programming Board, and W-Reps.
Social Organizations offer social support, leadership development, and community service. Please contact the Office of Student Life for information. Social organizations include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Beta Kappa Tau Fraternity, Blacklist Honorary Social Club, Coretta Social Club, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, D’Belle Social Club, Highlander Social Club, Jester Honorary Social Club, Lockheart Social Club, Mam’selle Social Club, Masker Honorary Social Club, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Reveler Social Club, Rogue Social Club, Silhouette Social Club, Troubadour Social Club, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and Xi Delta Omega Fraternity.
Special Interest Organizations serve students with similar extracurricular interests. Special interest organizations include College Republicans, College Democrats, Hearin Leadership Society, Modeling Squad, Older Wiser Learning Students (O.W.L.S.), Society of Professional Journalists, Student Culinary Association, TVA Investment Club, Buk Worms, and Midnight Writers.
Performing Groups
Various performing groups are coordinated through the Department of Music and Theatre. Please contact the department office at (662) 329-7341 for audition schedules and other requirements. Performing groups include Chorale, Jazz Ensemble, Madrigals, New Horizons, and United Harmony Gospel Choir.
Student Programming Board
Each Fall semester the Student Programming Board (SPB) recruits new members who are committed to providing valuable educational and fun experiences outside the classroom and who strive to serve the cultural, educational, recreational, and social interests of MUW students. Students directly involved in planning and production of these events have a unique opportunity to develop valuable skills in leadership, management, public relations, decision making, and creative thinking.
All students are invited to participate in the Student Programming Board. The Student Life staff will be glad to discuss membership and answer any questions about programming. For more information visit the Office of Student Life on the 2nd floor of Cochran Hall or call (662) 329-7416.
Student Publications
The University publishes the Spectator (the campus newspaper) and Dilettanti (the annual literary magazine). These publications are staffed by students who get valuable experience in writing, editing, design, photography, advertising, and public relations. All students are encouraged to join the staffs.
The Spectator is available via the internet weekly during the fall and spring semesters. A new editor is chosen each spring for the following year.
The Dilettanti cultivates creativity of various types. Published yearly, the magazine includes poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, as well as student produced original art and photography. Literary and art editors are chosen in the spring and serve for one year. Staff members may receive a small stipend or academic credit for their work on the publications.
Testing Services
The Residual ACT, and Praxis exams are administered on campus by a representative from the Office of Student Life. Testing times, locations, and schedules are regularly posted in the Office of Student Life. Call 662-241-7619 for further information.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students at Mississippi University for Women are members of an academic community that encourages honesty, integrity, and excellence. The same students are also citizens within the state, local, and national communities and are expected to observe the acceptable standards of conduct for each. In most instances, students are adults, having reached the legal age of majority, and are thus expected to take personal responsibility for their conduct. The University does not assume responsibility for the actions of students.
Notwithstanding the above, enrollment in an institution of higher education carries with it special privileges and imposes special responsibilities. The University reserves the right to take such action as may be necessary to maintain campus conditions and preserve the integrity of the institution and its educational mission and environment.
MUW has developed a student judicial system that emphasizes personal accountability for misconduct, but is also fair and respectful of the student’s right to due process. More detailed information with regard to student conduct may be found in the MUW Student Handbook, which may be found online at http://www.muw.edu. |
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