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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
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. 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.
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
MUW 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. Program offerings such as RecAerobics, Outdoor Adventure, Personal Training, Intramural Sports, Open Recreation, and Special Events activate your mind, exercise your body, and enhance your soul.
The main focus of Campus Recreation is the advancement of the MUW student body in the area of exercise and recreational sports, and with the addition of the Pohl/Stark Recreation Complex it is easy to see we are serious about our mission. The Pohl/Stark Recreation Complex is the newest identity of recreation on the MUW campus. It houses a 5,000 sq. ft. weight room, three multipurpose basketball courts, a three lane walking track that is suspended over two of the basketball courts, two racquetball courts, aerobic studios, a six-lane swimming pool, and locker rooms. The office of Campus Recreation and the Department of Health and Kinesiology are located within the Pohl/Stark Recreation Complex. Its main purpose is to serve the recreational and educational needs of the MUW student body.
The services provided by the Office of Campus Recreation are free for any registered MUW student. For information concerning Campus Recreation, contact 662-241-7494, recreation@muw.edu, or www.muw.edu/recreation.
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 also can 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 also can 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.
Diversity Education and Programs
The Office of Diversity Education and Programs provides a welcoming and supportive environment for minority and international students and serves as a link between culturally diverse students and the University community. The mission of Diversity Education and Programs is to provide support services for students, to assist in the achievement of their personal goals, and to facilitate their academic, social, cultural, moral, and physical development. In addition, the director of Diversity Education and Programs is an advocate for the needs of the culturally diverse student population. More information may be obtained by contacting the Office of Diversity Education and Programs in Cochran Hall or visiting our website www.muw.edu/student/diversity.
Food Services
Sodexho-Marriott Services, Inc. provides food services for the University. A student must participate in a meal plan if the student resides in university housing other than faculty apartments. 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 Goose: This snack bar which offers short order foods, beverages, and snack foods is located in the Hogarth Student Center.
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. |
