Student Handbook

Student Life resources for students:  Student Handbook

Student Activities and Support Services

Create Care

Create Care CSU is a network made up of all members of the Columbus State University campus community, including you, that work together to promote a safe and successful environment. When you submit a report using the links below, please know that your report will be reviewed by appropriate individuals dedicated to connecting members of our campus community to specific support resources as well as upholding the standards with applicable codes of conduct for all. For more information visit and to submit a referral or report, please visit: https://sa.columbusstate.edu/create-care.php

Campus Recreation

The Campus Recreation Department offers a co-educational program providing an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to participate in a variety of recreational activities. Programs that have been offered include flag football, volleyball, basketball, softball, indoor and outdoor soccer, ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball, racquetball, and climbing wall events. In addition to planned activities, the basketball courts are available for free play. Campus recreation has many programs and services such as Group Fitness classes, Personal training, Swim lessons, and so much more.

Club Sports serves individual interests in different sports and recreational activities. These may be competitive, recreational or instructional. Club Sports may represent the University in intercollegiate competitions. The student recreation center offers three basketball courts, a multi-purpose court (used for indoor soccer, volleyball, basketball, and special events), two racquetball courts, a large cardio deck, free weight and machine weight areas. It also has an indoor track, two movement rooms, rock and bouldering walls, locker rooms, and an Aquatics center that features an indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool and lazy river. For additional information call (706) 507-8658 or go to: http://campusrec.columbusstate.edu/

Center for Accommodation and Access

The Center for Accommodation and Access coordinates the compliance of Columbus State University with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, P.L. 101-336 (July 26, 1990), as amended by P.L. 110–325 (September 25, 2008) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, not merely to achieve legality, but to foster academic potential through individualized plans tailored to the particular needs of students with disabilities. Students with documented physical, psychological, or cognitive disabilities should contact the Center for Accommodation and Access as early as possible. It takes approximately 5 days to process a new student, which includes not only review of disability documentation, but also attending an intake meeting with the disability services professional. Scheduling the intake appointment with the Center for Accommodation and Access is the responsibility of the student.

If you have any questions, or you need to register with the Center for Accommodation and Access, please contact:

Center for Accommodation and Access
Columbus State University, Schuster 102
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, Georgia 31907-5645
Tel:  706-507-8755
Fax: 706-507-8758  Schuster Student Success Center - Room 102

Our hours of operation are as follows: Main Campus, Monday through Thursday, 8:00am - 8:00pm, and Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.  

CAA‘s Riverpark Office (adjacent to Broadway Crossing in the CSU Advise suite) is staffed on Wednesdays from 8:00am - 5:00pm or by appointment. Please call 706-507-8755 or email caa@columbusstate.edu to make an appointment to meet at the RiverPark Campus. For more information, go to https://caa.columbusstate.edu/

Cougar Kickoff

Cougar Kickoff is a week full of events that occur during the first week of each semester. Students can enjoy fun-filled activities and learn how to get involved with campus events. https://www.columbusstate.edu/student-life/cougar-kickoff/

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center, located in room 300 of the Schuster Student Success Center, offers a variety of services to all students, staff, faculty, and alumni. The Counseling Center staff consists of mental health professionals who are trained and experienced in facilitating personal development. A confidential atmosphere is provided where personal, social, and academic concerns may be discussed. These concerns include but are not limited to the following: anxiety management, depression, vocational and career decisions, loneliness, interpersonal relations (peers, boy/girl friend, family) and academic difficulties. If the counseling staff is unable to provide the necessary service for a client, appropriate recommendations are discussed and referrals are made. The orientation and philosophy of the Center give equal consideration to the emotional, personal, academic and vocational aspects of each student’s development. Each semester, counseling staff present outreach programs on topics such as test anxiety reduction, personality styles, dream interpretation, learning strategies, stress management, and assertiveness training. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these free workshops. Finally, the Counseling Center provides psychological testing for the diagnosis of learning disorders. 

For more information: https://counseling.columbusstate.edu/

Office of the Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students is dedicated to providing assistance, as needed and necessary, in an effort to foster a safe, enjoyable, and successful college experience for each student.  The authority to act on alleged non-academic judicial affairs or infringements of student rights is vested with the Office of the Dean of Students. The Office of the Dean of Students provides a variety of educational programming, such as:  Alcohol and Drug Education, Health and Safety, and Sexual Harassment and Assault Awareness. Many of these are presented in cooperation with the Sexual Assault and Violence Education (S.A.V.E) Task Force, the Alcohol and Drug Education Task Force, Residence Life, Student Life, University Police, and the Counseling Center.  The Office of the Dean of Students serves as the student body’s ombudsman; directing students to print, on-line and personnel resources; assisting students with writing and presenting grievances and appeals; meeting with individual students and groups, and serves at the pleasure of the Academic Standards Committee in receiving and processing medical withdrawals for students. http://sa.columbusstate.edu/forms.php

Diversity Programs & Initiatives

As part of Student Life & Development, Diversity Programs and Services is here to provide services that promote successful college experiences for diverse populations. These services aim to foster student development, increase cultural awareness and provide learning outcomes which are globally focused. Annual events include Diversity Forum and Day of Silence, and many more. In addition, the African American Male Initiative is housed within this office.  AAMI is a partnership with faculty, staff and students which focuses on increasing enrollment, retention and graduation rates of black men at CSU through mentoring, leadership development and the celebration of academic and leadership achievements. For more information visit diversity.columbusstate.edu

Fraternity & Sorority Life

Fraternity and Sorority Life has a robust 50 year history on Columbus State University’s campus. Our community currently has 11 organizations across three internationally recognized councils; the Interfraternity Council, the College Panhellenic Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Our community values of scholastic excellence, philanthropic involvement, and individualized leadership opportunities help prepare students for life after graduation. https://www.columbusstate.edu/student-life/greeks/

Homecoming

Homecoming is an annual tradition during fall semester for students and alumni to engage and participate in hallmark events including the parade, concert, athletic events and many more programs and contests!  homecoming.columbusstate.edu

Medical/Hardship Withdrawal

Appeals for medical/hardship withdrawals are made to the Office of the Dean of Students online at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?ColumbusStateUniv&layout_id=2. If the semester affected is still in session the Office of the Dean of Student can approve the request.  If the semester affected is a prior semester the Office of the Dean of Students will forward the request to be reviewed by the Academic Standards Committee, who meet once a month.

Administrative Withdrawal

A student may be Administratively Withdrawn from the University when in the judgment of the Dean of Students, and after consulting with appropriate university officials, such as the Director of Student Health Services, the Director of the Counseling Center, and/or University Police, it is determined that the student suffers from a physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health condition which poses a significant danger or threat, to the university, or to them self. If administratively withdrawn, a student shall, upon written request, be accorded an appropriate hearing with the Vice President for Student Affairs prior to final decision concerning his or her continued enrollment at the University. In emergency situations, a decision on Administrative Withdrawals may be made prior to a hearing, but review of the decision may be made at the student’s request. All Administrative Withdrawals should be reviewed within 72 hours of the time of withdrawal and recommendation for appropriate action forwarded to the Vice President for Student Affairs. Additional information can be found at: http://sa.columbusstate.edu/forms.php

Miss CSU

The Miss CSU Scholarship Program is an annual scholarship competition for students of Columbus State University that provides various female empowerment workshops.  This is an official preliminary to the Miss Georgia and Miss America Scholarship Competition. It is a dynamic, educational program that provides opportunities for young women to expand their quest for knowledge and acquire skills to better equip them for future opportunities. https://www.columbusstate.edu/student-life/misscsu/

Non-Academic Misconduct and Appeals

The authority to act on alleged non-academic violations or infringements of student rights is vested with the Office of the Dean of Students. Violations that occur in areas designated as Residence Life may be handled as an administrative hearing through the office of the Director of Residence Life, in accordance with University policies and in consultation with the Dean of Students. For additional information go to: Non-Academic_Misconduct_Policies_and_Procedures.pdf

Orientation

The mission of Columbus State University's Orientation Program is to holistically address the developmental needs of new Columbus State students and families in transition within the Columbus State University community. The department, located within Student Life & Development, acknowledges and validates the primary transition into the University for new students as well as the series of transitions that occur throughout a student's college experience. Through the intentional interaction of new students, families, current students, faculty and staff, combined with specific programmatic elements, participants will develop an understanding and appreciation of the academic, developmental and social opportunities available, as well as knowledge of campus and community resources. orientation.columbusstate.edu/

Parent & Family Connection

Parenting a college student brings new experiences, major milestones and sometimes daunting challenges. At Columbus State University, students can pursue their intellectual and social growth safely and freely while obtaining a first-class education. One of the top priorities at Columbus State University is to ensure that parents feel part of the CSU community at every step. The Parent and Family Connection Program is dedicated to partnering with parents to make each student's experience at CSU as successful and rewarding as possible. parents.columbusstate.edu/

Registered Student Organizations

Whether students are interested in Academic & Professional, Greek Life, Honor Societies, Performing Arts, Special Interest or Faith Based organizations, Columbus State University has it all! CSU offers over 100 active Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), and students are encouraged to consider membership in any that interest them or create a new organization. csuinvolve.columbusstate.edu

Residence Life

The Department of Residence Life is dedicated to providing a safe and unique experience for every student that attends CSU. We offer a wide variety of convenient housing options on both our Main and RiverPark campuses. 

On Main Campus, our housing locations are Clearview Hall, the Courtyard at CSU, and Maryland Circle. Clearview Hall is available to our first-year students and is a traditional residence Hall with a multitude of common space areas. The Courtyard at CSU is reserved for our upperclassmen students and Maryland Circle are traditional style apartments with a kitchen and living room. 

On RiverPark, our housing locations are Broadway Crossing, Columbus Hall, Rankin, Oglethorpe, Fontaine, and One Arsenal Place. Broadway Crossing is reserved for our first-year students, while all other locations are for our upperclassmen students. RiverPark houses a total of 443 students in 6 buildings.  All RiverPark housing offers a unique experience as it is embedded in the downtown community. 

At CSU, we do have a first-year live on requirement. To learn more about this requirement and potential exemptions, please visit the following webpage: https://life.columbusstate.edu/first-year-requirement.php

To see photos, videos, and to learn more about housing at CSU, please visit https://life.columbusstate.edu

Student Newspaper (The Uproar)

Columbus State University students publish their own newspaper, The Uproar, during fall and spring semesters. The Uproar provides a means for students, faculty and staff to express their views, in both guest editorials and letters to the editors. The editor and staff have full responsibility for preparing the publication and they gain valuable journalistic experience. Staff positions are open to all students who meet the qualifications. https://uproarcsu.com/

Student Activities Council

The Student Activities Council (SAC) organizes programs and events for the student body by scheduling events that fit the current needs and interests of the students. SAC also offers opportunities for students to learn and engage in the event programming process. Events include comedians, movies, speakers, novelties, contests and much more! sac.columbusstate.edu

Student Government

Students play an important part in the policy and decision making process at Columbus State University. The Student Government Association handles matters concerned with the general welfare of the student body. The legislative branch of the SGA, composed of 15 at large Senators elected by the student body during spring semester and one representative from each campus organization, is responsible for decisions relating to student issues. The SGA is subdivided into committees that touch almost every phase of student life (elections, homecoming, etc.). These committees send recommendations to the governing body for action. Students also serve with faculty and administrators on various standing committees and have full voting status.

The executive branch of SGA is the Executive Committee which consists of the President, the Vice President of Scholastic Affairs, the Vice President of Finance, the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker of the Representatives. The committee administers student government and acts on student grievances, ideas, and comments. The Judicial Council is the representative of the Judicial Branch. It consists of a panel of six students, five justices elected by the forum and a campus elected, Chief Justice. Its purpose is to sit as a student court and render decisions on certain university and student government policies that affect students and serve as student representatives on judicial hearings as requested. It also functions as a sub-committee of the University Grievance Committee. The Judicial Council reports to the forum on its activities. http://sga.columbusstate.edu/

Student Health Services

Student Health Services are available to Columbus State University students on Main Campus. A per semester student health fee allows the student access to the Student  Health Center (SHC). The goal of student health services is to provide quality primary health care at a reasonable cost. Community referrals and health counseling are available through the SHC. All medical care and counseling are confidential. The SHC is located in Tucker Hall and is open Monday through Friday. A family practice physician is available to see students by appointment. Students may also be seen by a Nurse Practitioner or triage nurse depending on the acuity of the visit. The university is not responsible for medical bills or for illness/injuries incurred in free play, physical education classes, university-sponsored intramural sports, including club sports, or other regularly scheduled classes or activities. All students are urged to have health insurance coverage of some type. A voluntary health insurance plan is available for non-insured students through the University System of Georgia.

Students who become sick or injured after hours may seek treatment at one of the local urgent care centers or emergency rooms. For medical emergencies call Emergency Medical Services (911) or Columbus State University Police (706-507-8911). For more information on hours and services, please call 706-507-8620, or visit our website at http://healthservices.ColumbusState.edu for a full list of services provided.

Student Leadership and Service Programs

Student Leadership & Service (SLS) focuses on the development of students through leadership development and service opportunities that connect students to community partners and stakeholders. SLS provides students with experiential learning opportunities through workshops, retreats, training sessions, and service learning that provide an opportunity to build self-awareness. For more information visit https://www.columbusstate.edu/student-life/leadership-and-service/

Student Life & Development

The Department of Student Life and Development at Columbus State University promotes involvement, learning and success through intentional programming and developmental opportunities. Realizing that student development occurs through collaboration of all areas of campus life, Student Life encourages partnerships with students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Columbus community to enhance engagement for Columbus State University. The department works to foster an inclusive environment for both RiverPark and Main Campus students through diverse, innovative events. https://www.columbusstate.edu/student-life/campus-life.php