12.1 Student support services [CR]

The institution provides appropriate academic and student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission.

Judgment

x Compliance o Non-Compliance o Partial Compliance

Narrative

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette provides appropriate academic and student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission.

The University’s Mission:

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers an exceptional education informed by diverse worldviews grounded in tradition, heritage, and culture. We develop leaders and innovators who advance knowledge, cultivate aesthetic sensibility, and improve the human condition.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Values:

We strive to create a community of leaders and innovators in an environment that fosters a desire to advance and disseminate knowledge.

In addition to the mission and value statement, the University also fosters the following core values: equity, integrity, intellectual curiosity, creativity, tradition, transparency, respect, collaboration, pluralism, and sustainability.

In pursuit of this mission for its diverse student population, the University deploys student support services across four of its six divisions, including Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance, Enrollment Management, and Student Affairs. Whether enrolled in main campus or online courses, students can access information about student services through the UL Lafayette website, the student portal (Ulink), the Student Handbook, Student Policies website, Campus Resources, and the University Catalog. The many student support services available to online and other non-traditional students are discussed in each section.

Student Active Learning

Academic Success Center (Academic Affairs). The Academic Success Center provides a variety of services for undergraduate students in a comfortable environment, including academic advising, DIY Workshops, and the GradesFirst Early Warning Program, and connects students with further academic support in other departments. Academic Success Advisors assist first- and second-year undergraduates in transitioning to the University, choosing a major that fits their skills and interests, and selecting the right courses.

Office of Career Services (Student Affairs). The Office of Career Services provides programming designed for face-to-face as well as online students. Services include career assessments, career counseling, job search services, career fairs, a cooperative education program, résumé writing assistance, etiquette dinner, and the “On-Campus Interview” program. The “Collaborate with Us” program allows faculty to avoid cancelling a given session of an academic course if they cannot attend on account of illness or conference attendance, etc. In such instances of unavoidable instructor absence, Career Services will step in and provide a targeted career guest presentation.

Office of Distance Learning (Academic Affairs). The Office of Distance Learning assists in offering undergraduate and graduate students an online learning environment. Services offered include Online New Student Orientation, online tutoring, and coordinating, organizing, and facilitating electronic courses, and program delivery in concert with academic colleges, departments, and other University stakeholders. In addition, Distance Learning provides electronic learning opportunities by facilitating partnerships with other educational institutions, business and industry, and community and public agencies. To increase student readiness for their first online course, the Office of Distance Learning offers a free, self-paced, new student orientation course. The transition course includes seven topics designed to help students assimilate to learning online and learn about online student resources and support at the University. The tutorial also outlines some of the basics for communicating in an online environment.

University Libraries (Academic Affairs). The Edith Garland Dupre’ Library services at UL Lafayette provide both undergraduate and graduate students a variety of programming services in face-to-face meetings, online, and via telephone. Embedded librarian access within Moodle provides students with a full range of consistent and personalized services, including links to books, journals, and databases; available library guides; creation of video and/or screenshot tutorials for assignments; and extended assistance in research and information literacy. Dupre’ Library also provides technology services and resources to meet the needs of the students, including ways for students to interact with each other and build a community of scholars. Large screen monitors and mobile whiteboards offer more student-centered areas that foster collaboration, using informal spaces to promote active and social learning, and spaces where students can access technology together and share information. Computer labs are available for researching, typing, and printing papers and projects, and charging stations and lockers are provided. These programs serve the University’s mission by enhancing the Library’s role as a vital and effective resource for students.

Graduate School (Academic Affairs). The Graduate School at UL Lafayette provides a full calendar of services and programming to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing post-baccalaureate study face to face and via distance learning technologies. These include thesis and dissertation workshops/review and editing, professional development, New Graduate Student Orientation, writing support, mentoring programs, Graduate Student Appreciation Week, and “Gear Up for Grad School,” a graduate application preparation program. In addition to support provided for traditional graduate students, the Graduate School also provides evening programming and remote office hours to non-traditional and part-time students whose schedules fall outside the normal 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. business hours. Professional Development Programming opportunities are designed as “add on” components to meet student needs across the curriculum and build upon skills developed in individual disciplines. Topics aim to encompass essential transferable knowledge, as well as to strengthen existing skills at the core of graduate education and professional preparation for any employment sector.

Hilliard University Art Museum (Academic Affairs). The Hilliard University Art Museum provides programming for face-to-face meetings, as well as for students at a distance. Some of the programs offered by the museum include Creative Conversations, guided tours of exhibitions, Freshman Day, and Research Guides. These programs bring the campus and community together for multi-disciplinary presentations that provide new perspectives on the museum's exhibitions and collection, offering diverse perspectives on culture. Faculty may arrange guided tours of exhibitions for their classes, to enable students to broaden insights into art exhibitions; to engage in thematic discussions about personal responses to artworks; and to promote empathy, culture, critical thinking, and diverse views of the human condition.

Student Support Services (Academic Affairs). Student Support Services in the Department of Special Services provides educational federal programming designed to motivate and support face-to-face and distance learning students from disadvantaged backgrounds and to help minority students overcome class, social, academic, and cultural barriers. Programs include: the Student Support Services Regular Program, targeted programming for veterans, Teacher Prep, Disability, STEM, the Ronald E. McNair Program, and the Louis Stokes-Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation. These programs provide services to students from middle school to post-baccalaureate educational work, assist with securing financial opportunities, and provide academic and social support to cultivate academic aspirations and an environment of success in higher education.

Academic Support Services

The Learning Center (Academic Affairs). The Learning Center provides free individual peer tutoring, peer group tutoring, and supplemental instruction. Tutoring is aimed at remedial and entry-level science, math, and business courses, and includes individual and study group tutoring. Individual tutoring sessions range from 30 to 60 minutes, by appointment, and one to two-hour study groups are offered on a weekly basis. Services include help preparing for final exams. In addition, the Learning Center offers tutoring for select junior-level physics and math courses. Tutors are current undergraduate students who demonstrate academic success in their programs, maintain an average 3.5 cumulative GPA, and excel in the courses in which they tutor. Demand tends to be highest for tutoring that supports courses in math, biology, and chemistry, but requests can be made for additional and more advanced courses. The Supplemental Instruction (SI) program offers free academic assistance to students enrolled in historically challenging courses. SI Leaders are students who have previously completed the course with an A, have been recommended by a faculty member, and have participated in SI training. SI Leaders attend class sessions with students, then lead them through four hours of out-of-class review sessions every week. Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction services provided by the Learning Center contribute to the mission of UL Lafayette by strengthening the leadership, time management, independent learning, organizational, and communication skills developed among our SI Leaders, student staff, and student visitors.

Math Lab (Academic Affairs). The Math Lab is operated by the Mathematics department during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, and provides students with additional academic support. Graduate students pursuing degrees in Mathematics assist undergraduate students in 100- and 200-level mathematics courses on a first-come, first-served basis in the Fall and Spring semesters.

The Writing Center (Academic Affairs). The Writing Center helps both undergraduate and graduate students, whether distance or on campus, realize all aspects of the University's mission. In addition to technical writing assistance and the development of personal expression in all aspects of the writing process, the Center supports equity by helping students analyze and explore issues of justice and fair treatment, as well as assisting students in writing and speaking ethically and honestly. By encouraging transparency and the sharing of information, the Writing Center asserts and insists upon empathy and esteem for everyone, recognizing the inherent worth of diverse cultures and perspectives embodied in the University’s mission.

Student Engagement

Office of First-Year Experience (Academic Affairs). The Office of First-Year Experience offers programs designed to ensure a successful and well-supported transition to the University, including Freshman Week, the Peer Mentor Program, The Big Event, Living Learning Communities, Cajun Connection, and New Student Convocation. All programs are assessed and support the University’s mission by building an educational environment that fosters friendships and connects students to the academic experience. The Big Event, for example, a day of community service, gives UL Lafayette students the opportunity to volunteer in their communities in their own ways. Through the opportunity to participate in a range of projects, students gain a sense of citizenship and social responsibility, while fulfilling the University’s mission of giving back to the community through service.

Office of International Affairs and Global Engagement (Academic Affairs). The Office of International Affairs and Global Engagement offers students a range of programs that include International Orientation, International Hour, OPT Workshop, Tax Information Session, Intensive English Program (for prospective students), and Multicultural Week. Remote students are accommodated through online programming. Events during Multicultural Week include a Multicultural Expo, Trivia Night, Ms. International Pageant, Immigration Session, Diversity Night, and community service projects. Multicultural Week specifically supports the mission of UL Lafayette by highlighting “diverse worldviews grounded in tradition, heritage and culture,” and all of the international programs support the University’s efforts to “advance knowledge.”

Orientation (Enrollment Management). The Office of Orientation offers New Student Orientation, SOUL Camp, Student Orientation Staff Retreat, SOUL Camp Retreat, and SOUL Camp Trainings. During Orientation, students have the opportunity to engage with faculty members from across the curriculum, learn about University resources and involvement opportunities, discuss important transition issues, meet with an academic advisor in individual areas of study, and register for classes. Orientation further supports UL Lafayette’s mission by providing new students the opportunity to meet a diverse range of peers in their small group sessions. Students participate in small-group activities highlighting the diversity of our campus community, as well as the importance of their role in supporting this diversity.

SOUL Camp is a unique experiential transition program that supplements New Student Orientation and is designed to provide students with the skills and networks to succeed at the University and beyond. Through a combination of community service projects; educational speakers; social activities; interaction with faculty, staff, and upper-class student mentors; and team building exercises, students leave camp as engaged members of the campus and greater community. Consonant with the University’s mission, one of SOUL Camp’s goals is to educate students on campus diversity. The diversity panel offers freshmen the opportunity to anonymously write down any questions they have relating to diversity at the University, and the panel answers each query publicly. Students then break into small groups and complete a “personal and Social identity wheel,” furthering their understanding of the ways in which they individually contribute to the diversity of the campus community. Leadership skills are developed during Ragin' Routine Rounds, during which students attend information sessions and learn more about their personal leadership styles, and how their leadership participation can improve student organizations.

Recreational Sports (Student Affairs). The Recreational Sports department provides programs in Fitness, Aquatics, Open Recreation, Intramural Sports, and Club Sports. Intramural Sports provides students with leagues in approximately 20 different sports each year. Students can sign up as self-selected teams or as individuals to be placed on a team. Facilities include a state-of-the-art Student Fitness Center that allows students, faculty, and staff to engage in a variety of fitness regimens. Additional programming includes Group X fitness programs and classes, and small-fee personal training. Benefits of these activities include stress management, feelings of well-being, improved self-confidence, and overall improved health. Other reported learning outcomes include an increase in group cooperation skills, improved multicultural awareness, and stronger academic performance. Student Fitness Center activities, Group X fitness programs and classes, and Personal Training opportunities contribute to the overall health and wellness of students, as well as to the mission of UL Lafayette.

Residential Life (Student Affairs). Campus residence halls include suite style, junior suite style, graduate, and traditional style living arrangements. Apartments include one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, as well as family housing. 24-hour security is provided within the residence halls in the form of Front Desk Agents. Services provided to students of on-campus housing include meal plans, phone, cable television, and internet. Resident assistants and area coordinators promote the University’s mission by creating a culturally enriching environment that empowers residents to grow together as leaders while building affinity for their community.

Student Engagement and Leadership (Student Affairs). The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership provides online and face-to-face activities, such as the Emerging Leader Summit, Ragin’ Leadership Academy, Student Organization Resource Center, the Lunch & Lead program, and other student programming. The Student Organization Resource Center is available to student organization officers and members to assist with planning, scheduling, and promoting events; training and transitioning officers; and developing organizational structure and operations through the online portal called OrgSync. The Lunch & Lead program consists of bi-weekly and/or monthly seminars focusing on topics related to organizational development and student leadership, including ethical decision-making, effective event planning, and best practices in recruiting members, among others. These programs support the University’s mission in the areas of integrity, intellectual curiosity, creativity, transparency, respect, and collaboration.

Student Government Association (Student Affairs). The Student Government Association (SGA) supports and advocates for undergraduate and graduate student needs, and acts as a student voice in University governance and the campus community. The SGA supports unity, teamwork, diversification, acknowledgment of excellence, mutual respect, and a dedication to the positive development of all individuals.

Student Publications (Student Affairs). The University’s student population produces two primary publications: The Vermilion and L’Acadien. The Vermilion has been the student newspaper since 1904, and is distributed on Wednesdays during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, except major holidays and semester breaks. In addition to the print publication, articles are posted online. The Vermilion provides its readers with coverage of campus and community current events, Ragin’ Cajuns sports, and student and faculty activities. It also offers editorials and commentaries and carries advertisements. L’Acadien is the University’s yearbook. First published in 1912, it chronicles each academic year. Its staff is composed of students who write and edit copy, contribute photographs, and handle graphic design. The University’s student publications allow students to engage in intellectual curiosity, as well as providing creative leadership and learning opportunities for student staff writers, editors, and photographers.

University Program Council (Student Affairs). The University Program Council (UPC) organizes and oversees programming for undergraduate and graduate students, including Homecoming events, Lagniappe Day, the Miss UL pageant, the Krewe of Roux Mardi Gras Parade, film screenings, bowling, pool parties, and other activities. All events and programs are free and are designed to provide students with healthy entertainment; enhanced exposure to cultural traditions; and broadened opportunities in diversity, school spirit, learning, and leadership from fellow classmates.

Office of Veteran Services (Enrollment Management). The Office of Veteran Services assists current and former members of the military, as well as dependents, who are receiving education military benefits. The office provides direct services, as well as referrals to numerous campus and community resources, to online and face-to-face graduate and undergraduate students. The program works to support the mission of the University by helping veterans, military dependents, and current service members with access to higher education and personal assistance in achieving their academic goals, thereby improving the human condition.

Student Well Being

Counseling and Testing (Student Affairs). Counseling and Testing provides counseling, psychological testing, proctoring services, support groups, workshops, presentations, and outreach. The Counseling and Testing Center offers an unlimited number of counseling sessions free of charge to all University students, faculty, and staff. The Testing Center administers proctored examinations, several nationally based examinations, and institutional examinations for students and faculty, as well as non-University students.

Dining Services (Administration and Finance). Campus Food Services endeavors to support the University mission by providing well-prepared, nutritious, and cost-effective food choices to a growing and diverse community. A variety of meal plans is designed to suit individual student needs.

Office of Disability Services (Student Affairs). The mission of the Office of Disability Services is to provide extensive post-secondary services to students with psychological, physical, and learning disabilities. Disability Services seeks to ensure that qualified students with disabilities are provided equal access and reasonable accommodations appropriate to their disability in all University programming and academic pursuits. Additionally, the Office of Disability Services assists faculty in meeting federal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All programming supports the mission of the University by ensuring that qualified students with disabilities receive equal access to all programs, facilities, and services offered.

Office of Student Financial Aid (Enrollment Management). The Office of Financial Aid's mission is to assist a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students, whether face-to-face or distance learners, in accessing quality educational opportunities. Assistance is provided to students and families through the administration of all available federal, state, institutional, and other financial aid programs. Electronic communications and notifications walk students and families through the completion of necessary financial documents, such as the Master Promissory Note and exit counseling, regardless of location. By coordinating a variety of need-based and merit-based financial aid programs, the office serves as an integral component in the recruitment and retention efforts of the University's enrollment management initiatives.

Office of Public Safety (Student Affairs). The Office of Public Safety is responsible for providing the highest quality of safety and security services through the coordinated eﬀorts of the Police Department, Emergency Management and Emergency Operations, Parking Enforcement, Physical Security Systems (e.g., cameras, access control, emergency call boxes, and emergency notification system), Environmental Health and Safety, Risk Management, and Hazardous Materials. The focus is on responding to short-term concerns while developing long-range strategies consistent with academic and University public safety priorities. The following departments are led by the Director of Public Safety:

UL Lafayette Police Department (UP) maintains a close working relationship with area law enforcement agencies, criminal justice components, and all University administrative departments. The University Police unit is located at the center of campus, and maintains 24-hour patrol coverage on foot, on bicycles, and in motor vehicles. Officers respond to crimes, illnesses, fires, service calls, traffic accidents, and other emergencies.

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety/Risk Management works to reduce accidents, hazards, and risk exposure by maintaining safety systems and regulations; provides safety training to the students, faculty, and staff of the University; manages the UL Lafayette Emergency Notification System (ENS); oversees hurricane preparedness and response; and informs the campus community of health issues. All students are encouraged to register and update their cell phone numbers with the University’s ENS, which alerts students, faculty, and staﬀ of steps to take in case of a campus emergency.

Clery Compliance reporting allows students, faculty, and staff to stay informed of all aspects of security issues, crime statistics, and information distribution that affect and directly impact the University population. The University’s Campus Annual Security and Fire Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain oﬀ-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes University policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

Student Health Services (Student Affairs). The mission of the Student Health Services (SHS) is to provide quality, accessible, cost-sensitive primary medical care and active health promotion to students within the UL Lafayette community. SHS offers a medical clinic, immunization compliance, athletic training observation hours, nurse practitioner student observation hours, health education guest lectures, and educational and medical programming. The University Immunization Compliance Program ensures that the laws enforcing immunization requirements and documentation for institutions of higher learning in the state of Louisiana have been fully implemented to protect UL Lafayette students from infectious diseases in the course of their studies. By supporting student efforts to remain healthy and productive, SHS supports the University mission of developing the next generation of community leaders and innovators.

Student Ombudsman (Student Affairs). The University Ombudsman receives and acts on student grievances, and exhibits impartiality, honesty, integrity, and overall mature judgment while acting on student grievances. The Ombudsman apprises students of their rights, and protects those rights during deliberations involving disciplinary actions against students and student course grade appeals.

Student Rights and Responsibilities (Student Affairs). The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities initiates and implements disciplinary procedures in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The goals of the office are to cultivate the educational development of students by promoting behavior that fosters a safe and civil environment through active community participation, and to facilitate student learning and development regarding community standards by balancing individual and community rights. The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities also assists in coordinating the Dean on Call program in which a Dean of Student Affairs may be contacted 24 hours a day and seven days a week to assist students in need. The Students of Concern Team is a campus resource dedicated to assisting students who may be in distress, or are experiencing challenging or difficult life circumstances, and providing consultation and intervention when students exhibit aggressive, concerning, or disruptive behaviors. The primary focus of the team is on taking a proactive approach to identify students who are struggling, and to provide early intervention, resources, and referrals, both on campus and in the community.

Student Support

Cajun Card Services (Administration and Finance). The Cajun Card is the official student ID, and the key to accessing multiple resources and services on campus such as meal plans, parking, vending, library, and athletic events. Each term students can make a monetary deposit onto the Cajun Card, creating Cajun Cash, similar to a debit account. The advanced functionality of the card helps meet the basic student needs of educational necessity and safety, and the increased convenience and potential of the card supports the University’s mission by facilitating a more convenient financial experience, allowing students to focus on learning.

SGA Child Development Center (Student Affairs). The Child Development Center offers child care services for children of students, staff, and faculty of the University between the ages of 12 months and seven years. The Center provides a quality, professional environment for the nurturing, care, and development of preschool children of the University community. The Center is state licensed, and operated by the University in conjunction with the Student Government Association (SGA), with observation and demonstration facilities from various academic departments. The goal of the Child Development Center is to provide the child care assistance necessary for student parents to complete their degree programs.

Information Technology (Administration and Finance). Students at UL Lafayette have access to technology integration in the majority of courses offered at the University. Access to University computing resources assists students, whether face-to-face or at a distance, in their academic pursuits. First-time freshmen and transfer students receive their username, with instructions on creating a password, with their invitation to orientation. Students and other members of the campus community have access to various resources such as the wireless network, STEP Lab computers, University Portal, Zimbra Email, and Moodle, all maintained by University Computing Services.

A University email account is established at the time of username activation, and is part of a student, faculty, or staff member’s primary contact information, which is kept current with the University Registrar’s office.

The University’s web portal is an essential part of a student’s academic career, and provides online access to the following University processes and resources:

· Register for classes	· Access Financial Aid
· View on-line schedule of classes	· View your registration appointment
· View your class and finals schedule	· Access tutoring services
· View your tuition and fee bill	· Estimate your GPA
· View your unofficial transcript	· View your Holds
· Access your University email	· Submit address changes and update personal information

Learning Management System (Moodle) (Administration and Finance). The University’s online Learning Management System, Moodle, is a specialized location on the University’s website that allows students to access online materials for courses. Accessed via username and password, Moodle allows students to access course materials and grades, exchange files, participate in class discussions, send email to members of the class, and take online quizzes/surveys. Moodle meets the goals and values of the University’s mission by advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration among students.

Student Government Association’s Legal Assistance Program (Student Affairs). The Student Government Association's Legal Assistance Program is intended to provide undergraduate and graduate students, on campus or at a distance, with high quality legal advice at no cost to the student. These legal services include educating students about their rights and responsibilities in legal matters, as well as providing notary services.

Office of Equity, Diversity, and Community Engagement (Office of the President). The mission of the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Community Engagement is to foster inclusion, appreciation, and understanding of diversity by advising the President and the University community on diversity-related initiatives, issues, and goals. This office sponsors programming that includes Project ALLIES Workshop, Orientation Resource Fair, Graduate Student Orientation, and various other workshops. The mission of Project ALLIES (Alliance Linking Leaders In Education and Services) is to provide a network of informed students, faculty, and staff who are willing to be visibly supportive of members of the University’s LGBTQ community. The Graduate School and the Office for Campus Diversity have partnered to provide academic and social support to under-represented and minority graduate students at the University. Named for the first African American to receive a graduate degree at UL Lafayette, the James Jackson Community of Scholars is dedicated to providing support, community, and professional development to minority students, so they may thrive in their individual programs of study. These programs support the University’s mission by educating students about the issues and concerns facing minority members of the University community, and by helping to build and cultivate a network of support for under-represented graduate students.

Ragin’ Cajuns Store (Administration and Finance). The Ragin’ Cajuns Store supports the educational experience by providing all course materials and related resources necessary for students, faculty, and staff in a financially responsible manner. With multiple campus locations, The Ragin’ Cajuns Store is a one-stop source for all textbooks, school and office supplies, Ragin’ Cajuns apparel, gifts, and gear. Supplemental materials, including general reference and study guides, are also available. Students can find a large inventory of used and rentable textbooks, as well as an assortment of school, office, art, architecture, nursing, and engineering supplies. Other convenient services include Textbook Buyback, Grad Expo, and free special-order programs.

Office of Transportation Services (Administration and Finance). The Office of Transportation Services provides fair, equitable, and accessible parking and transportation for faculty, staff, students, and visitors to the University. Residence hall students who plan to have a vehicle on campus qualify to purchase permits online or at the Transportation Services Office prior to the first day of class each semester. Commuter students can purchase parking permits for a limited number of on-campus spaces. Transportation Services provides transit operations to those faculty, staff, and students who need to park remotely through dedicated, free bus transit routes and efficient service.