Purpose
The mission of the Division of Student Affairs is to provide services and opportunities in partnership with others to extend the learning environment and to help students develop skills for productive and fulfilling lives.
The Division of Student Affairs at Tennessee State University has three principal objectives.
- To provide programs and services in support of academics as the principal mission of the University.
- To enhance the intellectual, cultural, and social environment of the campus for the total development of students at the University.
- To develop and administer various processes in the formulation of University policies to enhance the quality of student participation and student life at the University.
The University recognizes the diverse and varied educational objectives of its students and the need to offer programs and services designed to assist students in their decision-making and formulation of academic and co-curricular objectives. Tennessee State University, through its Division of Student Affairs, seeks to assist students in enhancing the effective use of the varied opportunities made available to them through the University experience.
Student services at Tennessee State University include the following units and organizations:
Vice President for Student Affairs
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
Dean of Students and Chief Judicial Officer
Counseling Center
Career Development Center
Wellness Center & Floyd/Payne Campus Center
Health Services
Student Activities
Non-resident: A student who is not a resident of the State of Tennessee.
Part-time Student: A student who registers for fewer than 12 credit hours a semester.
Prerequisite: A course that must be completed before another may be attempted. Such first courses are said to be prerequisites for following courses in the same or similar areas. It is the student’s responsibility to check for prerequisites in the current catalog.
School: A particular division of the University. The school is organized according to faculty who provides instruction and grant degrees in the same or related disciplines. TSU has a Graduate School and three undergraduate schools: Agriculture and Family and Consumer Sciences, Allied Health Professions, and Nursing.
Semester Hour of Credit: The semester hour is a unit of academic credit. A student, for example, must earn a minimum of 130 semester hours in order to graduate. The number of hours earned in a given semester is the measure of a student’s academic load. A normal load ranges from 12 to 18 semester hours of work. The hours of credit of various courses are indicated in the catalog.
Transcript of Credit: A certified copy of credits which a student has earned in high school or in colleges attended. The submission of a transcript is one of the most important prerequisites for admission to the University.
On-Campus Accommodations
The mission of the Department of Residence Life is to provide a comfortable living and learning environment, which contributes to healthful living and academic growth and whichrepresents the core of our department’s programming and plans. As an enhancement, programming within the department is used to foster a community within university housing. The University provides six residence halls and two apartment complexes: two for men, three for women and three for co-ed. Each resident is held responsible for knowing and abiding by the rules and regulations for residence hall/center/apartment living. All residential facilities are staffed with a residence director, assistant director and student residence assistants. The staff is responsible for the operation of the hall, center and apartment under the supervision of the director of residence life.
Disability Services
Residence Life
TSU Police Department
The Directors/Coordinators of these units constitute the Council on Student Affairs which is administratively responsible to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. The Vice President for Student Affairs reports directly to the President of the University and is vested with the authority for resolving all contested issues within the realm of student services, subject to final appeal to the President of the University. In addition to these offices and programs, there are standing committees assisting the University in policy development and administration. These include the Student-Faculty Advisory Committee, Committee on Scholarships and Awards, and Faculty Advisory Committee on Sororities and Fraternities.
The University is committed to the concept of student involvement and input in the formulation and development of University policies, programs and activities. In addition to student participation on committees at the University, there is an active Student Government Association.
Other organizations specifically include the Student Union Board of Governors, Student General Assembly, Student Publications Board, Pan-Hellenic Council, Student Election Commission and many diverse and varied academic and non-academic clubs and organizations.
Room and Board
Students who live in residence halls are required to take their meals in the University Cafeteria. Charges for room and board are made on a semester basis and are payable at the beginning of each semester. A charge will be made for the replacement of a meal card, key or access control device (FOB) in the event it is lost, misplaced or stolen during the semester.
Room Reservation Fee
A room reservation fee is required for all students who apply for all campus housing. The fee is paid when you apply or renew housing. This is a non-refundable fee. The room reservation fee is applied to the housing charges upon check-in.
Food Service
The University provides food service for students. Three meals are served each day Monday through Friday, and two meals are served on Saturday and Sunday. The University Cafeteria is located in the Otis L. Floyd-Joseph A. Payne Campus Center which seats 700 students There is a Snack Bar (Pizza Hut/Chick-fil-A) on the second floor of the Campus Center.
Co-ed Residence Hall/Center
Harriett Hale Hall is a co-educational honors residence hall which houses upper-class men and women. It is a six-story, air conditioned facility; each room is semi-private. The hall is equipped with an access control system, a combination barber/beauty salon, lounges, laundry room, computer lab, telephone services, basic cable, wireless internet service an elevator, and apartments for the professional staff.
Harold E. Ford and John N. Ford Residential Complex is a co-educational residence center which houses upper-class men and women. The center consists of 122, two and four bedroom apartments. The apartments have either a patio or balcony. Each unit has fully furnished living, dining, and kitchen areas. The unit includes water, heating, electricity and air with one full bath in the two bedroom units and two full baths in four bedroom units. Each student has his/her own bedroom with a personal phone line and computer data hook-up, basic cable, wireless internet service, a twin bed, desk, chair, a chest, and closet space. The complex is supervised by a professional staff. The complex includes a community center that houses the main office, computer lab, barber/beauty salon, and an exercise room. Outdoor basketball and volleyball courts are also available along with grilling areas for cook-outs. There are residential parking areas and bicycle racks.
New Residence Complex is a co-educational residence center which houses upper-class men and women. The center consists of 72 four bedroom apartments. The apartments have either a patio or balcony. Each unit has fully furnished living, dining, and kitchen areas. The rent includes water, heating, electricity and air with two full baths in each unit. Each student has his/her own bedroom with a personal phone line and computer data hook-up, basic cable, wireless internet service, a twin bed, desk, chair, a chest of drawers, and closet space. The complex is supervised by a professional staff. The complex includes a community center that houses the main office, computer lab, barber/beauty salon, and an exercise room, outdoor basketball courts. There are residential parking areas.
Residence Halls For Men
Lena B. Watson Residence Hall for freshman men is a six-story, air-conditioned facility. This facility is equipped with an access control system, a lounge, academic center, computer labs, a recreation/study area, laundry room, and telephone services, basic cable, wireless internet service and apartments for the professional staff.
Henry Allen Boyd Hall for upper-class men is a seven-story, air conditioned facility equipped. This facility is equipped with an access control system, a lounge, recreational/study area, laundry room, computer lab, and telephone services, basic cable, wireless internet service and apartments for the professional staff.
Residence Halls For Women
Merl R. Eppse Hall for upper-class students is a six-story, air-conditioned facility. This facility is equipped with an access control system, a lounge, recreation/study area, laundry room, computer lab, telephone services, basic cable, wireless internet service and apartments for the professional staff.
Mary Wilson Hall is an air conditioned, six-story facility that houses freshman women. This facility is equipped with an access control system, study lounges, academic center, computer lab, telephone services, basic cable, wireless internet service as well as apartments for the professional staff.
Wilma Rudolph Residence Center is a six-story facility that houses upper-class women. The suite style rooms are arranged for double occupancy. This facility is equipped with an access control system, study lounges, beauty salon, telephone services, basic cable, wireless internet service and apartments for the professional staff.
University Counseling Center
The mission of the University Counseling Center is to provide counseling services to students and to collaborate with other campus-learning partners to effectively promote educational quality and attainment. The Counseling Center encourages the development of the fully functioning individual in the academic environment and the community by engaging in a holistic approach. Professional counselors are available to meet with students on either an individual or small group basis without referral. Confidentiality is maintained and appointments can be made in person or by telephone.
All currently enrolled Tennessee State University students are eligible to receive counseling services free of charge. A psychiatrist is also available (upon referral) for students. Consultation services with the university psychiatrist are also free of charge, but students are responsible for prescriptions. Students who do not have health insurance are encouraged to obtain insurance through the university. Information regarding student health insurance is available at the Student Health Center.
The University Counseling Center staff speaks to various orientation classes and at residence centers. Seminars are also available upon request. The Counseling Center provides both solution focused short-term counseling as well as longer-term care.
Confidentiality and strict adherence to professional ethical standards are maintained and emphasized.
| Location: |
Student Success Center/LRC
Suite 114
Main Campus
Telephone: 615-963-5611 |
Student Activities
The mission of the Office of Student Activities at Tennessee State University is to provide programs and services that enrich students’ intellectual, ethical and social development. The office provides and supports programs that promote learning opportunities in personal growth, self-governance, social responsibility, and leadership development while assisting in the retention and ultimate graduation of students.
Student Activities are coordinated by the Director of Student Activities. Admission to most campus activities is by a valid Tennessee State University Identification Card.
Participation in organizations may serve to develop special talents and skills in music, dramatics, writing and religious expression or to develop an appreciation and capacity for leadership, cooperation and fellowship. In making a choice of organizations, the student should consider his/her interests, health, scholarship, finances, and home relations. Freshmen are urged to limit their participation in organizations and other extra-curricular activities during the first semester when numerous academic, social, and other adjustments have to be made.
| Location: |
Floyd/Payne Campus Center
Second Floor - Suite 217
963-5250 |
Intercollegiate Athletics
The University recognizes the need for a well-rounded program of athletics for all students. In this regard, Tennessee State University competes on an intercollegiate basis in football, basketball, golf, track and field, cross country, tennis, softball and women’s volleyball.
The University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).
The Student Handbook
The Student Handbook is a means of facilitating communication among the members of the University. It presents the official statements of policy rules and regulations which direct student life at Tennessee State University.
Campus Police
The mission of the Tennessee State University Police Department is to provide a safe and secure educational environment through collaborative interaction with students, faculty and staff recognizing the multicultural and diverse university community.
TSU police department is responsible for providing 24-hour police services, a proactive environment for crime prevention an atmosphere conducive to learning and social diversity, and facilitating the community policing concept to encourage student involvement in the protection of property and life.
Career Development Center
The TSU Career Development Center assists students in pursuing their career goals by providing them with a myriad of opportunities and empowering them to successfully compete in the global environment. Our services include career advising using the 16 Career Clusters model, professional development, job search strategies and experiential learning. These services are free to all students and alumni of the University.
Our center hosts Tiger Track, an on-line job posting site, where students can review job postings for full-time, part-time and experiential learning (internships, cooperative education, etc.) positions, in addition to posting their resumes and creating electronic portfolios. Tiger Track is an outstanding resource that can be used by graduate students and alumni throughout their working lives. Students can get started by logging onto the TSU Career Development Center at www.tnstate.edu/careers and requesting access today!
Students may also visit our office located in the Campus Center, Suite 304, contact us via phone at 615-963-5981 or via e-mail at careerdevelopmentcenter@tnstate.edu.
Cooperative Education
Cooperative education is an academic support program that assists students in gaining practical work experience related to their academic major as an optional part of their academic program. The program permits students to get involved in the practical application of academic theory learned in the classroom. Students are awarded three hours of academic credit for each successfully completed co-op work experience.
Graduate & Professional Opportunities
The office targets students during their freshman year and tracks them throughout their matriculation. It is designed to equip students with the tools necessary to make informed decisions about opportunities for educational advancement. The office supports students through a variety of services and activities, including its annual Graduate & Professional School Fair; Graduate School Workshops, Personal Statement Workshops; Campus Visitation Programs; Standardized Tests Preparation Programs; sponsoring informational awareness in law, medicine, business, and graduate studies; and providing academic counseling to interested students and alumni.
Career Development Center Office Location:
Floyd-Payne Campus Center
3500 John A. Merritt Blvd, Suite 304
Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 963-5981
Student Conduct and Mediation Services
The mission of the Office of Student Conduct and Mediation Services is to provide a full range of services to assist and counsel students in resolving their disputes and conflicts in a way that facilitates learning, individual responsibility, and students’ professional growth and development. The Office of Student Conduct and Mediation Services also provides learning opportunities through educational sanctions that encourage behavioral change and assist students with their ability to make decisions that promote success in their academic and professional careers. The Chief Judicial Officer for the University interprets and provides disciplinary guidance for the entire student body, based upon the policies and procedures set forth in the Student Handbook.
Responsibilities:
- Interprets and enforces institutional disciplinary policies as set forth in the Student Handbook.
- Assesses special needs of students and recommends necessary action (s) to the Vice President of Student Affairs.
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Provides educational and social programming for students taking courses at the Avon Williams Campus.
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Supervises and provides guidance for staff.
Location: Floyd/Payne Campus Center (Kean Hall), First Floor - Suite 103, (615) 963-4891
Policy On ID Cards
The TSU Identification Card is your official University identification for library privileges, cafeteria plans, athletic events and any other University functions or services that you may be entitled to receive as a University student. The card also serves as a debit card for financial aid refunds and as a cash card for vending services on campus. The card must be carried at all times. Further information about this card is available in the brochure “TSU ID Card” available in the ID Center, McCord Hall 17.
The first card is provided to students after payment of the first semester tuition and fees. The procedure for lost/stolen cards is:
- Student MUST first call the ID Center (615) 963-5311 or drop by McCord Hall 17 to report the loss; this will initiate the canceling of the old card and creation of a new card. New cards take up to two hours to be created.
- Pay a $10.00 non-refundable fee to Cashier’s Office to replace the lost card, a receipt will be issued.
- Return to the ID Center with the receipt to receive the replacement card. The replacement card will not be available for up to two hours after initially reporting it lost/stolen. Damaged cards also require a $10.00 non-refundable fee for replacement.
Lending this card to anyone or failure to present it when requested by University officials is a violation of University regulations and subjects the holder to disciplinary action.
Otis L. Floyd-Joseph A. Payne Campus Center
As a significant part of the educational program, the Otis L. Floyd-Joseph A. Payne Campus Center provides the services, offices, activities, events, recreation and conveniences to meet the daily needs of the university’s family; with 229,253 square feet of floor space, the three level arena is an accommodating facility to Tennessee State University. The building is designed to be the center of student activity. Located on the second floor, the center represents the heartbeat of the plan to substantially enhance the institution’s environment.
Hours of Operation
Information Desk:
| Monday-Friday |
7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. |
| Saturday |
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. |
| Sunday |
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. |
Intramural and Recreational Sports Program
(615) 963-5662 / (615) 963-5663
The intramural and recreational sports program offers a wide range of sports and other activities to meet the diverse interests of the students, faculty, and staff populations. The recreation department values student involvement in its decision-making and program development. The program has an underlying mission of “something for everyone.”
The division of student affairs recognizes that the intramural and recreational sports program will help develop leadership, self-esteem, and good social adjustment. An outdoor recreation center is being developed at the university. It will be anchored by the new tennis complex and include most of the areas on the north campus. Outdoor recreation will include archery, basketball (outdoors), football, fishing, cycling, canoeing, hiking, and track. All other games such as billiards, board games, card games, volleyball, and wall climbing are played in Kean Hall. (Intramural and Recreation Sports Program is located in Kean Hall, Room 028. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday (10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.) and Saturday and Sunday (1:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.).
Student Health Services
(615) 963-5291
Student Health Services is maintained to safeguard the health of students. The University provides these services through the Floyd Payne Campus Center. Services are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Services include first aid, emergency services, counseling on health problems, referrals, and the communication of pertinent information to consulting physicians, hospitals, clinics and other agencies.
Clinics are held daily, Monday through Friday. No charges are made for first aid and drugs used in simple treatment. Students are hospitalized at local hospitals of their choice (at their own expense). The University accepts no responsibility for any student requiring hospitalization. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to enroll in the student health insurance program. Insurance enrollment information is located in the Student Health Center and Student Affairs Offices.
Disability Services
The Disability Services (DS) Office at Tennessee State University is established to raise the level of educational development for students with disabilities and to improve the understanding and support from the University Community for these students. Services range from providing physical accommodations on campus to helping students with learning disabilities succeed in classroom activities. Additionally, the office attempts to:
Raise the level of educational development for students with disabilities.
- Improve understanding of and support from the University community for students with disabilities.
- Place emphasis on orientation and survival skills for new students and others who might benefit from these experiences.
- Monitor development of the physical plant to ensure accessibility and opportunity for students with disabilities.
- Help faculty and staff better understand physical and learning disabilities and provide them with effective methods of working with students with disabilities.
- Use every available opportunity to advocate for special needs of students with disabilities and seek a means to obtain those services
- For further information, contact Disability Services in room 117 in the Campus Center (phone: 615-963-7400).
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