Student Life

Student Affairs is comprised of committed professionals possessing the knowledge and skill necessary to contribute to a quality co-curricular student experience. We encourage the development of self-authorship and community engagement through the promotion of life-long learning, positive relationships, diversity and a lasting commitment to Northeastern State University. Student Affairs is a partner in the development of programs, services, and resources designed to prepare students for their role as productive citizens in a dynamic, diverse, and global society.

Student Affairs contact information is as follows:

Student Affairs staff, programs and services are a resource for students and the university community. Students who need assistance navigating personal and university issues are encouraged to contact Student Affairs for assistance. Student Affairs encompasses the following programs and services.

Alcohol and Other Drug Education

Alcohol and other drug education programs encourage healthy and responsible decision-making regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs.

Career Services plays a significant role as part of the NSU Enrollment Management Team. The primary mission of NSU Career Services, through partnerships with employers, graduate schools, faculty and alumni, is to empower students and alumni to be self-sufficient in utilizing and marketing their education, skills and experiences to achieve life-long career success. Career Services offers assistance to all majors and at all stages of their careers. Staff members build and maintain relationships with alumni and employers who can provide internships, entry level positions and opportunities for experienced professionals. Staff members are dedicated to empowering students as active participants in their own career development. Through career exploration and experiential opportunities, students are motivated to expand their knowledge of themselves and the world of work. By partnering with faculty and colleagues, and recognizing that each individual has unique needs, our staff helps students and alumni make the most of their NSU education through offering support, resources, networking, and employment opportunities.

Career Services promotes student learning and development by assisting and inspiring students and other designated clients in developing, evaluating, and/or implementing career, education, and employment decisions and plans.  This focus supports the mission, academic and experiential programs, and advancement of the institution.

Greek Affairs

Greek Affairs works with students and institutionally recognized inter/national fraternities and sororities, each of which are members of Northeastern State University’s National Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, or Multicultural Greek Council. Greek organizations focus on personal growth through leadership experiences, training, community service, volunteerism, and philanthropic activity.  Greek organizations actively engage in campus activities that promote institutional pride, tradition, leadership and service.

Leadership Development and Community Engagement

Center for Student Leadership Development and Community Engagement offers programs and services for leadership education and community service. Leadership programs and services include access to a Leadership Library, personal and group workshops on leadership topics, and access to nationally recognized leadership programs. Community engagement programs and services provide community volunteer opportunities through partnerships with local community agencies and planned programs such as Service Sundays, National Day of Service, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, and Big Event. Students are able to track personal and organization community service activities through the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP).

Multicultural Programs

Multicultural programs celebrate the backgrounds, perspectives, and contributions of each student. Student Affairs Multicultural Programs engage students through educational activities, special programs, student organizations, and event sponsorships.

Northeastern Activities Board

The Northeastern Activities Board (NAB) is a student-led campus activities programming board designed to engage and connect students to student life. NAB student leaders and student committees create, plan, and implement programs for the NSU community.

Northeastern Student Government Association

Northeastern Student Government Association (NSGA) is the governing body for NSU students.  NSGA Senate membership consists of representatives from recognized student organizations, academic colleges, freshmen class, and residence halls.  NSGA’s goal is to serve as, “the voice of the students” through legislation, meetings with administrators, and various campus events. 

Rookie Bridge Camp

Rookie Bridge Camp (RBC) is an extended orientation program for new NSU students. RBC assists new students in transitioning to NSU with a focus on social networking, institutional expectations, and school spirit.

Student Activities and Campus Involvement

The Student Activities and Campus Involvement office assists students who desire to get involved in university activities and recognized student organizations. Student Activities and Campus Involvement provides services and resources for recognized student organizations, Greek organizations, the Northeastern Activities Board, Rookie Bridge Camp, and the Northeastern Student Government Association.  Student Activities and Campus Involvement oversees the Center for Student Leadership and Community Engagement, Homecoming Week, Green and White Weekend, and University student honors and recognition programs.

Student Counseling Services

Student Counseling Services offers individual and group counseling to NSU students. Licensed Professional Counselors provide short-term counseling services free of charge to students dealing with difficulties including depression and anxiety, stress, college success issues, and relationship issues. Drug and alcohol assessments and referrals to campus and community resources are also provided as needed, as well as referrals for medication when appropriate. Violence Prevention Programs focused on preventative education and support are coordinated through Student Counseling Services.

Student Disability Services

Student Disability Services provides academic support to students who have qualified disabilities as outlined by the American with Disabilities Act. Services are based upon individual student needs.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services focuses on health and wellness education, disease prevention, and outreach services and initiatives including the Student Health Center and student health insurance program. 

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities focuses on educating students and the university community on the behavioral standards set forth in the NSU Student Conduct Code. These standards and the associated processes seek to encourage the development of positive decision-making and personal integrity.

Educational Talent Search

The Educational Talent Search Program (ETS) provides services to more than 600 sixth through twelfth grade students in ten area schools. Junior high and high school students qualify for the program by meeting defined criteria of low income and first generation status, as well as potential to pursue a post-secondary education. ETS is a guidance program that helps students recognize educational opportunities and motivates them to set and pursue future goals. Funding is provided by the United States Department of Education and services are free to participating students. Services may include career exploration, college preparation, and life/academic skills.

Student Support Services

Funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education,  the Student Support Services project provides services to 175 NSU students who are accepted into the program by predefined criteria of low-income, first generation and have an academic need. Services focus on providing opportunities for academic development, assisting students with basic college requirements, and motivating students toward the successful completion of a bachelor’s degree. The SSS services are free to participants and include: tutoring; assistance in course selection; information/assistance in completing financial aid applications; education/counseling to improve the participants’ financial and economic literacy; and assist in applying for admission to graduate/professional programs.

University Advising Center

University Advisors assist freshmen to successfully transition into the academic and social culture of NSU.  They provide academic and enrollment counseling, assist with connecting to various NSU student services and activities, make referrals to tutoring if necessary, and provide other services as they become needed.  The University Advising Center staff is waiting to help you in any way!

Auxiliary Services complement the academic side of campus life and contribute to the positive teaching and learning environment at NSU. These self-supporting programs and services contribute to the overall educational experience of NSU students by providing an atmosphere to enhance the cultural, social and intellectual opportunities of the university setting. Included are Residential Life, Housing, Sodexo Campus Dining, the University Center, the University Center Bookstore (Riverhawk Shoppe); Conferences & Scheduling; Fitness Center; and JD Young Mail, Copy and Print Services. The mission of Auxiliary Services is to offer quality services and experiences for NSU students, provide a nurturing environment for them to grow, and promote life skills necessary to meet the challenges of the future with confidence and hope.

University Center

As the hub of Tahlequah campus activity, the University Center (UC) houses a variety of services and programs important to campus life, including full-service conference, meeting and dining facilities for student organizations, university departments, as well as other groups not affiliated directly with NSU.  Similar services for conferences, meeting, and dining are available on the Muskogee and Broken Arrow campuses by contacting the campus dean’s office.

The UC in Tahlequah also houses the University Bookstore (Riverhawk Shoppe), complete postal, mailing and printing services, the Office of Conferences & Scheduling, spaces for student organizations, and the Office of Student Engagement. 

Food service and catering on the Tahlequah campus is offered through NSU’s partnership with Sodexo Campus Services. Locations in the UC are the Market Cafe on the main level, the Food Court and Chick-Fil-A on the lower level, and Flo’s Coffee and Sandwich Shop on the third floor. Other campus locations are Essentials Convenience and Pizza Hut Express in the Leoser housing complex and the Seminary Suites Grill and C-Store. Sodexo’s catering office is also located in the UC on the main level.

Conferences and Scheduling

The Office of Conferences & Scheduling offers assistance in all phases of planning a successful and enjoyable event. Reservations for use of the University Center, the Branscum Alumni Center and the Webb Building are made in this office, located in the UC administrative offices on the main level. Meeting rooms can accommodate groups from 10 to 1,000 with access to staging, sound and lighting systems, audio-visual equipment, and a full complement of catering services. A variety of summer conferences held on the NSU campus also are coordinated through this office.

University Bookstore / Riverhawk Shoppe

In addition to textbooks, the Riverhawk Shoppe, NSU’s bookstore managed by Barnes and Noble, stocks a complete line of sportswear, unique gifts and jewelry, greeting cards, trade books, computer software office and school supplies. The bookstore is located on the main level of the University Center in Tahlequah, in the Administrative Services building in Broken Arrow, and in the Administration building at the Muskogee campus. At the end of each semester, the bookstore sponsors a buy-back giving students the opportunity to sell back many textbooks they choose not to keep.

ID Services

All students must have an identification card which includes their name, NSU ID number, and picture.  The NSU ID Card is the campus community’s key to participate in the full range of services and activities available throughout NSU’s campuses. The card can be used for door access, library privileges, purchases at the bookstore, and will also allow free admission to regular home athletic events.  In addition, if a student purchases a meal plan, the NSU ID Card may be used to redeem meals at food service centers on campus. ID cards can be made on both the Broken Arrow and Tahlequah campuses. Students must provide an alternate form of photo identification and have their photo taken before an ID will be printed. 

UC Lower Level

The UC Lower Level offers a quality recreational experience for the NSU community in a secure setting. While the lower level’s primary audience is the NSU student body, it also serves a variety of community groups. Located on the lower level of the University Center, there are billiards tables, ping pong tables, charging stations, computer stations, cable televion access, a wide variety of food  service options, student government and student programming offices. The area may also be reserved for events or programs.

Cable TV

Residents of campus residence halls and apartments receive basic cable television service free of charge. Televisions used must be cable ready.

Housing & Residence Life

On-campus housing offers a variety of residence halls, staffed with highly qualified professionals. Because it is the University’s philosophy that on-campus living is essential to the success of undergraduate students who have completed less than 30 credit hours, students who have not completed 30 hours prior to the beginning of fall term will be required to live on campus for the academic year. Family housing apartments are available for students who are married or have dependent children.

Exceptions to this policy may be granted for the following reasons: (a) students living locally with parents; (b) married students; (c) students with dependent children; (d) students who are 21 years of age prior to the first day of the fall term; (e) students who live within a reasonable commuting distance and choose to live at home and (f) students with medical or ADA needs that the university is unable to accommodate in on-campus housing. Students seeking exemption from the policy must make a written request to Housing & Residence Life prior to enrollment of the fall semester.

Single students who are under 21, have completed less than 30 hours, live outside reasonable commuting distance (approx. 50 mile radius) from Tahlequah and plan to live off-campus will not be permitted to enroll for classes at NSU until their housing status has been determined and approved by Housing & Residence Life. Housing status can be cleared at the Housing & Residence Life Office in Leoser Center. Any subsequent change in housing arrangements or housing status must have prior approval from Housing & Residence Life.

Priority for assignment to available university housing is given to students who are currently residing in or assigned to university housing.

Meal Plans

All on-campus residents are required to purchase a meal plan. A large variety of meal plans are offered for on-campus students. The NSU meal plans are based on a per-meal system with primary food service being offered at the Market Cafe in the University Center. All other food service venues accept meal flex-points or cash as payment for any food purchases. Meals in the Market Cafe are buffet style and all-you-care-to-eat. All other food service in all venues is ala carte, or priced-by-item. Meal plans and options are available at the Housing web site:  http://offices.nsuok.edu/housing. 

JD Young Print, Copy and Mail Services

JD Young provides a full-service print, copy and mail operation in lower level of the University Center.  Mail services are offered to the entire campus community.  Print and copy services are availabe to both on and off-campus patrons.

Fitness Center

Located on the Tahlequah campus and opened in the fall of 2015, the Fitness Center provides NSU students, faculty and staff with expanded opportunities for recreation and fitness. It contains two regulation length basketball courts, an elevated track, weight room, cardio equipment, outdoor sand volleyball courts, lockers, showers, dressing and rest room facilities, competition-size swimming pool, and staff offices. Memberships are included for all active students, faculty and staff.  Memberships may also be purchased by the local community. 

The NSU Department of Public Safety is responsible for the safety and protection of the students, employees, and property of Northeastern State University.   Police officers are state certified and empowered to enforce all state and federal laws as well as university regulations. Services provided include bike and student patrols, Operation I.D., escort service, and safety awareness programs.

The NSU Department of Public Safety is located at the corner of Grand and Crafton Streets. Officers are on duty seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For assistance, call extension 2468 or (918)458-2111 or 458-7153.

Parking

The parking system at NSU provides an orderly, convenient parking system for faculty, staff, students and visitors on campus and facilitates the safe operation of all motor vehicles on property owned or controlled by the university. All vehicles, including motorcycles, parked on university property must be registered with the NSU Parking Office, except for visitors to campus who are parked in designated visitor areas. Registration is accomplished by purchasing either a Reserved Lot Permit or a Registration-Only Permit from the Parking Office. Guests on campus are encouraged to obtain a free visitor, temporary parking permit. A brochure containing the complete rules and regulations is available at the Parking Office. 

Northeastern State University reserves the right to update university policies throughout the academic year.  The following student policies are subject to revisions.  A full list of student policies and current policy versions are available online at www.nsuok.edu/UniversityPolicies.

Athletic Policy

The athletic program at Northeastern State University is an integral part of the education program and offers a wide range of intercollegiate sports for men and women. Intercollegiate athletic contests are scheduled with comparable institutions according to policies of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).  The Director of Athletics administers the athletic program, and the Athletic Committee, which is composed of faculty, staff members and students, considers athletic policies and makes recommendations to the Director of Athletics and the President of the university. Coaches are regular members of the faculty and as faculty members have the same benefits and responsibilities as other faculty members.

Expressive Activities

Northeastern State University is committed to providing an educational and work climate conducive to the personal and professional development of each individual. Northeastern State University encourages the free exchange of ideas. The university will protect the rights of freedom of speech, expression, petition and peaceful assembly as set forth in the U.S. Constitution. Northeastern State University maintains its right to regulate reasonable time, place and manner restrictions concerning acts of expression and dissent.  Additional information and procedures may be found at www.nsuok.edu/UniversityPolicies.

Posting/Advertising Policy

All posters, including signs, flyers, handouts, etc., must have prior approval from Student Affairs before they are placed on or about the campuses of Northeastern State University.  A list of the regulations regarding all posting/advertising locations on the NSU campus is available in Student Affairs.

Northeastern State University’s Student Conduct Code is designed to set forth standards necessary to provide a learning environment conducive to the preparation of students for success in an increasingly challenging, diverse and global society. The University is, first and foremost a community where the academic standards are strictly upheld and where the rights, responsibilities, safety and dignity of every individual are respected and paramount to the achievement of academic excellence. The Student Conduct Code serves not just as a disciplinary system, but also as a part of the educational process. The purpose of the Student Conduct Code is to teach students to live and act responsibly in a community setting and to encourage the development of good decision-making and personal integrity. University community members are expected to respect the rights of fellow community members, property, common resources, Student Conduct Code, and laws associated with the broader community (e.g. city, state, nation, and world).

The Student Conduct Code is available online at www.nsuok.edu/policies/student/conduct.html and in print in Student Affairs.

Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Policy

The following Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment policy has been developed to ensure compliance with the Higher Education Reauthorization Act of 1992. Northeastern State University affirms its commitment to ensuring an environment for all employees and students which is fair, humane, and respectful. This commitment demands implementation of programs and services which facilitate that effort.

Northeastern State University will not tolerate nor condone any form of sexual misconduct, physical, mental or emotional in nature. This includes, but is not limited to, rape (including date or acquaintance rape), sexual assault or sexual harassment. In instances where University policy prohibiting sexual misconduct has been violated, the University will pursue disciplinary action. Students may elect to pursue the concern through the state criminal justice system as well as the University’s student conduct system. If the University has reason to believe that sexual misconduct has occurred, the University’s sanctions may include warnings, probation, restrictions, suspension or expulsion.  Additional information and reporting procedures are available in Student Affairs, Human Resources and online at www.nsuok.edu/UniversityPolicies 

Dangerous or Disruptive Behavior Requiring Administrative Action

Whenever a question arises concerning the physical, emotional or mental fitness of a person to enroll or remain enrolled at Northeastern, the university may require that person, as a condition for admission or retention, to submit to whatever diagnostic examination the university may specify. These examinations must be paid for by the individual examined or by any agency other than Northeastern State University. The university may, at its discretion, temporarily suspend the student pending the outcome of the specified examination. Refusal by the student to submit to the examination or an unfavorable report from the examiner may be cause for denial for admission or retention. In all cases covered by this policy, the university reserves the right to exercise the final judgment with respect to the admission or retention of the person whose fitness has been questioned.

Student Affairs provides guidance on administrative procedure for reviewing and evaluating physical, emotional and/or mental fitness.

Administrative Summons

An Administrative Summons may be issued by the administrative officers of the university and is to be honored by students duly enrolled. Failure to answer the summons could result in immediate suspension from the university.

University Statement on Harassment and Discrimination

Northeastern State University, in accordance with applicable federal and state law, prohibits discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Individuals who believe they have experienced harassment or discrimination prohibited by this statement are encouraged to contact the appropriate offices within their respective units. Students should contact Student Affairs. Faculty and staff members should contact the Human Resources Department. Student grievances will follow the procedures outlined in the Student Conduct Code. Faculty/Staff grievances will follow procedures outlined by Human Relations. 

PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

Individuals enrolled at Northeastern State University have certain rights with respect to their education records as defined by FERPA. The following policies and procedures outline Northeastern State University’s commitment to managing and maintaining student records.

POLICIES
It is the policy of Northeastern State University that current and former students and parents of students, where appropriate, have the right to review educational records maintained about them by the institution, except for material to which the student has waived right of access or for material specifically determined to be confidential by law. Students shall be informed of their rights each year.

Information contained in educational records is confidential but may be reviewed by “school officials” who have a “legitimate educational interest” in the student without prior consent of the student. “School official” is defined by the Department of Education as the following:

Person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff);

Person or company with whom the University has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using University employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent);

Person serving on the Board of Trustees; and/or

Student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks

A school official has a “legitimate educational interest” if a review of a student’s record is necessary to fulfill the official’s professional responsibilities to the University. School officials may have legitimate educational interests both in students who are currently enrolled and in those no longer enrolled. 

Directory information may be released without prior consent of the student unless the student formally requests that such information be kept confidential. Such requests for confidentiality of directory information remain in effect until revoked by the student and apply to all categories of directory information, i.e., students may not specify that only some of the items be kept confidential. Only identifiers that are acceptable under FERPA will be used to identify students whose records are released.

A student may be provided access to his or her own educational record.

A student may challenge the content of the educational record if such records are believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student.

Requests from off-campus parties for information from educational records shall be handled through the University General Counsel.

NSU will use methods that are in compliance with FERPA to identify and authenticate the identity of students, parents, school officials, and other parties to whom personally identifiable information from education records is released.

If a significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individual is determined, university personnel may disclose information from education records to any person, including parents, whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals. University personnel must maintain a record of the significant threat that formed the rational basis for the disclosure.

PROCEDURE
Each year, the University, through Student Affairs, shall publicly notify students of their right to review their own educational records, and students seeking access to their own educational records should submit their request in writing to the appropriate record’s custodian/official office. Positive identification will be expected.

Types, Locations, and Custodians of Educational Records 

The appropriate records custodian will satisfy himself or herself that the student is the student to whom the records pertain;

The appropriate records custodian will review the educational record file and remove any material to which the student does not have the right of access or may request that the student make an appointment to review the record, with such appointment being within the legal maximum period of forty-five (45) days. No reason for the delay needs to be given; and

The student shall review the record in the office under the supervision of the office staff, and under no circumstances shall the student remove or alter any part of the record.

“Directory information” consists of the following information and is subject to change provided the change is effective only at the subsequent year (i.e., fall term) and provided the change(s) is/are appropriately publicized.

 1.  Student’s name, local and permanent address, and telephone number
 2.  Date and place of birth
 3.  Classification and enrollment status
 4.  Major field of study
 5.  Gender
 6.  Dates of attendance at Northeastern State University
 7.  Most recent previous school attended
 8.  Degrees, honors and awards received
 9.  Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
10.  Weight and height of athletic team members
11.  Photograph
12.  E-mail address assigned/provided by the institution or provided to the university by the student

Northeastern State University assumes consent for disclosure of directory information unless the student specifically requests the withholding of directory information. Students who want directory information kept confidential shall elect to withhold directory information through the goNSU student portal.

A student who wants information contained in their educational record shared with a 3rd party, shall make such request in writing utilizing the FERPA release form to the official responsible for maintaining the record. The request shall clearly identify what information is to be disclosed or shared and time frame for permission to share records.

When a student challenges the content of the educational record, the following steps will be used:

The student will submit a written request to the official responsible for maintaining the record, with such request specifying the content being challenged, the grounds for the challenge, and the exact action being sought;

Appeals will be conducted according to the NSU grievance procedure.

Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act
 

In compliance with Title I, the Student Right to Know Act, information regarding graduation rates is available in the Registrar’s office. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, codified at 20 USC 1092 (f) as a part of the Higher Education Act of 1965, is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose certain timely and annual information about campus crime and security policies. NSU publishes an annual report by October 1st that contains 3 years’ worth of campus crime statistics and certain security policy statements including sexual assault policies which assure basic victims’ rights, the law enforcement authority of campus police and where students should go to report crimes. The report is to be made available automatically to all current students and employees while prospective students and employees are to be notified of its existence and afforded an opportunity to request a copy. NSU annual report is available online at http://offices.nsuok.edu/publicsafety/CLERYReporting.aspx, paper copies are available upon request through University Police Department. 

Immunization Policy

Oklahoma state law requires that all first-time students who attend Oklahoma colleges and universities provide proof of immunization for certain diseases.  Students must verify immunizations by providing immunization records or requesting exemption through the NSU Certification of Exemption form.  The requirement does not apply to students enrolled in courses in which classes are not held on University property. 

Unpaid Student Accounts 

Unpaid student accounts, including checks returned to the university by the bank, are considered to be in violation of university regulations as set forth by the Board of Regents and therefore become disciplinary matters. A hold will be placed on future enrollments until such violations are corrected. A service charge will be added. Access to meal plans and charge accounts may be denied. In addition, unpaid accounts may be assigned for collection. If an account is assigned, any collection costs, court costs, and/or attorneys’ fees necessary to collect the amount owed will be added to the balance due. The balance due may be reported to the national credit bureaus, which may adversely affect credit ratings.

Name and Address Changes

Name changes may be made through the Office of Business Affairs or the Office of the Registrar with proper documentation. Documents accepted for a name change include current social security card, marriage certificate / license, court order document, driver’s license, passport, or military ID card.  Address changes may be made via goNSU, the Office of Business Affairs or the Office of the Registrar.