Delta State University Student Handbook

Available to every student via the University’s website, this handbook, and the information shared within, has been artfully crafted to address topics related to providing students with the opportunity to be aware of policies, to engage in activities and support services, and to serve as a useful tool to the student body. Students are encouraged to become familiar with all parts of the handbook so that a student may successfully join in and stand out.

A supplement to other documents governing the University, such as the University Academic Catalog (Undergraduate & Graduate), the University Policy Directory, and IHL Policies and Bylaws, this online handbook (established 31 August 2023) supersedes all prior University Student Handbooks, is subject to addendums as needed, and sections dated to include establishment as well as any updates made.

31 August 2023, established.

Delta State University is a community of individuals – faculty, staff, and students – recognizing the institution’s mission and dedicated to its fulfillment. To that end, each member of the community pledges his/her best effort. Integrity, civility, accountability, and a commitment to excellence govern behavior. Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies is expected and accepted as the standard for the community.

For more information on this, including the Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles, click here.

31 August 2023, established.

All Delta State University academic programs, academic policies and academic units are under the leadership of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Office of Academic Affairs is committed to providing the highest quality of education possible and support for all students to progress and graduate.

For more information on items such as Academic Advising Resources, Course Schedules, and Academic Resources for students, visit the Office of Academic Affairs homepage.

For more in-depth review of policies related to students and academics, visit the Academics-Students section of the University Policy Directory.

31 August 2023, established.

The Delta State University Academic Calendar serves as the official schedule of all academic events occurring within the academic year. Including examination dates and official University break periods, the academic calendar also includes add, withdraw and drop deadlines for each semester.

To review the current and past academic calendars, visit here.

31 August 2023, established.

Delta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Delta State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.  Questions about the accreditation of Delta State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Additionally, Delta State University has accreditations that are specific to programs offered through the University. For a complete list of all accreditations, please visit the Institutional Research & Planning homepage.

31 August 2023, established.

Delta State University is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons in all terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

For the full Equal Employment Opportunity policy, visit the EEO section of the University Policy Directory.

The right to each student to resolve grievances with the University is affirmed and specific appeal procedures are herewith established to assure timely and appropriate consideration of each grievance. Academic Grievances fall within two categories: Undergraduate and Graduate.

For Undergraduate, the grievance policy for Undergraduate students shall be used and can be reviewed here.

For Graduate, the grievance policy for Graduate students shall be used and can be reviewed here.

31 August 2023, established.

The right to each student to resolve grievances with the University is affirmed and specific appeal procedures are herewith established to assure timely and appropriate consideration of each grievance. Student grievances generally originate at the department level and the resolution of the grievance is first sought at the department level.

The Non-Academic Grievance Policy outlines three areas for potential grievance: Non-FERPA Issues, FERPA Issues, and Sexual Harassment Issues. Students should familiarize with the Non-Academic Grievance Policy in its entirety to determine best course of action for seeking resolution of their grievance.

31 August 2023, established.

Delta State University is dedicated to offering a comprehensive and enriching educational experience, and
this extends to our housing facilities. This housing and residence life policy outlines the guidelines,
expectations, and procedures to foster a safe, conducive, and inclusive residential community for Delta State
University students.

To review all policies and procedures related to residential living at Delta State University, please visit the University Housing section of the University Policy Directory.

31 August 2023, established.

Delta State University is an academic community formally opened in 1927 which strives to preserve the rights of individuals. In order to provide an atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of knowledge, basic rights and responsibilities must be understood, guaranteed, and reinforced by every member of the University community. The broad purpose of disciplinary standards is to order University living so that interests of the University community and the individual are best served. The University’s responsibility extends to all students enrolled. Students apprehended and determined guilty of serious or repeated violations of University standards may receive a maximum penalty of dismissal from the University.

For more in-depth information on Student Rights, visit the University Policy Directory and the section devoted to Student Rights and Responsibilities.

31 August 2023, established.

The Office of Student Affairs seeks to enhance the Delta State University experience by offering programming and services that support the student’s holistic wellness. Our student advocacy focuses on the student’s academic, social, emotional and mental well-being with priorities of: optimum student engagement, building collaborations across the campus in support of student success, and advocating for students in their educational and professional growth. These priorities guide the units reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, which include:

• Career Services
• Collegiate Recreation & Wellness
• Engagement & Advocacy
• Financial Aid
• Health & Counseling Services
• Housing & Residence Life
• Student Life
• Undergraduate Admissions
• University Police

For more on these units and the programs provided to engage and advocate for students, visit the Student Affairs homepage.

31 August 2023, established.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the values embraced by the University community and reflected in its various policies, contracts, rules, and regulations, including those contained herein.

The Student Code of Conduct (Student Code) describes the types of acts that are unacceptable in an educational community and the general process by which they will be addressed (including the types of sanctions that may be imposed). Procedural guidelines consistent with the provisions of this code will be developed as necessary from time to time so that fundamental fairness may prevail.

Article IX, Section 5 of the By-laws and Policies of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning states that the President of Delta State University is charged with the responsibility of maintaining appropriate standards of student conduct and is authorized to expel, dismiss, suspend, and place limitations on continued attendance and to levy penalties for disciplinary violations subject to procedures of due process.

The President has delegated the Student Code and its student conduct process to the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA). The VPSA has identified the Director of Student Life as the individual who will oversee the Student Code.

For a comprehensive review and reflection on the Student Code of Conduct, the policy may be found in the University Policy Directory.

31 August 2023, established.

The Student Government Association (SGA) serves to promote unity and the welfare of the entire student body, provide a high standard of responsibility in the interests of our student life, and to ensure goodwill among students, faculty, staff and administration.

All students enrolled at Delta State University automatically become members of the Student Government Association. The association functions through three branches: executive, judicial, and legislative. Its purpose is to deal effectively with all matters of student affairs, to organize the student body in order that it may work collectively toward the betterment of the university, and to uphold the best traditions at Delta State.

For more information on your Student Government Association, visit the SGA Homepage.

31 August 2023, established.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but to provide you guidance in your search for answers and information. The staffs in each of these offices should be well versed in campus knowledge and able to provide you with direction to find or obtain the answers you seek.

Student Affairs
H. L. Nowell Union, Suite 307

The Office of Student Affairs seeks to enhance the Delta State University student’s experience by offering programming and services that support the student’s holistic wellness. Our student advocacy focuses on their academic, social, emotional, physical, cultural, moral and mental well-being. Driven by a purpose to inspire a vibrant campus life and engaged student body, we identify goals of; inclusive excellence, student engagement, academic, civic, and social support systems, and building collaborations across campus. This enables the Student Affairs unit to optimally serve the student while preparing them for success in a global community.

Admissions
Kent Wyatt Hall, Suite 117

The Office of Admissions is ready to assist future Statesmen! Our staff works closely with students, counselors, alumni, and the university community. Students interested in taking undergraduate courses should contact the office to discover the steps to becoming a DSU student. We are here to help you!

Delta Dining
Young-Mauldin Cafeteria & Student Union

The South is known for some delicious eats and so is Delta State, thanks to our world-class vendor, Sodexo. Choices include an extensive buffet at our recently renovated Young-Mauldin Cafeteria; a grab-and-go convenience store, The Grid (in the cafeteria), that stocks a wide variety of offerings; and The Mill food court (in the Student Union), also recently renovated, featuring Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Burrito Bowl, Bistro Grille burger shop, Firehouse Subs, and more!

Financial Aid
Kent Wyatt Hall, Suite 144

The Office of Financial Assistance works to meet the financial needs of the Statesmen community. The department assists students with federal and state financial aid programs, student loans, state scholarships, and federal work study. Financial Assistance monitors scholarship awards made by Delta State and provides off-campus scholarship information.

Health and Counseling Services
O.W. Reily Student Health Center

Campus counseling is available to all students enrolled full time at Delta State University. Counseling services are confidential and are available at no cost to students. The center provides alcohol and drug prevention information and referrals. Counseling services are provided by Kashanta M. Jackson, LPC, LPC-S, BC-TMH, NCC; Paula King, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH; and Cassandra Atley, P-LPC, BC-TMH.

Housing & Residence Life
H.L. Nowell Union, Suite 202A

The Department of Housing & Residence Life provides a comfortable, safe, and secure environment for living and learning while enhancing the overall development of each student. Delta State Residence Life puts you in the middle of the action for campus events and programs.

Registrar’s Office
Kent Wyatt Hall, Suite 152

The Registrar’s Office serves the university as the central point for student records. We administer transfer credit hours, graduation applications, and transcripts requests. In addition, we assist students with adding and dropping courses, withdrawal from the university, name/address change, and learning more about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The Registrar’s Office also assists veteran students with VA tuition assistance and certifies students receiving VA education benefits.

Student Business Services
Kent Wyatt Hall, Suite 131

Student Business Services is the central billing and collection point for Delta State University. The department is responsible for managing the university’s billing, collecting, refunding, and cashiering functions. The office oversees the Okra Kard, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program (formerly known as the WIA program), the Perkins Loan program, and third-party billing, including the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Plan (MPACT). Our staff is committed to providing excellent customer service while assisting students and parents with activities related to paying their bill and other financial services. We strive to provide services in an efficient and timely manner.

Student Success Center
Bailey Hall, 2nd Floor

The Student Success Center helps students successfully navigate their college experience by offering a wide range of student support services, tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. These services include: Academic Advising Services, Academic Support & Developmental Studies, First Year Seminar, International Education, International Student Services, and the Stay Okra Strong (S.O.S.) early alert system.

University Police
Bailey Hall, Suite 108

The University Police Department (UPD) strives to protect life and property, understand and serve the needs of the campus community, and improve the quality of life by building capacities and apprehending offenders in a manner consistent with law and reflective of shared university values. The UPD maintains a safe and secure environment for the students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

For additional resources for students, including ways to be involved in Student Life, Collegiate Recreation and Wellness, and other areas of Student Affairs, visit our “Where to Turn” Resource Guide for new students via our Okratation homepage.

31 August 2023, established.

Delta State University expects that all members of the University community – students, faculty, staff – should be able to pursue their work and education in a safe environment, free from sex/gender-based misconduct. To this end, the University is committed to maintain a working and learning environment free of sexual misconduct. The term sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual intimidation, sexual harassment, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence. The University aims to eradicate sexual misconduct through education, training, clear policies, and serious consequences for violations of this policy.

For more information about Title IX and its interwovenness to campus, visit the Title IX homepage.

For review of the policy in its entirety, visit the full policy at University Policy Directory.

31 August 2023, established.

Delta State University charges a uniform tuition rate for all undergraduate students and a uniform tuition rate for all graduate students. These rates are established to increase financial equity, reduce the impact of financial considerations on educational policy and increase uniformity across the university.

For information on current tuition and fee costs, visit the Finance and Administration homepage.

31 August 2023, established.

Unauthorized attempts to gain privileged access or access to any account or system not belonging to you on any University system are not permitted. No University system or network may be used as a vehicle to gain unauthorized access to other systems.

To review the complete Unauthorized Access to Computer Systems and Network policy, you may review this policy here.

For more in-depth information on Computer & Network Operation & Responsibility, visit the University Policy Directory and the section devoted to this area.

31 August 2023, established.

The safety of the University’s campuses is of paramount importance to the Administration of Delta State University. To ensure the safety of our campuses in accordance with the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) policies and in light of statutory enactments of the Mississippi Legislature, the University has developed this policy regarding the possession of weapons on its campuses. This policy is required for the effective communication of University policy regarding the possession of weapons by employees, students, guests, and visitors on all property of Delta State University.

Delta State University recognizes that the possession of weapons on its campus or at University or student functions off-campus, by persons other than duly authorized law enforcement officials, other authorized persons, and those participating in University approved programs, creates an unreasonable and unwarranted risk of injury or death to its employees, students, visitors, and guests, and further creates an unreasonable and unwarranted risk of damage to property of the University and of its employees, students, visitors, guests and properties of others.

Delta State University must comply with the State Institutions of Higher Learning policies, state and federal law, and any other locally applicable laws or regulations regarding the possession of weapons including firearms, on its campuses. This policy is being implemented to protect the health and safety of the students, employees, guests, and visitors to Delta State University.

The full policy regarding weapons on campus may be found here in the University Policy Directory.

31 August 2023, established.

Because Delta State University is committed to providing a safe and healthy working and learning environment for the students, faculty, and staff on its campus, and because nonsmokers are guaranteed the right to breathe smoke-free air, it hereby adopts a smoke-free policy.

Delta State University prohibits the use of all vapor devices and tobacco products, which includes but is not limited to; the emitting or discharging into the environment of any secondhand tobacco smoke from whatever conveyance or location, on its campus or during university business. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff and visitors on Delta State University property, in its facilities, or while conducting business.

The complete Vapor and Tobacco Free Environment policy can be found here in the University Policy Directory.

31 August 2023, established.