OBJECTIVES OF THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS The Division of Student Affairs is dedicated to providing appropriate services and experiences which contribute to the total development of each student. To facilitate the student development process, the Division of Student Affairs offers programs, activities, and services which complement and enhance the student’s collegiate experience. Programs provided by the Office of Student Engagement, the Office of Student Conduct, the Department of Housing, Career Planning and Development, Recreational Sports and Fitness, Residence Life, University Events, University Health Services, and University Police serve to implement student development.
STUDENT SERVICES
Disability Support Services. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the University makes provisions to facilitate classroom accommoda- tions for students with qualified disabilities. Complete guidelines and requirements for documentation can be found on the DSS web pages at http://www.una.edu/disability-support. For more information and to request accommodations, the student should contact the DSS office.
Greek Life – www.una.edu/greeklife. UNA supports an active Greek system. It includes ten fraternities and seven sororities and features a fra- ternity row and Panhellenic housing for most sororities. Through Greek life, students may experience close bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that tie chapters together at UNA and throughout the world. Student involve- ment enhances their leadership skills and engages them in civic service.
Student Conduct. The Office of Student Conduct strengthens personal responsibility and accountability through investigation and resolution of alleged violations of the University Student Code of Conduct. The office is committed to providing a fair and educational process that fosters the highest standards of behavior, student learning, and civic responsibility while promoting a safe environment that respects the rights of all students. The office strives to adjudicate cases of alleged misconduct in a fair, responsible and timely manner emphasizing respect, trust and integrity. Additionally, Student Conduct serves as an advocate for and resource to student victims of crime, illness, harassment, or other crises.
Student Activities and Programming. The University provides diverse programming for students, staff, and faculty featuring noted lecturers, artists, and actors. Special programs, recitals, plays, art exhibitions, and concerts are provided through the fine arts departments and the Student Government Association’s University Program Council (UPC), including the traditional events for the campus, such as the Miss UNA Pageant, Spring Concert, Step Sing, Step Show, Homecoming and Pride Week. UNA stu- dents also participate in various activities from athletics, recreational sports and fitness, cheerleading, publications, student governance and Greek Life.
52 Student Affairs
The students also have the opportunity to participate in community service projects. Students may learn more about programming through the Office of Student Engagement website at www.una.edu/ student-engagement or by calling (256) 765-4248. The office is located in GUC 107.
Student Affairs Assessment. The Office of Student Affairs Assessment promotes rigorous self-regulation and continuous improvement within the Division of Student Affairs. The office supports, coordinates, and advances empirically-based efforts to demonstrate that the division is fulfilling its mission and enhancing the quality of the co-curricular educational experi- ence within the university community. The Assessment Office facilitates assessment, planning, and improvement initiatives and serves as the clear- ing house for data collection and evaluation.
Recreational Sports and Fitness. The Recreational Sports and Fitness Program is located in the Student Recreation Center and provides opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage in competitive and non-competitive recreational activities such as intramural sports, fitness, aquatics, outdoor adventures, drop-in recreation, and club sports. Exciting and beneficial leadership opportunities are also available for students.
Residence Life. The Department of Residence Life creates a support- ive and engaging residential community which enables students to foster their personal development and academic success. This is accomplished through promoting leadership, collaboration, service, engagement and diversity.
Student Organizations. UNA recognizes over 100 student organiza- tions that respond to a broad variety of interests, providing learning oppor- tunities in the areas of scholarship, recreation, leadership, and service. The Office of Student Engagement has a list of Recognized Student Organizations (RSO) and requirements for forming new groups on the website at www.una.edu/student-engagement.
Leadership Development. UNA provides ample opportunities for lead- ership development through various organizations such as Freshman Forum, Student Government Association, University Program Council, Recognized Student Organizations, Student Orientation, Advisement, and Registration (SOAR) Counselors and Greek Life. The Office of Student Engagement provides volunteerism opportunities and connections to local service projects.
Volunteerism. The Office of Student Engagement provides students with civic engagement opportunities in the local Shoals community, as well as through Alternative Break trips during the fall and spring breaks. Other opportunities include those sponsored by UNA such as Pride Week, Lions Lend a Hand and Clean Up Days, as well as those provided by specific agencies in need of assistance. For more information, visit the Office of Student Engagement or www.una.edu/student-engagement/.
University Events. Registered student organizations, university depart- ments, faculty/staff organizations, and external guests of the University are eligible to reserve space in on-campus facilities. The Office of University Events is responsible for reserving and providing logistical support for the
Guillot University Center (GUC), Norton Auditorium, Coby Hall, Flowers Hall, and various outdoor venues. Details for major events, complex setups, or multiple dates should be discussed with the Office of University Events prior to the event. For more information, contact University Events or www.una.edu/events/.
University Police. The University’s Police Department is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its faculty, staff, students, and guests. In addition to law enforcement and community education, the UNA PD is responsible for parking regulations, the shuttle bus service, and a crime watch program that allows individuals to report suspicious activities anonymously. For additional information, please visit www.una.edu/police. Housing. Some residence halls and all student apartments are avail- able for year-round accommodation. Nine-month residence halls are closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, the period after spring classes, and the period after summer classes. Extended housing is offered for Thanksgiving and Spring Break at an additional cost.
Dining. Dining services are provided by Sodexo, Inc. and are located in the Guillot University Center and Towers Cafeteria.
Career Planning and Development. Career advising is available to assist students in making educational and career decisions. Services are also offered to aid students in job search efforts through a variety of pro- grams and workshops including on-campus interview opportunities, online career registration (full and part-time job listings) and career events.
Health Services. UNA’s Bennett Health and Wellness Center, located in Bennett Infirmary, is an outpatient, acute care clinic on campus. It is designed to meet the basic health care needs of UNA students and employ- ees. Services available include treatment of short-term illnesses and minor injuries; basic physical exams; allergy injections; select immunizations and vaccines; wellness screenings; and health education offerings. The Clinic is staffed with a full-time nurse practitioner, RN’s, and administrative staff, along with other contract physician and nurse practitioner support. The student health fee covers the office visit with a physician or nurse practi- tioner. Students can find more detailed information for Health Services online at http://www.una.edu/healthservices/. There is a minimum cost recovery fee for medications, lab tests, and some medical supplies. Health Services does not file insurance claims. The UNA Mane Card is accepted, along with credit or debit cards, cash or checks.
Student Counseling Services. Offices for Student Counseling Services are located at 555 Oakview Circle, telephone 256-765-5215. Counselors are available for assessment of individual student needs/prob- lems, crisis intervention, referrals, short-term counseling, as well as, group therapies and psycho-educational presentations. Consultations are avail- able to faculty and staff who are concerned about a student. Payment of the Student Health Fee each semester entitles a student to participate in counseling. Appointments are preferred. For more information visit our web pages at http://www.una.edu/counseling.
54 Student Affairs
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS, GRIEVANCE AND STUDENT CONDUCT PROCESSES
Student Conduct Processes. The University is concerned with main- taining an environment that protects the rights of all members of the campus community while they pursue their educational objectives. Students are obligated at all times to assume responsibility for their actions; therefore, it is important that each student becomes aware of and abides by the University Code of Conduct and applicable university regu- lations. Violations may result in disciplinary action. The Code of Conduct and detailed information about the Student Conduct process is set forth in the Student Handbook and is available in the Office of Student Conduct and on the website at www.una.edu/student-conduct.
Grievance Processes. Grievance procedures are available to all members of the university community for resolution of disputes that do not fall within the jurisdiction of the University Student Conduct System. A grievance is a complaint directed against another member or organization of the university community or against the University. Information about the grievance procedures can be obtained through the Office of Student Conduct. Additionally, the University Ombudsman provides an avenue for grievances and complaints.
Sexual Harassment. University policy prohibits sexual harassment. It is the responsibility of all students and employees to assure that our commu- nity is free from sexual harassment. Accordingly, all members of the univer- sity community must avoid any conduct that is or has the appearance of being sexual harassment. The University Ombudsman and the Office of Student Affairs have information about the University’s sexual harassment policy. To see the full policy, as well as the University’s policy on consen- sual relationships, visit www.una.edu/humanresources.
Academic Honesty. Students are expected to be honorable and observe standards of conduct appropriate to a community of scholars. Additionally, students are expected to behave in an ethical manner. Individuals who disregard the core values of truth and honesty bring disre- spect to themselves and the University. A university community that allows academic dishonesty will suffer harm to the reputation of students, faculty and graduates. It is in the best interest of the entire university community to sanction any individual who chooses not to accept the principles of aca- demic honesty by committing acts such as cheating, plagiarism, or misrep- resentation. Offenses are reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost for referral to the University Student Discipline System for disposition. (See Also “Academic Honesty” in Academic Procedures
and Requirements)
Campus Speech Policy. The University of North Alabama is commit- ted to fostering a learning environment where free inquiry and expression are encouraged. The University is a diverse community based on free exchange of ideas and devoted to the use of reason and thought in the resolution of differences. In exercising its responsibility to provide and
Student Affairs 55 maintain an atmosphere of free inquiry and expression, the University may establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions for the purpose of avoiding disruption to, or substantial interference with, its regular and essential operations and activities. The University will not base decisions regarding time, place and manner upon the content of the message, except as permitted in those narrow areas of expression devoid of federal or state constitutional protection.
Enforcement and interpretation of the policy shall be the responsibility of the Vice President for Student Affairs through the Office of University Events. Requests for use of university space for the purpose of free inquiry and expression should be directed to the Director of University of Events, Guillot University Center, Room 202. For more information, visit http://www.una.edu/studentaffairs/campus-speech-policy.html.
56 Academic Procedures and Requirements