Introduction
Louisiana State University at Alexandria is a publicly supported institution that provides undergraduate level college education to the citizens of Central Louisiana. LSUA is a unit of Louisiana State University (LSU) and operates under the auspices of the Louisiana Board of Regents.
History
Louisiana State University at Alexandria is located approximately six miles south of the city of Alexandria in Rapides Parish in Central Louisiana. The campus is located on land that was originally part of Oakland Plantation and that was purchased by Louisiana State University in 1946. In 1955 the Dean Lee Agricultural Center was established on the property, and in 1959 the U.S. Congress released a portion of that property for general education purposes. In the same year, the Louisiana Legislature authorized the establishment of LSUA as a two-year commuter college under the governance of the LSU Board of Supervisors.
LSUA registered its first students in September 1960. The sophomore curriculum was added in 1961 and the first degree program, an Associate in Nursing, in 1964. In 1974 LSUA was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. In 1986 the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science were added to the university’s degree offerings. In December 2002, the Commission on Colleges approved a level change request for LSUA, thereby accrediting the university to award both associate and baccalaureate degrees. LSUA began offering four baccalaureate degrees in fall 2003: the Bachelor of Science in Biology; the Bachelor of General Studies; the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; and the Bachelor of Liberal Studies. A Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics were approved in 2006 and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2007.
In 2008, the university secured approval for several additional degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in History; a Bachelor of Arts in English; a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies; a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Most recently, a Bachelor of Science in Elder Care Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in Health Professions, a Bachelor of Arts in World Religions, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting were added to the university’s array of baccalaureate programs.
The university has also expanded its range of associate degrees and now offers an Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and an Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology. The university also offers a Certificate in Pharmacy Technology and several post-baccalaureate programs.
In November 2013, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges approved the university’s request to offer 100% online degree programs. Currently, the array of 100% online programs offered by LSUA includes the Bachelor of Arts in English; the Bachelor of General Studies (with concentrations in Psychology and Disaster Science and Emergency Management); the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; the Bachelor of Science in Elder Care Administration; the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science; the Bachelor of Science in Nursing; the Bachelor of Science in Psychology; the Associate of Arts; and the Associate of Science.
A complete list of LSUA’s current academic programs is provided on Academic Programs (a-z) .
In the fall of 2007, The Oaks, the university’s first student housing complex was opened. The complex, which consists of four apartment buildings and a community center, provides housing for 308 students.
LSUA hired its first athletic director in January 2007 and began competing in NAIA men’s baseball and women’s fast-pitch softball in spring 2008. The university began competition as a member of the Red River Conference in men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s tennis in the 2014-2015 academic year.
Mulder Hall, the university’s newest academic building, was opened in August 2011. The building is a 70,000 square-foot facility that provides 18 classrooms; 52 faculty offices; a computer lab; a painting and drawing studio; a ceramics studio and a photography suite; and a black box theater that seats 175 people.
Dr. Paul Coreil is LSUA’s Interim Chancellor. He was appointed in June, 2019.
Vision
LSUA envisions itself as a university of choice, recognized for academic excellence, committed to student and community growth through teaching, research, and service, and esteemed as a contributor to the economic, cultural, and intellectual growth of Louisiana.
Mission
As the only state-supported undergraduate university in Louisiana, LSUA’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of affordable undergraduate degrees in a robust academic environment that challenges students to excel and creates proactive and reciprocal relationships that meet the needs of the diverse student body and community that it serves.
Values
The diversity of the LSUA community is reflected in its students, alumni, staff, faculty, in the residents of Central Louisiana, and in the range of profit and non-profit organizations it serves. This diversity has been enhanced in recent years by the addition of students from other regions of the State, other parts of the United States, and other countries. While this diversity makes a comprehensive listing of values a challenge to develop, the following value statements are indicative of the institutional mission of LSUA:
- Promoting academic freedom;
- Fostering academic integrity;
- Developing, reviewing, and revising rigorous degree programs;
- Promoting research and scholarship;
- Encouraging interaction among all community members;
- Recognizing the importance of diversity, multicultural awareness, and respect;
- Instilling a desire for life-long learning;
- Encouraging service-learning and civic engagement;
- Promoting education as a method of making sound life choices;
- Advancing LSUA as an engine of regional economic growth.
Louisiana Board of Regents
The Louisiana Board of Regents, a state agency created by the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, plans, coordinates, and has budgetary responsibility for all public post-secondary education in the state. It is not directly involved, however, in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the various college campuses. The 1974 Constitution reserves that responsibility for the state’s four higher education management boards: the LSU Board of Supervisors; the Southern University Board of Supervisors; the University of Louisiana System Board; and the Louisiana Community and Technical College Board.
LSU
LSUA is one of the nine member institutions of Louisiana State University. The others are LSU (Baton Rouge); LSU Shreveport; LSU Eunice; LSU Agricultural Center and Research Stations; LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center; LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans; LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport; and LSU Health Care Services Division. The By-Laws and Regulations of the Board of Supervisors specify that LSUA will “extend basic as well as unique programs to citizens of Central Louisiana,” a mission articulated by LSU President Troy Middleton when he spoke at LSUA’s dedication on December 3, 1960. At that time, President Middleton said that LSUA must maintain the same academic standards and academic respectability that existed on the main campus. Nearly 60 years later, LSUA continues to fulfill this mission by providing high-quality undergraduate level education to the people of Central Louisiana.
LSUA Organization and Administration
LSUA is led by a chancellor, assisted by three vice chancellors, one for Academic Affairs, one for Student Engagement, and the other for Finance and Administrative Services. The academic structure of the university consists of two colleges, Arts and Sciences and Professional Studies.
LSUA Foundation
In June 1992, the LSUA Foundation was established to build the university’s endowment and, in so doing, to ensure the continued availability of undergraduate college-level education to the citizens of Central Louisiana. The foundation’s first fund-raising effort was the Educational Challenge Fund, an endeavor for which many of Central Louisiana’s most influential civic leaders volunteered their time and resources. By 1999, the foundation had raised the funds necessary for the establishment of a childcare center for the children of LSUA’s students, faculty, and staff. In April 2006, it acquired the Alexandria Museum of Art, a facility that, under LSUA’s management, has already enriched the cultural life of the city and increased the university’s ability to offer instruction in the downtown Alexandria area.
The LSUA Foundation also provides financial support to the university by underwriting construction projects (such as The Oaks Residence Halls, ICON Corner, and Coughlin Hall Auditorium), by funding the Honors Program, and by supporting the university’s marketing and advertising efforts. The Generals Athletic Association operates under the auspices of the LSUA Foundation; its mission is to support LSUA’s athletic programs by raising additional funds for the teams’ projects. Perhaps most importantly, the foundation has played an important role in the development and establishment of 110 student scholarships, and 19 endowed student scholarships, thereby providing ladders of opportunity for LSUA students. The LSUA Foundation also provides 26 endowed professorships, and three endowed eminent scholar chairs for faculty members. These gifts to the university’s students and faculty are primarily the result of the generosity of the foundation’s many donors. Charitable donations to the LSUA Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information about supporting LSUA, call the foundation’s executive director, at (318) 619-2914 or write to the LSUA Foundation at P.O. Box 5512, Alexandria, LA 71307.
LSUA Alumni and Friends Association
The LSUA Alumni and Friends Association (AFA) operates under the auspices of the LSUA Foundation and is open to anyone who is interested in the university and its activities. Membership is open to alumni, former students, and friends of LSUA. Each year, the AFA hosts a variety of social functions that provide opportunities for its members to stay connected to each other and to the university. Membership dues start at $35 per year. For more information about the association, call (318) 619-2918.
Academic Support Units
The units described below provide vital support to the university’s academic mission and to the academic departments charged with fulfilling that mission.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education is located on 807 Jackson Street in Downtown Alexandria. The unit supports the university’s commitment to lifelong learning by offering the communities of Central Louisiana opportunities for personal enrichment and professional development and training. Course topics include computers and technology, exam preparation and certification, and health and wellness. In addition, Continiung Education offers an innovative leadership program to current or potential business and organization leaders in Central Louisiana. Offered annually, Leadership Cenla prepares participants for new challenges and provides the skills and exposure needed to add leadership equity to any business or organization. For more information about Continuing Education course offerings, call (318) 473-6495 or e-mail continuingeducation@lsua.edu.
Information and Educational Technology Services
The Department of Information and Educational Technology (IET) Services provides technical support and training for the entire campus community. It offers help desk services through a support center which provides assistance via knowledge base, telephone, email, and help desk ticketing systems. The IET Support Center can be found at https://lsua.desk.com/. IET also provides and maintains campus computers, wired and wireless network access, campus telephones, official LSUA web pages, and computer and software training. IET also supports all university data systems and maintains a portal page where all students, faculty, and staff can check e-mail, access course materials, register for courses, and access other resources. The training schedule of IET classes can be found at http://iet.lsua.edu/training or by logging on to my.LSUA at http://my.lsua.edu. The classes are free to LSUA students, faculty, and staff.
Library
The James C. Bolton Library is a two-story building with comfortable seating areas for individual and group study. A networked printer, 22 desktop computers, 14 laptops and 12 scanners are available. The library houses approximately 108,000 print volumes, 19,000 microfilms, and 8,465 bound volumes of print journals. Library Services provides access to 313,153 online resources that include more than 70 subscription databases, 74,896 e-journals, and 238,257 e-books.
The library catalog and other resources are found at http://www.lsua.edu/library. Online resources are accessible on campus or off-campus.
Library Services is committed to supporting students and faculty in their quest for knowledge and to enhancing LSUA’s efforts to design challenging and interesting courses. Library faculty members collaborate with classroom faculty to ensure that LSUA students have information literacy skills. Library instruction for individual courses or course assignments is available on request. Online tutorials are available on the library home page http://www.lsua.edu/library.
LSUA students, faculty, and staff can request books or articles through interlibrary loan by creating a free ILLiad account. Students and faculty who have a LALINC card can borrow books from many Louisiana academic libraries, including nearby Louisiana College. LALINC cards are available at the library circulation desk.
Other services include circulation, course reserves, and a pay copier. The University Archives and Special Collections houses original unpublished materials that document the history of central Louisiana and the University. Visit https://www.lsua.edu/library/university-archives-and-special-collections for more information.
Division of Student Engagement
Student Engagement offers an array of services to assist students as they strive to realize their educational goals. These services include professional advising; personal and academic counseling; career planning and placement; assistance for students with disabilities; support for veterans and active-duty military; testing administration; and coordination of student life. Student Engagement offices are located on the second floor of the Student Center, directly above the bookstore. For more information, consult the “Student Engagement ” section.
Other Support Units
The services provided by the units described below support the university’s commitment to maintaining a safe, convenient, and friendly environment for LSUA students.
Bookstore
The LSUA Bookstore, operated by Barnes and Noble and located on the first floor of the Student Center, stocks a wide range of products including required new, used, for-rent, and digital textbooks; clothing; school supplies; graduation supplies; and laptops and tablets. The bookstore is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Online purchases can be made at lsua.bncollege.com. Bookstore staff can be reached at (318) 473-6420.
Children’s Center
The LSUA Children’s Center is a Type III licensed, four-star early care and education facility that accepts children between the ages of 12 months and 12 years. School-age children can be enrolled during elementary school holidays if space and staffing permit. Top priority is given to LSUA students who require full-time child care.
Students, faculty/staff, or Alumni & Friends members who wish to enroll their children at the center should request a registration packet. For more information, write to the Children’s Center at 8100 Highway 71 South, Alexandria, LA 71302-9121; call (318) 473-6484; fax (318) 767-3977; or visit the center in person.
Dining
LSUA students, faculty, and staff have three options for dining on campus:
- Magnolia Cafe (located in the Student Center)
- General’s Grab & Go Grill “G4”
- Starbucks (located in Bolton Library)
Hours of operation for all three dining locations are available at https://www.dineoncampus.com/LSUAdining/hours–where-to-eat.
For information about meal plans and pricing, visit www.dineoncampus.com/lsuadining. For other inquiries about LSUA Dining, please email LSUADining@lsua.edu.
University Police
University Police are POST certified, police academy graduates who support the university’s commitment to preserving a peaceful and safe environment for the entire campus community. The services they provide include criminal investigations, accident investigations, emergency services, and crime prevention services. In addition, University Police has jurisdiction over all university facilities, premises, and property. This jurisdiction may be extended to off-campus locations when a request is made by other law enforcement agencies, when campus police officers are in close pursuit, or when the investigation of a crime that has occurred on campus takes officers to other sites. University Police are commissioned by the state with full powers of arrest. Each month University Police reports to the LSU Board of Supervisors the number and types of crimes committed on campus. This information is also published annually in a Security and Fire Report, available on the University Police website.
Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are urged to be aware of and alert to the possible existence of criminal activity on campus and to report all crimes or suspicious activity to the University Police. The University Police offices are located at 8210 Tom Bowman Drive. To speak to an officer call (318) 473-6427 or 911 in the event of an emergency.
Facilities
A brief description of each of the university’s many facilities is provided below.
Abrams Hall
Morris N. Abrams Hall houses the Office of the Chancellor and the Office of the Registrar. Also housed in this building are Accounting; Admissions; Finance and Administrative Services; Financial Aid; the Office of Marketing and Strategic Communication; and Procurement Services and Property Management.
A.C. Buchanan III Allied Health Building
This facility, located at 807 Jackson Street in Alexandria, opened in 2008 through an agreement between LSUA and the Rapides Regional Medical Center. The building houses a student laboratory and an energized x-ray room, both of which are used to provide important training to students enrolled in Allied Health programs. It also houses three multipurpose classrooms, a computer laboratory, and office space for allied health faculty. In February 2009, the facility was renamed to honor the memory of A.C. Buchanan III, former Chief Executive Officer of Rapides Regional Medical Center and former board member of the LSUA Foundation.
Alexandria Museum of Art
Located at 933 Main Street, Alexandria, the museum provides a state-of-the-art facility for exhibiting the work of regional, national, and international artists. In addition, its classroom space has increased the university’s ability to offer instruction in the downtown Alexandria area. The LSUA Foundation has used the museum’s facilities to host events related to the fund-raising and development efforts of the university. The museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums,
Avoyelles Hall
This building houses classrooms, offices, the Golf Course Clubhouse, and the G4 restaurant.
Chambers Hall
Chambers Hall houses the office of the Department of Business Administration and several faculty offices and classrooms.
Children’s Center
The Children’s Center provides childcare for the children of faculty, staff, and students. It contains classrooms, offices, a covered patio, and a kitchen. The grounds of the center provide an outdoor play area for the children.
Edwin Epps House
An early rustic plantation home, this structure was built in 1852 on the Epps Plantation in Eola, Louisiana, and later moved to Bunkie. The house was dismantled and reconstructed on Acorn Drive on the LSUA campus in 1999.
F. Hugh Coughlin
This building houses the offices of the Department of Allied Health; the Department of Nursing; the offices of Human Resource Management; and the LSUA Health Center. In addition, the facility provides classrooms and learning laboratories, faculty offices, conference rooms, a multipurpose auditorium, and a student lounge.
Facilities Services
This complex houses the administrative offices and work-storage areas used to operate and maintain the university’s physical plant.
Fitness Center (The Fort)
This facility houses a gymnasium, a swimming pool, a weight room, and classroom space for physical education courses. The offices of the athletic coaches are located in the Fitness Center.
Golf Course and Clubhouse
LSUA’s beautiful nine-hole golf course is open to members of the campus community and to the wider public. Discounted rates are available to students, faculty, and staff. The course is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Golf carts are available for rental. The golf course office is located in Avoyelles Hall. For information and current rates, call (318) 473-6507.
Institutional Advancement
This office occupies a small house located on Middleton Drive. The house was originally built in the 1950’s and renovated in 1992.
James C. Bolton Library
This facility houses the university’s growing book and periodical collection, several group study rooms, and open seating areas for visitors to the library. The building also provides space for the library’s administrative offices, the Writing Center, and a Starbucks coffee shop.
LSUA Health Center
This facility is located on the first floor of Coughlin Hall, next to the offices of Human Resource Management. Students who visit the Health Center can receive medical attention for non-life threatening illnesses such as sore throat; sinus and ear infections; flu symptoms; nausea and vomiting; minor cuts; urinary tract infections; and coughs and colds. All enrolled LSUA students are eligible to receive these services. Insurance is not required and no appointment is necessary. The Health Center is open on Mondays & Thursdays: 8:00am-12:00pm and on Wednesdays: 12:30pm-4.30pm. For more information, call (318) 427-0110.
Mulder Hall
Opened in August 2011, Mulder Hall is a 70,000 square-foot facility that provides 18 classrooms; 52 faculty offices; a computer lab; a painting and drawing studio; a ceramics studio and a photography suite; and a black box theater that seats 175 people. Each classroom is fully equipped with state-of-theart teaching and learning technology. Also housed in this building are the administrative offices of the Department of Arts, English, and Humanities; the Department of Criminal Justice; the Department of Education; the Department of History and Political Science; the Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences; and the Department of Psychology. The Office of Academic Affairs is located on the first floor of the building.
Oakland Hall
This building provides several classrooms and a computer lab. The offices of University Academy personnel are also housed in Oakland Hall.
Science Building
This building is a well-equipped two-story facility that provides classrooms, conference rooms, faculty offices, and research laboratories; in addition, it contains 15 laboratories designed for applied learning in chemistry, physics, and biological sciences. The building’s 300-seat auditorium allows large groups to participate in teleconferences, workshops, and distance education activities. The administrative office for the Department of Biological Sciences is also located in this building.
Student Union
The Student Union is a multipurpose facility that houses LSUA Dining Services; Student Government offices; the Auxiliary Services office; a student gaming-room; a student lounge; and the Live Oaks Conference Room.
The Student Union also houses the Brumfield-Caffey Annex. This space has a capacity of 520 in lecture-style seating and 275 with tables and can be used as either a ballroom or meeting room. It also houses the Sentry Room, a conference space that seats 20.
Student Center
The Student Center is a two-story building that houses the bookstore (first floor); the offices of Student Engagement (second floor); the Center for Student Success (second floor); the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement (second floor); and Testing Services (second floor).
The Oaks
Opened in August of 2007, The Oaks is the first on- campus, apartment-style housing complex dedicated to students attending LSUA. It consists of a community center building and four apartment style, multi-level buildings with 308 beds. Eighty eight apartments provide a variety of one, two, and four- bedroom living units. A modern community center building provides the community office, computer lab, an entertainment area, and laundry room space as well as an outdoor pool/patio area.
Utility Plant
This facility provides campus buildings with heat and air conditioning via underground lines.
Weldon “Bo” Nipper Building
This building houses the offices of Information and Educational Technology Services and the offices of LSUA Continuing Education. It also houses a large general access computer lab; a smaller computer training lab; two electronic classrooms with video conferencing capability; and multi-media equipment used for the development of electronic course content.
Identification Cards
Upon enrollment, students must obtain photo identification cards. The ID card, commonly known as the OaKard and issued at no cost to the student, is the property of the university.
Students who alter or intentionally mutilate a university ID card, who use other people’s cards, or who allow other people to use their cards may be subject to university discipline.
A $25 charge is assessed to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated ID card. If a replacement card is issued, the original card is no longer valid and cannot be made valid.
Once they have paid their registration fees, students can and should obtain their identification cards from Auxiliary Services, located in Room 201 of the Student Union. Replacement cards can also be obtained from this office.
The OaKard is not only an identification card; it also functions as a debit card and can be used to make purchases and pay for services at the bookstore, the cafeteria, the library, on-campus vending machines, and at student copier and computer printer locations.
Vehicle Registration and Auto Decal
All motorized vehicles must be registered in Auxiliary Services immediately upon arrival on campus. The Auxiliary Services office is located in Room 201, Student Union (above the cafeteria). Vehicle operators should have their license plate number available when they visit the office. It is suggested that they also bring their vehicle registration as it provides their complete vehicle information. A onetime fee of $56.00 per vehicle registered will be charged during the Fall and Spring Semesters. For students attending during the Summer Semester only, the fee will be $28.00 per vehicle. The fee is due at the time the vehicle is registered. Auxiliary Services accepts cash, check, and credit card.
Individuals who operate a second vehicle and drive it to campus must obtain a decal for that vehicle too.
Students with disabilities who require special parking should visit the DMV to obtain a state-issued disability parking permit. LSUA does not offer special parking permits for students who present doctors’ notes or special requests. In order to park in handicapped parking areas, the vehicle operator must have a valid LA handicapped license and parking permit in the vehicle.
Smoking and Other Tobacco Use
Smoking or use of other tobacco products is prohibited on all university grounds, including LSUA owned or leased properties and campus-owned, leased or rented vehicles. The policy also applies to all university sidewalks, parking lots, landscaped areas and recreational areas; lectures, conferences, meetings and social and cultural events held on school property or school grounds of LSUA. Smoking is also prohibited in the interior of all buildings; university residences, including dormitories, fraternity and sorority houses located on the university property; and vehicles owned or operated by LSUA. For more information, consult Policy Statement 272 Tobacco Free Campus: https://www.lsua.edu/docs/default-source/chancellor’s-office/policy-statements/policystatement272.pdf?sfvrsn=264c6f29_3.
Emergency Response Procedures
Campus emergencies, defined as unexpected, serious occurrences resulting in injury or illness, and requiring immediate attention, are handled by an Emergency Response Team. Appointed by the Chancellor and chaired by a designated “Emergency Response Person-in-Charge,” the team includes members of the administration, faculty, and staff. To ensure that experienced people are on the team at all times, members are appointed to rotating terms. The university’s general procedures for emergencies are presented here:
- A room for campus medical emergencies is located in F. Hugh Coughlin Hall (Nursing Education Building). Access to this room is controlled by the members of the Emergency Response Team.
- In the event of an emergency, 911 should be called. The “Emergency Response Person-in- Charge” or, in his/her absence, a member of the Emergency Response Team, should also be called to the scene. To do so, call Extension 5555, 6427, or 473-6427 from an outside line. After 4:30 p.m. call University Police (Extension 6427 or 5555) or 473-6427. If you cannot reach them, dial 9 (for an off-campus line) and 911. The 911 operator will contact University Police on your behalf.
- Following any emergency, a report should be immediately submitted to Mr. Jerry Burnaman, Director of Facility Services, Safety, and Risk Management, who will then be responsible for contacting family members and completing the report for filing and future reference.
- Students experiencing a non-emergency sickness or illness may contact the LSUA Health Center for consultation (318) 427-0110.
Lost and Found
All items found on campus should be immediately turned in to Auxiliary Services, Student Center Room 201, or to University Police. An information form that provides a description of each found item and that identifies where and when it was found should also be submitted. The item and the form are kept on file until the item is either claimed or disposed of. All items turned in to Lost and Found are held for 180 days unless claimed by the owner. After the 180-day period, items are listed by description and either disposed of or donated to various charities in the area. When an item is claimed, the owner or claimant is required to sign for the property. Every attempt possible will be made to contact the owners of items turned in to Lost and Found.
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