Parent & FamilyGuidebook
Within Reach Without Limits
THE OAKS APARTMENTS
We are dedicated to educating the whole student by providing safe, modern, and affordable housing; a diverse, enthusiastic, and trained professional and student staff; and an atmosphere where respect, community, and academics are valued. We are committed to helping each resident reach their full potential as a productive citizen and a lifelong learner.
Your student’s apartment complex is not merely a place to study and sleep, but rather it is a living/ learning environment designed to complement their academic studies. It is a community. When you stop to consider that potentially 68% of a student’s time is spent in their residence, you can understand why we place so much importance on the quality of living that takes place on campus. Programs, floor meetings, and other activities will challenge, stimulate, and enhance your student’s personal and academic growth.
Visit The Oaks online
*Students must apply for housing or an exemption unless they are a resident of Rapides, Avoyelles, or Grant Parish (both are available online.)
**All students who live on campus are required to have a meal plan.
FINANCIAL AID
Important Deadlines
» August 21:
Payment Deadline for Fall
» September 1:
100% Refund Deadline
» September 11:
Last Day for Bookstore Credit
FAFSA
The FAFSA must be completed every year. It is recommended that students file as early as March for priority funding. The FAFSA can be completed as early as October 1 for the next academic year that begins the following August.
LSUA’s FAFSA Code: 002011
NetPartner
Students will need to check NetPartner often and accept financial aid awards. If they are missing documentation, that will be listed here. NetPartner is accessed through MyLSUA, under the Student tab.
Payment Plans
Monthly payment plans are available for remaining costs after all aid is applied. Students can sign up for a payment plan in their myLSUA portal under the student tab. There is a $35 setup fee and then monthly payments that will vary based on the registration timeframe. Register early to avoid increased payments!
SCHOLARSHIPS
LSUA offers many scholarships based on academic performance, leadership, or community involvement. All applicants for admission are automatically considered. No separate applications are required!
Visit the online Scholarship Calculator to see eligibility for merit-based awards: www.lsua.edu/scholarships
Find and apply to external scholarships by visiting: www.lsua.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid
www.lsua.edu/financial-aid
CAMPUS SAFETY
University Police patrol campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week in order to keep our students safe. UPD is available to assist students in both emergency and nonemergency situations. Students will be notified via text message if an emergency or crisis occurs on or near campus. Make sure your student’s phone number is current in the myLSUA portal (student tab).
If a student receives a ticket on campus, it can be paid at the Office of Accounting in Abrams Hall. Unpaid tickets may result in a hold placed on their account. The University Police main office is located at 8210 Tom Bowman Drive.
HEALTH CENTER
Located on the first floor of Coughlin Hall, this walk-in health center serves students on campus. Most services are free for students and insurance is not required. Services provided for: sore throat, sinus and ear infections, flu symptoms, nausea and vomiting, minor cuts, urinary tract infections, cough and cold, medical testing, physical exams, vaccinations, and rapid-result in-house testing for COVID-19. Schedule an in-person appointment by calling or visiting the Health Center online.
or proceed to the nearest hospital or
DINING SERVICES
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are available in the Magnolia Café located in the Student Union, Monday through Friday. Brunch and dinner are available on Saturday and Sunday in the Magnolia Café. The Café features daily specials, soup and salad bar, sandwich station, grilled items, and more! All residents living on campus are required to have a meal plan. Plans are also available for commuter students.
Check out other dining options on campus such as Starbucks, located on the first floor of the library. There are also on-the-go options available in the market section of the Magnolia Café. Dining dollars can be used at any of the dining facilities when a meal plan can’t be used for items, like coffee or snacks.
Hours of Operation
Magnolia Café:
Commuter meal plans
25 Meals: $203.50
50 Meals: $397.00
100 Meals: $774.00
Resident meal plans also available to commuters. All commuter meals are valid for one academic year.
Resident meal plans
200 Meals w/ $200 Dining Dollars: $1,840 per semester
Unlimited Meals: $1,855 per semester
Resident meal plans will expire at the end of each semester. Residents will have until the end of business on the fifth day of class to change plans. Residents will be emailed a reminder before the start of classes.
Monday - Thursday: 7 am - 7 pm
Friday: 7 am - 6 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
Starbucks: (Located in Library)
Monday - Friday: 7:30 am - 4 pm
Burger 318: (Meal Plans Accepted)
Monday - Friday: 11 am - 2 pm
Saturday: 5 pm - 8 pm
Dining Dollars
» Available to students ONLY and valid for one academic year (fall, spring, summer)
» Accepted at any Chartwells location including Magnolia Café, Starbucks, Burger 318, and Magnolia Café Market
» Any student who purchases $100 in dining dollars will receive a bonus $25
FACULTY & ACADEMIC RESOURCES
LSUA faculty are here to help students throughout their academic career. Our faculty members are committed to seeing students successfully complete their respective programs and earn a degree.
When students need to meet with a faculty member, they can check for their office hours. These will be listed on the syllabus received for each class as well as on their office door. Students are welcome to stop in during these posted times or can request an appointment time.
Library Resources
The James C. Bolton Library has a variety of student resources such as private study rooms, computers, copiers/printers, rentable laptops, headphones, graphing calculators, and phone chargers. Additionally, students can find many resources by browsing the collection.
www.lsua.edu/library
Writing Center
Staffed by advanced English majors or faculty, the Writing Center is another free resource! Students can get assistance with paper formatting, grammar, argument and structure, and citing resources. The Writing Center is located on the first floor of the James C. Bolton Library.
www.lsua.edu/writing-center
Tutoring Center
The Tutoring Center provides tutors in the following subjects: algebra, calculus, statistics, accounting, trigonometry, chemistry, biology, Spanish, physics, and writing. Virtual tutoring is available for writing and algebra.
www.lsua.edu/tutoring
Supplemental Instruction (SI)
In addition to regular class meeting times, some courses offer supplemental instruction from students that have completed and excelled in that specific course. Sessions can better prepare students for tests, assignments, and projects.
318.767.2604
FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE
The Office of First Year Experience assists new students with practical resources, transformational strategies, and engaging workshops that help ease the transition from high school to university life. Our programs have been designed exclusively for first-year students to promote student engagement and excellence.
LSUA 1001: Seminar for Academic Success
LSUA 1001 is a for-credit, 3-hour course that is open only to freshmen and designed to connect students to campus and community through activities, service-learning opportunities, and lectures that help students become successful college students. On average, students that complete this course have higher GPAs and are more successful in their subsequent courses.
Each LSUA 1001 course has a primary professor along with a Peer Mentor. The Peer Mentors are upperclassmen who help develop course activities, attend campus events with their students, and serve as a primary resource for any questions or issues that may arise in a student’s first year.
STUDENT SERVICES
LSUA staff, faculty, and student peers are devoted to every student’s experience from admissions to graduation with a full range of services and resources.
Counseling Services
College life can be rough and sometimes students don’t know what to do. Encourage your student to take advantage of free professional counseling by scheduling an appointment. www.lsua.edu/counseling
ADA/Disability Services
If a student has a diagnosed condition that requires accommodations, schedule an appointment with the Disability Services Coordinator. This includes, but is not limited to, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental disabilities, or temporary disabilities, such as broken bones. www.lsua.edu/ada
Children’s Center
The Children’s Center on campus is available to students, faculty, and staff with childcare needs. Contact us for more information or to enroll a child part-time or full-time. www.lsuakids.org
Job Openings & Internships
Local businesses are often seeking LSUA students for jobs or internships. Whether students need additional funds or professional experience, connect with the Center for Career Development to see what’s available. www.lsua.edu/career
WHAT IF?
What if I cannot contact my student?
FERPA protections apply to educational records, so we are not permitted to disclose student information or attendance. However, if you believe there is a genuine emergency, contact the appropriate campus offices. University Police are happy to address any safety concerns. If your student lives on campus, the Director of Residence Life closely monitors the well-being of our students.
What if I am worried about my student’s grades?
We are invested in your student’s academic success. There are a number of resources available to assist with academic performance. Remind your student of the tutoring services, supplemental instruction, and other available amenities. Please keep in mind, FERPA regulations prevent us from sharing educational information to anyone other than the students.
What if I want to visit my student?
Visits from parents and family members can be a great thing! There are no parameters preventing you from visiting your student on campus. Grab lunch in the Magnolia Cafe or enjoy a cup of coffee in the library, and catch up on college life. Campus housing does have specific visiting hours that must be followed when planning a visit to your student’s on-campus apartment.
What if I need to park on campus?
Visitors arriving on campus during normal business hours will need to register their vehicles with Auxiliary Services upon arrival. You will be provided a visitor parking pass to display on your vehicle to prevent unwanted tickets or vehicle immobilization. Additionally, there are 30-minute parking spaces available in front of Abrams Hall.
What if I am concerned about my student’s well-being?
The health and safety of your student is our utmost priority. There are numerous campus resources and offices dedicated to ensuring just that. If you have a specific concern that warrants immediate attention, please contact the Center for Student Success at 318-767-2604.
2024-2025 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
CAMPUS MAP
1. Abrams Hall, Admissions, Financial Aid
2. Acorn Lake
3. Art Gallery, Bookstore, Testing Center, Student Support
4. Student Union, Esports Lounge, Live Oaks Conference Room, Magnolia Café
5. Brumfield Caffey Ballroom, Sentry Room
6. Mulder Hall, Richard Gwartney Theater
7. Bolton Library
8. Avoyelles Hall
9. Baptist Collegiate Ministry
10. Bo Nipper Technology Center 11. Catholic Student Center
12. Chambers Hall
13. Children’s Center 14. Coughlin Hall
15. Epps House
16. Facility Services
17. Fitness & Walking Trail
18. The Fort, The Output (Multi-Purpose Space), Fitness Center, Weight Room
19. LSUA Foundation Main Office
20. Golf Course
21. Burger 318, Golf Course Office 22. Golf Pond
23. Guard Lake
24. Disc Golf Course
25. Coughlin Hall Auditorium
26. Alexandria Country Day University Academy
27. The Oaks Apartments
28. Science Building 29. Science Pond 30. Soccer Field 31. Baseball Field 32. Softball Field
33. Tennis Courts
34. Utility Plant
NOTES
NOTES
ALMA MATER
The path life enduring lies with stately grace, Under oaks and pines securing, our home LSUA
To thee our source of wisdom our hope and future shine, To thee, our Alma Mater we’ll be forever thine.
As we journey onward, the knowledge we obtain And the lessons here imparted eternally remain.
To thee our source of wisdom our hope and future shine, To thee, our Alma Mater we’ll be forever thine.
Josh Blakesley 2009