Division of Student Affairs

213 Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union

Office Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday – Friday

Telephone: 225-771-2505

Mission

The Division of Student Affairs strives to enhance the learning environment through the integration of curricular and co-curricular learning experiences that facilitate students’ development as leaders.

Goals

  1. To foster a sense of belonging through initiatives that support an inclusive community of scholars and leaders
  2. To develop programs and services that promote academic success, student leader and engagement, civic engagement, wellness, and lifelong learning
  3. To provide living and learning communities that actively engage and connect students
  4. To provide opportunities for students to engage as citizens of a global community

Campus Life

Campus Life takes many forms. These include academic programs and leadership development programs that lead to enduring friendships that are the core of the Southern University experience. Southern University is a dynamic and inclusive environment with over 7000 students from all over the world. The community empowers students to engage as scholars and leaders who are dedicated to bringing about positive social change. Each year students participate in community service projects, with many gaining valuable leadership skills while building community on campus, in the greater Baton Rouge community, the state of Louisiana and the world.

There are over 75 student-led organizations in the Southern University community. In addition, there are opportunities to audition and become a member of the legendary Human Jukebox Marching Band, academic clubs, organizations, and experiences such as drama and dance, the Gospel Choir, the jazz ensemble; all of which create a laboratory for exploring the theories and concepts learned in class.

We encourage every student to GET INVOLVED – DISCOVER, CONNECT and LEAD. The Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union is home to many student service operations. On the lower level of the Union, there are bulletin boards and directions, Ricoh Copy and Mail Center, Conference and Event Services, automatic teller machines (ATM), vending machines, student meeting rooms, a variety of spaces for relaxing, and the Food Court which is home to Burger King, Chick-Fil-A, Louisiana Home Grown, Mexigo, and a POD Express for shopping.

The Student Government Association, Miss Southern and Court, the Association of Women Students, the Men’s Federation and Class Council offices are located on the second floor along with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Dean of Students, and the Office of Student Leadership and Community Engagement. The Student Government Association (SGA) is a group of elected student representatives who serve as the liaison between the student body and the University faculty, staff, and administration.

The purpose of SGA is:

  • To provide an opportunity for members of the student body to develop and maintain University programs that support their intellectual, physical, social, economic, and spiritual welfare
  • To assist in the coordination of the activities and services for the benefit of the student body and the entire University
  • To promote better understanding and cooperation between students, faculty, administration, and others
  • To assist with managing of student organizations, the Student Organization Council is responsible for distributing operational funds to student clubs and organizations.

Student Member of The Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors is responsible for the governance of the University. The Student member serves as a voting member of the Board of Supervisors and is expected to act in the best interest of the University at all times. All Board Members, including the student member, are stewards of the institution and are expected to dedicate time and resources while displaying attributes of leadership, selflessness, integrity, maturity, objectivity, accountability, openness, and honesty. The student member serves as a role model for other students and is expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and scholarship.