ERNEST S. STERLING STUDENT LIFE CENTER

The Sterling Student Life Center (SSLC) is the epicenter of campus life. Students from all over the university converge on this part of campus to engage in the unique social, cultural (And yes, even educational!) activities at one of Texas’s premiere HBCUs. Located on the famous Tiger Walk, the Student Center is home to the Student Government Association (SGA), University Program Council (UPC), Herald Newspaper, Tiger Yearbook, Office of Campus Organizations, TSU Cheerleaders, Tiger Card Office, Office of Student Activities and the Office of the Assistant Dean of Student Services.

Student Life Center staff and students know that the events/programs sponsored under the auspices of Student Activities give students the opportunity to implement their ideas in a creative, practical, learning environment.

On any given day, students can be found socializing with classmates, fraternity brothers/sorority sisters, or just plain old friends    in the lobby, game room, or in front of the SSLC building. Student organizations sponsor events in the Student Center that range from educational seminars to autograph signings of up and coming Hip Hop and R&B artists.

Also located in the SSLC are the Sodexo Food Services, Barnes and Noble Bookstore, the Copy Center as well as Barber and Beauty Services. In addition to student and university functions, the Student Center entities.

STUDENT LIFE

The Office of Student Life is committed to facilitating the holistic development of our students while cultivating a diverse and inclusive campus community. Student Life staff are educators and mentors who work collaboratively with faculty and staff of the University to provide learning experiences both in and outside the classroom.

Our programs and services foster student learning and development, inspire TSU pride, promote health and wellness, and prepare students for their chosen professions in the global society.

UNIVERSITY PROGRAM COUNCIL

The University Program Council is composed of students, staff, faculty, and administrators who work in collaboration with the Office of Student Services in implementing programs for the University community. The Council’s charge includes sponsoring a comprehensive list of social, cultural, intellectual, and recreational programs which enhance the total development of students.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

The Student Government Association is the supreme governing body of Texas Southern University students. Comprised of the three branches, Executive, Legislative, Judicial, the Student Government Association serves as a means whereby students’ opinions, views, and aspirations may be properly discussed and acted upon.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

The Office of Student Publications and the students working therein are responsible for the planning, writing, designing, and production of our student publications. Student Publications is committed to providing the students and campus community with quality publications that enhance the University.

COUNSELING SERVICES

The mission of the University Counseling Center (UCC) is to help students enhance their academic and personal well-being. The UCC seeks to provide counseling and support, crisis intervention, grief counseling, outreach, and referral services to TSU students. We also offer consultation, education, training, and prevention strategies to faculty, staff, and the university community. We seek to promote an environment of inclusion, personal development and student success.

Confidential counseling services are made available for all currently enrolled TSU students at no charge. Our primary responsibilities are to alleviate distress and promote healthy functioning by providing confidential short-term or ongoing counseling services. These services include, but are not limited to individuals, couples, family and/or group consultation, referrals, and public presentations for campus organizations and/or academic classes.

The UCC staff consists of licensed mental health professionals from diverse clinical backgrounds. The UCC will refer students to psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians when necessary. This practice allows the staff to provide quality counseling, integrated care, appropriate referrals, consultation, and training. The UCC clinical staff are trained and experienced in responding to a variety of issues encountered by university students.

The UCC is in the Student Health Center. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Come by the office or call the UCC at 713-313-7804 to make an appointment or for additional information.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

Student Health Services provides medical care to students when they are sick or injured, and consistently delivers health promotions programming campus-wide. To receive services at the clinic, students must be registered for the current semester and have a valid Tiger One Card. Medical services are provided by medically trained staff on a walk-in basis.

Health Services is in the Student Health Center on Tierwester Street between Lanier East and the General Services building. The clinic is open Monday – Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours of operation and on weekends, students should contact TSUPD at (713) 313-7000 for assistance.

Services and some medications are provided free of charge to students. Fees for services received outside of the clinic are the responsibility of the student. Federal and State regulations require us to protect your health information. No one can get information from a student’s medical record without the student’s written consent or a court ordered subpoena.

Immunization Requirement - Bacterial Meningitis (ACWY)

If you are attending Texas Southern University for the first time, or you had a break in enrollment of one fall/spring semester and you will not be 22 years old by the first day of class, the State of Texas requires you to submit proof of vaccination against bacterial meningitis (A,C,W,Y). Initial doses must be administered at least 10 days before attending classes. If this is not your first dose, it must be taken within the past 5 years. Detailed information about the immunization requirement and how to submit your immunization record can be found at www.tsu.edu/health.

Health Insurance

International Students are required to have health insurance and are automatically enrolled and charged for the university- sponsored student health insurance plan. To have the charge removed, students are required to show proof of comparable private health insurance by completing an online waiver by the 20th day of classes.

For assistance with completing the waiver contact the Office of Risk Management. Domestic students have a variety of options for obtaining health insurance including, purchasing the university-sponsored health insurance, remaining on their parent’s insurance or purchasing insurance from the provider of their choice.

Health Awareness/Health Promotions

Each semester Student Health Services provides peer-lead outreach programs focusing on the prevention of the spread of communicable diseases. Annual programming includes HIV/STI presentations, health fairs, blood and bone marrow registration drives, and health awareness campaigns. HIV testing is available in the Student Health Center every Wednesday and Friday, during the fall and spring semesters. Additional information about our services can be found at www.tsu.edu/health or by calling the clinic at (713) 313- 7173.

TRIO STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM

Funded by the United States Department of Education, Texas Southern University’s TRIO Student Support Services Program is designed to provide academic assistance and counseling to “TRIO” eligible students who are pursuing a baccalaureate degree. All services are provided free of cost so as to empower participants to realize their academic and career goals. Specific program services include the following.

Tutoring

All participants are eligible to receive tutoring. Each participant will be assessed by a staff member to identify critical academic support needs. “Learning Enhancement” tutor/mentors will provide academic support assistance in numerous disciplines.

Counseling

The director and project advisor/counselor will interview and assess each eligible applicant. Together, they will identify the student’s academic and self-development needs. Additionally, students will have access to career, personal and academic related counseling services.

Workshops

Workshops offered by the program include, but are not limited to, the following: financial aid assistance, test-taking skills, career planning, time management, note-taking skills, GRE, and graduate/professional school information. Each workshop is carefully designed with the student’s best interest in mind.

Financial Aid Advisement

The program provides assistance in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and facilitate workshops relative to accessing financial aid resources, and other Financial Literacy Awareness training.

Cultural Enrichment

Participants are offered an opportunity to attend activities that foster cultural enrichment (e.g., Broadway plays and University theatrical productions, and other diversity, or cultural exposure activities).

Computer/Copier/Internet Access

So as to advance academic research, participants are afforded access to educational support resources such as copiers, computers, laptops, printers, and the internet.

TRIO Student Support Services Program Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for program participation, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a need for academic support. Additionally, students must satisfy one of the following criteria:

• Be a first-generation college student (neither parent/nor guardian has a four-year college degree);
• Have an economic need as established by the Department of Education income guidelines; and/or
• Provide documentation to support a disability.

TRIO SSS Location and Hours of Operation

The TRIO Student Support Services main office and tutorial laboratory are in the

Bell Building, Suite 128.

Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday thru Friday.

For additional information, please call the TRIO Student Support Services’ administrative office at (713) 313-7483/7486.

UNIVERSITY CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER

TSU Career & Professional Development Center (CPDC) is part of TSU’s Division of Student Services. Our comprehensive services are open to all students and alumni. The mission of TSU Career & Professional Development Center (CPDC) is to contribute to the TSU community of learning by providing exceptional career development services that help students apply their education and experiences toward advancing their career goals over a lifetime.  The CPDC encompasses five interlocking components:  Career Awareness-Discovering your Path; Exploring Your Options; Job Location – Finding Internships; Professional Development and Career Launch Strategies.

The University Career Center also focuses on developing strong relationships with employers and assisting them in their recruiting needs. Provided services include career fairs, on-campus recruitment, and resume referrals that assist in meeting each organization’s needs. If the need is filling internships, cooperative education, or full-time employment opportunities, the Career Center is dedicated to providing each organization/corporation personal and prompt service.

TSU Career & Professional Development Center staff members want to help you learn about your skills and interests, and articulate them confidently in résumés, cover letters, interviews, and personal statements; identify and explore career options that you might pursue; implement an effective strategy to attain your desired career outcomes. We invite you to visit our office, so that we may create an individualized career plan for you!

Whether a student, an alumnus, or an employer, the Career Center is committed to assisting you in meeting your goals. The Center is in the Bell Building, 1st Floor, South (rear) Entrance. Office hours are 8:30am – 5pm, Monday through Friday. For further information, contact us at 713-313-7541 or visit us at www.tsu.edu/careercenter. To register with the Career Center, go to tsu.joinhandshake.com. P.O.W.E.R. Providing Opportunities Within Everyone’s Reach

Connect with us: @TSUCareerCenter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tsucareerservices/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tsucareercenter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsucareercenter/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tsucareercenter

OFFICE OF VETERAN SERVICES

The Office of Veteran Services functions as part of the Division of Student Services and supports the educational process of servicemen/women and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, their spouses and/or dependents who are eligible for educational benefits at the University. Areas of services include:

• Texas Southern University Office of Veteran Affairs (TSUOVA)
• Texas Southern University Veterans Resource Center (TSUVRC)
• Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Programs (ROTC)
• Other Affiliated Programs and Services

Basic educational eligibility requirements include the DD214 (Member 4 or Service 2), official military Joint Services Transcript (JST), and the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The office’s primary mission is providing advising and assistance to facilitate acquiring educational benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA) and Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) programs.

The Texas Southern University Office of Veteran Services also provides numerous programs to assist with the transitional processes involved with our returning veterans and their families.  We have a University Counseling Center on campus as well as provide referrals to the Houston VA Medical Hospital.  Opportunities also exist for student employment with the VA Federal Work-Study program and the TSU Career and Professional Development department.  There is also a Resource Center within the department for use by VA students. To inquire about any VA benefits, programs, or resources, please contact us at (713) 313-7862 or via email at veteransaffairs@tsu.edu. You may also find information online at www.tsu.edu/veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov or the Texas Veterans Commission website at www.tvc.texas.gov.

Veterans (VA) Benefits (Federal)

VA education benefits include Chapter 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606 and 1607, and Tuition Assistance.  Students are reminded that federal law does not allow for the University to process out of state tuition/fees. The student has the responsibility to provide the residency application to the Office of Veteran Services for approval and forwarding to the TSU Office of the Registrar for final processing (waiver, not to be confused with in-state tuition/fees).

Texas Hazlewood Act (State)

Information for eligibility and the application for the Hazelwood Act can be found at www.tvc.texas.gov. Additional required document information is located at www.tsu.edu/veterans. Students are reminded to comply with timelines, GPA/SAP eligibility and in-state requirement for Veteran and dependents (some exclusions apply).

Veterans Priority Registration/Processing

Veterans receive priority registration for all semesters 1 week prior to regular student registration.  Current and prospective students are encouraged to begin the benefits application process at least 45 days prior to Veterans Registration.  Early submission of all required documentation is processed in the order received granted all required paperwork and documentation has been received by the Office of Veteran Services ensures delivery of benefits in a timely manner.

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

Texas Southern University has a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program.  Students interested in joining ROTC can contact Mr. Roland Thomas at 713-313-4857.

Pending Payment Compliance

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), Texas Southern University adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. Texas Southern University will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students are required to:

• Provide a written request each semester to be certified by submitting a Semester Benefits form;
• Provide all additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in the Federal Benefits Packet located on the Military & Veterans Affairs webpage;
• Submit all required certification documents each semester prior to the terms Census Date.