Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

Dr. Timothy L. Hatchett, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
340 C. V. Troup Administration Building
478-825-6291

The Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management consist of the following units: Campus Life; Student Conduct; Clubs and Organizations; and Counseling Services. Offices of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment; Financial Aid, Educational Talent Search, McNair Scholars & Student Supports Services Program, Upward Bound, and the Center for Student Engagement and Career Development, and the Center for Student Engagement and Achievement. The Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management supports the University’s strategic plan by promoting and contributing to a university community centered on student learning and success. The Division focuses on the out-of-class welfare of the students and provides a richly diverse array of educational experiences to supplement classroom learning. Programs and activities are designed to contribute to the intellectual, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social development of the student. Students are encouraged to be active participants and to be involved in order to stimulate school spirit, strengthen campus life, and enhance the overall quality of their collegiate experience.

The Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management provides leadership to advance student enrollment, retention and graduation by cultivating an organizational climate of excellence, accountability, continuous improvement and integrity.

Admissions

Fort Valley State University specializes in empowering the world’s future leaders. The mission of the Office of Admissions is to recruit, admit, and serve an eligible, diverse student population regionally, nationally, and internationally. It embraces the University’s commitment to attain the quality of students who are able to matriculate and graduate. You can fulfill your potential, launch a meaningful career, and make a difference in the world as an FVSU Wildcat.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office works to help students understand how to pay their tuition, housing and other fees with the least impact on long-term debt. The office administers Federal and State of Georgia aid programs, and has access to non-governmental sources of aid to suggest to students.  All students enrolled in degree programs at FVSU are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office to check eligibility for aid.

Campus Life

The mission of the Office of Campus Life is to complement the academic programs of study at Fort Valley State University and to enhance students’ overall educational experiences through social, cultural, intellectual, and recreational interactions. The Student Government Association and class organizational structures provide students with opportunities to govern themselves and to interact with institutional and community leaders. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the wide array of student activities. Participation in co-curricular activities serves to develop students’ special talents, deepen their appreciation for fellowship and cooperation, and enlarge their individual capacities for leadership.

There are more than 70 co-curricular organizations, departmental clubs, guilds, fraternities, sororities, honor societies, drama and music groups that are open to all students or students who are majoring in a specific discipline. An organized program of intramural sports between classes and student organizations is conducted as an integral part of the program of health and physical well-being. These organizations afford students the opportunities to develop teamwork ability and leadership as well as other social skills.

Delivery of programs and services is guided by an ongoing assessment of student needs, the campus climate, and established outcomes. The mission is carried out through teaching and personal instruction, advisement, counseling, community service projects and organized programs and services. For more details concerning these or other organizations visit Student Life located on the upper level of the Student Amenities Center.

Office of Student Conduct

The mission of the Office of Student Conduct is to support the University’s educational mission and goals by engaging and empowering students, staff and faculty in the process of creating a safe, orderly, and positive University environment. Our efforts will support community values, standards, and expectations which enhance the disciplinary processes, student learning and support student intervention efforts.

FVSU Student Code of Conduct

The FVSU Student Code of Conduct is a standardized set rules and regulations applicable to all students who are currently enrolled at Fort Valley State University. The Code of Conduct is housed within the FVSU Student Handbook and can be accessed via the link below.

All students are responsible for becoming familiar with the Student Code of Conduct. For clarification or questions pertaining to the Student Code of Conduct, please contact the Office of Campus Life at byrdb@fvsu.edu. 

Student Code of Conduct

Center for Student Engagement

The Center for Student Engagement (CSE) utilizes an integrated theoretical approach to service, leadership and career development by offering purposeful opportunities and resources that complement the academic experience.  CSE is dedicated to helping students develop both in and out of the classroom through programs and activities that advance student learning and prepares students for success in the global community.

With a focus on civic engagement, leadership and career development CSE connects the university and the community to provide curricular and co-curricular opportunities. The CSE strategy is to engage all students in the LEAP experience: leadership, engagement, academic achievement and professionalism to ensure that upon graduation our students are prepared for their next steps which may be graduate school or career.

CSE includes the iHelp Center and the Office of Career and Professional Development:  

The iHelp Center is the hub of community service and civic engagement. Through a variety of community partners in Middle Georgia, students are able to engage in meaningful volunteer activities that provide support to the community. The iHelp Center also provides a vital connection between academics and the community via service learning course projects. Students are able to develop their leadership and soft skills as they build their civic awareness.

The Office of Career and Professional Development provides career exploration, employer interaction, and experiential learning opportunities. These activities ensure that students develop the essential skills they need to realize their professional and personal promise.

Student Health, Wellness, Counseling, and Outreach Services

• Assessment and treatment of common illnesses and injuries 
• Point of care testing for common illnesses/conditions (flu, strep, Covid-19)
• Sexual Health including education, STI testing and treatment and pregnancy testing
• Chronic condition management and monitoring
• Basic on-site labortory services
• On-site pharmacy dispensing for common low-cost acute care medications
• Health care navigation to appropriate off-site care and additional on-campus services when needed
• Post-visit call-backs to assess progress
• Virtual-care and virtual speciality consults when appropriate
• Integrated Behavioral Health counseling
• Integrated Athletic training (Additional Cost)
• Behavioral Health Coaching and Mental Health First Aid Services can be added/explored to assess need.
• Outreach Services

Outreach Services incorporate prevention services designed to eliminate the onset of mental and physical instabilities associated with various mental health crises. Through the utilization of its Peer Educator Program (PEP) – modeled through National peer to peer training modules, PEP empowers leaders from the student body, faculty, staff, and representatives from the community-based organization (CBO partners) to facilitate prevention activities addressing psychological issues, while incorporating best practices and guidance into on and off-campus programming.

Hours of Operation:

• 9:00 am to 5:30 pm - Monday through Friday (School Year)

For medical health services, students can reach out to staff at 478-827-3262 or at Wellness@fvsu.edu.  The Office Counseling Services may be contacted at (478) 825 - 6278 or via email at counselingcenter@fvsu.edu.  The Office of Outreach Services may be contacted at lindseya@fvsu.edu or 478-822-1036.

Residential Life

The Office of Residential Life currently coordinates housing for over 1,400 students. The Wildcat Commons offers suite/semi-suite apartments for freshmen and upperclassmen, but also offers two-bedroom/two-bathroom and four-bedroom/two-bathroom apartments with full kitchens and living rooms for the Juniors and Seniors. The community has a Clubhouse that includes a recreation/gaming center and a pizza takeout parlor. The apartments and suites have awesome amenities such as a full furniture package, high-speed internet access, computer labs, cable television, on-site management, individual leases, spacious lounge areas on each floor, and laundry facilities in each building. Ohio Hall is a traditional residential facility that was built in 1930 but was renovated in 2011 and reopened in August 2012 as a facility for students who are active in the Fort Valley State University Residential Leadership Community.

Housing and Residential Life Mission Statement: In partnership with the University, The Department of Housing and Residential Life serves a diverse community by providing high-quality programs and services that enhance the academic mission, while promoting personal growth and development in a secure residential community. Also, while attending the University and as a citizen of this dynamic community, residents can expect to develop leadership opportunities through participation in programs and other Residential Life-sponsored events.

On Campus Residency Policy

On-Campus Residency Requirement and Exemption Policies

On-Campus Residency Requirement:

• All full-time students, under the age of 21, who have earned fewer than 60 hours of academic credit must live on-campus and subscribe to an applicable dining requirement.
• Students must be 21 by the first day of class.
• Students enrolled in full-time on-line classes and those who reside at the permanent address of their parents/guardians and live within the neighboring counties of campus are exempt from this policy with parental/guardian approval.
• Students may apply for an exemption to this policy provided they meet certain established criteria. All required documentation must be submitted before the review of the exemption will begin.

A student may request an exception to the On-Campus Residency Requirement based upon one of the following Exemption Criteria:

• Married: Students in this category must submit a copy of a valid marriage certificate.
• Single Parent: Students in this category must submit a copy of the child’s/children’s birth certificate(s) and/or adoption paperwork and documentation demonstrating majority custody of the child/children.
• Special Circumstances: Students in this category must submit a written petition noting specifically why they should be granted an exemption to the housing residency requirement. Examples of situations that would not qualify for exemption include, but are not limited to, seasonal or other allergies that can be treated by allergy medications or leases entered into prior to an exemption being approved.

A student seeking an exemption to the On-Campus Residency Requirement must complete an Exemption Form and submit this form to the Office of Residential Life, 1005 State University Drive, Fort Valley, Georgia 31030, no later than 30 days prior to the first day of classes of the term in which the exemption is requested. Partial or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Submission of an On-Campus Residency Requirement Exemption Form does not guarantee, nor imply, that an exemption will be granted. Students should assume that their request has not been granted until they receive written notification of approval.

Students failing to submit an On-Campus Residency Requirement Exemption Form prior to the deadline will be assessed mandatory housing/dining fees.

Students who have reached the age of 21 or earned 60 college credit hours by the first day of classes for the semester they intend to reside off campus do not need to apply for an exemption. Students who sign an annual contract for housing in the Fall will be required to fulfill the terms of the contract (Fall & Spring) despite reaching the age of 21 or having earned 60 credit hours.

All requests documenting a specific need related to the Americans with Disabilities Act will be reviewed by the Office of Access and Accommodations. The office number is (478) 822-1072.

Applying for On Campus Housing

In order to apply for housing, students complete the online (StarRez) housing process, students are required to be fully admitted into the University, submit a $200.00 non-refundable housing reservation fee, and submit a completed housing application with a signed lease agreement. Graduate students may be approved for occupancy at the discretion of the university. If you do not meet the On-Campus Residency Requirements, then failure to submit a housing application will not cancel your obligation to live on campus.

Occupancy Periods

Residents may occupy assigned rooms on the opening date and time announced prior to each semester. Failure to occupy an assigned room within twenty-four (24) hours of opening date may result in change of assignment. Residents shall vacate the residence halls by the day and time announced in advance of the closing of the residence halls. A resident must vacate the residence hall within twenty-four (24) hours of withdrawal from the University or cancellation or termination of the lease agreement during a given semester. When vacating the residence halls, residents shall be expected to follow the checkout procedures established by the Office of Residential Life. Campus housing is closed for the Fall/Thanksgiving Break, Spring Break, and between academic sessions.

Room Assignments

The acceptance of the Housing Lease Agreement by the University does not guarantee assignment of a particular type of accommodation or a specific room. It does, however, guarantee the student a space in a residence hall and establish priority for assignment. Attempts will be made to honor building preference and mutual roommate requests, whenever possible. If preferences for an assignment cannot be honored, room assignments will be made at the discretion of the Associate Director of Housing Business Operations. Residents who switch room assignments without administrative approval will be charged a $500.00 fee. Residents who would like to request a room change must see the Associate Director of Housing Business Operations who is located in the Wildcat Commons Clubhouse. There will be a $150.00 fee for room changes.

Housing and Meal Plan Rates

Room and Board charges reflect projected estimated cost. All fees are subject to change per final approval by the Georgia Board of Regents on or before July 1st of each year. Fort Valley State University and the Georgia Board of Regents reserve the right to charge rates listed here-in or to add new fees whenever such increase or additions become necessary. Room and board fees are assessed separately each semester. For additional information regarding fees, please visit our webpage.

Removal from Housing

Students can be removed from Housing for the following reasons: judicial, medical, no enrollment, and nonpayment of fees (tuition, housing, or meal plan). If you are withdrawing or being withdrawn from the University, then you must vacate your room immediately or within 24 hours, unless special permission is authorized by the Director of Residential Life.

Students suspended or expelled for disciplinary reasons are not entitled to a refund of any fees paid. Students who are asked to vacate their residence hall room as a result of disciplinary actions (but who are allowed to continue classes) are not eligible for a refund on any portion of any fees charged for their housing or meal plan.

Housing Student Conduct

The Office of Residential Life is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all students. When a student violates one or more of the University’s rules, regulations, policies or procedures which are designed to ensure the safety and comfort of others, the student will be held responsible for his/her actions through the Housing Review Board (HRB). This process is designed to be fair, to uphold the student’s rights, and to be an educative process as possible. The process begins with the Incident Report.

Damage Assessment

When damage occurs within a resident’s room or in areas adjacent to it (i.e., windows, doors, study area), it is ultimately the responsibility of the occupant to pay for the cost to replace or repair the damaged property. The purpose of the room inventory form which residents complete with their RLC or RA at check-in is to establish the condition of the room at occupancy so that residents can be assessed fairly if damages occur. It is the responsibility of the student to complete the inventory form accurately. If you do not receive an inventory form at the time of check-in, it is your responsibility to obtain one from your RLC or RA. The University at its sole discretion shall make determination of the amount of assessments for damage, loss, and cleaning. Failure to pay an assessment will result in a hold being placed on a student’s registration, graduation or issuance of a transcript.

Living in the Residential Facilities

Fort Valley State University’s Office of Residential Life includes professional and student staff members who live on site and manage all aspects of the on-campus housing community. We offer Greek Life, Royal Court, intramural sports and gaming areas, a student newspaper, outdoor activities, clubs, learning communities, an exciting Homecoming calendar, recreational centers and abundant food service opportunities. That’s just to name a few of our varied activities and services catered to every student interest. By getting involved, you won’t just have a lot of fun; you’ll make friends, build character, and get more out of your college experience than you ever thought possible. And all of this happens in a safe, worry free environment in University Housing.

Questions pertaining to student housing should be directed to:

Fort Valley State University
Department of Residential Life
1005 State University Drive
Fort Valley, Georgia 31030
OFFICE: (478) 825-6100
FAX: (478) 825-6169
Email: ResLife@fvsu.edu

For additional information regarding Residential Life, please visit our webpage

McNair Scholars Program

The McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO program funded at 151 institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico by the U.S. Department of Education. Participants of the McNair Program are either first-generation college students with financial need, or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education (such as African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latino, and Pacific Islander) and have demonstrated strong academic potential. The McNair Program is supported by the Council of Graduate Schools and the Department of Education’s Council for Opportunity in Education. 

The objective of the McNair Scholars Program is to increase the number of graduate degree awards for students from underrepresented groups of society. The McNair Program specifically aims to identify and prepare sophomores, juniors and seniors from Fort Valley State University for post-graduate studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.

TRIO Educational Talent Search

Educational Talent Search is an early intervention outreach program funded by the U. S. Department of Education as part of the Higher Education Act since 1965. The program identifies and assists middle and high school students from disadvantaged populations who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The purpose of the program is to reinforce school system’s efforts in assisting students to reach their academic potential, graduate from high school and ultimately enroll in a post-secondary institution of their choice. The program also targets adults who are seeking to re-enter the educational process for a GED or Veterans seeking pathways to a college degree if they satisfy the eligibility requirements. Services provided will enhance the skills and motivation of students that have the potential to succeed in higher education while offering a better understanding of educational opportunities and pathways. Educational Talent Search is designed for income eligible students (low income and first generation, neither parent or guardian graduated from a four-year college or university).

Services Offered

Academic Survival and Study Skill Sessions

Information on Postsecondary Education

Educational/ Cultural Field Trips

College Fairs and Campus Visits

Assistance with Completing College Admissions and Financial Aid Applications 

Assistance with College Entrance Exam Fees and Test Prep (ACT, SAT)

Financial Literacy

Mentoring and Tutorial Services

Career Exploration

Educational Workshops for Families of Program Participants

Contact Information:           Educational Talent Search

                                         Fort Valley State University

                                         (478/825-1760)

                                         educationaltalentsearchga@gmail.com

Upward Bound

The mission of Upward Bound is to provide supplemental academic instructions, cultural and social enrichment activities to high school students who meet federal eligibility criteria thereby increasing the rate at which they complete high school and enroll and graduate from college.

Services Provided:

Upward Bound is a federally funded grant program supported by Fort Valley State University. The program provides:

• Supplemental academic classes on Saturdays and six-week summer residential session.
• Tutorial services in target schools, designated locations in the communities and/or on FVSU campus.
• Curricula to target acquisition of skills necessary for high school graduation.
• Offer workshops, senior seminars, developmental training sessions; career and health fairs to enhance students’ academic and personal skills (i.e., computer instruction, college admission, financial aid, college survival, and career awareness workshops).
• College tours, cultural trips and social activities.
• Summer work-study positions within campus departments and community offices.
• Who Is Eligible?

High School students who meet the income and/or first-generation requirements and live in Macon and Peach counties.

Students must have completed the 8th grade but have not yet completed the 11th grade; and, they must have a need for academic support in order to pursue a program of post-secondary education.