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Welcome to the Division of Student Affairs
VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF STUDENTS
On behalf of the over 100 staff in the Division of Student Affairs, welcome to VSU. As your Vice President for Student Affairs, I hope to work along with our dedicated staff to provide you with a wide array of programs and services that will help you achieve success at VSU. In addition to being one of the most beautiful campuses in the south, the University prides itself on being student-centered. Students are what make VSU the dynamic, growing, nationally recognized institution that it is. We believe you will have an excellent experience at VSU- both in and out of the classroom!
Valdosta State University is on the move! Admissions criteria are strengthening, enrollment is growing, and plans are in the works for many new capital improvements. The VSU you see today is changing rapidly. While we pride ourselves on our small class sizes and personal approach to learning, we are also currently in the process of several major construction projects. January 2010, we opened a new $27 million, 113,000 square foot student union building that will serve as the center of the campus community. A new Georgia Hall, a 460 bed suite-style residence hall opened Fall 2009. In addition, we also opened a completely renovated 90 bed Reade Hall, which will house students enrolled in the honors program. VSU has now built three new residence halls and renovated four others in the past five years. The only residential facility that is not new or renovated is Langdale Hall, and that renovation has already began! We will close one of Langdale’s three wings each spring term for the next three years so that we may totally update the facility without reducing our available beds.
We have a new comprehensive student health facility that treats and educates students on their health needs. This state-of-the-art health center is over twice as big as its predecessor. The University also has a cutting-edge recreation center. This comprehensive wellness center is the heart of campus activity! The complex also includes three lighted outdoor intramural athletic fields, adjacent to Centennial Hall and right down Sustella Avenue from the Recreation Center. In addition, our 30 element, low and high ropes challenge course opened last year, and we have an outdoor rental center located in south end of the Sustella Parking Deck. Students may present their One-Card and rent all types of outdoor recreation and camping gear.
The Division also has a fully accredited Counseling Center that assists students with personal needs, and comprehensive Career Services and Co-operative Education Offices that work with students in meeting their future career goals. VSU awarded over $82,000,000 in financial aid during the last fiscal year, and the knowledgeable staff in the Financial Aid Office is always available to help students with their financial aid concerns. The Division also supports students with disabilities by offering accommodations, tutoring, interpretation support and workshops to assist students with their academic success. The Office of Testing provides a wide variety of services from graduate school admissions tests to teacher certification exams.
National research shows that students graduate quicker and with better grades if they maintain campus involvement. Student Affairs urges students to get involved in campus organizations and activities. There are almost 200 active student organizations on campus, including 22 Greek social organizations, 11 faith-based campus ministry groups, numerous intramural opportunities, and many service and academic clubs. Volunteer Services helps connect VSU students and organizations with community service projects in the area. The University also has one of Division II’s most successful athletic programs, with our 2006 national champions in men’s tennis and our 2004 and 2007 national championship Football team! The 2010 Blazer men's basketball team won the NCAA Division II South Regional and went to the Elite Eight National Tournment for the first time in their 56 year history! The Lady Blazers again went to the National Tournment's final 32 after winning the Gulf South East Conference title again!
It is our goal to make your VSU experience memorable and satisfying. We strive to offer the highest level of professionalism and commitment to students. If there is any way the Student Affairs team can assist you, please contact my office at 229-333-5941 or reach me at rmast@valdosta.edu. Please also utilize our Parent Resource Center. This site will help family members stay in touch with campus events and provide valuable current information on resources and deadlines. We believe learning has no boundaries! Take advantage of the Division’s resources and best of luck in your academic endeavors.
Sincerely,
Russell F. Mast
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students