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Welcome To VSU
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 the staff to provide you with a wide array of programs and services that will help you be successful 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. Although we pride ourselves on our small class sizes and personal approach to learning, we are currently in the process of several major construction projects. Planning has already begun for a new $27 million, 125,000 square foot student union building and renovation project that will serve as the center of the campus community, merging student life with the Odum Library. In January 2005, we opened Centennial Hall, a modern campus apartment community that houses 540 students in private bedrooms with shared baths and complete kitchen and living room. Plans are underway to develop a similar new phase of housing on the north campus. In addition, three of our residence halls have been completely renovated. We are also currently in the middle of the Hopper Hall replacement project which will open in August 2008 with 513 suite-style beds. The University will be doing the same thing the following year with the current Georgia Hall.
We have a comprehensive student health facility that treats and educates students on their health needs. We are currently designing a brand new student health center which will be over twice the size of the current Farber Clinic. The University also has a cutting-edge recreation center. This comprehensive wellness center is the heart of campus activity and we have a new outdoor intramural athletic field complex, adjacent to Centennial Hall and right down Sustella Avenue from the Rec Center. A state-of-the-art ropes challenge course will open this fall.
The newly renovated north wing of the University Center opened in spring 2006. This is the center of campus for many student events, meetings and catered meals. A small computer lab and full service ATM kiosk are located in this area as well.
The Division also offers well-trained counselors to assist students with personal needs, and comprehensive Career Services and Co-operative Education Offices that work with students in meeting their career goals. VSU awarded over $75,000,000 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 meet their academic needs.
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 well over 180 active student organizations on campus, including 20+ Greek social organizations, 13 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, topped off with our 2004 national champion football team and the 2006 national champions in men’s tennis! Be sure to cheer the Blazers on to victory in all our men’s and women’s sports!
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 229-333-5359 or reach me through electronic mail at kkeppler@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. A volume of additional information about student affairs is available on our websites, linked directly from the campus home page. We believe learning has no boundaries! Take advantage of the Division’s resources and best of luck in your academic endeavors.
Sincerely,
Kurt J. Keppler, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs