Student Handbook

Policies and regulations of the University are regularly stated in official publications such as the Student Handbook, Lamar catalogs, bulletins, and faculty and staff handbooks. As policies, regulations and personnel change between printings, they are reported in the University Press or official memoranda.

Lamar University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educational institution and employer. Students, faculty, and staff members are selected without regard to their race, color, creed, sex, age, handicap, or national origin, consistent with the Assurance of Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Executive Order 11246 as issued and amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Inquiries concerning application of these regulations may be referred to the Director of Human Resources. Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Lamar University.

This handbook is not a contract and is subject to change at any time without notice. If any information in this handbook conflicts with The Texas State University System “Rules and Regulations,” the latter will control.

Mission Statement

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Lamar University is dedicated to student success by engaging and empowering students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their personal lives and chosen fields of endeavor. As a doctoral granting institution, Lamar University is internationally recognized for its high quality academics, innovative curriculum, diverse student population, accessibility, student success, and leading-edge scholarly activities dedicated to transforming the communities of Southeast Texas and beyond.

Fight Song

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In 1962, Dr. Charles A. Wiley, at that time Director of Bands at Lamar, composed the music to Lamar’s fight song.

Dr. Ted Skinner, then Dean of Fine Arts, wrote the words.

"Fight Lamar U Cardinals, For alma mater fight.
Glory in the triumph, For the red and the white.
Faithful to our colors, We will ever be,
Fighting ever fighting For Lamar U. Victory.
B-I-G R-E-D
Big Red!
Big Red!
Big Red!
Let's Go Big Red!"

Alma Mater

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Gilbert Rhodes Smartt, Professor of Mathematics at Lamar from 1945 until 1951, wrote the words and composed the music to the alma mater in 1951 to celebrate Lamar’s becoming a senior college.

"Lamar, to thee we’re singing. Voices raised on high. We will forever love thee, Laud thee to the skies.
We will ever need thee As our guiding star. To us, you’ll always be Our glorious Lamar."


Campus Life

Setzer Student Center

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The Setzer Student Center (SSC), named for Dr. Richard W. Setzer, Lamar University President from 1967 to 1969, is the center of student activities on the university’s campus. The Directors of Student Organization Services, Student Activities, and Civic Engagement develop and implement co-curricular programs that offer students a balance of campus life.

For information about the Setzer Student Center and its services visit lamar.edu/setzer or call 409-880-8722.

Bookstore

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Barnes & Noble at Lamar University is a one-stop shop for all textbook and academic needs including low cost rental, used, and digital textbooks. Barnes & Noble at Lamar University also provides Lamar Cardinal and Lamar Institute of Technology clothing and merchandise, school supplies, convenience items, and other books and magazines. Customers can shop in the store located in the Setzer Student Center or online at lamar.bncollege.com. For more information about the bookstore, call 409-880-8342.

Cardinals Activities Board

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Cardinals Activities Board

The Cardinals Activities Board is responsible for providing the campus with a diverse schedule of programs and extracurricular activities. The programming board of CAB consists of student directors, along with their committees, who develop social, educational, and cultural opportunities for Lamar University students. Dedicated volunteers and committee members plan for events such as Homecoming, Movie Nights, Food Fest, and other special events. membership is open to all students who meet the university’s extracurricular activity policy standards as outlined in the Student Handbook. For more information about activities call 409-880-8722.

Student Publications

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University Press

The University Press, LU’s student newspaper, is an award-winning publication with a reputation for excellence. Since 1977, the University Press has received 1,218 awards from the Houston Press Club, the Press Club of Southeast Texas, AP, TIPA/SWJC, and the Society of Professional Journalists. The newspaper is distributed across 47 locations around campus, as well as on the web at lamaruniversitypress.com.


Recreational Sports

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All currently enrolled students who have paid the Recreational Sports fee have access to Lamar University Recreational Sports facilities and may participate in the wide variety of activities that are offered, such as intramural sports, group fitness, outdoor pursuits, aquatics, and informal recreation. Lamar University faculty and staff members are eligible to purchase Recreational Sports memberships for themselves. All users of Recreational Sports facilities must present current Lamar photo identification for entry.

The Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center includes an indoor track, rock climbing wall, fitness center, game lounge, basketball courts, racquetball courts, a multipurpose court for badminton, volleyball, and table tennis; an outdoor patio; and a fully-enclosed indoor soccer/floor hockey rink. Sports and outdoor equipment is available for daily and overnight rental at the Equipment Desk.

Group fitness classes are offered year-round by Recreational Sports and include step aerobics, circuit training, indoor cycling, yoga, and more. The Aquatics program is located at the indoor pool in the Health and Human Performance Complex. Activities include lap swim, free swim, and swimming lessons.

The Intramural Sports program offers opportunities for participation in supervised individual, dual, and/or team competitive sports within the University community. Campus organizations may place teams in the All-Sports Division, while all others may participate in the Independent Division. There are opportunities to enter in male, female, and/or co-ed divisions. Events include flag football, basketball, cricket, volleyball, dodgeball, and more.

Rec Sports sponsors LU's Sport Clubs, student organizations that compete on campus and against other schools in a specific sport. Sports Clubs at LU include soccer, swimming, rugby, cricket, and archery.

Outdoor Pursuits provides opportunities for varied outdoor adventures, including camping and hiking. Outdoor facilities available for recreational use include the Ty Terrell Track and the Thompson Family Tennis Center. Schedules and hours of operation are posted in the SURC and are also available from the Information Desk. Further information about the Recreational Sports Department, its facilities, and its services may be obtained at the Information Desk in the SURC, by calling 409-880-2306, or by visiting lamar.edu/recsports.


Housing and Residence Life

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First-Year Housing Expectation 

All Lamar University  first-year, full-time students  are required to live on campus. Lamar provides students with meaningful living-learning experiences, and it is a time of significant transition for a first-year student. Institutional and national research shows that students who live on campus are significantly more inclined to remain in college, achieve higher GPA’s, and graduate with a degree in comparison to students living off campus. 

First-year students are guaranteed housing and required to live on campus so every student can benefit from the advantages of the on-campus experience. Students attempting to live off campus who have not been granted an exemption by Housing and Residence Life will be required to move into a residence hall and will be billed for the full academic year. 

To submit a contract online, go to  lamar.edu/residencelife

Living on Campus Housing Residency Requirement
  • A full-time, first-year student is defined as a student who has graduated from high school and has fewer than 30 earned college credits.
Housing Guarantee
  • First-year, full-time students are guaranteed housing on campus.
  • Students attempting to live off campus who have not been granted an exemption by Housing & Residence Life will be required to move into a residence hall and will be billed for the full academic year.
Duration of Living on Campus Requirement
  • First-year students enrolling for the first time in the  Fall   must live in the residence halls for the Fall and Spring semesters.
  • First-year students enrolling for the first time in the  Spring must live in the residence halls for the    Spring    semester.

  Cardinal Village at Lamar University consists of 5 Residence Halls: Gentry, Morris, Combs, Monroe, and Campbell. Together, they house approximately 2,500 students. On-campus housing consists of 2-person, suite-style units with each student in a private bedroom and sharing a living room and bathroom with their suitemate. Cardinal Village is owned and managed by Lamar University Housing and Residence Life. 

An all-inclusive housing rate provides furnished suites, cable, high-speed wired and wireless internet, while all utilities costs are paid. 24-hour staffed security monitoring with resident card access is located in each hall lobby. Live-in professional and student staff are on call 24 hours for each residence hall. There are community kitchens, activity areas, free washer/dryer use, outdoor swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts, and a microwave and refrigerator provided in every suite. 


Arts on Campus

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Dishman Art Museum

The Dishman Art Museum provides one of the finest collegiate exhibition spaces in the state of Texas with two galleries, a preparation area and lecture hall with video and projection facilities. The Dishman Art Museum annually presents a series of local, regional and national touring exhibitions as well as invitations for both high school teachers and their students. A variety of public programs, including openings, artist lectures and panel discussions are scheduled in conjunction with exhibits throughout the year. The Eisenstadt Collection is open for viewing by appointment. Admission is free. The museum is located on the corner of MLK and East Lavaca. Call 409-880-8141.

Music

The Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music hosts numerous musical activities available to students throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. These include performances by the Marching, Symphonic, Concert, Jazz, and Pep Bands, Grand and A-Cappella Choirs, Cardinal Singers, the Opera Theatre, and the Chamber Orchestra. Participation is open to all students.

Dance and Theater

The Department of Theatre & Dance presents exciting concerts each semester. All students are encouraged to participate in the dance program. Students looking for stage productions need look no farther than Lamar Theatre, which performs productions each year including comedy, drama, and musicals as well as children’s theatre and student-directed “brown bag” productions. Auditions are open to all LU students.


Religious Services

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There are several ministries near the Lamar University campus that provide fellowship, worship, and recreational activities for Lamar students. Some ministries sponsor retreats, special programs, and community service. Additionally, LU has over 20 religiously-affiliated registered student organizations.

  • Baptist Student Ministry: 4602 Cheek Street, 409-880-2276
  • Church of Christ Student Center: 1018 East Virginia, 409-832-4498
  • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: 4530 Jimmy Simmons Blvd., 409-838-1622
  • Episcopal College Community: 796 East Virginia, 409-833-5642
  • Catholic Student Center: 1010 East Virginia, 409-924-4360
  • Wesley Student Center - United methodist: 4590 Cheek Street, 409-880-7252
  • Lamar Baptist Church: 1003 Oregon Street, 409-833-5213

Mary and John Gray Library

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The Mary and John Gray Library, named in honor of Dr. John E. Gray, president emeritus of the university, and his wife, Mary, is centrally located at the heart of the campus. The library collection exceeds 1 million volume equivalents, including microfilms, and state and federal documents. The library subscribes to almost 2,000 current periodicals as well as several electronic indexes covering more than 4,000 full-text periodicals. Lamar students, faculty, and staff use PCs to locate titles in the online catalog, access offsite indexes, and locate selected information through the Internet. A service-oriented library staff provides assistance in the use of reference materials, documents, special collections, reserve materials, and instructional media.

The library provides rooms for group study, and there is a designated quiet study floor. Coin-operated copy machines for both print and microfilms are available.

An open-access PC laboratory is located on the library’s seventh floor in the media services department. Assistance in using the PCs and software and the Internet is available from trained staff.

The university ID card serves as an individual’s library card and may be used on all Lamar campuses.

Additionally, students have access to the collections of 51 other publicly funded colleges and universities through the TexShare Program. Library hours are posted and accessible by calling 880-8117. Visit  www.lamar.edu/library for more information.


Dining Services

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Chartwells offers various locations for students of Lamar University to dine, including Brooks-Shivers Dining Hall, Chick-Fil-A, Jason's Deli, Panda Express, the Market, Starbucks, Outtakes/Papa John’s, Tiny House Barbecue, Cardinal Food Trucks, and the Big Red Juice Bar. Each location accepts cash, credit cards, and Dining Dollars from your Cardinal One card. meal plans are accepted exclusively at Brooks-Shivers Dining Hall.

Chartwells offers Cardinal Catering to all organizations. For more information about location hours and more, call 409-880-8928 or visit  dineoncampus.com/bigred


Health Center

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The Student Health Center offers medical and counseling services for currently enrolled students of Lamar University and Lamar Institute of Technology. Appointments are available in-person or via telemedicine Zoom-HIPAA compliant platforms. All staff are board certified and licensed to practice in Texas. To find out more about our services or how to make an appointment, visit our website at lamar.edu/healthcenter. All charges are posted to the student account; therefore, no payment is required at the time of service.

mental Health counseling is also available in-person or via telemedicine Zoom-HIPAA compliant platforms. mental health counselors are licensed in Texas and offer individual therapy on many topics specifically related to college students. Helpful tools and information about appointments are available at Counseling Services.

A full-time health educator, in collaboration with student peer educators, provides health education to organizations, residence halls, classes, or individuals on a variety of health-related issues pertinent to the university population. Find out how to request a program or how to become a peer health educator at lamar.edu/healthed.

The clinic is open during normal business hours Monday through Friday. After hours, on weekends, and when the university is closed, health care becomes the individual student’s responsibility. Any expenses incurred for ambulance service or off-campus medical needs are also the responsibility of the student. Students are encouraged to maintain some form of health insurance to cover these expenses. Call 409-880-8466 for more information.


Health Insurance

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Campus sponsored health insurance is required of all international students and offered to all domestic students. Eligibility requirements apply and can be found on the Academic Health Plans (AHP) website along with enrollment forms and other detailed information. All services delivered at the SHC are paid at 100%. Premiums are due at the time of enrollment and are available per semester or on an annual basis.


Mail Center

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The Lamar University Mail Center, located in the Carl Parker Building,  provides students, faculty, and staff with the information needed to process their outgoing mail in the most timely and cost effective service available. We are responsible for the distribution of all incoming U.S.P.S., inter-office and intra-campus mail to faculty, staff, and students. They process outgoing mail for all departments on campus.  Mail boxes are available for rent for a fee of $15 per year. Mail box rental fees are paid in the Cashier's Office in the Wimberly Student Services building. For complete information, visit  lamar.edu/mail-center.


Athletics

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Lamar University students enjoy cheering on the Cardinals in more than a dozen NCAA Division I men’s and women’s sports. Competing in the Southland Conference, Cardinals teams have a history of winning championships in sports including men’s and women’s basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, softball, women's soccer, tennis, golf, and cross country.

Lamar has some of the finest athletic facilities in the region. Most recently, the Dauphin Athletic Complex was completed, housing the Lamar football team as well as other athletic administration. The 54,000-square-foot facility lies at the south end of newly renovated Provost Umphrey Stadium. The complex contains football locker rooms, weight training and sports medicine facilities and academic centers.

The Montagne Center, which opened in 1984 and has a seating capacity of 10,080, is one of the premier basketball arenas in the country. Vincent-Beck Stadium, home of the Cardinal baseball team, hosted the 1993 Sun Belt Conference tournament, and the 2001, 2002 and 2006 Southland Conference tournaments. The LU Soccer Complex opened in 2009 and is one of the top facilities in the Southland Conference. The Ty Terrell Track, which was resurfaced in 2015, is the site of the Ty Terrell Relays, which annually attracts some of the best prep and collegiate track athletes.

When the McDonald Gymnasium opened its doors in 1958, it immediately became a campus landmark. It was the home of basketball, volleyball and high school sports. Today, following a major renovation in 2006, it is the competition venue for Lamar University Volleyball and is housed within the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center.


Student Engagement

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The Division of Student Engagement includes the Office of Student Conduct and Care Services, New Student and Leadership Programs, Student Health Center, Recreational Sports, University Police, the Center for Career and Professional Development, Housing and Residence Life, and the Setzer Student Center.


New Student and Leadership Programs

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New Student & Leadership Programs provides programs for new and current students, their parents, and their families. NSLP manages New Student Orientation and Transfer Programs, Parent & Family Programs, Week of Welcome, Leadership and Civic Engagement.

New Student Orientation is offered to all incoming freshmen and transfer students. Freshman students are required to attend Orientation in order to receive their confirmed Fall class schedule, which will be confirmed at the end of Orientation. Sessions for all new Cardinals and their families are held in the summer.

NSLP offers a full range of leadership and civic engagement volunteer opportunities for students throughout the year, such as LU Lead leadership certificate program, The Big Event, and many more volunteer programs.


University Recognition Programs

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Otho Plummer Award: Given to the highest-ranking man and woman graduated from the academic colleges, the award was established in the name of the late Otho Plummer, chairman emeritus of the board of regents and a member of the board from 1949 to 1990. The recipient of this award is announced at commencement.

The Division of Student Engagement provides additional opportunities for student recognition, including:

  • Seniors of Significance
  • Ann Shaw Leadership Award
  • Bess Gentry Award for Outstanding Senior Woman
  • C. Robert Kemble Award for Outstanding Senior Man
  • Outstanding Advisor and Student Organization of the Year

and more. Find more information on student recognition programs at lamar.edu/students.  


Student Activities

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Students are encouraged to participate in the co-curricular activities program because taking part in well-developed, organized, activities enhances the educational experience. It is the intention of the university that the out-of-class activities programs lend themselves to the total educational experience. In keeping with this philosophy, members of the faculty, staff, and administration serve as advisors and sponsors to the various organizations.

Minimum Requirement For Participation in Extracurricular Activities:

Any student currently registered in good standing with the university with a 2.0 GPA on all coursework completed at Lamar University and/or LIT is eligible to participate in any extracurricular activity. members who do not meet this requirement will be limited to only meeting attendance and academic improvement programs.

  • University organizations may establish higher individual requirements for GPA and enrollment status.
  • In order to become a candidate for and/or hold student office in an extracurricular organization, a student must:
    • Be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student, and
    • Be in good standing (disciplinary, scholastic, and financial) with the university, and
    • Maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all coursework completed at Lamar University.
  • One-semester exemptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Director.
  • First-semester freshmen are eligible to hold office after completion of one semester at Lamar University.

Greek Council

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The Greek Council is composed of the following:

  • College Panhellenic Council (CPC) — The College Panhellenic Council is the regulating and governing body for NPC sorority members.
  • National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) — The National Pan-Hellenic Council serves as the official agent of eight traditionally African-American Greek letter fraternities and sororities.
  • Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) — The Inter-Fraternity Council is the advisory and governing organization for fraternity members.
  • Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) – The Multicultural Greek Council is the advisory council for multicultural Greek letter organizations.

Student Government Association 

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The Student Government Association of Lamar University provides the official voice through which student opinion may be expressed as students participate in the overall policy and decision-making of the university community. The governing structure consists of three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. Visit lamar.edu/sga for more information.


Where to Find Out About

Student Complaints

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Students are encouraged to resolve complaints or grievances at the appropriate level of dispute. However, should this approach fail or be inappropriate, students may submit written complaints by completing the Student Complaint form.


Center for Career and Professional Development

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The Center for Career and Professional Development promotes student growth by developing skills and providing opportunities to inspire confidence. Services provided by the Center include career/major exploration, job search strategies, mock interviews, resume and cover letter preparation and other professional development needs. The Center offers workshops on similarly related topics and hosts events, such as career fairs and networking opportunities for employers to engage and recruit Lamar University students for internships, part-time opportunities and full-time employment. The Center also has testing facilities related to exams for graduate program admissions and professional licensure and certifications. For more information, visit lamar.edu/careers or in office in the Galloway Business Building, Suite 102.


Cashier's Office

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Students must meet their financial obligations. Failure to do so may result in being dropped from classes or the student’s name being turned over to a collection agency. Such problems may be avoided by paying all bills. Generally, payment may be made by personal check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, cash, or financial aid.


Financial Aid

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(409) 880-8450

Lamar University’s financial assistance program is intended to open educational opportunities to all capable students. No student should be reluctant to attend Lamar because of a need for financial assistance. Approximately 75% of Lamar students receive some type of financial assistance.

Scholarships

A wide variety of scholarships and various grants are offered to LU students. Scholarships are generally awarded on the basis of academic achievement, programs of study, or special skills. Students should review and apply for these opportunities at lamar.edu/myscholarships. The scholarship application for the following aid year opens on October 1.

Grants

Grants, educational support funds which are not required to be repaid, are awarded through the determination of financial need. Students interested in being considered for grant funds should submit a  Free Application for Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov.

Visit our Financial Aid website for more information on grants available to undergraduate and graduate students.

Loans

Several loan funds are available to Lamar University students. Loans are offered with repayment scheduled after the borrower graduates or leaves school. Requirements and applications for each of the following loans can be found on the Financial Aid website. Emergency deferment plans are available to Lamar University students on a short-term basis through the Cashier’s Office website, www.lamar.edu/pay.

Common Questions

How do I qualify for grants and loans?
You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application can be  completed online via www.studentaid.gov. Lamar University’s school code is 003581.

How will Lamar University notify me of financial aid eligibility?
All correspondence will be sent to your Lamar University email account via LUConnect.

What is verification?
You may be selected for verification either by the U.S. Department of Education or by the university itself.  If you are selected for verification, all documentation required must be received and processed per federal regulations. Verification must be completed to ensure you are awarded the maximum amount of aid that you may be eligible to receive.

How long does the awarding process take?
After the priority deadline, the award process takes about 4-6 weeks from the time your FAFSA is complete and all additional required documentation is submitted to the Scholarships and Financial Aid Office.

After you submit a FAFSA online, it will generally take 3-5 business days for the application to be received  by LU but could take longer during peak times. You will receive an email to your student account once an  award has been made.

How do I accept my awards?
Award packages are offered electronically in your Self-Service Banner Account (via LUConnect), and you  are alerted via your LU email. Grant funds are automatically accepted for you; however, you must accept  loan funds or work study funds and complete entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note. Aid will not post more than 10 business days prior to the semester start date, excluding holidays and campus closures. If you accept any loans, you must go to www.studentaid.gov, login with your FSA ID and password (if you do not have an  FSA ID, you will be prompted to create an ID and password) and complete the following:

  • Master Promissory Note (Must be completed once every 10 years.)
  • Entrance Counseling (Must be completed each year.)

How do I upload missing financial aid documents?
You may submit any documents required under “Student Requirements” in your financial aid tab in  Self-Service Banner. Click “Eligibility” and “Upload Missing Required Documents.”


International Students

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In its mission statement, Lamar University’s commitment to providing students with a liberal education in the context of a global and multicultural environment is emphasized. Indeed, Lamar is one of the most diverse campuses in Texas, and our international students are important contributors to that variety of cultures and experiences with which we wish to enrich academic and student life. International applicants are screened carefully for academic excellence, English proficiency, adequate health, and financial self-sufficiency, and those admitted are among the strongest students at Lamar University. While there are a variety of university and governmental rules, regulations, and restrictions that apply (see, for example, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, LU for Current Students, and the College of Graduate Studies.)

International students are encouraged, even expected, to participate in student activities, university organizations, and programs, both to experience first-hand the culture and lifestyles of Southeast Texas and to share with other students portions of their own culture and experiences. Indeed, it is to the benefit of every university student to integrate himself/herself fully into the campus environment. The University is strongly committed to providing an atmosphere of friendship and acceptance for international students, and tries to afford them every opportunity to succeed. It is understood that the presence of international students places additional demands on the University to meet a larger variety of distinctive needs, and we accept the responsibility to make adequate provisions for doing so. In order for the international student to achieve his/her educational objectives, there is no doubt that certain academic services are essential. The University is committed to providing facilities and staff commensurate with those needs. Moreover, we recognize that English language proficiency, and not citizenship or immigration status alone, is a key criterion in determining and meeting the needs of students for whom English is second language. Thus, entrance and exit standards for non-native English speakers take into account the minimum language skills necessary for success in academic work as well as the minimum standards that a diploma from the University promises.

There are a variety of organizations, university offices, and support services for international students. Some of them are:  International Student Services Office, Association of Chinese Students and Scholars, Friends of India Association, Vietnamese Student Association, Nepalese Student Association,  Saudi Students Association, and more .

On-campus employment is limited to 19.5 hours per week. There is no exclusion from the overall on-campus 19.5-hour-per-week ceiling for work undertaken pursuant to a scholarship, fellowship, assistantship, or post-doctoral appointment.

Lamar University requires that international students secure mandatory accident, sickness, catastrophic illness, evacuation, and repatriation insurance as a condition of enrollment. Call 409-880-8356 or visit  www.lamar.edu/international for more information.


Parking

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All faculty, staff, and students are required to purchase a current parking permit and display it if they park a vehicle on campus. At the time you receive your permit, you will receive a copy of the parking and traffic regulations. This is an important document that should be read thoroughly if you plan to park on campus. Strict observance of traffic and parking laws and regulations is necessary for the safe, orderly flow of vehicles in the campus area. Parking and traffic regulations are in effect 24 hours a day. Call 409-880-PARK (7275) or visit lamar.edu/parking.


Police

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The University Police department is on campus to serve you in the protection of your person, your property, and the university's property. The university police are also charged with the enforcement of university and systems regulations, all state, local and federal laws. Officers working for the university are licensed peace officers for the state of Texas. They have county-wide jurisdiction.

The police department has installed emergency phones located throughout the campus for your safety. Phones are on white posts with blue lights on top. When the red button is pushed, the location of the call is automatically identified and the caller is connected to the police department. Locations of the telephones are marked on all parking maps and safety brochures. Individuals with hearing impairments should remain at the phone until the officer arrives.

Engravers are available at the police department should students wish to engrave their valuables to aid in recovery in the case of theft or loss. The lost and found department is located in the police department. Open 24 hours a day, the police department is located at 211 Redbird Lane. Call 409-880-8307 for non-emergencies and visit lamar.edu/police for more information.


Shuttle Service for Students

LU offers a free daily shuttle service on-campus and to local stores. Visit lamar.edu/shuttle for more information.

For emergency police response, call (409) 880-8311. For all other police business, call (409) 880-8305 or 911. We encourage you to call if you have a security or police concern.


Records

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The records office maintains records from a student's first registration throughout his/her academic career. Lamar University exemplifies the belief that no one is too old to learn. Many students return more than once to complete a degree, take additional courses in a new area, or earn a certification to qualify for a promotion. There are as many reasons as there are numbers of students who return. New and returning students are our reason for being here.

The records office provides many services for Lamar students. A student may register for courses, add, drop, withdraw, request changes to demographic data, request transcripts, course changes, certification or verification of enrollment, challenge credit awarded, or apply for graduation. Almost any student record activity may be taken care of in the offices located in room 112 Wimberly Building.

In compliance with the Department of Education's Student Right-to-know Act, Lamar University will make available to enrolled or prospective students information regarding graduation rates as well as institutional security policies and crime statistics. Paper copies of this information may be obtained from the Office of Institutional Research and Reporting and the Lamar University Police Department.

Registration

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Students must apply and be admitted to Lamar University before registering for classes. For information on how to apply, visit BeACardinal.com. Prior to registering for classes, a student must be compliant with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements and complete academic advisement.
After meeting with an academic advisor, register online by following the instructions on the Registrar's website.


Accessibility Resource Center

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The Accessibility Resource Center is committed to supporting students with disabilities at Lamar University through the appropriate use of advocacy, accommodations, and supportive services to ensure access to campus courses, services, and activities. The ARC is the university-designated office that determines and facilitates reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Accessibility Resource Center is located in Room 105 of the Communications Building. Call 409-880-8347 or visit lamar.edu/arc for more information.


Testing Services

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The Center for Career and Professional Development is a national testing site for Prometric and Pearson Vue. The Center for Career and Professional Development offers a full range of testing services for aptitude and achievement and coordinates testing required by the university and national testing institutions. The testing center is located in 102 Galloway Business. Call 409-880-8878 or visit lamar.edu/testing for more information.


Veterans Affairs

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409-880-7198

The Veterans Affairs office is maintained in the Wimberly Student Services Building to assist veterans in obtaining their educational benefits at LU. Applications for Educational Benefits are available on the Veterans Affairs website. For additional information and veteran's programs, visit the office in 101 Wimberly Building, call 409-880-7198, or visit the Veterans Affairs website.


Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities

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Texas Academy at Lamar University is a high-achieving academic program for 11th and 12th grade high school-aged students who desire rigorous academics, innovative research, and service leadership opportunities designed to enhance student learning and leadership in a variety of academic areas, including humanities, STEAM, and liberal arts. Students take classes from Lamar University faculty with other Texas Academy and undergraduate students while simultaneously completing their remaining high school graduation requirements. The difference is, in the Texas Academy experience students are provided more support and guidance than traditional college students. Texas Academy students have a robust student life that includes various events, clubs, and organizations. Call 409-839-2995 or visit lamar.edu/texasacademy for more information.


Student Code of Conduct

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Students shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the university’s mission as an educational institution. Students who conduct themselves in a manner that violates this Code of Student Conduct may be subject to disciplinary penalties. This Code of Student Conduct, is applicable to any student currently enrolled; enrolled in the previous semester/session and eligible to enroll in the next consecutive semester/ session; or newly or readmitted and eligible to enroll in the next semester/session. A student who withdraws from school is subject to disciplinary action for any conduct that occurred while the student met the aforementioned criteria. Students involved in misconduct that would subject them to disciplinary action while not enrolled may be required to appear before the Vice President of Student Engagement or designee before being readmitted to the university. This code is adopted pursuant to authority granted by The Texas State University System Board of Regents. The Student Code of Conduct is available.


Hazing

The university reserves the right to take disciplinary action against individual students and/or groups who are involved in hazing activities. Such disciplinary action may be taken independently of state or local prosecutorial actions, regardless of the outcome of such prosecutorial actions. Hazing on the part of students, faculty, or staff is strictly forbidden, whether on or off campus. The Texas Education Code (TEC), Title 2, Subtitle G, Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing), sections 37.151 to 37.157 and Title 3, Subtitle A, Chapter 51, Subchapter Z, section 51.936 (Hazing), provides penal sanctions in the event of a conviction of hazing and sets requirements for institutions of higher education to publish a summary of these provisions to students. The Lamar University Hazing Policy is located on the Student Conduct and Care Services site.


Academic Policies and Procedures

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Academic Policies and Procedures are available.


University Policies

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University Policies are available.

 


Speech and Assembly

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The Speech and Assembly Policy is available.

 


Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

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Federal laws mandate the creation and maintenance of academic and working environments free from illicit drug use and alcohol abuse. Lamar University fully supports the objectives of these laws and their companion regulations. The Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy is designed to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1989 and Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and is located in the Code of Student Conduct. University regulations and policies pertaining to alcohol and drugs are also found in the Faculty and Staff Handbook and the Drug-Free Work Place Policy. All these regulations and policies remain in effect.


Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct (Title IX), and Denial of Civil Rights

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Lamar University believes that freedom of thought, innovation, and creativity are fundamental characteristics of a community of scholars. To promote a safe learning environment, the university has a special responsibility to build a diverse community, instill a global perspective in its students, and nurture sensitivity, tolerance and mutual respect. Discrimination against or harassment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, veterans' status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression is inconsistent with the purposes of the university.

Persons at Lamar University will not be deprived of their civil rights on the campus or in connection with a university-sponsored activity. Persons who harass or discriminate against another person are subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including removal from the university.

Lamar University engages in strategies to limit the risk of sexual misconduct for the campus community. Every incoming student, including undergraduate transfer students and international students, shall attend prevention and education training or orientation regarding sexual misconduct and the campus sexual assault policy during the first semester or term of enrollment. Lamar University facilitates an online education and prevention program designed to promote awareness of sexual offenses and to incorporate risk reduction strategies to enable community members to take a role in preventing and interrupting incidents of sexual misconduct. If you are an incoming student completing your first semester in college, you must complete Title IX training before you can register for classes.

For questions regarding discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct, please contact the Title IX Coordinator Brenda Dixon, at 409-880-8373, or by email at brenda.dixon@lamar.edu .

To submit a complaint, visit the Student Conduct and Care Services website at lamar.edu/sccs Click on Report an Incident link at the bottom of the website.

Lamar University has specific policies prohibiting discrimination and sexual misconduct, including:

Texas State University System Sexual Misconduct Policy And Procedures

Nondiscrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action

For more information about Lamar University's Sexual Misconduct Policy, visit  lamar.edu/titleix.

Revised 07/23/2020