UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2015-16

SAU offers the perfect environment for every student to stand out, to be unique, and to be more than just a face in the crowd.

Come visit for a walk or a tour across our campus and you will see why we say, “It is a great day to be a Mulerider!”

Top three reasons to become a Mulerider:1. SAU is student-centered. Faculty and staff are here for you and want you to succeed.

With a low 16:1 student-teacher ratio, we get to know you, and you get to work closely with us and your classmates.

2. SAU offers the Complete College Experience. You can customize your college experience at SAU with a ton of options. Choose from more than 80 degrees and programs. Choose to get involved with more than 100 student organizations. Choose how to spend your free time from an exciting campus activities calendar. Choose to give back with engaging community involvement projects. The choice is yours on how you spend your time as a Mulerider!

3. Who wouldn’t want to be a Mulerider? Really, we have the coolest and most unique mascot, and we are a family. Once a Mulerider, always a Mulerider… just ask any of our successful and appreciative alumni.

Quick Facts

Accreditation: ......................................................The Higher Learning CommissionNorth Central Association

Enrollment: ............................................................................ Approximately 3,600Student/Teacher Ratio: ...................................................................................16:1 School Year: ........................................... Two semesters; two summer sessionsColors: ........................................................................................... Blue and goldMascot: .......................................................................................The MuleridersAthletic Affiliation: ................................................................... NCAA, Division II,

Great American ConferenceLibrary: .......................................... 145,000 volumes of books, 84 databases,

access to more than 50,736 full text publications.Online Learning: ..............................................Available for all general education

courses and most majors.Campus Organizations: ..................................................100+ organizations

SAUWe Are

Admission InformationFirst-time Freshman Admission To enroll as an undergraduate student at Southern Arkansas University, an entering freshman must submit the following:

1.) Application for admission 2.) ACT/SAT scores 3.) High school transcript (showing graduation date) or GED

passing scores 4.) Immunization record 5.) Other information as requested by the Office of Admissions

An application for a residence hall room, along with a deposit, must also be submitted if you wish to live in a campus residence hall.

Unconditional Admission for Beginning Students Beginning students who have ACT scores of 19 or higher on the English, mathematics, and reading parts of the ACT examination, completed the core curriculum, and graduated from high school will be admitted unconditionally to Southern Arkansas University.

Conditional Admission for Beginning Students Beginning students who do not qualify for unconditional admission but who have received a composite ACT score of 16 or higher or are ranked in the top quarter of their graduating class will be conditionally admitted to SAU. Students admitted with conditions must successfully complete all transitional courses in a regular and consistent manner and complete 12 hours of core academic courses with a 2.0 grade point average within the first 30 semester hours of college-level credit.

GED, Home School, and Charter School GraduatesThese students are admitted by virtue of their ACT scores.

Non-Traditional Students Students who are 25 years of age or older and have graduated high school are admitted regardless of their ACT scores, but they must submit ACT scores to determine whether they must take transitional courses.

Scholarships Academic scholarships are awarded based on grade-point average, class rank, and ACT or SAT score. Performance scholarships are available in art, band, choir, and theatre. Other scholarships are available in athletics and rodeo.

If you are eligible for an academic or performance scholarship, any other financial aid you are awarded may be applied to other costs each semester, such as books and supplies (some restrictions apply). The priority deadline to apply for a scholarship is March 1, unless funds are depleted prior to this date. Call the Office of Admissions at 1-800-332-7286 for more information.

Other Financial Aid Resources You will also find help to finance your college education in the SAU Office of Financial Aid. The friendly staff in the Office of Financial Aid helps 82 percent of SAU students receive some type of financial assistance each year. Forms of financial aid include Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, work study, and loans.

For more information, call the Office of Financial Aid at (870) 235-4023 or visit our website www.saumag.edu/finaid.

Before you attend your first class, you must first be officially admitted to the University. All questions about the admissions process should be addressed to the Office of Admissions which receives and processes all undergraduate applications and issues letters of admission to qualified applicants.

basicsthe

Degree PlansRankin College of Business (RCB)• Accounting (B.B.A.) • Business Administration Entrepreneurship (B.B.A.) Finance Finance - Entrepreneurial Finance Option (B.B.A.) Finance - Financial Analysis Option (B.B.A.) Finance - Financial Planning Option (B.B.A.) General Business (B.B.A.) General Business with Agricultural Industries Minor (B.B.A.) General Business with Fire Science Management Minor (B.B.A.) Management (B.B.A.) Information Systems (B.B.A.) Marketing (B.B.A.)• Associate of Science with Major in Business Administration (A.S.)

College of Education (CoE) • Early Childhood Education K-6 (B.S.E.)• Middle School Education with an emphasis in Math and Science

(B.S.E.) • Middle School Education with an emphasis in Language Arts and

Social Studies (B.S.E.)• Athletic Training (B.S.) • Exercise Science (B.S.)• K-12 Physical Education and Health (B.S.E.)• Human Performance, Recreation, and Community Service Sport Management Emphasis (B.S.) Community Service Emphasis (B.S.) College of Liberal and Performing Arts (CoLPA) • Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies (A.A.)• Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.)• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design Emphasis in Studio Art (B.F.A.) Emphasis in Communications Design (B.F.A.) Emphasis in Game, Animation and Simulation (B.F.A.)• Behavioral and Social Science (B.A.) • Criminal Justice (B.S.) • Psychology (B.S.) • Social Work (B.S.W.) • English (B.A.)• English with Minor in Education - Teaching Certification (B.A.)• Foreign Language Foreign Language (B.A.) Spanish (B.A.) Spanish with Minor in Education (Teaching Certification) (B.A.) • History (B.A.)• Political Science (B.A.)• Performing Arts Music with Studies in Business (B.F.A.) Music Education Instrumental (B.F.A.) Vocal (B.F.A.) Music Performance: Instrumental (B.F.A.) Music Performance: Vocal (B.F.A.) Musical Theatre (B.F.A.) Theatre (B.F.A.)• Mass Communication Emphasis in Digital Cinema and Media Production (B.A.) Emphasis in Mass Media (B.A.)

College of Science and Engineering (CoSE) • Agriculture (A.S.)• Agricultural Business (B.S.)• Agricultural Education (B.S.)• Agricultural Science Animal Science Option (B.S.) Plant Science Option (B.S.) Pre-Veterinary Option (B.S.)• Biological Science (B.S.)• Biology Pre-Health Option (B.S.) Marine Biology Option (B.S.) Wildlife Biology and Conservation Option (B.S.)• Biology Plan II - Professional, 3+2 Program with Certain

Professional Schools (B.S.)• Chemistry Chemistry (A.S.) Science Option (B.S.) Pre-Health Professional-Biochemistry Option (B.S.) Medical Technology Option (B.S.) Entrepreneurship Option (B.S.) Environmental Toxicology Science Option (B.S.) Forensic Science Option (B.S.)• Chemistry Plan II - Professional, 3+2 program with certain

professional schools (B.S.)• Engineering (B.S.Engr.)• Engineering - Physics Science Option (B.S.) Engineering Technology Option (B.S.) Industrial Technology Option (B.S.) Chemical Engineering Option (B.S.) Mechanical Engineering Option (B.S.)• Mathematics (B.S.) Mathematics with Minor in Education Optional Teaching

Certification (B.S.)• Computer Science Computer Science (B.S.) Computer Science - Computer Technology Option (B.S.) Computer Science - Computer Gaming and Animation Design

Option (B.S.)• Nursing Nursing - (B.S.N.) Nursing - (R.N. to B.S.N.)

• Computer Game and Animation Design • Engineering

• Entrepreneurship • Marine Biology• Musical Theatre

Rankin College of Business www.SAUmag.edu/Business

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Prepare for your career in accounting, finance, management, marketing, or information systems with a world-class education in a personal environment. The SAU RCB is accredited by AACSB International, which places it among the top 10% of colleges of business in the world.

Small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio ensure a personal environment, and inside and outside the classroom, the faculty go above and beyond—providing personal guidance, mentorship, and interaction—to help students succeed.

The college also offers quality opportunities like internships, business tours in major cities, nationally-competitive student organizations, and a study abroad program. Over the past five years, approximately 200 students have received credit for internships at such Fortune 500 companies as Walmart, Murphy Oil, Walgreens, Sherwin-Williams, and Disney, as well as with local businesses and non-profit organizations.

The MBA program at SAU has been ranked the most affordable accredited MBA in the USA, and it will allow you to take the next step toward your success.

The Rankin College of Business is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, which represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. SAU Rankin College of Business confirms its commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review process.

Kate DeeseSeniorAccountingTexarkana, Texas

One thing I really like about SAU’s Rankin College of Business is that it’s my home away from home and we get to know the professors on a personal basis. The close-knit and friendly atmosphere allows students to build close relationships with fellow students in our classes.

SAURCB

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Kirk PetersonSenior

Exercise ScienceSan Diego, California

I thought it might be tough coming from California, but it was easy because of how welcoming SAU was. In the Exercise Science program, I’ve gotten great experience with athletic training through working with the Mulerider Football team. SAU also has great facilities, such as the Ribble Strength Training Center.

College of Education www.SAUmag.edu/Education

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SAUCoE

The Col lege of Educat ion holds two accreditations. The teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the bachelor of science in athletic training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training (CAATE).

Becoming a teacher is more than a job – it is a calling, a desire to help shape America’s next generation. The College of Education (CoE) at SAU will prepare you to answer this call and become as caring and sincere as our faculty members. SAU offers teaching degrees in early childhood education, middle level, and secondary education. Degrees are also offered in health, kinesiology, and recreation. Students who earn an education degree at SAU feel well-prepared to enter the classroom and begin working with students because the CoE incorporates hands-on teaching experiences into the curriculum. Enroll in the SAU College of Education and learn how to be the best lifelong teacher you can be.

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new for 2015/16As the cutting-edge Computer Game and Animation Design program continues to develop and draw more students, other new CoLPA programs are in the works. Check out the CoLPA for interesting longstanding and/or new minor programs, too, such as the writing minor.

College of Liberal and Performing Arts www.SAUmag.edu/LPA

We AreCREATIVE

SAUCoLPAThe SAU College of Liberal and Performing Arts (CoLPA) offers an eclectic mix of traditional and new majors (Computer Game and Animation Design, Art, English, History, Theatre, Digital Cinema Production, and Communication Design, to name a few). CoLPA faculty members are equally interesting, experienced, passionate, and relatable.

CoLPA stays on the forefront of economic demands and creates degrees to match those needs. Digital Cinema Production, for example, was started in 2008 in response to Shreveport becoming a popular hub for movie production. In the same respect, the exciting Computer Game and Animation Design program, jointly taught by the Departments of Art and Design and Math and Computer Science, took flight in the fall of 2013.

Alumni from CoLPA go on to a number of fulfilling and creative career paths. All in all, with CoLPA’s tried and true programs and those that are new and upcoming, students feel at home here and are encouraged to communicate with confidence and creativity.

Gabrielle DavisJuniorPolitical Science/Business minorMagnolia, Arkansas

Through my experiences at SAU, I’ve been exposed to several influential people who have opened some exciting doors and opportunities for me. I’ve also been very involved on campus, which has taught me how to balance a busy schedule.

We Are

College of Science and Engineering www.SAUmag.edu/SciEng

We Areknowledgeable

The College of Science and Engineering (CoSE) at SAU has a track record for working closely with students so each one is prepared for the next step on their journey, whether it be to pursue a further degree in the sciences or health field, or to join the workforce. Through personalized advising, pre-health students who have studied in SAU’s beautiful and technologically-equipped Science Center have gone on to earn acceptance into competitive schools of medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary, to name a few. With the recent opening of the new Agriculture Center next to the Science Center, the CoSE is staying true to the roots of SAU while continuing to move forward. The new Engineering and Computer Game and Animation Design programs are drawing attention for being on the forefront to meet the needs of today’s industry and technology demands.

new for 2015/16SAU made regional news when the CoSE was approved to offer the only engineering program in all of south Arkansas. With a strong industry backing, SAU engineering students will have internship and post-graduation job prospects. Along with engineering, the CoSE is setting sail with a marine biology program, which is another SAU program unique to our region.

SAUCoSE

I fell in love with the SAU College of Science and Engineering the first time I toured SAU. What I love most is that I felt very comfortable here. I knew coming to SAU I wanted to pursue a medical field, and I decided on pharmacy once I started my studies.

Marissa Johnston JuniorBiochemistry/Pre-PharmacyAshdown, Arkansas

We Are

The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders and Lady Muleriders are perennial contenders in the NCAA Division II Great American Conference.

The SAU men’s varsity teams compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, and track and field. Women’s varsity teams include basketball, cross country, golf, softball, track and field, and volleyball. Men’s and women’s rodeo teams participate in regional and intercollegiate competition.

If you would like to move from the stands to the playing field, the University offers intramural activities, competitions, the Mulerider Activity Center, and the Club Sports Program for those who enjoy team sports, as well as those who would rather compete on an individual basis. The program works hand-in-hand with the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation and serves as an arena for its majors to develop their interests and skills.

Baseball ..............................................................................Steve Browningstevebrowning@saumag.edu

Basketball - Men’s ..................................................................Andy Sharpeandysharpe@saumag.edu

Basketball - Women’s.......................................................... Julio Pachecojuliopacheco@saumag.edu

Cheerleading ............................................................................ Anne Sandsannesands@saumag.edu

Cross Country/Track and Field .................................................Tim Servistimservis@saumag.edu

Football .....................................................................................Bill Keopplebillkeopple@saumag.edu

Golf ........................................................................................................ TBD

Rodeo .........................................................................William Rusty Hayeswilliamhayes@saumag.edu

Softball ..............................................................................Jason Andersonjasonanderson@saumag.edu

Volleyball .............................................................................. Steven Greamstevengream@saumag.edu

athletics contact information

Mulerider Athletics www.MuleriderAthletics.com

We Arecompetitive

The Great American Conference is the newest NCAA Division II conference. Formed in 2011, the conference consists of six Arkansas universities and five Oklahoma universities.

SAUAthleticsWe Are

Student Activities www.SAUmag.edu

We AreACTIVE

Bruce CenterThe Bruce Center houses a food court that features a Chick-fil-A, a Subway, and a Grille Works. There is also an athletic lounge with pool tables and wide screen TVs.

The Mulerider Activity CenterStudents asked for it, and SAU responded with the Mulerider Activity Center (MAC). Muleriders enjoy the new work-out equipment, a basketball court, and an indoor walking track.

Mule BarnThe skating rink at SAU is a place where you and your friends can always go for fun. The “Mule Barn” is free to SAU students.

SAU is proud of its plethora of academic offerings, but you will also gain so much by joining a club or organization that is just right for you…there are more than 100 to choose from, after all. By participating in community involvement activities at SAU, you will learn effective communication and build leadership skills while acquiring new friendships.

The annual spring concert series always brings excitement to the campus with international artists such as Sean Kingston, Thompson Square, Karmin, and DJ Pauly D.

SAUActivities

Facilities Spring Concert SeriesWe Are

Haley BirdJuniorBusiness ManagementMiss SAU 2014-15Philanthropy Chair for Phi MuBAM LeaderSmackover, Arkansas

Everything you are involved in on SAU’s campus will help you in the outside world, plus you get to get out and meet new friends.

SAU Housing www.SAUmag.edu/Housing

We Aresocial

Housing BasicsSouthern Arkansas University strives to provide the best possible housing at a reasonable cost. Sure, it is different than living at home; however, when you live on campus, you are right in the middle of the action, close to classes, labs, computers, college activities, athletic facilities, and the library. National studies have shown that when you live on campus, you are more likely to excel in academics and enjoy your college years than your classmates who live off campus.

SAU wants your living experience to be a great one, something you will always remember. To help you solve the small, day-to-day problems, resident assistants are assigned to help you. These staff members are assigned night duty and are always available in case of emergencies.

All residence halls are smoke-free and equipped with the basic necessities: • Computer lab • Common areas for visiting with guests • Facilities for the physically-challenged • TV lounges • Common area for studying or playing cards • Laundry facilities • Sports equipment • Daily custodial service for public areas • Daily maintenance service for routine repairs

Your room will be furnished with: • Cable TV • Wireless Internet • Sink • Telephone line • Two desks • Two chairs • Two single beds • Two dressers • Two closets • One roommate

Who Must Live on Campus?The University requires all full-time, single undergraduate students to live in one of our residence halls or with their parents. Single undergraduate students 21 years or older, undergraduates with 60 or more hours, and veterans with two years of active duty may live in the housing of their choice.

Residential Interest GroupsResidential Interest Groups (RIGs) are living and learning options for all students living in the residence halls at SAU. Groups will live together on a specific floor based on their interests, although it does not necessarily have to be their major.

RIG communities also foster a living and learning environment through campus involvement, academic support, and student and professional staff members committed to helping students succeed during their college careers. The student staff members are campus leaders who live with students and offer many opportunities to get involved on campus and be successful in the classroom.

Which Interest Group is Right for You?

SAU Housing OptionsBussey Hall Capacity: 200 Female onlyFincher Hall Capacity: 92 Co-EdGreene Hall Capacity: 176 Co-EdHarrod Hall Capacity: 196 Co-EdHonors Hall N. Capacity: 84 Co-Ed Honors Hall S. Capacity: 96 Co-EdTalbot Hall Capacity: 190 Male onlyTalley Hall Capacity: 192 Co-EdUniversity Court Capacity: 36 Family Housing University Hall Capacity: 54 Co-EdUniversity Village Capacity: 264 Co-Ed

University CourtThe University Court apartments have 18 two-bedroom apartments for family housing and are limited to married couples with children or single parents. The apartments are furnished, and the laundry room is in a common area. The apartments are available on a year-round basis.

University VillageIn the University Village apartments, you will enjoy a luxurious lifestyle with amenities such as a pool, fully-furnished living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and a clubhouse.

The University Village apartments offer two-bedroom and four-bedroom units for juniors, seniors, graduate students, single parents, and married students.

Honors College Leadership College

NursingPerforming Arts

Residential College

AgricultureBest in Business

EducationFirst Year Experience Health and Wellness

SAUHousing

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Become involved and be a part of a group that makes a difference while working together with classmates to get the most out of the college living and learning experience. Students involved in the Residential College and the Leadership College enroll in a common block of courses each semester, take group trips, and enjoy an environment where friends share the responsibility for learning.

Living & Learning Environments

Honors College Southern Arkansas University would like to help you reach your career goals through the SAU Honors College, which recognizes significant academic achievement.

Students in the program will find the courses to be both challenging and rewarding. In addition, the Honors College will provide students with an opportunity for a quiet living/learning environment in a designated residence hall.

Students who complete the course requirements of the Honors College will receive special recognition at graduation and the distinction as “Southern Arkansas University Honors College Scholar” on their transcripts and diplomas.

Honors College AdmissionWe admit first-year and transfer students based upon a global assessment of academic potential. We examine ACT scores, high school GPA, required submitted essays, letters of recommendation and other relevant information. Current SAU students who have earned at least a 3.5 GPA may petition the Honors College for admission. Incoming freshmen in 2015 will receive an iPad 2 at no charge in lieu of the usual $600 dollar per year stipend. The iPad will be theirs to keep and will be delivered in Honors Seminar the first week of class.

For more information, please contact Dr. Edward P. Kardas, professor of psychology and director of Honors College, at epkardas@saumag.edu or (870) 235-4231.

Residential College The Residential College is a living and learning option for freshman students. It focuses on students’ academic and personal success through service learning.

You will appreciate the exhilaration of giving back through obtaining the benchmark of 15 service hours each semester. Last year’s RC group completed campus projects, then put their skills to the test as they participated in community service projects while on a group trip to Oklahoma City.

Residential College AdmissionThe Residential College is open to entering freshmen with a composite ACT of 22 or above. There are only 82 spaces available. Selection will be based on ACT, GPA, and volunteer and leadership activities completed while in high school.

Students are required to complete a Residential College application. http://web.saumag.edu/rca

Leadership College Whether you were a leader in high school and want to continue developing your skills into college, or you want to discover and develop the leader inside you, the LC is the place for you.

Leadership College participants take active leadership roles in campus organizations and campus activities such as Homecoming, Celebration of Lights, Spring Fling, and other programs that enrich the college experience.

Leadership College AdmissionThe Leadership College is open to all freshmen and sophomores who meet the minimum requirements of admission to SAU and have a minimum ACT score of 19 in English. Students are required to participate in 3-5 activities each semester and attend mentor meetings.

Students are required to complete a Leadership College application. http://web.saumag.edu/lca

SAU School of Graduate Studies www.SAUmag.edu/Graduate

We Areprepared

Today’s Date: ___________________________ Name: __________________________________________Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________________City: ___________________________________State: ___________________Zip: ___________________E-mail Address: _________________________________________________________________________Parent’s E-mail Address: __________________________________________________________________Phone:( ________ ) _______________________________ Gender: Male FemaleCell Phone:( ________) _____________________________ Accept Text Messages: Yes NoHigh School Name: ______________________________________________________________________Year of Graduation: ________________ ACT or SAT Score: ______________________________________Intended Major: _________________________________________________________________________Extracurricular/Athletic Interest: _____________________________________________________________

Requested Information:Admissions ScholarshipsHousing Financial Aid

Please complete and return postage-paid card to receive additional information about SAU.

The SAU School of Graduate Studies is an attractive choice not only for SAU undergraduate alumni, but for students from across the globe seeking positions of leadership in a variety of professions. Not only are SAU’s master’s programs among the most affordable in the nation, but many are offered completely online. Most importantly, the SAU School of Graduate Studies offers a student-centered, supportive family-like atmosphere for students near or far.

SAUGraduate StudiesWe Are RCB - Rankin College of Business• Master of Business Administration• Master of Business Administration with Agri-Business Emphasis• Master of Business Administration with Supply Chain Management

CoE - College of Education• Master of Science in Mental Health and Clinical Counseling• Masters of Art in Teaching• Master of Education in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education• Master of Education in School Counseling P-8/7-12• Master of Education in Student Affairs and College Counseling • Master of Education in Elementary or Secondary Education • Curriculum and Instruction • Special Education: Early Childhood Instructional Specialist P-4 • Special Education: Instructional Specialist 4-12 • Gifted and Talented P-8/7-12• Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision • Principal Licensure Program • Curriculum/Program Administration Online Licensure Program • Superintendent Licensure Program• Master of Ed. in Library Media and Information Specialist P-8/7-12/P-12• Master of Education in School Counseling P-8/7-12/K-12• Master of Science in Kinesiology- Coaching

CoSE - College of Science and Engineering• Master of Science in Computer and Information Science with Cyber

Security Emphasis• Master of Science in Agriculture

CoLPA - College of Liberal and Performing Arts• Master of Public Administration

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SAU Graduate Programs

Some or all portions of this program are available online.

100 East University Magnolia, Arkansas 71753 www.SAUmag.edu (800) 332-7286