Student Regulations/Information

General Information

Student Records

Annual Notification of Students and Employees

The Family Educational Right and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of certain student education records.  To implement FERPA, the University has formulated and adopted a written institutional policy governing the handling of these records.

Definition of a Student

A student is defined as a person who is enrolled in and is attending any course offering at Jacksonville State University.  This does not include prospective students.

Definition of a Student Record

The term “education records” under FERPA includes generally any record, whether in a printed, handwritten, audio, video, or computer media format, maintained by the University and containing information related to a student in his/her role as a student. The education record would consist of all classes the student has taken at JSU, the grades earned for those classes, all classes transferred to JSU from other institutions of higher education, the grades transferred for those classes, and all non-traditional credit that has been granted by JSU to the student: CLEP, AP, military service schools, or work experience, etc. Certain records are, however, excluded by FERPA from this broad definition, such as those made by instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel and kept in their sole possession, those made by campus police, and those made by physician(s) or other professional medical personnel in connection with treatment of the student.

Access of Student Records to Student

Under FERPA and University policy, a student has a right of access to his/her education records and may inspect and review the information contained in them.  To exercise this right, the student should present a request to the University office where the record is located, and a response will be made no later than 45 days later.  In certain cases, a copy of the record may be provided, with a copying fee, as an alternative to the actual inspection.  Some records are not within this right of review, such as financial information from the student’s parents and confidential letters or statements of recommendation where the student has waived the right of access.

Amendment to Records

A student who believes his/her education records contain information that is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of his/her privacy rights may bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate records official.  If by informal discussion with this official the student does not obtain the corrective action desired, the student will then be entitled to a hearing at which he/she may challenge the objectionable item.  Additional information about hearing procedures will be given to the student at that time. The decision of the hearing official or panel shall be final.  If the decision is adverse to the student, he/she may insert in the education record an explanatory statement about the disputed item.

Record Disclosure to Others

A student’s privacy interest in the education record is further protected by the rule against unauthorized disclosure.  Generally, the University may not, without the student’s written consent, release the education record or personally identifiable information in it to other individuals or entities.

Disclosure in certain circumstances, however, is specifically excepted by FERPA from the foregoing rule.  For instance, "directory information" may be disclosed. Other circumstances include disclosure to certain parties-University personnel who have a legitimate educational interest in the information, officials of institutions where the student is seeking to enroll, parties to which the student is applying for financial aid, the parent of a dependent student, etc.; disclosure to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; or disclosure in connection with a health or safety emergency.  Under the first exception, “University personnel” includes any JSU employee, and a “legitimate educational interest” means that the employee has a need for access to the record to perform appropriate tasks clearly within the area of responsibility of the employee, to perform a task related to the education or discipline of the student, or to provide a benefit or service relating to the student.  Personally identifiable information will be transmitted by the University under these exceptions only upon the condition that the recipient not permit any other party to have access to it without the student’s consent.

Additional information can be found on the Department of Education’s website.

Definition of Directory Information

The University may release “directory information” without obtaining the student’s consent.  Directory information is limited to the following:

  • the student’s name
  • mailing address
  • telephone number
  • JSU e-mail address
  • enrollment status (full-time, part time), whether currently enrolled or not
  • class/level
  • major field of study
  • participation in officially recognized activities and sports
  • weight and height of members of athletic teams
  • prior post-secondary institution(s) attended
  • JSU photographs
  • dates of attendance
  • thesis/dissertation title
  • degrees and awards received

A student may prevent the release of even this information, if he/she wishes, by completing a form provided for this purpose in the office of the Registrar.

Filing a Complaint

Any student who believes that his/her rights under FERPA have been violated by the University may notify and request assistance from the Registrar or the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.  The student may also file a complaint with the Student Privacy Policy Office, U. S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-5920.

Release of Transcript

Written permission is required to release a transcript.  The National Student Clearinghouse is Jacksonville State University’s authorized agent to release official transcripts.  Any transcript request received without proper signature, received without payment, or has a hold that prevents processing will be returned to sender.

Social Security Number

The student’s social security number is confidential. However, the Federal Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 requires all institutions to report certain data using the social security number. Therefore, the social security number must be provided to Jacksonville State University in accordance with the legislation. Federal law requires that students who apply for financial aid must use their social security number.

Authority for requesting the disclosure of a student’s social security number is in Section 7(a)(2) of the Privacy Act 1974 (5 U.S.C. 522a).

Regulations/Policies

Section 504/Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

Jacksonville State University has filed with the Federal government an Assurance of Compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. The university does not discriminate on the basis of disability, and no qualified disabled person shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity.

The ADA/504 coordinator is Elizabeth Morrow, emorrow@jsu.edu, (256) 782-5282, 120 Salls Hall. Students seeking accommodations should contact Office of Disability Resources at (256) 782-5020 and disabilityresources@jsu.edu or visit the Student Success Center, 2nd Floor, Houston Cole Library.

Notification of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Sex

JSU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities that it operates. JSU is required, by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Department of Education regulations to implement Title IX, not to discriminate in such a manner. This requirement to not discriminate in educational programs and activities extends to employment by the university and to admission thereto. Questions regarding Title IX and the implementing regulations should be referred to JSU’s Title IX Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights, or to both. For more information about the Title IX grievance procedure, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment and how JSU will respond to such complaints, please visit our Title IX website at www.jsu.edu/titleix or contact our Title IX Coordinator:

Joshua Robinson, Title IX Coordinator
301-A Angle Hall
(256) 782-5769
titleix@jsu.edu

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC  20202-1100
Customer Service Hotline 800.421.3481
Fax 202.453.6012 TDD: 877.521.2172
Email: OCR@ed.gov
Web: http://www.ed.gov/ocr

Office for Civil Rights, Region IV
61 Forsyth Street S.W.
Suite 19T10
Atlanta, GA 30303-8927
Telephone: (404) 974-9406
Facsimile: (404) 974-9471
Email: OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov

Alcohol and Other Drug Policies

Purpose

The purpose of the Jacksonville State University (JSU) Alcohol and Other Drug Policy is to promote student responsibility, respect for the community and self, and to establish a University community that is safe, healthy, and conducive to academic endeavors. While students must define their own values and make their own choices, the University expects all of its members to comply with both JSU Policy and federal, state, and local laws as they apply to alcohol and other drugs. Furthermore, the University recognizes the harmful effects of alcohol abuse, illicit and illegal drug use, and prohibited prescription drug practices such as pharma shopping, selling prescription drugs, or using prescription drugs other than as prescribed.

Outline of Policy Topics

The JSU Alcohol and Other Drug Policy will address the following topics:

  1. Jurisdiction of the University
  2. Alcohol Policy for Students
  3. Other Drugs Policy for Students
  4. Assistance for Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse
  5. Summary of Federal, State, and Local Alcohol and Other Drug Laws

Jurisdiction of the University

Jurisdiction of the University is generally considered to include student conduct which occurs on, near, or off University property and/or student conduct which has an adverse effect on the University, the members of the University community, or the fulfillment of the University’s mission. We expect all our students to uphold our policies and federal, state, and local laws anywhere they go as long as they are a student with JSU or have a relationship with the University.

Alcohol Policy for Students

Jacksonville State University has established the following policy in regards to alcohol use by students.

  1. Alcohol possession and consumption on campus is permitted only for students of legal age (21).
  2. It is unlawful and a violation of University Policy to use or possess identification that makes an individual appear older or misrepresents an individual as someone else.
  3. The consumption of alcohol stronger than 15% alcohol by volume or 30 proof is not permitted on campus except when served by a licensed and insured third-party vendor.
  4. It is prohibited to serve, provide, or knowingly allow alcohol to individuals under 21.
  5. It is prohibited to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or to pressure someone to consume alcohol.
  6. It is prohibited for minors to transport, possess, consume, or serve alcohol.
  7. Common source and “tap” systems are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, kegs, beer balls, punch bowls, and punch served out of a cooler or another unusual container.
  8. Drinking games and any activities that encourage rapid consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
  9. Consumption in student rooms should neither infringe on the rights of other students to study nor negate any normal activity.
  10. Persons may not transport or consume open containers of alcoholic beverages in public areas1.
  11. Full responsibility for compliance with policies and laws belongs to all students.

Drug Policy for Students

The following define the University’s policies regarding drug use.

  1. Jacksonville State University prohibits illegal drugs on University property and at University events.
  2. Students may not be in illegal possession of any controlled substance. Possession means that such substances are on one’s person, in one’s living environment, automobile, or known hiding location.
  3. Prescription drugs are permitted on campus if accompanied by an authentic medical prescription. The use and/or distribution of legal medication outside the parameters of the medical authorization is prohibited.
  4. Illegal drug paraphernalia, use, possession, sale, distribution, trafficking, and manufacturing are prohibited.

Assistance for Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse

The University offers an array of services for students who require help with alcohol and/or drug use issues. Students needing confidential assistance responding to alcohol and/or drug abuse problems are encouraged to speak with a counselor from:

Counseling Services
147 Trustee Circle
Telephone: (256) 782-5475

Besides individual sessions, Counseling Services provides educational programming through New Pathways, a psycho-educational program that includes both individual assessment and group participation, Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC), and other recovery and support groups.

Another confidential resource is the JSU Student Health Center: (256) 782-5310.

Summary of Federal, State, and Local Alcohol/Other Drug Laws

The following is a brief summary of some of the laws JSU students must adhere to relating to alcohol and other drugs.

  1. Aiding Underage Possession/Consumption of Alcohol:  It is unlawful to aid a person under the age of 21 in obtaining alcohol, including falsely representing the person is not a minor.
  2. Unlawful Possession, Receipt, Manufacture, or Distribution of Controlled Substances (Including Marijuana):  It is unlawful to knowingly sell, manufacture, possess supplies to create controlled substances, deliver, bring into the state, receive, or be in possession of controlled substances. This includes illegally obtaining prescription drugs and marijuana. Trafficking to persons under 21, or on premises in which a person younger than 18 is present or resides, or in close proximity to a school or college results in significantly enhanced penalties, as does a drug offense that results in the death or bodily injury of a person.
  3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI):  It is illegal for any person to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The State of Alabama considers anyone with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher as under the influence and .02 or higher for someone under the age of 21.
  4. Improper Identification:  It is a criminal offense to use false identification to obtain alcohol.
  5. Minor in Possession:  In the State of Alabama, it is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to purchase, consume, or possess any alcoholic beverage of any kind.
  6. Open Beverage:  It is unlawful to have an open container of alcohol in public places on campus, including Dillon Field.
  7. Open House Party:  In the State of Alabama, it is illegal for a person in control of a residence to allow a party to continue if alcohol or controlled substances are possessed or consumed by persons under age 21 and the adult knows this and fails to take reasonable action to prevent it.
  8. Alabama Dram Shop Act:  Individuals who are injured by a person who received alcohol contrary to Alabama law have cause of action for civil damages against the person who provided the alcohol to the underage minor or caused the individual to become intoxicated or furnished a controlled substance to that person.
  9. Alabama Civil Damages Act:  A person may be liable for damages under civil law to a parent or guardian of a minor if that person unlawfully sells or furnished spirituous liquors to their minor child.
  10. Public Intoxication:  It is unlawful for a person to appear in a public place under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or other drugs to a degree that she/he endangers her/himself or another person or property, or by boisterous and offensive conduct annoys another person in her/his vicinity.

Violations of this Policy or Laws Outlined in this Policy

Violations of this policy or laws listed will certainly result in University disciplinary action which, if the student is found responsible, could result in any or all of the following (this list is not exhaustive):

  1. Required education or workshops
  2. Housing suspension
  3. Fines
  4. Loss of privileges
  5. Separation from the University; temporarily or permanently
  6. Probation or registration holds
  7. Community Service

Violations of the laws listed in this policy could lead to University or local law enforcement action, which could lead to any and/or all of the following:

  1. Court appearances
  2. Criminal history and background created or extended
  3. Fines
  4. Jail time
  5. Loss of privileges (license, etc.)
  6. Workshop or assessment requirements by law
  7. Further disciplinary charges from the University

For questions regarding this policy, please contact the Office of Community Standards & Title IX.

Clery Report and Fire Logs

Crime information, the annual Clery report, and fire log are all located at the University Police Department. For further information about the department and services available, contact UPD at 256-782-8888. For emergencies, please call 256-782-5050 or 911.

Student Resources

Public Safety

The University Police Department provides a wide-range of public safety services to include law enforcement, security, parking enforcement, communications, emergency management, and administrative services. Students and employees may report crime, accidents, and other emergencies to the University Police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Parking

All students, staff, coaches, contract employees, and visitors must have a decal/pass (permanent or temporary) while on campus. Decals may be obtained by logging into your MyJaxState (MyJSU) account. The Director of Public Safety has the authority to create and delegate the enforcement of the rules and regulations for the operation and parking of vehicles on campus. The responsibility of obtaining knowledge of the parking and traffic regulations rests with the vehicle operator which includes understanding and complying with the parking and traffic regulations and the Code of Alabama, Title 32. The rules are subject to enforcement 24 hours a day; 365 days per year. Jacksonville State University assumes no responsibility for damage incurred while moving said vehicles. Vehicles may also be booted and towed for unpaid parking citations and when parking privileges have been revoked.

Please visit Parking webpage to review all rules and regulations.

Child Development Center

Mission

The mission of the Jacksonville State University Child Development Center (JSU CDC) is to support JSU students, faculty and staff, and the community by providing a quality, play-based, on-site early childhood education program.

Philosophy

The Jacksonville State University Child Development Center (JSU CDC) recognizes families' vital role in their children's school life. For this reason, family members are considered an integral part of all program phases. The JSU CDC is a living and learning laboratory in which family members, teachers, college faculty, and children work together cooperatively for the children's greatest possible gains. The CDC celebrates the diversity of its families and encourages awareness of all families' cultures.

About the CDC

Jacksonville State University’s Child Development Center (CDC) has been a part of JSU for over sixty years. The program began as a half-day preschool class for three and four-year-olds in the Family and Consumer Sciences department and was in East Mason Hall. In Fall 2022, the program expanded and moved to the new College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) Complex at the former Kitty Stone Elementary School on JSU’s campus. The CDC welcomes children from 6 weeks to Pre-K five days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The CDC is open to current, full-time JSU students, faculty, and the community.

The CDC follows the Creative Curriculum in all its classrooms. Children are encouraged to investigate using hands-on activities to discover their world. The developmentally appropriate curriculum is research-based and includes strategies to best support young learners. Play, literacy, numeracy, and STEAM lessons are important program elements evident in CDC classrooms throughout the day.

The partnership with JSU’s College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) is a unique component of the CDC. JSU students in Child Development and Early Childhood Education courses use the CDC for laboratory experiences in their courses. JSU students in these programs observe and facilitate classroom learning. Students implement teaching strategies learned in their JSU courses and modeled by CDC faculty daily in the three-year-old and Pre-K classrooms. JSU students are supervised by classroom teachers and their university supervisors. This collaboration allows JSU students to demonstrate developmentally appropriate practices and facilitate learning in an exemplary childcare facility while observing and supporting the classroom teachers.

The CDC receives support from colleges and departments across campus. The University Police Department provides the CDC with a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) housed at the CEPS Complex. Other faculty and staff across campus support the CDC by sharing their talents through musical performances, science investigations, STEAM activities, cooking, and sewing. One of the children's favorite activities is the weekly pep rallies in the fall to support the Gamecocks. Football players, cheerleaders, and members of the Marching Southerners get the children ready for Jax State football weekends. It’s a great tradition!

The three Pre-K classrooms are funded through the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education’s First Class Pre-K Program. Students are randomly selected in the spring for the following school year. Children who are not selected may elect to be placed on a waiting list. The state monitors Pre-K classrooms, and classrooms receive weekly visits from state coaches. Children are monitored using TS GOLD, an assessment strategy used to assess children’s development. This information provides Pre-K teachers with ideas for strategies to support their students and ensure they are prepared for kindergarten.

The CDC enables families to “go to school together,” encouraging classroom engagement and family participation. The proximity of the CDC for JSU students, staff, and faculty allows families to participate in family programs and be involved in their child’s school during the school day. Community members also enjoy visiting the school and working with their children due to its central location.

The CDC currently serves children in the following classrooms:

Infant -1 classroom
1’s - 1 classroom
2’s - 1 classroom
3’s - 1 classroom
Pre-k – 3 classrooms

Activities are planned according to the age and developmental level of each child in care and provide children with a variety of experiences. The daily activities include a flexible balance of indoor and outdoor activities, active and quiet play, and individual and group activities. The activities provided will expose the children to a variety of cultures and encourage the children to use and develop language and literacy skills, use large and small muscles, think creatively, learn new ideas and skills, and participate in imaginative play. Activities include:

  • Language development: e.g., Books, music, storytime, fingerplays, flannel board stories
  • Large muscle skills: e.g., Balls, hula hoops, bean bags, swinging, outdoor play
  • Small muscle skills: e.g., Arts/crafts, stringing beads, pegboards, blocks
  • Creative expression: e.g., Dramatic play, puppets, music/instruments, flannel board
  • Self-help skills: e.g., Assist with mealtime preparation, dress self for outdoors
  • Literacy skills: e.g., Books, storyboard, alphabet, and writing games

For more information and the application process please visit the CDC’s website.

GEM E-Mail

All JSU students are assigned a JSU email address when they are accepted for admission. Access to email is through an easy to use web-based interface. For more information, visit User, Security and System Support or call (256) 782-8324.

ID Card

JSU ID cards are made at the ID Office window located on the 4th floor of the Theron Montgomery Building (TMB). Hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The office is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Anyone wishing to acquire a JSU ID card must be a current JSU student, staff, and/or faculty member.

University Bookstore

The University Campus Bookstore is located on the second floor of the Theron Montgomery Building (TMB). Students may purchase or rent textbooks, including new and used books, as well as purchase school supplies, electronics, computers, and logoed clothing/gifts. Online textbook ordering is offered for the convenience of evening and distance learning students. The University Bookstore is able to accept Student Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Third Party (i.e., VA, Voc Rehab, Chapter 31) payments. Operated by Barnes & Noble College, the Campus Bookstore also offers a large selection of trade books, including fiction, nonfiction, manga, children's titles, local, and faculty authors.

Mail Center

The JSU mail center offers 24/7 parcel lockers for all mail and package pick up. When your mail and/or package is available for pick up, you will get an email from the JSU campus mail center on your GEM account. The email has an access bar code and information about which bank of lockers contain your package. When you arrive at the mail center, approach the locker and either scan the bar code or enter the access code from your email. When directed, sign the line in the box, hit enter, the locker door will open, grab your package and be sure to close the box door once retrieved. In order to have packages delivered to the mail center on-campus, students have been assigned a number on their GEM account. Make sure you check your email to update your information. The Mail Center is located on the 4th floor of the Theron Montgomery Building (TMB). Access to the parcel lockers is 24/7, and the mail center window is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Student Success Center

The mission of the Student Success is to provide an integrated network of support to facilitate the academic and personal success of students at JSU.  Located in the Houston Cole Library, the Student Success Center provides most programs and services through a central location. Related services such as academic and career advising are offered within the college of the student's major to ensure easy access. For more information about Student Success Center programs and services, see the website at http://www.jsu.edu/studentsuccess.  The Student Success Center consists of the following programs and services:

Academic & Career Advising

The Student Success Center provides academic and career advising to all students through a centralized advising initiative. Students are assigned a professional academic advisor for their major. Academic advisors provide students with guidance for their degree plan and serve as a conduit of support with campus resources as needed. In collaboration with academic advisors, career advisors engage with students to provide comprehensive career development. Each college has a designated career advisor to serve the college’s students, faculty, and staff. Students can schedule an appointment with their academic advisor or career advisor through JSU Navigate. Contact information for academic advisors, career advisors, and upcoming career events can be found on the Jax State Academic & Career Advising website at www.jsu.edu/advising.

Academic Standarding

Academic Support & Success, a department of the Student Success Center, assists students who have not maintained satisfactory academic progress each term by providing reinstatement assistance, learning development plans, and academic assessments.

Summer Bridge Program

Learning Services & Analytics, a department of the Student Success Center, provides a summer bridge program for select students which provides participants with an on-campus residential experience, student engagement activities, and credit bearing courses that facilitate transitional learning opportunities prior to the fall semester.

First & Second Year Experience

First & Second Year Experience Programs, a department of the Student Success Center, provides first and second year experience program - Gamecock Orientation, Freshman Forum, Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor Society, and Peer Mentoring.

Academic Technology Resources

The Student Success Center provides JSU Navigate and Cocky Bot, a proactive and reactive AI chatbot, to support student persistence and retention.

Disability Resources

Disability Resources, a department of the Student Success Center, provides qualified students with disabilities with reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, auxiliary aids and services, assistive technology and student support groups.

Placement Exams

Learning Services & Analytics, a department of the Student Success Center, administers and monitors the Math & English EdReady Placement Exams required for all first year students at Jax State.  

Student Athlete Academic Success

Academic & Career Advising, a department of the Student Success Center, provides academic advising and targeted academic support for student athletes.

Success Coaching

Academic Support & Success, a department of the Student Success Center, provides success coaching for identified student populations.  

Success Courses

Learning Services & Analytics, a department of the Student Success Center, provides a series of classes aimed at supporting student success.

Testing Services

Disability Resources, a department of the Student Success Center, provides testing services including exam proctoring, make-up exams, standardized tests, and certification exams. 

Tutoring and Academic Support

Academic Support & Success, a department of the Student Success Center, provides CRLA certified tutoring, UMKC accredited supplemental instruction, professional success coaching, academic skills workshops, and Alpha Sigma Lambda Adult Learner Honor Society.

English Department Writing Center

The Jacksonville State University Writing Center’s mission is to provide encouragement, support, and guidance to all members of the JSU community to actualize their fullest potential as writers. Located in Stone Center 230, the primary goal of the Writing Center is to assist in students’ development in effectively expressing individual ideas through both written and verbal communicative forms.  We do this on both the individual and group levels, through our writing consultations, writing workshops, and embedded English composition studio mentors. Additionally, the Digital Writing Lab (Stone Center 228) is an extension of the Writing Center where students can receive support and assistance with multimodal assignments that incorporate visual or audio components. In-person or virtual Writing Center and Digital Writing Lab appointments can be scheduled via Navigate. Drop-in visits are also welcomed. 

JSU Health Center

The JSU Health Center is a primary health care facility providing outpatient medical services, as well as promoting preventive health measures to currently enrolled students, staff, and faculty.

Prior to enrollment, new students are required to submit completed student health information to MedProctor.  Go to https://www.jsu.edu/studenthealth/, click on the tab for student health forms, the next page gives instructions on how to submit required health information.

Houston Cole Library

The twelve-story Houston Cole Library contains most of the university library collections. The collections, which consist of over 1.5 million bound volumes plus numerous periodicals, electronic books and full-text periodical databases, microforms and audio-visual materials, meet the curriculum and research needs of the university community. Materials are available on all reading and interest levels. The library is a depository for government publications and United States Geological Survey maps. Through cooperative inter-library arrangements, the library makes its holdings available and has access to the resources of libraries throughout Alabama, the nation, and the world. The library web page, which provides access to the catalog, periodical databases, and many other electronic resources, can be found at www.jsu.edu/library.

The library is arranged by subjects on individual floors and served by subject specialist librarians. Library faculty and staff on these floors provide reference service and instruction in how to use library materials and search bibliographic databases. Library books and reserve materials may be checked out in the lobby. All library services are available to online and distance education students as well.

A computer lab is located on the 10th floor, and each subject floor provides public access computers hard-wired to the internet. Laptop computers can be checked out from the 6th floor listening lab for in-house use on the library’s wireless networks. Group study rooms are available for check out on select floors.

Houston Cole Library is open 87 hours per week when classes are in session. The library offers extended hours during fall and spring semester final exams.

Athletics

Jacksonville State University is a NCAA Division I member of Conference USA after making the transition to its new conference home on July 1, 2023. The Gamecocks’ move to C-USA also elevated their football program from the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision to its highest level - the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Prior to joining C-USA, Jax State spent two seasons in the ASUN after 18 seasons in the Ohio Valley Conference, where the Gamecocks won Conference Championships in Football, Men’s Basketball, Volleyball, Rifle, Men’s Tennis, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Baseball, and Softball.

The University offers 18 varsity sports, which currently compete in Conference USA:

  • Men – Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Rifle, and Tennis 
  • Women – Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, and Indoor and Outdoor Track  

In addition to the numerous Conference Championships, Jax State also has claimed the OVC Women’s All-Sports Trophy and finished as high as third in the Men’s All-Sports standings. The All-Sports trophy is a symbol of overall athletic excellence in conference-sponsored championships.

Along with their success on the fields of competition, the Gamecocks have also excelled in the classroom. Jax State has claimed academic honors across all sports in all of their Division I conferences and consistently posts department-wide Grade Point Averages well over the general student average at Jax State. The athletic department has posted a cumulative GPA of over 3.0 for 27 consecutive terms.

In the last academic year, the Gamecocks were very successful on the field, with the football team becoming the first program in FBS history to win a bowl game in its first season and the Jax State Bowling team becoming the first program in NCAA history to win a national title in its first season of competition.

Along with Jax State’s successful traditions come impressive notables, such as being the only school in the history of NCAA Division I or Division II competition to have national championships in football, basketball, and baseball. Only six other NCAA schools have won a national championship in basketball and football (Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Florida, North Alabama, and Wittenberg).

Jax State also has the distinction of having the first-ever female to play and score a point in a NCAA Division I football game. Kicker Ashley Martin connected on all three of her extra-point attempts, with her first coming at the 8:31 mark of the first quarter in the Cumberland game on August 30, 2001. In 2016, Jax State became the first four-year college in Alabama to claim a Master’s Tournament Champion, when former Gamecock Danny Willett won golf’s most prestigious tournament. 

The International House Program

The International House program is a cultural exchange program that emphasizes cultural understanding. The International House Scholarship Committee selects international students for this program. These students must apply to the International House and be admissible to the university.

Each year, 40 undergraduate students are accepted as members of this unique undertaking. Approximately one-half of the members are foreign students, and the remaining students are American. Members of the International House Program must be enrolled as full-time students at the university. All members reside at the International House. Each foreign student has an American student for a roommate. There are no special fees charged for participation.

In addition to the academic pursuits, members take part in a series of forums, seminars, and social events designed to provide opportunities for information, understanding, and appreciation of the cultures represented. Students also appear before many school, church, community, and civic organizations to share the details of their cultures, as well as impressions of Alabama and the United States.

The program places special emphasis on:

  • Knowledge of cultures of the world
  • Understanding and appreciation of different cultural values and systems
  • Providing opportunities for dialogue and discussion among the house students concerning topics related to the countries represented

Persons interested in applying to become a house student are encouraged to see if they are eligible for the program, https://www.jsu.edu/ihop/international-students/eligibility.html. If they are eligible, students can apply at this link:

International Applicants: https://www.jsu.edu/ihop/international-students/applications.html
American Applicants: https://www.jsu.edu/ihop/american-students/applications.html

International Programs

International Student and Scholar Services

The office of International Programs provides support to international students. Services are provided to international students who attend or plan to attend the university. These services include:

  • assistance in making the adjustment to life in the United States
  • orientation to the university and the JSU community
  • proper maintenance and renewal of student immigration status

Study Abroad

This office provides support to JSU students who want to study abroad and faculty seeking research or exchange programs. Students interested in studying abroad are given information on opportunities and assistance in their study plans. Our office offers assistance to university faculty interested in participating in exchange programs. Visiting faculty from universities abroad are provided with support while at JSU.

University Partners and Agency Partners

University partnerships and agent partnerships are managed through the office of International Programs.

Our office supports international activities at the university which may include the oversight of international content in the curriculum, cultural activities, international student organizations, and other student activities with international relevance.

Persons wishing additional information about the office of International Programs are encouraged to visit our website, https://www.jsu.edu/international/ or visit the office on the second floor of the International House.

South Complex

The ​South Complex, located less than 2.5 miles from the main campus, consists of the former Regional Medical Center Jacksonville Hospital, a 87,304 square foot facility gifted to the University, and the former Brookstone Center. The South Complex, currently occupied by the College of Health Professions and Wellness, houses the Respiratory Therapy, Athletic Training, and Nursing programs, which use this space for simulation labs, faculty office space, and classrooms. The University's RMC/JSU Health Center is located in the west wing of the former hospital.

Longleaf Building

The Longleaf Building, located near campus, is utilized for classes for the Department of Theatre and Film. The facility consists of two soundstages: Stage A is a 6000 square foot space which includes a 20' tall greenscreen and mulit-use interior settings; Stage B is a smaller lab space for classwork. The building also houses three fully equipped classrooms dedicated to editing, sound, and other technical areas of film.

JSU McClellan Center

The JSU McClellan facility, located in Anniston, Alabama and about 7 miles from campus, houses the offices for Continuing Education and Outreach, the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, and the Department of Emergency Management and Public Administration. One to two forensic investigation courses are taught in this location each semester. 

Off-Campus Facilities

The Little River Canyon Center

The Little River Canyon Center,  a JSU building located in Fort Payne, Alabama, adjoins the Little River Canyon National Preserve. The facility hosts more than one hundred outdoor recreation and environmental education programs to the public each year. Built with the environment in mind, the Little River Canyon Center is the largest geothermal heated and cooled facility in Alabama. Featuring a wide variety of eco-friendly building materials and construction techniques, the Little River Canyon Center is registered as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building. The center is equipped with an amphitheater, auditorium, classrooms, gift shop, library, and more, and is surrounded by beautiful walking trails.

Mountain Center

The Cleburne County Mountain Center in Heflin, Alabama, is one of Jacksonville State University's Field Schools visitor and education centers.   Resulting from a partnership between Jacksonville State University, the Cleburne County Commission, and the Talladega National Forest, the Mountain Center houses JSU Field School activities and acts as a visitor center to "the highest concentration of nationally protected natural areas" in the country. Also, a large portion of the center is the "Cleburne County Public Safety & Administration Center." The Cleburne County portion of the building provides services such as finance, human resources, compliance, emergency management, and emergency 911 services.