Student Affairs Update April 3

04/03/2018

Students,

It is still hard to fathom what took place at JSU and in Jacksonville over two weeks ago. The damage is severe but our will to recover is strong. As I stated in earlier messages, there is a small army of JSU personnel working around the clock to bring you back to campus and ensure your needs are met. I also mentioned previously that recovery from a traumatic event elicits peaks and valleys for all of us. We may believe we have everything under control one day and then the next day discover a hornet’s nest hidden behind the door. I say this because, once you return, there may be things you encounter that are not perfect. You may have experienced this already. Please know we are doing our best to respond to you individually, and we are finding out that a "one size fits all" approach does not necessarily work when recovering from disaster.  

Below are the updates I can provide today:

Housing

Students who reside in on-campus housing will return April 5. Please note we are still taking applications for housing from off-campus residents displaced by the storm. If interested, fill out the application on the JSU Strong website at www.jsu.edu/jsustrong. 

Academics

I am still receiving many questions about the academic options outlined for students in a message last week (available on the JSU Strong website). The options still apply; however, you need to discuss them with your professors before making a decision. Together, the student in consultation with the professor can make the best decision. If you encounter issues, contact your Dean and/or the Provost. Remember, you have until April 12 to make a determination. Following these discussions, it is imperative you talk about your choices with Financial Aid at 256-782-5006 or finaid@jsu.edu. 

One Stop Shop

Given the demand and needs faced by JSU students, the One Stop Shop will be open for business on April 5, 6 and 7 at the TMB Auditorium to assist you with lingering questions about this semester and help you prepare for Summer and Fall 2018. If you have the capability, prepare a trial Summer and Fall 2018 schedule to discuss with your advisor. 

April 5

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Juniors, Seniors and Graduate Students)
1-3 p.m. (Freshmen and Sophomores)

April 6

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Juniors, Seniors and Graduate Students)
1-4 p.m. (Freshmen and Sophomores)

April 7

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Juniors, Seniors and Graduate Students)
1-4 p.m. (Freshmen and Sophomores)

The following Schools and Departments have confirmed their participation in the One Stop Shop:

  • School of Business & Industry
  • School of Human Services & Social Sciences
  • School of Health Professions & Wellness
  • School of Science
  • School of Education
  • School of Arts & Humanities
  • Graduate Studies
  • Academic Enhancement and Tutoring Services
  • Registrar
  • International House & Programs
  • Learning Services
  • Student Accounts
  • Financial Aid
  • Housing & Residence Life
  • JSU Bookstore
  • ID Office
  • Athletics
  • Veteran Services
  • Counseling Services
  • Disability Support Services
  • University Police Department
  • Commencement

Furthermore, recovery services from the Red Cross, Interfaith Ministries, the United Way and legal representation will be available for students while the One Stop Shop is in operation.  

Additional Resources for Students

The community of Jacksonville is committed to JSU students, and several benefactors have stepped forth to offer assistance. Eagle Point Church (located behind Wal-Mart) has an internet cafe available for students from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. this week. If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, feel free to stop by Eagle Point Church. The Hampton Inn in Jacksonville has clothing available for students. If you are in need of clothes, stop by Hampton Inn. Billy Graham Ministries will have a disaster recovery mobile unit on campus beginning Wednesday, April 4, through Saturday, April 7. They will be located in the RV lot next to Meehan Hall.  There are many others in the community offering assistance to students that I see on social media and in the news. Check your social media outlets for more details.

Parting Comments

Tomorrow, I hope to report on a couple of other items related to the One Stop Shop. I want to make sure all the details are in order prior to making any announcements. In the meantime, take a deep breath and repeat - several times. We will get through this and, as my grandmother told me many years ago after I complained about not getting the game Mouse Trap for my birthday, "There are kids who have more than you but there are more kids who have a lot less than you. Don't forget them." Stay JSU Strong.

#jsustrong, #gamecockstrong

Timothy B. King, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Jacksonville State University
256.782.5020
tbking@jsu.edu