ALUMNI LIAISON RECRUITMENT NETWORK MANUAL...The alumni liaison recruiter will be contacted by the Office of Admissions and Recruiting or by the Office of Alumni Affairs to assist with

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS

& RECRUITING

ALUMNI LIAISON

RECRUITMENT NETWORK

MANUAL

Greetings:

On behalf of the faculty, staff and students of Alcorn State University, welcome and congratulations

on becoming a member of the Alcorn State University Alumni Liaison Recruiter Network (ALRN).

As a member of the Alcorn State University Alumni Liaison Recruitment Network (ALRN), you

play a significant role in growing the university now and well into the future. Your involvement

and support is critical to our success as a premier land-grant HBCU.

As you may know, recruitment is the primary contact to prospective students and their families.

As a recruiter, you are the face for the University. Therefore, it is your responsibility to set the tone

for incoming students and to work with all those who want to help grow enrollment at Alcorn State

University.

Alcorn State University recognizes that one of its greatest assets is the alumni. Nationally, colleges

and universities have recognized that alumni volunteers are an important part of recruitment

strategies. It is essential to consistently involve positive, informed, and helpful alumni in the

recruitment of undergraduate and graduate students. This manual describes the role of the volunteer

alumni liaison recruiters, provides a brief journey through the admission process, as well as gives

important information on admissions and facts about Alcorn.

The primary purpose of the ALRN is to increase the number and knowledge of designated alumni

recruiters across the nation to help Alcorn grow enrollment. As a first line of contact with

prospective students, we recognize the value of the one-to-one relationships alumni provide that

encourages students to apply, accept the offer of admission and successfully enroll at Alcorn.

To be a successful alumni liaison recruiter you need to be well informed. This training manual will

help you serve prospective students and their families well so that they can make well-informed

choices and decisions. Training materials and resources for your work will include this manual,

view books, brochures, general awareness fact sheets, other university publications and other

promotional materials.

It is our goal to maintain an active, effective and productive ALUMNI LIAISON RECRUITMENT

NETWORK. It is indeed a great time to be an Alcorn State University Brave! We certainly are

proud of the Alcorn Braves Men's Tennis team for winning the 2014 SWAC Tennis Championship.

Let's also salute the Alcorn Braves Football team for winning the 2014 SWAC Football

Championship game and being crowned the Black College National Champions.

Thank you for your services to your alma mater. We greatly appreciate your time, energy and

assistance. Remember, there is no A-S- without U!

Respectfully,

Alfred Rankin, Jr.

19th President

Office of the President | 1000 ASU Drive #359 |Alcorn State, MS 39096-7500

Phone: 601.877.6111 | Fax: 601.877.2975 |www.alcorn.edu

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ALRN MISSION & PURPOSE

The Alcorn Alumni Liaison Recruiter Network is organized to assist the university in

communicating the value of an Alcorn education to prospective students. This program will be a

cooperative effort of the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association, Inc., The Office

of Alumni Affairs, and the Office of Admissions and Recruiting. ALRN has organized alumni

student recruitment volunteers to assist in recruiting prospective students in their local

communities. They will be asked to represent Alcorn State University in a variety of roles, which

can include attending various high school college nights, college fairs, hosting prospective

students in their homes, and other events. Moreover, they will be trained to become

knowledgeable representatives, answer the most frequent questions and become a friendly

reference point for prospective students and their families. ALRN will be guided by the Office of

Admissions and Recruiting in cooperation with the Office of Alumni Affairs.

The purpose of the Alcorn Alumni Liaison Recruiter is as follows:

To increase awareness and knowledge of Alcorn State University to prospective students

To develop a personal relationship between prospective students, alumni clubs, and

recruiters

To serve as a liaison to the Office of Admission and Recruiting at the University about

the status of prospective students

To provide prospective students opportunities to meet with current Alcorn students and

graduates from their area through scheduled activities by alumni chapter or recruiter

ALUMNI LIAISON RECRUITING DO’S & DON’TS

Do smile, show enthusiasm, and be positive

Do dress professionally

Do ask students about themselves (intended major, high school, GPA, SAT scores, family

college history, friends/associates at Alcorn). Personal attention compliments our written

material and lets students know that you are interested in their college plans.

Do introduce yourself and be congenial with high school counselors and other college

representatives.

Don’t speak negatively about Alcorn

Don’t speak negatively about any other school or college

Don’t answer when uncertain or do not know

Don’t make promises of any type (pertaining to admissions, scholarships, housing, etc.)

Don’t discuss controversial issues or rumors

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GETTING STARTED

In preparation for the recruiting experience, Alumni Liaison Recruiters will receive regular

updates on admission statistics, financial aid, fun facts, and general University information that

will be given to all alumni chapter designated Alumni Liaison Recruiters. Representatives of the

offices of Admission and Alumni Affairs will work together to promote training to the alumni

recruiters. Training materials and additional information will be given upon request at each

annual meeting with Alumni Liaison Recruiters. The exact time, date, and location of the session

will be determined by the representatives, who will contact all members of the Alcorn Alumni

Liaison Recruitment Network in advance.

For additional materials, please contact the Office of Admissions and Recruiting at

[email protected]. The Office of Admissions is open from 8:00AM to 5:00PM CST,

Monday through Thursday and Friday 8:00AM to 4:00PM CST.

Office of Admissions and Recruiting Contact Information:

Alcorn State University

Office of Admissions and Recruiting

1000 ASU Drive # 300

Lorman, Mississippi 39096-7500

PHONE: (601) 877-6148 or 1-800-222-6790 Mississippi Residents Only

FAX: (601) 877-6347

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.alcorn.edu/admissions

Office of Alumni Affairs Contact Information:

Alcorn State University

Office of Alumni Affairs

1000 ASU Drive # 809

Lorman, Mississippi 39096-7500

PHONE: (601) 877-6323

FAX: (601) 877- 6345


WEBSITE: www.alcorn.edu/alumni

ALUMNI RECRUITING TIMELINE & KIT CHECKLIST

The alumni liaison recruiter will be contacted by the Office of Admissions and Recruiting or by

the Office of Alumni Affairs to assist with recruitment initiatives in the alumni liaison recruiters’

area (i.e., college fairs, high school visits, church programs, and other community outreach

programs).

The alumni recruitment kit will be mailed out two weeks prior to the event. This package will

include recruitment materials such as brochures, fact sheets, disposable banner, and giveaway

items.

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.alcorn.edu/admissions


http://www.alcorn.edu/alumni

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Alumni Liaison Recruiter Kit Materials:

ALRN Manual

Prospect Contact Cards

Applications and pens

View Books

Brochures

Promotional Giveaways

o Pencils

o Pens

o Cups

o Pennants

o T-Shirts (optional)

o Other

Alcorn Table Cloth

2 Pop-Up Banners

Alcorn Tent (optional)

Other Supplies That May Be Helpful Rubber bands

Masking Tape

Mini Stapler

3x5 Index Cards

Highlighter

Notebook paper

Paper Clips

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AUGUST

Host your annual Freshman Send-Off Reception (refer to Freshman Send-Off Reception

on page 11).

Make sure that you have all of the materials needed from the Office of Admissions and

Recruiting for the upcoming academic school year.

In coordination with the Office of Admissions and Recruiting, make arrangements to visit

high schools in your area with the principals or counselors at those particular schools.

Plan to Adopt-A-High School (refer to page 8).

Make sure that the current senior student contacts that you have from the summer have an

application.

Encourage senior student contacts to complete scholarship applications (TMCF, Fastweb,

etc.). Also encourage them to submit the Alcorn State application for Admission

SEPTEMBER

Begin to visit schools in your high school area and communicate with students through

outings, phone calls, letters, cards, or emails.

Attend college fairs upon request by the Office of Admissions and Recruiting.

Enter data from contact cards into your personal files or database. These cards will be

provided by the Office of Admissions and Recruiting.

Send contact cards to the Office of Admissions and Recruiting.


etc.). Also encourage them to submit the Alcorn State Application for Admission.

If you are able to arrange a visit to the campus in September, consider doing it on High

School Day during the month of September.

OCTOBER

Continue to visit schools in your high school area and communicate with students

through outings, phone calls, letters, cards, or emails.

Attend college fairs upon the request by the Office of Admissions and Recruiting.

Restock materials that you need from Office of Admissions and Recruiting.

Enter data from contact cards into your personal files or database. These will be coded by

city to assist in building the recruitment statistical database.


Encourage senior student contacts to begin filling out and mailing their scholarship

applications from various organizations (TMCF, Fastweb, etc.).

Encourage students to schedule a visit to Alcorn or schedule a group visit. The students

should also be encouraged to fill out and mail the Alcorn State Application for

Admission.

Homecoming is this month! Check the Alcorn State University website for more

information at www.alcorn.edu/homecoming.

NOVEMBER

Continue to visit high schools in your area and communicate with students through

outings, phone calls, letters, cards, or emails.

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Attend college fairs upon request by Office of Admissions and Recruiting.

Restock materials that you need from the Office of Admissions and Recruiting.

Enter data from contact cards into your personal files or database.



etc.). Also encourage them to submit the Alcorn State Application for Admission.

Encourage students to schedule a visit to Alcorn or schedule a group visit.

DECEMBER

Continue to meet with your chapter or individually develop ideas for marketing Alcorn to

prospective students.

Restock materials that you need from the Office of Admissions and Recruiting.

Encourage senior student contacts to begin filling out scholarship applications from

various organizations (TMCF, Fastweb, etc.). The student should also be encouraged to

fill out and mail the Alcorn State Application for Admission.

Encourage parents of applicants to Alcorn to file their taxes early in the next year

Plan a holiday or pre-holiday get-together for prospective students, current Alcorn

students from your area, alumni, and their families.

JANUARY

Make sure the senior student contacts in your area have begun to fill out their FAFSA

(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms beginning on January 1 of each year.

The forms can be found online (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Note that it takes a few days to

process online applications, but if the student must fill out a paper form, he or she can

contact their school counselor or local library.




The Office of Admissions and Recruiting reviews listing of students applying to/accepted

by Alcorn in order to identify the prospective students alumni recruiters need to contact

for follow-up.

Encourage parents of Alcorn applicants to file their taxes early.

FEBRUARY

Continue to encourage parents of Alcorn applicant to file their taxes early.

Continue to encourage student contacts to fill out the FAFSA form.

Continue to communicate with current students contacts.

Make sure that seniors in your area have filled out the FAFSA (Free Application for

Federal Student Aid) form by the priority deadline, February 15 of each year.





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The Office of Admissions and Recruiting continues to review listing of students applying

to/accepted by Alcorn in order to identify the prospective student’s alumni recruiters need

to contact for follow-up.

MARCH

Make sure that students have completed their application for Alcorn by April 1. Continue

to encourage parents of Alcorn applicant to file their taxes.

Begin to plan a graduation party, gathering, event, trip, or gift for the upcoming Alcorn

graduates in your area.

Follow up with accepted and admitted students in your area given to you by the Office of

Admissions and Recruiting or Alumni Affairs.

Encourage senior students to begin to filling out scholarship applications from various

organizations (TMCF, Fastweb, etc.).

Encourage students to schedule a visit to Alcorn or schedule a group visit, but be mindful

of the University’s Spring Break. Check website for details at www.alcorn.edu.


to/accepted by Alcorn in order to identify the prospective students alumni recruiters need


APRIL

BravesFest is this month! Check the university website for more information.

Continue planning the activity for the graduating seniors in your area.

Continue to follow up with accepted and admitted students in your area given to you by

the Office of Admissions and Recruiting or Alumni Affairs.

Encourage senior student contacts to continue filling out scholarship applications from

various organizations (TMCF, Fastweb, etc.).





MAY

Alumni Reunion Weekend is this month, the weekend of graduation! Check the

university and alumni association websites for more information.

Ask high school counselors to help you identify prospective students who are rising

seniors for the following academic year in the surrounding high schools in your area

(refer to Adopt-A-High School on page 8). Give them your business card (provided by

the Office of Admissions and Recruiting) and have them fill out a recruitment contact

card.

Mail the original card to the Office of Admissions and Recruiting and make a copy or

enter their information into a database for yourself.

Plan summer activities for the new prospective students in your area.



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The Office of Admissions and Recruiting continues reviewing listing of students

applying to/accepted by Alcorn in order to identify the prospective students alumni

recruiters need to contact for follow-up.

JUNE

Send a personalized letter from chapter/liaison recruiter of invitation to the rising high

school seniors in your area, and implement some of the summer activities.

Send thank you cards to the participants.

Begin to encourage junior and senior students in your designated high schools to apply

for scholarships.






JULY

Continue to implement summer activities for students (i.e. Picnic for admits and their

families, along with alumni and current students from the area. Please include any

interested student from the area who will be high school seniors, if possible. This will

allow a head start for next year).


various organizations (TMCF, Fastweb, etc.). The Office of Admissions and Recruiting

continues to review listing of students applying to/accepted by Alcorn in order to identify

the prospective students alumni recruiters need to contact for follow-up.

(REPEAT PROCESS)

ALUMNI RECRUITING ACTIVITIES

Adopt-A-High School

As a resident of your neighborhood or community: you genuinely have the opportunity to inform

local students at high schools about Alcorn State University. You may be asked, if available, to

deliver admission literature or join an admission counselors for a high school visit. Also, you

may keep contact with the high school counselors in your surrounding area.

To get started:

Identify the high school(s) in your area that you would like to work with and inform a

high school counselor of your interest. Ask them if it would be permissible to add them to

your Adopt-A-School list.

Contact your assigned high school counselor periodically to determine their needs,

additional admissions literature, a personal visit from an admission counselor, etc.

Allow extra time to find the school, park the car, and locate the office. It will always take

you longer when you are visiting a new school than you think.

If you are delayed, do not panic. Call the school and inform them that you are arriving

late.

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As you meet or hear about particular students, refer them to the Office of Admission at 1-800-

222-6790, or give them the desired information that they need.

High School Visit Checklist:

Directions to the high school

Contact information

Visit confirmation email, letter and/or flier

College Fairs

Throughout the year, we receive letters of invitation to many college fairs around the world. As

an Alumni Recruiter, you may be asked to attend certain college fairs that the Admission

Counselor cannot attend. Going to college fairs will give you a chance to meet prospective

students in person. Alcorn State University will inform you of college fairs in your area;

however, if you identify an additional admissions opportunity, please feel free to attend on behalf

of the University, or contact the office admission.

Alumni Recruiters may attend college fairs with the counselors if their schedule permits. The

admissions counselor will provide all admission literature and your volunteer nametag.

Before the fair:

Review your handbook and admissions material so that you are familiar with

important dates and basic Alcorn facts.

Review the fair information to determine the correct time and location.

Arrive twenty minutes before the fair begins so that you will have time to set up your

table and get comfortable.

Dress professionally. Remember, you are an ambassador of the university.

During the fair:

When setting up your table, make sure that you have a table skirt if not provided by

the specific fair staff. A skirt may be purchased on your own or given to you by the

admissions office. Also, make sure that you have appropriate material display,

including brochures and contact cards.

Be pleasant and engage each student who visits your table. Keep in mind that many

students find the experience intimidating.

Ask students if they are familiar with Alcorn State University or if they have any

specific questions.

Encourage the student to take admissions literature and visit the campus.

Stand behind the assigned table. This is a common practice in the admission field. If

impelled, you may stand in front of the table and usher people to learn about Alcorn.

Be positive and have fun. Remember, do not disparage other schools.

General Greetings:

Good (Morning, Afternoon, Evening) I am _________________, and on behalf of more

than 700 faculty and staff members, including extension workers in fourteen southwest

Mississippi counties, 3500 highly selected and motivated students, 30,000 alumni

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scattered throughout the world, and our distinguished president ___________________, I

bring you greetings from Alcorn State University!

After the fair:

Convey your opinion of the fair and the students you met to the Office of Recruitment

and Admission or admission counselor.

If you felt any of the students you met were strong candidates, you should follow-up

with them via email, phone, or personal letter.

Fill out a Recruiter’s Report given in the material packet.

Calling and Follow-Ups

Personal phone calls or emails to students are a simple, yet valuable method of recruiting

students. For some students, a call or email from local alum is their first personal contact with

the university. You have the ability to communicate that Alcorn State University is a friendly,

involved community that is seriously interested in them and their education.

Making the call:

Identify yourself first.

Always ask for the student first, but if he/she is not home, take the opportunity to

ask the parents if they have any questions for you about Alcorn.

In order to make the student or the student’s parents feel comfortable, begin by

introducing yourself and explaining your reason for calling.

Example:

“Hello, my name is , and I am a graduate of Alcorn State University. I live in _______

and wanted to personally congratulate you on your _______

(interest/acceptance/admittance) in Alcorn State University. I would like to see if you

have any questions that I could answer for you about the University.”

Talking Points:

Tell the student your graduation year/major/degree/current occupation, if

permitted.

Ask the student if they have decided on a major.

Ask if they need any more information about Alcorn or about particular programs.

Ask if they have visited the campus, attended any of the university events, or

toured the campus. If so, ask them how it went. If not, provide the student with

the tour coordinator’s contact number (1-800-466-2526).

A contact sheet will be provided in your material packet. When you have finished making your

calls, please email or fax completed contact sheet to [email protected] or fax at (601) 877-

6148.

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Freshman Send-Off Receptions

You have the opportunity to host a reception for incoming freshman from your community or

from a particular high school. These receptions may be held in your home, office, or local venue.

The Vicksburg, Atlanta, Detroit, Coahoma County, and other Alumni Chapters currently hold

this type of event. In addition to the freshman, we encourage you to invite current Alcornites as

well as other alum to make the experience more memorable. While costs are minimal, the

benefits for students, families, and alumni are immeasurable!

Each send-off will be unique. The host or group of hosting volunteers will decide on the

date, venue, and structure for the reception. This can range from an extremely informal

event, a pick-up baseball game or picnic, to a more formal dinner, a dessert reception, etc.

Remember, you do not have to spend a lot of money to host a successful and enjoyable

send-off.

Send invitations to the appropriate students and their families, alumni in the area, current

students, recent graduates, and/or the university faculty or staff (if available). Request a

list of alumni, current students, and recent graduates from the Office of Alumni Affairs.

Interviewing

At some point in time, you may have the opportunity to informally interview a prospective

student. The interview should be done at college fairs, during school visits, or other events

involving rising seniors and should consist of the following questions: (Encourage students to

include this information in their essay.)

What clubs and organizations are you currently involved with in high school?

Do you volunteer in your community?

What are some subjects you have trouble with (if any) while in high school?

What subjects do you excel in?

What are some of your leadership qualities?

After giving an interview, please fax or email the form (name form) supplied in your

materials packet to [email protected] or (601) 877-6148

Networking With Local College Prep Organizations

College Prep Organizations encourage and prepare high school students to apply and attend

colleges and universities. These types of organizations are in every city and very valuable to the

admission process. When networking with local or national organizations, let them know that

Alcorn State University would love to have their students. It is important that you develop a

respectful rapport with the director or volunteers.

Below is an example of what to ask or say when calling local organizations to offer Alcorn State

University’s services:

“Hello, my name is ________, and I am a graduate of Alcorn State University and serve as a

certified alumni liaison recruiter for the university. I live in _____ and am interested in

networking with you in regard to your students attending Alcorn State University.”

Ask if there are any events that you can attend to tell the students about Alcorn State

University.

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Give them materials to educate them about the university.

Replenish materials as needed.

Follow-up with them periodically to see if they need you to do anything or to help out

with anything, etc.

After given the opportunity to work with your local College Prep Organizations, please fill out

the form supplied in your materials packet and email or fax it to [email protected] or (601)

877-6148.

Courting Students

Most admission counselors “court” students, or get to know prospective students better by

establishing rapport. This helps the student feel more hospitable and comfortable with asking

questions about the university and keeping in contact. Courting a student and parents can consist

of basic phone calls/follow-ups, cookouts, bowling, skating, dinner, or movies.

Letter Writing

Students typically receive a great deal of standard mail from colleges and universities during the

admissions process. However, very few schools send personal letters to their applicants. This is

why your brief note can be very effective and important.

Getting Started:

You will receive a list of students with personal profiles, including addresses and high

school names. Your letters can be hand written or typed on a personal stationary or

business letterhead, but should communicate professionalism.

What to include:

The students you will be writing to have been accepted by the university and are

outstanding candidates. While your writing style will be unique, please be sure to

communicate these three points to each student.

o Congratulate them on acceptance

o Encourage a visit to the campus

o Contact you or the university with questions

A contact sheet will be included in your packet. When you have finished writing your letters,

please email or fax your contact sheet to [email protected] or (601) 877-6148.

On- Campus Admission Programs

On- campus admission programs are a key part of the recruiting process because they allow

prospective students to get a firsthand look at Alcorn State University’s facilities and programs.

Like college fairs, volunteers staff information tables, speak with students and their families, and

host events. For more information on any of these scheduled events, please email

[email protected]. Alumni or Alumni Chapters may want to sponsor a campus visit

during one of the following events:

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Fall High School Day usually in September is designed to familiarize high school students with

Alcorn State University’s academic and co-curricular offerings. This open house-style event will

allow current high school undergraduates, local students and their families an opportunity to

learn about this historic institution, its academic offerings, financial aid/scholarships, and campus

life. Please plan to attend this event, for it will provide a glimpse of the current ALCORN

EXPERIENCE!!

Homecoming is usually held one weekend in October. This fun-filled day is for all high school

students and their families who have an interest in Alcorn or want to know more information

about our campus life.

Honors Convocation is held in October and March each year. This day is planned to recognize

students who have achieved high academic success with a 3.0 GPA and higher in honor of our

scholars.

BravesFest is held in April each year. This weeklong event is a marquee spring end-of-year

celebration for current students and culminates with a star-studded concert.

Summer Orientation is held in July. Students who have been accepted to Alcorn State

University will have the opportunity to register and apply financial aid during the event. A

campus tour is also given by some of our outstanding current student leaders.

PROFILE OF ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

University Mission Statement Alcorn State University, a Historically Black College and University, is a comprehensive land-

grant institution that celebrates a rich heritage with a diverse student and faculty population. The

University emphasizes intellectual development and lifelong learning through the integration of

diverse pedagogies, applied and basic research, cultural and professional programs, public

service and outreach, while providing access to globally competitive academic and research

programs. Alcorn strives to prepare graduates to be well-rounded future leaders of high character

and to be successful in the global marketplace of the 21st century.

University Vision Statement Alcorn State University will become a premier comprehensive land-grant university. It will

develop diverse students into globally-competitive leaders and apply scientific research, through

collaborative partnerships, which benefit the surrounding communities, states, nation, and world.

A historically black land-grant university with a proud heritage, ASU cherishes its past while

pursuing educational, economic, and ethnic diversity that will enhance its tomorrow. Thus, ASU

continues to utilize its resources to build for tomorrow through programs and facilities, while

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honoring its longstanding commitment to provide educational and economic opportunities to the

disadvantaged.

ASU assumes primary responsibility for meeting the diverse higher education needs of the

southwestern region of Mississippi and the bordering parishes in northeastern Louisiana.

Beyond its primary service region, the university also serves students from throughout

Mississippi, other states, and countries. Thus, the university fulfills its academic mission

through degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The University continues to

develop and expand undergraduate and graduate programs in specific areas of need, particularly

for non-traditional students at its off-campus sites. In addition, the University is building its

capacity to offer distance learning (online) as an educational delivery system.

Through its outreach concept, ASU proactively provides outreach programs and services that are

geared toward assisting and meeting the educational, economic, recreational, and cultural needs

of the immediate community, the region, and the state. Thus, as an example, the university

continues to provide a variety of professional development opportunities for elementary and

secondary school students and teachers designed to improve performance on standardized

examinations in reading, mathematics, science.

A key component of the University’s land-grant function is its commitment to sustain family

farmers. Thus, the university will continue to serve families with limited resources and help

small family farmers improve their standard of living through agricultural research and extension

programs.

In addition to its ongoing research activities in biotechnology, food production, ecology,

farming, and alternative crops, ASU is constantly looking for ways to broaden its research

enterprises. Thus, the university continues to move toward advanced technologies, efficient and

effective agricultural processes, health, wellness and nutrition.

Location and History

Alcorn State University has the distinction of being the oldest historically black, state supported,

land-grant, institution of higher education in the United States. It is situated on over 1,700 acres

of land in southwest Mississippi, located equidistance between Natchez and Vicksburg.

Established in May 1871, Alcorn had its beginning in 1830 as Oakland College, a white male

Presbyterian school. The school closed its doors at the beginning of the Civil War so that its

students might answer the call to arms. Upon failing to reopen after the Civil War, the college

was sold to the state of Mississippi in 1871 for the education of her “Negro” citizens. The

college was renamed Alcorn University in honor of James L. Alcorn, who was Governor of the

state. Hiram Revels, the first Black elected to the United States Senate in 1870, resigned his seat

and became Alcorn’s first president.

Built on a gentle slope, the campus is carefully landscaped, carpeted with green grass and

surrounded by attractive shrubbery. Towering trees, many more than one hundred years old

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festooned with Spanish moss, shading the grounds enhancing the picturesque setting in which

quiet study and worthy companionship’s are fostered.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

UNDERGRADUATE REQUIREMENTS

There are five (5) ways to gain Freshman Undergraduate admission to Alcorn State University:

1. Complete the College Prep Curriculum as listed below with a minimum 3.2 GPA.

2. Complete the College Prep Curriculum with a minimum 2.5 GPA and score at least 16 or

higher on the ACT (at least 790 on the SAT) or rank in the upper 50% of your class and

score at least 16 or higher on the ACT (at least a 790 on the SAT).

3. Complete the College Prep Curriculum with a minimum 2.0 GPA and score 18 or higher

on the ACT (at least 870 on the SAT).

4. Satisfy the NCAA standards for student-athletes who are "full qualifiers" under Division

I guidelines.

5. The Summer Developmental Program is a nine-week summer enrichment program

designed to enhance the academic skills of students who do not meet all minimum criteria

for admission into one of Mississippi’s eight public universities. Qualified students will

take course work in English, mathematics and reading. Additionally, financial assistance

is available for the Summer Developmental Program.

Mississippi residents who do not meet regular admission standards have an opportunity to

be admitted by participating in the Summer Developmental Program. The program is

nine weeks in length and requires course work in reading, composition, and mathematics.

In addition to classroom instruction, computer-assisted tutorials and academic counseling

will be integral parts of the experience. As part of the interview process for the summer

program, prospective students will be required to take a placement examination known as

ACCUPLACER. This is a computerized test administered by appointment only at no

cost to the student. Those students who successfully complete the program will receive

admission to the fall term.

STUDENTS 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER

A student 21 years of age or over who does not meet or satisfy admission requirements set forth

in paragraph B or C above may apply for admission as a non-degree seeking student. Admission

may be granted for such programs or courses as he or she may be prepared to enter. Degree-

seeking student status may be achieved by meeting admission standards as set forth in paragraph

B or C above or by completing a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours with a "C" average or

higher.

APPLICANTS UNDER AGE 21 WITHOUT A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

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Applicants under age 21 who have not graduated from a regionally accredited high school must

submit qualifying scores on the General Education Development Test (GED) or be home-

schooled. Submission of scores on the ACT or SAT is strongly encouraged. Home-schooled

students must present portfolios which summarize their educational experiences and other

applicants must submit transcripts reflecting academic performance in courses taken. Moreover,

all applicants must appear for an on-campus interview.

APPLICANTS WITHOUT A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

Applicants who have not graduated from a regionally accredited high school and were not home-

schooled must submit qualifying scores on the General Education Development Test (GED) and

any transcripts reflecting academic performance in high school. Home-schooled students must

present portfolios summarizing his or her home-school education. Submission of scores on the

ACT or SAT is strongly encouraged. Applicants may be required, at the discretion of the

admitting IHL institution, to appear for an on-campus interview.

COLLEGE PREP CURRICULUM

English: (4 Carnegie Units) Courses must require substantial communication

skills (i.e. reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

Mathematics: (3 Carnegie Units) Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. A fourth

course in higher level mathematics is highly recommended.

Science: (3 Carnegie-Units) Biology, Advanced Biology, Chemistry, Advanced

Chemistry, Physics, and advanced Physics or any other science source with comparable

rigor and content. One Carnegie Unit from a physical science course with content at an

introductory level may be used. Two of the courses chosen must be laboratory-based.

Social Studies: (3 Carnegie Units) United States History (1 unit), World History

(1 unit with substantial geography component), government (1/2 unit), and economics

(1/2 unit), or geography (1/2 unit).

Advanced Electives: (2 Carnegie Units) Foreign Language, World Geography,

4th year laboratory-based science, or 4th year mathematics. One unit must be in Foreign

Language or World Geography.

Computer Applications: (1/2 Carnegie Unit) The course should include use of

application packages, such as word processing and spreadsheets. The course should also

include basic computer terminology and hardware operation.

Eighth Grade Units: Algebra I or first-year foreign language taken in the eighth

grade will be accepted for admission provided course content is same as the high school

course.

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You must have the following items on file in the Office of Admissions in order for your

application to be processed:

1. Application for Admissions (signed)

2. ACT/SAT Scores (Freshmen only)

3. Appropriate final Transcripts (High School or College)

4. Immunization Records (MMR)

5. Photocopy of Social Security Card

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Those students who wish to enter by transferring from another institution must have already

completed 30 semester hours of college credit with a minimum GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale. Of

the 30 hours, 6 must be in English Composition, 3 in Biology, and 3 in College Algebra. The

rest must be in transferable academic courses.

To be eligible for admission as a transfer applicant, a student should have an official transcript

showing credits, grades, and an official statement of honorable dismissal sent directly from the

college or university previously attended to the Admissions Office. All transfer students must

receive an authorization form from the University College before entering a major department. A

student who is not in good standing with the school from which he/she desires to transfer will not

be granted admission to Alcorn until he/she is eligible for readmission to that school. Transfer

students must have an overall average of “C” and the following required 30 semester hours:

6 semester hours - English Composition

3 semester hours - College Algebra or above

6 semester hours - Laboratory Science

9 semester hours - Transferable Electives

6 semester hours - Social/Behavioral Sciences

Full credit is given for all courses passed at other accredited institutions provided the courses and

grades of “C” and above are equivalent to the requirements of the curriculum chosen at Alcorn.

In all cases, in order for a student to qualify for graduation, he must possess a 2.0 average on a

4.0 scale based on his record at Alcorn as well as on his entire record.

A transfer student from a non-accredited college may be considered for admission on a one-by-

one basis, providing the student meets the above semester hour requirements.

Transfer applicants who meet the freshmen admission requirements at Alcorn State University,

but choose to enroll at another institution, and who do not have the 30 or 15 hour requirement

may transfer at any time provided the following provisions are met:

1. The applicant submits a formal application.

2. The applicant submits an official transcript from each college or university attended.

3. The applicant is in good standing at the last college or university attended.

4. The applicant submits a minimum American College Test (ACT) composite score of 16

or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) composite of 790.

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5. The applicant has a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (based on

methods of computing GPA at Alcorn State University).

EVALUATION OF CREDITS

The Dean of the University College, along with the department chairperson to which the student

has been admitted, determines courses that can be accepted in the degree program. Students will

not receive transfer credit for the courses designed specifically for technical and vocational

career programs or remedial programs. Students transferring from one of the Mississippi public

community colleges and following the 64-hour CORE approved by the eight state universities

will receive complete credit for the courses outlined in that 64 hour CORE.

The department chairperson to which the application is submitted determines the way previously

earned credits will apply in the degree program. Students ordinarily receive no transfer credit for

courses designed specifically for technical and vocational career programs or remedial programs.

Once admitted to the university, a student must obtain written approval of his/her department

chairperson before taking courses at another institution with the intention of transferring credits

toward an Alcorn State University degree.

GRADE REQUIREMENTS

After enrollment at the university, all course work attempted at other institutions will be recorded

without changes in grades on the student's academic record at the university. Transferred

courses with "D" (1.00) will not apply for credit.

At the discretion of the executive officer, the university may allow a limited number of high risk

transfer students to enter who have not met the entire 30-hour transfer requirement. This number

shall be no greater than a number equivalent to 10 percent of the previous year’s (for summer,

fall, and spring terms) first-time transfer students. Each high-risk student must have achieved a

minimum of fifteen transferable semester hours, with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a

4.0 scale. These hours must include six hours of English Composition.

Students from fully accredited institutions ordinarily will be given full credit for work transferred

to the university as long as the courses taken are the same as, or equivalent to, courses offered in

the department in which the student enrolls at the institution.

After enrollment at the university, all course work attempted at other institutions will be recorded

without changes in grades on the student’s academic record at the university. Transferred courses

with “D” (1.00) will not apply for credit.

GRADUATE STUDIES

With authorization of the Board of Trustees, State Institutions of Higher Learning, and the State

of Mississippi, Alcorn State University offers six graduate degrees: Masters of Business

Administration, Masters of Science in Agriculture, Masters of Science in Biology, Master of

Science in Computer Science and Information Systems, Masters of Science in Education, and the

Master of Science and Nursing.

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PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING

Students seeking the Master's degree must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited

institution. All applicants must submit a complete application package for admissions which

includes the following:

a completed application for admissions;

the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management

Admissions Test (GMAT), or PRAXIS I/CASE and PRAXIS II;

two letters of recommendation;

an official transcript of all academic work on the collegiate level; Verification that the

student's grade point average is at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is needed. International

students: Verification must be certified by a professional credential evaluation service.

Applicants may select any National Association of Credential Evaluation Services

(NACES) member to provide this service. (See NACES web site, www.naces.org, for a

list of NACES members.)

Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (International students

only) A statement of financial support Declaration and Certification of Finances on the

financial institution’s letterhead and notarized (International students only)

an application fee of $10.00 usd (check or money order). This fee applies to out-of-state

applicants only.

PROCEDURE FOR CREATING PERSONALIZED ALCORN PAGE (allows students to track

application process and receive information specific to their interest)

1. Students may go to www.alcorn.edu/Admissions.

2. Click MyAlcorn.

3. Complete the Interest Page to create a personalized page.

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Tuition and Fees Chart

All students who apply for financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal

Student Aid (FAFSA) including all University Academic Scholarship Recipients. When

completing the FAFSA, Alcorn State University must be listed as one of the applicant’s

University choices. Otherwise, a Student Aid Report (SAR) must be submitted to Alcorn State

University to process the application for financial assistance.

http://naces.org/

21

Applicants may be requested to provide additional information to support these documents. Such

additional requested material is considered a part of the financial aid process, and the process is

considered complete only after all additional materials have been received. This information

should be provided promptly, and no later than stated deadlines, to assure continued

consideration of the application while funds are available.

Students are also required to file for state grants if they live in states with such grants available to

students attending school in Mississippi. At present, such grants are offered by the District of

Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Mississippi residents are encouraged to apply for a

Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant and should do so no later than March 1 of each year.

Students who transfer to the University from other colleges and universities are required to have

sent a copy of his/her financial aid transcript from each college and university attended prior to

coming to Alcorn directly to the Financial Aid Office, whether or not they received aid. No

award is made to a transfer student until the financial aid transcript has been received in the

Financial Aid office at Alcorn.

All students must be accepted to Alcorn State University before aid is awarded. No actual offer

can be made to any student until all required documents have been received in the Financial Aid

Office. A completed FAFSA application qualifies the students for consideration for types of aid

for which the applicant is eligible.

The deadline for priority consideration is the closest weekday to February 15 for new students

and the closest weekday to March 1 for continuing students. All applications must be in the

Financial Aid Office by the appropriate date to be assured of priority consideration.

Students applying for aid for the second semester only are urged to complete their applications as

near April 20 as possible. Applications will be accepted until November 1. Aid will be awarded

first to those eligible students who complete their applications by the stated priority deadline.

Applications completed after the priority deadline will be processed, as long as funds are

available, on a first-completed first-processed basis.

Renewal of aid may normally be anticipated for students who have received aid in the previous

year and have met all University and federal requirements. However, renewal is not automatic.

Students must reapply each year. Alcorn State University requires every student to have a

completed file before any type of aid program-including University academic scholarships-is

considered.

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

Alcorn State University administers the following Federal, State, and institutional financial aid

programs:

Federal Pell Grant:

A federal grant program for needy students who have not received a baccalaureate or

professional degree; administered by the U. S. Department of Education. This grant is awarded

based on the EFC from the SAR.

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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):

One of the campus-based programs; grants for students with exceptional financial need who have

not completed their first baccalaureate degree. Priority for FSEOG awards must be given to

Federal Pell Grant recipients with the lowest EFC's.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH):

The U.S. Department of Education's Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher

Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grant funds to postsecondary students who are

completing or planning to complete coursework that is needed to begin a career in teaching.

Furthermore, such individuals agree to serve for at least four years as a full-time, highly qualified

teacher in a high-need field in a school serving low-income students. Eligible full-time students

may receive $4,000 per year in TEACH Grant funds, up to a maximum of $16,000 for

undergraduates and post baccalaureate study, and $8,000 for graduate study. More details can be

found on Federal Student Aid's TEACH Fact Sheet.

Diversity Grant (SSDG):

Non-black students who meet board requirements are eligible to apply for a diversity grant in the

amount of $700 per semester (prorated if less than full time). Priority will be given to main

campus (Lorman) students. All recipients must meet the following criteria: (1) be Non-black, (2)

enroll in a degree granting program, and (3) meet Board approved requirements for admission.

Federal Work-Study (FWS):

One of the campus-based programs, it is a part-time employment program which provide jobs for

undergraduate and graduate students who are in need of such earnings to meet a portion of their

educational expenses.

Direct Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized):

Long term, low interest loans administered by the Department of Education through the William

D. Ford Loan Program. Variable interest rate, not to exceed 8.25%. Unsubsidized Federal

Stafford Loans may be used to replace the EFC.

Direct PLUS Loan:

Long-term loans made available to parents of dependent students. Interest rates are variable, not

to exceed 9%. Such loan may be used to replace the EFC; amount borrowed is limited to the cost

of attendance minus estimated financial assistance.

DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program:

For District residents who attend PUBLIC colleges or universities throughout the United States,

the program will pay the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition of up to $10,000 per

year, with a lifetime cap of $50,000 per student. For further information, contact the DC Tuition

Assistance Grant Program Office at (202) 727-2824 or

www.tuitiongrant.washingtondc.gov/main.htm.

The State of Mississippi offers various scholarships, loans, and grants. For additional

information and application visit their website at www.mississippi.edu.

http://www.tuitiongrant.washingtondc.gov/main.htm

http://www.mississippi.edu/

23

Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG):

Administered by Mississippi Post-Secondary Board, it is awarded to full-time students with high

school and/or college GPA of 2.5 & ACT score of 15. In addition, one must be a resident of

Mississippi for 1 year prior to enrollment.

Mississippi Eminent Scholars Fund (MESG):

Incoming freshman with high school GPA of 3.5 and ACT score of 29.

University Academic Scholarships:

The University awards a number of academic scholarships through the office of Admissions

based upon GPA and/or ACT.

PRESIDENT'S EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP

The President's Excellence scholarships are awarded to enrolling freshmen with a composite

score of 28 or above on the ACT or its equivalence on the SAT (1240 verbal and math only) and

a 3.0 or better High School Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale. This scholarship is

renewable each year provided the student maintains a 3.0 or above Cumulative Grade Point

Average. This scholarship includes fully funding tuition, room and board for four years and

providing a $500 per semester book allowance and a $1,000 stipend each semester. The recipient

of this scholarship must be a first time freshmen.

PROVOST SCHOLAR SCHOLARSHIP

The Provost Scholar scholarships are awarded to enrolling freshmen with a composite score of

24-27 on the ACT or its equivalence on the SAT (1090-1230 verbal and math only) and a 3.00 or

better High School Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 scale. This scholarship is


Average. This scholarship covers room, board, tuition, and a $400.00 per semester book

allowance. The recipient of this scholarship must be a first time freshman.

UNIVERSITY SCHOLAR SCHOLARSHIP The University Scholar scholarships are awarded to students with 22 or 23 on the ACT or its

equivalence on the SAT(1020-1080 verbal and math only) and a 3.00 or better High School

Grade Point Average on a 4.00 scale. This scholarship covers tuition and also provides an

additional $200.00 for books per semester. This scholarship is renewable provided the student

maintains a 3.00 or above Cumulative Grade Point Average. The recipient of this scholarship

must be a first time freshman.

VALEDICTORIAN SCHOLARSHIP Valedictorians will receive a full academic scholarship per academic year. This scholarship

provides an additional $200.00 for books per semester. This scholarship is renewable each year

provided the student maintains a 3.00 or above Cumulative Grade Point Average. The recipient

of this scholarship must be a first time freshman.

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SALUTATORIAN SCHOLARSHIP Salutatorians will receive a partial academic scholarship per academic year. This scholarship

provides an additional $200.00 for books per semester. This scholarship is renewable each year

provided the student maintains a 3.00 or above Cumulative Grade Point Average. The recipient

of this scholarship must be a first time freshman.

ALCORN ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP The Alcorn Achieve scholarships are awarded to students who complete 30-credit hours at

Alcorn and earn at least a 3.3 GPA. This scholarship covers tuition, room and board, regardless

of ACT/SAT scores. This scholarship is renewable for two to six semesters, depending on when

the student qualifies provided the student maintains a 3.0 GPA.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER GRADUATES SCHOLARSHIP Full Scholarships are awarded to Community College Transfer graduates with a Cumulative

Grade Point Average of 3.30 or above on a 4.00 scale in an academic program. Licensed

Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN) accepted to Alcorn's AD or BS Nursing

Programs also qualify to receive this scholarship. This scholarship is renewable each year

provided the student maintains a 3.00 or above Cumulative Grade Point Average.

DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS

All recipients of diversity scholarships/grants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be non-black (intended to increase Caucasian enrollment)

2. Enrolled in a degree granting program

3. Meet Board approved requirements for admission

4. Priority will be given to those who attend the Main campus as a full-time student.

DIVERSITY FULL SCHOLARSHIP The Diversity Full scholarships are awarded to enrolling freshmen with a composite score of 24-

27 on the ACT or its equivalence on the SAT (1090-1230 verbal and math only) and a 3.00 or

better High School Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 scale. This scholarship is


Average. This scholarship covers room, board, tuition, and a $400.00 per semester book

allowance. The recipient of this scholarship must be a first time freshman.

DIVERSITY PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP The Diversity Partial scholarships are awarded to students with 22 or 23 on the ACT or its

equivalence on the SAT(1020-1080 verbal and math only) and a 3.00 or better High School

Grade Point Average on a 4.00 scale. This scholarship covers tuition and also provides an

additional $200.00 for books per semester. This scholarship is renewable provided the student

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maintains a 3.00 or above Cumulative Grade Point Average. The recipient of this scholarship

must be a first time freshman.

DIVERSITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER GRADUATES

SCHOLARSHIP Full Scholarships are awarded to Community College Transfer graduates with a Cumulative

Grade Point Average of 3.30 or above on a 4.00 scale in an academic program. Licensed

Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN) accepted to Alcorn's AD or BS Nursing

Programs also qualify to receive this scholarship. This scholarship is renewable each year

provided the student maintains a 3.00 or above Cumulative Grade Point Average.

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS MAY RECEIVE ONLY ONE OF THE ABOVE

SCHOLARSHIPS.

The President's Excellence, Provost Scholar, University Scholar, Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Scholarships are awarded to those qualified students who have never attended a Community

College, College, and University, Vocational-Technical College or any school beyond high

school before entering Alcorn State University.

All scholarship recipients are recommended to file the Free Application for Federal Student

Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for Federal and/or State Aid. You can apply via the web

at www.fafsa.gov . If, after filing the FAFSA, you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, your

scholarship will be reduced by the amount of the Federal Pell Grant (reduction only applies to

full scholarship recipients).

Apply online at:

http://www.alcorn.edu/admissions/admissions-scholarship_requirements/index.aspx

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS & RECRUITING

1000 ASU DRIVE #300

LORMAN, MS 39096-7500

1.800.222.6790

601.877.2400

FAX: 601.877.6347


Service Scholarships - awarded through Band, Athletics, Music, ROTC, etc. (For Additional

Service Scholarships information, please contact the Department of Interest directly).

ASU Foundation, Inc. - awarded based upon availability of funds and scholarship criteria.

http://www.fafsa.gov/

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***Requirements for admission, financial aid (including scholarship), and cost for school

are subject to change without notice.

ACADEMIC MAJORS & PROGRAMS

Alcorn offers a number of majors related to each discipline. In addition, the Newtie J. Boyd

Academic Support Center and the Office of Graduate Studies provide additional support and

resources for undergraduate and graduate students respectively.

SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, RESEARCH, EXTENSION AND APPLIED SCIENCES

(AREAS)

The School of AREAS is composed of the Departments of Advanced Technologies, Agriculture,

Human Sciences, and the Cooperative Extension/Research Program. This division is primarily

responsible for performing the university’s land-grant function in the teaching of Agriculture,

Human Sciences, and the Advanced Technologies, as well as the research and the dissemination

of information in agriculture and other disciplines.

The school offers undergraduate instructions leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree in the

following fields:

Agribusiness Management

Agricultural Economics

Agricultural Science

Animal Science

Applied Science

Automation Technology

Child Development

Computer Networking

Environmental Science

Nutrition and Dietetics

Plant and Soil Science

Pre-Engineering

Robotics

SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES

The School of Arts and Sciences consists of the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry

and Physics, Communications, English and Foreign Languages, Fine Arts, Mathematical

Sciences, Military Science, and Social Sciences.

The school offers instructions leading to the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in

the following fields:

Biology (Pre-Professional Programs, Medical Technology, and Physical Therapy)

Chemistry (Pre-Professional Programs)

Print Communications

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Broadcast Communications

Computer Science

English

Mathematics

Music

Music Education

Criminal Justice

History

Political Science (Pre-Law)

Sociology/Social Work

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

The Alcorn Business School (ABS) envisions a reputation of excellence developed through

quality academic programs and a curriculum designed to allow students to select a series of

courses and curriculum pursuant to their interest. The BBA program provides students the

opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design a custom curriculum parallel to the student’s

career aspirations and goals. The ABS faculty strives to deliver a quality learning experience

that allows students of varying cultural and academic backgrounds to acquire the ethical and

business skills and knowledge essential to succeed in a global market. The nucleus for this

learning environment consists of small class sizes, an academically qualified faculty, and

innovative teaching methodologies and technology.

The undergraduate and MBA programs are both offered at the Natchez campus and situated in a

modern and technically oriented building. Nationally recognized faculty guide graduate students

through a program with a designed core and customized by a significant number of business

electives. Students learn in an environment of scholarship, ethical consciousness, and global

insight. For Alcorn accounting graduates, there is a program of preparation for the CPA

examination that leads to an MBA degree.

The School of Business offers instructions leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the

following:

Accounting

Business Administration (Management or Finance)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Online Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)

o Gaming

o Hospitality Management

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION & PSYCHOLOGY

The School of Education and Psychology consists of two distinct degree-granting departments.

They are the Department of Education and Psychology and the Department of Health, Physical

Education, and Recreation. In addition, the school is responsible for administering and

coordinating professional laboratory experiences, continuing education programs, and directed

28

teaching for the University. The School of Education and Psychology is professionally

accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

The school offers instructions leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the following areas:

Elementary Education

General Studies

Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER)

Sports Medicine

SCHOOL OF NURSING

Three departments comprise the School of Nursing: Associate Degree, Baccalaureate, and

Graduate. A nurse-managed nursing center is also an integral part of Nursing. Instruction in the

departments of the School of Nursing is provided on the Natchez campus. Undergraduate

nursing majors, upon graduation, are eligible to write the examination administered by the

National Council of State Boards of Nursing for licensure as registered nurses.

The School of Nursing holds membership in the National League for Nursing, Mississippi

Council of Deans and Directors of Nursing Schools, Mississippi Council of Baccalaureate and

Higher Degree Nursing Programs, SREB Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing, and the

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The School of Nursing is professionally

accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and offers the following

degrees in nursing:

Associate of Science

Bachelor of Science

Master of Science

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Marching Band

The ASU Sounds of Dyn-o-Mite Marching Band

Army ROTC

The University has one military leadership training program, Army ROTC. The program has as

its central focus the preparation of young men and women to be commissioned as 2nd

LT’s in the

Army. However, it must be stressed that the skills acquired during participation in the program

are lifelong and applicable to many careers resulting in the student being value-added due to the

training received.

Honors Curriculum

The Honors Program of the University is a curriculum designed for superior students. It aims to

bring together in each of the four college years students and teachers with exceptional

29

intellectual commitments and abilities. The program is coordinated by the Honors Program

Council, which is chaired by the Director of Honors. Entering freshmen participants for the

Honors Program are selected on the basis of scores on admission and placement examination, as

well as high school grade point average.

Pre-Professional Program

The university has always offered students counseling and other services helpful for applying to

professional and graduate schools, but students had to gather the information in a piece meal

fashion from faculty, administrators and other campus officials. The Office of Pre-Professional

and Pre-Graduate School Programs (OPPP) provides a venue by which all services are

coordinated through OPPP. OPPP is committed to academic excellence and the holistic

development of students who plan to attend professional and/or graduate schools.

The university’s pre-professional and pre-graduate school programs provide a road map for

students’ next steps beyond their undergraduate experience. The primary goal of the programs is

to increase the number of students applying, entering, and graduating from professional and

graduate schools. The pre-professional and pre-graduate school programs are highly intensive

and focus on placing students in schools of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, law, and veterinary

medicine, in addition, graduate schools with PhD programs in the biological, chemical, physical,

and biomedical sciences.

Admission to the pre-professional and pre-graduate school programs is selective, and academic

requirements are rigorous, demanding a high level of dedication and commitment from students.

However, the university provides a strong program of support to help assure the success of each

student willing to dedicate him or herself to the pre-professional and pre-graduate school

programs.

The pre-professional and pre-graduate school programs offer promising students a series of value

added activities to enhance the students’ competitiveness in the professional and graduate

schools evaluation/admission process.

STUDENT LIFE

Housing

Nine air-conditioned residence halls comprise student housing. Every effort is made to make

experiences in the residence halls comfortable as well as educationally and socially enjoyable.

All rooms are furnished with beds, desks, dressers, chairs, and blinds/draperies. All other

accessories must be furnished by the student (blankets, spreads, pillows, etc.). Additionally, all

rooms are equipped with cable television, telephone outlets, and internet access, which includes

Wi-Fi. A $125.00 non-refundable application fee is charged each student in the residence halls.

Rooms in the Medgar Wiley Evers Heritage Village are two bedroom suites equipped with

private bathrooms, 36”flat screen televisions, full size refrigerators, and microwave ovens.

Students are expected to know and abide by all rules and regulations governing living in

residence halls.

**Housing applications are available on-line at www.alcorn.edu/admissions

http://www.alcorn.edu/admissions

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Health Services

All students are entitled to the privileges of the student health service, such as physical

examination follow-ups, counseling, and temporary hospitalization. Limited medical treatment,

medicines, and special off-campus consultations are arranged at the patient’s expense.

Food Services

SODEXO operates the food service program for the university. Up to nineteen hot and nutritious

meals are served each week. Meals are served all-you-can-eat buffet style. Breakfast is served

with separate stations for an entrée, hot cereals, cold cereals, pastries and breads, hot and cold

beverages, and fruit. Lunch and dinner meals feature separate stations for a main entrée, breads

and desserts, deli sandwiches, drinks, grilled sandwiches, pizza, pasta and potatoes, and salads

and fruits. Students may choose from several meal plans designed to meet their individual

wishes. For students living in residence halls, these meals are paid for at the point of registration.

Other faculty, staff, students, and visitors may purchase meals on an individual basis at a

moderate cost. Food Services are located in the Clinton Bristow Dining Hall. Additionally,

there is a Starbucks located in the Bristow building featuring short-order menus. Pizza Hut

Express and The Sub Connection are located in the James L. Bolden Campus Union.

Library

John Dewey Boyd Library, constructed in 1970, provides modern services and resources

essential to the instructional, research, and public service needs of the University. Bibliographic

instruction is available as well as specialized library tours and orientation sessions. Microfilm

reading and printing services, and photographic copying services are also available. The library

has three database services which supplement the print and non-print collections. They are the

OVID bibliographic utility, INFOTRAC, and Wilson line. Ethic New Swatch, Psychological

Abstracts, and AGRICOLA are also accessible via CD-ROM. Additionally, the GEAC Advance

Online integrated library system has been installed. Modules currently operable on the new

GEAC System include circulation, the online access catalog, cataloging, serials, and the reserve

book room.

In 1997, a ten million dollar construction project commenced at the library. Upon completion,

this project more than doubled the size of the library and greatly enhanced our ability to expand

and continue offering current quality services to the campus community.

ID/Debit Card

The ASU Gold Card is the authorized identification of ASU students. Based on registration

status, this card is affiliated with Discover Card and entitles students to:

a. A debit card

b. Admission to athletic events

c. Meals

Refundable credits may be requested as book vouchers transferred from the student’s account to

the Gold Card account. Personal funds may be placed on the account, which would allow the

student to make purchases/transactions in various locations on campus including the bookstore,

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dining areas, and the library. Approximately thirty businesses/vendors in Fayette, Natchez, Port

Gibson, and Vicksburg, Mississippi accept the ASU Gold Card for payment of purchases.

Student Activities

In an attempt to encourage scholarship and to develop leadership and good citizenship, Alcorn

State University provides an opportunity for student organizations that are approved by the

administration and faculty to have meaningful and worthwhile experiences toward the growth of

total personalities. In keeping with its purpose of providing for the social, recreational, and

cultural growth of students, student activities provide for co-curricular departmental clubs, social

and religious organizations, athletic, and non-athletic recreational activities. These groups

represent many religious persuasions, special fields of interest, department organizations,

publications, student government, and Greek letter organizations.

Student Engagement

The long-term mission of Alcorn State University’s Student Engagement program is to be

recognized as a community of leaders where engagement is valued, encouraged, and where

teaching and learning are not bound by time or place. Thus, the Student Engagement Program is

designed to develop the university’s capacity for the meaningful engagement of students in a

plethora of social, cultural, and intellectually stimulating co-curricular activities outside the

classroom. Many of the events take place during the evenings and weekends. Even though the

quiet, rural, picturesque campus is conducive for teaching and studying, the university felt

compelled to expand its capacity far beyond athletic, fraternity and sorority activities. These

engagements reinforce academics while adding value, enhancing humanism, civic, and social

responsibility, teamwork, volunteerism and leadership development for students. Through these

activities, the university will seek to build a culture where students and faculty come to value

learning through engagement as a significant component of the university, education, the

campus, and adjoining communities as a teaching and learning environment.

Banking

An ATM is located in the lobby area of the James L. Bolden Campus Union. CIRRUS and

PLUS are accessible. Additionally, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. The machine is

accessible only during normal operating hours of the Union. An ATM located in the Campus

Safety Center is accessible twenty-four hours.

Internet

Internet access, including printers, is available to students in laboratories located in classroom

buildings and the James L. Bolden Campus Union. Also, the service is available in every

residence hall room. However, within the residence hall, students have to provide their own

computer and printer. The cost for the service is included with regular tuition and fees.

Telephone

Telephone service is available in each residence hall room. The basic fee is paid in registration.

Long distance is accessed through “0-plus” dialing. Call-waiting is included. Students must

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provide their own telephones. Cellular towers are also located on campus allowing students to

access virtually any service provider.

Cable Television

Cable television is available in each residence hall room. Like the telephone and Internet

service, the fee is included with registration. ABC, ABC Family, A&E, AMC, ASU-TV13,

BET, Bloomberg, Cartoon Network, CBS, CBS College Sports, CBN, CNBC, CNN, Comedy

Central, C-Span, Discovery Channel, Discovery Health, E! Entertainment TV, ESPN, ESPN2,

ESPN Classic, ESPN News, Food Network, FOX, Fox News, G4, Hallmark Movie Channel,

HBO, HBO2, HBO Comedy, HBO Family, HBO Signature, History Channel, HGTV, Military

Channel, MS-ETV, MTV, MTV2, National Geographic, NBC, Nickelodeon, NFL Network, SCI

FI Channel, TBN, The Family Channel, The Science Channel, The Weather Channel, TLC,

TNT, TRU TV, TV Land, USA, WE, and WTBS comprise the current package. Students must

provide their own television.

Book Store

The Amenities Building is a student service center located in the Medgar Wiley Evers Heritage

Village and features a Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

ATHLETICS

Alcorn is an NCAA Division I (1AA Football) member institution sponsoring eighteen sports for

male and female students combined. The sports for males include football, basketball, baseball,

golf, tennis, track and field (indoor/outdoor), and cross-country. Female sports include

basketball, softball, golf, tennis, volleyball, track (indoor/outdoor), cross-country, soccer, and

bowling.

Alcorn has won numerous championships and proudly boasts among her alumni an Olympic

gold medal winner and the NCAA all-time total offensive yardage leader in football, Mildred

Netter and Steve “Air II” McNair respectively. We are equally proud of the fact that many of

our athletes have gone on to distinguish themselves in medicine, law, education, business,

politics, government, military science, community service, the clergy, and professional sports.

Alcorn is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

NON – DISCRIMINATION POLICY It is the policy of Alcorn State University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national

origin, sex, disability, age, or religion. This non – discrimination policy applies to all programs/

activities of the University, including admissions, educational programs, employment, and other

related activities covered under title VI and title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, title IX of

the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the age Discrimination Act of 1975. Information

on the implementation of the policy and/or the statutes referenced above should be addressed to

the Equal Employment Office, Office of the Vice President of Finance and Administration

Alcorn State University, 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, Mississippi 39096-7500, (601) 877-6151.

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DISABLED STUDENT SERVICES Alcorn State University is committed to provide barrier free education to individuals with

disabilities and is actively working to bring its facilities and programs into full compliance with

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Prospective students, as well as students who are

currently enrolled and have learning, mental, or physical disabilities, are urged to contact the

Disabled Students Services (DSS) Coordinator in the Counseling Center (601) 877-6230 before

registering for classes. Special assistance will be given to students with specific needs, such as

special registration, reader services, specialized equipment, note takers, sign language

interpreters, or other arrangements to aid in removing or circumventing architectural, social, or

procedural barriers.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Recruiters are often asked questions about Alcorn State University upon acquaintance of meeting

and following-up with a student. If you do not know the answer to a question, please refer them

to the Office of Admission and Recruiting or desired office in order to answer their questions

appropriately.

1. Question: How much does it cost?

Answer: Quote current figures.

2. Question: What is your test score requirement?

Answer: Review admission requirements.

3. Question: What is your student/teacher ratio?

Answer: 20/1 (twenty students to one teacher)

4. Question: What is your male/female ratio?

Answer: 57% female; 43% male

5. Question: What is your most popular major?

Answer: Business, Agriculture, and Pre-Professional Sciences

6. Question: Can freshmen have cars on campus?

Answer: Yes

7. Question: How do I contact the Marching Band Director?

Answer: Call the Marching Band Office at (601) 877-6263

8. Question: How do I contact Athletics?

Answer: Athletic Department – 601-877-6500

9. Question: How do I contact housing?

Answer: Housing – 601-877-6478

10. Question: How many people are assigned to a dorm room?

Answer: 2

11. Question: Are there private rooms?

Answer: Yes. There is an additional charge.

12. Question: What is your enrollment?

Answer: 3,700+

13. Question: Is there an application fee?

Answer: No

14. Question: Are there fraternities and sororities?

Answer: Yes, eight (Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Omega

Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, Delta Sigma Theta, and Sigma Gamma Rho)

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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

OFFICE PHONE NUMBER

President 601-877-6111

Provost 601-877-6142

Academic Affairs 601-877-6142

Finance & Administration 601-877-6151

Admissions & Recruiting 601-877-6148 or 1-800-222-6790 (MS

residents only)

Registrar 601-877-6170

Financial Aid Office 601-877-6190

Alumni Affairs Office 601-877-6323

ASU Foundation 601-877-6693

Honors 601-877-6138

Career Placement Services 601-877-6324

Media Relations 601-877-6130

Athletics 601-877-6500

Sports Information 601-877-6466

Marching Band Office 601-877-6263

Student Activities 601-877-6328

Housing 601-877-6478

Campus Police 601-877-3000

Campus Operator 601-877-6100

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Thank You For Your

Service To Alcorn!

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NOTES

Documents

ALUMNI LIAISON RECRUITMENT NETWORK MANUAL...The alumni liaison recruiter will be contacted by the Office of Admissions and Recruiting or by the Office of Alumni Affairs to assist with