Whether students are just starting their journey at Northwestern State University of Louisiana as freshmen or have been studying for the past four years and know the campus like the back of their hand, it’s vital for all students to be aware and take advantage of the resources available on campus.
Many resources are provided for students to help keep NSU a safe, caring and thriving community, so knowing where to look is a great start.
The University Police Department (UPD) is located next to Varnado Hall and is also next door to the Health Services center.
To implement safety across campus, students are given information about an app called Campus Shield. It offers a map of the campus, transportation, ways to anonymously report tips, both emergency and non-emergency numbers and more. The UPD stresses the importance of students reporting things that may seem unusual.
“Little things to one person may be big things to somebody else,” NSU police officer Nicholas Franklin said.
One of the most important parts of the app is how accessible it is. The app provides a free and easy way to simply give a call or text that could help someone or the whole community in the long run. Students can feel assured that, if they end up having a crisis of some kind, the UPD is always available to help out, as they are available 24/7.
NSU’s Counseling Services is another resource students may need when adjusting to campus life and learning how to thrive in a new environment. It is a place where students can check and take care of their mental health.
Located on the third floor of the Friedman Student Union, Counseling Services has a wide range of resources for students and keeps the starting process simple. Students are able to walk in at any time within the hours of 8 a.m to 5 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m to 4 p.m. on Friday, according to NSU Counseling Service.
Students then fill out a form explaining what they need help with, how severe the matter is and when they have time to meet with a counselor. Most of all, students get the opportunity to be the best possible version of themselves in a supportive atmosphere, which “is really great for students who need it,” LeBlanc-Bowers said.
The Wellness, Recreation and Activity Center (WRAC) is NSU’s on-campus activity center. The WRAC offers a wide variety of equipment and facilities for students to use, including basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts, a fitness floor, an indoor track and group classes taught by students.
“I would say to come and try it out even if you don’t normally go. There is something for everyone to try out,” Kayden Larkins, a desk worker and supervisor at the WRAC who is a junior psychology major, said.
All students are welcome to go work out, find new ways to stay active and even let out stress from a long week of classes.
The Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library is another on-campus resource which is so much more than a place to read and cram for exams in a quiet environment. A few things the library offers within its three floors are the wide selection of books, study rooms, computers, tutoring services, academic advising and the Office of Accessibility and Disability Support (OADS).
Through OADS, students in need of accommodations such as separate testing locations are able to schedule tests and exams and reserve a testing room found in the back of the library. Some find this to take some of the stress off their shoulders, as they are then able to concentrate in a setting that works for them.
The Watson Library also hosts Café DeMon, where students are able to use their declining balance (DB) to get coffee and on-the-go food.
While navigating through college can be a difficult task, it doesn’t have to be. The resources available at NSU are here for those who need them. All students must do is accept the help.
