Special Programs

Named in honor of the first African American student to graduate from Austin Peay, the Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center was founded in 1991 as an integral part of the University, dedicated to providing theoretical and practical knowledge about the historical and contemporary contributions, achievements and social perspectives of African Americans and other people of African descent. The center's mission is intertwined with several of the University's goals related to educating and motivating students to be aware and appreciative of the diverse cultures of which Austin Peay – and the world – are composed. The center provides a nurturing environment where all students and faculty, regardless of race or ethnicity, can gain an appreciation for the African heritage and experience. The center brings to campus an array of outstanding scholars, artisans, and professionals whose knowledge and accomplishments enrich the University experience of students, faculty, staff and the larger community. 

WNDAACC website

Designed as a minor consisting of 18 credit-hours, the African American Studies Program is interdisciplinary in that students choose from a wide variety of stimulating courses that cross departmental lines. The program offers an in-depth examination and provides a standard body of literature on African American experiences in order to promote a well-rounded education and a greater appreciation of cultural diversity and heritage. 

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The Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts was established by the Tennessee state legislature in 1985 as part of a statewide program to improve all levels of education. It strives to promote the creative arts in Tennessee and reflects the lively interest in the arts in the community, state and region. The Center builds upon the University's distinctive music, creative writing, art, and theater traditions by promoting a variety of more than 100 musical productions, recitals, concerts, theater performances, poetry readings and art exhibitions annually.

The Center has a twofold mission: (1) To support the creative arts in the University, local community and southeast by sponsoring the creation, presentation, study and research of significant and distinctive works of art and (2) To provide an enriched environment conducive to the development of individual understanding and basic literacy in the creative arts disciplines through curricular and co-curricular arts education designed to meet the needs of the general University student, the arts major, the general public and the professional artist.

To meet these goals, the Center builds up the existing creative arts faculty and a history of creative projects and performances of distinctive quality in art, creative writing, music, and theater. The Center commissions artists of regional, national, and international fame to create works of art to be presented by participants in the Center. Recognized authors, musicians, artists, actors and teachers are also brought to the Center as artists-in-residence. An outreach program to take the Center's activities to the local community and state has been developed through touring projects and artists-in-the-schools programs. The Center funds undergraduate and graduate scholarships for students in the four areas of the creative arts. 

CECA website

Hours: 7:15 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

On the Web: www.apsu.edu/clc 

Phone: 931-221-6232 or 6234

Address: Sexton Building 637 N. 8th St.

APSU Little Govs Child Learning Center is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services with a Three Star-Quality Rating and a Gold Sneaker Facility. The Center’s primary objective is to promote the continuous well-being of the children in order to meet their social, emotional, and cognitive needs. The APSU Little Govs Child Learning Center believes that children learn through play. Play is the avenue through which children learn to reason, develop language, gain social skills and naturally learn to deal with the world around them.

The APSU Little Govs Child Learning Center is located in the Sexton Building and serves children from ages two to five years old. Full-time and part-time care is available. Services are provided to children of APSU students, staff, faculty and community. Feel free to stop by the Center for a tour at any time!

Please visit our website, www.apsu.edu/clc, for more information about the Little Govs Child Learning Center!

The Foy Fitness and Recreation Center (The Foy) features a three-court multipurpose gymnasium, four racquetball courts, indoor walking track, climbing wall, a cycling studio, two multipurpose fitness studios, locker rooms and equipment desk and the Foy Center Pool which is open seasonally. Patrons are able to check out items such as basketballs, corn hole boards, racquetball racquets, rock climbing gear, and towels for free and bicycles for a small fee. The Drew Simmons Fitness area, which is housed within The Foy is designed to provide a wide variety of physical fitness opportunities. It features a vast array of cardio machines, pin-selected cable, and plate loaded strength equipment and dedicated space for free weight exercises. The outdoor swimming pool provides lap lanes, water aerobics, swim lessons and ample lounging space. Other outdoor venues managed by The Foy include the Intramural and Dunn playing fields and the new Sand Volleyball Courts for beach volleyball play.

The Foy is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members and offers a variety of formal, informal, educational, and competitive and noncompetitive activities to meet and expand the interests of our constituents. Our group fitness schedule is exceptionally diverse, including dance, yoga, aerial and general fitness classes for all abilities. For those looking for a more specialized fitness program, patrons can request sessions with a certified Personal Trainers and/or Private Swim Lesson Instructor. University Recreation is proud to offer  adaptive resources at the Foy, and we strongly believe everyone should be able to participate in physical and recreation activities. Adventure recreation (Govs Outdoors) takes activities off-campus to state and regional locations such as white-water rafting, kayaking, biking, hiking, rock climbing, skiing and outdoor ethics training to name a few as well as provides camping equipment rental to patrons who prefer independent ventures. Jr. Govs Summer Camp offers a variety of activities during the summer. Additional information can be found on our website at www.apsu.edu/recreation, or call us at (931) 221-7564 for more information.

The Latino Community Resource Center is an important University entity dedicated to providing knowledge and programming about the historic and contemporary contributions, achievements, and social perspectives of Latino and Hispanic Americans. The Center’s mission is intertwined with the University’s goals relative to the creation of a collaborative, integrative learning community that fosters critical inquiry and self-reflection necessary in a global society. The primary purpose includes aiding in the retention of Hispanic and Latino students, and educating and motivating all students to be highly aware and appreciative of the diverse cultures that define the contemporary world.

The Latino Community Resource Center also serves as a place where Hispanic and Latino students can connect meaningfully with and take great pride in their heritage in a nurturing environment. Through its provision of many student-centered and student-oriented programs, events, and special services, the Center plays a vital role in assisting Hispanic and Latino students to incorporate in their educational and social aspirations a commitment to serve their communities; and that they are highly motivated to take their rightful place as professionals and other social leaders in American society, specifically, and in the global world.

All students are welcome. The Latino Community Resource Center’s motto is: “Where strangers become amigos and amigos become familia.” For more information, call (931) 221-6645, e-mail  hcc@apsu.edu or visit the website at www.apsu.edu/hcc.

The Honors Program at Austin Peay is designed to challenge the students and provide opportunities for creative exploration and intellectual development. The program requires motivated students to fulfill 30 honors credit hours, both in the general education core and in upper-division courses in their majors.

The principal benefits derived from a more challenging and rigorous curriculum. Students in honors-approved courses have close interaction with their instructors and fellow students. Most departments at Austin Peay have identified specific courses and activities required of Honors Program students in their last two years of study.

Honors Program students are provided with information and support to pursue high-impact opportunities in undergraduate research, study abroad, internships and service learning.

Honors Program students have access to the Honors Commons. This welcoming space includes computers, a printer, study areas, a classroom and areas for students to meet and socialize.

Students admitted into the Honors Program must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.25. They are also required to complete at least one three-credit hour Honors experience each These experiences are available in the following areas: Honors sections of individual courses, study-abroad courses, service learning courses, research-intensive courses and credit- bearing internships.

For more information about the Austin Peay Honors Program, please visit https://apsu.edu/honors/index.php.

It is designed to enable students to be better prepared for positions with government, business, or industry that have international connections. The minor is interdisciplinary and is intended to develop foreign language skills, provide opportunities for students to study abroad and promote international understanding.  For more information, telephone (931) 221-7891.

The Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange prepares APSU students to be knowledgeable about the world, experienced with intercultural communication, and equipped with an international skill set necessary to support our future community needs in an increasingly global society.  The Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange also serves incoming international students and scholars.  The mission of Austin Peay State University’s Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange is to support and engage all students with diverse global opportunities.  The office offers study abroad programs in more than 130 countries. APSU study abroad program coordinators are:

 

CCSA offers short-term programs to England, Ireland, Belize and other English-speaking countries. Through ISEP and the Magellan Exchange we have access to many colleges in different countries to send APSU students on exchange programs as well as host international students here at APSU. TnCIS offers study abroad and international educational opportunities for students throughout the state of Tennessee.

APSU faculty can submit new proposals for study abroad programs twice a year. The deadlines to submit proposals are March 1 and October 1. Proposals are reviewed by the Study Abroad Committee and approved by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Find out more about APSU Study Abroad & Exchange Programs, how to submit a proposal, Global Learning Scholarships, and the experiences of participants by visiting the Study Abroad and International Exchange’shome page at www.apsu.edu/study-abroad-exchange. The Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange is located in the International White House, 325 Drane Street, phone (931) 221-6851.

The Office of the Ombuds is available to APSU faculty and staff who are seeking a confidential, sympathetic ear. In most cases involving a disagreement or dispute, it’s helpful to talk things over with someone who is willing to listen, someone who doesn’t have a stake in the argument. The faculty/staff Ombuds can play a helpful role, remaining independent, confidential, impartial, and informal. As a visitor to the office, a faculty or staff member will not be judged on the issue or concern he or she brings to the Ombuds. If at all possible, the Ombuds will provide the visitor with information on existing University services. Often, listening to a visitor’s concerns is the first and most important step towards sorting through appropriate options for conflict resolution.

The Office of the Ombuds is currently vacant.

Leadership Science courses are designed to expose students to the basic concepts in leadership theory and group dynamics; to assist students in developing and improving skills in communication, group dynamics, goal setting, decision-making/problem solving, conflict resolution, and leading effective meetings; to enhance the student's understanding of the characteristics of past and present successful leaders and to apply this understanding to their own leadership development. For more information, visit the website.

The Military Student Center assists veterans, active duty, reservist, national guardsmen, retirees, ROTC students, and family members that attend the university with their transition from the military to college life. The center provides a computer center, a lounge, and dining area to allow students to either work on homework or to relax and unwind from the day surrounded by fellow likeminded students. The center offers programs throughout the academic year to address the unique challenges our student population faces. One such program is the Texts for Vets program; which relies on textbook donations to provide textbooks to students free of charge. The center also helps to resolve academic and personal issues for military-related students. The center works with a diverse population of students. In order to meet the needs of this diverse population, the center works closely with other campus offices – Disability Services, Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs, Registrar’s Office, Career Services, Student Counseling Services, VetSuccess On Campus, etc. to ensure the students’ needs are being met. The center is located at 426 College Street and is open Mon. – Thur. from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Fri. from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30  p.m. Arrangements can also be made for other availability to meet student’s needs. More information is available online at https://www.apsu.edu/msc/.

In August of 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs and Austin Peay State University signed a Memorandum of Understanding which acknowledged that the successful readjustment of veterans into college and the civilian workforce is a critical and mutual responsibility. This partnership allowed the VA to place an experienced Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor on campus full-time. The VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) Counselor coordinates a comprehensive program offering adjustment counseling, support services, career counseling, peer to peer mentoring and tutoring, employment assistance, and guidance on the full range of VA benefits and health services. In a collaborative and cooperative effort, APSU and VA work together to develop highly innovative and targeted transitional programs, services and activities for veterans, military and family members to assist these students with transition to college life and to maximize opportunities for success, both educationally and occupationally.

The President’s Emerging Leaders Program (PELP) is designed to prepare high-achieving students for leadership roles related to their academic interests and career aspirations. PELP students receive a yearly scholarship of $3000. They must keep a 3.5 (or higher) cumulative grade point average and maintain a record of leadership and service during their four years at Austin Peay.

PELP students learn leadership tools and styles and, most importantly, are able to put them into practice. They work closely with students, professors and other leaders on and off campus on projects that have both a service focus and direct ties to what they study and learn in class.

PELP students are provided with information and support to pursue high-impact opportunities in undergraduate research, study abroad, internships and service learning.

PELP is a cohort-based program and students are required to take a leadership course each semester with their peers. PELP students have access to the Honors Commons. This welcoming space includes computers, a printer, study areas, a classroom and areas for students to meet and socialize.

For more information about the President’s Emerging Leaders Program at Austin Peay State University, please visit http://apsu.edu/pelp/index.php.

The UREF Program provides up to $3000 to student-faculty teams in support of scholarly and creative activity.  Funds can be used to support project-related expenses (equipment, supplies, etc.), student stipend and/or travel, and up to $500 in professional development funds for the faculty mentor. All full-time undergraduate students with the support of a faculty mentor are eligible to apply. The application deadline is January 31 of each year. More information is available online at https://www.apsu.edu/ osri/uref-program.php.

The Center for Service Learning & Community Engagement (CSLCE) exists to support and encourage the collaboration between APSU and the needs of the community through curricular and co-curricular programming. Our vision is to provide the space and opportunity for students to become active citizens from the classroom into their community by making their mark on the world. The center is located at 322 Home Avenue on Austin Peay State University’s campus.

Building hours: 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday.

Service-Learning is an excellent way to incorporate classroom objectives into student experiences. The literature on this subject is comprehensive and clear: service-learning invigorates educational subjects, improves student retention of material, and helps  develop critical thinking (Eyler, Giles, Stenson, and Gray, 2001).

Academic service learning is, essentially, a form of experiential learning where students integrate community service with the structured learning taking place in the classroom to enrich their learning of the course material. In addition, Service-Learning helps students develop critical reflection, deepens their understanding of the complex causes of social problems, and enhances their skills in working collaboratively.

Service-Learning is more than just merely volunteering; it provides a level of critical thinking not obtained through regular volunteerism. Since the service is academically anchored, it enhances what students are learning in a class and gives them an opportunity to actively reflect on what they are learning because of the experience.

After reviewing numerous available definitions of service-learning in the large body of literature related to engaged learning, the Committee agreed that the following definition for the National Service-learning Clearinghouse (www.servicelearning.org) best suited the needs of APSU: “Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach  civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.”

For more information visit the website at: https://www.apsu.edu/volunteer/service-learning/index.php

The S.O.S. Food Pantry supports Austin Peay State University's students through troubling times by helping fight hunger. The campus community supports and supplies the food pantry through donations. Students who find themselves in need can fill out the user request form and drop it off (322 Home Ave) or email it to sos@apsu.edu. Students will need their APSU student identification card to receive food.

The SOS Food Pantry partners with local farmers and gardeners that have more than they can consume or give to their neighbors. Students are constantly looking for fresh produce to supplement their diet alongside non-perishable items that are donated. The Center strives to provide students with the most wholesome foods as possible. The center has two garden locations (322 Home Ave & 530 York Street) and has spring, summer, and fall seasonal gardens beds to benefit the campus food pantry. Gardens are overseen by our AmeriCorps VISTA and is maintained by student volunteers. A student initiative to promote a fresh source of protein has resulted in the Victory Coop chickens! Currently 13 chickens provide fresh eggs for pantry users.

The Office of Student Publications produces Student Affairs publications, promotions and marketing, provides web administrative support, collaborates on other division publications, and educates and advises the student-run newspaper, The All State. The coordinator is the division liaison with APSU Public Relations & Marketing and collaborates with departments across campus.

Through their experiences with Student Publications, students have opportunities to learn and employ various aspects of media including journalism, print and web design, social media, writing, multimedia, photography, advertising, planning, budgeting, editing, and leadership. The department provides training, equipment, facilities, software and experiences student staff members need to identify and produce content and develop co-curricular and practical skills. The All State has received multiple national, regional and state awards and has been the student newspaper since 1930.

Student Publications is located in MUC 111 and can be contacted at 931-221-7376, or by email at studentpublications@apsu.edu. More information is available online at https://www.apsu.edu/student-pubs/.

Please see (Office of) International Study Abroad and International Exchange https://www.apsu.edu/study-abroad-exchange/

The goal of the Office of Student Research & Innovation is to connect APSU undergraduates with opportunities to conduct research and creative activity. From the application process to pursuing funding and presenting findings, they are there to assist in every step of the way. Some examples of the projects supported by the Office of Student Research & Innovation are the study of alcohol addiction in rats, the choreography and direction of a full-length ballet, the production of a documentary film about Dorthea Dix, and filed research on amphibian viruses. For more information, call (931) 221-7625 or visit https://www.apsu.edu/osri/.

The goals of the Women's and Gender Studies Program begin with helping students achieve a greater knowledge of women's history and contribution to society, as well as the challenges facing women today. The program seeks to affirm the value of women's experience, promotes an attitude of respect toward women and fosters greater harmony between men and women on campus and in the larger community. These goals are pursued through public lectures, discussion groups, film series, conferences and other special events offered throughout the year.

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The 18-hour minor is interdisciplinary; credit can be earned from classes in fields ranging from communication and literature to history, psychology, political science and sociology.

Students find their traditional education enriched by exploring such subjects as female roles on television (Mass Media and Women), the women's suffrage movement (Women in American History) and women's literary and artistic achievements (Women in the Arts). For more information, telephone (931) 221-6314.

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