2024-25 Student Handbook 

About APSU

The About APSU section includes the following:

Dear student:

Welcome to Austin Peay. You are now a Governor, which means you’re part of a network of students, faculty, staff and alumni that is dedicated to your success! For nearly a century, our campus has provided a safe, nurturing home for generations of students to discover who they are and where they belong in this larger world.

Austin Peay is a place where talents are discovered, careers are launched and memories are forged. Please make the most of your time here. Get involved in campus life, make new friends and challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Make this academic year a time of wonderful new experiences; make it the foundation of the life you want. Have a great year, and if you see me or my wife, Kirsten, please make sure to say hello.

Let’s Go Peay!

Mike Licari, APSU president

The Basics

Gov. Austin Peay: Austin Peay was the governor of Tennessee from 1923-27, and one of Clarksville's favorite sons. He signed a law establishing Austin Peay Normal School on April 26, 1927. Although APSU itself has a 97-year history, institutions of higher learning have occupied the campus's location since 1806.

Campus and enrollment: Austin Peay State University consists of more than 75 buildings on three sites occupying 637 acres. These sites include the Clarksville campus downtown, the Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell campus and the Farm and Environmental Education Center.

Austin Peay continues to be a leader in growth among public universities in Tennessee. We serve students from every region of Tennessee, many of the 50 states and several countries.

The Govs: In the infant years of intercollegiate competition, Austin Peay’s athletic representatives were often called “Normalites” or “Warriors.” The present “Governors” tag surfaced around 1937, probably as a tribute to Gov. Austin Peay.

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History

Austin Peay State University is located on an urban campus that has been used for educational purposes for more than 218 years. Seven colleges previously called the campus home:

The university began as Austin Peay Normal School when it was created as a two-year junior college and teacher-training institution by Act of the General Assembly of 1927 and named in honor of Gov. Austin Peay, who was serving his third term in office when the school was established. In 1939, the state board of education authorized the school to inaugurate a curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. The degree was first conferred on the graduating class at the 1942 Spring Commencement. By Act of the Tennessee Legislature of Feb. 4, 1943, the name of the school was changed to Austin Peay State College. In 1951, the state board authorized the College to confer the Bachelor of Arts degree and, in 1952, to offer graduate study leading to a Master of Arts in Education. It evolved over the decades into a college before eventually becoming a university in 1967. Today, Austin Peay has transformed into a major regional provider of higher education, with the university offering two doctoral degrees – a Doctor in Education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in counseling psychology.

During its history, 11 presidents and four acting presidents have served the institution:

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Mission Statement

Austin Peay State University is a mission-driven, community-minded institution that provides transformational experiences through innovative, creative and scholarly activities. We welcome and inspire an inclusive community of learners to make a positive impact regionally and globally.

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Vision Statement

We will be the region’s university of choice for those seeking to improve their lives. We will achieve this vision through student-centered teaching, unique developmental opportunities and our focus on innovative research and public service.

Values 

We are a collaborative community that values personal growth and life-long engagement through the promotion of integrity and academic excellence.

• Academic Excellence: By providing meaningful and practical learning opportunities with highly qualified and dedicated faculty and staff.
• Integrity: By maintaining an honest, fair and credible environment.
• Community: By fostering learning in an environment where all are welcomed and valued.
• Personal Growth: By providing the knowledge, tools and resources for all Governors to reach their full potential.
• Life-Long Engagement: By providing services, programs and experiences that promote loyalty, pride and mutual support.
• Collaboration: By enriching our local, regional and global communities through value-added programs, strategic partnerships and meaningful service.

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Alma Mater: “All Hail to Austin Peay”

All Hail our Alma Mater,

All Hail to Austin Peay,

Forever faithful to thy standards will we ever be,

We love thy campus beauty, serene in dignity,

And so we proudly sing this song in praise of thee,

All Hail, All Hail,

We sing in praise of thee,

We love our Alma Mater,

All Hail to Austin Peay.

Words and music by Dr. Aaron Schmidt, professor of music and band director, 1956-87

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Fight Song: “Smash! Bang!”

Smash! Bang! To victory

Go the Governors of Austin Peay

Clash! Clang! It’s misery

For the minions of the Enemy

Fight on and

Smash! Bang! to Score Again

For it’s ready, set 1, 2, 3!

Smash Bang! Biff Bam! Clash Clang! Rim Ram!

Dash along to Victory!

Let’s Go Peay!  

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Govs Creed

“As a member of the Austin Peay State University community, I will agree to act with personal and academic integrity while interacting with my fellow students, faculty and staff members. I will charge myself to be accountable in all phases of interaction. I will respect the dignity of all persons and will appreciate and celebrate a climate of diversity. I will contribute to the greater good of the community. I will take pride in Austin Peay State University.”

— Established by the SGA Student Tribunal in 2008

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Contact Information

Austin Peay State University                                 Toll Free: 1-877-861-APSU
601 College Street                                                Email: gov@apsu.edu
Clarksville, Tennessee 37044                                www.apsu.edu
Telephone: 931-221-7011
Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

IMPORTANT: About This Handbook

The policies, procedures and programs of APSU are continually reviewed. Every effort is expended to ensure this handbook represents accurate information at the time of publication, but it cannot be guaranteed that information contained herein will not change. This handbook does not constitute a contract between the University and the student. APSU may cancel or revoke any part of this handbook without notice. The university reserves the right to make changes as required or as needed to dates, programs, events, policies, regulations and rules, as well as determine the effective date for such changes. Failure to read this handbook does not exempt students from following regulations, requirements, procedures and policies described herein.