Recognition of the quality of MSU programs is reflected in accreditations. Murray State has been continuously accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) since 1928. Program accreditations have also been attained in animal health technology, art, business, counseling, dietetics, engineering physics, several engineering technology programs, chemistry, journalism and mass communications, music, nursing, occupational safety and health, physics and engineering physics, social work, special education, teacher education and veterinary laboratory diagnostics.

Located in the Jackson Purchase lake area of west Kentucky, Murray State is a state-assisted comprehensive university with five academic colleges. The university’s 236-acre main campus is in Murray, a city of 16,600.
The main campus comprises 71 major buildings, including classroom and office buildings and two libraries. The Waterfield Library houses the circulating collection, reference sources, government documents, microforms and periodicals. The historic Pogue Library contains special materials relating to the history and culture of west Kentucky and the region.

Other notable campus facilities and programs providing high-quality instruction and regional service include:
• A Program of Distinction in Telecommunications Systems Management offering associate, bachelors and masters degrees in the growing field of telecommunications.
• The Martha Layne Collins Center for Technology, housing programs in industrial and engineering technology and occupational safety and health, and providing regional industries and businesses with training, consulting services and research opportunities.
• The Center of Excellence for Reservoir Research, conducting interdisciplinary long-term studies of rivers and reservoirs and assisting with management and protection of waterways and natural ecosystems.
• The Mid-America Remote Sensing Center (MARC), a component of the Center of Excellence, studying satellite-generated data for resource management and developing a geographic information system for Kentucky Lake and its surrounding environments.
• The Chemical Services Laboratory, another component of the Center of Excellence, equipped with sophisticated instrumentation for environmental analytical chemistry as well as regional laboratory service for industries, institutions and individuals.
• The Diagnostic and Remediation Center, providing diagnostic, remedial and consultative services for persons with reading, learning, behavioral, speech, language and/or hearing disorders.
• The Price Doyle Fine Arts Center, offering excellent facilities for fine arts programming and featuring year-round art exhibitions, a variety of musical performances, and a season of full-scale theatre productions.
• Flourishing business administration programs, offering classes on campus, via the Internet, at three off-campus sites and at several others through interactive television, and training a significant number of international students.
• An Institute of International Studies featuring several study-abroad opportunities, exchange programs for faculty and students, an active international student organization, and a highly successful program in English as a Second Language.
• The Interactive Telecommunications Network, operated by the Center for Continuing Education and Academic Outreach, linking several sites with full duplex video and audio capability to deliver both credit and noncredit programs among several locations simultaneously.
• WKMS-FM, a National Public Radio-affiliated 100,000-watt station with a listening audience in five states, and WQTV, the university’s low power commercial television station.
• Listed with the National Registry of Historic Sites, the Wrather West Kentucky Museum, offers programs, exhibits and collections of west Kentucky history, as well as, traveling exhibits.

Three agricultural laboratory farms totalling 356 acres, an animal health technology facility, and the West Kentucky Exposition Center are all within a mile of campus. Regional veterinarians and animal owners benefit from the animal disease diagnostic services provided at the university’s Breathitt Veterinary Center in nearby Hopkinsville, Kentucky; in addition, animal health technology students receive instruction, conduct research and perform field service investigations at the accredited facility.

Ten miles east of campus, on Kentucky Lake, is the Hancock Biological Station, one of the finest centers of its kind in the Midwest. HBS is the field research home for the Center of Excellence for Reservoir Research and the Ecological Consortium of Mid-America; its facilities (including housing) are available year-round to ecosystem scientists.
Other off-campus facilities include:
• Murphy’s Pond, a 279-acre primitive wildlife habitat 30 miles west of campus, preserved in its natural state and used as both a biological laboratory and a public outdoor recreational area. 
• Wickliffe Mounds Research Center in Wickliffe, Kentucky, an archaeological study area and museum situated on a village site of a prehistoric mound-building culture of the Mississippi River Valley.
• Savage Cave in Logan County, Kentucky, an archaeological preserve significant because of its remarkable 12,000-year record of human history.

Murray State University has a commitment to extend its educational programs throughout the region. Off-campus courses are available at a number of sites including Paducah, Fort Campbell, Henderson, Hopkinsville, and Madisonville. In addition to teaching courses on-site at these locations, the university provides a variety of distance learning alternatives for students who may not be able to attend classes on the main campus, including interactive television courses, Web courses, correspondence study and Kentucky Educational Television telecourses.

The international dimension of the university’s offerings has been dramatically broadened in recent years. In addition to summer study-abroad programs in several countries, direct exchange programs have been developed for students and faculty with universities on five continents — Africa, Asia, Australia, Central America and Europe. On campus, the English as a Second Language program prepares nonnative speakers of English for full-time study and for future professional careers.

In its ninth decade of service, Murray State University’s mission focuses on undergraduate, graduate and professional instruction and continuing education programs as well as enhancement of the educational, economic, and cultural opportunities of the people of west Kentucky.

Visiting the University
Visitors are enthusiastically welcomed at Murray State and encouraged to tour the campus, visit the residential colleges and talk with faculty members and students. Special tours or specific appointments with faculty or administrators may be arranged by calling the School Relations Office at 800-272-4MSU or writing to School Relations Office, Murray State University, 500 Sparks Hall, Murray KY 42071-0009. Murray State’s website may be accessed at http://www.murraystate.edu. During the fall and spring semesters, office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday,  and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on selected Saturdays. During the summer sessions, office hours vary.

Mission
The following mission statement was adopted by the Murray State University Board of Regents on September 2, 1994. A new mission statement was under review at time of publication.

Murray State University serves as a residential, regional university offering core programs in the liberal arts, humanities, sciences and selected high-quality professional programs.
Geographic Region. Murray State University’s programs serve the west Kentucky region.
Institutional Admission Standards. Murray State University shall admit students to the institution under selective admission standards that exceed the minimum established by the Council on Postsecondary Education, with only limited exceptions. Institutional guidelines shall be consistent with the system-wide policy for admitting under-prepared students, including the removal of academic deficiencies within a specified time frame. Through this approach, the university seeks to provide both broad access and high-quality programs.

Degree Levels. Murray State University shall emphasize selected undergraduate associate and baccalaureate programs of distinctive quality. Subject to demonstrated need, a limited number of master’s degree programs as well as the specialist program in education shall be offered.

Strategic Directions/Program Priorities. Murray State University shall prepare graduates who can function in a culturally diverse and increasingly interdependent world, by making a commitment to international education as an integral dimension of the university experience. The highest priority of the university is given to academic programs of distinctive quality in the core liberal arts and sciences, and to those programs that meet regional needs by preparing graduates in the essential professions of education, business, health services and applied technologies. In response to additional demonstrated demand, the university’s academic priorities also include programs in communications, human services and selected areas in agriculture. These strategic priorities translate into a core of liberal arts baccalaureate degree programs, in addition to degree program priorities at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s and education specialist levels that may include the following:  liberal arts and sciences, education, business, health services, applied technologies, communications, human services and agriculture.

Enhancement of Instruction. At Murray State University, instructional enhancement is based on continuous program review and assessment of individual student knowledge and performance. Fostering student-centered learning and development is the primary goal of faculty and staff. Through honors programs, international education, cooperative education/internship experiences, co-curricular activities, and projects that demonstrate creativity, research skills, and technical mastery, the university offers students a challenging academic environment.
Research and Service Functions. Murray State University shall assist the region with research and service and promote and support economic development. To assure quality regional services without diminishing the role of teaching, the university rewards differentiated faculty roles for teaching, research, and service. Faculty evaluation is based upon systematic portfolio review. Regional needs of schools, businesses, and health and human services are served by the university’s priority programs. The university reaffirms its commitment to assisting schools with the implementation of Kentucky education reform. Fine arts and cultural programming provide the region with culturally diverse enrichment and entertainment.

Academic research is expected of all faculty for enhancement of instruction and currency in the discipline. Research and service related to the unique features and needs of the region are emphasized. Murray State University, as a designated Center of Excellence for Reservoir Research, places particular emphasis on research and service which support the objectives of the center.

Collaborative Ventures. Murray State University shall seek cooperative programming with other institutions of higher education, regional industry, businesses, and schools. Curriculum development shall emphasize the transfer of credits from other institutions toward degree completion. Models for collaborative programming exist throughout the university. Especially significant is the telecommunications network in partnership with other institutions of higher education, schools, businesses, health and human service agencies, and training and testing services. The university also engages in exchange agreements with a number of foreign universities and with joint doctoral programs.

Efficiency and Effectiveness. Murray State University shall promote cost effectiveness in academic planning and institutional management by basing budget priorities on strategic planning and measures of quality of performance which promote continuous improvement of programs and services. Strategic planning resulting in the elimination of duplicative and unproductive programs is essential, while the development of carefully selected new programs compatible with this mission is appropriate.

Goals
Murray State University will:
• sustain a commitment to academic excellence;
• emphasize its primary commitment to students;
• nurture academic freedom in order to promote dissemination, discovery, preservation and application of knowledge;
• provide educational experiences that develop intellect and character;
• enrich the personal, social and cultural qualities of student life;
• provide public service based on its areas of strength and responsibility; and
• increase access to higher education.

Recruitment Position
Murray State University maintains high academic standards in a wide variety of programs, offers close student/faculty relationships, and provides productive career counseling and job placement.

Organization of the University
The government of the university is vested in the Board of Regents of Murray State University, a corporate body established by statute and enjoying all immunities, rights, privileges and franchises of an educational governing body.
The president serves as the chief executive officer of the university and as such is ultimately responsible to the Board of Regents for all matters pertaining to the institution. The president reports directly to the board.
Following the organizational structure established by the Board of Regents, responsibility for most operational units of the university is divided between four executive officers who report to the president:  the provost and vice president for academic affairs, the vice president for administrative services, the vice president for institutional advancement, and the vice president for student affairs. These four vice presidents serve as the president’s management team, advising the president on the operation of the university, making recommendations on the establishment of administrative policy, and executing responsibilities, both individually and collectively, within the university governance system. The provost and vice president for academic affairs is the senior vice president and is responsible for much of the day-to-day operation of the university.

Academic Units
Murray State University is comprised of five academic colleges and one school. The colleges are Business and Public Affairs, Education, Health Sciences and Human Services, Humanities and Fine Arts, and Science, Engineering and Technology. The newly formed School of Agriculture completes the academic structure. Each college offers a unique program of human endeavor with interdisciplinary study among the colleges to provide students broad educational perspectives.

University Libraries
The university libraries — the Harry Lee Waterfield Library and the Forrest C. Pogue Library — contain approximately 924,000 resource materials, including 488,000 bound volumes, and subscribe to approximately 3,000 periodical and serial titles annually.

The Waterfield Library, the main library of the university, houses the entire circulating collection, reference sources, government documents, microforms, and periodicals. All classified materials of the libraries’ holdings are contained in an on-line catalog for the entire library system. Government documents and manuscripts are listed separately. The libraries also provide on-line access to numerous other electronic resources and remote databases. Full Internet search capabilities are available on computers in both library facilities.

The reserve collection consists of books and photocopied materials assigned by faculty members for class use in the library or for a limited checkout period.  A centralized interlibrary loan service for faculty and students is maintained for the borrowing of research materials from other libraries. On-line information searches are also provided by the reference department. Photocopying services are available for self-service use at a minimum rate. Informal and formal seating areas combined with individual carrels allow for a diversified study atmosphere.

The Special Collections Library, located in the Forrest C. Pogue Library, includes materials relating to the history and culture of western Kentucky, Tennessee and those states from which the early settlers of this area came. Its holdings include books, periodicals, newspapers, state documents, manuscripts, rare books, prints and paintings, tape recordings, maps, and microforms. Especially noteworthy are its outstanding collections of local and regional history, TVA materials, Civil War materials, political papers of Harry Lee Waterfield, Robert A. Everett, Noble J. Gregory, Edward T. Breathitt, and Frank Albert Stubblefield.  Additional holdings include materials relating to Kentucky authors Irvin S. Cobb and Jesse Stuart. Stuart materials are housed in the Jesse Stuart Room. Also available for research purposes is the Forrest C. Pogue War and Diplomacy Collection which consists of personal papers, books and other materials donated by noted historian and Murray State University graduate Dr. Forrest C. Pogue.

The James O. Overby Law Library, located on the lower level of the Pogue Library, consists of basic legal materials governing the United States and selected individual states. Included are codes, statutes, digests, reports, debates, citations, regulations, encyclopedias, dictionaries, forms, and standard treatise works covering major areas of law. Current and bound legal periodicals and updating services in such areas as labor relations, insurance, occupational safety and health, workman’s compensation, and social security are included in this library’s collection.

The Media and Curriculum Resources Collection, located in the Waterfield Library, serves as a library and a laboratory for students enrolled in the teacher education program. Its collection includes a variety of specialized materials such as audiovisual aids, curriculum guides, textbooks and reference materials. Cassette players, filmstrip viewers, VCRs and other equipment are available for use in the Media and Curriculum Resources Collection which also houses the libraries’ collection of videos and motion pictures.

Instruction in the Use of Library Resources. As a service to students who desire directed instruction in the use of the library’s resources, the bibliographical course LOR 101, The Library and Its Resources, is taught by the library faculty. This two-credit-hour course is taught in multiple sections each eight-week session in the fall and spring.  One section is also offered during the summer. This introductory survey of the libraries’ research materials and facilities will also assist the library patron in becoming information literate.

Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs’ primary concern is the student. This concern encompasses retention, welfare, and growth and development in all dimensions of student life including educational, vocational, social-cultural, civility and tolerance, psychological, values clarification, and physical. The division provides a variety of educational and administrative services, programs and activities in support of the Strategic Plan of the university. It is committed to excellence in and the integration of classroom and non-classroom activities to ensure a supportive living-learning environment for the whole student.
The guiding concepts for the division are those of human growth and development, personal discipline, an open, supportive environment, and the provision of programs, activities and services for personal growth.

Campus Life
 Student life on the MSU campus is enriched by an array of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Activities, campus organizations, extracurricular learning experiences, residential college life, sports and student services are all designed to complement the academic focus and complete the university experience.

Activities
Forensics. Participation in intercollegiate forensic and interpretive activities is encouraged. Debate, persuasive speaking, extemporaneous speaking, after-dinner speeches, reader’s theatre, poetry, prose and duet interpretation are included in the program within the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre.
Lectures, Recitals, Concerts, and Movies. Outstanding artists give concerts, lectures, and other programs throughout the year. Activities range from major speakers, large concerts and local cultural activities to coffeehouse entertainment. Most activities are free to students with ID cards. A semester calendar of events may be obtained from the Student Government Office or the Center for Student Involvement, both located in the Curris Center.
Musical Organizations. Students have access to many musical opportunities on campus. All musical organizations are open to non-music majors, some through audition. Interested students are encouraged to contact the Department of Music for information regarding the following activities:  Concert Choir, University Chorale, Choral Union, Chamber Singers, Opera Workshop, Orchestra, Racer (Marching) Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Pep Band, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and numerous small chamber music ensembles.

Radio and Television. Participation in productions of WKMS-FM and MSU-TV 11 is open to interested and qualified students.

Religious Life. Nine campus ministry programs, many staffed by full-time clergy, and 23 churches in Murray representing 19 different faiths provide rich and diverse opportunities for the student’s spiritual growth and faith enrichment.

Special and Traditional Events. Great Beginnings Week kicks off the year with a variety of social events. Homecoming is the most notable and colorful of traditional campus events, featuring a parade, football game, entertainment, and scores of open houses, receptions, dances, reunions and special observances. Family Weekend is a special fall event featuring activities to honor Racer families.

“Campus Lights” is an all-student musical production which takes place each February. The Miss Murray State Scholarship Pageant is held early in the spring. Another spring event is the “All Campus Sing,” in which campus organizations vie for trophies in an outdoor singing competition. The Senior Breakfast recognizes the achievements of and marks the end of an era for the university’s senior class members. Honors Day, usually held in May, is a time when the university pauses to pay tribute to the campus’ most outstanding scholars.

Student Publications. The Murray State News, the university newspaper, is edited and published by the students of journalism under the direction of an instructor in journalism. The News is published weekly while the university is in session. The paper reflects the life of the university from week to week.

The Shield, the university yearbook issued in the spring, is published under the advisorship of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications. It portrays through pictures and stories the activities of the university for the year.

Theatre. In addition to the course offerings for the Department of Theatre and Dance as outlined in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, there is a complete schedule of productions offered to the public. Children’s Theatre and student-directed one-act plays are presented along with regular University Theatre productions. Dance Theatre productions also are scheduled throughout the year. Participation in these activities is open to all students.
University Galleries. Throughout the year the Clara M. Eagle and Curris Center Galleries, integral parts of the Department of Art, bring to the university campus a number of exhibitions and programs featuring distinguished artists, historians and critics. Historical and contemporary exhibitions, works by faculty, students, alumni and area artists, workshops, demonstrations, and symposia are scheduled continually throughout the academic year. All exhibitions and presentations are free and open to the public and to the university community.

Housing
Residential College System. Residential colleges are at the center of Murray State University, redefining collegiate living and educational experiences for undergraduate students. Every undergraduate student will belong to one of the eight residential colleges. At the heart of each residential college is the residence hall, which is the focal point for all residential college activities.

Each residential college is composed of students from a variety of academic majors, grade classifications, ethnic backgrounds and extracurricular interests. Residential colleges are designed to celebrate the rich diversity of Murray State University students, staff and faculty. Each residential college offers a stimulating living-learning environment for students. 

Residential colleges provide students with opportunities to interact with faculty on a daily basis outside of the classroom. The small community atmosphere allows students the chance to establish a sense of pride and common purpose. After being assigned to a residential college, the student is connected with that community throughout the undergraduate years. Students, staff and faculty establish enduring friendships through the experience. The residential college develops traditions and lasting bonds that remain with students years after graduation.

Murray State has eight residential colleges for students, all modern and well-equipped. The residence halls house approximately 3,000 students. Each residential college is equipped with a television lounge, study rooms, coin-operated laundry facilities, vending machines, and kitchenettes with microwaves. All residence halls are coed with the exception of Springer Hall (females only). All halls offer quiet wings and are nonsmoking.

The Housing Office staff seeks to make residential college living a unique experience. Murray state’s living and learning program includes academic assistance, counseling, social and educational programs — all in the residence halls. The nature and extent of academic assistance and counseling is limited by budgetary constraints, and the university makes no representation as to the success or failure of such efforts.

Students living in the residence halls are permitted to have automobiles, and parking is available in areas convenient to the colleges. Individual student rooms are equipped with telephone jacks, basic cable, Internet access, beds, desks, desk chairs, closets and drawer space. Students can receive expanded cable through a local cable company for an additional charge.

College Courts are 144 furnished apartment units which are available for married, nontraditional, and graduate students, or older students who are 21 years of age by the first day of registration. All apartments are air-conditioned, have laundry facilities in the buildings, and are equipped with telephone jacks, basic cable, and Internet access.
Applications and information concerning the residence halls and apartments may be obtained by writing the Director of Housing, Murray State University, PO Box 9, Murray KY 42071-0009.

Housing Requirements.  All freshmen and sophomores who have not reached their 21st birthday prior to the first day of registration as it appears in the university academic calendar will be required to live in university housing and to purchase one of the available university cafeteria meal plans. 

Exempted from this requirement are students who are veterans of at least two years of active military service; students who daily commute from the permanent, legal residence of their parents or legal guardian (within a 50 mile radius); students who are married and living with their spouse; students who have resided in a university residential college four semesters, excluding summer terms; and students who have obtained junior status (sixty hours earned) who have enrolled full time at a postsecondary institution for four semesters, excluding summer.

Students who meet one of these criteria must complete a Request for Housing Exemption form with the Housing Office. The form must be on file prior to the first day of classes. Forms may be obtained from the Housing Office.
Freshmen and sophomores receiving family grants or undergraduates whose home or residence is in one of incentive grant counties or regional tuition counties of Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana or Tennessee and who accept the Incentive Grant or the regional tuition are also required to live in university housing.

Applications, Deposits, Refunds, Forfeits. Students desiring university housing must complete an application, enclose a $75 deposit for a residential college room or $100 deposit for a College Courts apartment, payable to Murray State University, and submit both to the Housing Office of the university as early as possible to assure accommodations. Scholarships do not cover the housing deposit. It is imperative to remember that before a student is permitted to move into university housing, the student must be admitted academically to the university.

Any student desiring to cancel a housing application must do so in writing to the Director of Housing no later than July 1 for a fall semester reservation, December 1 for the spring semester, and May 15 for the summer term.

Cancellation of a housing application after this date will result in a forfeiture of the deposit. Any student having a reservation but failing to register in a residential college also must forfeit the room deposit.

Room deposits are held while a student resides in university housing. After the initial application, a student need only complete a room reservation form to maintain a room in the residential college each year. The room reservation forms are distributed by each residential college office to students living in the college. When a student permanently moves from the residential college, the room deposit is refunded approximately 60 days after final departure. Costs for damages, missing inventory, outstanding debts, etc., will be deducted from the deposit refund.

Any student who applied for a room and accepts a key to a room is considered an occupant and is required to be a resident of that college. Students who withdraw from university housing to move to an off-campus residence during the contractual period must still pay for university housing. The residential college contract is for one academic year (fall and spring semesters). Students who formally complete an official withdrawal from the university are required to move from the residential college. They are eligible for a refund of the unused portion of their rent. Students who get married during the semester are also eligible for a refund after their marriage license is presented at the Housing Office.

Learning Experiences
Murray State University has achieved national recognition by providing continuing educational opportunities throughout west Kentucky, utilizing such unique educational resources as Land Between the Lakes, Murphy’s Pond, Wickliffe Mounds, Savage Cave, Kentucky and Barkley Lakes, and the surrounding environment.
Special learning opportunities exist through the Forrest C. Pogue Public History Institute, the Jesse Stuart Creative Writing Symposium, the Alben Barkley Distinguished Lecture Series, the Clifton Sigsbee Lowry Distinguished Lecture Series, the Harry M. Sparks Distinguished Lecture Series in Educational Administration, the Waterfield Center for Business and Governmental Research, the Distinguished Lecture Series in Business Administration, and the Harry Lee Waterfield Lecture in Government.
Murray State’s faculty members research, teach, advise student organizations, and work with students on a personal level to help them achieve success. The faculty is respected in the higher education community. Each faculty member is prepared to challenge students in learning and inspire lifelong self-development.

Student Organizations
Campus organizations provide many opportunities for students to participate in widely diversified activities. Some of the organizations are an extension of the classroom and others are special interest, recreational, social, political or religious groups. Special qualifications are required for membership in some of the societies, while others are open to all interested students. A current list of student organizations can be obtained from the Center for Student Involvement in the Curris Center.

National Honor Societies. National honor societies at Murray State University are:
• Alpha Chi,  with membership restricted to the top three percent of the senior class and the top two percent of the junior class;
• Alpha Lambda Delta, for freshmen who achieve a 3.5 academic standing in their first semester;
• Alpha Sigma Lambda, for nontraditional students who have achieved sophomore status with a GPA of 3.2 or higher;
• Gamma Beta Phi, a national service-oriented academic society selecting members from among the outstanding scholars on campus;
• Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), a national leadership fraternity for junior and senior men and women based on character, scholarship, leadership and service in campus life;
• Phi Eta Sigma, for freshmen, encouraging and rewarding academic excellence.

Honor Societies, Professional Fraternities and Recognition Societies. These academic organizations recognize students in their particular areas of study. Honor societies recognize academic achievement and leadership, and most have minimum membership requirements such as GPA, class standing or rank. Recognition societies confer memberships based on interest and participation, and generally have more liberal membership requirements. Murray State’s academic organizations include:  Alpha Delta Mu (social work), Alpha Epsilon Rho (broadcast journalism), Alpha Kappa Psi (business), Alpha Mu Gamma (foreign language), Alpha Phi Sigma (criminal justice), Alpha Zeta (agriculture), Beta Alpha Psi (accounting), Beta Beta Beta (biology), Beta Gamma Sigma (accounting), Delta Pi Epsilon (business education), Delta Sigma Rho/Tau Kappa Alpha (speech communication and theatre), Gamma Beta Phi (political science), Kappa Delta Pi (elementary and secondary education), Kappa Pi (art), Kappa Omicron Nu (family and consumer studies), Lambda Alpha Epsilon (criminal justice), Phi Alpha Theta (history), Phi Beta Lambda (business), Phi Mu Alpha (music), Pi Mu Epsilon (mathematics), Pi Omega Pi (business education), Pi Phi Delta (speech communication and theatre), Pi Sigma Alpha (political science), Psi Chi (psychology), Sigma Alpha Iota (music), Sigma Pi Sigma (physics), Sigma Theta Tau (nursing).

University/Department Clubs. University/departmental clubs complement a student’s academic education by bringing together students, faculty and staff to promote leadership, fellowship and scholarship. University/departmental clubs on the Murray State campus are:  Academic Team Association (university-wide), Accounting Society, Advertising Club, Agriculture Engineering Technology Club, Agronomy Club, American Home Economics Association, American Humanics Student Organization, American Industrial Hygiene Association, American Society of Interior Designers, American Society of Safety Engineers, Animal Health Technology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club, Anthropology/Archaeology Club, Art Department Design Group, Association for Childhood Educational International, Association of Engineering, Graphics and Design, Association of Environmental and Engineering Technology, Association of Students in Telecommunications Systems Management, College Music Educators National Conference, Collegiate Future Farmers of America, Data Processing Management Association, English Student Organization, Euclidean Mathematics Club, Finance and Economics Club, Foreign Language Club, Horseman’s Club, Horticulture Club, Kentucky Association of Nursing Students, Marketing Club, Murray State Amateur Radio Club, National Art Education Association, National Education Association Student Program, National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Omicron Sigma Kappa (speech communication and theatre), Organization of Murray Art Students, Physics Activity Club, Pre-Health Professions Club, Psychology Club, Public Relations Student Society of America, Rodeo Club, Social Work Club, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Sock and Buskin, Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, Student Construction Association, Student Council for Exceptional Children, Student Dietetic Association, Student Law Association.

Student Government/Leadership Organizations. These organizations plan and govern student activities and represent the university:
• Honors Program Student Council, participating in activities and governance of the Honors Program;
• Judicial Board, a part of the Student Government Association, which holds hearings in cases involving the SGA constitution and traffic violation appeals and assists in cases involving the Code of Conduct;
• Residential College Association, sponsoring social, recreational and educational programs and advising the university administration on the operation of residential colleges and food service;
• Student Alumni Association, promoting continuity in education and acting as liaison between MSU graduates and current students;
• Student Ambassadors, assisting in recruitment, hosting on-campus events, and representing the university;
• Student Government Association, voicing student opinion, promoting cooperative effort and fostering an academic and social climate;
• Student Leadership Development Board, serving as peer educators to other student organizations on current topics and social issues of importance to the student community;
• Campus Activities Board, a part of the Student Government Association, which sponsors annual events as well as movies, lectures and concerts throughout the year.

Interest Organizations. The following organizations are primarily special interest or independent religious, social or service groups:  Alliance, Alpha Delta Chi, Alpha Phi Omega, Alternative Spring Break, Baptist Student Union, Black Student Council, Bowling Club, Campus Outreach, Chess Club, Chi Alpha, Civitan International, College Republicans, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Fencing Club, Gaming Association, Gulf Students Organization, International Student Organization, Kenpo, Jujitsu and Karate Club, Korean Students Organization, Latter-Day Saints Student Association, Lutheran Student Fellowship, Murray Christian Fellowship, Nontraditional Students’ Organization, Peer Educators, Peoples Environmental Awareness Club, United Methodist Campus Fellowship, University Christian Student Center, Voices of Praise, Wildlife Society, Young Democrats.

Greek Organizations. The following national social fraternities have chapters at Murray State and are members of the Interfraternity Council:  Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Tau Omega, Lambda Chi Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Pi, Sigma Tau Gamma.
The following national social sororities have chapters at Murray State and are members of the Panhellenic Council:  Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Sigma Sigma Sigma.
The following historically black Greek organizations have chapters at Murray State and are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Fraternities:  Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi. Sororities:  Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho.

The presidents of all Greek chapters meet together monthly as the All Greek Council. Order of Omega is the honor society for members of national Greek organizations.

Sports
Intercollegiate Athletics. Murray State is a charter member of the Ohio Valley Conference and is a Division I member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The Racer athletic teams are perennial challengers for major honors in the sponsored nine men’s sports and ten women’s sports. Riflery is sponsored as a coeducational sport at MSU. Sponsored sports for the men include football, basketball, baseball, golf, cross-country, tennis, riflery, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field. Intercollegiate competition is available to women in cross-country, tennis, basketball, rowing, soccer, golf, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field and volleyball.

Statement of Philosophy:  As the primary purpose of the University, the educational experience for the student-athlete will be stressed at all times, which is to state that, academic achievement precedes any participation in intercollegiate athletics.  Thus, Murray State University recognizes its athletics program as a substantial adjunct to the accomplishments of university objectives in education, research and service.  In like manner, the athletics department embraces a wide variety of interests and believes that intercollegiate athletics offers a more attractive environment for prospective students seeking admission while enhancing retention of those students already admitted.

Additionally, athletics fosters a positive atmosphere for the student body, the university community, the alumni and the regional community, and as such; is greatly affected by the image portrayed by our student-athletes both on and off the playing surface.  Therefore, athletics has a substantial responsibility and obligation to these constituencies for outreach and community service coupled with an obligation to the Ohio Valley Conference as well as the National Collegiate Athletic Association to adhere to all collectively held principles of ethical conduct and sportsmanship.

To meet both of these primary objectives of athletics for Murray State University, athletics will seek to recruit student-athletes who are capable of academic success while providing support and development opportunities that will allow the physically as well as academically gifted and talented an environment to express themselves to their maximum potential.

The Murray State University athletics program will be conducted in a manner that exercises fair and equitable treatment of student-athletes as well as personnel regardless of gender or race.   The department of athletics will undergo regular and periodic evaluations to maintain its course in meeting these stated objectives.

Campus Recreation. The Campus Recreation office is responsible for the management of all recreational sports programming including intramural sports, sport clubs, and special events. A wide variety of leagues, such as softball, flag football, volleyball, soccer and basketball, are offered throughout each semester. 

Outdoor Recreation. Murray State students can spend many hours in the vast recreational area of Kentucky and Barkley Lakes and the Land Between the Lakes national recreational area, all located within a short drive from campus. Here students enjoy swimming, fishing, water skiing, golfing, camping, horseback riding, hiking, and just soaking up the sun on the beaches. The Leisure Connection is a service at Murray State that allows students to check out tents, sleeping bags, stoves, coolers, and other recreational equipment at very low rates. Travel information and maps are also available for help in planning a weekend or vacation trip.

Murray State University, its officers, agents, and employees disclaim any responsibility for injury to a student engaged in an activity not directly supervised by university personnel, and if supervised, only to the extent permitted by law.
 Sport Clubs. Sport clubs at Murray State are both student- and university-initiated and compete on both an intramural and an extramural basis. Students can gain valuable organizational and coaching experiences as well as just healthy fun through participation in a sport club. Bowling, crew, chess, fencing, soccer, rodeo and volleyball are presently organized.

Murray State University, its officers, agents, and employees disclaim any responsibility for injury sustained by a student participating in a sport club unless the sport is directly supervised by university personnel, and then only to the extent of the law.

Sports and Physical Fitness Facilities. Murray State has a great number of facilities to meet the sporting and fitness needs of faculty, staff and students. In the Carr Health Building/Racer Arena, there are four racquetball courts, three multipurpose gymnasiums, a gymnastics room, an indoor jogging track, a swimming pool, and dressing rooms. Outdoor facilities include four basketball courts, 16 lighted tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, and numerous athletic fields for team sports. The Regional Special Events Center houses a jogging track and numerous courts for basketball, volleyball, and other indoor activities. The Miller Memorial Golf Course is available to Murray State students, faculty, and staff as well as the community. The Curris Center and Hart Residential College each have fitness centers consisting of cardio-equipment, weight machines and free weights.

Student Services
Adults Belong in College. ABC provides services to those students who have had a break in their formal education and who are entering or reentering college. The services include information about admission, registration, placement testing, review classes, and campus services; adults-only orientations; a lounge and resource center located in Ordway Hall; and NTSO (Nontraditional Students’ Organization), a club for adult students. The ABC service is located on the third floor of Sparks Hall. The phone number is 762-2186 or 1-800-669-7654.

African-American Student Services/Ethnic Programs. The Office of African-American Student Services/Ethnic Programs was established to provide ongoing assistance and support to Murray State’s ethnic student population prior to and following their enrollment. The office serves as a clearinghouse, a referral service, and a liaison among administration, academic units and the community. For additional information contact the Office of African-American Student Services/Ethnic Programs in the Multicultural Center, first floor Curris Center, or call 270-762-6836.
Alumni Association. Membership privileges of the Murray State University Alumni Association are extended automatically to all graduates and any individual attending MSU for two consecutive semesters who did not graduate. Activities sponsored by the Alumni Association include chapter meetings and receptions, events during Alumni Recognition Weekend, Alumni Reunion Weekend and Homecoming, and recognition programs such as Distinguished Professor, Distinguished Researcher, Golden Horseshoe and Distinguished Alumnus. Affiliated with the Alumni Association is the Racer Pride Association, a service-oriented organization with open membership which provides students an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the university. Murray State graduates and attendees are encouraged to continue a close relationship with the Alumni Association. Inquiries and suggestions are always welcome. Interested individuals may telephone 270-762-5600 or 3437, or visit the Alumni Center located adjacent to Roy Stewart Stadium.

Center for Academic Advising. This center, located in Faculty Hall, advises all students who have not decided on an academic major. A wide range of services is provided to help the undeclared student choose a suitable major.

Community College. Community College.  The Community College, located in Lowry Center, offers the following services for all Murray State students.
· Block Scheduling – English 095 together with Reading 095 and Communications 161 form a block required for students entering under restricted status. Needs of individual students are considered and guidance is given by the block instructors.  ENG 095 is a three-hour, load-credit course designed to emphasize clear sentence structure and development of ideas in paragraphs and essays.  REA 095, a one-hour, load-credit course, offers enhancement of basic comprehension skills, development of critical thinking, and active reading/study strategies for the assigned readings in ENG 095 and for COM 161 exams.  COM 161 is a three-hour credit course teaching organization and presentation of ideas through participation in frequent speech activities, which inform, persuade, and entertain.
· Developmental Classes – ENGLISH: Students admitted with restrictions must enroll in ENG 095; all other MSU students with an English ACT score below 18 must enroll in ENG 100.  MATH:  All students with a mathematics score below 18 must enroll in MAT 100; MAT 105 is still strongly recommended for students with a mathematics score of 18 or 19.  READING:  Students admitted with restrictions must enroll in REA 095; all other students with a reading ACT score below 18 must enroll in REA 100 and REA 120.
· Tutoring Program – The peer-tutoring program offers assistance through drop-in study sessions.  Sessions are provided for English, math, world civilizations, biology, chemistry, physics, Spanish and most other core curriculum courses.  Small-group tutoring is provided free of charge to all students enrolled at the university.

Counseling and Testing Center. Located in the east wing of Ordway Hall, the center has a full-time staff available for educational, career and personal counseling. Students with concerns of a personal or emotional nature should feel free to contact the Counseling and Testing Center for confidential assistance. Appropriate referrals to additional mental health services will also be provided to students. The Counseling Center also extends its counseling and referral services to faculty and staff through an employee assistance program. Interested faculty and staff should call the Counseling and Testing Center for more information.  You may also check our website at http://www.murraystate.edu/secsv/ct.htm.

A wide range of admission tests used nationally, such as the American College Test (ACT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) series, are available to students through the testing service. In addition, appropriate tests to assist students with career exploration and self-understanding are available.  We are an Educational Testing Service Computer Based Testing Center and offer a variety of computer delivered assessments.  For more information, please see testing information on the web at www.murraystate.edu/secsv/test.htm

A full range of credit by examination opportunities is available at Murray State University through the CLEP and APP programs.  Our policy on accepting credit through these programs may be found at www.murraystate.edu/secsv/clep.htm

The Counseling Center offers computer-assisted career guidance through the use of the DISCOVER computer system. The Career Library, also located in the center, contains a variety of materials designed to inform students about career opportunities, job characteristics and employment forecasts. Detailed information concerning the various major degree programs available at Murray State University is also available.
•  Services for Students with Learning Disabilities — The SSLD office, located on the second floor of the Lowry Center, offers academic and personal support for students with diagnosed learning disabilities. Students may receive tutorial assistance, academic and personal guidance, peer support, and information regarding campus service. The program’s purpose is to assist learning disabled students in attaining their educational goals.  Please see the SSLD website for more information:  www.murraystate.edu/secsv/SSLD/ssld1.html
• Project Mentor — Project Mentor is an academic support unit of the SSLD Office that offers enhanced services to students with a diagnosed learning disability, attention deficit disorder, or traumatic brain injury. This is a comprehensive program that focuses on the development of strategies and skills to build upon strengths and circumvent deficits. Students voluntarily access the services provided through Project Mentor. They receive individualized assistance with learning effective strategies for organizing and studying course-related materials and assignments. Accommodations such as taped textbooks and extended test time are also available based on each student’s particular needs and specific disability. Fees for Project Mentor are based on the number of hours each week the student meets with his/her academic mentor.  You may also want to visit our website at www.murraystate.edu/secsv/SSLD/ssld7.html for more information on Project Mentor.

Food Services. The University operates seven dining facilities, two of which are located in the residence hall complex at the north end of campus (Winslow Cafeteria, and Fast Track C-Store). The remaining five are all in the Curris Center—the Thoroughbred Room (T-Room), Domino’s Pizza, Subway, Sugar Cube and Sunset Strips-Orville and Wilbur’s Chicken Restaurant. Information on meal plans is printed in the University catalogs or available from the Food Services Office on the first floor of the Curris Center.

Freshman Orientation. All new full-time freshmen are required to register for an orientation class during the fall semester unless excused by the department chair. The course carries one hour credit and is graded on the pass-fail system. The purpose of this orientation is to acquaint students with information concerning curricula, courses, activities, facilities and personnel, and to assist students in making adjustments to college life. In addition, incoming students are urged to attend the summer orientation program.

Health Services. Health Services is located at ground level in the north wing of Wells Hall. The clinic is open for student visits from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays when classes are in session, with the exception of Wednesday afternoons. Primary health care is offered on a drop-in outpatient basis. Students are screened and assessed by professional nurses. They may be treated or referred to the physician, depending on the nature of the visit. The local hospital provides physician services on a 24-hour basis for emergencies.

International Education. Murray State University has a strong commitment to international education. The university promotes the development of international content in the curriculum, encourages study, teaching and research abroad, and provides a variety of services to international students enrolled in the university. For additional information, see Academic Programs, Chapter 4.

International Student Services. International students are welcomed at Murray State University. Currently, the university enrolls students from more than 60 different countries throughout the world. Advisors are available at the Institute for International Studies to assist international students with their special concerns. The Institute for International Studies sponsors orientation sessions for new students, helps students adjust to life on campus and in the U.S., and provides opportunities for international students to share their experiences with U.S. students and faculty. The international student advisor is a designated official for all student immigration matters. International students who are unsure of whom to contact for personal or academic concerns can receive assistance at the Institute for International Studies in Woods Hall, 14th Street and Olive Boulevard.

Career Services. The mission of the Career Services Office is to support the institution’s purpose of educating individuals to become productive citizens in society by serving as a liaison between students, alumni, faculty and the world of work, while providing integrated career placement services. These services include career counseling, job search strategies, credential building opportunities and information on employment trends and current hiring procedures, which will ultimately result in meaningful and satisfying employment upon graduation.
An essential part of the job search process is experience. Through cooperative education and internship opportunities available through Career Services, students can find the right employment that will add value to their degree. Several career fair events are designed and sponsored by the office throughout the year to connect students to employment opportunities. (For more information, see Chapter 4, Academic Programs)

Career Services also maintains several other opportunities for students. These include part-time employment for both on and off campus employers through work-study programs. They also promote the National Student Exchange program, where students can attend another college or university for up to one year. Graduate school information is available for students looking to complete their studies at another university. In addition, services which are provided to all students, faculty and alumni include: workshops, seminars, presentations, on-campus and mock interviews, cover letter and resume assistance, on-line recruiting services, credential referrals, and individual career counseling. 

Career Counseling. Choosing a career is one of life’s most important decisions. The Career Services Office provides important career-oriented assistance, of which “Discover” is the centerpiece. Discover is a complete, computer-based career information and planning system, which has been designed to meet career and educational planning needs. It can quickly assess and identify work-related values and compare those to up-to-date information about occupations. Individual career counseling and the use of a comprehensive career library is provided in conjunction with Discover to help students implement a career action plan. To schedule an appointment, contact Career Services at (270) 762-3735 or stop by 210 Ordway Hall. 

Psychological Center. Located in Wells Hall, the Center serves as a training facility for graduate students in the Psychology Department. It offers psychotherapy without charge to Murray State students. Psychodiagnostic assessment is offered to students at a minimal charge. Psychological services are also offered to children and adults in the community for fees charged on a sliding-scale basis. Telephone number:  270-753-2504.

Public Safety Department. (University Police) Located at the corner of North 16th and Olive Streets and is open 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. Telephone number:  270-762-2222. Emergency number: 911. 
The mission of the Public Safety Department, in cooperation with the university community, is to provide an orderly environment conducive for students to learn while also assuring the safety and protection of the students, faculty, staff and visitors on the campus.

Within the University Police Division, state certified police officers are responsible for a full range of public safety services, including crime reports, investigations, medical emergencies, fire emergencies, traffic accidents, enforcement of state and local laws and all other incidents requiring police assistance. The Public Safety Department is also responsible for escort services after dark, guest and visitor information, enforcement of traffic and parking regulations, and lost and found.

Murray State University's annual security report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by Murray State University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting Public Safety or by accessing the following web site: www.murraystate.edu/publicsafety/crime99.htm. The Murray State University web-based Crime Log has information regarding recent crime and is available at: www.murraystate.edu/publicsafety/crimelog.

Rehabilitation Services. Located in Suite 207 of the Special Education Building, the Kentucky Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services office provides services to individuals who have a physical or mental impairment which constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment. Reasonable expectation that vocational rehabilitation services will benefit the individual in terms of employment outcome must exist. Services provided can include vocational assessment, vocational counseling, rehabilitation technology, training (tuition, books, fees, etc.), job placement, and other services as needed on an individual basis. The amount provided is based on financial needs assessment and availability of funds. Telephone number:  270-762-3371.

Speech and Hearing Clinic. This clinic, part of the Department of Wellness and Therapeutic Sciences, is located on the first floor of the Special Education Building. The center provides a full range of professional diagnostic and therapeutic services in speech-language pathology and audiology for Murray State University students and for area residents. Telephone number:  270-762-2446.

Summer Orientation. The primary aim of summer orientation is to help incoming freshman students adjust to college life. New freshmen and transfer students are invited to come to campus for two days during the summer to learn about residential college life, classes, university terminology and organizations. Students receive advice from trained counselors on fields of study and also register for fall classes at this time.

TRIO Programs. The TRIO Programs are:  Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and Educational Talent Search. The TRIO Programs are located beside the National Scouting Museum on North 16th Street.
Upward Bound, a TRIO Program of the U.S. Department of Education, has served west Kentucky since 1966. The program’s staff facilitates college preparedness for academically talented high school students. Participants qualify based on family income and status as potential first-generation college students. Upward Bound’s services include academic skills enhancement, career and personal development, academic planning, tutoring, and cultural and social development. Upward Bound serves its participants via twice-per month Saturday programs during the academic year and through a six-week residential summer program on the Murray State campus. By the conclusion of a senior participant’s Bridge summer, ten hours college may be earned. All services of  Upward Bound are paid by the program. Telephone number:  270-762-4328.

Student Support Services is a federally funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The program is designed to enhance the retention rate of students who demonstrate academic and financial need, who are first-generation college students and/or who have physical disabilities. This program offers personal, academic and career counseling; individual, group and computer-assisted tutoring; instruction in self-development and career exploration; college survival workshops; and services to students with disabilities. Telephone number:  270-762-4327
Educational Talent Search is a federally funded program designed to provide educational guidance services to participants in the Jackson Purchase region. Two-thirds of the participants in grades 6-12 and adults who have a high school diploma or equivalency must meet certain income criteria and be potential first-generation college students (neither parent has a baccalaureate degree). The remaining one-third of the participants must demonstrate academic or financial need. Services provided are academic advising; career and personal counseling; information on postsecondary education; academic and ACT tutoring; study skills; mentoring; assistance in completing college admission and financial aid applications; college tours; and workshops and counseling for parents of students served. Telephone number:  270-762-3168.

University Store. Located in the Curris Center, the University Store is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m during the academic year. During final exams, the store also operates a book buy-back service. School supplies, current textbooks both new and used, computers and software, paperback books, commencement caps and gowns, magazines, novelties, tapes, greeting cards, souvenirs and personal items can be purchased at the University Store. Telephone number:  800/749-8580.

Veterans Affairs. Veterans Affairs, a unit of Student Affairs, is located in Ordway Hall. The primary mission of the office is to assist the veteran student with the successful transition from military to university campus life. Eligible candidates should contact the office immediately concerning general procedures and documents required to complete enrollment certification with the VA regional office. This will help ensure prompt payment of education benefits.
Veterans under the Vietnam era Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 34) should be aware that this program was terminated on December 31, 1989. Active-duty personnel (Chapter 34) entering the service after June 1, 1988, and those who entered after July 1, 1985, will qualify for educational assistance under the new Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30). A six-year commitment is required with the National Guard or Selected Reserve for the Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 106). People who have a disability rating will receive funding through the rehabilitation program (Chapter 31). Those who have served between January 1, 1977, and July 1, 1985, and participated in the matching funds program (Chapter 32 VEAP) also have educational benefits. Children, spouses and widow(er)s of veterans who, while serving in the armed forces, were killed on active duty, or have died as a result of a service-connected disability, or are permanently and totally disabled, or were prisoners of war, or are missing in action qualify for benefits under the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35).

Tuition fees may be waived at any state-supported institution of higher education in Kentucky for those children, spouses and widow(er)s of Kentucky residents who, while serving in the armed forces or the Kentucky National Guard, were killed on active duty, or who have died as a result of a service-connected disability, or who are permanently and totally disabled, or who were prisoners of war, or who have been declared missing in action. Dependents of living qualifying veterans must be between the ages of 17 and 23. Tuition fees are waived for up to 36 months, or until age 23, whichever comes first. Neither the age restriction nor the 36-month limitation applies to dependents of deceased veterans.

For more information on these programs, please visit the Veteran Affairs Office located in 119 Ordway Hall or call 270-762-6837 or 6838.

Policy on Academic Honesty
(Adopted by Board of Regents, February 14, 1975)
Cheating, plagiarism (submitting another person’s material as one’s own), or doing work for another person which will receive academic credit are all impermissible. This includes the use of unauthorized books, notebooks, or other sources in order to secure or give help during an examination, the unauthorized copying of examinations, assignments, reports, or term papers, or the presentation of unacknowledged material as if it were the student’s own work. Disciplinary action may be taken beyond the academic discipline administered by the faculty member who teaches the course in which the cheating took place.

Note:  Faculty reserve the right to invalidate any examination or other evaluative measures if substantial evidence exists that the integrity of the examination has been compromised.

Policy on Attendance
 Students are expected to attend all classes in which they are enrolled for credit or audit purposes. An instructor may establish attendance policies for each class so long as they : (1) are clearly published in the course syllabus, (2) distinguish between excused and unexcused absences and (3) are consistent with university policies as outlined in this Bulletin.
Excused absences fall into two broad categories: 
 1. Absence due to personal illness or death in the immediate family or other extraordinary personal circumstance. Faculty may require appropriate authentication or documentation. 
 2. Absence due to student participation in a University Sanctioned Event in which the student serves as a representative of the institution. 
 University Sanctioned Events shall include those officially scheduled activities (practice and training sessions NOT included) related to intercollegiate athletics, performing groups, and teams who represent the university in debate, forensics or other academic competitions. Other activities and events may be added to this listing upon recommendation of the Sanctioned Events Committee and approval by the Provost. This committee shall consist of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director of Athletics, the Faculty Senate President,  a student appointed by the President of the Student Government Association, and the Provost or his designee. The official list of approved, sanctioned activities and events shall be maintained in the Office of the Provost.
 Attendance and participation in class activities is essential to success in college. Absences, for whatever purposes, can potentially undermine the shared goal of student learning. In cases where student absences are clearly unavoidable, it is essential that students and faculty alike approach the resolution of the difficulty with a clear commitment to the mutual goal of student learning.
 Responsibilities of Students: Students missing class(es) as a result of activities covered above shall notify the instructor in writing at the beginning of the semester and, in the case of scheduled events, this notification shall not be less than one week prior to the absence. Students with excused absences are excused from class attendance but are not excused from work assigned or expected as a part of that class period. Students, in conjunction with each course instructor, are required to develop a plan for alternative assignments or the make-up of all work missed and must complete this work within a time frame mutually agreed upon with the instructor.
 Responsibilities of Faculty:  Faculty are expected to plan with students who have excused absences to develop alternatives and make-up assignments. Such alternatives are not expected to diminish faculty expectations of students, nor may they reduce opportunities for students to demonstrate performance.
 Responsibilities of Others: Deans and department chairs share the responsibility for insuring proper orientation of all full and part-time faculty regarding the provisions of this policy. Administrators, sponsors and coaches of various student activities share an important role in ensuring that students understand their responsibilities with respect to this aspect of student performance. Specific guidelines and procedures should be developed for each sport or activity to ensure timely communication between students and faculty. Advance lists of varsity/participating students along with schedules of away or off-campus activities or matches should be provided to students so that they, in turn, can share this information with faculty at the beginning of the semester.
 Questions and Appeals:  In the event of questions or concerns regarding the implementation of this policy in specific classroom situations, students and faculty should be guided by the following:
 1. If there is a question regarding whether a specific activity is an officially sanctioned event for which terms of this policy might apply, the inquiry should be addressed to the Office of the Provost.
 2. In the event a student is concerned with the implementation of this policy in a specific course, the student should try to resolve the matter by discussing it first with the instructor, then with the department chair, and if resolution is still not reached, then with the collegiate dean. If the matter is not settled through this process, the student may seek resolution through the appropriate collegiate grievance/appeal process.
 3. Instances of student abuse or violation of the terms of this policy should be reported to the dean or director responsible for the sanctioned event and to the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Policy on Racial Harassment
It is the policy of Murray State University to conduct and provide programs, activities and services to students, faculty and staff in an atmosphere free from racial harassment. Racial harassment is any behavior that would verbally or physically threaten, torment, badger, heckle or persecute an individual because of his/her race. Isolated instances of misconduct, although never condoned, do not necessarily constitute racial harassment, nor a hostile environment.
Racial harassment of university faculty, staff, students or visitors is prohibited and shall subject the offender to appropriate disciplinary action ranging from disciplinary warning to expulsion.
The administration has an open-door policy for any student who feels he or she has been subjected to racial harassment or discrimination. Students are urged to contact the Office of Student Affairs, Ordway Hall, in the event that racial harassment arises outside of the employment setting. All others should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity, Wells Hall.

Policy on Combating Sexual Harrassment
It is the policy of Murray State University to maintain the university community as a place of work and study for faculty, staff and students, free from sexual harassment and all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation. All faculty, staff and students should be aware that the university is concerned and prepared to take action to prevent and correct such behavior, and that individuals who engage in such behavior are subject to discipline.
Behaviors which constitute sexual harassment can be classified in three categories:  (1) repeated and unwanted sexual behavior involving physical contact; (2) verbal comments or suggestions of a sexual nature which adversely affect the working or learning environment; (3) coercive behavior, including suggestions that academic or employment reprisals or rewards will follow the refusal or granting of sexual favors. These constitute gross misconduct and will not be tolerated. In such cases, a single incident would establish grounds for action.
Misconduct involving students in a non-employment setting is governed by the University Codes of Conduct, and complaints about such behavior should be referred to the Office of Student Affairs. Anyone who is subject to offensive sexual behavior in the employment setting is encouraged to pursue the matter through the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Policy on Hazing
Murray State University recognizes that student organizations exist for the purpose of extending opportunities for education, social interaction, leadership and skill development, and personal growth beyond the classroom. Therefore, the practice of hazing pledges, associate members, initiates or members is antithetical to the purposes of registered student organizations at Murray State University and is strictly prohibited by the university. Furthermore, as of July 1986, hazing is a violation of Chapter 164 of Kentucky Revised Statutes. In pertinent part, the statute reads as follows:
“(This statute) prohibits any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with any organization. . . . In the case of a student or faculty violator, (violation of this statute shall result in) his suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate disciplinary action and, in the case of an organization which authorizes such conduct, (violation shall result in) recision of permission for that organization to operate on campus property. Such penalties shall be in addition to any penalty pursuant to the penal law or any other chapter (of Kentucky Revised Statutes) to which a violator or organization may be subject.”
Specifically, on the campus of Murray State University, hazing is defined as any on-campus or off-campus activity which results in mental or physical harassment, humiliation, degradation, ridicule, shock, endangerment, physical disfigurement, excessive fatigue, danger to health, or the involuntary consumption of alcohol or drugs.
This prohibition against hazing applies equally to student organizations, individual students, faculty, and staff members, visitors to the campus, and licensees and invitees on the campus.
Any student who participates in hazing as defined above has violated the Murray State University Code of Conduct and will be subject to disciplinary action as described in the Standards in Disciplinary Proceedings of the Student Life Policies. Any organization which authorizes or permits hazing to occur has violated the policy statement on Regulation of Student Groups and will be subject to group disciplinary action as outlined in that policy.

Policy on Intolerance
The university is committed to creating an educational environment which is free from intolerance directed toward individuals or groups and strives to create and maintain an environment that fosters respect for others. As an educational institution, the university has a mandate to address problems of a society deeply ingrained with bias and prejudice. Toward that end, the university provides educational programs and activities to create an environment in which diversity and understanding of other cultures are valued.
A. Intolerance refers to an attitude, feeling or belief wherein an individual shows contempt for other individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or political or religious belief.
B. Actions motivated by intolerance violate the principles upon which American society is built and serve to destroy the fabric of the society we share. Such actions do untold and unjust harm to those who experience this kind of discrimination and threaten the reputation of the university.
C. The expression of diverse views and opinions is encouraged in the university community. Further, the First Amendment of the United States Constitution assures the right of free expression. In a community which recognizes the rights of its members to hold divergent views and to express those views, sometimes ideas are expressed which are contrary to university values and objectives. Nevertheless, the university cannot impose disciplinary sanctions upon such expression when it is otherwise in compliance with university regulations.
D. When any violation of a university policy, rule or regulation is motivated by intolerance toward an individual or group based on characteristics such as race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or political or religious beliefs, the sanction will be increased in severity and may include separation from the university.

Policy on Use of University Facilities
The intent of the following guidelines is to permit appropriate use of university facilities. Murray State University is committed to both the practice and the philosophy of equal opportunity. The principles contained in the guidelines for use of university facilities will be followed without regard to and in a non-discriminatory manner as to race, religion, and/or political affiliation. The guidelines shall also be applicable to all faculty, staff, students, and non-university persons or groups. In addition, persons who are not students or employees of the university are expected, while on university property, to adhere to the standards of usage and conduct applicable to faculty, staff, and students. The facilities of the university shall mean buildings and structures, land, equipment, utilities, walks, streets and recreational areas. The following guidelines apply to all university facilities.
The basic requisite for granting the use of university facilities is relevancy to the educational purpose as determined by the university. Facilities may be used for non-educational activities when it is considered to be in the best interest of the university. However, the university reserves the right to make final determination as to the true educational value or appropriateness of the event being scheduled and whether or not the university will make its facilities available. University facilities may not be used for non-educational programs unrelated to the university when adequate private facilities are available. Generally speaking, facilities will be made available on a “first come, first served” basis.
The order of classification of requesting groups will be determined by the university. The order of classification to be followed in scheduling facilities is as follows: 
(a) academic departments, administrative departments and registered student organizations scheduling non-revenue-producing1 programs, except grant programs that are funded for facility expense; 
(b) academic departments, administrative departments and registered student organizations scheduling facilities for university-sponsored, revenue-producing1 programs (requests must be approved by appropriate dean, vice-president, department chairman, director or organization advisor); 
(c) university faculty, staff or students scheduling facilities for non-university-sponsored, revenue-producing1 programs; 
(d) non-university groups requesting facilities for non-revenue-producing programs; 
(e) non-university groups scheduling facilities for revenue-producing1 groups.
Only registered organizations are eligible to schedule university facilities. A non-registered group may schedule a meeting for the purpose of organization. Additional meetings or functions shall not be allowed until the group has registered with the Office of Student Activities.
Minimal charges are necessary to offset operational care of facilities. In addition, any additional necessary charges are the responsibility of the individual or group using the facility.
Guidelines for the use of university facilities, schedule of rental charges and appropriate applications are available from the Scheduling Coordinator, Administrative Services, General Services Building.

1Revenue-producing shall include any program having entrance fees or generating income. Any event at which voluntary offerings are collected shall be considered revenue-producing.