LSMSA Student Services Update
January 17th, 2014
Handbook Update
Students are prohibited from using, possessing, and purchasing for self or others any tobacco product or any paraphernalia which may facilitate the use of a tobacco product (e.g., cigarette paper, pipe, vaporizer, etc.) or nicotine delivery device (such as electronic cigarettes) while under the supervisory authority of LSMSA, whether on campus, off campus, on a field trip, or on another such activity sanctioned or sponsored by LSMSA.
ยท Violations of smoking and tobacco policies generally are considered MAJOR INFRACTIONS.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Emily Shumate at eshumate@lsmsa.edu.
Spring Semester Begins!
As we begin a new semester, here are some important dates for January:
January 20 - Exploration Day for prospective students
January 21 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony
January 22 - Last day to add a class
January 23 - Senior meeting about graduation supplies
January 30 - Dismiss for extended weekend
Sweethearts Dance - February 15th
Permission forms for the dance have been posted and are available on the school website at: http://www.lsmsa.edu/content.cfm?id=361
Permission forms and dance guest registration forms are due by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10th.
Hall Spotlight: Focus on 1C
Nick Guidroz is the SLA for 1C. Nick was born and raised in the small town of Lockport, Louisiana. Lockport's population is just over 2,500. From a tightly-knit family, Nick remains close to his parents and his four siblings. His dad works for himself doing construction and puts Nick to work during all of his breaks from LSMSA! His mom teaches elementary school and loves it.
Nick started playing sports when he was four and continued in athletics throughout his education, earning a degree in Health and Exercise Science from Northwestern State University. While at NSU, Nick worked as an intern with the LSMSA sports program. After receiving his degree, he applied to be an SLA. He remains active with athletics at LSMSA and enjoys working with LSMSA students both in the residence hall and on the court/field.
In addition to sports, Nick enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. "I use my hall budget to cook for my guys. Most of our hall programs involve food. I haven't gotten any complaints. I try to prepare things that will go a long way. Some meals have been jambalaya, spaghetti, gumbo, red beans and rice, along with the occasional cookies or cupcakes. Early this year we watched the Saints beat up on the Dolphins while enjoying popcorn, cookies and drinks. Students worked on their homework during commercials. I try to ask my students to request hall programs. The typical answer I get is, "Just cook for us." I do my best to do things that include everyone's interests. I have just as much if not more fun than my guys at our programs. Some of my friends and family back home think I am crazy for living in a dorm, but this job is great. Nowhere else would I be able to "work" with such a wonderful group of guys," says Guidroz.
Student Activities: Opportunities Abound!
Student life advisors plan activities for their halls, weekend activities that are open to all students, work with faculty and other staff to coordinate the Expanded Orientation programs. Additionally, student life advisors work with student organizations to plan small- and large-scale events.
Below is a sampling of weekend of events offered during the fall semester:
- Campfires
- Trip to the Boardwalk in Bossier City
- Faculty vs. Student Softball
- Gumbo Dinner
- Movie Marathons
- Dances
- Trip to Renaissance Fair in Texas
- Dr. Who 5K Run
- Open Mic Night
- Eaglestock (outdoor club carnival with student performances)
Expanded Orientation included more than 100 programs intended to help students adjust to LSMSA and develop healthy patterns. There were regular opportunities for physical fitness, sessions on study skills and time management, and a number of "how to..." programs - from "How to do Laundry," and "How to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich," to "How to Change Your Oil."
The Leadershop series gives students an opportunity to develop their leadership skills. Three Leadershops were offered during the fall semester and several more will be offered during the spring semester. A leadership retreat was held in the fall semester and a second retreat is being offered in February. The sign-up list for the upcoming retreat is currently posted for students who would like to attend.
Community service opportunities included assisting at the Robeline Food Pantry, making Christmas cards for a local nursing home, planting trees on NSU's campus, participating in the Beadtown project, tutoring for the local girls' home, and helping with a teddy bear drive for CASA.
If your student hasn't gotten involved in social opportunities at LSMSA, encourage him or her to do so! Students who are having difficulty finding activities that interest them should speak with an SLA or Jenny Schmitt, Coordinator of Student Engagement.
Next Extended Weekend
Thursday, Jan 30, 2014, 04:00 PM
Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA
LSMSA Student Services
Email: eshumate@lsmsa.edu
Website: www.lsmsa.edu
Location: 715 University Drive, Natchitoches, LA
Phone: 3183572507