Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs provides co-curricular support to assist in the success of KSU scholars. Student Affairs includes: BREDS Office, Career and Professional Development Center, Student Success, Upward Bound, Student Support Services, Student Wellness and Experience, and the Thorobred Learning Center.

Student Success at KSU

The mission of the Student Success Center at Kentucky State University is to provide comprehensive programs, services, events, and curriculum dedicated to advancing the academic success of our undergraduate students. Through an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, we aim to enhance exploration, engagement, and success by fostering productive academic habits, offering personalized advising, success coaching, learning support, and impactful first-and second-year experience programming. Our outcomes-oriented philosophy ensures a seamless, robust, focused, and comprehensive educational support system that effectively and rapidly increases the likelihood of undergraduate academic success and retention. We are committed to strengthening students to confidently declare an academic major, promoting personal growth and development to become global citizens, and enabling students to progress successfully towards degree completion.

Student Success includes: KSU Accelerate, Transitional Support (First and Second Year Experience), Undergraduate Advising, and the Thorobred Learning Center.

KSU Accelerate

The KSU Accelerate summer bridge program aims to serve as an accelerated supplemental instruction model designed to prepare participating students to enter credit-bearing coursework in the first semester of college; thus, improving the transition into gateway coursework impacting retention, progression, and minimizing time to degree.  This program is critical for incoming freshmen as these students spent a significant portion of their high school tenure learning remotely.  The residential bridge program is designed as a two-week pre-orientation and academic immersion experience targeted to academically underprepared students in English, math, and/or reading and first-year admits entering with less than a 2.5 cumulative HS GPA (i.e. students required to enter into a learning contract).

Program learning objectives allows participants:

• To meet readiness benchmarks in English, math, and/or reading at the conclusion of the program via developmental coursework in a workshop setting.
• Acclimate to the KSU campus and Frankfort community.
• Engage with other first-year admits, upperclassmen, staff, faculty, and administrators to maximize connectedness and belonging.
• Develop the necessary skills for college success via academic planning, study strategies, leadership/student involvement opportunities, and become familiar with other support resources.

For information, contact Katianna Martin at katianna.yates@kysu.edu

Transition Services (First and Second Year Experience)

For information, contact Katianna Martin at katianna.yates@kysu.edu

Undergraduate Academic Advising

Delivers personalized advising services to assist students in navigating their academic journey, declaring majors confidently, and making informed decisions.

The Professional Advisor at Kentucky State University is an integral component to student success. As such the professional advisors will:

• Assist students with the exploration and selection of majors and fulfillment of guided pathways.
• Facilitate student understanding of guided pathways, and backwards mapping. 
• Assist with course selection and registration. Fall registrations occurs the preceding spring or summer. Spring semester registration occurs in the preceding. 
• Monitor academic progress.
• Facilitate early alert monitoring and intervention strategies to assist students with course success.
• Assist with transition issues as needed and provide campus resource referrals.

At the completion of 60 credit hours, identified faculty coaches will serve as secondary advisors, helping students to navigate program and career exploration and fulfillment. Students will be assigned to a faculty coach, in their respective academic major.

Faculty coaches will:

• Assist with the understanding of program requirements.
• Help students connect curriculum to their personal and professional goals.
• Assist in the preparation of long-range plans for the completion of degree requirements.

Undergraduate advising is located in the Student Center Suite 330, and can be reached at 502-597-5599 or via email at advising@kysu.edu. 

Thorobred Learning Center

The Thorobred Learning Center (TLC) is focused on providing comprehensive learning support, ensuring that students have the tools and resources needed for academic excellence. The Center provides learning assistance to meet the academic demands of all students along all points of their academic careers. TLC provides face-to-face group and individual tutoring, writing support, math supplemental review sessions, embedded class peer support, success workshops, and individual academic coaching. The Thorobred Learning Center is located in Suite 330 Carl M. Hill Student Center and can be reached at (502) 597-6547 or by email: tlc@kysu.edu. Operating days and hours are updated regularly: https://www.kysu.edu/student-success-and-retention/thorobred-learning-center/index.php

Career and Professional Development Center

Kentucky State University’s Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) is here to assist students in making successful transitions from their academic pursuits to their first choice, post-graduation destinations based upon a clear understanding of the career development process, competitive credentials, access to a robust employer base, and mastery of contemporary strategies for identifying and securing career options that reflect their unique interests, skills, and aspirations.

The CPDC facilitates connections to educate, inspire confidence, and empower all students to launch professionally and personally fulfilling lives. The CPDC’s mission is to help guide students with every aspect of career exploration and development.

The CPDC provides a variety of programs and services to empower students to take ownership of their continuous career development process. Career programs and activities allow students to actively explore interests and develop skills to effectively and efficiently achieve individual career goals. These career services are available to all enrolled students:

• Career assessment activities;
• Career and graduate and professional school fairs;
• Exploring career options;
• Graduate school admission preparation;
• Interview preparation;
• Networking with prospective employers;
• Resume writing workshops; and
• Search strategies for internships and jobs.

The Career and Professional Development Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Academic Services and can be reached by phone (502-597-6700) or email career.services@kysu.edu

Student Support Services

Student Support Services (SSS) is a TRIO program that provides exceptional academic and personal support for several students who qualify and are focused and determined to graduate with their degree. Student Support Services provides an opportunity for success to those who are selected for participation and are willing to commit themselves to the mission of SSS and their personal educational goals. Students enrolling in this unique program will be exposed to educational, social, and cultural opportunities that will broaden their sense of awareness, and enhance their skills so they can compete globally. SSS is located in the Student Center 320, and Atwood Library.

Student Engagement and Campus Life

The Division of Student Engagement and Campus Life delivers student-centered services and activities to enhance the co-curricular experience of the Kentucky State University student, and the person as a whole in society. Student Engagement and Campus Life strives to nurture the student in the development of the personal, social, civic, safety, and professional growth aspects of their lives. The Division’s main office is located in Suite 320 of the Carl M. Hill Student Center and the phone number is 502-597-6400.

The offices of the Division of Student Engagement and Campus Life include: Dean of Students; Campus Life; Student Health Services; University Counseling Center; Accessibility and Disability Services; Residence Life; Student Residence Hall Facilities and Events; and Campus Safety and Police. Student Engagement and Campus Life also addresses matters concerning student conduct and discipline, provides case management services, and official university absence excuses.

Campus Life

The Office of Campus Life seeks to provide a student-centered environment, supporting the academic programs of study at Kentucky State University. The design and implementation of innovative programming aims to foster increased retention, develop healthy interpersonal relationships, provide outreach to the community, and offer opportunities to develop strong leadership skills through the following key areas: Student Government Association, Class-level Leadership, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Special Events & Activities, School Spirit, Student Policy, Activism & Service, University Ambassadorship, Spirituality, Recreation, and Homecoming. The Office of Campus Life recognizes that collaborative efforts across the institution, holistically supports and enhances the co-curricular student experience.

The leadership opportunities provided to students, places and emphasis on service, leadership, scholarship, unity, diversity, and school spirit infused in every experience. A student engaged through the Office of Campus Life associates themselves with values based, purpose-driven organizations that emphasize the teaching of transferable skills in preparation to become global citizens of society. The office is located in suite 320 in the Carl M. Hill Student Center the phone number is 502-597-6785.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) of Kentucky State University serves as the student governing body, providing the students a voice in the affairs of the campus community. The executive officers and class officers manage many student-only projects, and one member serves as a voting member of the University’s Board of Regents. The SGA plays a part in developing programs that enhance the social and cultural life of Kentucky State University students. Whether planning entertainment, presenting the student point of view to the University administration, or encouraging academic excellence among the student body, participants in student government help shape their community.

Student Organizations

At Kentucky State University, “a chance to participate, and the opportunity to get involved” is much more than a phrase; it is a fact of campus life. The range of student organizations includes Greek-Letter fraternities and sororities, honor societies, academic clubs, literary groups, art/music clubs, and special interest organizations (LGBTQ, Nursing, International students, Chess, etc.).

Students with interests that are not represented may submit a petition to inaugurate a new student organization.

Student Health Services

Kentucky State’s Office of Student Health Services helps ensure the physical health of university students. It is staffed by an advanced registered nurse practitioner,  and a licensed practical nurse. The Student Health Services office is located in Suite 340 of Carl M. Hill Student Center, and can be contacted at 502-597-6271. Its program is broad in scope, encompassing preventive medicine, health education, physical and mental health care, wellness programs, and appropriate referrals. When necessary, Student Health Services refers students to appropriate health-care professionals or facilities in the Frankfort community or beyond. All records, treatments, and referrals are strictly confidential.

• The services provided to students by Student Health Services include the following: AIDS education;
• Educational counseling for alcohol and other drug abuse;
• Free screenings for high blood pressure, blood sugar, chlamydia and gonorrhea, HIV, urine pregnancy test, UTI’s, rapid strep test, rapid flu test, and rapid COVID test;
• Health education workshops and seminars to promote healthy lifestyle;
• Preventive and corrective health care (on an out-patient basis); an annual health fair.

University Counseling Center/Mental Health Services

The University Counseling Center provides quality counseling services to support students with their needs relating to mental and emotional health and wellness. All Kentucky State University students are eligible for free counseling services. We can assist in many ways, including:

• Personal counseling
• Collaborative crisis intervention
• Support group facilitation
• Psycho-educational training
• Educational seminars on mental health and wellness
• Substance abuse counseling

All records and counseling sessions are strictly confidential. Information from records is not released for any reason without specific written consent or if there is an indication of danger to self or others.

Accessibility and Disability Services

The Office of Accessibility and Disability Services provides equal access and opportunities throughout the campus to individuals who have a documented and registered disability. This unit advocates for reasonable accommodations‚ removal of barriers‚ and acceptance of different learning methods. In partnership with students‚ faculty‚ and staff‚ our purpose is to achieve an accessible educational environment where students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of the university community. Additionally, we promote greater disability awareness campus-wide. The University also provides reasonable accommodations to students and campus visitors with disabilities through the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services in Hathaway Hall room 107. This office can be reached by phone at 502-597-6041 for information on eligibility, required documentation, and available services.

Residence Life

The University provides residential housing for full-time students who want to live on campus. The Office of Residence Life oversees the operation of all University-owned and operated housing facilities for students and coordinates all programs, services, and activities associated with these facilities. Most full-time undergraduate students live in the University’s residence halls. Residence halls vary in size and architectural style, and they provide double-room accommodations in most instances. A limited number of single rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis based on certain criteria. All residences are professionally staffed by full-time Resident Directors and supported by students who serve as Resident Assistants. Meals are provided at the Underwood Cafeteria in the Student Center.

The Office of Residence Life encourages personal development through in-hall programs, academic and social activities, and is responsible for ensuring that students have an atmosphere conducive to studying. Students are encouraged and supported to assume responsibilities that foster growth away from home. The Office of Residence Life ensures that the physical condition of the residence halls is maintained at an optimal level and that opportunities are provided for social interaction in the residence halls. Security of all residence halls is a priority. All exterior doors in the residence halls are locked 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. Upon entering any residence hall on campus, all students and staff must have proper photo identification.

Applications for room assignments can be submitted year-round; however, applications are processed only after students have been officially admitted to the University. Requests for room reservations should be addressed to the Office of Residence Life, 100 Thorobred Hall, 502-597-5951. Each student who wants to live in University housing will be required to sign a Kentucky State University Two Semester Residence Hall Contract and pay a Housing Reservation Fee. All fees must be paid in the form of cash, certified check, cashier’s check, money order, personal check, or major credit card. Housing reservation fees are non-refundable.

Every effort will be made to honor an applicant’s preference of residence hall and roommate assignment; however, a particular room is not guaranteed. Assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis according to the date the deposit is received at the discretion of the Office of Residence Life. Each student will be required to sign a University Two Semester Residence Hall Contract, which sets forth the conditions for student housing. Semester room charges must be paid per two semesters during the regular academic year. Summer session room fees are due at the beginning of the summer term. All fees and expenses are payable per the fee payment deadlines found in the Academic Calendar.

Room and Board Refunds

Any room and board refund eligibility is determined by the agreement outlined in the housing contract. The schedule and amount of eligible room and board refunds is governed by the University Tuition and Fee Refund Policy (found on the Bursar’s website, www.kysu.edu/administration-governance/finance-business/bursar for each semester.

University Property Damage

Students are expected to care for their rooms and to keep them clean and orderly. Kentucky State University attempts to make it possible for students to enjoy good living conditions; therefore, it expects those who occupy rooms in the residence halls to keep them in good condition. Students will be charged for any damage to University property.

Property Insurance Requirement

The University requires each resident to pay annually for a Theft, Fire, Natural Disaster, and Accidental Damage insurance policy. Kentucky State University shall not be responsible for any resident student’s loss of property, theft of property, or damage of property. Students will be responsible for filing the appropriate claims through the insurance policy provider.

Campus Safety and Police

The Kentucky State University Police Department ensures the safety and security of all campus visitors. The police officers of the Kentucky State University Police Department are fully trained and sworn peace officers and are required to be certified through the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training in accordance with KRS 15.380(1)(d). Through KRS 164.955, Kentucky State University police officers have general police powers including the power of arrest. This unit is also fully staffed with a police chief, security officers, and dispatchers. We are a full-service agency and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, located in Exum. Dispatch can be contacted at 502-597-6878; to report anonymous information text 502-545-7370. Services from this unit includes:

• Overseeing safety and security of the KSU campus community
• General patrol by both vehicle and on foot
• Response to criminal and vehicle collision reports
• Medical calls and fire alarms
• Maintenance of emergency notification systems
• Providing safety tips and information on campus safety
• Vehicle registration
• Crime statistic records and logs