Current Students

Make the most of your college experience. Discover the variety of tutoring and academic support services, employment opportunities, impactful student organizations, and more. We’re here to serve you.

School of Business tutoring
The School of Business provides accounting and statistics laboratories and tutoring to assist students with their homework.  Faculty are encouraged to place extensive support materials in their Moodle accounts for students.

University Wide Student Support Programs

  • Tutoring
  • Academic Advising Services
  • Student Support Services: The Student Support Services (SSS) project at Northwestern State, funded by a Federal TRIO grant, exists to eliminate barriers to graduation for 360 low income, first generation and disabled students through providing intensive, intrusive and effective academic and student services.

Students may apply for a COOP or an Internship. A COOP integrates periods of academic study with periods of paid, professional work experience. The student is not enrolled in classes and working simultaneously because he/she is totally immersed at an organization for a pre-determined period of time. For an internship, the student may be enrolled in classes and working for an organization simultaneously.

Together with either the COOP Coordinator or the Internship Coordinator, a determination will be made regarding the number of credit hours for the COOP/Internship.  COOP’s/Internships, like any course, are credit bearing and will incur a tuition charge.

Accounting or Business Administration majors
Accounting or Business majors interested in an Internship or COOP enroll in COOP 3010 or COOP 1010.  COOP 3010 and COOP 1010 may be taken in the same semester.  This structure allows a student to earn a total of nine COOP credit hours during their college program.  Students may use COOP credits to meet some of the academic requirements of their major field of study, however, they should check with their academic department to verify the COOP credit will be accepted.

COOP Structure
Course number: COOP 3010, 1 credit hour, may be taken 3 times.
Course number: COOP 1010, 2 credit hours, may be taken 3 times.

Students enrolled in COOP are expected to complete the following documents:

Coordinator: Curtis Penrod
Office Location: Room 201A, Russell Hall
Office Number: 318.357.5033
e-mail: cis@nsula.edu

Computer Information Systems majors
CIS majors that secure internships may enroll in CIS 4300 (Collaborative Projects).  The total number of credit hours allowed in CIS 4300 is six.  Students may use internship credits to meet some of the academic requirements of their major field of study, however, they should check with their academic department to verify the internship credit will be accepted.

Coordinator: Curtis Penrod
Office Location: Room 201A, Russell Hall
Office Number: 318.357.5033
e-mail: cis@nsula.edu

Each party involved in an Internship/COOP has specific responsibilities that are outlined below.

Student Responsibilities

  • The student must enroll in the appropriate Internship/COOP course
    • ACCT or BUAD major: COOP 3010 or COOP 1010
    • CIS major: CIS 4300
  • The student must be enrolled at Northwestern State University
  • The student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5
  • The student must have at least a Junior standing or permission from the Internship/COOP coordinator
  • The student must receive approval for the Internship/COOP from the Department Coordinator
  • The Internship/COOP must be secured within 3 weeks of the beginning of the semester
  • The Internship/COOP must be within the student’s major field of study
    • No internships on minors
  • The student must follow the employer’s application process when applying for a position
    • Provide resume
    • Complete application(s)
    • Interview for position
  • The student must complete all of the documentation required by the University
  • The student must report absences to the Internship/COOP Coordinator which are longer than 2 days, regardless of the reason
  • The student must report changes in work assignments, work location, salary, etc. to the Internship/COOP coordinator
  • The student must hold all privileged information concerning the employer’s operations or its customers in confidence
  • The student must schedule 2 on-campus conferences with the Internship/COOP coordinator if the student is enrolled in both COOP 3010 and COOP 1010

Employer Responsibilities

  • The employer must provide a supervised employment opportunity that is within the student’s field of study
  • The employer must employ the student for the minimum number of hours required by the University
  • The employer must complete all documentation required by the University
  • The employer must contact the Internship/COOP coordinator if a student’s performance is in question
    • The employer should not terminate a student unless they have contacted the Internship/COOP coordinator
  • At minimum, the employer must pay the prevailing minimum wage

University Responsibilities

  • The University must maintain a coordinator for the Internship/COOP program
  • The University must be able to contact the employer by phone or in writing to periodically monitor the student’s progress.
If you plan to graduate this semester, you MUST do the following:

(1) Complete online graduation application found on the Registrar’s website on or before the required deadline and follow instructions (How to Apply to Graduate).

(2) Contact your academic advisor to ensure you have met all the requirements for your major, concentration, and/or minor.

(3) Alert your Professor that you are in fact a graduating senior this semester so the Professor can ensure you take your final exam and/or complete your project early.

Please contact your Advisor if you have any questions on this matter. Thank you!

Student Organizations

Faculty Advisor: Dr. James Smith
Department: ACCT
Phone: 318.357.5709
E-mail: smithjames@nsula.edu

Beta Alpha Psi

Founded in 1919, Beta Alpha Psi is an honor organization for financial information students and professionals. There are over 300 chapters on college and university campuses with over 300,000 members initiated since Beta Alpha Psi’s formation. All of our chapters are AACSB and/or EQUIS accredited. We are not a fraternity or sorority but an honors organization.

Purpose

The purpose of Beta Alpha Psi is to engage with members, industry and educational institutions associated with the Beta Alpha Psi Professions to:

Academic Excellence
Motivate, recognize and celebrate academic excellence

Professional Development
Facilitate workplace readiness, employment, credentialing, mentoring, networking and lifelong learning

Responsible Practices
Foster a commitment to ethics, service, belonging, and environmental, social, governance-responsible practices

Advocacy
Advocate for the benefits of education, practice, credentialing and partnering associated with the Beta Alpha Psi Professions

Shaping
Support the shaping of the relevant and successful evolution of education, practice and credentialing associated with the Beta Alpha Psi Professions

VISION

Beta Alpha Psi will shape the financial and business information professions by developing members into ethical, professional, and confident leaders.

MISSION

The mission of Beta Alpha Psi, the premier international honor and service organization for financial and business information students and professionals, is to inspire and support excellence by:

  • encouraging the study and practice of accountancy, finance, business analytics and digital technology;
  • providing opportunities for service, professional development, and interaction among members and financial professionals; and
  • fostering lifelong ethical, social, and public responsibilities.

As a member of Beta Alpha Psi at NSU, you will be able to:

  • participate in campus and community service activities;
  • make presentations at local high schools and introductory college classes, as well as at annual and regional meetings;
  • develop professional friendships and relationships through various networking activities;
  • interact with professionals and future professionals from whom you may later wish to seek employment;
  • develop strategic contacts and relationships with faculty members who can provide good potential job sources and references.

Beta Gamma Sigma

Faculty Advisor: Dr. James Smith
Department: ACCT
Phone: 318.357.5709
E-mail: smithjames@nsula.edu

Beta Gamma Sigma Overview
Beta Gamma Sigma is the honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.  Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International.  Membership is by invitation only and is limited to the top 10% of Seniors and the top 7% of Juniors.

Benefits of BGS membership
Membership in BGS is widely recognized as a major achievement in the business world.  Corporate recruiters, including KPMG, Eli Lilly, and Intel, actively seek individuals who have been elected into membership in Beta Gamma Sigma.  Long after graduation, programs such as the BGS CareerCentral job board, BetaLink On-Line Community and the Alumni Network offer alumni member’s opportunities to stay connected and benefit from their commitment to academic excellence.  New members receive a complimentary, one-year gift subscription to BusinessWeek.  A two-year (24 issues) subscription to Business 2.0* magazine is also included in your lifetime membership.  Additionally, members are eligible for discounts from BGS’ corporate partners including Kaplan, barnesandnoble.com, and GEICO.  Additional benefits can be found at the Beta Gamma Sigma website.

Beta Gamma Sigma at NSU
The BGS chapter at NSU has been recognized for our outstanding performance in recognizing and attracting quality candidates.  As such, we have been able to offer a $1,000 scholarship to a student member in each of the past three years.  Past winners of the BGS scholarship are Donna Stephens (2011-2012), Hattie Vaughn (2010-2011), Destin Cacioppo (2009-2010), Kenny Gee (2008-2009), and Becky Guidry (2007-2008).

Faculty Advisor Dr. Julie McDonald
Department BUAD
Phone 318.357.5708
e-mail mcdonald@nsula.edu

PBL/FBLA Collegiate Application

FBLA Collegiate is dedicated to inspiring and developing the next generation of leaders by preparing members for careers in business and business-related fields.

There are core themes that run throughout the FBLA Collegiate Roadmap. These themes are:

  • Honing 21st century skills
  • Developing individual vision and personal brand
  • Building relationships with mentors in the business community
  • Being a mentor to someone else
  • Networking and completing internship experiences
  • Understanding that business principles are a part of every sector

Phi Beta Lambda isn’t just another student group—it gives members that opportunity to learn, travel, and grow as a business professional. Employers are looking for students with cutting-edge skills. PBL gives members the chance to gain these skills and prepares them for the “real-world” after college.

Set yourself apart from the average graduate!

In today’s highly competitive business environment it takes more than just a degree to succeed. It requires business savvy, leadership skills, and technical knowledge. By taking advantage of the many programs that Phi Beta Lambda offers, students acquire the skills that will set them apart from the average graduate. They will be better prepared for careers, graduate school, and life!

ANYONE MAY JOIN!

Student Advisory and Outreach Board

Faculty Advisor   Carmella Parker, Esq./MBA
Department BUAD
Phone 318 357-5723
e-mail parkerc@nsula.edu

The Student Advisory and Outreach Board is a selection of students within the College of Business and Technology who are selected by professors because of their exemplary leadership qualities. The S.A.O.B. acts as a liaison between students, the Dean and faculty of the School of Business.

Mission Statement:
The mission of the NSU School of Business Student Advisory and Outreach Board (S.A.O.B.) is to provide feedback that serves as a catalyst for innovation and engagement while promoting collaborative outreach efforts that will impact and empower all students and stakeholders.

Purpose:
To provide feedback to the Dean and faculty regarding internal and external factors and matters that may aid in greater efficacy within the College of Business and Technology.
To foster student engagement in campus-wide and School of Business educational activities and opportunities.
To assist in developing a positive image for the School of Business while promoting good relations between all stakeholders.

S.A.O.B. Policy Manual

SAOB Recap

Technology

Moodle is the web-based e-learning management system used by NSU for both online and face-to-face courses.

Northwestern State University provides Microsoft Office ProPlus for Windows and Mac to students free of charge through Microsoft Office 365. Click here for more information.

ITS provides an extensive wireless network throughout the Natchitoches, Shreveport, and Leesville campuses. Click here for a list of Natchitoches campus buildings with access.