Mission of Fort Hays State

Fort Hays State University provides accessible quality education to Kansas, the nation, and the world through an innovative community of teacher-scholars and professionals to develop engaged global citizen-leaders.

Accreditation

Fort Hays State University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1915. 

Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60602-2504, USA
(800) 621-7440; or (312) 263-0456.

The Higher Learning Commission is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Secretary of Education.

Specialized program accreditations include:

• American Chemical Society
• Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs
• Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation
• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Council on Social Work Education
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
• Kansas State Board of Education
• Kansas State Board of Nursing
• National Association of Schools of Music
• National Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation
• US Department of Homeland Security and National Security Administration

The campus of Fort Hays State University is located adjacent to and southwest of the Hays city limits on Big Creek, a wooded stream which flows through the campus. This area, consisting of about 200 developed acres, is a part of 7,600 acres which was once the old Fort Hays military reservation. The university was assigned 4,160 acres of this land. The remaining area is used for agricultural purposes, student vocational projects, and research by university classes.

The campus and the adjacent state park furnish areas for recreation and sports. Big Creek provides fishing and skating facilities and furnishes excellent field facilities and materials for biological science research.

Campus, Publications and Student Services

Galleries of Art

The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, adjacent to the Center for Art and Design, provides a year-round program of fine arts exhibitions. Faculty and students of the School of Visual and Performing Arts select historical and contemporary shows and annually sponsor the Faculty Exhibit, the Student Honors Exhibition, and the juried Great Plains National Exhibition. Guest artists, faculty, and students exhibit in a professional art gallery setting. The Stouffer Lounge, located on the second floor of the Memorial Union, features special exhibits.

Technology Services

The Office of Technology Services maintains and supports all aspects of technology at Fort Hays State University, including enterprise administrative systems and applications, networking and infrastructure, telecommunications, information security, user support, training and documentation, technology purchasing, and desktop, lab and classroom support.

The Docking Institute of Public Affairs

The primary mission of Fort Hays State University's Docking Institute of Public Affairs is to facilitate effective public policy decision making among governmental and non-profit entities.

The Institute’s four primary programs are:

• Public policy and public opinion, survey research for governmental and nonprofit entities
• Strategic planning and consulting
• Public affairs programming through conferences, speakers, forums, television and radio programming, newspaper columns and scholarly publications
• Public administration and leadership training programs

Alumni Association

The Fort Hays State University Alumni Association, incorporated under the laws of Kansas, seeks to promote the interests and purposes of the university through various activities and to serve alumni of the university. All FHSU graduates, former students, and friends of the university are eligible for active membership in this association through a dues payment system.

The association functions as a major public relations arm of the university, and the office maintains records of graduates, former students, donors, and friends of the university. Activities include an awards program, chapter meetings, e-mail forwarding service, student-related services, global travel program, homecoming, insurance programs, class reunions, and publication of the FHSU Magazine.

FHSU Foundation

FHSU alumni and friends who make contributions to benefit the university direct their donations to the FHSU Foundation. The Foundation was incorporated in 1945 as a 501(c)3 organization. It is authorized to receive real and personal properties, monies, and other items of value given for the use or benefit of the university. It is responsible for the management and administration of funds and properties under its jurisdiction for the benefits of the university, its students, employees, and departments. Policies are formed by a board of trustees and administered by an executive committee and president.

Contributions to the Foundation are essential to FHSU because they provide a permanent source of funding for academic programs, faculty, staff, and students. Annual solicitation campaigns of alumni and friends are conducted which inform donors of university activities and also provide them with an opportunity to assist FHSU programs of their choice. A vital part of the Foundation’s resources are the endowed funds. With an endowed gift, the principal amount is invested and remains untouched.

The investment earnings are used to provide income which gives FHSU the ability to plan and implement long term strategies for program improvement. Investing in the education of our students at FHSU is an investment in our future.

Herndon Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic

Fort Hays State University is proud to have a state-of-the-art clinic to provide evaluation and treatment for the local community and people of western Kansas.

The clinic's namesake, Dr. Geneva Herndon, founded the clinic in 1954 and started the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program. The clinic's primary purpose is to provide undergraduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders and graduate students majoring in Speech-Language Pathology with hands-on experience providing services in speech, language and hearing.

Nationally certified and licensed faculty and clinical students use the latest evidence-based research practices to provide clients with a high-quality, comprehensive evaluation and/or treatment programs. Clients can range across the lifespan and may be experiencing a variety of difficulties. Services for young toddlers may focus on increasing the size of the vocabulary or length and complexity of the sentence. School-age children's services may target social skills, oral language skills as well as reading and writing ability. For adults, evaluation and treatment is available for those who are experiencing communication and/or swallowing difficulties because of a stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, or other degenerative disease (e.g., Parkinson's).

In May, 2008 the Herndon Clinic was named as a RiteCare® Clinic, sponsored by the Scottish Rite Foundation of Kansas. There are over 170 RiteCare® clinics, centers, and special programs operating or planned for children located throughout the United States. These clinics have a focus on serving children who have difficulty with listening, speaking, and literacy skills.

Tiger Tots

Even tiny tigers can take advantage of the education offered at Fort Hays State University! FHSU Tiger Tots Preschool Center is a beautifully renovated space that provides a safe, loving, and high-quality learning environment that transitions our little tigers to kindergarten-ready. Children of FHSU students, Fort Hays Tech | North Central students, Hays Academy of Hair Design students, and children of FHSU faculty and staff are eligible to be a part of our Tiger Tot family. The Center is conveniently located in Rarick 109 on the FHSU campus. We are open Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-5:00 PM, and we follow the University's academic schedule.

We offer a positive and safe environment that promotes each child's social, physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. We believe learning should happen by exploring the environment, questioning, and problem-solving, all of which help children develop a positive self-image. Our curriculum, staff, and environment promote a high-quality early childhood program. Tiger Tots is licensed to enroll children between the ages of 30 months through school age and has a capacity for 24 children at any given time.

University Calendar

The University Calendar is managed by the Memorial Union. Any student, faculty member, department, or organization desiring to list an event on the University Calendar should contact the reservations office.

Division of Student Affairs

The university provides for each student an environment which is intended to foster a living and learning experience. Offices in the Division of Student Affairs exist to help the student develop as a total person.

Student Services

Academic Advising and Career Exploration Center

The Academic Advising and Career Exploration Center (AACE) serves exploratory majors, non-degree seeking students, students looking to confirm their current major, and students who are on academic probation and academic suspension. The Center also supports professional academic advisors, faculty mentors and staff by providing academic and career advising resources.

The AACE Center can help you:

• Explore academic options to clearly define your educational goals.
• Understand general education requirements.
• Understand your academic standing and related university processes.
• Understand university policies.
• Locate appropriate resources for academic success.

Career Services

Career Services assists FHSU students with developing job skills necessary for successful job search and admission to graduate school. Career Services also provides extensive information on employment opportunities in internships and full-time positions! Check out our services and resources:

Resume and Cover Letter Reviews: Help job seekers prepare resumes and cover letters and learn interview/job searching strategies.

On-campus or online interviewing opportunities for internship or full-time positions.

Handshake: Use your FHSU login information to access Handshake, where you can find nationwide postings, tutoring appointment blocks, and career services appointments. Check out Jobs for Tigers for part-time positions in the Hays area. Find information on global jobs and internships, interviews, and cultural advice. You can access this information through your Handshake account.

Mock Interviews: Use fhsu.biginterview.com to practice your interview skills 24/7 online.

A clothing closet provides FHSU students with professional clothing. Each student can get one free outfit each year of attendance at Fort Hays State University!

Career Fairs: Connect with future employers, recruiters, and schools for potential employment. There are new fairs in both the Spring and Fall so check our website http://www.fhsu.edu/careers or Handshake for upcoming fairs.

Social Media: Connect with us on Instagram and LinkedIn @FHSUCareers!

Exchange Programs

International Student Exchange Program: The International Student Exchange Program allows university students the opportunity to enroll in a foreign university for a semester or year of study.

These universities are located in more than 46 countries on 6 continents. Students can earn academic credit toward their degree while participating in the life of their host institution and country. This program, designed for both undergraduate and graduate students, is handled through the International Student Exchange Coordinator and is located in the Office of Student Affairs, Memorial Union, Rm 014.

Kansas/Paraguay Exchange Program: The university is a member of the six Board of Regents universities in Kansas that has a reciprocal faculty and student exchange program with the two universities in Paraguay--the National University of Asuncion and the Catholic University of Our Lady of Asuncion. This program provides the opportunity for faculty and students to study or do research while living in Paraguay, with students also having the opportunity to earn academic credit. This program is handled through the International Student Exchange Coordinator located in the Office of International Services, Memorial Union, Rm 014.

National Student Exchange: Fort Hays State University participates in the National Student Exchange with over 130 other colleges and universities throughout the United States. Students broaden their understanding of our world by experiencing different physical and social surroundings and expanding their horizons. This program, designed for sophomores and juniors, is handled through the National Student Exchange Coordinator and is located in the Memorial Union, Rm 014.

Study and Travel Abroad Programs: Information on summer study abroad and travel abroad may be found on the university web site at https://www.fhsu.edu/studyabroad/. Each year dates and costs of these programs change. These programs are designed for both undergraduate and graduate students and are handled through the Study Abroad Office located in the Memorial Union, Rm 014.

International Student Services

The International Student Services Office provides academic, personal, financial, and immigration counseling for international students. An orientation session for new international students at the beginning of each semester, a monthly international student newsletter, and special campus and community programs are among the services offered to international students.

Health and Wellness Services

Personal Counseling Services

When you need to get a different perspective or need support, we are here for you. We offer therapy services to help with a wide range of mental health concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, college transition, drug and alcohol use, grief, and relationship issues. Our professional counselors can help you learn problem-solving techniques for college success and be a source of support during challenging times.

If you are a victim of dating, domestic, sexual, interpersonal, or stalking violence, our counselors can help you with decision-making, safety issues, general support, and individual healing.

Our Domestic, Dating, and Sexual Violence Help page provides additional information and helpful resources.

To schedule an individual counseling session for any of your mental health concerns, contact our office. Counseling services are provided onsite but can also be made available by phone or the Internet. If you are interested in telehealth, please visit our Telehealth Informed Consent Page for more information.

Academic Support and Tutoring

College work isn't supposed to be easy. It's challenging, demanding and sometimes may seem difficult to manage. That's why we are here to help. Through our academic coaching services, you can get individualized information and help with study skills and strategies, college-level textbook reading, note-taking, time management and test preparation. Our staff provide one-on-one sessions to help you learn ways to overcome academic stumbling blocks. Your decision to get academic coaching is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness. People who know they need guidance and seek it out are strong and do what is needed to achieve personal and academic well-being.

Academic Success Programs offer free peer tutoring to help you strengthen your skills and ultimately improve your classroom performance. Our tutors are available to help with most General Education courses including math, science, foreign language, English and other subjects.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Prevention Program

Abusing alcohol or other drugs can negatively impact your personal well-being and success at FHSU. Maybe you've been arrested for an alcohol or drug-related offense. Maybe you're worried about a friend, classmate, or family member's drinking and drug use. Maybe you think you have a problem and just don't know what to do or where to get help. We can help you navigate these issues and grow from these experiences.

Our certified counselors can help you understand addictive behavior and find alternative ways to manage the "triggers" that can lead to substance abuse. We also provide court-ordered chemical dependency evaluations and Alcohol Information School (AIS) sessions. And remember, it's less expensive to get help when you want to, rather than when you have to.

To schedule an individual counseling session for any substance use or abuse concerns, contact our office. Counseling services are provided onsite but can also be made available by phone or the Internet. If you are interested in telehealth, please visit our Telehealth Informed Consent Page for more information about living on campus.

Testing Services

As you work toward achieving your educational and career goals, you may need to show your skills and knowledge on national standardized exams. Testing Services administers these exams which include college and graduate school admissions tests, credit-by-examination assessments, and professional licensure and certification exams.

Our test center is an official test site for all Prometric, PSI True Talent, and Meazure Learning examination programs. We are also a test site for National Testing Network's Kansas Cosmetology examinations.

Medical Services

We care about your health and well-being just as much as we care about your academic career. While you’re at FHSU, you’ll have access to prompt, convenient, and personable care for minor illnesses and injuries, as well as for testing and medications that keep you healthy and enjoying your time in college.

Our team of dedicated medical professionals provide compassionate, individualized care that emphasizes appropriate treatment and promotion of personal wellness. Our affordable healthcare services are conveniently located on the FHSU campus. For further information visit: www.fhsu.edu/health-and-wellness/medical/.

Accessibility Services

FHSU offers reasonable accommodations to students with documented learning, physical, and/or psychological disabilities. If you have one or more documented disabilities that affect your ability to learn or participate in a campus program or service, we are here to help support your needs.

You are required to register with our office, identify your needs, and provide documentation in order to be considered eligible for reasonable accommodations at Fort Hays State. We will review your documentation and visit with you to determine accommodations and approaches that will be effective for your learning and/or engagement. For further information visit: http://www.fhsu.edu/health-and-wellness/accessibility/.

Memorial Union

The original building was completed in 1923, dedicated in 1958 and rededicated in 1983 as a memorial to all former students who gave their lives in defense of their country. The union is the community center for the university family— students, faculty, administration, alumni, and guests.

As the community center of Fort Hays State University, the Memorial Union serves students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests. With spaces designed for everyone, we invite you to discover the Union, the hub of student life here at FHSU.

The services offered in the Memorial Union include building-wide wireless internet, food, meeting rooms, lounges, media spaces, and more. Check out a full list of resources and services and let us know how we can help you make us your home away from home!

Meeting Rooms and Ballrooms – Small and large spaces designed to accommodate groups from 10 to over 350 people, the rooms are used for job fairs, dinners, dances, weddings, receptions, seminars and meetings.

Sunset Lounge – A relaxing atmosphere for students wishing to study or relax, and a popular place for receptions and as a registration area for conferences and seminars.

Student Service Center – Services include Encore ticket sales, fax services, lost/found, notary, popcorn, helium balloonery, and TigerPrint Vouchers.

Union Administration Office – Reservations and information. (628-5305)

University Card Center – Providing production of original and replacement identification cards for FHSU students, staff and faculty. (628-5533)

Victor E. Apparel and Gift Co. – Wide selection of FHSU clothing and giftware as well as school supplies. (628-4417)

University Activities Board (UAB) – This university-wide, student-run activity board presents a variety of programs throughout the school year including social, cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Student Identification Cards

The Tiger Card serves as the official photo identification card for all Fort Hays State University students, staff, and faculty.

• Check-out materials and technology from Forsyth Library
• Use your residential life meal plans
• Flexi Cash account
• Obtain tickets for arts and cultural events
• Athletic event attendance tickets
• Access the Tiger Fitness Center
• Need to visit the Health & Wellness Services
• Track event attendance in TigerLink for your co-curricular transcript or curriculums.
• Limited door access

For further information visit: http://www.fhsu.edu/tigercard/

Student Residential Life

At Fort Hays State University, we strive to provide an inclusive, inspiring environment that makes way for excellence in your education – and your life. One of the best ways of immersing yourself in this community of strength and comradery is to take the opportunity to live on campus, with the world of Fort Hays State right outside your door.

Our Tiger family is deeply committed to ensuring that you have a wonderful on-campus living experience so that your home away from home feels wholly supportive and safe. For some, on-campus housing may be your first time living on your own or with a roommate, which then only helps to challenge yourself to learn more about your responsibilities and preferences. And, not only will you be learning about yourself, you’ll also be learning about those who are different than you through shared experiences. It’s all a part of what makes our Fort Hays State Tigers think ahead and get truly ready for the world outside. For further information visit: https://www.fhsu.edu/reslife/.

Fraternities: Three national social fraternities offer room and board accommodations in chapter houses for approximately 100 men. The fraternities represented on campus are Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and Tau Kappa Epsilon.

Sororities: Three national social sororities offer room and board accommodations in chapter houses for approximately 100 women. The sororities represented on campus are Alpha Gamma Delta, Delta Zeta, and Sigma Sigma Sigma.

Athletics

Varsity sports for men include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, track and field, and wrestling. Women’s varsity sports include basketball, cross country, golf, softball, soccer, tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling. Men’s and women’s spirit squad is also a part of FHSU’s extensive athletic program.

Comprehensive academic support services are provided for student-athletes through the Athletic Academic Coordinator’s office.

The university is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association Division II. The wrestling program is an associate member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). Members of the MIAA include colleges and universities representing three states:

Fort Hays State University; University of Central Missouri; Emporia State University; Missouri Southern State University; Missouri Western State University; University of Nebraska-Omaha; Northwest Missouri State University; Southwest Baptist University; Truman State University; and Washburn University.

Informatics Activities

The Tiger Media Network (TMN) is the student-run campus media network. TMN creates informative, entertaining, and engaging content for the Tiger community delivered over radio, television, and the web. KFHS, the radio division of TMN, broadcasts a variety of music and talk programs by FHSU students. For more information visit the TMN website.

Student Government Association (SGA)

The purpose of the Student Government Association shall be to preserve the Student Government Association as an effective means of representing students; to provide a constructive line of communication between students, faculty and administration; to foster student involvement in all campus activities; to enhance the educational, social and cultural experience of all students; and most importantly, to provide an environment conducive to the education of all Fort Hays State University Students.

For more information on SGA, visit: https://www.fhsu.edu/sga/

Music

Musical organizations include band, choir, orchestra, and smaller ensembles such as Brass Choir, Fort Hays Singers, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and chamber ensembles.

In addition, two fraternal groups— Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia for men and Sigma Alpha Iota for women—and Collegiate Music Educators National Conference, provide opportunities for association among students interested in music. Members of performing organizations may earn academic credit for participation.

FHSU theater produces a variety of student-directed, one-act plays and major dramas each year.

Student Organizations

Student organizations are a part of the total educational curriculum available to students. They provide opportunities to grow mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. Therefore, the university recommends that every student participate each semester in at least one organization outside the student's major field of interest.

Each student group desiring to be registered by the university must be approved by the Student Organizations Committee which is composed of students and faculty. Students organizing a new group and seeking official registration should:

1. inquire in the Office of Student Affairs about the possibility and advisability of establishing a new organization and
2. secure from the Office of Student Affairs a statement of policies dealing with student organizations and the “Application for Registration” form to submit to the Student Organizations Committee.

After having achieved initial registration, student organizations annually submit brief reports to the Student Organizations Committee to be considered for continued registration by the university. All registered student organizations are expected to comply with the policies of the Student Organizations Committee and the university.