• Academic & Personal Success

    Empowering students to become academically successful.

    • Offering Re-Entry meetings to students returning from medical-related withdrawals to assist with re-integration into campus life.鈥��
    • Leading students on the best ways to handle customer service-related concerns.鈥��
    • Collaborate with faculty and staff facing challenges with providing support to, communication between, and effectively engaging with students.鈥��
    • Initiate outreach to students experiencing academic and enrollment-related obstacles.
    • Provide referrals and resources for academic success.
    • Provide education on policies and procedures at 黑料网. 
    Frequently Asked Questions
    • All students who have a disability that may impact their academic performance are strongly encouraged to register with  to determine the appropriate learning and/or testing accommodations that they are eligible for.

    • There are three kinds of "conduct" charges at 黑料网:

      - In cases of alleged violations of the Residential Code of Conduct you will most often be contacted by email to your KSU account by a Residence Life or SCAI staff member. Follow the instructions included in the contact letter and feel free to contact the SCAI office at 470-578-3403 ahead of any scheduled meeting to ask questions.

       - In cases of alleged violations of the KSU Student Code of Conduct you will most often be contacted by email to your KSU account by a SCAI staff member. Follow the instructions included in the contact letter and feel free to contact the SCAI office at 470-578-3403 ahead of any scheduled meeting to ask questions.

       - In cases of alleged violations of the KSU Code of Academic Integrity (academic misconduct) you most likely will be contacted by your professor. In certain circumstances you will be contacted first by a SCAI staff member. Generally, if you have no prior academic misconduct incidents you will meet with your professor and be given an opportunity to hear the evidence in support of the academic misconduct allegation and an opportunity to respond and explain your position. Usually this meeting with the professor results in an informal resolution if the student accepts responsibility for the violation or is able to convince the professor that there was no violation. If the student declines to accept the responsibility for academic misconduct after meeting with the professor, if there is a prior finding of academic misconduct, or if the professor declines to participate in the informal resolution process then you will be contacted by email to your KSU account by a SCAI staff member to set a date for a formal hearing. Follow the instructions included in the contact letter and feel free to contact the SCAI office at 470-578-3403 ahead of any scheduled hearing to ask questions.

    • It depends on the type of complaint. If you have issues with the instructor's grading or with course procedures, you may consider the grade appeal process. Concerns about the instructor's conduct may be directed to the department chair. If you would like to speak with an advocate and share detailed information about your complaint, we can advise you on how to proceed.
    • We can help you to identify and clearly articulate the nature of your request for a grade appeal.
    • Students may only appeal a final grade that they receive in a course; but interim or assignment grades are not appealable. Any such appeal must be based on an allegation that the faculty member has violated his/her stated grading policy or that the grade was a result of discrimination or retaliation. The student has the burden of proving these allegations. All formal appeals under these procedures will be based only on the written record. Specific details regarding the grade appeal process can be found under the Academic and Grading Policies outlined in the .

  • Self and Systematic Advocacy

    • Providing impartial virtual and in-person group and individual consultation to students, about social, academic, and personal challenges.鈥�
    • Informing students of policies and procedures at 黑料网.
    • Offering empowerment coaching to students on topics concerning assertive and clear communication, conflict de-escalation, appropriate identification and usage of campus resources, policy and procedure awareness, and general social adjustment issues to help students manage expectations in challenging situations.鈥�
    • Providing monthly Friday Fundamental workshops on topics such as household budgeting, home buying, roommate and sublet agreements, managing workplace politics, and choosing insurance plans to prepare Owls for life beyond KSU.鈥� 
    Frequently Asked Questions
    • Advocacy & Prevention functions in partnership with other offices and departments on campus to help you get questions answered. We also help to clarify and explain University policies and procedures. Our primary focus is to help each student succeed throughout their college experience 鈥� we are here for YOU.
    • All currently enrolled KSU students are eligible for services provided by Advocacy & Prevention. When a student is referred, a staff member from our office will reach out to the student to assess his or her needs, provide resources and assist the student in developing an action plan.
    • Definitely speak with Advocacy & Prevention! It is sometimes helpful for you to process your problem out loud with someone else.
    • Advocacy & Prevention respects the privacy of all persons to create a safe place to voice concerns, evaluate issues, and identify options. Exceptions to individuals outside the university are only made with expressed permission from the student or as required by law, including if there is a perceived imminent risk of serious harm. However, in the pursuit of investigating a student鈥檚 concerns, Advocacy & Prevention may consult with other university faculty and staff on a student issue. We abide by the .

    • There are three ways to report an issue:

      1. , and select "Office of Advocacy & Prevention".
      2. Send an email message to ksuadvocacy@kennesaw.edu. Someone from our office will reply and provide you with instructions on how to submit your concern online.
      3. Call to schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns.
    • All messages and reports must include the first and last name of the person most impacted, name of the reporter (if different), telephone number, email address, a detailed description of the situation, and any supporting documentation that will add to the context of the situation being reported.
    • We can better serve you if we know who you are and, if needed, are able to look over your account. Sometimes we see issues that students don't anticipate; it's easier to help when we know who we are helping. If you are concerned about privacy, know that your information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
    • You should follow whatever instructions were included in the message you received. SCAI investigates violations of the鈥疜SU Code of Student Conduct, and in order to do a thorough job, hearing officers conduct interviews with students who have knowledge about a particular incident. 

  • Building Connections and Community 

    • Advise Peer Advocacy Leader program that鈥痗ultivates a sense of belonging among peers through鈥痮utreach and engagement at campuswide events.鈥��
    • Identifying local off-campus agencies that provide support to distance learning students.鈥��
    • Creating opportunities to inform the KSU community of the Owl Creed, and to reinforce the tenets to cultivate an affirming culture of advocacy at 黑料网.鈥��
    • Providing the KSU Women of Color Success Initiative (WOCSI) to empower students of shared experiences with additional support as needed.鈥��
    • Participate in co-sponsored themed programs and initiatives to highlight Advocacy & Prevention鈥檚 resources.
    • Collaborate with parents and families to inform students of resources that support student success.鈥�
    Frequently Asked Questions
    • Peer Advocacy Leaders (PALs) are student assistants whose primary responsibility is to extend the outreach of the office to the KSU student body through strategic peer engagement. PALs advise the Outreach and Prevention professional staff thing about matters of importance to students, help with the planning and execution of events, and provide outreach through tabling. PALs also assist with researching advocacy-focused practices that are occurring at other schools and explore ways to adapt other ideas to the KSU campus environment. This position is great for students who are interested in developing their communication and networking skills, are creative, and have experience with graphic design, podcasting, and social media communication. Aside from all the aforementioned, students are expected to attend staff and planning meeting with the professional team at least twice a month, and are expected to attend all trainings, semester retreats, and most office-sponsored events. Given the nature of high interaction, this is an in-person leadership position.   
       
      We usually hire up to four or five PAL鈥檚 each year. Students who are interested in becoming PALs must apply through the KSU Handshake system.  All are welcomed to reach out directly to us as well for more information about these positions. 
    • Founded 10 years ago, the KSU Women of Color Success Initiative (a.k.a. WOCSI) serves as a safe space for women of diverse backgrounds experience systematic, customized growth, and personal development strategies. Students who connect with this initiative are provided with the insights and tools to develop into self-actualized women who possess positive self-esteem and commitment to cultivating the success of others. 
    • All of our events are listed in Owl Life. However, feel free to contact us at ksuadvocacy@kennesaw.edu or call us at 470-578-3546 if you have questions about the programs, events, and services we provide.
    • Outreach and Prevention participates In annual programs such as Week of Welcome, Mental Health Awareness Week, Constitution Week, Love Your Body Week, Ethics Week, and Homelessness Awareness Week, and many others. 

  • Community and Campus Outreach

    • Facilitating student-focused civil discourse dialogues on varying degrees of challenging topics.鈥��
    • Leading mental health trainings such as Question. Persuade. Refer. (Q.P.R.), & Mental Health First Aid (MHFA),鈥疌onflict Dynamics Profile (CDP), and all other resources provided through the KSU Wellbeing initiative.鈥��
    • Raising awareness of pressing campus issues to key offices, departments, and leaders on campus.鈥��
    • Task Peer Advocacy Leaders to host weekly tabling engagement to extend office visibility
    • Share the success of advocacy & prevention practices beyond KSU.  
    • Providing customized workshops and trainings on a variety of advocacy-related topics upon request.鈥�� 

    Workshop Topics Available Upon Request

    • About Advocacy @ KSU is a short presentation that provides student leaders with an overview of the mission, function, and services provided by the office.
    • In an age of social media, the art of appropriate verbal and written communication has taken a huge hit. This challenge has also widened the gap between students and faculty, staff, and campus administrators. Hawk Talk allows participants to reflect on ways in which they communicate with peers versus faculty, staff, and administrators, for the purpose of garnering amenable outcomes to challenging situations.
    • This presentation will allow student leaders to explore their team dynamics and to learn how sharing power can develop the leadership potential, skills, and recognition of any student organization member.
    • This presentation is specifically designed to identify what it means to be culturally competent in the context of both work teams and student outreach. Teams who directly serve students will develop strategies for making cultural competence an integral part of their teams, organizations, offices, departments, or division-wide culture and strategic plans. Highly recommended for retreats.
    • Q.P.R. Suicide Prevention training offered through Counseling and Psychological Services is specifically designed for anyone who wants to learn more about how to provide Immediate support to someone showing signs of Intentions to self-harm. Please visit Wellbeing@KSU to learn more about this resource and to sign up for a training session.  
    • Training offered through Counseling and Psychological Services
    • Developed by Eckerd College, the CDP Instrument provides Insights Into ones conflict triggers and responses. The workshop Itself provides an overview of the instrument after participants have completed it, as well as tools to de-escalate triggers, while escalating positive responses to conflict.  Student groups who wish to take the instrument and complete the training can contact us for more information. While this training is also available for faculty and staff, there Is a cost associated with purchasing the on-line Instrument for each participant. Please contact Dr. Nicole Phillips for further details about this amazing resource!
    • Gentle Yoga incorporates the mind and body to assist with overall wellbeing by focusing on holding stretches for longer periods of time while mindfully moving through the flow of postures. This class will assist with relaxation, stress management, and self-reflection. The practice is inclusive to all, and no yoga experience is needed as modifications will be provided.   Feel free to bring your own mats, bolsters and blocks as there are a limited number available. See you on the mat! 
      Wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle 
    • This workshop assists students with the process of expressing themselves through mindful movement, dancing, drawing, painting, and writing. These various forms of expression can assist with expressing emotions, connecting to yourself and others, building connection, exploration and fun. No previous art experience is needed and art forms will not be interpreted.
    • Identify the concept of resiliency and how students can grow in their development from personal challenges, difficult life transitions, academic stress, and adversity. The workshop will assist students in identifying their strengths, self awareness, managing emotions, identifying how they manage difficult situations, and enhancing their overall wellbeing through connection and self efficacy.
    • The workshop assists students in identifying their feelings, thoughts, attitudes and myths surrounding their physical appearance and how they see themselves. Students will learn practical tools in how they can improve their body image. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • The  is a resource for anyone with a concern related to their experience at 黑料网. The Ombuds office provides an opportunity for confidential discussion of any interpersonal issues, academic problems, workplace concerns, or any other campus-related queries. Advocacy & Prevention overlaps somewhat with the office of the Ombuds, but our office鈥檚 focus is for students.

    • Advocacy & Prevention does not provide counseling; rather, our office seeks to assist students in identifying an immediate, realistic, and actionable plan for managing their situation. Students needing ongoing support may be referred to  or other campus services as appropriate for support.

    • KSU does have a Freedom of Assembly and Expression Policy.