Northwestern State University Student Resources

Whether you’re a first-year student, transfer, working professional, or a parent looking for the best support system for your student, NSU offers a wide range of resources designed to help every Demon thrive. From career development and tutoring to personal support and academic guidance, we’ve got you covered—every step of the way.

Academic Support

From tutoring and mentoring to advising and study resources, our academic support services are designed to help you stay on track, build confidence, and reach your goals—every step of the way.

The FLAME Program (Faculty Led Assistance in My Education) is all about boosting student success through direct support from NSU faculty. As part of this initiative, professors dedicate extra time each week—both in person and virtually—to help students with homework, test prep, and course material.

You’ll find FLAME sessions happening in the Academic Success Center and across campus. It’s more than tutoring—it’s real academic support from the experts themselves, designed to help you stay on track and thrive.

The Academic Success Center at NSU is where support meets strategy. Designed to help students thrive in and out of the classroom, the center offers tutoring, academic coaching, and a space to stay focused and motivated. Whether you’re struggling in a specific class or want to level up your study habits, the Academic Success Center is here to help you meet your goals—and exceed them.

Key Services:

Free peer tutoring in core subject areas
Academic coaching to help with time management and study strategies
Quiet study spaces and collaborative areas
Test prep resources and workshops

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Student Voice

At NSU, your voice matters. As part of our commitment to a positive learning environment, all students are expected to follow the NSU Student Code of Conduct when using university resources. That means showing up prepared, treating staff and peers with courtesy, and making the most of the tools available to help you succeed.

At Northwestern State University, we’re committed to fostering a culture of honesty, responsibility, and ethical learning. Through orientation, course syllabi, the Student Handbook, and academic programs, we actively educate students about the importance of academic integrity and discourage misconduct like plagiarism and cheating.

When violations occur, NSU follows a two-pronged approach to ensure accountability and fairness. A permanent record of academic violations is maintained by the Office of Student Affairs, while instructors retain the authority to determine academic penalties.

How the Process Works:

Student Conduct Process (Student Affairs):
Instructors report violations to their department head or dean, who then notifies the Office of Accountability and Student Conduct. This may result in either a formal record (Letter of Record) or a full conduct process.
Academic Process (Grade Appeal):
If an instructor assigns an academic penalty for cheating or plagiarism, students have the right to appeal through the Grade Appeal Process.

These processes operate independently but complement each other in supporting a fair academic environment. Together, they reinforce NSU’s mission to prepare ethical leaders and preserve the value of every NSU degree.

At Northwestern State University, student well-being, safety, and accountability are top priorities. We use Maxient, a centralized reporting and recordkeeping system, to connect important information across departments and ensure no student falls through the cracks. Whether it’s academic or classroom concerns, hazing, student conduct, Title IX issues, or threat assessments, Maxient helps us respond quickly and effectively.

Please note: Maxient forms are not for emergencies. In case of an emergency, call NSU Police at (318) 357-5431 or dial 911 from a landline.

Filing a Maxient report does not replace filing an official police report. To do so, contact:

NSU Police Department at (318) 357-5431 or visit 315 Caspari Street (NSU Infirmary)
Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 357-8101 for off-campus incidents.

Academic and/or Classroom Civility Referrals

Confidential Advisor Report Form for Title IX Related Issues

Hazing Report Form

Incident Reporting Form

Behavior Intervention Team (BIT) Report

Title IX Reporting Form

The University has a Threat Assessment & Behavioral Intervention Team with Guidelines for Reporting to minimize harm to students, faculty, and staff.

The Team comprises University employees who, through their positions, maintain close contact with students, faculty/staff, and have training in assessing potentially dangerous situations.

All members of the NSU community are encouraged to participate in Threat Assessment by reporting events and individuals they believe might pose a risk for violence or harm to the Dean of Students Office or University Police.

Form and guidelines for reporting may be found at Threat Assessment Reporting.

The mission of the NSU BIT is to provide a means for identification, intervention, and response to person(s) of concern while balancing the needs of the individual, with those of the safety of the individual and the university community. The BIT evaluates the behavior of students, faculty, and staff whose conduct patterns have raised concern about their well-being; centralizes communication to gain a more complete understanding of the whole individual; and develops a collaborative outreach plan with campus and community resources to address identified risks.

If you are unsure whether behavior should be reported; report it! Allow us to examine documentation & evidence, and to investigate further. Safety for all involved is our goal.

REPORT HERE

An NSU student poses outside of an academic building

Office of Accessibility and Disability Support

At Northwestern State University, we believe every student deserves equal access to opportunity—and that includes full participation in all programs, services, and campus life. The Office of Accessibility and Disability Support (OADS) ensures that students with disabilities have the support and accommodations they need to thrive, both academically and personally.

Office of Accessibility and Disability Support

Two NSU students work on a laptop in the Student Union lobby

Career Center

At Northwestern State University, the Career Center is your go-to hub for career exploration, resume prep, job search strategies, interview coaching, and connecting with employers. Whether you're choosing a major, looking for an internship, or preparing for life after graduation, our team is here to help you build a path to success. From career fairs and networking events to one-on-one guidance, we’re committed to helping you launch a career with confidence and purpose.

Career Center

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO at Northwestern State University empowers first-generation, income-eligible students and those with disabilities to thrive academically and personally. Through free tutoring, mentoring, academic coaching, financial literacy, and career readiness support, TRIO helps students stay on track, graduate on time, and achieve their goals. It’s more than a program—it’s a support system built for your success.

TRiO Student Support Services

Counseling Services

At Northwestern State University, your mental health and well-being are a priority. Counseling Services provides free, confidential support to help students navigate challenges, manage stress, and maintain balance during their college journey. Licensed professionals offer individual counseling, group sessions, crisis intervention, and referrals to community resources. Whether you’re dealing with academic pressure, personal concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our team is here to help you thrive.

Counseling Services