Southern University at New Orleans

Academics

Southern University at New Orleans is a member of the Southern University System, with two campuses located just seven miles from downtown New Orleans. The school promotes upward mobility for both traditional and nontraditional students through a finely-tuned curriculum, and it has affirmed its commitment to institutional improvement through its five-year Quality Enhancement Plan. The School of Social Work is one of the top programs of its kind in the south, and it offers a two-year practicum with field placements within the community. The Criminal Justice program has similarly earned a widespread reputation for its work in prevention through the study of past behavior. The Small Business Development & Management Institute is an incubator within the College of Business and Public Administration that provides hands-on experience with local businesses and offers direct pathways to internships. The Interdisciplinary Studies bachelor’s degree program is among the school’s most popular majors, providing a broad, adaptive liberal education that can incorporate courses from more specialized curriculums. Evening and weekend programs are available for those needing flexibility, and online classes further the accessibility of a SUNO education for working students.

Career

The Office of Student Activities and Organizations has more than 40 registered clubs and organizations that students can join, as well as eight Greek fraternities and sororities. The recurring Charles Frye Memorial Lecture honors the first full-time Director of SUNO’s Center for African and African American Studies; the Center also hosts an annual Kwanzaa celebration and publishes the Africana Studies Review. The residence halls provide convenient access to both campuses and offer recreational lounges and activities; further social structure is found in the numerous intramural sports open to students. The Royal Jewels are the official performance and entertainment team and are an excellent source of spirit at games and other university events.

Culture

Through the university’s Program for Excellence in Mathematics and Computer Technology (PESMaCT) and the Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LAMP), the school has been able to increase the number of minorities in STEM programs. The Quality Enhancement Plan has designated oral communication for career success as its particular focus, weaving learning outcomes such as public speaking, content delivery, and self-assessment throughout all curriculums. Notable alumni include civil rights activists Avery Alexander and Oretha Castle Haley, as well as politician John Bagneris.