Programs, Services, and Resources

The Tougaloo Academic Success Centers were organized to support the academic mission and vision of those entering and matriculating at Tougaloo College. The Center for Tutorial Services ensures opportunities to promote semester-by-semester favorable outcomes for those who engage in their academic pursuits consistently. Using the Socratic Method, an inquiry-based approach helps students move from a level of learning “what they know about a topic” to explore “what they ought to know,” thereby, bridging their conceptual gaps in the learning process. Using peer tutors, trained in the use of this inquiry-based approach, the tutee engages fully in the process of content and conceptual exploration.

The Tougaloo Academic Success Center includes the Math Center, Writing Center, Science Center, Reading Center, Social Science Center, Language Center, and Music Center.

L. Zenobia Coleman Library

The mission of the L. Zenobia Coleman Library is to identify and provide the information and library resources needed by members of the College community in their study, teaching, research, public service, and professional development; to instruct and assist in the use of library resources and services; to share in the development and implementation of the College’s educational and research programs; to cooperate with other libraries and information providers; and to participate in area, state, and national professional library activities.

Tougaloo College Electronic Learning Spaces

The E-Classroom Video Conferencing Center, located on the first floor of the Coleman Library, offers many instructional applications and graphics programs. This learning space includes teaching and learning instructional equipment, including a digital whiteboard and video editing accessories. The center is equipped with data ports to support thirty desktop stations and the capacity for thirty-five wired laptops.

The labs that are available to students are located in Holmes Hall, Kincheloe Hall, Coleman Library, and Galloway Hall. There are also other labs that are available per department availability as follows: Mass Communication, Education, and the Health and Wellness Center.

Tougaloo Art Collection

The College’s prestigious art collection was established in 1963 by a group of prominent New York artists, curators, and critics. Initiated by the late Professor Ronald O. Schnell, founding chairman of the Department of Art and Professor Emeritus of Art, as a mechanism to motivate his art students, the collection includes pieces by notable African American artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, David Driskell, Richard Hunt, Elizabeth Catlett, and Hale Woodruff.

The oldest works are 400-500 years old, such as the “Egyptian Coptic Manuscripts” which contain several drawings. The oldest African American piece, a landscape entitled “Mountain Lake” by Robert Duncanson, dates back to the mid-1800s. The Tougaloo Art Collection is acknowledged as one of the best college art holdings in the United States and is one of the nation’s most extensive collections of artistic materials documenting the Civil Rights Movement. There are 1,150 works in the collection including paintings, sculptures, drawings, collages, various forms of graphic art, and ornamental pieces.

Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law Program and Society

The Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law Program, formed in 1992, is an organization open to Tougaloo College students who are interested in attending law school, pursuing careers within the legal profession, or who simply desire to learn more about the enduring impact of the law on the moral, social, legal, and economic institutions of our society and how it affects people from every socioeconomic corner. The Program houses the Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law Scholars Program, the LSAT Workshop Initiative, the Tougaloo College-Mississippi College School of Law Accelerated Law Degree Program (commonly referred to as the “3 + 3 program”), the Tougaloo College-University of Mississippi School of Law Accelerated Degree Program, and the Pre-Law Minor. The Program/Society is named to pay tribute to The Honorable Reuben V. Anderson, a Tougaloo graduate and the first African American justice on the Mississippi Supreme Court (1985-1990).

Pre-Engineering and Physical Sciences (PEPS) Program

Tougaloo students interested in the fields of engineering and physical sciences may participate in the PEPS Program. One aspect of the PEPS Program involves dual degree programs with several engineering schools. After matriculation at Tougaloo for three years and completion of basic courses and specific requirements, a student may transfer to an engineering school to complete an engineering curriculum. By transferring course credit in both directions, one may complete a major at each institution and earn two baccalaureate degrees: one from Tougaloo College and one from the engineering school. Under ideal circumstances, it is possible to finish the program in five years. Courses taken at Tougaloo include Calculus 1-111, Differential Equations, General Physics 1-11, General Chemistry 1-11, and as many courses as possible in the major (including Organic Chemistry for Chemical Engineering). The major at Tougaloo is likely to be Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Mathematics with an emphasis in Computer Science. Students are encouraged to ask the Physics faculty for a copy of the pre-engineering handbook to find out the concentrations offered at specific institutions, types of available financial aid, and the name, address, and telephone number of the contact person at each institution.

Brown University Early Identification Program in Medicine

As part of the Tougaloo College-Brown University Program, the College and Brown’s School of Medicine conduct a joint program in medical education. One to three students are identified at the end of their sophomore year as Brown Medical students, and a place is held for them in the medical school pending successful completion of pre-medical training at Tougaloo College. Students usually do research at Brown prior to matriculation in the medical school. In addition, Early Identification students are required to participate in the student exchange program with Brown.

Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program

The Boston University School of Medicine and Tougaloo College offer an early admission program which eliminates much of the duplication between undergraduate and medical school. Students apply to Boston University during the second semester of their sophomore year. During their junior year, those accepted will follow a curriculum at Tougaloo to prepare them for the following year’s study at Boston University. Their senior year will be spent as exchange students at Boston University, taking Modular Medical courses (which replace some medical school courses) as well as courses to complete major requirements for Tougaloo. The following year, those students who perform successfully will be admitted to Boston University School of Medicine. Because of the medical school credits already earned, students will have less intensive schedules during their first two years of medical school, allowing them to pursue other interests or to follow a decompressed medical school schedule. Completed applications are due at Boston University by January 31. For further information, consult the premedical advisor.

University of Buffalo (UB) School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Tougaloo College and the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences have entered into a partnership to enhance excellence in the training of competent physicians. Tougaloo students are identified at the end of their sophomore year via UB-EOPIM (Early Opportunity Program in Medicine) and will matriculate in the medical school pending successful completion of premedical training at Tougaloo College and other post-acceptance requirements as determined by the admissions committee. Identified students will participate in a focused summer research program (CLIMB-PRO) at UB prior to matriculation.

Admission into the EOPIM is based on holistic review of each applicant with appropriate consideration of academic metrics, personal attributes, and life experience.

Tougaloo College has also established a pipeline partnership program with the Institute of the Strategic Enhancement of Educational Diversity (SEED) at UB to specially engage students who are interested in pursuing graduate programs (M.S., Ph.D., and/or M.D.-Ph.D.). Students can explore UB programs by participating in research focused undergraduate summer research program in various areas encompassing STEM disciplines. Qualified applicants can contact their academic deans for more information.

Exchange Programs

Students interested in exchange programs should contact the Registrar’s Office for specific information. The following exchange programs are presently available for student participation.

Tougaloo College - Brown University Program

The Tougaloo College-Brown University Program is a multifaceted relationship that was formed in 1963 and formalized in 1964 during the Civil Rights Era. It is designed to enrich both campuses through student and faculty academic exchanges, collaborative research ventures, and administrative engagements. It is a two-way relationship that has inspired and influenced individuals on both campuses by engaging the histories and lives of a southern historically black college with a northern, largely white, Ivy League university. Since its inception, over 760 Tougaloo and Brown students and faculty have participated in the program.

The Tougaloo College-Brown University Partnership includes the following components: student semester exchange program, faculty exchanges, and Early Identification Programs in Medicine and Public Health.

Tougaloo College - Bowdoin College Exchange Program

Tougaloo College and Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Maine, have established a student exchange program whereby participating students must be registered as full-time “regular” students at the home institution; meet regular requirements for students in good standing set by the home and host institutions; have a minimum cumulative GPA 2.90 or its equivalent; have no disciplinary action against them at their home campus; and have junior standing at the home institution. Exceptional sophomores may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Tougaloo College - Smith College Exchange Program

Tougaloo College and Smith College, in North Hampton, Massachusetts, observe a collaborative relationship which enables students from both institutions to enhance their academic and social experiences.

Participating students must be registered as full-time “regular” students (enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution for the purpose of obtaining a bachelor’s level degree) at the home institution; meet regular requirements for students in good standing set by the home and host institutions; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.90 or its equivalent; have no disciplinary action against them at their home campus; and have junior standing at the home institution. Exceptional sophomores may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Tougaloo College-New York University Network and Exchange Programs

Tougaloo College and New York University have established a student exchange program whereby participating students must be registered as full-time “regular” students at the home institution. NYU students must matriculate in the College of Arts and Science (CAS), the School of Education, Health Nursing, and Arts Profession (SEHNAP), or Tisch School of the Arts (TSOA) in order to participate in the program; meet regular requirements for students in good standing set by the home and host institutions; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.90 or its equivalent; have no disciplinary action against them at their home campus; and have junior standing at the home institution. Exceptional sophomores may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Enrichment and Pre-college Readiness Programs

Federal TRiO Programs

The primary goal of the Federal TRiO Programs is to assist high-risk or nontraditional students and adults in their preparation for college, admission to college, persistence through graduation, and attainment of professional and doctoral degrees. Six TRiO programs are housed on the College’s campus.

Upward Bound I & II Programs are designed to provide academic enrichment and basic services to high school students (grades 9-12). Educational Talent Search Program is a community outreach program serving students (grades 6-12) in central Mississippi. Services include encouraging participants to complete secondary school and pursue post-secondary education and to assist students who have deferred their secondary educational plans to re-enter such programs. Upward Bound Math & Science Program provides services for students from lowincome families and students where neither parent graduated from a four-year college or university with cutting edge exposure to the science and mathematics areas. Educational Opportunity Center provides assistance and information to adults who seek to enter or continue a program of post-secondary education. Student Support Services Program provides services to Tougaloo College students and is designed to facilitate and encourage participants to pursue their academic and career objectives, including acquiring a bachelor’s degree and other graduate and professional degrees.

College Facilities

The Tougaloo College campus includes a historic district, which is comprised of nine buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The two anchors of the historic district are the Robert O. Wilder Building, also known as “The Mansion,” and Woodworth Chapel.

Robert O. Wilder Building, also known as “The Mansion,” was constructed in 1842. It anchors the College’s “historic district.”

Addison Albert Branch Residence Hall, built in 1972, is a two-story, 160 student capacity modern complex comprised of four houses. Dr. Branch was a long-serving dean of the College who also served as acting president from 1955-1956.

Ballard Hall, built in 1886, housed the Tougaloo Preparatory School; it now accommodates the Department of Music. Ballard Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is named in honor of Stephen Ballard of Brooklyn, New York who provided the funds for its construction.

Berkshire Cottage was completed in 1994. The original Berkshire, erected in 1894, as a dormitory for women, housed the offices of Public Safety, offices and special facilities for TRiO programs’ personnel, and the Student Support Services Tutorial Center before it was heavily damaged by fire in 1991. The new two-wing structure, an “Academic Living and Learning Center,” houses classrooms, the School of Humanities, and 150 dormitory rooms.

Edward O. Blackmon Administration Building, Judson Cross Hall, was built in 1947. The attractive, two-story building of colonial design represents the culmination of an idea of the late President Judson L. Cross, who was instrumental in securing funds for its erection. Renovated in 2001, the building houses administrative offices. The building was rededicated as The Edward O . Blackmon Building in May of 2003, in recognition of Edward Blackman’s generous philanthropic support.

Bennie G. Thompson Academic and Civil Rights Research Center, dedicated in May 2011, is the newest construction on the Tougaloo College campus. Named in honor of alumnus and U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, the 27,000-squarefoot facility includes a series of multidisciplinary teaching and meeting spaces, including seminar rooms, a large conference suite, and a 120-seat lecture hall. All classrooms and teaching spaces are equipped with the latest audio-visual and computer-aided media capabilities.

Ernst Borinski Social Sciences Complex is a pair of buildings that once housed classrooms and offices for faculty and staff. It was officially dedicated by the Board of Trustees in February 1989 and named in honor of Dr. Borinski, longtime founding head of the School of Social Sciences and civil rights activist. It continues to serve as a classroom building.

L. Zenobia Coleman Library is a three-and-one-half story structure opened in 1972 and named in honor of longtime chief librarian, L. Zenobia Coleman. Designed to provide an environment conducive to study, it has individual study carrels, computers, listening room, conference rooms, the Naomi J. Townsend Faculty Study for individual and group conferences and programs, the Jeanetta C. Roach Seminar Room, archives and special collections, and the college bookstore. 

Sarah A. Dickey Memorial Health Center is a one-story brick structure built in 1927, remodeled in 1968, and renovated in 2011. It is located next to Kincheloe Hall and houses the Jackson Heart Study program. The Center is named in honor of Sarah A. Dickey, a Mount Holyoke graduate, who founded the Mt. Hermon Seminary for Negro girls in Clinton, Mississippi and dedicated her life to the school. The Mt. Hermon Seminary for Negro Girls enjoyed a beneficial relationship with Tougaloo College; in the final years of its existence, the College supervised its operations.

Galloway Hall, constructed in 1930, as a men’s dormitory, with financial aid from the General Education Board, houses the School of Social Sciences. Named for Bishop Charles B. Galloway, a trustee of the College, Galloway Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Holmes Hall, one of four classroom buildings at the College, was constructed in 1926 to house classrooms and the Ellen Upson Woodworth Library. Today, it houses classrooms, offices, an auditorium, the School of Education, and some faculty in the School of Humanities. Holmes Hall is named for Rev. William Trumbull Holmes, fourth president of the College (1913-1933), and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Jamerson Hall is a two-story building, erected in 1918 to house single, female teachers. Later, it served as classroom space and then as a dormitory and was remodeled in 1957. It provides administrative office space for Student Services, as well as meeting rooms for student groups. Jamerson Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Kincheloe Science Hall is a two-story brick and concrete structure housing classes in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics. It was erected in 1959 and substantially renovated in 1999. It includes a lecture hall, classrooms, and laboratories for instruction and research. Kincheloe Hall is named for Dr. Samuel C. Kincheloe, president of the College from 1956 to 1960.

George A. and Ruth B. Owens Health, Wellness, and Human Resources Center is a 48,000-square-foot facility completed in 1998, through a six-million-dollar construction grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It serves as a community resource to provide health-related services and houses the Kroger Gymnasium and student health services, as well. The Owens Center is named for Dr. George A. Owens, president from 1964 to 1984, and his wife.

The Alumni House, constructed in 1929, is approximately 3,000 square feet and serves as office space for Alumni Relations. Known as The Dean’s Cottage, it is one of the surviving examples of housing provided to faculty from 1918 through the 1960s.

Pope Cottage, constructed in 1885, as the home for President Stanley Pope (1877-1887), is the second oldest building on the campus and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is home to the Department of Mass Communication.

The President’s Campus Residence is the official residence of the President. It was donated to the College by a friend of the College and the American Missionary Association.

Jennie Renner Residence Hall, built in 1972, is a two-story, 200-person capacity, concrete structure which has five houses. Each house consists of 20 student rooms, a counselor’s apartment, two lounges, and two baths.

New Women’s Hall is a 45,000-square-foot women’s dormitory constructed in 2001.The three-story, suite-style dormitory has study lounges, laundry facilities, and dedicated quiet spaces.

Warren Hall, a brick and masonry building constructed in 1962, was dedicated in honor of Harold C. Warren, president of Tougaloo College, 1947-1955. The building has dining facilities for students and faculty, a snack bar, career closet, food pantry, mailroom, and recreational facilities for members of the College community.

Woodworth Chapel, erected in 1901, is the center of religious life for the College and the surrounding neighborhood. The Chapel was under restoration for a number of years, under the guidance of the Department of Interior, and rededicated in 2003. Woodworth Chapel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Several faculty cottages and apartments are maintained by the College for faculty who desire to live on campus and for guests (scholars-in-residence).

Office of Student Engagement

The Office of Student Services serves as the resource area for all campus activities and primary support for all clubs and organizations. Its mission is to enhance students’ overall educational experience through co-curricular activities (social, recreational, spiritual, cultural, and leadership development). The objective is to develop, promote, and maintain a campus environment that contributes to the advancement of learning and enriches and protects the intellectual, emotional, and physical health and well-being of students. The Office of Student Engagement provides co-curricular activities for students that complement the formal academic curriculum and provide opportunities for productive involvement in cultural, social, recreational, and community service project-related activities that promote preparation of students for leadership roles within a competitive global community.

One principle that embodies the mission of Tougaloo College is preparing students as leaders on campus and in the community, locally and globally. The Office of Student Engagement provides opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills by ascending to positions of leadership. This program provides training for the emerging leaders as well as the established leaders and focuses on a wide range of critical areas over a nine-month period, beginning with a 3-5 day leadership retreat. Students may qualify to become members of the Student Government Association, Tougaloo Ambassadors for Meritorious Scholars (T.A.M.S.), Resident Assistants, or the Yearbook Staff.

Office of Student Connections & Family Outreach

Goal
The goal of the Office of Student Connections and Family Outreach at Tougaloo College is to create a strong sense of belonging for every student, making the college feel like a second home. We are dedicated to facilitating meaningful connections between students and the broader campus community, providing access to various resources and opportunities. Moreover, we are committed to keeping parents well-informed and involved throughout the entire admissions process and beyond. 

Mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap between students, resources, and families. We achieve this mission through diverse programs, effective communication strategies, and resources to enhance family engagement. We aim to ensure a prosperous and rewarding college experience for every student and parent, providing them with valuable assistance along their journey. 

Vision
To empower our educational community to soar to new heights, where every student and family thrives through dynamic support, innovative outreach, and a spirit of unity and excellence. Empower. Connect. Soar.

Student Retention Services

Mission
The mission of Student Retention Services is to ensure the successful matriculation and graduation of all students enrolled at Tougaloo College. 

Vision
The Office of Student Retention Services at Tougaloo College aims to create an environment that fosters academic success, well-being and belongingness, and student engagement by providing the most relevant and quality student support services that routinely meet the needs of our diverse learner population. Our office will focus on three fundamentals to drive retention efforts at Tougaloo College: engagement with high-impact practices (HIP), data collection and analysis, and campus-wide communication.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will practice accountability and become sole owners of their learning process and matriculation.
• Students will appropriately advocate for themselves and communicate personal learning deficits or disabilities and needs to faculty and staff when necessary.
• Students will actively reflect on their learning processes to address pitfalls and gaps in academic performance.
• Students will seek and utilize on-campus academic resources to fill gaps in academic performance.

Academic Coaching for Success
At Tougaloo College, Students are assigned a Retention Coach to help them navigate the student experience. Retention Coaches are trained staff who provide personalized coaching to students to improve their academic and personal outcomes. Through coaching, students learn to manage their time and work efficiently, take proper notes for effective studying, and become sole owners of their learning experience at Tougaloo. The following student populations must meet with a Coach at least twice within a semester.

• First-Year Students
  • Traditional students who are enrolling at a college campus for the first time or
  • Students classified as sophomores with over 30 hours of dual credit coursework.
  • Students enrolled in fewer than 30 hours
• At-Risk Students
  • Students with a 70% average or less in any given undergraduate course
  • Students with a grade point average of 2.0 or less
  • Students who have been placed on an academic plan for academic dismissal or failing Satisfactory Academic Progress by FAFSA guidelines
  • Athletes

All other students are encouraged to visit their assigned Retention Coach early and often to avoid common pitfalls throughout the semester. 

**Students are alphabetically assigned a Retention Coach based on their last names.**

Intentional Programming & Offerings

• Eagle Academic Support
  • Tutorials and supplemental instruction
• Monthly Incentive Days 
  • Midday events that highlight students modeling positive behaviors leading to student success (attendance, registration, Canvas engagement, etc.)
• Student Retention Week 
  • Weeklong programming centered around preparation for finals, student engagement, and cross-campus collaboration
• Forums & Seminars 
  • Monthly programs for all students hosted by Retention Coaches that provide vital information on academic success, financial literacy, and personal wellbeing and belongingness
• Care Calls 
  • In-person visits to a student’s residence hall if faculty, staff, or friends have trouble reaching out to students via call or email

Office of Career Readiness and Innovative Leadership

Mission
The Office of Career Readiness and Innovative Leadership aims to equip students with the skills and resources to succeed in their chosen career paths and become leaders in a rapidly changing world. By integrating innovative leadership principles and professional development opportunities, we foster an environment that supports personal and professional growth for every student, ensuring their readiness for the global workforce.

Vision
Our vision is to be a national leader in career readiness and leadership development by cultivating a dynamic, innovative learning space where all students, regardless of discipline, can acquire the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel as professionals and leaders. We aspire to contribute to the overall quality enhancement of our student’s academic and career experiences by continuously improving our programs and services.

Services Offered
The Office of Career Readiness and Innovative Leadership provides the following services to support student success:

• Career Counseling and Advising: Personalized one-on-one career advising to help students explore career options, develop strategies, and create personalized career action plans.
• Workshops and Seminars: Regular professional development workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, networking, and other job-search strategies.
• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities for students to enhance their leadership skills through specialized training, leadership initiatives, and partnerships with community and business leaders.
• Experiential Learning Opportunities: Locating internships, co-op opportunities, and full-time positions in students’ desired fields through partnerships with local, national, and international employers.
• Mock Interviews and Job Shadowing: Practice interviews with feedback and opportunities for job shadowing with professionals in students’ career fields of interest.
• Graduate School Preparation: Guidance on navigating the graduate school application process, including writing personal statements, selecting programs, and obtaining recommendation letters.  Alumni Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with alumni and professionals who can offer insight, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement.

Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

Mission
The Tougaloo College Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) mission is to enhance student learning by fostering an academic environment that promotes critical thinking, effective communication, and the application of knowledge in real-world settings. The QEP seeks to equip students with the skills necessary for academic excellence and professional success by providing targeted initiatives that improve learning outcomes and overall educational quality.

Vision
The vision of the Quality Enhancement Plan is to position Tougaloo College as a leader in higher education by advancing innovative teaching practices, improving student learning experiences, and creating a campus culture that prioritizes continuous improvement. Through collaborative efforts between faculty, staff, and students, the QEP strives to transform learning experiences that contribute to every student’s academic and professional success.

Services Offered
The Quality Enhancement Plan provides the following services and initiatives to enhance the student learning experience:

• Curriculum Enhancement Initiatives: Ongoing efforts to improve academic programs by integrating innovative teaching methods, new technologies, and learning resources that promote student engagement and critical thinking.
• Faculty Development Programs: Training and support for faculty to adopt evidence-based teaching strategies that enhance student learning outcomes, including workshops on curriculum design, assessment, and instructional technology.
• Student Success Workshops: Regular workshops and seminars to develop key skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, essential for academic success and career readiness.
• Assessment and Feedback Mechanisms: Tools and processes to assess student learning outcomes and provide continuous feedback, allowing for data-driven improvements in the quality of education.
• Learning Communities: Collaborative student groups focused on peer mentoring, group study, and co-curricular engagement, designed to support students in challenging courses and foster academic success.
• Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: Continuous monitoring and assessment of learning outcomes to ensure that educational goals are met and to identify areas for improvement in academic programs.

Greek-Letter Organizations

The Pan-Hellenic Council coordinates activities among its member organizations and promotes unity and cooperation among the recognized Greek-letter organizations. The Pan Hellenic Council is composed of active representatives of all approved national Greek-letter fraternities and sororities:

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Gamma Upsilon Chapter
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Gamma Omicron Chapter
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Gamma Rho Chapter
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Rho Epsilon Chapter
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Gamma Psi Chapter
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Beta Rho Chapter
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Nu Beta Chapter
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Theta Gamma Chapter

The College requires that a student possess a 2.80 grade point average prior to membership in a Greek-letter organization. However, each organization also has its scholastic standard, which may be higher than the requirements set by the college. A student must have met all financial obligations to the college and have no current disciplinary or behavior restrictions as verified by the appropriate person before permission is given to a college official to join a Greek-letter organization. The students must also attend one of the mandatory anti-hazing workshops held during the fall and spring semesters before the intake process, in which there is a $10 non-refundable fee. Class attendance or official college business is the only excused absence. Students apply for membership during the first semester of their sophomore year. Transfer students may submit a membership application and be initiated after matriculating at Tougaloo College for one semester with a cumulative 2.80 average earned at Tougaloo College. Summer School is not considered a semester.