Southern University at New Orleans, often referred to as SUNO, is an institute of higher learning located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1956 and historically established for the education of African Americans. Today, SUNO still serves as a beacon for those looking for educational advancement in an environment that provides personal attention some students need for success. The university's mission is to be one of America’s premier urban institutions of higher learning and to graduate students ready to contribute to our city and nation.
Southern University at New Orleans Profile
General Information
- Location: 6400 Press Drive, New Orleans, LA 70126
- Phone: (504) 286-5175
- Website: http://suno.edu/
- Type: Public teaching, historically African American university
- Awards Offered: Associate, Bachelor, and Masters degrees
- Campus setting: Urban
- Campus Housing: Fully-furnished housing facilities available
- Student Population: 2,590 (Undergraduates), 575 (Postgraduates)
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 20 to 1
History
- Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) was founded as a unit of Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, Baton Rouge on September 4, 1956. The first baccalaureate degrees were awarded to 15 students in May, 1963.
- Historically an institution exclusively for black Americans, the University was later opened to all individuals regardless of race or color. This was a result of a case filed by a white high school teacher against the Louisiana State Board of Education in 1964.
- Prior to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September 2005, SUNO awarded approximately 450 undergraduate and 70 graduate degrees annually. After the hurricanes, student enrollment drastically went down and 21 of the University's programs have to be stopped due to decreased student population.
- By Fall, 2008, the student population grew back to 3,105 as the Board of Regents approved reinstatement of undergraduate degrees in Mathematics, English and History.
- The first residence halls in the history of Southern University at New Orleans were opened in January 2010.
- By Spring, 2010, the College of Business and Public Administration Building was opened.
- The University opened its Information Technology Center in Fall, 2010 as the enrollment increased to 3,100 for the first time since the hurricanes.
Campus
Southern University at New Orleans has 2 campuses:
- Park Campus (Administration, Cafeteria, Maintenance, Education, Gym, Library and University Center)
- Lake Campus (College of Business and Public Administration, Information Technology Center, Chemistry Lab, Health and Wellness Center and Student Development Center)
Faculty
- 302 Full Time Faculty; 41 Tenured Professors
- Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Academics
Southern University at New Orleans is classified as a Four Year-V University that allows it to offer 4-year undergraduate programs and graduate programs in various areas. Currently, the University offers basic baccalaureate degrees in liberal arts and sciences, education, technology and business, as well as graduate programs in social work, computer information systems, urban education and criminal justice.
Facilities
The University Center offers opportunities for social, cultural and recreational activities and provides services that encourage student interaction.
The Office of Residential Life contribute to the holistic development of resident students. The new residential facility provides furnished apartments for students and faculty and includes amenities such as an activity center, a computer lab and a shuttle service.
The Office of Student Health Services provides health information and counseling, and minor medical care. Students who become seriously ill while on campus are referred to local physicians or provided with emergency or paramedic service.
The Health and Physical Education Building, nicknamed “The Castle”, is the home court for the Southern University at New Orleans Basketball and Volleyball teams. The facility may also be used for sporting events and large meetings.