International Student Services

We are glad that you are considering Southern Arkansas University for your educational needs. In order to completely process your application for admission, the appropriate items listed below must be received and evaluated before a formal decision is made. All transcripts and correspondence must be accompanied by an English translation.

Claudia Lyons,
Director of International Student Services
(870) 235-4082
cjlyons@saumag.edu

If you do not get a reply from the above email address, please contact Wayne Garner (Assistant Director) at:  wdgarner@saumag.edu

About SAU:

Founded in 1909, the beautiful 781-acre campus of Southern Arkansas University (SAU) is located on the northern boundary of Magnolia, Arkansas. With a population of 13,000, Magnolia is a typical, small southern city that offers warm hospitality and tradition along with various restaurants and modern shopping centers to serve the needs of students.

Southern Arkansas University is one of the most affordable four-year university in the state of Arkansas. Our tuition and room/board costs consistently rank lowest in the state. The school year consists of two semesters and two short summer sessions. Enrollment at SAU is approximately 2700 students. Because of its size, the University has a low student/teacher ratio that assures more individual attention for students. Free tutoring is readily available. Student success is the key element at SAU. This school is authorized under Federal Law to enroll nonimmigrant students.

Accreditation

Southern Arkansas University is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, the National League for Nursing, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Academic Quality

The faculty has years of teaching experience and more than 50 percent of the professors have doctoral degrees. The quality of education at SAU is well documented by the success of its graduates, many of whom are heads of companies, professors, or holders of other high-level positions.

The University has the reputation for having excellent resources such as “state-of-the-art” computer labs for students and a modern, spacious library.

Climate

Being located in the southern part of the United States, our climate is warm most of the year. Therefore, light clothing is recommended. The spring and fall seasons are generally mild and only require the addition of a jacket. During the winter, on rare occasions, there will be a light snow and cold temperatures that may require heavier clothing. All classrooms, dormitories, and facilities are heated and cooled through a computerized climate control system that keeps the internal temperatures comfortable year-round.

Athletics

The University participates in the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference with men’s competition in baseball, basketball, cross country, swimming, football, golf, and track and field. Women’s competitions include basketball, cross country, softball, swimming, track and field, tennis, and volleyball. Soccer is a club sport.

Activities

For the convenience of the students at SAU, a shuttle bus provides students with the opportunity to visit local shopping areas once a week. All of the transportation is provided free of charge to students.

International students can join various clubs and organizations on campus. One organization, the international student association, provides many activities for international students. One of the highlights of the year is the annual international banquet.

Theater productions, concerts, movies, and other fun activities are scheduled during the fall and spring semesters. A fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and tennis courts are available for the students to enjoy. Festivals of particular interest to international students include Fall Fest, Family Day, Homecoming, Spring Fling, and International Expo.

Application Deadlines:

The following dates indicate the deadlines for a completed application to reach the University.