1. Setzer Student Center

The Setzer Student Center (SSC), named for Dr. Richard W. Setzer, university president from 1967 to 1969, is the center of student life on Lamar University’s campus.

Housed in the Setzer Student Center are various programs to meet the needs of students. The Food Court provides varied food services. Other services include the University Bookstore, Student Organization Services, Student Government Association, Greek Life, Setzer Student Center Reservations, and the Vice President of Student Engagement. More information about the student center and its services is available at (409) 880-8722.

2. Student Organizations

More than 160 student organizations are currently active at Lamar. Students join and participate in many different types of groups: professional/departmental, religious, mutual interest, service, honor, spirit, sports, or social. Participation in well-developed co-curricular activities enhances the educational experience.

3. Student Activities (Cardinal Activities Board)

This is a student programming board responsible for providing the campus with a diverse schedule of programs and extracurricular activities. The programming board consists of student directors and volunteers, who develop social, educational, and cultural opportunities for Lamar University.

4. Civic Engagement

Service is an integral part of life at Lamar University. Service programs are sponsored by New Student and Leadership Programs. The program advocates meaningful service opportunities and personal growth. Programs housed under Civic Engagement include The Big Event and Dance Marathon.

5. Leadership Development

Leadership development programming serves as a resource for student leadership development and partners with others campus efforts to train, educate, and develop students for purposeful leadership. A LU Leadership Certificate is offered through New Student and Leadership Programs.

6. Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the voice of students and facilitates new and improved student services and programs. All regularly enrolled Lamar University students are represented by the Student Government Association, which affords each student an opportunity to promote, support, and participate in a well-rounded student life program.

7. Recognition Programs

Seniors of Significance are selected each year. The Bess Gentry and C. Robert Kemble Awards recognize the outstanding senior woman and man, respectively, each year. the Ann Shaw Award recognizes Junior or Senior leadership.

8. Intercollegiate Athletics

Lamar University competes at the NCAA Division 1 level and is a member of The Southland Conference. Lamar offers 15 intercollegiate sports. Women’s sports are basketball, cross country, volleyball, golf, indoor and outdoor track, soccer, and tennis. Men’s sports are baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor and outdoor track, and tennis. Lamar students with valid IDs are admitted free to all university athletic events and are strongly encouraged to attend and support the Cardinals.

9. Campus Ministries

Several campus ministries provide fellowship, worship, and recreational activities for Lamar University students and have established student centers adjacent to campus. These centers include the Baptist Student Union, Church of Christ Student Center, Catholic Student Center, and Wesley Foundation (United Methodist). Some ministries sponsor retreats, special programs, and community services.

10. Cultural Arts

The visual and performing arts thrive on Lamar University’s campus. The Dishman Art Museum provides one of the finest collegiate exhibition spaces in the state of Texas with two galleries, a preparation area, and a lecture hall with video and projection facilities. The Dishman presents local, regional, and national touring exhibitions. A variety of public programs, including openings, artist lectures, panel discussions, and student and faculty shows are scheduled throughout the year.

Lamar Theatre performs productions each year, including comedy, drama, and musicals. Lamar’s 500-seat proscenium theatre and flexible-seating “black box” studio theatre host productions.

The Wind Ensemble and Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, Brass Quintet, Grand Chorus, and other musical groups represent Lamar at numerous state and national music educator conventions; moreover, these groups may be heard on a regular basis on and off campus throughout the year. Basketball fans enjoy the Cardinal Pep Band, which performs at all home games, and The Lamar Marching Band "Showcase of Southeast Texas" is a highlight of Cardinal Football games.

The Lamar Dance Company presents several concerts each year and joins the musical ensemble for various presentations.

11. Student Publications

University student publications include The University Press, the campus student newspaper on the Web. The University Press, with offices in the Carl Parker Building, serves as a training opportunity for students interested in journalism. The University Press may be found online at http://www.lamaruniversitypress.com.

12. Recreational Sports

All currently enrolled students who have paid the recreational sports fee have access to Lamar recreational sports facilities and may participate in the wide variety of activities that are offered, such as intramural sports, group fitness, outdoor pursuits, aquatics, and informal recreation. All users of recreational sports facilities must present current Lamar photo identification for entry.

The Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center (SURC) is a state-of-the-art facility offering 130,000 square feet of activity space. Highlights of the SURC include an indoor track, a 40-foot indoor rock climbing wall, a fitness center featuring the Cardio Theater audio/visual system on select cardio machines, a full line of pin-select progressive weight machines, and a full array of free weights. The SURC also houses a café; television and game lounge; three dedicated basketball courts; five racquetball courts; a multipurpose court for badminton, volleyball, and table tennis; an outdoor patio for events, and a fully-enclosed indoor soccer/floor hockey rink. Sports and outdoor equipment is available for daily and overnight rental at the equipment desk.