Intern and exchange programs provide students with realistic environments for skill development. Faculty provide students with opportunities for creative research while promoting student awareness of investigation as an informative tool. Freshman Interest Groups and SFA 101 encourage students to pursue scholarly activities. Students enjoy extended hours of use at many such facilities. The university library offers extensive holdings in many formats as well as a large computer laboratory.
Financial resources permit educationally enriching activities.
The Multicultural Center provides a supportive environment for minority and international students while highlighting the strength of diversity. While some students complain that dormitory life is not conducive to academic pursuits, the university has dedicated Residence Life personnel who work with the Residence Hall Association of students to provide programs that enrich and supplement the academic experience. Three dormitories are specifically dedicated to academic enrichment and academic excellence. In all such cases, learning experiences for which credit is awarded must be under the ultimate control and supervision of the educational institution. Stephen F. Austin State University is in compliance with this criterion.