Dr. Zackary W. Underwood, Dean
Dr. Dawn Y. Matthews, Associate Dean
Dr. Kweneshia S. Price, Associate Dean
Telephone: 919-530-5235
Fax: 919-530-5230
Main Office: 239 Alexander-Dunn Building
Overview
- Academic Advising
- Academic Success Coaching
- Aspiring Eagles Academy
- First & Second Year Experience
- Student Athlete Academic Support Services
- TRiO Student Support Services
- Tutoring & Supplemental Instruction
- University Testing Center
- Writing and Speaking Studio
University College reports to Academic Affairs at North Carolina Central University with direct reporting to the Provost. The goals and objectives of University College are aligned with Academic Affairs and the University’s Strategic Plan.
Purpose
The purpose of the University College is to enhance the successful transition into college and experiences during the first two years for all freshmen, sophomores, and new transfer students, with an intentional focus on student success. Services are also provided for undergraduate students from any year.
Mission Statement
The University College provides foundational academic experiences that engage students in their intellectual, personal, and professional development. University College fosters a support environment towards successful college transitions, academic achievement, and graduation.
Goals of the University College
1. An 85% retention rate will be actualized by first time freshmen and first time transfer students.
2. Enhance the academic performance of University College students (first-time freshmen, sophomores, and first- time transfer students) to a level that reduces the number of failures by 15% and increase the number of students achieving a grade of “C” or above by 10% over the prior academic year in GEC courses.
3. Empower students to develop personal goals and manage essential university functions that ensure student success such as the registration process, active participation in student professional development seminars, and relevant career planning.
4. Develop and implement effective means of transitioning students from the University College to the academic department in which the student’s major is housed.
5. Develop and implement a comprehensive training program for the University College that will strengthen student performance and delivery of staff services.
6. Develop and implement a mentoring program that will enhance the academic and social performance of University College students measured by a “C” average in GEC courses for all students actively participating in the mentoring program.
7. Strengthen assessment measures to effectively document student success.
8. Keep abreast of current research and studies in the area of first and second year- experiences, retention and graduation rates, leadership, and management to inform decisions and reports.
Academic Advising
Dawn Y. Matthews, Ph.D., University College Associate Dean
205 Alexander-Dunn Building
Telephone: (919) 530-6129
Edward Reid, University College Academic Advising Coordinator
205 Alexander-Dunn Building
Telephone: (919) 530-6129
Academic advising is an integral component of the educational experience at NCCU. In concert with the university’s mission and goals, Academic Advising is designed to help students with holistic guidance and support as they matriculate through NCCU. Students will have the chance to work with an Academic Advisor, Faculty Advisor, or Graduation Specialist to help them navigate their curriculum plan and co-curricular activities.
The University strongly expects students to become familiar with graduation requirements for their chosen major(s), and meet with their designated academic support person for guidance on their course selections and sequences before registration opens each semester. Carefully following these expectations and forming a strong working relationship with your academic advisor can ensure success and timely graduation from NCCU.
Academic Advising Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to evaluate academic and personal interests, strengths, and challenges.
- Students will be able to identify appropriate courses meeting curricular requirements for selected degree programs.
- Students will be able to describe and follow academic policies and procedures as listed in the undergraduate catalog, NCCU website, and official university communication.
- Students will be able to utilize student information systems (Banner, EAB, email) for access to personal information, registration, and advising programs.
- Students will be able to describe and utilize various campus resources.
Assignment of Advisors
Students that begin at NCCU as First-Time Freshmen or Transfer students with 52 or less earned college credit will be assigned to a University College advisor. University College Academic Advising is a department devoted to supporting students during their period of transition into the University. During the orientation experience, an academic advising syllabus is provided, which outlines strategies for success during the acclimation period of transition. Students receive guidance on academic policies, curriculum plans, major selection, the General Education Curriculum (GEC), and support with reaching their personal and professional goals.
Students are commonly assigned a temporary advisor to assist them from orientation through the course add/ drop period and then assigned a permanent advisor that will work with them until they transition out of University College.
Students that begin NCCU as a Transfer Student with 53 or more earned credit hours will be assigned an academic advisor, graduation specialist, or Faculty Advisor from within their selected discipline.
Major Exploration/Undecided Majors
NCCU offers a variety of majors, concentrations, and minors, which can make deciding on the best-fit program challenging for many students. For those students who want to explore majors at NCCU, the University encourages the option of the Undecided/Exploratory major. Students in this major are expected to declare a formal departmental major by the end of their first academic year of enrollment. Students will work intently with their Academic Advisors to identify a major that aligns with their interests and skills.
Transition to Upper Division Major Advisement
Near the completion of the sophomore year, students who meet the requirements of their pursued academic program are eligible to transition out of University College and into their academic major department. This transition requires approval by the appropriate baccalaureate dean based on a review of the student’s eligibility to include:
- Completion of at least 52 earned credit hours;
- A minimum cumulate GPA of 2.0 or higher as outlined by the discipline;
- Successful completion of all necessary prerequisite coursework and/or General Education Coursework as outlined by the discipline; and
- Meeting any supplemental eligibility requirements outlined as outlined by the discipline
During the semester when students become eligible to transition to their upper division program, the University College will review their academic records and solicit final approval from the intended department. Upon verification, students will be reassigned to a new advisor at the Upper Division level to assist them with the remainder of their coursework through graduation clearance.
Limited Access Majors
Some programs are considered limited access or restricted access majors. This means students are officially accepted into the major/program once they are accepted or meet admission standards. Most of these programs admit students during the sophomore year to begin the major the following fall or may even require that students submit a portfolio or perform an audition for consideration. You may visit the department homepages or consult with an academic advisor to determine if your intended major has limited access or has supplemental requirements for admission.
Academic Success Coaching
Alyssa Hatfield, Coordinator of Academic Success Coaching
104 Alexander-Dunn Building
Telephone: (919) 530-7043
Academic success coaches regularly provide support throughout the semester to assist students with their adjustment to college life and support their holistic development at NCCU. Through one-on-one coaching meetings, academic success programming, and tutoring, students can develop an individualized pathway for their success.
The role of the academic success coach is to:
- Improve retention of the first-year student by easing the transition from high school to college
- Provide a secure environment for students to receive support
- Inform students about university services and referrals
- Provide supplemental instructors and tutors when needed
First Year Academic Coaching
University College employs full-time academic coaches to assist a select population of first-year students while they adjust to college life during their first semester. Students are assigned an academic coach to meet with one on one and assist them in navigating academic hurdles and first-year transition experiences.
Academic Recovery Coaching
North Carolina Central University is committed to helping students improve academically, return to good academic standing and make progress toward their degrees. Academic coaches provide students with services and activities to help you achieve academic success. In return, the student must commit to participating in these activities and working diligently.
University College students who do not achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 after the first semester at NCCU will be placed on Academic Warning for the following enrolled semester. Students placed on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or that are reinstated from suspension or dismissal will be assigned an academic coach to meet with throughout the subsequent semester.
Academic Success and Enrichment Services
Kweneshia Price, Ed.D., University College Associate Dean
105 Alexander-Dunn Building
Telephone: 919-530-7042
Academic Success and Enrichment Services focuses on the enhancement of student performance through quality Academic Coaching Services and Eagle TALONS Series.
This unit utilizes an intrusive hands-on approach which focuses on the improvement of student academic skills and the enhancement of student performance through student engagement sessions on test-taking skills, stress management, time management, how-to-study programs and related topics. This approach instills a sense of pride and responsibility to maintain satisfactory progress with the ultimate goal of graduation from North Carolina Central University in four years.
Academic Coaching Services is a unique, specialized service, geared towards helping individuals reach their maximum education potential. Students meet with Academic Coaches often, on a one‐to‐one basis, setting goals for the week, bi-weekly, monthly or semester while developing the skills needed to achieve those goals in the most efficient manner. Academic Coaches provide skills training based on the needs of each individual student and refer students to subject‐specific tutors and other support services when needed.
Eagle T.A.L.O.N.S. (Tackling Academic Learning Opportunities for New Scholars) series are designed to equip the students enrolled at NCCU with the knowledge, skills, and tools to successfully navigate their collegiate experience and ensure that they are equipped to be competitive in a global society. Session topics are chosen based upon the feedback received from student surveys and sessions held during their summer orientation and from observations made through interactions with the students. For the students’ convenience, sessions are offered at 10:40 a.m. break and at 7:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Aspiring Eagles Academy
McKayla Young, Director of Student Transition and Engagement
108 Alexander-Dunn Building
Telephone: (919) 530-6973
The Aspiring Eagles Academy (AEA) is an academically based enrichment program designed to promote the success of incoming freshmen who have been accepted to attend North Carolina Central University. Aspiring Eagles Academy Summer Bridge Program provides a means to facilitate a successful transition and enhancement of students’ experiences. Participants enjoy a healthy relationship with academic advisors, academic coaches, tutors, and instructors and connect with other resources on the University campus. The Academy also allows students to receive encouragement and internalize their learning experiences. As a result, Academy Participants are involved in numerous academic, extra, and co-curricular activities.
Applicants selected to participate in the Aspiring Eagles Academy consist of a cohort model, half of whom are first-generation college students. The Academy includes a hybrid 5-week Summer Bridge program, eight college credits, a living-learning community, cultural enrichment, study, travel abroad, intrusive academic coaching, and focused academic support.
Retention and the four-year graduation rate at North Carolina Central University were consistently below that of any University of North Carolina Institution and the average of their national public peer institutions. The establishment of the Aspiring Eagles Academy has helped to improve this. The Academy has prepared students to outperform similarly situated students who did not participate in the program. Participants of the program, on the average, consistently exceed the University’s retention, average grade point average (per cohort year), and four-year graduation rate.
Rock the Lyceum (RTL) series
The mission of the North Carolina Central University Rock the Lyceum (RTL) Series is to promote and enhance the intellectual, cultural, and aesthetic aspects of student growth and development through a series of outstanding lectures, recitations, concerts, dramas, and exhibitions. Thus, the RTL Series contributes to the establishment of a wholesome and well-rounded environment for the university and the local and state communities. All RTL events are funded by Students’ Lyceum fees. Students in the University College are required to attend at least one RTL event per semester.
Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction
Dr. Robin Featherstone, Director of Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction
102 Alexander-Dunn Building
Telephone: (919) 530-6973
Tutoring services support students in their academic journey. Catering to various needs, these services aid students requiring extra help in general education courses (GEC). Whether students prefer in-person sessions or the flexibility of online tutoring, University College ensures accessibility through both modalities. Utilizing the Upswing platform for online tutoring, students benefit from an organized virtual environment conducive to learning. All the while providing wide range of subjects by our undergraduate, graduate, and professional tutors. With a commitment to academic excellence and student success, University College’s tutoring services strive to empower students to achieve their educational goals effectively.
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a FREE, academic support service that utilizes peer-led group study to help students succeed. SI sessions are designed for all students and are facilitated by SI Leaders, successful students who have demonstrated effective academic strategies and who have the desire and skills necessary to guide other students in developing similar strategies.
The SI Leader will attend class and model successful student behavior. They will prepare and facilitate engaging activities to review important and challenging concepts from class. SI sessions may involve group discussions, review games, or collaboratively creating a study guide. The SI Leader can help students become independent learners by sharing study strategies, guiding students through the problem-solving process, and providing opportunities for students to work together to make sense of concepts.
Writing and Speaking Studio
Amara Hand, Director of Writing Studio
Samanda Chasten, Director of Speaking Studio
Taylor Education 102
Telephone: (919) 530-7748 & (919) 530-6037
The mission of the Writing and Speaking Studio is to support student learning and work as a writer and speaker in the university community through one-on-one and small group collaborative sessions. The Writing and Speaking Studio is committed to helping North Carolina Central University students, faculty, and staff meet their academic and professional goals by becoming better writers and speakers.
The Writing Studio at NCCU offers free writing enrichment to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and other members of the university community. People who visit the Writing Studio will learn how to master the steps of the writing process and apply them to their own writing assignments and situations.
The Speaking Studio at NCCU is designed to empower, enrich and enhance your communicative skills through collaborative consultations that promote honest, timely and helpful instruction and feedback. The Speaking Studio is part of NCCU’s Quality Enhancement Plan, which is a critical campus-wide program designed to enhance the written and oral communication skills of students at NCCU.
It is open to all levels of proficiency at all stages in the writing and speaking process. Services of the Writing and Speaking Studio are available in-person and virtually.
First Year Experiencee
Osaffo James, Executive Director of First & Second Year Experience
235 Alexander Dunn Building
Telephone: 919-530-6976
E-mail: ojames1@nccu.edu
The First Year Seminar-UNIV 1100 is taught in the University College and is required of all students except those who are age 24 and older or transfers with sophomore status (30 credits or more). This two (2) credit course is designed primarily to help new students successfully transition to North Carolina Central University. It will introduce students to college life, and helps them develop skills necessary for their success. The course incorporates high-impact educational practices noted by the American Association of State Colleges and Schools (AASCU) to ensure that students are engaged in authentic instruction with pedagogy that’s designed to support the needs of the Generation Z learner. The course promotes scholastic attainment, the value of education, self-actualization, involvement in the campus and local community, and leadership skill development with a focus on the mastery of study skills, writing skills, critical thinking, health, and related issues.
Sophomore Success Initiative
The Sophomore Success Initiative was established to develop and implement intentional programming to meet the universal academic and social needs of sophomores. The goal is to increase retention rates, support their persistence and enhance their holistic experience. In collaboration with various campus partners, the programming includes a Welcome Back Event, SophoMORE Week and more.
The Key Initiatives of the Sophomore Year Experience include:
- Access
- Persistence
- Integrative Learning
- Critical Reflection
- Employability
Learning Outcomes:
- Establish personal identity and develop academic, social and career purpose
- Discover and utilize campus resources
- Develop personal and professional relationships
- Explore career options and indicators
- Explore the concept of community and diversity
- Increase self-awareness, emotional intelligence and self-esteem
- Apply skills for success as a global citizen
Eagles in Flight-MAR Program
Eagles in Flight-MAR Program is one of many intentional programs that provides individualized and group support to ensure a successful matriculation at NCCU. The Eagles in Flight Program-MAR Program enrolls undergraduate first year students who earned the required GPA for admissions, however their SAT or ACT scores were slightly below the requirement. The students are required to attend monthly community meetings and each student is assigned a peer mentor. The mentor and Executive Director provide additional mentoring, coaching and support to each student. The Eagles in Flight program provides various methods of student engagement to ensure that students are engaged and connected to a community and they are offered social support and engagement sessions to enhance critical skills necessary for success.
STEM Promise Living Learning Community
The STEM Promise exposes first year STEM Majors to opportunities for research, professional development, STEM related excursions and collaborative learning with faculty within the Residence Halls and in the Community. The mission of the STEM Promise LLC is to engage students in the STEM Majors at North Carolina Central University by providing living and learning opportunities to support their holistic development, enhanced knowledge and exposure to their specific areas of interest and their retention and progression to degree completion.
Learning Outcomes and Experiences
- Students will achieve learning outcomes and experiences through exposure, engagement, and expansion in the following:
- Expose: Increase student’s exposure to STEM through activities such as periodic outdoor experiences, field trips, and on and off campus STEM related activities
- Engage: Increase student’s engagement with STEM through regularly scheduled activities, student-directed inquiry projects, longer-term team explorations, design-building challenges, technology projects and curriculum lessons. Students will work collaboratively within a group dynamic.
- Expand: Expand depth and breadth with expert support and partnerships, diversifying fields, internships, longer-term inquiry projects, community problem-solving projects, and presentations while fostering and honing critical and creative thinking abilities.
The University Testing Center
Jamal Whitted, Director
111 Taylor Education Building
Telephone: 919-530-7368
E-mail: jwhitte8@nccu.edu
The University Testing Center earned national certification in 2017 by the National College Testing Association. The Center provides full-service testing and assessment services to students, faculty, staff, and local communities. There is no cost to NCCU students to use the Testing Center services. Among the many services provided are: planning, coordinating, and administering placement tests in the languages (French, German and Spanish); College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offered to university and community candidates; administration of the GRE; Praxis series (formerly national Teachers Examination); TOEFL, Accuplacer, Distance Education, Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), SAT, and Test Scoring Services for university faculty.
Computer-Based Testing Center
The University Testing Center also provides the facilities, personnel, and testing resources as a satellite test site for several national and international testing agencies including Prometric, PearsonVUE, UNC Proctoring Network, graduate and occupational testing. A profitable and technically enhanced testing venue, the CBT Center is operated Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5:00 offering computer-based testing for fifteen different education and certification entities. The CBT Center plans, coordinates, and administers standardized computerized tests according to guidelines provided by the testing entity and specifies the physical and environmental conditions under which the test is to be administered. During the busiest testing period from September to January, The CBT Center operates outside of the regular hours, running three sessions daily. Testing is by appointment and registration. Walk-ins needing placement testing are accommodated based on availability.
TRiO Student Support Services
Colleen Scott, Director of TRiO Student Support Services
230 Alexander Dunn Building
Telephone: 919-530-5594
E-mail: cscott49@nccu.edu
Mission
TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) Program at North Carolina Central University is a federally funded program that serves participants who are first-generation, low-income, or have accessibility needs. In collaboration with the NCCU community, the TRiO SSS staff will coach participants’ academic, financial, personal, and social development while offering career, cultural, and professional opportunities. Using a holistic and familial approach, TRiO Student Support Services is committed to the perseverance, retention and graduation rates of participants as they transition to their chosen professions as leaders in a global society.
Services
The TRiO Student Support Services Program offers participants’ academic, professional, and personal guidance during one-on-one and group meetings. These sessions address tutoring, financial literacy, career exploration, cultural excursions, graduate school preparation, and leadership development. Participants who meet eligibility criteria may apply for TRiO Grant Aid to reduce their dependence on student loans. The dedication and ongoing support provided by the TRiO SSS team support students’ perseverance in overcoming barriers from acceptance into the program through graduation and post-graduation.
Student-Athlete Academic Support Services
Kwadjo Steele, Assistant A.D. for Academic Support Services
240 Alexander Dunn Building
Telephone: 919-530-6759
E-mail: ksteele9@nccu.edu
The mission of the Student-Athlete Academic Support Services Office is to create an environment that will allow student-athletes the opportunity to maximize their collegiate experience. We recognize that every student-athlete has lifelong goals that can be fulfilled by both athletic and academic success.
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