Academic Support & Special Programs

MISSION STATEMENT

To promote academic excellence by providing students with support programs and services that will strengthen academic performance and improve retention.

OVERVIEW

The Office of Academic Support and Special Programs at Grambling State University is committed to fulfilling the educational needs and interests of our students through active learning and scholarship. We offer academic support programs and services for students who are experiencing academic difficulties and for students who are succeeding academically, but wish to further enrich their educational experiences and realize their fullest potential at Grambling State University. All programs and services offered by the Office of Academic Support and Special Programs are available to all Grambling State University students.

Academic Support Programs and Services

I. The First Year Experience Program (FYEP) is designed to assist first year students with their transition to Grambling State University. The faculty advisors/academic counselors in the First Year Experience Program work closely with all first year students, who have not declared a major, to help them make wise choices regarding their academic career. Currently, the program offers a year long Freshman Seminar Course and a New Student Orientation Program.

• Part one of the Freshman Seminar Course – FYE 101 – introduces the entering student to the University’s academic programs, general education requirements, student handbook, university catalog, financial aid, registration, and relevant policies and procedures. This course exposes the first year student to the Grambling State University experience- its rich heritage, traditions, and culture. Other topics covered in this course include college survival skills such as goal setting, time management, critical thinking, active learning, note taking, study skills, test taking, communicating for results, and library usage.
• Part two of the Freshman Seminar Course – FYE 102 – offers a continuation of the discussions on college survival skills. Topics covered in this course include career exploration, computer skills (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint), building positive relationships, diversity and multicultural appreciation, leadership, ethics and responsibility, stress management, health and wellness, problem solving, financial aid, registration, and management of personal finances.
• The goal of the New Student and Parent Orientation Program is to offer new students an introduction to academic life at Grambling State University and to instill a sense of commitment that is required to pursue associate and bachelor degree. This goal is achieved through our new student orientation session, an evening with the President of Grambling State University, an orientation session for the parents, and a farewell program. Additionally, as part of the New Student Orientation Program, all entering freshman are expected to complete the registration process. This includes completion of financial aid requirements, advisement (selection of courses with academic advisors), payment of tuition and fees, and validating meal and identification cards.

II. Several critical academic support functions are managed by the Special Academic Programs unit. These include the Academic Skills Center, and the TRIO Programs comprised of the Upward Bound Program and the Student Support Services Program (Project Rescue). Additionally, the Special Academic Programs unit is tasked with the coordination of Summer Programs including Summer School. Finally, the Special Academic Programs unit plays a key role in the evaluation of the General Education Program requirements at Grambling State University.

• The Academic Skills Center (ASC) offers a variety of services designed to enrich the learning experience of students at Grambling State University. The Center offers workshops and trainings, content tutoring, a video library, classroom space and computer laboratories for the use of all Grambling State University students. Special emphasis is placed on serving the academic needs of the first year student.
   
  • Computer Laboratories offer software tutorial programs in mathematics, etc. Additionally, reference materials and resources are available on-line and on CD-ROM. Monitors are on duty to serve the needs of the students and ensure that a professional and safe environment is maintained at all times. Career exploration software is available to students to help them select a major area of interest.
  • A Video Library is available for on-site viewing. Topics include study skills, reading efficiency, test-taking, memory techniques, note taking, etc. A complete list of available videos is provided.
  • Content Tutoring is provided through the Academic Skills Center by faculty in the degree granting colleges and schools based on an Early Alert Program, where students who are struggling academically in the critical General Education courses are identified by the instructor of record, referred to the Center where a team of faculty members provide tutorial services.
  • Workshops are offered by experts in specific areas such as goal setting, management of personal finances, diversity and multicultural appreciation, developing and maintaining positive relationships, stress management, making healthy lifestyle choices, etc. These workshops are designed to transition first year students into the University Community. Upper-class students seeking to sharpen their coping skills as they matriculate through Grambling State University will also benefit from these workshops. A complete list of workshop topics, speakers, dates, times and locations is provided.
     
• The TRIO Programs at Grambling State University are federally funded by the United States Department of Education. TRIO programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. TRIO programs help students overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to higher education. The TRIO programs at Grambling State University include the Upward Bound Program and the Student Support Services Program (Project Rescue).
• The Distance Learning Program (DLP) is a university-wide unit that utilizes various state-of-the art telecommunication technologies and instructional strategies to enhance and augment the curricular offerings at the university. The DLP serves as a technological support arm of the academic programs. Information is delivered through the use of video, satellite uplinking, compressed video, and computer/Internet technologies.