Spring 2008

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An OASIS of Support

Roxanna McGraw & Kerri Bowman, Office of Advising Support, Information, & Services

At NC State, the academic colleges assign each of their students an adviser to assist with course selection and registration, academic requirements and other issues related to enrollment, career development, and academic success. Advisers serve as advocates and provide the support and guidance needed to navigate the systems and services that are in place to help your son or daughter succeed.

In addition to the college’s academic advisers, NC State offers advising dedicated to students who are in transition between majors. The Office of Advising Support, Information and Services (OASIS) is designed to be a “one-stop shop” for cross-curricular advising services. From assistance with changing majors to help with policies and procedures, OASIS is designed to enhance a student’s academic experience.

Virtual Advising Services

How many times has your son or daughter said to you “I have a quick question about _____, but I don’t know where to go to find the answer?” The answer is usually just one click away! Students should check out the Ask the Pack FAQ System for a quick answer any time of the day or night. This virtual service allows students to search an extensive knowledge base to find responses to over 600 questions regarding academic programs and policies, student engagement opportunities, and student life. Students can enter their search topics and locate the answers to their questions immediately. If a question is not in the database, students can click the Ask an Adviser tab to send an email to a virtual adviser who will be able to provide a personalized answer. For more information visit: www.ncsu.edu/advising_central.

Majors & Careers Website

Does your student ever say, “I don’t know if I am in the ‘right’ major?” If so, encourage him or her to visit the “Majors & Careers” website: www.ncsu.edu/majors-careers.

The “Majors & Careers” website provides a wealth of information and resources that assist students as they explore potential career opportunities. If your son or daughter has recently been asking any of the following questions, suggest a visit to this great resource:
1. What can I do with a major in…?
2. What do I do if I am considering a double major?
3. How do I find information about minors offered at NC State?
4. What courses from another school will transfer into NC State?

Academic Advising

OASIS provides academic information to current undergraduate students through virtual and face-to-face cross-curricular advising. The staff coordinates efforts with college representatives to assist degreeseeking students who may be considering or who are changing their majors. OASIS advisers provide accurate and personalized information that will help students as they consider their educational plans. If your son or daughter is pondering changing his or her major, consider asking the following questions:

1. What policies and procedures do you need to follow when transferring from your current major to a new one?
2. Where do you go for help and advice with your new intended major or minor?

If he or she cannot respond to these questions, ask him or her to visit the OASIS website, www.ncsu.edu/advising_central. The staff also offers face-to-face appointments with students to assist with their transitions or when they do not have the requirements necessary to change majors directly.

Pre-Law Services

OASIS also offers a range of services and programs to students considering an advanced degree in law. Advisers are available to provide guidance, information and support as students research Law School Admission Test (LSAT) preparation, potential law schools and the application process. Each fall, OASIS hosts a law-school fair where students can collect information from programs all over the country and attend workshops on writing applications and how to finance law school. If you have an aspiring lawyer in the family, encourage your student to take advantage of these helpful services: www.ncsu.edu/prelaw.

From orientation to graduation, NC State University works to provide students with multiple forms of academic support. OASIS is one of the key sources of support of which students should take advantage. Students who use OASIS to supplement their individual academic advising are in a better position to make thoughtful, wellrounded decisions about their educational plans.

OASIS staff members are always seeking feedback to continually improve their services to students. If you have suggestions for the staff, please email Roxanna McGraw, director of the Office of Advising & Support Services, at roxanna_mcgraw@ncsu.edu. Thank you for your feedback.

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