College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, in partnership with the College of Engineering, College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Natural Resources, College of Textiles and University Housing, created the Women in Science and Engineering Village. Three floors - 225 students - in Lee Hall are home to the WISE Village. Women pursuing majors in any of these colleges are eligible to apply to become a part of the Village. WISE Mentors, upperclass students, assist first year students in becoming acclimated to NC State and life on campus. Participants can take advantage of study hall, tutoring in math, chemistry and physics, WISE Wednesday social, academic and cultural activities; and opportunities to network with faculty and professionals in their majors. A Summer Bridge program is offered before the start of the fall semester where participants meet each other and their mentors and become involved in hands-on activities to stimulate community building, problem-solving and creativity. Summer Bridge provides WISE women with the essential knowledge and resources to successfully navigate the first several weeks of their first year at NC State. Groups of women in the WISE program are assigned to the same math and chemistry classes where possible to facilitate study groups.

AGI 010 is a one credit hour orientation course required of all entering Agricultural Institute students with the following course objectives: Upon completion of this course, a student should:Become familiar with the academic policies of the Agricultural Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and North Carolina State University. Become knowledgeable about the various majors and educational opportunities in the Agricultural Institute. Describe university and college programs designed for student support. Be better prepared to succeed in the University environment and gain a better understanding of time management, study skills, and note taking. Meet key academic individuals in the Agricultural Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and North Carolina State University. Learn the basic operation of personal and networked computers, gain an understanding of the uses of the computer for academic, business and personal purposes and retrieve and manipulate data and information.

Goals and Purposes – To promote leadership, community, scholarships and friendship, aid in the technological advancement of agriculture and support the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Participation in clubs and organizations is a significant part of a student’s overall academic experience and professional development. Students in the Agricultural Institute may participate in any club or organization they wish.

The goal of New Student Orientation is to encourage students and parents to see the educational experiences as a joint effort between themselves, the faculty and the University. And to encourage students to see that the two-year program can be as challenging as a four-year program.

Interdisciplinary seminar series in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) was designed for mainly undecided students.  Throughout the seminar there are presentations by distinguished faculty members and experts drawn from technical, academic, business and government communities. Discussions of major public issues and topics of contemporary concern. Enrollment limited to participants in the CALS Scholars Program.

The Career Expo occurs annually in the fall of the year and showcases more than 100 employers and graduate/professional school recruiters.  The expo is a great chnace for students to network.  College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alumni from various career fields answer questions and discuss the student's field of interest.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) has over 200 faculty who are involved in academic advising. The academic program involves numerous curricular options administered through departments and interdisciplinary programs. Many faculty advise students even though their primary responsibility may be in research or extension activities. Faculty expertise in advising is gained primarily through experience, self-education and group or individualized sessions conducted by the departmental coordinator of advising. The faculty-student relationship often extends beyond course selection and scheduling and is enhanced by faculty familiarity with career opportunities.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) sponsors a select group of responsible student leaders to assist with College functions, Alumni events and Career Services activities. These students, with diverse backgrounds and experiences, represent various departments in CALS. They demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, student leadership and College enthusiasm.

Student clubs and organizations are important to the mission of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Every student in the college is expected to consider getting involved in one or more organizations on campus. Such involvement provides the opportunity to meet others with mutual interests and goals, and offers an opportunity to further develop leadership and communications skills. Clubs represent a unique way to learn about career choices and to participate in programs and activities related to majors and areas of study. Interaction with faculty, alumni, and others provides a connection to professional schools, graduate schools, the working world, and self-employment. Participation in clubs and other organizations is a significant part of the overall academic experience and professional development. For more information, see:

The Honors Program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) provides a challenging educational experience for students with exceptional academic skills. Through special courses, seminars and independent research projects, students in the Honors Program are able to interact with distinguished faculty, enhance their education and gain a competitive advantage for the future. Successful completion of this program will be recognized in the Commencement Program and noted on transcripts sent to graduate schools and potential employers. CALS students with at least a 3.35 grade point average are invited to participate in the Honors Program during their sophomore year.

Instituted to engage and connect students to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Program includes various activities to welcome and connect students to campus; many activities are part of Wolfpack Welcome Week.

Goals and Purposes- To provide and recognize high standards of scholarship, leadership and character among agriculture students, and to band together a group of outstanding students who by scholastic accomplishment, service, and high character standards, have been recognized for these traits. Participation in clubs and organizations is a significant part of a student’s overall academic experience and professional development. Students in the Agricultural Institute may participate in any club or organization they wish.

Kick Start is a six-session certificate program designed for junior and senior students who want to make a positvie impression with potential employers. During this program, students learn: resume building tools; ways to develop a skill portfolio, effective networking strategies; tips to ace job interviews; advice on finding internships and exploring graduate school options; how to make the most of job fairs; and options to explore after graduation.

PackNet is an online database that serves as a forum for current College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) students to get career advice from hundreds of CALS alumni within the workforce. Students may contact these professionals to develop their networking skills and tap into the knowledge of experienced professionals within their career fields.

The Parents’ Network is a voluntary program designed to provide parents legal access to their son or daughter’s academic progress. Students are given the opportunity to sign FERPA waivers that give parents reasonable knowledge about their child’s academic performance. Parents can be one of our strongest allies in helping to keep students focused on their own academic success and making timely progress toward a degree. Goal: To actively solicit parents’ involvement in their son or daughter’s education and engage them as participants in their child’s success.

The Renewed Commitment Program is designed to monitor the performance of students who are readmitted by the Agricultural Institute Readmission Committee after being suspended by the University. As a condition of readmission, each student agrees to the terms of a Recommitment Contract which outlines what is expected. Goal: To give at-risk students the best possible chance to be successful if they are re-admitted to the Agricultural Institute by making their readmissions contingent upon their agreeing to abide by the demands of a Renewed Commitment Program intended to help the student develop new habits aimed at academic success.

High school juniors, seniors, community college and transfer students are invited to a personalized visit to see the NC State campus and explore the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). They are given the opportunity to meet CALS students and faculty, attend a class, and receive answers to questions about NC State and the CALS.

SCIBLS is first and foremost an summer academic experience. Designed for rising high school juniors and seniors with a 3.5 or better and an interest in biotechnology/science. Coursework is designed to be a challenging for college bound students interested in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics college major. SCIBLS students learn, through hands-on experience, cutting-edge scientific techniques in NC State laboratories. Students also have the opportunity to meet and interact with undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral scientists and faculty at NC State. Most of all, these students tour research facilities and enterprises in Research Triangle Park and hear people's career path histories through visits from industry personnel. The four-week session is an introduction to college life and the university environment with the goal of easing the transition between high school and college. For more information, see:

Take 5 is a series of five-minute web-based career videos designed provide the busy college student with career direction and techniques to enhance professional skills. This series is recognized nationally for innovative approach of providing services to students. Each module includes video streams, powerpoints, and handouts.

The Learning Resource Center is a tutorial center where student’s can receive assistance from a tutor in any course taught in the Agricultural Institute. The tutor is supplied with supplemental worksheets for math and writing courses as well as material from instructors in other Agricultural Institute courses.

College of Design Open House features meetings with departmental representatives, admissions policy presentations,  tours, and exhibitions.  Prospective students may ask questions of students or faculty.

Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) Initiative joined North Carolina State University as an initiative within the College of Design. The merger of CAM and the College of Design positions both institutions among an elite few. This important partnership presents new and unique opportunities to enhance study and create ground breaking educational experiences. It offers College of Design students a venue to explore real-world creative endeavors in their course work, and expands the college’s land-grant mission to serve the citizens and communities of North Carolina. CAM’s vision is to redefine the relationship of museums and communities by presenting art exhibitions and public programs that illustrate the relevance of contemporary art and design to our everyday lives.

Design Camp informs students about college study in design through two separate, weeklong summer programs: Design Camp/Overnight for rising juniors and seniors and Design Camp/Day. Design is a high impact experience intended for creative, motivated students. This year, we are offering two overnight camps. Design Camp students work with College of Design faculty and graduate students on projects from each of the College disciplines – architecture, landscape architecture, industrial design, art and design and graphic design. Students may be asked to build hanging gardens, vertical living spaces, create billboards, etc. In addition to studio projects, they attend lectures from highly respected design professionals such as museum exhibit designers, industrial designers and landscape architects. The purpose of the camp has been to expose high school students – particularly students from underrepresented rural areas and ethnic backgrounds – to the world of design. Although participation in the camp does not guarantee admission to the College of Design, each year about 30 percent of admitted freshmen indicate that they have participated in Design Camp.

The College of Design offers numerous opportunities for study abroad, through formal programs and exchanges with other institutions, as well as through individual faculty and departmental initiatives. The College of Design supports opportunities in international studies, in order to: Insure that a variety of cultures and physical settings are available to students of the College of Design Support opportunities for College of Design faculty in international teaching, research and engagement Support diversity in both type and duration of international experiences for faculty and students Foster the establishment of College of Design Centers Abroad

As a link to student retention, student development, and student progress toward degree completion, the College of Education recognizes academic advising as a vital collaborative effort between administrators, faculty, and advisees. The proposed restructuring to a college-wide centralized model will re-define the role of faculty as faculty mentors.Anona Smith Williams
anona_smith@ncsu.edu

College of Education student organizations are designed to provide students with an opportunity for leadership development, social interaction, networking and community service. The college has student organizations for each of its major academic areas and students are encouraged to become involved in a club for their major. Student organizations plan social, professional and academic activities, lectures, service projects etc. that support the college and its student body. These clubs provide a venue for student engagement and interaction and allow students to develop a stronger tie to their majors and to faculty in their major.Allison Mitchall
allison_mitchall@ncsu.edu

Students returning to the SAY Village for a second and third year help local youth (DAY) develop and/or improve their self-advocacy skills. The second and third year students train youth in self-advocacy so that they are not entirely dependent on others to improve themselves or their conditions. This initiative keeps our students connected to the college, university, and local community. Robin McWililams
robin_mcwilliams@ncsu.edu

Electronic newsletters and listservs are used by various student services units to keep students connected and engaged with what is going on in their College and within the larger university. Listservs and newsletters are currently used by Teaching Fellows, SAY Village, Student Services, Student Ambassadors and other groups to notify students about ways they can get involved in the College of Education, including upcoming lectures, community service opportunities, professional development seminars, etc.

Girls on Track is a joint project between NCSU, Meredith College, Wake County Public Schools, and North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The project is supported in part by the National Science Foundation, the IBM Corporation (SUR Program), and the Eisenhower Program- UNC MSEN The camp focuses on keeping middle-grade girls interested in math and science. Camp activities center around the use of computers and technology to solve problems. By familiarizing girls with information technology, the camp organizers hope to raise interest in careers and courses where women are often underrepresented.

These introductory courses are designed to provide freshmen and sophomore studnets with an exploratory look at their major. The courses provide students with a community-based field experience that helps them see if this major is a strong fit for them and enables them to establish relationships with faculty members in their content area.

The Leadership Institute for Future Teachers is a one week residential program for rising seniors who have demonstrated leadership potential and an interest in pursuing teaching as a career. The overall goal of LIFT is to respond to the critical need for teachers of color in North Carolina. Anona Smith Williams
anona_smith@ncsu.edu

The mission of the MSEN Program is to prepare underserved students at the middle school and high school levels for careers in math, science, education, technology, and engineering. Braska Williams
braska_williams@ncsu.edu

The College of Education awards numerous competitive scholarships per academic year aimed at attracting and retaining quality students. As the cost of college tuition increases and the task of attracting prospective students to the field of education becomes increasingly challenging; the College of Education is continuing to grow its scholarship endowment.

This program allows prospective students to arrange a visit to NCSU and to the College of Education, tour the campus, spend time in a classroom, speak with a current student and hear more about our curriculum and programs from a CED faculty or staff representative. This visitation program enables students and parents to gather valuable information on majors, scholarships, campus culture/climate and admissions requirements to enable them to decide if NCSU is the best choice for their college experience.Jeff Leonard
jeff_leonard@ncsu.edu

The College of Education Ambassadors are a select group of highly motivated, informed, energetic, and diverse student leaders who are devoted to serving the College of Education, NC State University, and surrounding community. Student Ambassadors are leaders and serve as professional liaisons for the College of Education in support of its mission to Lead and Serve. Ambassadors assist in the recruitment of prospective students, provide service throughout the University and surrounding community and participate in leadership initiatives that promote student engagement. Allison Mitchall & Jeff Leonard
allison_mitchall@ncsu.edu

Student Success Academic Connections Center will support recruitment initiatives aimed at increasing the teacher workforce; keep students engaged in the learning process as active participants; create optimal field experiences for community service and outreach; and afford students opportunities to build lifelong connections to the College of Education and NC State community. Components of the Center include:Pre-College/Outreach InitiativesCentralized Academic Advising CenterFaculty Liaisons/MentorsProfessional AdvisorsStudent Success PlanEngagement and RetentionStudent Advocating for Youth (SAY) ProgramTeaching FellowsCED OrganizationsFirst year seminarsSophomore ExperienceJunior/Senior ExperienceAlumni and Community ConnectionAnona Smith Williams
anona_smith@ncsu.edu

The Students Advocating for Youth (SAY) Village, located in Lee Residence Hall, is a partnership with the University Housing. SAY members are committed to providing its members with the resources, skills and support to be come successful youth advocates and critical thinkers. Students participating in SAY do not have to be majoring in education. All members take a class that teaches them about youth advocacy and contains a community outreach aspect to the academic experience. SAY mentors assist first year students with becoming acclimated to NC State and living on campus. The SAY Village includes a resource library and computer lab on the floor in Lee Hall.Robin McWililams
robin_mcwilliams@ncsu.edu

The Teaching Fellows Program strives to graduate well-prepared teachers, deeply committed to high quality educational experiences for tomorrow\\s young people. The primary purpose of the Teaching Fellows Program is to develop teachers who are not only experts in their fields, but who will also be leaders in North Carolina’s public schools. The highly competitive Teaching Fellows Program awards selected students $6,500 each year for four years toward their college education and teaching licensure. In return, Fellows agree to teach for four years in North Carolina public schools after graduation. NC State\\s Teaching Fellows Program is known for its team building and student-to-student support. The Big/Little Sibling Program introduces first year Teaching Fellows to their peers and helps them negotiate both the social and academic aspects of campus. Leadership, cultural enrichment and service activities are an important and integral part of the Teaching Fellows program: • Teaching Fellows serve in leadership roles and hold leadership positions in campus organizations. • Teaching Fellows are encouraged to participate in additional enrichment activities, including travel, seminars, retreats, field trips, intramural sports, and social activities. • Teaching Fellows benefit from service-learning projects in public schools, local communities and even overseas. Michael Clinkscales
michael_clinkscales@ncsu.edu

In the fall semester of each academic year, all minority engineering freshmen are enrolled in Academic and Professional Preparation for Engineers I. This course offers early and proactive support that promotes student persistence and academic achievement, while teaching students goal setting, decision-making, and effective communication techniques. The course is designed specifically for minority students although it is open to all entering engineering freshmen. Our fall course focuses on transition and academics. It covers academic preparation such as time management skills, study skills, managing academics with extracurricular activities, graduate school requirements, and professional opportunities. The spring semester focuses more on the professional development of the student, such as preparing for a summer internship, co-operative education experience, or full-time employment. Industry representatives also speak to the spring class to discuss interviewing skills, goal setting, teamwork, understanding money, and professional development.

Several engineering professional student societies meet regularly on campus providing peer support networks, access to tutoring, and access to industry representatives and participation in professional conferences. These societies include: Society of Women Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and a student chapter of almost every professional engineering disciplinary society.

In Fall 2005, the First Year Engineering Program and the Cooperative Education Program initiated the MENTOR Program (Motivating ENgineers Through Organized Relationships). Each incoming first year engineering student was paired with an upper-class engineering co-op student in a peer mentoring program. The mentees were given their mentor’s information and required to make initial contact during the first 6 weeks of the semester. The program is focused on the first 6 weeks at NC State.

This grant, entitled PROJECT HP iPAQ: Technology and Retention in Engineering and Computer Science at NC State University, puts HP iPAQ technology into the hands of engineering freshman design teams (called HP iPAQ Teams). These student teams conduct their freshman design projects using the iPAQ hand-held computer technology. The HP iPAQ Teams\ conclusions inform continuous improvement efforts in the E101 course in terms of the use of technology and pedagogy. In addition, particular interest is focused on factors associated with the success of underrepresented populations in engineering.

The College of Engineering encourages students to participate in International Programs to prepare them for the demands of our global marketplace. College of Engineering faculty-led programs and scholarships enable students to study in Spain (Summer in Segovia), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), Mexico (UNC-EP), Singapore & Japan (INNOVATE Technology & Leadership Conference), and many more destinations. The objective is for students to explore geography, culture, history, economics, and politics in the context of understanding the effects that engineering, science, and technology have had all over the world.

Past analyses at NC State have indicated a positive correlation between students who struggle in their first calculus class and those who ultimately leave engineering at NC. The present study is being conducted to investigate the effects of early intervention for engineering students who have performed poorly on their first calculus examination. Intra-semester Action Plans are developed with the student to understand drivers of underperformance and corrective actions to assist in future success.

New Student Orientation (NSO) coordinates NC State University’s collective efforts to provide programs and services to newly admitted first year and transfer undergraduate students that will ease their transition into NC State. The College of Engineering Coordinators of Advising and faculty representatives help prepare students for the institution’s educational opportunities via welcome presentations, group advising, one-on-one academic counseling, and registration assistance.

Early each Fall semester, the COE Welcome introduces all first year engineering students to the Dean of the College of Engineering as well as to one high-profile engineering alum. The objective is for students to hear from a successful engineer and alum how the experiences and opportunities at NC State can contribute to their future successes.

As a capstone to their first semester all E101 students use a 10-step design cycle to develop, test, and evaluate an engineering project. The annual Freshman Engineering Design Day is an opportunity for student teams to present their projects to the other 1200+ first year engineering students.

The College of Engineering Coordinators of Advising Committee addresses issues associated with assisting advisees in planning academic programs suited to their interests, abilities, and their career objectives, while encouraging timely matriculation into degree programs and reasonable progress toward graduation.

This course is designed to introduce students to the field of Engineering. Another objective is to integrate teamwork, problem solving, and verbal communication skills into a design project within the course in such a way that these skills become the foundation of a successful engineering career. Early understanding of these skills will assist students throughout their undergraduate experience and beyond.

The Engineers\ Council is the representative assembly for the engineering undergraduate student body. The Council meets regularly to address issues of concern to engineering students and to appropriate funds to Engineering organizations. The Council is also involved in the organization of events for engineering students, including the Senior Awards Banquet, E-Week, and the endowment of the Engineer’s Council Scholarship created by proceeds from the Engineering Career Fair.

This program was created to identify students who have not made satisfactory progress toward degree, or have indicated that they intend to pursue a degree outside of the College of Engineering, but may not be currently eligible. A new curriculum code designation TRU (Engineering Unmatriculated - Transition) and its associated degree audit (14TRU021) have been established and published by Registration and Records. Students are identified by departmental Coordinators of Advising, and the curriculum codes of these students are changed. This process facilitates work with an adviser to develop and implement a specific plan of action that restores “satisfactory progress,” and informs the students of opportunities and services to aid their academic success.

This student-centered program is an aggressive early intervention and peer-mentoring program for engineering and computer science students. All freshmen underrepresented minority-engineering students are automatically placed in the START Program. This program is designed for students to receive support from upper division underrepresented minority engineering students who are themselves successfully navigating the undergraduate engineering curriculum. The freshmen receive nurturing academic and social support through a formal mentoring program. This program exemplifies how upper class students can lead by example and show freshmen how to be successful.

STP is a six-week comprehensive program held during the second academic summer session. This program enhances the academic and social maturation of incoming minority engineering freshmen prior to the start of the regular academic year. Participants receive instruction and where applicable, academic course credits in mathematics, English, and a science course. In addition, they gain early hands-on experience in engineering design and an introduction to the College of Engineering computing environment. Weekly industry site visits introduce the students to opportunities available to them as they move through their undergraduate program and seek permanent employment.

Specific actions are taken to recruit and retain College of Engineering transfer students through the various stages of their relationship with the University. Prospective transfer students are recruited at events such as the Engineering Information Sessions which are regularly scheduled three days each week, the Lifelong Education Open House, University Open House, and Engineering Open House with special transfer advisors on hand to present materials and answer questions. Once transfer students have applied for admission to the College of Engineering, special efforts are made via phone calls and emails to encourage promising students who may yet lack a required course. Additionally, transfer advisors communicate with and work closely with area community colleges and institutions offering 2+2 and 3+2 engineering transfer programs with NCSU to ensure that courses transfer correctly. After transfer students have been admitted, a special departmental transfer orientation is held each semester to convey information relevant to their success in the College. For the first semester, transfer advisors in Academic Affairs work closely with transfer students and the departments into which they matriculate to ensure each student\s successful transition into the College as well to ensure overall success as an NCSU engineering student.

All students in the Women In Science and Engineering Living and Learning Community come to campus the weekend before classes start to participate in a bridge program. Various elements of this program include an introduction to the campus computing system, opportunity to meet and associate with faculty, team building and ice breaker activities, and other activities designed to enhance the start these women make of their college careers.

The Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) Village is a living and learning community designed for first- and second-year women majoring in mathematics, statistics, science or engineering at NC State. WISE brings first and second-year female students and upper-class mentors together in Lee Hall, with the goal of enhancing their academic success and providing them with positive experiences as they live and study with others who share common interests.

The Women in Engineering Program at NC State University provides support for female students from freshman year through graduation. Some of the programs offered include: a one-on-one peer mentoring program for women engineers, an email mentoring program linking students with engineers in the work force, an active student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, an opportunity to serve on outreach teams which visit K-12 schools to talk about engineering and act as role models for younger girls, and many opportunities for female students to distinguish themselves as engineers in the university and professional engineering communities.

The Writing Assistance Program of the College of Engineering provides one-to-one writing help to engineering students. The program staff helps undergraduates with their assignments in freshman composition (ENG 101), technical writing (ENG 331), engineering labs, design classes, and the humanities/social sciences. Graduate students visit the Writing Assistance Program seeking help on theses and dissertations. Both groups come to the Writing Assistance Program for guidance on resumes, job application letters, and graduate school applications. In addition, staff members assist engineering faculty who wish to supplement their classroom material with information about writing and oral presentations.

In the Fall of 2000, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) embarked on a project to examine factors of retention and attrition of its African American student population. SUCCESS Project was envisioned to conduct a longitudinal study of African American students and to assess why their graduation rates were 20% lower than their white counterparts. The ability to influence its peers to participate can only enhance the entire academic community by making the CHASS SUCCESS Project the benchmark program to assist underrepresented students in other disciplines to be successful at NC State. The purpose of this project is to gain an understanding of the various experiences African American students can have throughout their college career, especially with regard to attending predominately white institutions. Through assessment and intervention the various events throughout this project will have a long-term impact on how successful these student leaders will become. Students’ growth and involvement in their own development is directly related to retention.

Students on Academic Warning fill out a questionnaire that attempts to identify why student is having academic trouble. Students sign a contract for improvement that gives them suggestions for extra help.

ACC100 and BUS100 are1 semester,1 hour/week orientation courses to familiarize freshmen with the college's policies, university resources and advising. The BUS100 class is so large it is difficult to do more than present basic information. MDS101 is an orientation class which focuses on assisting African American freshmen transition from high school to college.

Freshmen are required to meet with the freshman advisor twice during the school year. If they are on academic warning they meet a third time with the advisor. Each freshman, 1st and 2nd semester, fills out a check list to help him/her and the advisor identify concerns. The checklist becomes a part of a student's file to help future advisors understand the student better.

In a college with limited resources one advisor has been assigned to direct freshman programs. The thought being, if the college could focus on helping  the freshmen get acclimated, the freshman success rate would improve. This advisor oversees the Peer Leaders, Bus 300, Orientation, freshman advising, the Progress Toward Degree and any issue pertaining to freshman retention.

No Description has been provided for this project at this time

Our Peers are Powerful program started in 2002.  The purpose of the program is to help freshmen transition from high school to college. With only one advisor for over 300 freshmen, the Peer Leaders help by planning events for the freshmen, helping the freshmen with their Plan of Work,  and by continually communicating with the new students - both on a one-on-one and as a group. The Peer Leaders are chosen by a competitive interviewing process. They go on an overnight retreat right before school starts to prepare for the year. These freshmen specialists attend continuing education meetings: practicing listening skills, presentation skills, communication, group work and simple advising. The Peer Leaders are required to take a one hour course on leadership, taught in the fall of the year.

Peer to peer advising offered multicultural students through a university multicultural program.

During orientation all of our freshmen have the opportunity to talk to advisors and to peer leaders. This is a chance for the new students to start recognizing the student helpers and the academic affairs staff. The Director of Admissions and  Associate Dean at this time encourage the parents to take an active interest in their freshmen. The college gives the parents a special calendar with on events marked. The calendar has questions a parent might ask of his/her child during the first year. The calendar has been well received.

Workshops on Study skills, Test Anxiety, Stress Management and Time Management are offered in Nelson Hall when graduate Counselor Education students are available.

The CNR Ambassadors Program has grown out of the Peer Mentor program.  The ambassadors serve as the "face" of the college to prospective students and their families, as well as at general recruiting activities.  They serve as a point of contact for entering freshmen.  The relationship is established by email over the summer and by activities during the "College Connection" event before classes start in the fall semester. Note: Over a three year period of a straight Peer Mentor program with an academic focus, we were unable to attain significant freshman participation.  We included special interest sessions (such as stress relief), peer advising at registration time, and social activities that would connect the freshmen to the college or to their majors.  The most success has been with connection to the major, and that is heavily dependent on the mentor's personality and how active the student organization within the major is.

CNR Tutoring Services:  The college provides free of charge 2 hours of tutoring per week for any student in the college.  This service is primarily designed for courses taught in the college, with the expectation that students will use university/departmental tutoring resources for general ed courses such as math, chemistry, biology and physics.  However, the college will pay for tutoring in some of these courses if a student has been unable to obtain a tutor through University Tutorial Services.  The tutors are recruited from the CNR student body, including both upper-level undergraduates and graduate students.  Recruitment of tutors relies heavily on input from the coordinators of advising in the college.

Parks, Recreation, &Tourism Management and Wood & Paper Science both have ice-breaker and team building activities during freshman orientation.  These are designed to get the freshmen into their major groups and begin to get to know each other and some of the faculty.  (In the larger orientation groups, they do not have much opportunity to identify with others in their chosen major.)Paper Science and Engineering requires a freshman retreat off-site over a weekend early in the fall semester.  Again the goal is to have them begin to identify with the program, their classmates, some of the upperclassmen, and some of the faculty.

The disciplinary honors program targets better performing students, and directly (or indirectly) impacts retention in the whole program.

We provide computer consultants, tutors, computer access and audio-visual support to supplement primary instruction. In the Fall and Spring hours are– 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and during the summer hours are– 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tutorial services are provided for all undergraduate Math courses. The tutoring is given by approximately 50 graduate students. There are also computer consultants to help with Maple and/or Matlab. These services are provided by Ms Seyma Bennett and 9 students. The Multimedia center also provides a large number of videotaped lectures, which the students can watch on videotape players in the Multimedia center. All these services help the retention and graduation of our students by providing them with extra help in understanding course material they did not completely comprehend in the lectures. It will also help them to not fall behind because of problems with the material.

All NCSU freshmen have an opportunity to talk with a Math or Chemistry advsisor during the Summer Orientation Advising. This happens twice a week for 2-4 hours as the students select their courses for their first semester at NCSU. Students receive individual attention just when they need it the most -- during the TRACS session where they first modify their schedule. Based on the number of contact hours, this is probably about the same as teaching a 2-hour course for the Math faculty involved, and about the same for the Chemistry faculty.

In 2003, PAMS initiated a new-student (freshman) peer mentoring program, with Dr. Wandra Hill as the Director, and Dr. Jeff Scroggs as the co-director. This program matches new freshman with current undergraduates who volunteer their time. Activities are focused on the freshmen's first 6 weeks at NCSU.

Each incoming freshman is paired with a junior or senior in Statistics. They are given each others' contact information and prodded to email each other and meet. We have a lunch for all mentoring pairs early in the fall semester, and again toward the end of the fall semester. We have two mentoring lunches in the spring semester also.

SUM (The Society for Undergraduate Mathematics). SUM sponsers social activities, including picnics and movies (with pizza). SUM also has presentations on graduate school and undergraduate research. SUM helps organize informal interactions with faculty, such as the refreshments that are shared before research presentations. SUM is also sponsoring students for a regional professional meeting this year.

The WISE Village is a living and learning community created for first and second-year female engineers, mathematicians, statisticians and scientists. The program combines a group living experience with resident, upper-class mentors who assist in the transition to university life. Promoting academic success, fostering the formation of lasting relationships with fellow students, professors and mentors and providing out-of-class experiences are fundamental components of the program. The WISE Village provides a supportive environment in which future engineers, mathematicians, statisticians and scientists engage in focused inquiry within their disciplines and begin to develop the skills and talents necessary to become successful professionals.

The African-American Symposium is a summer educational and transitional experience sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity and African American Affairs. Its purpose is to foster a sense of community for in-coming African-American first-year students and to provide: them with information about campus resources, support personnel, coping strategies and African-American cultural heritage and contributions as a basis for helping ensure their academic and social-emotional success at NC State.Tracey Ray
Tracey_Ray@ncsu.edu

Alexander Global Village focuses on introducing International Students to Amercian Culture, exposing American students to other cultures and maknig the entire community aware of global issues.  The program features the pairing of International students with American students as roommates, providing Student Ambassadors to assist in acclimating International students to American culture, an educational programming series on cultures of the world and discussion programs focusing on global awarenss issues.  This Village is located in Alexander International Residence Hall and is a result of a partnership with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The Center sponsors service trips during Fall Break, Winter Break and Spring Break.  Many of the trips are service-learning oriented and take students to regional, national and international locations.  Students are challenged to examine their personal privileges, learn about the culture and the social justice issues relevant to their service project.  Current trip themes: hunger, homelessness, affordable housing, education and tutoring, environment, spirituality & service, and Hurricane Katrina Relief.  Tsunami Relief InfoAlternative Fall Break InfoAlternative Spring Break Info

This partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle offers students the opportunity to mentor a Wake County elementary school aged child and learn responsibility as a role model.  Tierza Watts
tierza_watts@ncsu.edu

These programs focus on educating students, in the context of their classes, regarding the standards outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.  It is an opportunity to answer questions, debunk myths, and alert students to the leadership opportunities within the student judicial branch of student government.

Students with an interest in a particular sport or activity organize a sport club and provide the leadership within the club.  Guidance is provided via the Department of Campus Recreation, of which the club is affiliated.  Regular monthly roundtable meetings are conducted for club officers to educate and develop leadership skills and topics may cover a variety of subjects (i.e., communication, event and tournament planning, establishment of policies and procedures, etc.)  In addition, there is regular access to professional staff to assist individual clubs in order to be successful.

University Housing hires nearly 150 student workers to work at the service desks, in administrative offices and with the Housing facilities staffs.  These casual wage workers do not need to be workstudy students to be eligible for these positions.  Students work no more than 20 hours per week with University Housing so that they have time to commit to academic responsibilities.  Student workers work independently with tasks which often highlight their strengths and expertise.  They participate in training and are evaluated once a semester.  They provide a tremendous service in serving their peers and gain valuable skills in a work environment while earning money to support their academic needs.

The Counseling Center provides multiple academic services to students. Counselors assist with time management, study skills, test anxiety, procrastination, writer’s block, etc., in individual and group settings. Counselors work with students who may need individualized assistance with organizational issues, creating calendars, goal setting, etc. This is especially useful with students who may be coping with ADHD or a Learning Disorder. Counselors appropriately refer students to Academic Advisors, the Tutorial Center, Disability Services, and many other services and contacts on campus that may assist them in their academic success. Counselors often work with Associate Deans, Advisors, and others in helping create plans for students that may be struggling. The Counseling Center plays a significant role in Withdrawal and Late Course Drop Processes, working closely with Administrators. Counselors provide Readmission Assessments (psycho-educational evaluations) that include an assessment of the student’s previous and current academic situations and related personal, familial and vocational influences, and make many recommendation and referrals to assist students in their return to the university. When personal issues affect students, counselors assist in working with professors and administrators, providing documentation, and assisting students in determining if course loads should be adjusted. Thesis/Dissertation support is offered to graduate students to assist in coping with stress and obstacles that may arise. Vocational/Career Counseling is offered to assist students in determining or changing their major. This is done through personal interview and the use of one or more available vocational interest instruments. These services supplement those offered by the Career Counseling Office on campus, and counselors make referrals as appropriate. The Counseling Center also provides internship and training opportunities for graduate students, many who are NCSU students. Counselors are also available as consultants for colleges and academic departments at the University, around both personal and academic issues.

The Counseling Center offers individualized and group personal counseling to help students cope with any number of personal, developmental and transitional issues (such as identity development issues, relationship issues, communication skills, organizational skills, support for students who lack resources, assistance with issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, feeling overwhelmed, substance abuse issues, clarifying values, coping with losses, stress management, body image concerns, surviving trauma, and much more). With assistance in identifying problems, goal setting, provision of resources, and therapeutic tools we help students focus on concerns that are causing distress. Through support, resources, counseling, academic assistance, psychiatric services, and career guidance, students are assisted in coping with concerns. We also assist students with anger management issues and try to find healthier ways to communicate and cope with frustrations. Additionally when a student is unable to cope and is in crisis, the Counseling Center offers emergency on-call services. During the Center’s working hours a counselor is available to work with urgent or emergency situations. After hours, even on holidays, a staff member is available via Campus Police to assist a student in crisis.

The Counseling Center can assist students in connecting to appropriate resources on and off campus (i.e., Registration and Records, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Cashier, Housing and Residence Life, Student Legal Services, Triangle Family Services) to assist with financial questions or around refund requests with Withdrawals. The Counseling Center also assists students who are concerned about their financial situation with time management and work recommendations and offers support for students who are anxious or overwhelmed in coping with credit or other debt.

The Counseling Center frequently assists students in working through family issues. Through personal and group counseling students learn how to communicate effectively, problem solve, learn about healthy relationships and learn to balance family, social, and academic demands. We assist parents who are concerned about students. When appropriate we meet with students and parents together to clarify issues and create a plan to support the student. For students who are in committed relationships, couples counseling is offered to assist in the above areas. Additionally, we assist when students are coping with a family illness or loss through supportive counseling and academic assistance as needed.

The Counseling Center attempts to meet students where they are, and encourage increased autonomy and self-sufficiency. We do this by working with students on issues such as self-esteem, building confidence, communication skills, assertiveness skills. By providing resources we are able to allow students to take advantage of services on campus and through follow-up visits are able to track students success in goal setting and problem solving. Additionally, women’s therapy group, general therapy group and KBO group encourage students to find their strengths and provide support for students to challenge themselves personally and academically.

The Counseling Center assists first year, transfer, or graduate students in adjusting to college personally and academically through personal counseling, group counseling and outreach programming. We participate in various aspects of new student orientation to reach more students. The Counseling Center also works with students in managing changes as they occur. We serve as a resource to link students with organizations, activities, faculty and staff. Counselors work with faculty and staff if there is concern about a student. Counselors assist students in learning social skills to interact more comfortably and confidently with peers and staff. Counselors assist students in dealing with roommate conflicts through problem solving and communication skills. If appropriate, a student may also be assessed by a psychiatrist to determine if medication might be helpful in dealing with social or other anxieties that may interfere in social development. The KBO group (African-American group focused on achievement) provides social support and connection as well.

The Counseling Center assists students in understanding policies related to Early and Late Withdrawals, Late Course Drops, Retroactive Withdrawals, Suspension and Academic Warning, and Readmission after Suspension.

The NC State Dance Program gives students opportunities to study dance through direct experience in choreographic and performance processes. The Dance Program provides a creative environment rich in imagination, reflection, and the embodiment of ideas. Two students companies, the NCSU Dance Company and DanceVisions, provide supportive and intimate communities for the participating dancers -- communities in which, in addition to learning about the art form, increased self-awareness, empathy for others, responsibility, problem solving, and close friendships occur. The NCSU Dance Co. is dedicated to the creation and performance of process-oriented, content driven modern dance works. DanceVisions presents works from many cultural and technical perspectives. DanceVisions’ focus is the sharing and exploration of dance styles ranging from modern and jazz to African and hip hop. Additionally, serious student choreographers can do independent study in choreography; these students create choreographic works under the mentoring of the program director and participation in group workshops, culminating in the presentation of the finished work in the Fall Concert. The Fall Concert, a formal concert dedicated to the presentation of choreography by current students and alumni, honors, celebrates, and expresses appreciation for our students’ work. Through the medium of dance/movement/choreography NC State Dance Program dancers and choreographers are able to organize and embody their understanding of, perceptions about, and their relationship to their inner lives and the external world in which they live into forms that communicate. Through the language of dance, students are able to communicate to student audiences who in turn are impacted, inspired, and sensitized by the dance performances they see.

EAC 301 is a partnership between CSLEPS, Adult and Higher Education Department and Student Affairs and provides an introduction to the basic components of leadership.  Students will have the opportunity to explore various styles of leadership and begin to identify their own leadership style

Each semester the Emerging Leaders Program is offered as a non-credit “short course” on leadership to interested students.  During the 9-week program, students are exposed to 14 leadership topics and attend a 1-day retreat, which involves a community service project and reflection on civic engagement as a leader.  More Information 

In line with our mission, Multicultural Student Affairs researches, designs and implements unique programs that promote the pursuit of academic success, retention and graduation of students of color from NC State University. The Freshman Honors Convocation, one such program, recognizes African American, Native American and Hispanic first year students who achieve a 3.0 or higher grade point average, their first semester at NC State. We are proud to have consistently honored 40% or more of these freshman classes for the last 6 years. The convocation has expanded over the years to include the families of student honorees. The program generally hosts an audience of 450. In addition, we present college awards to those that have 50% or more of their combined first year African American, Native American and Hispanic students to achieve a 3.0 or higher grade point average.Tracey Ray
Tracey_Ray@ncsu.edu

Staff in this office work with other campus partners such as the Department of Greek Life, and Athletics to target specific groups for specific programming.  The focus of these contacts would be to diagnose specific issues and risk for the group and clearly articulate expectations for decisions related to behavioral choices.

Helping Others With Leadership & Service (HOWLS) is a 1-time community service program for students who want to experience a volunteer site before making a commitment.  The Center sponsors 6-8 events each year. More Information

Professional health educators provide individual counseling and group programs to promote positive lifestyle choices on topics that can impede student success, such as alcohol and other drugs, stress, sexual health, violence prevention, STD and HIV prevention and nutrition. A Health Improvement Program focuses on personal fitness and healthy weight. HealthySTATE is a collaborative program within Student Affairs to encourage moving more and eating smart (www.ncsu.edu/healthystate). Prevention of health problems and promoting good health are the goals.

The Honors Village is a collaborative partnership between University Housing and the University Honors Program (UHP).  Students are housed in The Quad - Berry, Becton and Bagwell halls.  The community offers many engaging student-led programs.  First year stduents are assigned a student mentor, an Honors Village Fellow.  Fellows are upperclass students who offer programs specifically designed to create a community among first year students, connect them to other residents, and to the many opportunities on campus and in the local community.

Career counselors meet with students in person (and also connect by phone, email, or IM) on a variety of topics to increase student success:  choosing a major, changing a major, assessing skills and abilities, clarifying values, connecting the classroom to the workplace, enhancing communication skills, developing a resume, discussing effective job search strategies, and increasing personal confidence.

The world of work is in a constant state of change. Keeping students informed of the latest developments through primary information and education resources helps them stay on track in their studies, increases confidence as they approach their first careers, and provides them with information and guidance to respond quickly to internship and job opportunities. The Career Center website, coupled with our Job Search Guide (produced in both print and electronic format)  and an extensive career information library, supplement the personal contact with students in equipping them to make sound career decisions.

Employers play a significant role in the career success of our students.  Each semester, we invite employers to meet with students individually to conduct mock interviews and resume critiques and as a group to share information about their internships and jobs.  Interactions between employers and students help to connect academics, experiences, interests, and values to the world of work.  Career fairs provide direct contact with company representatives enabling student to consider career possibilities and learn first-hand how to maximize their total college experience.

Students have the opportunity to attend this intensive and interactive 6-day curriculum based leadership institute.  Participants learn about leading with integrity and create a “blueprint vision for change” during the week.  More Information 

The Leadership Development Series hosts approximately 40 workshops each fall and spring semester.  These workshops last 2-3 hours and allow a student to study the many facets of leadership through interactive activities and simulations.  Sample Topics: Leadership Theories (Servant Leadership, Situational Leadership), Team Building, Financial Management, Ethics & Integrity, Working with Diverse Populations, Decision Making, Conflict Management, Vision & Values, Emotional Intelligence, Creating Safe Zones for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual & Transgender members, Leading Volunteers, Leadership & Social Justice, and Cross Cultural Communication.  More Information

Students can supplement their academic transcript with a leadership transcript which records LDS workshops as well as participation in leadership and service activities. 

The Students Advocating for Youth (SAY) Village, located in Lee Residence Hall,  is a partnership with the College of Education. SAY members are committed to providing its members with the resources, skills and support to be come successful youth advocates and critical thinkers.  Students participating in SAY do not have to be majoring in education.  All members take a class that teaches them about youth advocacy and contains a community outreach aspect to the academic experience.  SAY mentors assist first year students with becoming acclimated to NC State and living on campus.  The SAY Village includes a resource library and computer lab on the floor in Lee Hall.

In partnership with the College of Engineering, College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Natural Resources, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Textiles and University Housing, the Women in Science and Engineering Village was created.  Three floors - 225 students - in Lee Hall are home to the WISE Village. Women pursuing majors in any of these colleges are eligible to apply to become a part of the Village.WISE Mentors, upperclass students, assist first year students in becoming acclimated to NC State and life on campus.  Participants can take advantage of study hall, tutoring in math, chemistry and physics, WISE Wednesday social, academic and cultural activities;  and opportunities to network with faculty and professionals in their majors. A Summer Bridge program is offered before the start of the fall semester where participants meet each other and their mentors and become involved in hands-on activities to stimulate community building, problem-solving and creativity.  Summer Bridge provides WISE women with the essential knowledge and resources to successfully navigate the first several weeks of their first year at NC State.Groups of women in the WISE program are assigned to the same math and chemistry classes where possible to facilitate study groups.

This educationally focused event allows students to examine Dr. King’s message about service, social justice issues, concerns of Wake County and participate in a service project.  Participants, in small groups, learn in depth information about 1 issue (i.e.: Urban vs. Rural Poverty) through activities and multimedia. More Information

The Music Department’s performing ensembles provide an outstanding means for students to develop both musical and non-musical skills. Development in both areas helps students during their college years and throughout their lives. A. MUSICAL SKILLSThe Music Department has a variety of performing ensembles (e.g., Raleigh Civic Symphony, Choral Ensembles, Wind Ensemble, British Brass Band, Athletic Bands). B. PERSONAL/SOCIAL SKILLSSome ensembles (especially the athletic bands) lend themselves to non-musical group activities. This gives students the chance to meet and interact with one another. Students have the opportunity to enroll for ensembles throughout their time on campus, thus giving students of all levels (Freshman through Senior) the chance to interact. C. CONNECTION TO CAMPUS At times, the Music Department ensembles perform off campus. Regardless of the off-campus performance purpose (e.g., end-of-year tour, away football game, etc.), students have a unique chance to represent the Music Department and university community as a whole. These experiences foster pride and a connection to the university.

The Music Department has scholarships available, which serve as a form of financial aid to students.  The department offers scholarships in both one-semester and full-year capacities.  Scholarships are available to students of all levels (freshman through senior year) and to those who participate in a variety of musical mediums (choral and instrumental). 

The Native American Symposium is a summer educational and transitional experience sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the Office of Native American Student Affairs. Its purpose is to foster a sense of community for incoming first-year students and to provide them with information about campus support, personnel, coping strategies and Native American heritage and contributions as a basis for helping ensure their academic, social and emotional success at NC State.This marks the 5th Annual Native American Symposium. Symposium is a retention and advancement effort of the university and is specifically designed to achieve the following objectives:1.To maximize the academic success of students.2.To encourage multiculturalism.3.To facilitate the enhancement of strong cultural identity and positive self-esteem.4.To coordinate activities which enable them to get to know each other.5.To educate students and parents/relatives about the availability and appropriate use of various campus resources and support services.6.To provide opportunities for interaction with faculty, staff and upper-class students.7.To provide information about our rich Native American heritage and the valuable contributions we\\\\\\\\ve contributed.The content of Symposium is determined by the Multicultural Student Affairs\\\\\\\\ staff. Additionally, the logistics and implementation of Symposium are facilitated by the Director of Multicultural Student Affairs and Assistant Director for Native American Student Affairs. Several students also work in the Symposium as paid counselors during the summer. All of these individuals meet annually to plan and evaluate the Symposium.Brett Locklear
Brett_Locklear@ncsu.edu

The North Carolina Activating Citizenship Through Service! Program is an AmeriCorps educational award program that CSLEPS administers for 15 students per year.  In exchange for 300 hours of community service, students receive a $1,000 educational award that can be used toward tuition and loans.  More Information

The Office of Center Stage & Arts Outreach generates or supports arts programming that helps to create an environment on campus that nurtures creativity and communication. The department mission is to connect artists and audiences in a meaningful and enjoyable exploration of the diverse cultures and issues that define our communities and world. Students can connect with artists as participants in workshops and masterclasses or as audience members at performances. The meaning of these experiences adds to the value of the overall educational experience at the university. The Campus Arts Council (CAC) is a volunteer student organization that supports the 6 visual and performing arts programs of ARTS NC STATE through advocacy, education and service. Students who participate in CAC gain experience in planning, team building and arts advocacy. CAC provides an opportunity for NC State students to develop social and leadership skills in a non-threatening, nurturing environment.

Our participation in these two programs is designed to highlight areas of risk for new students decision-making, prior to their arrival on campus.  The presentations focus on prevention strategies specifically in the areas of alcohol violations, drug violations, and the prevention of problems related to academic misconduct

Each semester Campus Recreation provides approximately 7 outdoor adventure trips to students and faculty/staff of NC State.  Trips may consist of one day or a weeklong.  These trips are interactive and may build new skills or develop upon skills already learned.  Building bonds and friendships are a significant goal of trips, whether it is on accomplishing a common outdoor goal, to helping to prepare and cleanup the daily meals.  This is great for building a sense of community and attachment to NC State and has impacted the international student population significantly.  A real sharing of cultures takes place and is appreciated by trip participants. 

With a lean career counselor staff, we value our partnerships with other units across campus to help us increase our ability to reach a wide range of students.  Collaborative projects such as the Majors & Careers website with Advising Central, training four students as career ambassadors to work directly with students, and outreach to residence halls, academic departments, student athletes, minority students, and students with disabilities help us contribute to student success. In particular, developing strong relationships with departmental academic advisors helps students to connect career options with their majors and stay on track academically.

Started in 1982, this is NC State\\\\s oldest mentoring program.  Currently, the Peer Mentor Program targets first-year African American, Native American and Hispanic students. The primary objective of the program is to contribute to the advancement of first-year students by aiding in their academic, emotional and social adjustments to college. Any first year student can request to be served by an upper class mentor through the Peer Mentor Program. Any upper class student with a 2.5 or greater total grade point average can apply to serve as a mentor.Felicia Baity
Felicia_Baity@ncsu.edu

Students, particularly those working on the Nubian Message, Technician and Agromeck also develop a strong connection to the campus. They want to improve campus life. And they want to hold officials and student leaders accountable to the students, their primary target audience to make the campus a better place to go to school or to work. They learn how the campus works and learn about the history of the campus often doing research to learn how policies, procedures and practices came into being. While we tend to focus on meeting deadlines and journalistic standards, it’s also important to remember that students working on the Student Media also must develop a sense of teamwork. Throughout the past few years, students have also been made even more aware of the need to ensure that their staffs reflect the diversity of the campus community if they are to ensure fair and unbiased coverage. Annual completion of the Time Out for Diversity study helps make students aware not only of the composition of the current staff but how that can translate into a coverage bias.

Throughout the academic year, career counselors design and develop presentations on a variety of career development and job search topics for undergraduate and graduate students through classes, professional societies, honor societies, fraternities and sororities, and Career Center workshops advertised to all students.  These are all geared toward increasing students’ confidence and success with their career decisions.   

RecFest is a beginning of the year event hosted by Campus Recreation and their partners to welcome students to the NC State campus community.  Various inflatable games, carnival games, small attractions, food and drink are available.  This event brings students together in a fun and social environment, which helps establish a positive connection to campus.  In addition, there is informational material available so students may learn about what the partners and other various entities on campus may provide.

Students who are employed within Carmichael Complex are a member of RecPack.  RecPack applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a resume with their applications for serious consideration.  More than just employment, team members conduct recruitment presentations and interviews of RecPack applicants.  RecPack members are performing the majority of the duties throughout the hiring process, which will better prepare them for life and work beyond NC State University.  In addition, RecPack is a registered student organization with various committees and student officers.  Committees include: recruitment, selection, recognition, professional development, fund raising and social.  The “All Work All Play” motto helps encompass a spirit of enthusiasm, teamwork, and professionalism.

University Housing employs nearly 200 undergraduate students at Resident Advisors.  These students maintain at least a 2.7 GPA and are hired after an extensive selection process.  They also need to complete ECD220, Topics in Student Development, with a B or better.  Using WebCT in this class augments the learning opportunities.RAs work with residents on their floors to develop communities that support students' academic and personal goals.  With the support of their residents they coordinate programs and activities that involve residents in learning about campus, themselves and each other.  A number of the programs offered each semester focus on helping the students be successful academically.  RAs help build bridges between and among students and are knowledgeable about campus resources and staff who assist in helping students.  The compensation package that RAs receive help support their own academic pursuits.

SABA 2003 OVERVIEWTeachings, Wisdom, and Study Origin of SABA:  SABA is a retention program started in 1997.  It is coordinated by Multicultural Student Affairs at NC State University.  The program’s title, “SABA” comes from the Swahili term, Nguzo Saba, referring to a time of reaffirming one’s purpose.  SABA is designed with the following values in mind:  remembering, reassessing, recommitting, and reward. Purpose:  SABA is a comprehensive approach to advancing student productivity and promoting academic success.  A counselor and mentors are available to assist you with your educational, professional, cultural enhancement and personal needs.  We strive to aid you on your journey to becoming a well-rounded and proactive student who persists and graduates from college.  The skills you will learn through SABA will help you in the career world as well as in undergraduate studies and beyond.  All information between the student and SABA staff is confidential. Goals:  To empower you, the student, in developing skills and strategies to effectively achieve academic success at NC State.  To assist you in creating and participating in relationships that foster growth, better grades, a better understanding of the world around you and a greater capacity to overcome challenges.   The SABA Program provides the following to student participants:Ø      A structured program that will monitor their progress throughout the Fall and Spring Semesters;Ø      A comprehensive counseling program, which includes individual/group counseling and academic/career advising;Ø      Tutorials from several different resources; Ø      A mandatory study hall;Ø      Support from the SABA staff and the SABA Parent Organization. Duties and Responsibilities of SABA Participants:Ø      Attend mandatory study hall, a minimum of 4 scheduled hours per week;Ø      Attend the required counseling meetings, tutoring sessions and scheduled professional meetings;Ø      Not to join or seek to join any fraternity, sorority or Greek interest group during participation in the SABA Program.  Violation of this policy will jeopardize my participation in the SABA Program.Ø      Not to participate or seek to participate in any organized University athletic team sport during participation in SABA.  (This does not include intramural sports.)Ø      Give written consent for SABA staff to discuss with each other and with your parents and professors your academic record, standing and related issues, which assist with students’ overall success.Tracey Ray
Tracey_Ray@ncsu.edu

These small group activities are designed to allow students to further develop the intellectual community developed through the Scholars Forum.  Our students have access to a weekly staff-led discussion series, a film series, a faculty dinner series, an alumni dinner series, peer-moderated presentations focused on contemporary issues, and a field trip series.  They also have opportunities to attend (and sometimes participate in) cultural and artistic activities throughout the region. 

This trained group of student ambassadors facilitates LDS workshops and leads low ropes and team building activities as peer leaders to groups, clubs and classes.  SLC’s receive on-going training throughout the year on various leadership and civic engagement topics.

This service day takes place the Saturday after classes begins each August and brings together the NC State community to make an impact on needs in our local / global community, as well as provide new students a healthy way to meet new members of the campus community.  More Information

Training is a pivotal focus of all of the media outlets since we have no journalism degree or broadcast radio program at NC State. Monthly training is required of all students on everything from copy editing to leadership. Top leaders must attend leadership training outside of the Student Media. The student radio station conducts a formal class for all new disc jockeys, two hours per week for four weeks. The Technician will begin a similar, and mandatory, training in 2006 for all new staff members. All media outlets have some form of fall retreat. And many students are active in state and national organizations including the Society for Collegiate Journalists, the Associated Collegiate Press and the College Media Advisers. Such organizations provide regular workshops around the country taught by professional journalists, introducing the students to the high standards of the professional world.

The Student Organization Resource Center provides support and services for over 300 registered student organizations each year. Research has shown that students who affiliate with peers in organizations of common interest feel more connected to the campus and, thus, are more likely to be successful academically. Through the registration process, SORC assists students in identifying leaders and clarifying organizational goals.  The space and solicitation permit processes help students become aware of and work within important community standards and structures.  In addition, the SORC collaborates with the Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service to identify important leadership development opportunities for organization leaders, and consults with those leaders and their advisors on individual organizational issues and concerns.

The Crafts Center provides students with wide ranging educational opportunities that enhance their quality of life and facilitate intellectual and personal growth through the study and production of quality crafts. Students find a supportive environment where they can learn factual information, develop technical skills, gain self-confidence and experiment with creative problem solving as they complete academic and personal projects. The Center also serves a recreational role by allowing students to relieve the stresses encountered in their busy academic lives. Many students continue their relationship with the crafts program beyond graduation. Students using The Crafts Center: Develop self-confidence and learn to rely on their own experience and judgment. Learn the value of working creatively with their hands. Learn to take creative chances in order to grow. Develop a personal artistic vision as they set and reach their creative goals. Experience a sense of community and belonging. Relieve stress while producing meaningful, creative work. Work in teams to find answers and solve problems.

The Scholars Forum connects University Scholars to each other, the intellectual community the USP offers and to our University.  The Scholars Forum is a common experience for all University Scholars, thus creating a shared experience that fosters the development of community while at the same time creating an opportunity for intellectual and artistic exploration.  It features addresses by major public figures and world-class scientists, debates and discussions of significant public policy issues, conversations with NC State faculty and musical and theatrical performances.

Housed in Sullivan Hall, the University Scholars Village is a partnership with University Housing and teh University Scholars Program (USP). The USP promotes intellectual engagement, personal growth adn professional development of its students and provides them with an enriched undergraduate experience through a range of carefully designed out-of-class experiences.

Participation in productions and outreach activities: The students are rewarded for their participation in University Theatre when they share their creative efforts with the community. University Theatre offers a blend of student volunteer productions and academic theatre training. Productions are open to all NC State students, whether or not they are enrolled in theatre courses, thus providing an extra-curricular production program while offering the opportunity to receive course credit in the Arts Application and Communication courses.

USP staff design and implement unique programs that help participants develop leadership skills and challenge themselves. Our series features three kinds of experiences: day trips such as ropes courses and canoeing; weekend excursions such as sea kayaking and rock climbing; and extended wilderness experiences such as backpacking in the Rocky or Sierra Nevada mountains that foster interdependence and a sense of compassion, and that develop social and elemental coping skills.

The USP Student Council is the representative body for all USP students. It develops a wide range of social, service, recreational and educational events that help create unity and community for the University Scholars Program. Council members also have access to special leadership development and team-building programs including an annual retreat.

The Scholars Village is a dynamic living-learning community that enhances the intellectual exploration and personal development of its residents.  The village, a collaborative effort between the University Scholars Program and University Housing, offers students a wide range of educational and social opportunities that ease the transition to college life and help students make connections with their peers, NC State staff and our campus.  The village provides opportunities for students to participate social and service activities, engage in meaningful dialogue about important scientific and political issues, develop an inclusive residential environment and foster a community of academic excellence.

The USP Scholars Village Assistants [SVAs] are upper-class students who live in Sullivan Hall.  USP and University Housing staff members supervise these specially trained students.  SVAs learn value leadership skills as they work as a team to design and implement a wide range of educational, social and service events for residents of the Scholars Village. Their work provides opportunities for village residents to build community and create support networks.  

The USP’s “Village in Action” program allows groups of village residents to make connections to each other, our campus and our staff. Each group will be comprised of 13 village residents, one SVA and one USP staff member. The groups will develop an enhanced community by meeting together on six occasions. Students in each group will participate in a welcome activity featuring ice breakers and team building before classes begin, a field trip, a cultural event, a discussion of a contemporary political or social issue, an international conversation and dinner, and an outdoor leadership experience.

Students who attend 10 LDS Workshops (6 required, 4 elective) and perform 20 hours of community service are eligible to create a Leadership Portfolio that demonstrates reflective examination of what they have learned and applied as a student leader.  Students who successfully complete the portfolio review interview are awarded a Visionary Leaders Certificate at an annual banquet.  The portfolio that is judged to be the most comprehensive and reflective is awarded the “Butler Leadership Award.”  More Information 

WolfCamp is a three-day, two-night, residential program that supplements New Student Orientation by providing new students an opportunity to become more familiar with the campus and the university’s values. In addition to small group interactions with upper-class counselors and faculty, WolfCampers participate in programs on the history and traditions of NC State, how to succeed in a large classroom environment, and diversity. 

Wolfpack Welcome Week (WWW) is a collection of programs that launch the fall semester.  Programs throughout the week of residence hall move-in and class start-up are designed to assist students, particularly those in their first year, to connect with the campus academically and socially.  Highlights of the week’s events include the Welcome Week Convocation, College Connections (activities in all colleges designed for first year students to interact with upper-class peers and mentors, as well as faculty and administrators), and Service NC State, engaging as many as 300-500 students in service projects in the Raleigh community as well as with international service such as Stop Hunger Now.

In partnership with the Marcia Toms in the Undergraduate Tutorial Center, University Housing supports writing tutors on East, Central and West Campus.  Tutors hold office hours on each campus, averaging 10-12 hours per week.  This brings writing tutors to the halls where students live.

The Office of Advising Support, Information and Services (OASIS) coordinates the Academic Coaching Program for Pack Promise Scholars. Academic coaches provide a personlized support system for students by helping them develop, prioritize and focus their goals. The academic coaches help students establish and maintain systems and structures that can support them throughout the academic year. Roxanna McGraw
roxanna_mcgraw@ncsu.edu

Advisory Council for Enhancing Student Success focuses on issues relating to student academic success, retention, and graduation. Advisory to the provost, the Council serves as a strategy group and reviews current campus initiatives, regulations, and programs to achieve positive student outcomes. The Council is open to broad campus participation and actively seeks input by students, faculty, and administrative staff. For more information, including the charge, see Samara Fleming Burnette
samara_burnette@ncsu.edu

Each semester, the NCAA requires that schools collect data on scholarship student athletes. Each scholarship student athlete can earn 2 points each semester, 1 point for retention and 1 point for eligibility. Based on the data collected their will be both “real-time” penalties and penalties based on historical data for habitual offenders. The penalties could include loss of scholarships, recruiting restrictions, post-season play restrictions, and could be as severe as affecting instutitions status with NCAA.

The Virtual Advising Center provides information to current and prospective undergraduate students through virtual and face-to-face cross-curricular advising. Professional advisers review the student\\\\s interests, academic strengths and weaknesses, suggest testing where appropriate and help students to become aware of options and matriculate to a new major.

The Fellowship Advising Office (FAO) provides information about major national fellowships and other scholarship and grant opportunities available to students campus wide. FAO also helps students identify their potential for competition, works with them to enhance their skills, and provides support for the competition process. For more information:

The cohorts are carefully reviewed to determine the status of each student within the cohort so that they are tracked through the six years. As students leave the institution, leave the athletic team, their status is noted. Efforts are made to continue correspondence with students and move them towards graduation.

Sponsored by the UHP and University Housing, the Honors Village enhances their missions as well as the mission of NC State University by providing a unique living-learning environment that will help participants apply class experiences directly to life experiences through intellectual and affective growth; personal, academic, and professional development; appreciation for demographic and intellectual diversity; and interaction with faculty and staff. (See:

The Transition Program, sponsored by the Division of Undergraduate Academic Programs, is a one-year program with the mission to 1) ascertain the degree of intervention required for a select cohort of students to achieve academic excellence in their first year at North Carolina State University; and 2) develop and evaluate support systems to assist these students. The goals of the Transition Program are 1)to develop and implement special programs to assist students whose high school records indicate they will need more than the normal help available to first year students admitted directly into their majors or to the First Year College. Transition Program activities are designed to provide assistance necessary for students to earn grade-point-averages that allow them to matriculate to a degree granting curriculum by no later than the end of their third semester (the curriculum may or may not be their first choice major depending on the curriculum admissions requirement and the students cumulative grade-point-average. Students pursuing a degree in engineering may require semesters to matriculate), and 2)to implement assessment measures that facilitate effective internal evaluations of current activities. Assessment results provide the basis for data driven decisions to implement on-going program improvements.(See:

The Majors and Careers website is jointly produced and used by NC State\\s Virtual Advsing Center (part of OASIS), CALS Career Center, University Career Center, and the Cooperative Education Office. The site assists students as they explore their interests and options so that they may more easily determine their academic path and life career goals. Martha Wicker
wickr2@alo.com

The new Journal of Undergraduate Research promotes excellent research by students and brings attention to outstanding mentorship. It also enables NCSU to better compete with peer institutions.

The Directors of New Student Orientation serve as an informational and referral resource to all new students as they navigate the institution and its systems. Directors are available year-round to facilitate the formation of linkages between new students and the institution’s curricular and co-curricular systems. New Student Orientation staff members are aware of university services and processes (e.g. assessment, advising, and course registration) and therefore provide individual orientation sessions for those students who are unable to attend Orientation.

The OASIS Student Ambassador Program offers students the opportunity to serve as the face of the unit to prospective and current students and their families. They serve as a point of contact for entering freshmen and transfer students by participating in information fairs, visitation days, Open House, and campus programs and workshops. The ambassadors also serve students virtually by responding to students who visit the Virtual Advising Center. Mindy Sopher
mindy_sopher@ncsu.edu

The Office of Advising Support, Information and Services offers an on-line workshop for incoming transfer students to assist them with their transition to NC State university.  This online workshop introduces students to the academic policies, processes, procedures, services, opportunities that are important to their academic progress at NC State The workshop includes interactive on line discussions, exercises and chats with the workshop instructor. Keri Bowman
keri_bowman@ncsu.edu

New Student Orientation (NSO) coordinates NC State University’s collective efforts to provide programs and services to newly admitted first year and transfer undergraduate students that will facilitate their transition into NC State, prepare them for the institution’s educational opportunities, and initiate their integration into the institution’s intellectual, cultural and social climate. The program objectives are to 1) arrange venues that contribute to optimal learning and teaching environments for conducting program elements; 2) maintain and develop associations across the university community in order to better understand and represent the systems and services likely to impact new students; 3) assist academic and co-curricular services with their effect on the transition of new students into the University; and 4) conduct systematic qualitative and quantitative program evaluations that reinforce the unit’s mission and foster continuous program improvement by informing, planning and decision-making. (See: )

Program designed to support the most underprepared student athletes and students with diagnosed learning disabilities. Individual weekly meetings to go over study skills and strategies and workshops are provided.

The Office of Advising Suppot, Information and Services coordinates the Pack Promise Peer Mentor Program. Second year Pack Promise Scholars are assgned to incoming first year scholars to assist with the transition to NC State University. Peer Mentors help develop connections with current students, introduce resources and campus representatives all with the intent to aid in the smooth transition from high school to the college environment. Roxanna McGraw
roxanna_mcgraw@ncsu.edu

The mission of the Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) is to enhance traditional academic study, forge university ties with business and industry, and promote North Carolina’s economic vitality through the placement of undergraduate and graduate students into curriculum specific work experiences. The objectives of the program are 1) expand each student participant’s understanding of his/her academic field and its applicability to the world of work; 2) facilitate student participants’ development in the areas of personal awareness and professional knowledge; 3) facilitate greater interaction between university faculty and private/public sector employers of their students; 4) provide student participants with income to defray educational expenses; and 5) generate adequate number of Co-op placements needed to sustain the program’s operating budget. (See: )

Pre Law Services offers to those seeking information regarding law school and the process of applying to law school, guidance, information and support. The adviser works directly with current students and alumni as they research this field of study; make decisions regarding LSAT preparation, develop their interests regarding law school; engage in decision making about schools to consider, and to coordinate and manage the application process. Mary A. Tetro
mary_tetro@ncsu.edu

The Undergraduate Tutorial Center (UTC) is charged with providing tutorial support that contributes to students’ academic success. The fulfillment of this charge incorporates several areas of emphasis, which are developing partnerships with department-based instruction and tutorial service providers; training tutorial staff to apply effective research–supported tutoring methods continually assessing current tutorial formats, resources and services; exploring and developing effective tutorial tools and then offering/communicating those tools and interventions as resources for the campus and tutorial communities regarding learning processes. (See:

All Pack Promise Scholars are invited to participate in small group workshops designed to help students enhance their academic performance. Workshops focus on academic strategies (time management, study skills, goal setting, life skills and career building, etc.) that will highlight strategies that students can incorporate into their day-to-day activities. Betsy Alexieff
betsy_alexieff@ncsu.edu

New Student Orientation provides transfer students the opportunity to participate in Student Success workshops throughout the fall and spring semesters. These workshops focus on stress management and personal counseling as well as learning about the computing system, using the NCSU library, and learning about the services provided by the Undergraduate Tutorial Center.

Supervised study hall and tutoring for “at-risk” students, tutoring provided individually or in small group settings; also have drop-in tutoring. Academic plans created for students based on their academic status that may include check-in, study hall hours, tutoring and meetings with academic coordinators

Our Orientation Counselors serve as a resource for new students during our first year and transfer student programs. They participate in an intensive training program that provides them with the knowledge, attitude and skills necessary to become effective leaders. They learn about basic interpersonal communication and listening skills, become familiar with campus resources, support services and elements of customer service. These student leaders serve as the primary resource for information, guidance and support during New Student Orientation.

Before students are granted their “release” required to speak to another institution, they are required to meet with the Athletics Director to discuss their reasons for transferring. This is an effort to reduce the number of people making quick decisions about leaving the institution and also to prevent coaches from not working to keep students here.

Maintaining a dynamic (always under construction) website that enables mentors and students (NC State Undergraduates, non-NC State Undergraduates, Community College students, high school students) to find one another, to have access to information related to local and national competitions, scholarships, workshops, reports on best practices, graduate and professional school opportunities, career advising, national fellowship advising, internships, cooperative education, service learning, and opportunities to work with field faculty involved in extension and engagement.

Supports and promotes excellent undergraduate opportunities in discovery-, inquiry- and creativity-based scholarship through mentored research experiences. Evidence of research-based learning will be seen at symposia held at NC State (April each year), the Triangle Undergraduate Research Symposium (November each year at a different campus), and the National Council on Undergraduate Research meeting held in November each year.

The Virtual Advising Center provides information through face-to-face and virtual cross-curricular advising for prospective and current undergraduate students. A FAQ knowledgebase system with over 600 responses to student questions allows students to access answers to their questions day or night. Virtual academic advisers are also available to respond to questions about course requirements and selections. Keri Bowman
keri_bowman@ncsu.edu

New Student Orientation instituted a Virtual Orientation Counselor Program in Fall 2002. Student counselors are hired and trained to respond to on-line requests and questions from students. They establish a relationship with prospective students during the recruitment process and continue to provide guidance and support in real-time throughout the students career at NC State.