Exploratory Studies and Student Academic Success
The Division of General Studies coordinates and offers academic programs and services designed to enhance the academic experience of undergraduate students. Comprised of two units- Exploratory Studies and Student Academic Success the Division supports the educational mission of the University by providing
- an academic home and high quality advising for exploratory students and pre-nursing students
- coordination of advising for students who plan to apply to medical, dental or optometry school
- a University - wide academic advising and information network
- coordination of an academic success course for freshmen
- an academic support program for students taking historically difficult courses
- academic coaching and study strategy sessions
Exploratory Studies
Undeclared and Pre-Nursing Advising
Approximately one-third of UAB's beginning students enroll in Exploratory Studies because they are uncertain about their choice of major and want to explore the academic opportunities before deciding on a field of study or need to prepare for a competitive application process to Nursing. Additionally students who have been enrolled at the university and change their academic goals enroll in Exploratory Studies to explore new fields. Many of these students have little knowledge of the fields they are considering and need support and direction before making an informed decision.
Pre-Health Advising
Designed to help students become competitive applicants for health professional programs beyond their undergraduate degree, the pre-health program assists students in major fields across the university prepare for the application process to professional schools of medicine, dentistry, and optometry.
Committee on Academic Advising
The Committee on Academic Advising (CAA) serves the University and the wider advising community to enhance the practice of academic advising and to communicate academic advising information throughout the University's decentralized advising system. The focus of the CAA is to provide consistent information to advisors, recommend change to the administration, endorse advising standards, and provide professional development for advisors.
Student Academic Success
Supplemental Instruction
Designed according to a nationally-recognized academic support model, Supplemental Instruction offers student-led study sessions for students in historically difficult courses (DFW rates of 30% or more). Well-trained student SI leaders, who have the support and cooperation of faculty, engage students in collaborative learning practices related to course lecture content.
General Study Strategy Sessions
Designed to help students explore effective learning styles and efficient study practices.
Academic Coaching
Over the course of five or more one-on-one coaching sessions, students will receive an evaluation of their study skills and practices, as well as being provided with ongoing assistance in becoming academically successful.
University 101: The University Experience (3 credit hours)
Designed to promote the academic success of freshmen, University 101 focuses on critical thinking skills needed for success in core courses and for successful transition into the University.
Strategic Enrollment Management
The purpose of strategic enrollment management is to improve and enhance the retention and recruitment of students. The effort at UAB encompasses groups across campus. Work groups have been formed addressing all facets of student retention and recruitment.
Examples of the work groups for Strategic Enrollment Management include the following:
- Advising
- Tuition and scholarships
- Learning spaces
- Student success programs
- Experiential learning
- International student strategy
- Articulation
- Diversity
- Student involvement
Contact
Nancy Walburn, Director, nwalburn@uab.edu, 934-6135, Hill Center, room 318