University College

Amber N. Racchini, Acting Vice Provost for the University College

        Allison Baker, Assistant Director for Student Transition and Support
        Meghan Erwin, Associate Professor, Undergraduate Studies & Student Success
        Luke E. Faust, Chairperson, Undergraduate Studies & Student Success
        Megan A. McCue, Assistant Director for Student Outreach and Advocacy
        Jeremy B. Risinger, Assistant Director for Student Success Programs
        Hillary B. Stitt, Assistant Director for Academic Enrichment Programs

Website: www.iup.edu/university-college

The University College was created to strengthen IUP’s tradition of nurturing student success by enhancing the support provided to all students. From its central location on campus, the University College provides accessible wayfinding experiences for students who are unsure of their academic path, and possibly their personal and career goals. The entire campus can utilize the University College staff and faculty to help students navigate their way through the wealth of academic services and resources available to them. The University College includes Academic Enrichment Programs, Student Transition and Support, Student Outreach and Advocacy, Student Success Programs, Exploratory Studies, and the department Undergraduate Studies and Student Success.

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

Hillary Stitt, Assistant Director for Academic Enrichment Programs

IUP’s Academic Enrichment Programs support the achievement of students as they attain their academic goals. These programs include:

Tutoring

Website: www.iup.edu/success

IUP offers several tutoring services for students. The Tutoring Center provides free peer-to-peer tutoring with no appointment necessary and is located in Stabley Library. Students should refer to the Tutoring Schedule online at the start of each semester for specific tutoring times and locations. Supplemental Instruction (SI) and other discipline-specific tutoring can be found at other locations across campus. In addition to in-person tutoring, students have access to free online tutoring that is offered through Tutor.com.

Supplemental Instruction

Website: www.iup.edu/success

Supplemental Instruction provides small-group study and review sessions for sections of courses with difficult content or high levels of failure and withdrawal rates. Peer leaders guide students on how to learn course content. The sessions supplement, but do not replace, out-of-class preparation for the course. All students in designated course sections who want to improve their understanding of course content and grades are urged to participate weekly. As a group, students review notes, clarify text material, discuss ideas, complete worksheets, prepare for tests, and take practice exams.

Peer Mentoring
Website: https://www.iup.edu/success/student-advocate/peer-mentoring-program/

The LEAD and University College Peer Mentoring Programs provide students the opportunity to strengthen their on-campus experience by connecting them with an upper-class student mentor who is pursuing similar career goals, or has a similar background, concentration, or academic interest.

Hawks Q&A Center
Website: https://www.iup.edu/studentlife/hawks-q-a-center/

For those who are not sure who to ask, or are having trouble finding the right office, the Hawks Q&A Center is a one-stop shop for questions about IUP! The Center is here to unravel whatever feels complicated.

STUDENT TRANSITION AND SUPPORT

Allison Baker, Assistant Director for Student Transition and Support
Website: www.iup.edu/orientation
E-mail: orientation-testing@iup.edu

IUP provides an orientation program for all new students, including all entering first-year and transfer students. Students are expected to participate in the mandatory orientation program that provides information, resources, and interactions designed to ensure a successful first-year or transfer experience. IUP views student orientation as an opportunity to showcase the academic and student experiences that are important to initial success, satisfaction, and retention within the university. The first year at IUP is critical for our students’ academic success. During this time, students must develop academic competency in the college curriculum and adjust to the personal decision-making process college life affords. New Student Orientation is designed to assist with this important college adjustment.

In addition to New Student Orientation, the University College coordinates academic programming throughout Welcome Week in order to help students learn about the resources and develop skills that are foundational for student success. This first-year experience programming continues throughout the first semester with a Student Success Seminar series developed to meet students where they are and assist them with the transition to college.

STUDENT OUTREACH AND ADVOCACY
Megan McCue, Assistant Director for Student Outreach and Advocacy
Website: www.iup.edu/success/student-advocate/
Email: asc-inquiry@iup.edu

Building on a culture of student success and retention, the University College provides personal student support, outreach services to at-risk populations, and information/referrals to other campus resources for both students and parents. We assist currently enrolled students as they navigate university systems; address concerns about academic policies and life on campus, and provide referrals as appropriate, with the goal of assisting students to fully engage in the learning process.

The University College also serves as the point-of-contact for any student seeking to withdraw from the university by coordinating the Total University Withdrawal process with other offices on campus. We strive to create a supportive environment and offer high quality services on behalf of the entire student population in collaboration with others across the university.

The University College trains all Academic Success Assistants and helps plan and implement the academic recovery process for students across the university.

STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS

Jeremy Risinger, Assistant Director for Student Success Programs

The University College provides leadership and programming for specific subgroups within the IUP population. These programs include:

Act 101 Program

Students identified as eligible for Act 101 support receive services through the University College. The ACT 101 programs offers many free services including peer mentoring, textbook lending, snack and school supply pantry, and success coaching.

Crimson Scholars Circle

The primary purpose of the Crimson Scholars Circle is to teach skills, increase self-efficacy, and provide support and resources to Black and Brown first-year students that will enrich their connection to IUP and increase the likelihood of their retention, persistence, and college success. The program will provide a direct link to faculty, staff, mentors, alumni and other resources to increase positive educational outcome measures and enhance Crimson Scholars’ college experience.

Promising Scholars

A scholarship and mentorship program for Pennsylvania students that blends diversity, financial support, academic, and professional development. This four-year program provides students with experiences that encourage them to reach their full potential academically, socially, and as student leaders.

Athletic Academic Support

The University College partners with IUP Athletics to provide a solid academic foundation for student athletes. The University College provides success coaching for any student-athlete who needs assistance improving their grade point average, finding a tutor to assist course content, and tracks participation in their study hall program. We also provide a first-year experience for all incoming student-athletes which includes enrollment in UGSS 281: College Adjustment and Student Success that is linked to KHSS 143: Physical Well-being.

EXPLORATORY STUDIES
Website: https://www.iup.edu/university-college/exploratory-studies/

The University College offers six subject-area-based, exploratory major options. Students select one, which will act as a starting point for finding the major that inspires them. College Mentors will help students identify their strengths and interests.

EXPL-STEM: Science, technology, engineering, or mathematics as well as programs in anthropology, geography, geoscience, and safety sciences
EXPL-AH: Arts such as art, dance, fashion merchandising, interior design, music, theatre; as well as Humanities such as English, foreign languages, history, philosophy and religious studies, and political science
EXPL-EDU: Communications, disability services, early childhood education, family studies, special education, and speech pathology
EXPL-HHS: Criminology, health and physical education, nursing and allied health, nutrition, psychology, sociology, and sports sciences
EXPL-BU: Accounting, economics and finance, hospitality management, management, and marketing
EXPL: disciplines from across the entire university

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES AND STUDENT SUCCESS

Luke E. Faust, Chairperson
Website: https://www.iup.edu/undergraduatestudies

Through its curriculum, programs, academic support and advising, the Department of Undergraduate Studies and Student Success provides IUP students with courses and services designed to enhance the development and success of all students.

Student support services provided include:

Advising. Each student in the University College has a first-year College Mentor.

College Mentor. This is a professor who will work with the student to monitor their academic progress and assist them in navigating the many university offices and their services.

Help with selecting a major. Dedicated programming in the Career and Professional Development Center and Pathways courses.

Student Success courses. During the first year, students are enrolled in courses that are taught by professors from different departments with a goal of building skills for academic success throughout their college career, while finding the pathway to a major.

Peer Mentoring. Peer Mentors are fellow students who guide new students to resources and experiences across the university, helping them to make connections with each other.

Academic Support. Students have access to academic support services such as tutoring, supplemental instruction, and skill-building workshops. The Student Success Series bring students together to learn about campus resources and to meet others.