STUDENT LIFE 39
a supplement to the student's advisor in helping those students who have received some form of academic action (probation or caution). The College Student Inventory (CSI) is used with all freshman students to identify obstacles that might hinder their transition to college. The AAC staff provides services to students referred to them through the Early Alert Referral System (E.A.R.S.). The E.A.R.S. system allows faculty or staff members to refer students to the AAC, who are having academic or transitional issues that are impacting their classroom performance. The General Studies and the Undeclared Program are other programs that are coordinated by the AAC. The AAC overall objective is to assist with the undergraduate retention effort. General Studies Program Gannon University established the General Studies Program in recognition of the diversity of students and the importance of providing them academic/personal support. The General Studies Program provides support to students who have been identified as being at risk for retention and successful completion of a degree, but who demonstrate that they have the motivation and determination to be successful. The Program offers an opportunity to receive personalized assistance that will help them achieve academic success and acceptance into a specific major. Assistance to General Studies students is provided in a variety of academic areas, including transitional issues. Students are able to sign up for tutoring and receive through the STEM Center and Writing and Research Center. Students are advised by the Director and academic advisors within the Academic Advising Center. Their primary responsibility is to assist them in the areas of career development, personal development, academic advising related to curriculum concerns and course scheduling. Students remain in the General Studies program for a minimum of one semester or a maximum of three semesters. Students are permitted to enroll in their academic major after achieving the prescribed GPA, demonstrating competency in related courses, and being recommended by the Director of the Advising Center, with final approval by the College Dean and/or the Program Chair. The General Studies Program is designed to enable students to complete degree requirements within the standard time frame for their major. Bachelor degrees may be completed in four years. However, some students may take longer based on their needs and the length of time spent in the program. Course requirements and sequencing of the program in which the student intends to major may also affect graduation dates. Most students will graduate with their class, and others are not expected to take more than an additional semester or two. The purpose of the General Studies Program is to develop the skills necessary to assure academic success and make college a positive experience. The Program is uniquely designed to help motivate and empower students with the knowledge that they are capable of college work and endeavors to inspire them with confidence in their ability to become contributing members of their community, society and church.
Undeclared Program The Undeclared Program at Gannon University is a student advising centered program that offers students the time to complete some intense college major/career exploration, while taking both liberal core classes and courses of interest. Undeclared Program students represent a significant proportion of the entering student body at Gannon University as well as at other universities and colleges. Many other students who begin their university studies in declared majors will change their majors at least once before they graduate.