Academic Support

ASPIRE ADVISING PROGRAM

Academic advising at Anderson University is integral to “educating for a life of faith and service in the church and society,” so the advising program is about more than merely selecting classes for an upcoming semester — it also must help students understand and begin to pursue their broader life purpose.

The heart of AU’s advising program isn’t a checklist or catalog. It’s the relationship between the student and his or her advisor. This is a partnership in which both student and advisor have important responsibilities. Advisors can help guide a student’s steps, but student success ultimately requires their careful thought and engagement.

The Anderson University advising program has been designed to encourage and empower students to: • develop awareness of opportunities for academic, personal and professional growth • design a multi-year strategic plan for selecting classes and complementary on- and off-campus activities and affiliations that enhance their learning experience • implement their academic program and effectively manage the broader area of personal and professional development • continually reflect on and evaluate the appropriateness of their current academic and professional-development plan, and modify the plan as goals may change and circumstances require

STUDENT’S ROLE IN THE ADVISING PROCESS

To get the best results, students should take an active role in the process, keeping the following information in mind when doing scheduling or other progression planning: Accept responsibility for their academic performance; prepare for each appointment by reviewing progress made, preparing the schedule they think they’ll need, and compiling a list of any questions they might have; and to: • Accept responsibility for deciding which classes to put on their schedule. • Be attentive to course prerequisites, and be aware of how their planning could be affected by classes that are scheduled on an every-other-year basis. • Be familiar with AU deadlines, policies and procedures so they can enroll in the classes they want and can make any changes before the deadlines for adding or dropping courses. • Talk with their advisor about extracurricular activities, internships, job prospects, etc., and develop a list of specific opportunities they might like to pursue. • Document completion of professional development experiences through their advisor’s Canvas advising page.

ADVISOR’S ROLE IN THE PROCESS

Students may expect their advisor — as their partner in the advising process — to: • Be approachable, listen carefully to the student’s questions and concerns, and be responsive to requests for meetings and assistance. • Understand and explain how the university’s curriculum, requirements, policies and procedures apply to the student’s academic program. • Provide honest guidance and perspective in the development of attainable educational and professional goals. • Assist in exploring major and career options t in keeping with the student’s aptitudes, values and areas of interest. • Help track student progress in meeting the requirements of their program of study. • Assist in identifying opportunities for personal growth, including involvement in student organizations, internships and off-campus programs and associations. • Provide referrals to campus resources (e.g., Center for Career & Calling) that can assist students in achieving goals. • Maintain strict confidentiality pursuant to FERPA regulations.

ALPHA PROGRAM

Anderson University believes that all students entering the institution deserve a fair chance to succeed. In turn, success depends on students being adequately prepared to meet the rigors of college-level study. The ALPHA program is designed to support students who have the potential to succeed but have not fully developed the skills necessary for collegiate success.

In considering new student applications, the committee for admissions carefully reviews several sources that serve as indicators of collegiate success. Based on these academic records and recommendations, the admissions committee may accept students conditionally for participation in the ALPHA program. As part of the program, students are expected to participate in a pre-collegiate orientation designed to acclimate students to campus before the beginning of classes. During the fall semester, participants are limited to enrolling in a maximum of 12-15 hours (depending on the major). In addition, these students are required to enroll in LART 1010 (Strategies for Academic Success), a three-credit-hour course focusing on academic, study, and life skills (including Emotional Intelligence skills development) necessary for success in college.

BRIDGES PROGRAM

Anderson University offers a full-service program for students with specific learning disabilities and/or ADHD to help them achieve their academic goals. The Bridges program is designed to create an educational environment that helps students transition to college successfully and develop skills that lead to future independence.

The program includes a 2-credit-hour college survival skills class which provides an extra layer of support during the transitions of the first semester. It is the philosophy of Anderson University that those students who are qualified and have a sincere motivation to complete a college education should be given every opportunity to work toward that goal. With an appreciation for individual learning styles, the university provides an atmosphere and environment that allow students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD to pursue their goals in a non-threatening and supportive environment.

Applicants for this program should contact Teresa Coplin, director of disability services for students, Kissinger Academic Center for Excellence, Anderson University, Anderson, IN 46012, (765) 641-4223.

Services may include, but are not limited to, the following: • reasonable accommodations • study-skills instruction • time-management guidance • emotional intelligence instruction • advocacy/liaison • scheduling assistance • academic counseling • study groups/tutoring (via the Kissinger Academic Center for Excellence)

DISABILITY SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

Anderson University offers learning-support services for all students who qualify under the ADAAA/Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To secure reasonable accommodations, students must notify the appropriate institutional representative of the disability, provide current documentation of the disability, and request the specific accommodations needed. Certain accommodations may require advance notice to the director of disability services for students.

Documentation/evaluations must be completed by an appropriately trained professional and provide information about the current impact of the disability.

Documentation/evaluations should also include recommendations for appropriate accommodations. The institution must be given a reasonable opportunity to evaluate requests. Accommodations are considered based on individual need. Accommodations may be denied in cases that cause an undue burden to the institution or that fundamentally alter the nature of the program.

Students requesting reasonable accommodations or learning-support services should contact Teresa Coplin, director of disability services for students, Kissinger Academic Center for Excellence, (765) 641-4223, tjcoplin@anderson.edu.