Welcome!
FROM THE ASSOCIATE VICE
PRESIDENT
Welcome to Hornet Nation!
I am honored to extend warm greetings from the Office of Student Success (OSS) as you begin your academic, personal, and professional development at Delaware State University (DSU)
DSU is dedicated to helping you thrive in the classroom, on the athletic field, and beyond. Whether you are seeking academic excellence, personal growth, or pathways to your desired career, the OSS team is here to support you every step of the way.
OSS offers a vibrant array of resources and opportunities:
Academic Support: Tutoring, workshops, and supplemental instruction are offered to ensure you have the tools you need to succeed
Academic Advising: Comprehensive academic advising using an Individual Development Plan (IDP) is mandatory at Delaware State University. Students are required to attend two mandated academic advising/IDP sessions per semester.
Student Transitions: First- and Second-Year Programs strive to assist first-year students with navigating their transition into college and helping sophomores with improving their academic and leadership skills
Honors Program: The Office of Undergraduate Research, Experiential Learning and Honors (URELAH) will play an essential role in the preparation of students for graduate school or direct entry into the workforce by assisting students in identifying real-world work experiences that allow the transfer of academic theory into action.
Library Services: DSU Libraries offer resources and services to support the academic needs of the community, foster responsible citizenship, and help users develop their creative capacities The library also creates an environment for active learning, research, and collaboration, ensuring access to research resources.
I encourage you to explore these resources, engage in the student experience, and reach out for support early and often. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Our faculty and staff believe in your potential and are excited to see all that you will accomplish
Please accept my best wishes for a successful academic year
Dr. Danielle L. Archambault Associate Vice President Office of Student Success
Admissions
AthleticRecruitment
FinancialAid/WorkStudy
StudentAccounts/Bills
Residential Education/Housing CampusHealth
AcademicAdvisement
LibraryServices
IntegratedAcademic SupportServices[IASS]
StudentTransition, Intervention&Retention[STIR]
UndergraduateResearch,Experiential LearningandHonors[URELAH]
Student Success LOCATIONS | Main and Satellite
CAMPUS LOCATION (MAIN Office)
OF BUSINESS (SATELLITE OFFICE)
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (SATELLITE OFFICE)
Website: Desu.edu/Academics/Student-Success | Phone: 302-857-7527 | Email: StudentSuccess@desu.edu
ACADEMIC ADVISING
ACADEMIC ADVISING EXPERIENCE
Academic advising at Delaware State University is designed to provide students with a collegial and academically enriched college experience As a collaborative campus community, students are provided with guidance, support, planning tools and resources to make informed decisions that impact their academic success and career goals.
As a part of our core academic support services, the four-year student experience framework offers centralized advisement that is both proactive and holistic. Each student has an Individual Development Plan (IDP), which is a comprehensive student-planning tool that charts first-year steps toward identifying and establishing interests, goals, majors and career pathways toward academic success.
STUDENT OBJECTIVES FOR FIRST-YEAR SUCCESS
Students will:
Become aware of University policies and procedures
Understand curriculum requirements
Identify campus resources
Strengthen oral and written communication skills
Participate in academic community and social engagement opportunities
Engage in peer learning
15 STRONG TO COMPLETION
Freshmen start strong.
Sophomores progress strong.
Juniors continue strong
Seniors graduate strong.
The 15 Strong to Completion student outreach campaign is a primary component of the Office of Student Success’ framework for incoming freshmen and new transfer students
15 Strong to Completion campaign promotes a standard that encourages students to complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of coursework per semester
If students complete 30 credit hours after their first year, they are more likely to persist toward graduation and complete their degree program in four years
The Office of Student Success is the point of entry for all first-year students
The advising structure for first-year students is designed to:
1. 2.
Create a deeper understanding of academic policies and procedures. Enhance the information flow with academic planning, alternate pathways (when appropriate) and early degree-program guidance.
During your freshman year, we will assist you in formulating an educational plan and introduce you to career goals that are closely aligned to your academic interests. Your Academic Advisor will partner with you to develop your Individual Development Plan (IDP) (more information on your IDP, Page 6). You will be actively engaged and on a solid path to graduate within four years.
Office of Student Success Academic Advisors work very closely with campus wide faculty and staff to ensure that you receive exposure to your desired degree program of interest and to facilitate your participation in co-curricular activities within your academic major
TRANSFER STUDENTS
1. 2. 3.
The educational quality of your learning experience from the accredited intuitions from which you are transferring The content and level of the learning experience you received from the college or university Appropriateness and applicability of the learning experience to the programs offered by Delaware State University in light of your educational goals
Academic Advising for Transfer Students
All transfer students will be assigned a primary Academic Advisor based on their major They will also be assigned a Secondary Advisor, Ms Amy Kellen
Once you have been admitted to a Delaware State University degree program, the University shall evaluate your college-level course credits submitted on an official transcript to determine if they shall be accepted in transfer and determine how the course credits will apply to program and graduation requirements The process at Delaware State University involves at least three considerations:
Courses to be transferred must be equivalent to the respective Delaware State University courses. Credits are evaluated according to the specific academic program. College course credits obtained within the last 10 years are not accepted automatically and will be at the discretion of the appropriate department Course grades must be at least a “C” for the transfer credit to count Grades of “C-” cannot transfer
ACADEMIC ADVISORS
After acceptance by the Office of Admissions, you will consult with your designated Transfer Advisor. In consultation with your Curriculum Advisor, you will complete your curriculum mapping according to the major and follow an appropriate flow chart based on the number of transferred credits.
College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST)
Dr Marcel Poe, Director
Dr. Leroy Hawkins, Advisor
Dr. Lynae L. Walker, Advisor
Dr Franck Yehiri, Advisor
College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (CHESS)
Dr Carole Kpota-Middleton, Director
Ms. Francine Fennell, Advisor
Ms. Angela Harper, Advisor
Academic Services for Student Athletes
Mr Kyle Graves, Director
Mr Kendall Harris, Athletic Academic Advisor
Mr Tim Zinzel, Athletic Academic Advisor
Ms. Eulonda Pfister Athletic Academic Advisor
Mrs. Arnise Malcom, Eligibility Certification Specialist
Military Affiliated Students
Military-affiliated students, regardless of major, are advised by Ms Amy Kellen
College of Business (COB)
Ms. Tamekca Faria-Frisby, Director
Dr Charles Fowler, Advisor
Ms Michelle Hutzler, Advisor
Dr Cindy Seto-Friel, Advisor
Students can access their Academic Advisor’s contact information by visiting the Academic Advising Directory.
Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences (WCHBS)
Ms Michele Rush, Director
Ms. Tiyanna S. Gibbs
Dr. Veronicah Mokaya
Ms Latasaha N Perkins
ADVISING TOOLS & Technology
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
What is an IDP?
An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a comprehensive student planning tool that charts our students’ steps in the first year and beyond, through identifying and establishing interests, goals, majors and career pathways toward academic success Embedded with ongoing relationships with advisors, faculty, staff and peers, each Delaware State University student will be able to personalize their University experiences as they develop attitudes and behaviors reflective of the University Core Values.
What is the purpose of the IDP?
In the context of the first-year student, the purpose of the IDP is to chart the first-year steps of our students’ interests, goals and majors toward academic success. The IDP creates an environment to begin developing a relationship with the advisor/faculty that fosters student success
What is the process?
During the summer, advisors begin creating a preliminary strategy that outlines a plan of action to utilize academic support services needed beginning in the fall semester At the beginning of the fall semester, advisors and students must schedule their first advising appointment to begin utilizing their IDP Students will meet with their advisor during the fall semester to review and adjust the IDP during the following time frames:
Time Frame IDP Action Item
Week 1-4
Week 6-7
Week 11-13
Develop Plan Midpoint Review and Adjust Plan End of Semester Review and Adjust Plan
Note: IDPs should be reviewed at every advisement session.
Is the IDP a requirement?
YES! This tool is used to help students become successful from the freshman year to graduation and beyond Additionally, the IDP is to help augment the usage of Degree Works.
Who will review the IDP?
Students, Professional Advisors, Faculty Mentors and the Registrar will have access to review IDPs as they will be an essential tool connected within EAB Navigate, Banner, Degree Works and Blackboard as students progress toward completing their degree
Student Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes will form as a result of what students learn through academic advising, utilization of resources, support services and interventions. The retention intervention is advisement more specifically, their IDP advisement session
As a result of the IDP session with their Academic Advisor, students will be able to:
Access EAB Navigate and DegreeWorks to help manage their progress toward degree completion
Identify and use their course curriculum guide as a checklist
Prepare a class schedule using EAB Navigate (Academic Planner), DegreeWorks, and course curriculum guides
Identify the need for tutoring and utilize academic support services
Identify strategies to improve mid-semester grades
Evaluate and develop individual career goals in the selected major program
Making Appointments via Navigate: How to Access the Application
The Office of Student Success utilizes EAB’s Navigate for students to schedule appointments with their advisor or with a tutor Students can access Navigate the following ways:
Desktop via MyDESU at my.desu.edu
Scroll toward the middle to find and click on the EAB Navigate Icon with the blue and white line art Click on the “Login with your school account” button which will take you to the single sign-on page Log into Navigate using your DSU email credentials
Mobile devices, including phone and tablet, via DSU HUB (Google Play or Apple Store)
Under Campus Resources, find and click on the EAB Navigate Icon with the blue and white line art Click on the “Login with your school account” button which will take you to the single sign-on page Log into Navigate using your DSU email credentials
Navigate Student app (Google Play or Apple Store).
Click on the “Login with your school account” button which will take you to the single sign-on page Log into Navigate using your DSU email credentials
After Login, How to Schedule an Appointment
Click the purple “Appointments” icon on the left navigation menu and answer questions about your preferred service date, time and location
OTHER APPOINTMENT OPTIONS
You can also view available drop-in times or request appointment times for your preferred service.
APPOINTMENT INVITATIONS
Your Success Team (e.g., assigned advisors, instructors) may also request you meet with them. When this happens, you receive an appointment invitation where you only need to choose a time that works for you
Click on the Appointments Tab under the listings on the left side of your home page. Click on the “Get Assistance” button at the top right. Fill out the “New Appointment” form to find available times Answer questions about your type of appointment, the service/reason for the appointment and an approximate date Click “Find Available Time” to view open times for your selected appointment. Select the time you prefer and then continue to confirm the appointment details before a final submission to lock in your appointment. Here you can also add additional information needed or pertaining to your appointment or meeting USING MY.DESU.EDU USING
DEGREE WORKS
Degree Works is an academic student planning tool that allows students to academically track their progress toward degree completion
For students, Degree Works:
Provides real-time advice and counsel
Speeds time to graduation
Provides intuitive web access to self-service capabilities
Streamlines the graduation process
Allows direct access to multiple related services and advice through hyperlinks to catalog information, class schedules, transcripts, help desk services and FAQs
BLACKBOARD
Blackboard is a virtual learning environment and course management system
How do I access Blackboard as a student?
Students can access Blackboard from any computer that has an Internet connection Go to https://dsuonline.blackboard.com
Enter your username and password
Username: This is the same username used to access a student email account. Password: This is the same password used to access a student email account. Example: Username: jdoe13@students.desu.edu / Password: {student email password}
Assistance: I logged in, but I have a course not showing or a course that needs to be removed.
The system will automatically update Blackboard with a student’s courses from Banner. The updates occur several times during the day. Any course changes in Banner should be automatically reflected on Blackboard within 24 hours
For log-in assistance, please contact the IT Help Desk at 302 857 7028 or stop by the IT office located in the Bank of America Building, Room 313
For all other issues with Blackboard, please contact Distance Education and Learning Technologies at blackboard@desu.edu or stop by the Education & Humanities Building, Room 205
BANNER SELF-SERVICE
Banner Self-Service is DSU’s student information system. Students can access Banner Self-Service by going to my desu edu and selecting Banner SelfService 9 Once logged, students will be taken to their Student Services menu, where they can access their registration, course schedule, curriculum informaiton, etc. For more informaiton on how to use Banner Self-Service 9, please access the student guides found here
AND PROGRAMS RESOURCES
HONORS PROGRAM
The goal of the Delaware State University Honors Program is to provide talented and motivated students opportunities for intellectual growth and achievement in small, challenging classes that encourage active intellectual participation, discussion and collaboration in the search for knowledge.
Admission Criteria
Incoming Freshmen and Transfer Students
Incoming freshmen and transfer students may apply for admission into the Delaware State University Honors Program at the same time they apply for admission to the University. Candidates for the Honors Program may apply by simply completing a short Honors Program application and sending all other application materials to the Honors Program
A prospective honors student must have:
Admission to Delaware State University without conditions
A GPA of 3 25 or higher (on a 4 0 scale)
An SAT combined score of at least 1050 in Mathematics and Critical Reading, with at least 450 in each section OR an ACT composite score of at least 22 in Mathematics and Critical Reading
Application Materials
To apply, visit www.desu.edu/academics/honors-program and submit the following materials to the Honors Program at honors@desu.edu:
An official high school or college transcript (current Delaware State University students may submit an unofficial Delaware State University transcript)
Copies of official SAT scores (for incoming freshmen only)
Two (2) letters of recommendation from high school or college instructors
A typed 400-600 word essay explaining the desire to be admitted into the Honors Program
A list of academic and extracurricular achievements/awards
Benefits of Membership
Specialized classes and smaller class sizes
Cohort classes Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors courses/activities
Priority advising and registration periods
Graduate school prep (LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, GRE)
Summer research experiences for undergraduates
Opportunities to attend and present at scholarly workshops and conferences
Access to leadership development
Inclusion in the Honors Living Learning Community for freshmen
Membership in the Honors Students Association
LIBRARY SERVICES
Library Services offers two locations: William C. Jason Library on the Main campus and Robert H. Parker Library on the Downtown campus. There are study spaces for individuals and groups, research help, computers and printers, and a wide variety of resources both online and in print
To access library resources, both online and for checkout, students must get their library account setup - https://desu.libguides.com/c.php? g=1403877&p=10390010
CONTACT US!
Main Campus: 302-857-6191
Downtown: 302-736-2413
LibCirc@desu edu (general questions)
LibRef@desu edu (research help)
Chat Live with staff with LibChat! on desu.edu/academics/library
Quantitative Reasoning Center (QRC)
The Office of Student Success Quantitative Reasoning Center provides FREE tutoring, workshops and Socratic Seminars to strengthen students’ mathematical and critical thinking skills in math courses ranging from Developmental Math to Calculus I. Our mission is to promote a holistic approach to tutorial sessions reinforce course concepts, develop study skills and test-taking strategies, and work collaboratively with other students The QRC is located in the William C Library, Room 212 Our hours of operation are Monday–Thursday, 9 a m –8 p m , and Friday, 9 a m –5 p m
Point of Contact: Anna Cortese, Director, Integrated Academic Support Services | 302 857 6387 | Library, Room 206 | acortese@desu edu
Tutorial Center
The Office of Student Success Tutorial Center provides FREE tutoring and workshops to strengthen students’ critical thinking skills in various courses. Our mission is to promote a holistic approach to tutorial sessions reinforce course concepts, develop study skills and test-taking strategies, and work collaboratively with other students. The Tutorial Center is located in the William C. Library, Room 206. Our hours of operation are Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Point of Contact: Anna Cortese, Director, Integrated Academic Support Services |
302.857.6387 | Library, Room 206 | acortese@desu.edu
Supplemental Instruction (SI)
The Office of Student Success Supplemental Instruction provides FREE study group sessions facilitated by SI leaders who utilize multiple learning strategies to engage students to work collaboratively in historically difficult courses. Our mission is to promote a holistic approach to study group sessions reinforce course concepts, develop study skills and test-taking strategies, and work collaboratively with other students
Point of Contact: Anna Cortese, Director, Integrated Academic Support Services | 302.857.6387 | Library, Room 206 | acortese@desu.edu
Writing Studio
The Office of Student Success Writing Studio provides FREE tutoring service in writing for all students attending Delaware State University. Our mission is to help students strengthen their skills in writing for any course across the curriculum Our writing consultants assist in various modes of composition (comparative, exemplification, argumentative, etc ), as well as with brainstorming, thesis development, mechanics, organization, MLA and APA format, Senior Capstone and personal statements Tutoring services conducted by Writing Studio consultants are offered individually and in small groups through scheduled appointments or walk-in consultations. The Writing Studio is located in the William C. Library, Room 205. Our hours of operation are Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Point of Contact: Dr. Laxmi Pathak, Assistant Director | 302.857.7539 | Library, Room 207 | lpathak@desu.edu
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS
Academic programming is designed to enlighten and inspire students to succeed academically These programs address the overall student need for educational development in a variety of areas. At the end of each program, participants are given a short evaluation that collects basic demographic information and assesses the participants’ understanding of the program.
UNIVERSITY SEMINAR
The Office of Student Success is devoted to enhancing the first-year experience for freshman students at Delaware State University by serving as the premier resource for connecting incoming students with the academic components of the institution, faculty, staff and campus-wide resources. The Office of Student Success provides the guidelines and oversight of University Seminar.
University Seminar is a one semester General Education comprehensive core course requirement that focuses on assisting first-year students in a seamless transition from high school to college, and in becoming familiar with Delaware State University University Seminar is specifically designed to develop academic skills including critical reading, thinking, listening, writing and speaking, as well as using the academic library and pertinent technology As a result of this course, each student should come to realize that the University is a unique culture grounded in tradition and history and guided by shared assumptions and expectations of students, professors and administrators. The strands and goals of the General Education Program are embedded in the class activities, providing each student with the opportunity to cultivate the critical thinking skills and knowledge necessary to become globally competitive.
HIGHER EDUCATION TERMS
Contact Hours | Academic Advisor* | A department or college-based faculty or staff member who meets with students each semester to discuss and create an academic plan designed to meet students’ educational and career goals, review University resources and programs, review curricular choices and monitor progress toward achieving educational goals.
*All students within their first year journey are assigned to Office of Student Success Academic Advisors.
Academic Probation | A student with a grade point average below 1.70 at the end of any semester will be placed on academic probation for the succeeding semester unless the student’s cumulative grade point average is 2 00 or greater
Academic Suspension | A student on probation who fails to earn a 2 00 average the following semester will be suspended academically
Academic Year | The part of the year that includes the fall and spring semesters.
Attempt Hours | All the courses a student was registered for after the add/drop period has ended.
Audit | Attend a course without receiving credit The final grade of “AU” is assigned to the course and does not affect the grade point average.
Catalog | A resource of all academic policies and procedures, college and degree requirements, faculty, and course descriptions.
Classification | Level of progress toward a degree based on the number of semester hours passed
College | An academic unit of the University Each college represents an organization of related departments
Commencement (also known as Graduation) | A formal ceremony in which colleges award degrees to graduating students DSU has both Fall and Spring commencement or graduation ceremonies.
Common Final Exam | Common final is given to all sections of a course at a designated time (i e Common final in Math).
meets per week.
The number of hours the class
Core Courses | Classes that all students in a major program are required to take
Course Load | The total number of credit hours taken in a semester For example, the average course load for any semester is 15 to 16 credit hours. Students registered for at least 12 hours are considered full-time at DSU
Course Request Form | A form used for
requesting enrollment in courses
Course Registration Number | A unique 5-digit number assigned to a class for registration purposes.
Curriculum | Specific degree program courses that are required by an academic college.
Credit | The number of credits assigned to a course is generally based upon the amount of time the class meets each week.
Dean | An official of high rank in a college or university who is responsible for the organization of a department or departments.
Degree Works | A software system that permits a student to see her/his academic progress toward specified degree, college and University requirements
Department | A unit within a college representing a discipline
Department Chair | The administrative head of a department of instruction in a college or university
Discipline | An area of study representing a branch of knowledge, such as mathematics.
Dismissal | Academic Dismissal is the end result of a pattern of multiple semesters of grades below the University’s standards for Good Standing (2.00 or higher GPA).
Double Major | A student may elect to pursue two majors at one time.
Drop/Add | The process of adjusting a student’s schedule by dropping and/or adding courses after the semester’s first day of class
Dual Degrees | A student may elect to pursue two degrees at one time.
Earned Hours | Credits attained from all courses a student has successfully passed (including transfer and AP credit)
FAFSA | Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine the need for financial assistance.
FERPA | Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 The act protects a student’s academic record within the post-secondary educational setting
Final Exams | Tests or exercises given at the end of a term A schedule for final exams is listed in each semester
Financial Aid | Financial aid is designed to supplement family resources Financial assistance at the University is made available through scholarships, grants, loans and part-time employment opportunities. Federal financial aid is assistance for educational expenses to include tuition, fees, room and board
General Education Requirement | One of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree. It is a pattern of courses which students complete, regardless of their major, to ensure that they have a broad educational experience
Grade Point Average (GPA) | A measure of scholastic performance. The GPA is obtained by dividing the number of grade points by the credit hours
Hold | A block on a student’s account that will not allow the student to enroll in/drop/add classes (i.e. financial aid or registration holds)
Major | Concentrated study in a subject area of special interest
Minor | A secondary field of study requiring fewer credits than the major
Office Hours | Professors and advisors are usually required to hold office hours on a regular basis throughout the semester so that students are able to drop in or schedule an appointment to meet with them.
Office of the Registrar | The office that plans and oversees registration, academic record maintenance, transcript preparation, graduation, degree audit report system, curricular records and University catalogs
Prerequisite | One or more courses that must be completed or other knowledge, skills or standards that must be demonstrated before a student is permitted to take certain courses.
Registration | The act of signing up for classes using Banner Web Self Service
Removal for Non-Payment | Students’ housing/meal assignments and registration will be removed due to non-payment in accordance with the published date in the Academic Calendar and Course Schedule Guide
Semester or Term | Semester and term are used synonymously to identify the designated period during which classes are scheduled The fall semester begins in August and the spring semester begins in January
Student ID Number or “D Number” | An eight-digit number generated for students upon admission to the University.
Syllabus | A course outline provided by the instructor to students that delineates course requirements, grading criteria, course content, faculty expectations, deadlines, exam dates, grading policies, class attendance requirements and other relevant course information
Transcript (Official) | Certified academic record that contains an official seal from the Registrar’s Office.
Transfer Credit | Courses taken at another institution and transferred to DSU for institutional credit
University Seminar | A form of small group instruction, combining independent research and class discussions, under the guidance of a professor in a student’s major One-two credit hours: UNIV 191 (fall); UNIV 192 (spring)
Withdrawal | Dropping all the courses of enrollment for the current term (withdrawal from the University) or withdrawal from an individual course There are deadlines affixed to either withdrawal
SUCCESS TIPS FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENT
Go to class!
Meticulously read and review each course syllabus
Have the required textbook for each course
It is not optional, it is necessary!
Perform like a pro
Go to class prepared and participate in class
(e.g. stay awake, take thorough notes, answer questions).
Serious about getting work done?
Find a good location Use the library, study rooms or empty classrooms
Make doing your coursework (e g assignments and reading) a habitual ritual
Turn in all assignments on time!
Guidance and help exist.
Set up your tutors before there is a problem
Write it down
Gather your syllabus from each class and plot major assignments, quizzes and exams on a monthly calendar
Take breaks to get energized.
Eat, sleep,exercise and relax!
Be a test preppie
Before a test, quiz your self to see if you can recall information without looking at notes and textbooks.
Get to know your professors and advisor
Visit them during their office hours and ask questions.
sET SMART gOALS: Specific Measure attainable realistic
Speak up when you need clarification on class material TIMELY
Goals have a much greater chance of being accomplished. Measure your progress to stay on track
Plan your steps wisely.
Set goals which you are both willing and able to work. Your goals should be grounded within a time frame.
