Academic Catalog

Albert Davis, Ph. D.

Alceé Fortier Distinguished Professor

Dean of University College

Office:

234 Elkins Hall

Phone:

448-4089 or 448-4090

University College prepares students for entry into their major area of study. While in University College, students clarify their educational goals in an intellectual setting that fosters independence, delivers quality advising, and promotes student adjustment to and involvement in the university community. Additionally, University College supports achievement in basic skills development and takes an active role in the orientation of first-year students.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DEGREES AWARDED AT A GLANCE

BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES

    General Studies

ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES

    General Studies

University College is an academic unit offering comprehensive programs and services to enhance scholastic success at Nicholls State University. University College coordinates academic advising for all first-time freshmen regardless of the intended major. Students receive advising through University College until they are accepted into their majors, at which time they will receive faculty advising in the major department. While in University College, each first-time freshman is advised by a faculty member who is a certified Master Advisor and part of a first-year advising team. First-year advisors are trained to help students develop a greater sense of responsibility for their academic progress.

University College houses the Tutorial & Academic Enhancement Center, which offers peer tutoring, supplemental instruction, Writing Across the Curriculum, and other forms of academic assistance to all Nicholls State students. The college coordinates the General Education Curriculum, the core component required of all undergraduate degrees.

University College treats academic advising as one of the foundations for student achievement and as an essential element of the first-year experience. By insuring that first-year advisors are rigorously trained full-time faculty from every rank and academic college, University College demonstrates its commitment to a philosophy of academic advising that stresses its fundamental connections to teaching. Effective academic advising also requires familiarity with college programs, degree requirements, academic and support services, and administrative policies and regulations related to academic performance. Advising patterns adjust to the various stages of student development, becoming more collegial over time as students mature in their academic programs and life skills.

The relationship of advising to retention is an important part of the enrollment management plan for Nicholls State University. A campus-wide commitment to advising is essential if Nicholls is to maintain its enrollment goals while continuing to raise admission standards.
Academic advising is one of the few university-related activities in which all students participate. Because academic advising includes a relationship between each student and a member of the faculty or professional staff, the advising relationship provides a unique forum for discussions about the benefits of higher education and about individual student goals and responsibilities. This effective advising relationship therefore contributes to the educational environment of the communities the university serves.

University College takes special care to assist students who have not decided on a particular major. University College advisors understand that most undergraduates will change their minds about their majors several times before graduating. Many first-year students are not sure what they want to study, and others have made only tentative choices and wish to explore several possibilities.

As part of its mission to help students clarify their educational goals, University College provides information about all of the programs and majors on campus. Advisors stand ready to direct exploratory students to career services specialists. The Associate of General Studies degree program in University College has been specifically designed to facilitate the decision making process for exploratory students.

University College advising practices include approaches designed to assist students with successful completion of developmental courses. It is the policy of University College that students be advised of the existence of optional alternative educational experiences after three unsuccessful attempts in developmental classes. These experiences may include coordinated efforts with the Louisiana Community College system.

Students who are not on academic probation or suspension may be accepted into a major and into the corresponding college after successful completion of the following requirements:

Transfer students who have successfully completed 30 hours of non-developmental coursework may be accepted into a major provided all entry criteria established by the major have been met.
Students remaining in University College upon attaining junior status (60 hours) will be encumbered and not allowed to register until they meet with their advisor.