Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog for 2008-2009

University Studies maximizes the student’s potential to achieve scholastic success and to adjust responsibly to the individual and interpersonal challenges presented by collegiate life. In UNIV 101 students are provided with an introduction to the nature of higher education and are given an extended orientation to the functions and resources of the university. Each of these courses is designed to help first-semester freshmen and first year transfer students adjust to the university, develop a better understanding of the learning process, and acquire essential academic survival skills.

Freshman Institute: La Porte D’Entre´e (The Front Door)

Nicholls State University requires all first semester freshmen and transfer students with less than thirty hours to schedule a University Studies course upon enrolling in the university. The unique program called La Porte D’Entre´e, which is offered through the Department of University Studies, is a key component of University Studies. Freshman Institute is mandatory and marks the beginning of the freshman seminar course. The Institute includes advising sessions, completion of selected projects, technology training, and other tasks designed to help make entry into college life more relaxed and enjoyable.

University Honors Program

With the University Honors Program, Nicholls offers special experiences and curriculum enhancements to high-achieving and highly motivated students. Honors Program students become part of a community of like-minded colleagues through small, personalized classes directed by outstanding professors, through reserved dormitory suites and dedicated study centers, and through participation in exclusive extramural academic activities. In this fashion, honors students receive a greater college experience, a distinctly personal education that directly involves them in the learning process, and an exceptional preparation for the competitive world beyond the university.

The University Honors Program provides honors courses as alternatives to several general education courses, as well as advanced elective courses in specific fields of study. In addition to this privilege, honors students also enjoy first-day registration each semester, self-governance through an honors student council, and opportunities for both independent research (the Honors Thesis) and international study (Honors Abroad).

Eligibility for membership in the University Honors Program can be achieved in two ways. Entering freshmen must have a minimum composite ACT score of 25 with no sub score below 20. Current students or transfer students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours at Nicholls with a minimum GPA of 3.2. A completed application, available from the office or from www.nicholls.edu/honors, is required for membership.

Nicholls offers the University Honors Award to honors students who complete with a minimum 3.2 GPA at least 24 hours of honors credits, including two hours of Honors Forum (HUMA 111) and four hours of honors thesis research (HONR 401-402). In addition, the official grade transcripts of students who complete the above curriculum will be certified with “Completed the University Honors Program” upon graduation.

See Courses of Instruction – Honors for a listing of the honors courses the university currently offers.

Academic Advising Center

As a part of the university’s commitment to excellence in undergraduate education, the Academic Advising Center was created to provide academic advising and support to Nicholls State University students from the time of their admission until their acceptance into their majors. Faculty advisors meet regularly with students, assisting them in goal clarification, in selection of a major, and in educational planning and course selection. Advisors monitor student progress and refer students to other campus resources as necessary. Students may “drop in” for a quick answer or may set up an appointment with an advisor through AdvisorTrac, a web-based advising management tool available by way of ICAN student services at the following web address https://iaweb.nicholls.edu/.

Academic Testing Center

The Academic Testing Center administers a variety of tests to prospective and enrolled students and others. The following tests are of importance to prospective students: American College Test (ACT), ACT Residual, and the ACT/COMPASS tests. These tests are used by Nicholls for initial placement of students in the correct levels of English and mathematics. Enrolled students may avail themselves of tests required for admission and advanced study. These include the Graduate Record Exam (GRE/Subjects Areas) and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Other tests which may be of importance to both prospective and enrolled students are the Praxis, National League for Nursing (NLN), Center for Nursing Education and Testing (ACE), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and correspondence exams.

Center for Retention and Advisor Training and Assessment

The Director of Retention and Advisor Training and Assessment is charged with studying and implementing best practices in academic advising and first-year experience instruction. The Director is responsible for the training and assessment of advisors of first-time freshmen, as well as for the offering of ongoing Master Advisor workshops for all interested faculty and staff. Because student retention is driven by multiple factors, including academic performance, assimilation to campus life, and financial support, the Director coordinates university retention initiatives that take these various elements into account. The Director consults with pertinent units in both the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Student Affairs.

Tutorial and Academic Enhancement Center

The Tutorial and Academic Enhancement Center (TAEC) is committed to assisting students in enhancing their learning potential and developing proficiency in their academic endeavors. The Center is divided into two units to better meet the specialized needs of students. Each can be accessed in 154 Beauregard. Daytime and evening peer tutoring is provided. The center is certified by the National Tutoring Association, the College Reading and Learning Association, and is a member of the Association for the Tutoring Profession and the National College Learning Center Association and the National College Learning Center Association.

The Tutoring Center in 154 Beauregard offers peer tutoring to students enrolled in freshman level history, mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, and foreign language.

The Writing Center in 160 Beauregard is staffed with writing consultants who assist students with writing assignments from any subject area. Also on staff are English instructors to assist those students in developmental English.

Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders

The Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders is housed in Polk Hall and Peltier Halls. The state Center prepares teachers to serve individuals with dyslexia through clinical and educational intervention provides direct service to Nicholls State University students and area residents, conducts psycho-educational assessments for children and adults, disseminates information about dyslexia, contributes to state policy regarding dyslexia, and conducts research that will contribute to the study of dyslexia.

Upward Bound Victory

Upward Bound Victory is a federally funded program designed to prepare and motivate high school students to continue into post-secondary education. Students are chosen on the basis of family financial status and the participant’s academic potential to engage in intense, structured activities, services and classes. The program includes tutorial services, postsecondary planning and search activities, ACT preparation, exposure to college options and a six-week residential summer Institute on the campus. Upward Bound Victory is housed in Meade Hall.

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