The Elnetta G. Jones School of Academic and Exploratory Studies uniquely supplements and reinforces the university’s commitments to serve a more diverse student population and to cultivate a learning-centered environment where students persist to graduation. We enrich the teaching and learning mission of the university by delivering specialized, high-impact academic and student enrichment resources that empower students to successfully attain their educational goals.
Department of Academic Engagement and Exploratory Studies
If you have not decided on a major at the time you are admitted, you will be enrolled as an exploratory student, and the Department of Academic Engagement and Exploratory Studies, within the Student Success Center, located in Mowrey Hall, will serve as your academic home until you declare a major. The department provides exploratory students with a wide variety of academic support resources so they can make normal progress toward a degree while exploring educational and career options. (Unlike the three undergraduate colleges, the University Center for Student Success and Exploratory Studies does not grant degrees.) By the middle of their sophomore year, exploratory students are required to have in place a plan to declare a major. The Dean of Exploratory Programs is the academic dean for all exploratory students.
Opportunities provided by the Dean’s Office and Department of Academic Engagement and Exploratory Studies (AEES) include an academic orientation to the university, assistance in understanding the university’s policies and procedures, and an administrative unit for your academic records. However, probably the most important resource provided is your faculty academic advisor. You will be assigned an advisor before you arrive at Shippensburg University and will be expected to meet with him or her at least twice a semester. Your advisor might wish to see you more frequently if he or she believes additional support will enhance your academic success. Your academic advisor will be your primary resource for assistance with selection of appropriate courses, registration information, and other important academic advice and information, particularly with regard to your selection of a major. He or she will also direct you to other appropriate support resources should you need them. We consider your relationship with your academic advisor an integral part of your successful experience as an exploratory student at Shippensburg University.
Academic Success Program/ACT 101
The Academic Success Program (ASP) provides access and academic support to students who do not meet the regular admission criteria to Shippensburg University but who have demonstrated the potential, desire, and motivation to succeed in college. The ACT 101 component of ASP is Pennsylvania legislation that provides educational funding support to qualified students seeking admission to the institutions of higher learning in Pennsylvania.
As part of the Elnetta G. Jones School of Academic and Exploratory Programs, ASP’s goals are to promote academic success and to build self-confidence with guided support throughout our students’ college experience.
Summer Bridge Program
The Summer Bridge program is a mandatory five-week program. The focus of the program is to provide a realistic orientation to the roles and expectations of Shippensburg University students. Upon successful completion of this required experience, students are considered for admission to Shippensburg for the fall semester.
The Summer Bridge Program provides:
- An extensive orientation to college life
- An assessment of academic strengths and areas needing improvement
- An opportunity to develop academic skills in reading and writing
- An opportunity to explore and improve attitudes and expectations regarding the transition to college
Summer Bridge students will:
- Enroll in Foundations for Academic Success (AEES 101): This three-credit course is designed to provide students with an orientation to academic and social expectations of higher education. Students examine the factors which impact their learning, select relevant methods for deepening their learning and thinking processes, and develop self-regulation strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of their efforts. Skill development in learning strategies, reading, writing, and critical thinking are stressed.
- Enroll in a second three-credit course, taught by university faculty, that is paired with AEES 101.
- Participate in workshops, seminars, and selected activities
- Participate in individual and small group meetings with program faculty and staff members
- Attend campus and community cultural events and activities
Note: The cost of tuition and housing and food is waived to those students who meet all of the ACT 101 State Guidelines, but all students are required to pay for textbooks at the beginning of the summer program.
Learning Center
The Learning Center, located on the first floor of the Student Success Center in Mowrey Hall, is the university’s primary site for tutoring services and academic support at Shippensburg University. Learning Center services are designed to help students improve their academic performance, writing proficiency, and learning abilities. Students can visit the Learning Center’s website at https://www.ship.edu/learning/ for detailed information about tutoring services and workshops, access writing and study skills resources, and learn how to schedule an appointment with a tutor or a Learning Specialist. The Learning Center works with departments and programs across the campus community to enhance the learning experiences of students and help them achieve their academic goals.
Tutoring Services
Content-based tutoring is available for most general education courses and a number of upper-level disciplinary courses. Free one-on-one tutoring, small group tutoring, and drop-in tutoring is provided by trained peer tutors and graduate assistants. Tutoring sessions are interactive experiences where students are engaged in the learning process and work to develop their understanding of course-related concepts.
Writing tutoring: The Learning Center also offers writing support to help students develop their writing through all stages of the writing process including brainstorming for assignments, organizing and developing ideas, revision of drafts, and documenting source material. Students can schedule an individual appointment with a trainied writing tutor to discuss their writing goals and enhance their writing abilities. Students will find that working collaboratively with a writing tutor can help them strengthen their writing skills and improve the quality of their writing assignments.
Learning Specialists
Professional Learning Specialists are available to help students develop effective learning strategies and reach their academic goals. Learning Specialists are equipped to help students improve their study and testing habits and learn how to manage their time, test anxiety, and stress. Learning Specialists help students identify barriers to their academic success and develop a skill development plan to address those areas to assist in students’ academic success. Students can schedule an appointment to meet with a Learning Specialist on a one-on-one basis.
Continuing Academic Progress and Success (CAPS) Program
The staff of the Continuing Academic Progress and Success (CAPS) program work with students on academic probation in weekly meetings to develop strategies and skills that will help them improve their cumulative grade point average. This structured program is designed to help students develop skills in studying, self-management, emotional intelligence, and personal responsibility, all of which are necessary to improve their academic standing and achieve success in their courses.
The Learning Center is open to all students in the university community. To learn more about the resources and services provided by the Learning Center, call (717) 477-1420 or visit the center’s website at www.ship.edu/learning/.
Division of Retention and Student Success
Shippensburg University’s Division of Retention and Student Success is comprised of professionals who are dedicated to the mission of student success. We strive to meet the complex needs of our student body through our programming, outreach, and compassion. We support all students in meeting their personal, career and educational aspirations and empower our diverse student population to become independent, self-directed learners. We provide an array of supportive services in a safe and collaborative environment.
Office of Accessibility Resources
Shippensburg University is committed to serving all students, including those with documented disabilities. The Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) determines, coordinates, and provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations for eligible students who present current and comprehensive documentation. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, OAR coordinates services as outlined by Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and by Shippensburg University’s equity plans.
Additionally, the office works with the Human Resource Office to coordinate accommodations for campus faculty and staff with diagnosed disabilities.
Examples of disabilities include, but are not limited to:
- Learning Disability (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, reading/math disability, etc.)
- Medical/health (e.g., cardiac disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, seizure disorder, etc.)
- ADHD
- Physical / Mobility (ambulatory, wheelchair)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Emotional/Psychological diagnoses (e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, etc.)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Visual Impairment including Blindness
- Hearing Impairment including Deafness
Temporary disabilities - disabilities existing for a short period of time (6-months or less) as a result of injuries, surgery, or short-term medical conditions
The Office of Accessibility Resources is in Suite 252 Mowrey Hall. For further information, visit the website at www.ship.edu/oar or contact the office at (717) 477-1364 or the Director at (717) 477-1326.
Kathryn Hughes Seaber Raiders Academic Center for Student-Athletes
The Kathryn Hughes Seaber Raiders Academic Center for Student-Athletes (Seaber RAC), is located inside Ezra Lehman Memorial Library to support the academic well-being of our nearly 500 student-athletes. The Seaber RAC staff focus their efforts on helping student-athletes identify personalized goals that are within their aspirations and to help them surpass their expected potential. The mission of the Seaber RAC is to empower, uplift, and educate student-athletes at Shippensburg University by providing holistic support that enhances the academic, personal, and professional development of student-athletes.
Office for Retention and Student Success
Retention and Student Success offer a comprehensive array of support services aimed at guiding undergraduate students through their academic journey, culminating in degree completion. By leveraging qualitative and quantitative data, our office designs tailored interventions to reduce overall student attrition and address attrition within specific sub-groups.
The Early Alert Program, a signature program administered by the Office for Retention and Student Success, creates a collective commitment to student success. It provides timely assistance to students who are struggling in the classroom with attendance and other academic issues. Faculty and staff initiate an alert that prompts the Early Alert Management Team to act. The team coaches students who may face barriers that hinder their academic or social success, while working strategically and collaboratively with campus constituencies to positively impact student success.
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