Undergraduate Studies
233 Centennial Hall/308-5272
Interim Dean: Avelino Mills-Novoa
Associate Dean: Michael Gilbert
The primary mission of Undergraduate Studies is to facilitate the transition to college and support student success through a wide range of first year academic support services. Undergraduate Studies is comprised of the Academic Appeals and Probation Office, Academic Learning Center, Advising Center, Anoka-Ramsey Community College Connections Program, Division of General Studies, First Year Experience Program, and University Honors Program. The orientation and placement testing programs are also primary responsibilities of the Undergraduate Studies unit and are delivered in partnership with key university stakeholders. The unit is housed in the Center for Student Success on the second floor of Centennial Hall where it works closely with the Math Skills Center. Through these programs and services, Undergraduate Studies cooperates with student support and transition programs across campus in order to help students achieve their educational goals.
Academic Appeals and Probation Office
Administrative Services Building 209/308-3143
Advisor: Thomas Andrus
The Office of Academic Appeals and Probation deals with appeals and petitions of an academic nature as well as students on academic probation or suspension. Students are seen on an appointment-only basis. For further information, contact/see the Office of Academic Affairs.
Academic Support Development (Academic Learning Center)
236 CENTENNIAL HALL/308-4993
Chairperson: Victoria Williams
Web site: www.stcloudstate.edu/alc
The Academic Learning Center's primary focus is to provide coursework designed to improve students' study strategies and college-level reading skills. Two courses are offered through the center:
110 Reading/Study Strategies focuses on study strategies, note taking, test taking, and learning techniques.
*120 Power Reading focuses on efficient reading techniques stressing comprehension, vocabulary, and rate.
Additionally, the Academic Learning Center (ALC) provides individualized assistance to all SCSU students with their reading and study strategies. Also, for those instructors who wish, the ALC offers presentations specific to a class or the needs of the major.
* This course is a general education elective.
Advising Center
210 CENTENNIAL HALL/308-6075
Web site: www.stcloudstate.edu/advising
The St. Cloud State University Advising Center provides academic resources to help students understand and complete graduation requirements. Advisors are available to meet with students regarding a variety of topics, including general education, course planning, and major/minor exploration. Students who have not decided on an intended major will be assigned an advisor in the Advising Center. In addition, advisors give general education presentations to classes, and offer advising training for faculty, administration and staff on the advising process. The Advising Center staff works with students on probation, explaining the terms and conditions of the process and assisting them in developing plans for future success. The Advising Center coordinates Advising and Registration Days for students new to SCSU.
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Connection
208 CENTENNIAL HALL/308-1047
Web site: www.stcloudstate.edu/arcc
The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Connection (CCC) Program is offered to selected first-year applicants who do not qualify for admission to St. Cloud State University. Eligible students are enrolled in specific Anoka-Ramsey Community College courses taught on the SCSU campus. Upon successful completion of the CCC Program, students may transfer to SCSU.
Depending on a student's initial course placement, enrollment in the CCC Program may be one or two semesters, but no more than three. CCC students may live on campus, take part in on-campus activities such as student organizations and campus events, and have access to all SCSU student and academic support services.
Program Eligibility:
A student is eligible to participate in the Community College Connection Program if he/she:
- has applied to SCSU and has been referred by admissions to the ARCC Connection Program,
- has no previous college experience (no transfer or post-secondary credits), and
- has completed the assessment testing in English, math and reading.
Academic Schedule and Satisfactory Progress:
- Initial placement scores will determine a student's rate of progress through the CCC Program.
- A student is required to take 12 semester credits of college-level courses from Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ENGL 1121, Speech 1110, ENGL 2202, GSA 1189).
- During the first semester of the program, a required two-credit College Success course (GSA 1189) will provide students with an orientation to the SCSU campus and student support services, as well as help develop "survival skills" conducive to college success.
- A minimum grade of C is required in all classes. An unsuccessfully completed course (D, F, or W grade) may be repeated one time only. Repeating courses will delay a student's progress through the program.
- Total registration for each semester may not exceed 14 credits.
The program is designed to be completed within one or two semesters. Please note that all program courses, including repeated coursework, must be completed within three semesters.
Division of General Studies
233A CENTENNIAL HALL/308-5273
Director: Geoffrey Tabakin
The General Studies program (DGS) is designed to increase chances for student success at St. Cloud State University. Enrollment under this designation is by referral from the Office of Admissions, and students must complete the regular freshman application process to be considered. The Office of Admissions considers an applicant's high school class rank, academic record and progress, as well as ACT scores and perceived potential for successful completion of university coursework. Students are required to complete a placement assessment in English, mathematics, and reading, and must sign and return an agreement that confirms the intent to successfully complete the outlined requirements.
DGS students enroll in the paired courses College 150 "Discovering the College Experience," and Reading 110, "Reading/Study Strategies," which must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better during the first year. The approach used in these courses is intended to encourage and invite students into a university education with all the opportunities afforded by that experience. This pairing is in turn linked to general education courses required across all disciplines, departments, and colleges at the University. DGS classes promote discussion, engagement with ideas, texts, and other materials, critical thinking, and responsible, independent choices. As with all entering first year students, students in the Division of General Studies are expected to complete a full academic load (12 credits per semester) with a minimum grade point average of 1.5 for the first year. Failure to satisfactorily complete the requirements of the DGS program will result in probation and possible revocation of enrollment at SCSU.
Students in the DGS program have access to mentoring, personal advising, and counseling as needed. In addition, there is a particular effort to make students aware of the many opportunities available to them on campus such as study abroad, career planning, health and wellness, and internship programs.
First Year Experience
216D CENTENNIAL HALL/308-2941
Director: Michael Gilbert
Web site: www.stcloudstate.edu/fye
The purpose of the First Year Experience (FYE) program is to provide structured academic and personal support for first year students as they make the transition from high school to college. To help students make that transition successfully, St. Cloud State University offers a variety of Learning Communities, which consist of groups or "cohorts" of first year students who take several general education or other classes together. These learning Communities are based either on specific majors or programs or general themes that bring together several disciplines. FYE faculty are self-selected professors from across the university who are committed to working closely with first year students. In addition, each Learning Community has at least one Academic Resource Mentor (ARM) assigned to it, whose purpose is to serve as a peer mentor, i.e., a fellow student, typically a junior or senior, who is there to help first year students get their feet on the ground. In addition to working with the FYE Learning Communities, ARMs are assigned to the Division of General Studies and University Honors programs and in the future will be trained as certified tutors. Participation in the FYE program is voluntary, though it is strongly encouraged.
