About us

The Student Enrichment Support Services is a program for students who encounter academic difficulties in their first two years at UAH. Our goal is to actively engage these students in their academic pursuits and University involvement. Having a vested interest in their university will be an additional benefit and motivation to achieve their academic goals.

The primary goal is to assess the skill level of students who have Grade Point Averages below the required 1.6 GPA and develop a student success plan. Many of these students lack the necessary skills to succeed in college. Emphasis is placed on study skills, time management, concentration and comprehension; all tailored to their individual learning style. As a retention program, tailored assessments are the primary means used to strategically plan for personal academic needs and goals.

An important aspect of the program is pairing students with an upperclassman peer in their particular field of study. These upperclassmen serve as a mentor and sounding board for questions and advice. Additional resources are available for students when referrals are made to the tutoring program, counseling center, the writing center, professors, and math or physics labs.

An additional planned aspect of the program is a mandatory attendance policy for the University, which will allow professors to refer at-risk students through the program’s website.

Without direction, motivation, and proper resources, UAH will likely continue to lose bright students who have great potential and simply need additional academic assistance. The Student Enrichment Support Services will serve as both a prevention and intervention resource for undergraduate student retention.

Assessment:

• LASSI (Learning and Study Strategies Inventory)

• Personal Question and Answer Session on Study Habits, Time Management, Family and Work, College Skills, and Current Academic Standing.

• Discover Your Learning Style Worksheet

• Discuss the Student’s Academic Goals

Academic Success Plan:

• Prepare a reasonable course schedule (Max. 9-12 hours, balance between electives and difficult courses).

• Prepare a master schedule of course assignments, class meetings, exams, papers, homework, etc.

• Based on the student's academic goals, prepare an action plan using the “Student Success Plan” worksheet. The worksheet discusses personal factors that contributed to academic performance and how the student can become more successful.

• Prompt students to meet with their professors throughout the course of the semester to address course material or concerns. Professors should be the first resource students utilize.

• Encourage learning sessions with the SDS Programs Coordinator on areas targeted for improvement: study skills, effective learning, learning/study tools, reading comprehension, time management, and motivation all tailored to the student’s learning style.

• Arrange for students to be paired with a peer in their same major who will serve as a mentor, positive voice, experienced leader, and sounding board.

• If a student has yet to decide on a major, or is desirous of changing their current major, that student would be referred to Career Services. Career Services will assist the student in identifying a suitable major based on interests, skills, and strengths.

• Educate students on campus resources: The Writing Center, Math or Physics Lab, Tutoring Program, Counseling Services, and Wellness Center.