Beginning next semester, students on academic probation in University College will be required to take a course teaching them skills needed to succeed in college.
The course, Strategies for Success, is aimed to help University College students refocus and stay in school, said Jay Corwin, coordinator of student programming.
"The course is designed to teach students responsibility, study skills and motivation techniques to help them overcome obstacles and achieve academic excellence," said Lisa Portwood, coordinator of retention and outreach programs.
It will be mandatory for about 10 percent of the freshman class, 300 to 350 students, to take this course, Portwood and Corwin said.
The course was first offered this semester by the Center for Student Advancement as a pilot class with a small number of students who volunteered, Portwood said.
The center is a fairly new resource at OU, officially opening its doors to students in May, Corwin said,
"The center was developed by a graduation and retention task force as a way of reaching out to help students graduate," Corwin said.
The center focuses solely on academic performance and obstacles that affect it and helps students who need to be refocused, Portwood said.
"We act as a clearing house for almost all academic resources and refer students to other places on campus," Portwood said.
The center works on referrals from advisers in other colleges and progress reports, and it will be making residence house calls at the end of the month, Corwin said.
"The coordinators go through every avenue they can to help students have a successful college career," said Claire Choisnet, marketing junior. "They desire for students to be in the center constantly. They want to be your friend."
Corwin agrees.
"We do a lot of outreach by tracking students who might need help and going to them," Corwin said.
Portwood and Corwin encourage students to visit the center.
"We have an open door," Portwood said, "If students need anything ,we want them to stop by."
The Center for Student Advancement is in room 311 of Old Science Hall. Students with questions may call 325-2574. Students with disabilities need to call first because the building is not handicap-accessible.
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