University College

University College (UC) is the academic home of all new students at Winston-Salem State University until they complete the requirements necessary to declare a major. Services include academic advising (including registration, major selection advice, and all other academic concerns), learning support, supplemental instruction, tutoring, and more. UC advisors, instructors, and tutors effectively and accurately communicate university-wide regulations, procedures, and expectations, provide services designed to promote student achievement, and work to ensure that all freshmen meet their common core requirements and successfully prepare for their intended majors. They help students help themselves, through computerized and individual academic support.

Mission: University College cultivates a community of high expectations for first year students and all undergraduates who experience academic difficulty. The division offers a comprehensive core of academic support services that influences scholastic achievement, persistence, and retention. To that end, University College provides academic advising, an orientation week, and learning support services in collaboration with academic units and other divisions within the university.

Academic Advising Center

The Academic Advising Center serves as the advising support office for the campus. The center is responsible for advising and registering all new freshmen, undecided students, transfer students receiving fewer than 12 transfer credits, and students ineligible for transfer to academic departments. The center also facilitates enrollment for returning probation, suspension, and readmitted students ineligible to return to their academic departments or who plan to change majors. In addition, the center coordinates and monitors the advising activities administered in Freshman Seminar.

Declaration of Major

Each freshman and sophomore student is initially admitted to the university as a general education student. Some transfer students may be formally admitted to an academic program provided they meet all designated entrance requirements and have the approval of the departmental chair. New freshmen and transfer students may declare a major by completing the Declaration of Major form and are considered pre-majors until they have satisfied all requirements for the major. Admission requirements are outlined with the description of the major program.

Pre-Majors Failing To Make Satisfactory Academic Progress

Academic advisors are available to assist students who fail to make satisfactory academic progress at the university. Students who fail to make satisfactory progress toward admission into a major are reassigned to the Academic Advising Center.

Student Leadership and Mentoring

University College also coordinates Peer Advisor Leadership (Campus PALs) and Freshman Seminar Student Leadership (FSSL) mentoring programs. These student leaders mentor new students and assist them with understanding college life, meeting new friends, and providing insights into the many ways that college and high school differ. Campus PALs work closely with enrollment services during and after orientation programs. FSSL student leaders attend freshman seminar classes and assist both instructors and students.

The Learning Centers (TLC)

The Learning Centers in the Hauser Building provide an array of coordinated and collaborative learning opportunities to help all students achieve academic success. The Learning Centers are comprised of the Language Arts Center (Reading Center, Writing Center), the Science and Math Learning Center, Tutoring Center, Supplemental Instruction, and the Learning Resource Center.

Students may walk in to use the computers in the computer lab or to obtain tutoring services. In all the centers, students may reserve an individual appointment or may receive help on a walk-in basis. If a student is in a course for which Supplemental Instruction (SI) is offered, the student may attend any of the sessions. If you are unsure, drop by or call and ask for help.

There are no additional fees for using The Learning Centers.

Language Arts Center

Reading Center

The Reading Center equips students with the tools, strategies, and confidence to read college level texts effectively. The Reading Center also assists students develop the reading, comprehension, and critical thinking skills necessary for academic, professional, and personal success.

Writing Center

The Writing Center empowers students with tools and skills to become stronger writers. Trained peer tutors help students understand an assignment, draft a thesis, organize a paper, develop support, and document resources. The tutors do not edit or write papers for students; instead, they teach skills to help students draft, revise, and proofread their own writing. The Writing Center offers a comfortable environment and welcomes students at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming and pre-writing to drafting, revising, and editing. Because we believe clear writing flows from clear thinking, the tutors help students learn to analyze, question, and discuss their writing. They encourage students to read passages aloud to hear awkward sentences and confusing passages. Peer tutors discuss ideas and provide feedback to help students to clarify their thoughts and make informed decisions about their own writing. The Writing Center is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Tutoring Center

Science and Math Center

The Science and Math Center provides an array of services and technology to assist students in learning about science and mathematics. These include a computer lab (PLATO modules, etc.), Supplemental Instruction (SI), tutoring, and Science and Math Testing Center, and technology assistance and training for faculty.

Tutoring Services

Tutoring services are provided for the majority of courses offered at WSSU.
Tutoring is done individually or in group sessions.
Tutoring is free to WSSU students.
Tutoring is provided at various hours during the day and on some evenings.

Supplemental Instruction (SI)

Supplemental Instruction is student-facilitated (not taught review sessions.
Supplemental Instruction was begun over thirty years ago to model the way that medical students learn.
Supplemental Instruction is a free service offered to all enrolled students in particular courses.
Courses in math, biology, history, economics, and many other disciplines are covered through Supplemental Instruction. SI occurs outside of class in various campus locations.

Learning Resource Center

PLATO Pathways, courseware used in the Center, has been specifically designed to meet the needs of young adult and adult learners. The comprehensive scope and sequence of PLATO courseware spans a broad range of subject areas, with each course targeted to specific competencies and skill levels. PLATO Courseware at Winston-Salem State University includes:
Reading 1
Advanced Reading Strategies
Writing Series
Math Fundamentals
Pre-Algebra
Beginning Algebra
Intermediate Algebra
Geometry and Measurement
Calculus 1
Science Fundamentals
Social Studies