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 of University College serves as liaison support between faculty and students.

Ultimately, quality academic advising is the responsibility of faculty. However, other areas such as the Provost’s office, the University College Dean, assistant deans of academic advising, the Director of the Academic Advising Center, academic department chairpersons and the Career Services Director also share responsibility for coordinating advising services at WSSU.

Upon admission, each student is provided a faculty advisor who assists with curriculum planning. A professional advisor from University College is also assigned to assist the faculty member and students to ensure validation, academic progress monitoring (mid-term and final grades) and referral to university support services.

During the first 3 semesters of enrollment (45 earned credit hours), the student may be advised by a faculty member outside of their major. The transition from a general advisor to a departmental advisor takes place at the onset of the advising period at the halfway point of the sophomore year. Before entering the Junior year, each student is assigned a faculty advisor in the academic department.

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.

The Learning Centers (TLC)

The Learning Centers 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.

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.

Science and Math Center

The Science and Math Learning Center provides an array of coordinated and collaborative learning opportunities which assists students in becoming independent learners and helps them achieve academic success in their science and mathematics courses.

This center sponsors a variety of services, including traditional tutoring, supplemental instruction (SI), and technology assistance for faculty (in coordination with CETL).

Tutorial Services

Tutorial services are provided for many general core curriculum courses. Tutoring is done individually or in group sessions. It is provided at various hours during the day and during some evenings. Services are provided free to WSSU students on a drop-in basis.

Supplemental Instruction (SI)

Classes with statistically high rates of D, F or W are supported by Supplemental Instruction (SI) services. SI is a learning assistance program that is designed to increase student retention through the use of collaborative learning techniques. SI sessions integrate course content with learning strategies. Like traditional tutoring, SI is free to WSSU students.

Learning Resource Center

The Learning Resource Center is an open access computer lab with 60 computers. Each computer is loaded with Microsoft Office applications and internet access. The lab is also used for testing purposes and by instructors for their classes. The Learning Resource Center is located on the third floor of the Hauser Building.