Academic Success and Enrichment Services

The Academic Success and Enrichment Services department has full-time academic counselors to assist freshman and sophomore students who are experiencing academic challenges. The role of the academic counselor is to do the following:

• Improve retention of the first-year student by easing the transition from high school to college
• Provide a secure environment for students to receive support
• Inform students about university services and referrals
• Provide supplemental instructors and/or tutors when needed

This department directs students to a wide variety of college resources that help to support the journey to degree completion. By using Navigate (our web-based student performance monitoring system) and ETS SuccessNavigator (a 30-minute non-cognitive intervention assessment), we are able to review and monitor student academic status and success. Additionally, academic counselors collaborate with academic and student support departments to ensure students are utilizing available services and programs.

Academic counselors regularly provide support throughout the semester. Through one-on-one counseling meetings, we are able to assist students with developing student-success action plans aimed at creating individualized pathways for student success. Furthermore, with the input of the student, academic counselors develop goals and objectives for the semester and help students establish schedules that support their outlined goals. Academic counselors encourage students to check in for regular sessions and assist students with utilizing various academic support services, such as professor office hours, supplemental instruction leaders/tutors, and the Writing Studio. Academic counselors also maintain ongoing communication with university support units to create a holistic approach to student academic success. We believe that all students are capable of excelling given the tools of success. 

The Graduate School Exposure Tour (GSET) is a program connecting NCCU scholars to graduate programs across the country.  This annual tour has two purposes: connectivity to graduate schools and cultural enrichment.  GSET provides access to graduate/professional schools through visits and tours while also assisting students with the application process.  Critical applicant skills addressed include interviewing and preparation of resumes and personal statements.

GSET challenges sociopolitical, ecological, and psychosocial barriers impeding learners’ access to nationally competitive research institutions.  Successful GSET participants can establish various partnerships, including direct relationships with deans, faculty, admissions counselors, program directors, current students, and other key stakeholders.  These partners can provide guidance and support to NCCU students applying to these universities.  GSET aspires to create a pipeline in which NCCU students are projected to partner with world-class universities.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Currently be enrolled at NCCU as a full-time student
• Intend to pursue graduate/professional study
• Submit a complete GSET application
• Participate in a panel interview consisting of GSET advisors
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Have an abridged version of a personal statement and a detailed curriculum vitae or resume
• Complete the GSET preparatory workshops
• Provide a deposit upon notification of acceptance for GSET

Testimonials

"Visiting Times Square, Broadway, and Washington Square Park, and experiencing all the cultural opportunities provided a nice balance, complementing the graduate programs visited.  I now realize there are many opportunities in my field that are available.  Plus, I have an idea of how to achieve them. GSET really opened my eyes to opportunities that were not previously on my radar."—Ciara Williams (Class of 2018)

"GSET allowed me the opportunity to connect with graduate admission offices and, most importantly, to meet with faculty in my desired graduate school department.  I have been going on GSET for three years, and every year, I build a cohesive relationship with some of the top graduate schools in the country.  It is a life-changing experience that gives me in-depth information about how the application process works and how to make my application competitive."—Ajamu Dillahunt (Class of 2019)

How to Apply

1. Complete the GSET Application Form within the application period.

The Eagle TALONS (Tackling Academic Learning Opportunities for New Scholars) Series is designed to help new students successfully navigate their first two years at North Carolina Central University.

The topics are based on areas of need indicated by the students during their orientation experience (e.g., writing, critical thinking, and efficient studying) and from student trends identified by University College staff. Its primary purpose is to prepare students for success as they transition through University College and their degree program and into their career of choice.

For additional information, please contact Ms. Angela Street at [email protected] or 919-530-6970.