Academic Success Center
(702) 895-3177 / asc@unlv.edu / https://www.unlv.edu/asc
Purpose and Focus
The Academic Success Center (ASC) is a resource and service hub that partners with the UNLV campus community to welcome, guide, and support students through their academic careers. The ASC offers a wide variety of programs that include academic advising for Exploring Majors and non-degree seeking students, campus-wide tutoring and supplemental instruction, academic success coaching, math bridge programs, first- and second-year seminars for Exploring Majors, student-athlete services, scholarship programs, a learning specialist program, and much more.
Academic Success Center Service Areas
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Academic Advising (Exploring Majors and Major Pathways Students)
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Students in the Exploring Major (including Major Pathways) are recommended to meet with an Academic Advisor in the ASC at least once per semester, to discuss the current semester, their individual goals and interests, and to explore majors and careers. The Academic Advising Unit has tools designed to help with the exploration of various majors, minors, careers, and continuing educational pursuits. The planning process for students begins in their first semester and continues each time a student meets with an academic advisor. Upon completing more than 48 credits, students are required to schedule an appointment each semester to discuss future plans in more detail. Students in the Exploring major can declare their majors at any time as long as they meet the entrance requirements for the major selected.
Change of Major Policies
Students can change their major to Exploring if they are: 1) Unsure of a major/career path, and 2) have earned fewer than 48 cumulative credits. Students over 48 credits currently in other majors may meet with an advisor in the ASC to explore majors, but usually may not be changed to Exploring.
Probation/Suspension
All students are subject to University policies regarding University probation and suspension.
Students wishing to appeal a college or university suspension may submit a petition for Early Reinstatement after College/University Suspension including a personal statement and supporting documentation to the Academic Success Center Academic Standards Committee for review.
Undergraduate Non-Degree Seeking Students
Undergraduate non-degree seeking students can take a maximum of eight credits per semester. No more than 24 credits earned as a non-degree seeking student at UNLV may be applied toward a bachelor’s degree at UNLV. Non-degree seeking students who are close to earning or have earned 24 credits are highly encouraged to apply for degree-seeking status.
Credit Overload Petitions
Degree-seeking freshmen may take a maximum of 17 credits per semester and sophomores through seniors may take a maximum of 18 credits per semester. Degree-seeking and non-degree seeking students wanting to enroll in more semester credits than their standing allows may submit a credit overload petition. Credit overload petitions will be considered only for students who possess at least a 3.00 UNLV GPA or at the most recently attended institution and/or a combination of all institutions attended.
The ASC’s campus-wide Tutoring program provides structured study time with peers, review of subject material, and insight into learning strategies for students to gain a deeper understanding of the supported UNLV course content. ASC tutors are current UNLV students who have completed the supported courses with a high grade, and are recommended by partnering UNLV faculty. ASC Tutoring is a service at no additional cost to students, and can be found at our two primary locations: LLB Tutoring Lab (second floor of Lied Library) and the Engineering Tutoring Lab (TBE A207). A complete listing of all available ASC Tutoring locations through our campus partnerships, including times and subject availability, can be found in the announcements section of our website at unlv.edu/asc/tutoring.
The ASC Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program is a peer-led study group that partners with
historically difficult courses and provides an active learning environment to assist students with
course concepts and to discuss learning strategies. Each group is conducted by a current UNLV student who has recently completed the course with a high grade and is highly recommended by partnering UNLV faculty. SI is a service at no additional cost to students and is typically offered for lower-division Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Physics. In a partnered course, frequent SI attendance by students enrolled in the course has been correlated to increased rates of performance and retention when compared to non-SI participants. Please feel free to visit our website for a current listing of partnering courses and session times at unlv.edu/asc/si.
Bridge Programs
Math Bridge
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The Math Bridge Program is a free, on-campus program designed to help students who are placed into preparatory math classes (Math 95/Math 96) or gateway math classes (Math 120/124/126) but require a different 100-level math course for their major. The program combines online learning with in-class assistance to help students gain a better understanding of core math concepts and overcome their math anxiety. Our experienced tutoring team allows for individualized student attention to address common problem areas including note-taking and study skills. The program uses an online platform which students access in our computer labs for the duration of the program. Class time is split between online work with tutor assistance, and tutor-led activities. Students are also able to access the platform at home if they wish to work on concepts outside of class time. Students who complete the bridge program gain confidence, feel empowered, and familiarize themselves with the UNLV campus. Summer sessions are offered for eligible students.
First-Gen Connect (formerly UNLV PRIDE)
First-Gen Connect is a free conference for first-generation college students (students whose parents do not have a four-year college degree) and their parents/guardians. The conference gives attendees the opportunity to connect with current students, faculty, and staff who will assist them with the transition into college. First-Gen Connect introduces programs and student success strategies that are prudent for success at UNLV (time management skills, community building, study strategies, etc.) Both students and parents/guardians will be connected to UNLV and the many academic and social resources offered. Spanish-speaking translators may be available for this conference.
Academic Success Coaches help students develop strategies for successfully navigating college academically, socially, and personally. Coaches individualize their approach with every student by engaging in the processes of reflection, goal-setting, and planning. The Academic Success Coaching Program empowers students by helping them:
● Objectively assess obstacles to academic success
● Establish attainable educational goals
● Create and maintain positive daily routines
● Improve time management and organizational skills
● Develop a positive mindset
● Study more effectively and efficiently
● Engage in courses through participation and effective note taking
● Prepare for exams
● Build rapport with professors
● Utilize campus resources
First-Year Seminar (COLA 100E)
The ASC, in partnership with the College of Liberal Arts, provides a 3-credit first-year seminar designed to help students build a strong foundation for academic success. COLA 100E addresses topics regarding learning strategies, critical thinking, citizenship, ethics, multiculturalism, college-level writing, and other areas relating to student development. Major and career exploration is intertwined throughout the course content, as students are exposed to a blend of information and experiences to help them investigate potential major and career choices.
Second-Year Seminar (ENG 231E)
The ASC partners with World Literature to offer ENG 231E, which is a second-year seminar (SYS) designed for Exploring Majors with the theme, “Finding Your Path.” It is a three-credit course that explores issues of identity and vocation through the reading of original literature from antiquity to the present day. ENG 231E reinforces the University Undergraduate Learning Outcomes (UULOs) introduced in the first-year seminar, COLA 100E.
Scholarships
The ASC annually offers the ASC Dean’s Award for qualifying Exploring Majors. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, Exploring Majors must be in good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or higher) and be enrolled full time. Students submit applications to the ASC Advising Unit in the spring, and successful awardees are notified in the summer for fall and spring semesters.
The ASC also offers the Hixson-Lied Success Scholars Program during the Fall semester for selected incoming and current undergraduate students. The scholarship is geared toward students who have overcome significant challenges (academic, economic, etc.) to find success in-and-out of the classroom. For more information, visit www.unlv.edu/asc or email hlscholars@unlv.edu.
Student-Athlete Academic Services
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The Office of Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) provides academic advising and support services for over 500 of UNLV’s student- athletes. The office is committed to assisting student-athletes in earning a degree of their choice, while fulfilling UNLV, Mountain West Conference (MWC), and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility requirements. Further, every effort is made to instill in each individual those skills necessary to become an independent, responsible member of the UNLV student body. SAAS is committed to providing an environment that facilitates the academic success of every student-athlete. SAAS’ goal is to prepare student-athletes to be fully accountable for their academic progress, resulting in graduation and personal/professional development.
The academic services staff provides a variety of academic services, to both prospective student-athletes and currently enrolled UNLV student-athletes, per NCAA Bylaw 16.3.1. These services include, but are not limited to:
• Providing UNLV athletic department coaching staff preliminary evaluations of the eligibility and admission status of prospective student-athletes (recruits)
• Assisting student-athletes in course selection, planning, and scheduling for their specific UNLV degree program
• Monitoring the academic progress of student-athletes toward degree program requirements.
• Informing student-athletes of the myriad NCAA, MWC, and UNLV requirements they must satisfy in order to remain eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics at UNLV
• Monitoring the eligibility status of student-athletes and providing direction for meeting eligibility requirements
• Assisting the faculty athletics representative (FAR) in the eligibility certification of all student-athletes
• Providing assistance and direction to student-athletes regarding UNLV’s non-academic support services that may help them adjust to and cope with the challenges of university life
• Creating and administering programs that will support and enhance the academic performance and potential of student-athletes
• Preparing student-athletes for graduation and the ensuing challenges, including employment and post-graduate education
Learning Specialist Program
In partnership with the Disability Resource Center and the PRACTICE , the Learning Specialist Program provides services to undergraduate UNLV students who face challenges that pose barriers to their academic success.
Dual Enrollment Program
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The UNLV Dual Enrollment Program, hosted by the ASC, provides highly motivated Nevada high school students an opportunity to get a head start on their college education by enrolling in UNLV courses before high school graduation. Dual Enrollment Program students also have the opportunity to earn dual credit (university and high school) with the approval of their high school counselors. Students who participate in the Dual Enrollment Program attend regular established UNLV courses that are enrolled with UNLV undergraduate students. In addition, Dual Enrollment students receive full access to ASC resources, such as tutoring, advising, and academic success coaching. The Dual Enrollment Program attracts some of the best and brightest students in Clark County and creates a more streamlined bridge from high school to UNLV.
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