More About Academic Probation

New Hours of Operation for OASiS

Beginning May 28^th and ending July 27^th representatives of the Office of Retention and Academic Support will be operating under new service hours for the summer. Staff will be available to offer assistance from Monday through Thursday of each week. The University will be officially closed on Fridays during this period. If you have any concerns or issues that need to be addressed do not hesitate to contact our office by calling 256.372.5491.

Have a great summer!

Jasmine Davis, OASiS GSA

ATTN: Graduating Seniors!!!

Preparing for Graduate School

Graduation is quickly approaching and many of you plan to continue your journey of higher education by applying to graduate school. There are a few things that you must have in order to begin preparing for entrance into Graduate School.  For most graduate schools, depending on the program of study, usually there are a limited number of spots available in a program. In such cases, only the most highly qualified candidates are offered admissions. The decision to admit an applicant is based primarily on a combination of the following criteria:

1.     Quality of undergraduate and previous graduate work,

2.     GRE/GMAT Scores,

3.     Letters of Recommendation,

4.     Evidence of potential success for graduate studies, and

5.     Available space in the program

Application for admission into the Graduate School at Alabama A&M University includes the following:

1.     Completed official application for admission to Graduate Studies and a non-refundable application fee. 

2.     Two official transcripts from each collegiate institution you have attended which must be mailed directly to the School of Graduate Studies Office, Alabama A&M University, P.O. Box 998, Normal, AL 35762.

3.     Official test scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are required for all programs except for the MBA which requires the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores.

4.     Two letters of recommendation on official “Letter of Recommendation” forms as provided by the University.

5.     Details on any professional work experience.

6.     Applicants must demonstrate adequate academic preparation in their proposed area of study.

7.     Other requirements may be specified by the particular degree program to which you are applying.

To be admitted unconditionally, applicants must:

1.     Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

2.     Have a minimum grade point average of 2.5

3.     Submit a minimum score of 400 on the verbal and 400 on the quantitative portions of the GRE. MBA students are required to have a minimum GMAT score of 350.

4.     Meet all program-specific requirements.

The time to begin preparing for graduate school is NOW! Begin contacting the University Testing Center to inquire about signing up to take the GRE. Information concerning tests, dates, and procedures can be obtained from the Testing Services Office. To register for a test, please visit 200 Buchanan Hall or call 256.372.5645.

Jasmine, OASiS GSA

Jasmine’s Guidebook for Students on Academic Probation

Once the implications of probation are fully comprehended, most students find it quite sobering. However, all is not lost. The following steps were created to assist you in getting off of Academic Probation:

1.)  Meet with an academic adviser to receive strategies for a more successful semester. Talk with a Bulldog Academic Resource Connection Specialist (BARC) by calling Janet Jones at 256.372.8089 or by calling Dawn Miles at 256.372.5494. The University requires ALL students on academic probation to register with the Office of Retention and Academic Support (ORAS). Please call 256.372.5491 for more information on ways to get off probation.

2.)  Retake failed courses immediately with another instructor. This allows you to substitute your first attempt grades with second attempt grades. The Academic Specialists are trained professionals who will help you develop an Academic Success Plan. This plan encourages students to repeat courses you have failed. Although, you might not be excited about having to repeat classes, doing so is the quickest way to improve your GPA. As a result of being familiar with the material and using your notes, handouts, and tests from the previous semester you will be well prepared for the course the second time around.

3.)  Project this semester’s GPA and analyze what efforts will be required to attain those grades.  Some ways to ensure that you increase your grades is to make sure that you are attending all of your classes, completing assignments in a timely manner, and lessen your social activities. Attendance is key in grasping material! It is also an important factor that is related to receiving financial aid for the semester. Too many absences can result in loss of financial aid or a failed course. Completing assignments at the highest level possible and submitting them on time is a sure way to increase your grades as well. Although college is exciting and offers an endless list of fun extracurricular activities, reducing your social activities is necessary to increase and maintain a good GPA as well. Learn to manage your time. The negative consequences of not managing your time can be irreparable. Increase your study time! It is recommended that students spend at least 2 hours of study time for each hour they spend in class. Enrolling in fewer credit hours, if you work more than 20 hours per week, will help your GPA as well.

4.)  Develop a long-term academic plan, one that includes Summer school to replace the loss of units due to failed courses. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bennett or an ORAS Academic Specialist to help you devise an effective strategy. The Specialist will thoroughly review your academic record, compute your semester needed GPA to achieve the GPA required for your classification, develop an Academic Success Plan that will help you to return to good academic standing, and provide continuous support throughout your journey to graduation.

5.)  Take advantage of advising, tutoring, SI and mentoring by visiting the Office of Academic Support Services (OASIS). Through a close relationship with your advisor and Academic Specialist, you will quickly get off probation. Call 256-372-5487 to receive more information on getting a tutor or visit the Tutorial Assistance Network (TAN) in 100C Buchanan Hall.

6.)  Meet with the specific faculty for each course to review the syllabus, course expectations, and assignment timeline. Ask for clarifications from the faculty in any area of the course that is problematic. Begin to develop a close relationship with your instructors. Be sure to ask for assistance during class. Not asking for assistance in the appropriate time can result in a downward spiral in your academic success.

Jasmine, OASiS GSA

ATTN: Students IMPORTANT!!

Want a Co-Op?

If you are thinking about completing a Co-op this summer, that is a good idea. Most companies require that you register with Career Development Services (CDS) before you can engage in a Co-op.  Co-ops are meaningful career-building experiences that help you gain relevant workplace experience and build professional networking contacts and mentoring relationships. They also help you to explore a variety of professional fields and increase the likelihood of job offers prior to graduation.

Make sure you sign up to receive information and also help for finding the best Co-op for you in Career Development Services (CDS). All students are encouraged to complete, at least, one internship or co-op before graduation. Do it today!! CDS staff is available to assist you with résumé development, interview skills, job searches, and other career related topics. To learn more, visit the CDS Office which is located in 101 Patton Hall or call 256.372.5692.

Jasmine, OASiS GSA

Academic Support Available for Students

The Office of Academic Support Services (OASiS), formerly known as the Office of Retention & Academic Support (ORAS),  is a multi-faceted, comprehensive department designed to facilitate and improve student success, retention, and graduation rates. Whether you need a tutor, a mentor, or academic advising, our office is available to any AAMU student who needs our help.

Don’t wait until your grades are irreparable, get help now! We take time to listen, learn about your goals and dreams, access your academic status, and develop a plan of success.

We are located on the first floor (Rooms 101 -109, 112) in Buchanan Hall. Individualized programs can be set up to help you achieve all of your academic goals at Alabama A&M University.

If you need help understanding your course material, sign up for tutoring.  Tutoring and SI are offered through the Tutorial Assistance Network, known around campus as TAN. Students can take advantage of being tutored in a one-on-one or group session. SI is proven academic approach that can help students increase their grade in the course by 20 points of more by attending the SI study sessions with an SI Leader. Ms. Linda Skeete McClellan is the TAN/SI Coordinator and can be reached at 256.372.5487.

First-Time Freshmen can also find support with advising and academic support in OASiS. The Academic Specialist/Adviser can help any first-time freshman with course registration, developing study skills strategies, choosing a major, understanding university policies and procedures, and connecting the student with appropriate campus resources.

ASAP was created specifically for conditionally admitted first-time freshman. Its mission is to help assist freshmen in their pursuit of achieving their highest potential by navigating them through an array of academic support services based on individual need such as academic advising and registration, first-year academic progress monitoring, tutoring, SI, mentoring, and major/career exploration. For more information, call Ms. Cynthia Benion at 256.372.8087.

Mentors can also be found in the Office of  Academic Support Services. The Changing Lanes Mentoring Program (CLMP) is a program that has been specifically designed to benefit you. CLMP is open to any first-time freshman who wants to increase his or her chances of being successful by developing a positive relationship with a trained mentor. Special events and activities scheduled during the academic year provide mentors and first-time freshmen opportunities to interact and get to know each other. Students are encouraged to initiate meetings with their mentors as often as necessary. To become a part of this program, please contact Dr. Howard Wright by calling 256.372.5493.

The Office of Academic Support Services also serves students on Probation. The University requires ALL students on academic probation to register with OASiS's Bulldog Academic Resource Connection (BARC) program. Please call Ms. Dawn Miles or Ms. Janet Jones at 256.372.5494 or 256.372.8089 for more information on ways to get off probation. The Academic Specialists will thoroughly review your academic record, compute your semester needed GPA to achieve the GPA required for your classification, work with you to develop an Academic Success Plan that will help you to return to good academic standing, and provide continuous support throughout your journey to graduation.

Dr. Leatha M. Bennett, the OASiS Director, provides leadership for OASiS. She can assist students with any academic issue or concern. She conducts Academic Record Checks which gives students a thorough understanding of their transcripts. She also offers advice to students on ways to clean up their transcripts, including advising students on the University’s Academic Bankruptcy policy. She also helps students to look for errors on their transcripts and works closely with the Registrar to correct the errors. She teaches them to take responsibility for their own records. Dr. Bennett feels that students can make more informed decisions when they have the essential information available to them. She can be reached at 256.372.5491. Her office is located in 105 Buchanan Hall and she encourages students to drop by anytime.

For more information about the academic support programs offered, please call 256.372.5491.

Jasmine, OASiS GSA

Get Involved!!

While academics is important and plays a key role in successfully finding employment, receiving scholarships, internships, and acceptance into graduate school, student involvement on campus is often desired.  Many employers and scholarship/internship committees value your commitment to the university through volunteerism and participation in student activities. Lack of involvement could be the determining factor of whether you receive that dream job or internship. Those students that do participate and are leaders of various organizations on campus are thought to be well rounded and disciplined, so get involved today!!

It is a very good idea for students to develop outside interests through participation in a wide range of activities, so long as academic performance is not sacrificed. If you are looking for the student organization that best fits you, visit the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development (OSALD). With over 115 registered student organizations, the office serves as the nucleus for social, recreational, cultural and individualized interests. The Office of Student Activities provides the resources, guidance, and support to enhance student achievements and activities while serving the interests of the college community. For a list of departmental, scholastic, service, and other student groups at the University, please visit the Office of Student Activities or visit the office in 311 Patton Hall.

For more information, call 256.372.5615.

Jasmine OASiS, GSA