Thinking about Studying Abroad?

The Office of International Programs allows you the opportunity to expand your knowledge by expanding your experiences in the US and abroad. The University offers a number of international academic programs that can benefit students. Some of their programs offered are: the student exchange programs in the US and Canada, the Semester at Sea, and study abroad programs for language and intercultural training. Taking advantage of the Study Abroad programs will enhance your academic goals and provides you with more than an international tourist experience. Your financial aid at AAMU can help support your study at another participating university. Studying abroad is the optimal way to learn a language, expand your worldview, and enhance your employment opportunities.

If you are interested in participating in the Studying Abroad program, you should visit the Office of International Programs or stop by Office 104 in the Bonner Wing of Carver Complex. The staff will help you to create an online account to connect you with a Study Abroad advisor.  S/he will assist you in finding a program that is relevant to your academic goals and appropriate to your individual characteristics.

Start packing! For more information, call 256.372.5418.

Jasmine OASiS, GSA

Office of Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid is here to provide you with information on ways to finance your education. Financial Aid is offered in the form of scholarships, grants, work study, and loans. Many financial aid questions can be answered by simply visiting the Office of Financial Aid’s webpage or by calling 256.372.5400 including financial aid for Summer school, unclaimed scholarship funds, and instructions for how to complete the 2012-2013 FAFSA.

At the beginning of each semester the wait-time to visit an analyst in the Financial Aid Office can take from a few minutes to a few hours. However, there is good news!!! You are not required to visit the Office of Financial Aid to view your grant, scholarship, or loan award for that semester! All information can be viewed by simply logging into your Banner account on the University’s web page. A student does not have to visit the Office, unless a major problem occurs such as making an adjustment in your award.

If you have not completed your 2012-2012 FAFSA, you are already late! Students who submit their FAFSAs early will be given priority consideration.  For more information about completing your FAFSA can be found at FAFSA.gov. Remember, the sooner taxes are filed, the better.

The Director of the Office of Financial Aid, Mr. Darryl Jackson, is also helping you stay abreast of important financial aid information through his e-financial aid tips via your Bulldog email account. These tips are sent out weekly by the Director and offer relevant information regarding scholarships, President Obama’s Student Loan Debt Initiative, opting out of receiving a book voucher, and other important information. Don’t forget to complete the Customer Satisfaction Survey which gives the Office of Financial Aid information that will help to better serve students. It can be found under Quick Links on the Office of Financial Aid’s webpage.

The Office of Financial Aid is located in 211 Patton Hall. You will be met by a team of professionals who enjoy serving students.

Keeping you informed,

Jasmine, OASiS GSA

Office of the Registrar – It is More Than Just for Registration!

The Registrar’s Office holds every student’s record of academic performance and is located in 214 Patton Hall. It is of extreme importance that you make sure that this Office has your correct and current mailing address on file, since this is the address to which all mail from the University will be sent. Failure to update your current mailing address could result in delayed receipt of important, time-sensitive, University correspondence. The Registrar’s Office also maintains transcripts for all coursework completed by students enrolled at the University. You should routinely monitor your transcript for errors, incomplete grades (I), and other problems which can be identified and corrected well in advance of graduation.

If you need further assistance in understanding how to view your transcript and what errors to look for, please consider receiving an Academic Record Check from Dr. Bennett in the Office of Retention and Academic Support (ORAS). Academic Record Checks help students understand their transcript, identify changes which need to occur, learn how to calculate their GPA, and develop a plan to achieve their academic and professional goals. Throughout the semester Dr. Bennett can be spotted on campus visiting the various residential halls to work one-on-one with students. Take some time in between classes to sit down with her and discuss your transcript. This record holds valuable information that, if overlooked, can be the deciding factor for your future. Students should remember the only official record of a student’s academic progress at the University is a transcript. If you miss Dr. Bennett in the residential halls, drop by her office in 105 Buchanan Hall. She will welcome you with open arms and give you the tools to manage your own transcript.

The Registrar’s office hours are from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday. The friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you to find answers to your questions. Take heed to ORAS’s slogan, “The Tassel is Worth the Hassle.”

Jasmine, OASiS GSA

When Should You Visit Career Development Services?

Career Development Services (CDS) is here to assist you in making the transition from the world of school to the world of work. CDS sponsors several services and activities to help you prepare for your future career including a one-hour Career Development Seminar, résumé development, career fairs, and teaching students the fine art of eating appropriately via etiquette dinners. CDS’s mission is to assist students and alumni in crystallizing their career objectives and preparing them for employment opportunities. You can also find additional information on the University’s webpage to stay abreast of events such as Career Week, Professional Employment Day, Graduate and Professional Schools’ Day, and Teacher Education Recruitment Day. Additional services include mock interviews, job announcements, Workforce Readiness workshops such as how to dress for success and goal setting, listings of part-time and summer employment for off-campus jobs, and a job referral service. Take time to visit the CDS office located in 101 Patton Hall. I think you will learn a lot!

Jasmine, OASiS GSA

Study Tips

Break Studying Up Into Small Chunks

A marathon of studying right before a test is the least effective way to prepare. Also, it is highly stressful and unhealthy. This translates into you having a low energy level and the inability to concentrate once you actually take the test. Instead, take 15 or 30 minutes here (before class) and there (after class) to study a few times a day, even when exams seem on the distant horizon. This will not only be easier to schedule study time but will also help you to better remember and actually learn the material when it is time to take the test.

Another effective way to study for simpler material is to write terms or questions on note cards, then carry those note cards around and glance at them throughout the day. Studying in chunks may mean that you only need to review the material the night before for about an hour.

Jasmine, OASiS GSA

Where Do I Go To Sign Up for Tutoring?

If you are struggling to maintain your grades, you might want to consider getting a tutor. The Tutorial Assistance Network (TAN) team is dedicated to retaining and graduating Alabama A & M University students. They provide tutoring, Supplemental Instruction (SI), Success Enhancement Workshops, and study skills assistance to help students:

• increase their understanding of course materials
• increase their performance in their courses
• improve their academic performance
• network with other students in their subject area

To apply for tutoring, SI or other assistance, please call Ms. Linda Skeete McClellan at 256.372.5487. She is located in 100C Buchanan Hall.

Jasmine, OASiS GSA

How Are You Classifed?

Classification of Students

Students are grouped in four classes according to total credits earned in semester hours and their cumulative GPA.

v You are considered a FRESHMAN if you have attempted 1 - 30 Credit Hours and have a 1.50 GPA.

v You are classified as a SOPHOMORE if you have attempted 31- 63 Credit Hours and have a 1.75 GPA.

v You are classified as a JUNIOR if you have attempted 64 – 94 Credit Hours and have a 2.00 GPA.

v You are considered a SENIOR if you have attempted 95+ Credit Hours and have a 2.00 GPA.

Jasmine, OASiS GSA