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Academic Resources

2024-25 Academic Catalog Page edits in-progress

NOTE: While the senior audit, program evaluation, academic support resources, as well as academic guidance from faculty and advisors are all available to every student at no additional cost, these resources are provided for use in planning only. It is the responsibility of the student to report any printed error to the Office of the Registrar within two semesters. The responsibility for understanding and meeting degree requirements rests entirely with the student.

A variety of academic resources are available to students to ensure their success at Augustana and after graduation.  Assistance is available to help students set and reach academic goals, identify and participate in experiences outside the classroom that enrich and expand the curriculum, and integrate skills development and learning across all aspects of the Augustana experience.

Orientation and Registration

Prior to their first semester of enrollment at Augustana, students and their parents or guardians are invited to participate in Orientation and Registration activities. Students and families will learn about living and learning at Augustana, and students will register for their first semester courses.

Incoming students receive information from the Admissions Office explaining how to prepare for Orientation and Registration.

Welcome Week

New students begin their Augustana education by participating in Welcome Week (Fall semester) or Spring Welcome (Spring semester). These events begin on move-in day, and help new students adjust to college life and meet fellow students. Special activities and programs provide a comprehensive introduction to the campus, faculty and community.

Small groups of new students are accompanied through this programming by upper-class students and faculty members. Auditions for band, choir and orchestra also are held at this time.

First-Year Students

The Office of Advising assigns a faculty advisor and peer mentor to each first-year student. Advisors and peer mentors assist first-year students in their academic and social transition to college life. Advisors play a key role in helping students learn policies and procedures, choose classes each term, and understand the campus culture. Peer Mentors teach students about campus resources and help them make connections to the people and values of campus.

During their first year, students enroll in either the First-Year Inquiry (FYI) or First-Year Honors (FYH) sequence during Fall and Spring semesters

First-year students might also enroll in courses within the six Learning Perspectives: the Arts, Human Existence and Values, Individuals and Society, Literature and Texts, the Natural World, and the Past. Students may also choose courses which offer a global or human diversity perspective.

Other courses include physical education activity classes and classes to complete the equivalent of at least one year of college-level second language study. Most first-year students will take three 4-credits courses during their first semester (a total of 12 credits.)

Transfer Students

Each transfer student is assigned an advisor and peer mentor who will assist students in their transition to Augustana. All transfer students are required to take LSC-300 during their first semester on campus. Students transferring more than 60 credits toward their degree will declare their major and be assigned a major advisor early in their first semester. Students transferring fewer than 60 credits will work with their transfer advisor until they declare a major. 

Academic Support

The Learning Commons offers resources and services that facilitate student academic success. Services include credit-bearing courses and workshops focused on academic skill building, drop-in tutoring in a variety of disciplines, one-on-one peer tutoring, faculty support for English Language Learners, support in improving reading and writing strategies, academic coaching, advising, and disability services. The Learning Commons is located on the third floor of Olin (Academic Coaching, Advising, Disability Services and Tutoring) and in the Gerber Center (the Reading/Writing Center).

 

Updated 8/17/21 KD