Academic Support Center

Academic Exploration & Decision-Making

• Helps students explore academic interests, strengths, and career goals
• Guides students through major and career assessments
• Assists in identifying majors that align with skills, interests, and long-term plans

General Education & Degree Planning

• Ensures students complete general education requirements efficiently
• Builds academic plans that keep students on track while exploring majors
• Prevents excess credits that could delay graduation

Early Intervention & Academic Support

• Monitors academic progress and responds to Early Alert referrals
• Develops Academic Recovery Plans when students face challenges
• Connects students to tutoring, workshops, and academic coaching

Skill-Building & Student Success Strategies

• Supports development of study skills, time management, and organization
• Encourages growth mindset and self-advocacy
• Helps students adjust to college-level expectations

Campus Resource Coordination

• Connects students to Career Services, Counseling, and Academic Advising
• Collaborates with faculty and support offices to ensure holistic support
• Coordinates support for students facing academic or personal barriers

Major Declaration & Transition Support

• Guides students through the major declaration process
• Helps students transition to departmental advising once a major is selected
• Ensures a smooth handoff to upper-division advisors

Academic Planning & Course Selection

• Helps students understand degree requirements and general education courses
• Assists with building class schedules that align with academic goals
• Ensures students stay on track for timely graduation

Transition to College Support

• Guides first-year students through adjusting to college expectations
• Explains academic policies, procedures, and campus resources
• Helps students develop strong study habits and time management skills

Major Exploration & Decision-Making

• Supports undecided students in exploring majors and career interests
• Connects coursework to potential career paths
• Assists students in declaring a major by the appropriate semester

Early Intervention & Academic Recovery

• Monitors academic progress and responds to Early Alert notifications
• Helps students create Academic Recovery Plans when challenges arise
• Refers students to tutoring, workshops, and support services

Goal Setting & Accountability

• Helps students set short- and long-term academic goals
• Provides ongoing check-ins to track progress and address concerns
• Encourages self-advocacy and student responsibility

Connection to Campus Resources

• Refers students to tutoring, writing support, counseling, and financial aid
• Collaborates with faculty and support offices to ensure student success

Degree Audit & Graduation Planning

• Reviews degree audits to ensure all general education, major, and elective requirements are met
• Identifies missing or outstanding requirements early
• Creates a clear graduation timeline through senior year

Course Sequencing & Enrollment Guidance

• Advises students on final course selection and proper sequencing
• Ensures required courses are taken in the correct semester
• Helps avoid delays that could impact graduation

Graduation Clearance & Application Support

• Assists students with completing the graduation application
• Confirms eligibility for graduation and communicates deadlines
• Works with the Registrar and academic departments to resolve issues

Academic Progress Monitoring

• Monitors GPA, credit completion, and academic standing
• Provides guidance for students at risk of not meeting graduation requirements
• Supports academic recovery when needed

Career & Post-Graduation Preparation

• Refers students to Career Services for resumes, internships, and job placement
• Supports planning for graduate school or professional programs
• Helps students transition from college to career

Communication & Advocacy

• Serves as a liaison between students, faculty, and university offices
• Helps resolve academic or administrative barriers to graduation
• Ensures students understand university policies and expectations

We are in the TOS Education Building, 2^nd Floor

You can reach us by email at academicsuccess@shawu.edu or by phone at (919) 582-4990

Tutoring is a one-on-one or group educational support service designed to help you understand and excel in your coursework. It can benefit you by providing personalized assistance, clarifying concepts, improving your study skills, and boosting your confidence in challenging subjects.

Writing, Math, or Science tutoring is offered for a variety of courses.

Our tutors are qualified and experienced individuals with expertise in various subjects. They include current Shaw University students and professional educators. Each tutor is carefully selected based on their subject knowledge and teaching skills.

Yes, but we recommend making an appointment in advance, so you will not have to wait for an opening.

Definitely. Be sure that all members of the group are available to meet, and plan to meet for an hour.

Not at all! The Writing and Tutorial services are completely free to Shaw University students!

It’s a good idea to come prepared with your course materials, textbooks, class notes, assignments, and any specific questions or topics you’d like to discuss with your tutor. The more information you provide, the more effective your session will be!

You are always welcome to use the space – either to work independently or to work with a study group. We have plenty of computer workstations, lounge sections with couches, supplies, games, and an excellent library selection of contemporary literature and textbooks! We also have a printer and copier that is free for student use.

Yes, we offer support for any academic challenge you may face! Our tutors can help you develop effective study techniques and time management strategies to help you achieve your coursework!

We understand that unexpected events can occur. To reschedule or cancel your appointment, try to provide at least 24-hour notice. You can do so through our online booking system, WC Online (www.shawu.mywconline.com). Late cancellations or no-shows may affect your future booking privileges.

The Office of Academic Success assists with academic advising, tutoring, early alert interventions, support for students on academic probation or suspension, and assistance with course registration and academic planning.

You can schedule an appointment using Calendly or through their Outlook link.

Bring a copy of your degree plan, a list of questions or concerns, and any relevant academic documents, such as your transcript or course schedule.

Registration dates are announced via email and the university portal. Be sure to clear all holds on your account before registering.

If the required class is full, you will need to contact your faculty advisor for assistance. To explore options, such as opening additional seats.

Being on academic probation means your GPA has fallen below the university’s required threshold. Academic suspension occurs if you do not meet the requirements to improve your GPA while on probation.

• Good Standing
• Academic Warning
• Academic Suspension
• Academic Progress- AS/AD
• Academic Dismissal

Refer to your Bearsnet portal to find your cumulative GPA and total credit hours earned.

You’ll need to meet with an academic advisor to create an academic recovery plan and take advantage of support services such as tutoring and study skills workshops.

Yes, tutoring is available through the Academic Support Center, and other resources. Contact the Office of Academic Support for more information or to schedule a session.

Reach out to your professor, use the tutoring services provided, and inform the Office of Academic Success for additional support and resources.

The Early Alert System is a campus-wide effort to identify undergraduate students, including the Adult Degree Program needing assistance from academic and student services. The Early Alert System is designed for faculty and staff to identify students early in the second and 7th week of a semester who need assistance due to academic performance, class participation, and/or behavioral issues.

The Early Alert system identifies students who may be struggling academically or personally. Notifications are sent to both students and faculty, and the Academic Support Center follows up to help.

Once an alert is received in the Academic Support Center:

• The student will receive a notification to seek assistance immediately.
• For on-campus students, assigned Residence Life Staff will be notified of an alert and make initial contact with the student.
• Students must report to the Academic Support Center to complete an Academic Recovery Plan addressing barriers affecting academic performance.
• Individuals submitting the alert will be notified of the student’s status within two days of the submission of the alert.

When an Early Alert is issued, the Academic Support Center will contact you to discuss concerns and connect you with resources to improve your academic performance.

The Transfer Success course and advisors help transfer students transition smoothly, review degree requirements, and create an academic plan

Work closely with your advisor to ensure you meet all degree requirements, maintain a good GPA, and complete the required credit hours for your program.

Upswing offers free, 24/7 online study support, including on-demand and scheduled tutoring, essay reviews, and writing lab resources. Students can also access advising sessions, receive reminders and resource recommendations from virtual assistant Ana, and utilize mental health support services.

Go to www.shawu.upswing.io and book your appointment with Upswing today!

Variety of Subjects: Upswing is synched with Shaw University’s course catalog. You can easily search for your class and find tutors who are qualified and ready to help within minutes!

Flexible Scheduling: You can book with tutors online at times that work best for you. Access Upswing at www.shawu.upswing.io.

Writing Lab Resources: The writing lab provides videos to help you with the overall writing process. You can find videos on brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and citations!

Mental Health Resources: Navigating the challenges of academic life, personal growth, and a demanding schedule is difficult. Your mental health matters! Check out Upswing’s Library of Mental Health videos to help you manage your stress!

Go to www.shawu.upswing.io and book your appointment with Upswing today!

We provide one-to-one tutoring appointments for a wide range of subjects. Whether you’re looking to boost your grades, build your confidence, or dive deeper into a subject, our experienced tutors are here to support you every step of the way!

How to Make an Appointment in 5 Easy Steps

1. Go to https://www.shawu.upswing.io/ and sign in using your student ID number. You will sign in using your Upswing credentials.
2. Select an available time slot and fill out the Appointment Form (remember to request the appointment to be in-person or online)
3. Upload your draft and assignment guidelines.
4. Click submit.
5. Be present and ready for your appointment.

What to Expect

During a tutoring appointment, you’ll receive one-on-one support tailored to your needs. Tutors help clarify course material, provide examples, and guide you through practice to build understanding and confidence.

Tutoring works best when you’re actively involved, ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in the session to make the most of your time.

How to Prepare

• Before Your Tutoring Session
• Bring your assignment, rubric, notes, and drafts.
• Complete any required readings ahead of time.
• Identify questions or topics you want to focus on.
• Be ready to share your understanding and challenges.
• Actively participate—ask questions and seek clarification.

Online Appointments

f you choose an online appointment, you will work with a writing tutor in real time using https://www.shawu.upswing.io/

Log in five minutes before your scheduled appointment, then select “Start or Join Online Appointment.” During the video session, you can upload assignment guidelines using the file upload button or share your screen with your tutor to review your work together.

Tutoring Policies & Guidelines

• Schedule: Book online with Upswing or visit the center. Walk-ins depend on tutor’s availability.
• Cancel/Reschedule: Use Upswing or call 919-582-4990 / email writingcenter@shawu.edu or academicsuccess@shawu.edu
• Lateness: Notify us if you’re late; unnotified late arrivals may be canceled or given to walk-ins.
• Conduct: Maintain professionalism; disruptive behavior may end the session.
• No-Shows: Three missed appointments per semester may temporarily suspend scheduling; walk-ins are still available.
• Accommodation: Notify us of any needs when scheduling.
• Feedback: Share suggestions to help improve our services.

Welcome to Upswing, a FREE, online tutoring platform for Shaw University students! With 24/7 access from anywhere, you can connect with experienced tutors, access academic resources, and receive personalized guidance to boost your academic success.

Here’s how Upswing can benefit you:

• Variety of Subjects: Upswing is synched with Shaw University’s course catalogue. You can easily search up your class and find tutors that are qualified and ready to help within minutes!
• Flexible Scheduling: You can book with tutors online at times that work best for you. Access Upswing through Canvas or at www.shawu.upswing.io. Sign in using your Canvas credentials.
• Writing Lab Resources: The writing lab provides videos to help you with the overall writing process. You can find videos on brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and citations!
• Mental Health Resources: Navigating the challenges of academic life, personal growth, and a demanding schedule is difficult. Your mental health matters! Check out Upswing’s Library of Mental Health videos to help you manage your stress!

Go to www.shawu.upswing.io to book your appointment with Upswing today!

Links:

Logging On to Upswing

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-tJ6-U-UUGZ0jLRiXRiC_cryJ6nU8gLW

Do’s & Don’ts for an Upswing Session

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-tJ6-U-UUGZ0jLRiXRiC_cryJ6nU8gLW

Questions about Upswing?

Contact: Ms. Lorraina Halls-Taylor, Director of Academic Support Center
Phone: 919-716-5519 Email address: lhallstaylor@shawu.edu

Sign up for a FREE Grammarly Premium account! Stop by the Academic Support Center or email  vowusu@shawu.edu or lhallstaylor@shawu.edu to get access today.

Here’s how Grammarly Premium can benefit you:

• Elevate Your Writing: Grammarly is more than just basic spell-check; it is your personal 24/7 writing coach. It will help you make sure your papers are polished and professional.
• Improve Clarity: Say goodbye to vague and confusing sentences! Grammarly offers suggestions for improving sentence structure and word choice, making your writing clearer and more impactful.
• Real-Time Feedback: Add Grammarly as an extension to your web browser or Microsoft Word, and you’ll receive real-time suggestions as you write, whether it’s for an essay, email, or a social media post.
• Continuous Learning: Grammarly provides explanations for suggested changes, helping you learn from your mistakes and become a better writer over time.

Do not let writing challenges hold you back—sign up for your free Grammarly Premium account today!

• Subject-Verb Agreement
• Revising and Editing
• Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
• Punctuation
• Pronoun Antecedent Agreement
• Prewriting and Brainstorming
• Point-of-View
• Parallel Structure
• Outlining
• MLA In-Text Citations & Works Cited (9th Edition)
• How to Avoid Plagiarism
• Fragments, Run-Ons, and Comma Splices
• Finding Credible Sources
• Email Etiquette Handout
• Comma Usage
• Chicago-Turabian In-Text Citations, Footnotes & Bibliography (17th Edition)
• APA In-Text Citations & References (7th Edition)
• Annotated Bibliography
• Writing in an Academic Tone
• Transition Words and Phrases
• Topic Sentences
• Thesis Statements

College Success is a one semester, one credit hour course designed to introduce students to the academic and social expectations of Shaw University. The course activities emphasize student development in 1) academic skill building, 2) personal identity and life skills, 3) campus community involvement, and 4) Shaw’s history and traditions.

College Success contributes to the university’s purpose of transforming students for 21st century leadership through the facilitation of activities and discussions that enhance students’ abilities to become effective learners and active participants in their educational experience here at Shaw University. Thus, this course is designed to encourage students to think about and discuss issues that shape their learning experience. This course will also help students transition effectively to the Shaw University campus community through the utilization of campus resources and involvement in campus and community activities. This course is part of the university’s general education program and will incorporate activities consistent with the goals and outcomes of the General Education program.

Transfer and Adult Success – College Success contributes to Shaw University’s mission of transforming students for 21st-century leadership by engaging students in structured activities and guided discussions that enhance their ability to become effective learners and active participants in their educational experience. This course encourages students to critically examine and discuss the academic, social, and personal factors that influence their learning and persistence at Shaw University.

The course is designed to support students successfully transitioning to the Shaw University campus community through intentional engagement with institutional resources and participation in campus and community-based activities. As a component of the University’s General Education Program, this course integrates learning activities that align with the goals, outcomes, and student learning competencies of the General Education curriculum.

This course is designed for students in their third semester and beyond to strengthen academic performance, persistence, and overall college success. It provides targeted support for students seeking to enhance their academic standing and develop the skills necessary to successfully progress toward degree completion. Emphasis is placed on advanced academic strategies, including critical thinking, time management, goal setting, and effective study techniques tailored to the demands of upper-level coursework.

Students will engage in structured self-assessment activities to identify personal, academic, and environmental barriers that may impact their success. Based on these reflections, students will develop and implement individualized action plans aimed at improving academic performance and fostering long-term success.

The course also emphasizes the importance of accountability, personal responsibility, and consistent academic engagement. Students will learn how to effectively utilize campus resources, including academic advising, tutoring services, and other support systems, to enhance their learning experience. In addition, strategies for stress management and maintaining motivation that will be explored to support students navigating academic and personal challenges. In addition to a combination of reflective assignments, students will strengthen their ability to think critically, manage their time effectively, and make informed academic decisions. The course also promotes active participation in campus and community life, encouraging students to take ownership of their educational journey.