General Advising at the Academic Advising Center

General advisers at the Academic Advising Center have expertise spanning the whole university (e.g., "How do I choose a major?; I'm thinking of majoring in something in the natural sciences; I'm struggling in my classes"). Until you declare a major you might primarily work with general advisers.

General advisors provide entering freshmen, continuing students and transfer students with general advising information and help. They can explain requirements and procedures and help you plan for your major. They'll discuss how you can match your own interests with opportunities at the university, and how you can integrate your academic and career plans.This includes information on the general education program, graduation requirements, transferability of credits, interpreting Central Academic Progress System (CAPS) reports, pre-major advising and counseling students who are in academic difficulty. The center also offers special program advisors, advising seminars, college survival skills classes and advising publications.

In addition to general advising, the adising center offer specialized advising services. It provides personalized advising for ethnic minority and nontraditional students. The multicultural advisor can assist with time management and study skills development, arrange for free tutoring and peer advising, and recommend academic, employment and professional opportunities. The nontraditional advisor assists nontraditional students in navigating the university system, general advising, course selection, time management and study skills development. The nontraditional student designation can be because of age (25 or older) or self identified based on family or other circumstances.

The University's Academic Advising Center is located in Hertz 107 (view campus map). Advising appointments are available by calling 509.963.3523 or e-mail aac@cwu.edu

• Mission & Goals
• Staff
• Contact Us

Department Advising

College and Department advisers, on the other hand, have specialized knowledge of their specific area of the university (e.g., "What kinds of research projects can I assist with in the chemistry department?; What special opportunities are available in my drama department?; How can I prepare for a career or further education in my field?"). As you start to narrow down your choice of majors, you will want to meet with the college and department advisers for those majors for program planning and, in many cases, preparing your application for admission to the major. College and department advisers can introduce you to the opportunities available in each program, including internships, undergraduate research, scholarships, new and one-time course offerings, and special events. Once you declare a major, you will meet primarily with that department's adviser to plan your program of classes, stay connected with your academic community, and prepare for graduation and beyond.

• Academic Advising Contacts
• Academic Department Web sites

Other Advising

College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)

The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) provides financial and academic support services to freshman students from migrant and seasonal farmworking backgrounds. It is funded by a grant from the Department of Education, Office of Migrant Education.

CAMP is designed to help students succeed as they begin their college careers by recruiting and assisting them through the CWU admissions process, and by providing them support during their freshman year. Eligible students receive a variety of services including scholarships, stipends, tutoring, study skills training, mentoring, career planning services and cultural enrichment opportunities.

To qualify for the CAMP program the student must meet the following requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen;
Have freshman standing (fewer than 44 quarter credits);
Meet criteria to determine migrant or seasonal farmworker status:

Parent (or student, if independent) has worked for at least 75 days in the last 24 months in farmwork such as production of crops, dairy products, poultry, livestock, tree harvesting or fish farming. Farmwork must be primary form of employment and be performed on a temporary or seasonal basis;

OR student has participated in the Chapter 1 Migrant Education Program;
OR student or parent qualifies for the WIA167 program.

To apply for the CAMP program, call 509-963-1729 (toll free 1-866-298-4968 x1729) or download an application off the Web site at: www.cwu.edu/~camp.

Student Transitions & Academic Resources

Student Transitions and Academic Resources (STAR) is an intensive academic support program that helps students complete transitions into, through, and out of the university, develop academic study skills and responsibility for learning, and achieve their educational goals. To promote the academic success, retention, and graduation of its students, the STAR program provides academic advising, career and financial aid counseling, tutoring, peer mentoring, advocacy, and appropriate referrals for students needing assistance in resolving concerns and achieving their academic goals. For more information visit the STAR Web site at http://www.cwu.edu/~transitions/ .

Student Support Services

Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded TRIO program under the auspices of the Department of Education, as defined by the Department of Education. SSS provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. Students who are first generation, low income or who have a disability are eligible for the program on a space available basis. The program may also provide grant aid to current, active, SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants and are freshman or sophomore status. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and facilitate the process of transition from one level of higher education to the next. SSS is funded 80 percent by a federal grant from the Department of Education and 20 percent by CWU. For more information visit the SSS Web site at http://www.cwu.edu/~sss/

• Academic Achievement Programs: Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction
  Individual tutorial assistance is provided for students participating in Student Support Services, Washington Achievers Scholars Program, College Assistance Migrant Program and Multicultural Student Services.
  Supplemental Instruction provides student-led, out-of-class study sessions designed to teach students critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills that will enable them to master abstract and complex material. Supplemental Instruction is offered in several classes each quarter and is open to any student enrolled in those classes.