Calendar 2005-2006 - The University of Akron

24 The University of Akron 2005-2006
Student Affairs
Charged with the responsibility of helping our diverse student body to maximize
the total benefits that college offers, Student Affairs provides services that promote
the academic, social, cultural, personal and physical growth and development
of the student. Sensitive to the changing needs of today’s college student,
Student Affairs is committed to helping students meet their individual academic
goals.
This responsibility will be accomplished by our commitment to these objectives:
• Creating a civil, supportive learning environment,
• Providing academic support systems to increase student retention and encourage
satisfactory educational progress,
• Celebrating diversity within the campus community,
• Collaborating with all constituencies within the University to increase enrollment
and improve the quality of the student experience,
• Encouraging students to assume responsibility for their educational decisions
and experiences,
• Identifying and addressing evolving student needs in a changing environment,
and
• Addressing the needs of greater community constituencies through programs,
services, and other resources.
The following section outlines Student Affairs units and the services offered to
students.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
PROGRAMS
Academic Achievement Programs is dedicated to the mission of preparing students
for personal success. It provides various academic, recreational, social and
cultural experiences for Akron-area students. Through six district programs, it
expands and enhances academic instruction, provides exposure to organized athletic
activities, and adds value to the development of students through intensive
summer components as well as academic year activities. These experiences are
intended to empower students to make good decisions at home, in school, and in
personal relationships, which will improve their self-worth, impact high school
graduation rates and facilitate the successful admission to an graduation from
postsecondary educational institutions.
The Upward Bound Program is designed to provide intense academic, cultural
and social experiences for its students, enabling them to develop the skills, attitudes
and motivation necessary to enter and succeed in college. Students participate
in a summer enrichment component and during the school year receive
counseling, advising and other academic support services. The program serves
Akron Public School students in grades 9-12. Upward Bound is federally funded
through the United States Department of Education. It is a Federal TRIO Program.
The National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) is an instructional program for eligible
boys and girls that provides a constructive outlet for the summertime energies
at no cost to the participants. The program uses sports instruction and competition
as a vehicle for motivating young people from poverty areas to earn and
learn self-respect. The program provides participants with instruction in career
and educational opportunities and exposure to the college environment. Each participant
receives a free medical examination, and follow-up if necessary. Each participant
daily receives a free meal or snack. The aim of the NYSP is to help eligible
youths learn to “walk tall—talk tall—stand tall.”
The Pre-Engineering Program is designed to encourage and stimulate the interests
of targeted high school students who have expressed or demonstrated interest
and skill in mathematics or science. Field trips, workshops and tutorial services
enhance and facilitate the pursuit of careers in engineering.
The Educational Talent Search Program (ETS) provides services to eligible youth
and adults to assist them in enrolling or re-enrolling in postsecondary education. The
program serves Akron Public Schools students grades 6-12 and adults from the
community, via workshops, newsletters, field trips and personal appointments. The
program helps participants prepare for college, including assistance with college
preparation, selection, admissions and the financial aid application process. Funded
by the U.S. Department of Education, this is a Federal TRIO program.
The Firestone Fellows Strive Toward Excellence Program (STEP) is a pre-college
preparatory program designed to assist students who aspire to attend college.
STEP selects students in grade six. Designated as “Firestone Fellows,”
they participate in STEP for two years and then move into the University’s
Upward Bound Program, which assists them through high school. Program graduates
are guaranteed admission to The University of Akron and granted scholarship
assistance. The program serves students who attend Akron Public Schools.
The Upward Bound Math/Science Program is designed to provide students
with the skills and motivation necessary to pursue and complete an undergraduate
course of study, preferably in mathematics or the sciences. The six-week
summer residential program consists of integrated instructional classes in
Polymer Science/Chemistry, Mathematics, English/Technical Writing and
Computer Science plus hands-on laboratory courses in Polymer Science and
Computer Science. Other components include: a Research Project, Career
Exploration, field trips, cultural experiences, recreational activities, college visits
and mentoring by polymer science professors. Emphasis is placed on visualization
and “doing” science and math utilizing hands-on projects, independent
research, faculty interaction and mentoring while taking advantage of the
resources of the world’s largest, state-of-the-art polymer instructional and
research facility at The University of Akron. Funded by the U.S. Department of
Education, this is a Federal TRIO Program.
COUNSELING, TESTING,
AND CAREER CENTER
The Counseling, Testing, and Career Center provides a wide range of psychological
counseling, psychotherapy, testing, career planning, outreach and consulting
services to the University community. The Center is staffed by psychologists
and psychology trainees. Psychological services are confidential and
free to enrolled students. There may be a minimal charge for some testing services.
The Center is located in Simmons Hall. Phone numbers are: Counseling
Services (330) 972-7082, and Testing Services (330) 972-7084. Visit our Web
site at http://www.uakron.edu/counseling.
Counseling Service
The Center’s counseling service offers assistance in the following areas:
• Short-term personal counseling and psychotherapy designed to address a
variety of areas. Areas of concern may include (but are not limited to) feelings
of loneliness, inadequacy, guilt, anxiety, and depression; alcohol and drug use;
recovery from acquaintance or stranger rape; interpersonal relationships,
especially with the immediate family, intimate relationships, and roommates;
personality development, issues of oppression, identity, and self-esteem.
• Educational counseling relates to educational goals, motivation, attitudes, abilities,
and the development of effective study habits and skills.
• Group educational programs, through the College Survival Kit, cover a wide
range of topics which typically deal with improving grades, reducing test anxiety,
planning careers, increasing wellness, and addressing personal issues;
as well as providing support groups for students of diverse cultures.
Brochures are available.
• Career counseling involves helping students make decisions on majors and
career direction. It consists of discovering one’s interests, needs, values,
aptitudes, abilities and goals; relating these to the world of work; exploring
appropriate major subject and career fields. Interest, aptitude, personality and
values testing is available through individual and group counseling.
Occupational information is available through reference books and computerized
career guidance and information systems.
Testing Service
• A wide range of testing programs including college entrance examinations,
career assessments, personality assessments, academic placement testing
and some learning disability assessments are available to students.
Outreach and Consulting Service
• The Center’s outreach and consulting service offers programs and workshops.
The Center regularly provides speakers for classrooms, residence halls, student
organizations, and administrative offices. Topics include, among others,
academic performance, wellness, sexuality, and appreciating cultural diversity.