Get Help

Advising Services Center

Welcome to the University Advising Services Center. 

Throughout your college experience it is not uncommon to have questions about scheduling, planning for the future, choosing a major and more. 

The University Advising Services Center provides comprehensive academic advising for students. The center also provides training for faculty. This office serves as the primary source for all undecided and liberal studies advisement. This office also provides drop in advisement to all university students. UASC also serves as a resource for all faculty for professional development and answers to advising questions.

Learn more by stopping by 419 Becht Hall.

THE ACT 101 EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM (EOP) PROGRAM IS BACK AT CU!

The Act 101 Program was created as a result of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Equal Opportunity Act 101 in 1971. It was initiated by the Lion of Pennsylvania, the Honorable K. Leroy Irvis. The program focuses on serving undergraduate students in order to make the ideal of educational opportunity a reality for all qualified students.

Clarion ACT 101 students develop as campus leaders and graduate with marketable skills. For example, ACT 101 students serve as officers for student organizations, plan campus-wide events, intern with prestigious companies, and complete major research projects.

Support services include access to free textbooks through our lending library, assistance with & early class registration, free peer and group tutoring, workshops, and academic and career counseling. If you are a resident of Pennsylvania, contact the Advising Center in Becht Hall to determine eligibility.

ACT 101 - Benefits

 

  • Early Class Registration
  • Free academic counseling and testing
  • Free tutoring
  • Help planning and scheduling classes for fall and spring semesters
  • Community Enrichment Series (CES) programs with an emphasis on studying smarter, not harder
  • Access to free textbooks through the ACT 101 lending library

 

Participants Will Have the Opportunity to:

  • Participate in new and exciting college experiences
  • Establish new relationships
  • Interact continuously with support staff
  • Integrate academic and career goals
  • Learn, develop, grow and reach one's true potential

 

Act 101 services evolve with the needs of our participants. Currently, our services include but are not limited to:

 

Academic Coaching Services

 

Coaching services are a fundamental component of each ACT 101 Program. PennWest Clarion provides coaching services that help students to realize their personal and educational goals.

The ACT 101 Program at PennWest Clarion uses professional coaches who work individually or in groups to provide help in the following areas:

  • orienting students to the college and the ACT 101 Program
  • assisting students in career planning and decision making
  • academic advising and course selection
  • assisting students in values clarification and self-concept development
  • personal counseling
  • financial aid counseling
  • assessing academic needs
  • providing study skills assistance
  • referring students to other campus service

 

Tutorial Services

 

The ACT 101 Program includes a strong tutorial component. This service is designed to supplement prior educational experience in high school or to act as a refresher for students entering the post-secondary educational system after a long absence.

 

To improve the basic skills of reading, writing, and math, the program provides tutorial support for those courses offered by the institution and individual skills enhancement to ensure efficient learning (study smarter, not harder).

 

Tutorial support is provided. Tutoring at this level may be provided on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. Attention is paid not only to the mastery of content in these areas, but also to the development of efficient, productive study habits. Information is available for study skills such as test preparation, test taking skills, test anxiety, reading and remembering, time management, and note taking.

 

As the student acquires the skills and disciplined study habits that make him/her an independent learner, extensive tutorial contact fades in importance. However, tutors are available to ACT 101 students who need help as long as they are enrolled in the institution.

 

ACT 101 - Eligibility

 

ACT 101 participants are chosen on the basis of their academic potential, motivation and aspirations. To be eligible for program services, students must be full-time residents of Pennsylvania and must meet certain academic and economic criteria.

 

Academic Eligibility

 

Institutional norms are used to establish educational eligibility. Traditional indicators of class rank, high school grades and college entrance scores can be supplemented by other indicators. Generally, eligible program participants have a predicted academic QPA of 2.0 (C) or less as determined by PennWest Clarion. 

 

Economic Eligibility

 

Eligible program participants are students whose financial resources for higher education are limited. Eligibility is based upon the adjusted family income as defined in the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency procedures for calculating student financial aid. 

Contact the Advising Center in 419 Becht Hall for more information.

 

Registering for Classes

Pre-registration for future semesters typically occurs toward the middle of each semester. Students should take this time to schedule an appointment to meet with their advisor and plan which classes to take for the upcoming term.

Each student will receive an email from the registrar that includes the date and time they can begin registering for classes through MyClarion. This is not an appointment with your advisor or UASC. Students should schedule a meeting with their academic advisor or with an advisor at UASC prior to their scheduling date/time. This will allow you to plan a schedule and find classes you would like to take. Failing to plan ahead can lead to a low selection of classes and difficulty obtaining a complete final schedule.

Note: UASC does not accept emailed appointment requests. Please call 814 393 2091 or stop by 435 Becht Hall to make an appointment.

 How to Register:

  1. About a week before registration begins (the ninth or 10th week of the semester), watch your Clarion email for a message informing you of your registration date and time. You may also view this information in MyClarion.
  2. Use MyClarion to check for registration holds that could prevent you from scheduling classes. Be sure to take care of any holds before your registration date and time.
  3. Make an appointment to meet with your advisor to plan your schedule. Be prepared for your appointment. Bring with you a printout of your degree audit, a tentative schedule or list of courses you are considering, and any other questions you may have about your academic progress.
  4. Consult the Registrar's website to find the list of classes that are offered for the upcoming semester and seat availability. Make a list of classes you’d like to take and their individual call numbers. Review the course descriptions and pre-requisites in the course catalog.
  5. Log on to MyClarion and access Student Center -> Enroll. The registration screen will not become available until your designated scheduling time. Type the call numbers of your chosen classes into the boxes and click Submit. The classes will be added to your schedule. If there is a reason why they could not be added, it will be listed at the top of the screen. You may make changes to your schedule any time through the drop/add period (Thursday of the first week of classes).
  6. Check your schedule on MyClarion and print a copy for your reference next semester. It is your responsibility to confirm the accuracy of your schedule.

Undecided 

Undecided? You are not alone:

  • 20 – 50 percent of all incoming freshman are undecided
  • Students typically change their major two to three times before deciding
  • Being undecided allows you to explore the programs at PennWest Clarion before choosing
  • The key to success as an undecided student is working with your academic advisor and the staff at UASC to make the most of your resources and choose a major in a timely manner.
  • For more help, call our office to set up an appointment with one of our volunteer advisors who can help you choose classes and, eventually – a major.

Faculty advising

UASC not only advises students, we also provide advice for advisors.  Faculty professional development and advisor training workshops are offered periodically, and are open to all advisors.  If you have questions while advising your own students, feel free to contact us.  Consult the resources and links below for ideas on how to improve the effectiveness of your advising. Faculty Advising Tip Sheet.

The National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) is an association of professional advisers, counselors, faculty, administrators and students working to enhance the educational development of students.  National and Regional meetings are held annually, and numerous faculty professional development workshops and webinars are offered throughout the year to address specific advising issues.


 

Time Management/Prioritizing                                                                                    

 


CLEP Testing Information
A maximum of 60 credits may be earned through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).  No more than 30 of the 60 credits may be earned after admission.  These examinations, administered by the College Entrance Examination Board, may be taken at the PennWest Clarion - Venango. The College-Level Examination Program includes five general examinations and approximately 31 subject examinations, which if successfully passed, will earn the student three credits per examination.  A list of the general and subject examinations, minimum acceptable scores, and credits available is published in the PennWest Clarion of Pennsylvania Undergraduate Catalog.
CLEF Form
Students have had specific life experiences directly related to some courses. In accordance with the university's policy and procedure on granting academic credit, the following steps describe the procedure students would follow when requesting credit for life experience.
    •    Review PennWest Clarion's policy and procedure for Credit for Prior Learning. 
    •    Complete the Credit for Prior Learning Form (CLEF).
    •    Attach to the form a detailed narrative documenting prior learning related to specific course work. Each objective of the course is to be addressed in the narrative.
    •    Submit a portfolio of additional documentation which supports the prior learning. Documentation may include but is not limited to a resume, certificates, grant proposals, project descriptions, brochures, pamphlets, and conference agendas.
    •    Submit a hard copy of all of the above information to your advisor.
    •    Faculty and the Department Chair will review the packet and make a recommendation within four weeks of receiving the packet.

Staff

Phone:814-393-2091
419 Becht Hall
advising@pennwest.edu

 Volunteers

Dr. Ellen Foster, English
efoster@pennwest.edu

UASC SOCIAL MEDIA

twitter    instagram   Facebook UASC

Last Updated 2/20/23