ASK - Academic Skills

ASK 099 is open only to students who are recommended by the faculty Academic Appeals Committee. It is a semester-long course of seminars that meets one day a week. The lectures and activities presented are motivational and developmental. The topics include confidence, study approach, emotional well-being (coping with feelings of defeat, stress-management strategies), the importance of recognizing success, problem-solving, assessment of personal strengths and weaknesses, involvement in on-campus and community activities, setting realistic academic and life goals, health issues, taking responsibility for academic and career decisions, and dealing successfully with professors. University advising staff and guest speakers from several areas of the University facilitate the seminars.

An individualized skill-building course in which students enhance their academic skills using their own textbooks; improve their time management and organizational skills; and work on test-taking competencies. A basic class for students who understand that they will need new and different study skills to be successful in the college environment.

ASK 205 covers personal and academic skill sets taught at a higher level of rigor and intensity than ASK 100.  The objective for the course is to have students recognize the importance of their role in their own college success while providing them with appropriate tools to achieve success. A holistic approach to success puts the emphasis on the student, not the skill. Students will learn to accept personal responsibility, discover self-motivation and self-awareness, set realistic and obtainable goals, become a critical thinker, cultivate emotional intelligence and become a life-long learner.

Is linked to ASK 205, as a complimentary laboratory course that provides the student with specific counseling in one-on-one and/or group support meetings, along with assigned exercises, in order to further support the student in their goals.  The lab portion meets once a week for the duration of the semester.

Compliments and serves as a follow-up to ASK 205/205L. The objective of ASK 215L is to assist the student in successfully transitioning to a "normal" academic environment through application of the skills learned in ASK 205/205L. The course closely parallels coaching now being done by Academic Excellence Programs through the Coaching for Student Success program (CSS). STEP UP students who have successfully completed the summer courses and register for fall classes will be registered in ASK 215L to facilitate working with a coach. The student’s coach, in consultation with the student, will develop a plan of action for the semester.