Exploratory Advising
Exploratory Advising is the academic home for PNW students who have not yet declared their major. This includes students who are undecided about what they want their major to be and students who may have an idea of their interests but who are not admitted directly into their preferred college.
Student Goals
Students in Exploratory Advising have five primary goals:
- Take classes related to a pathway - or general area of interest - that allow for both exploration and timely degree completion
- Explore their interests and strengths as they relate to majors and careers
- Familiarize themselves with the majors offered at PNW - including the academic content in the major, qualifications needed to declare the major and career opportunities associated with the major
- Connect their interests, strengths, and academic qualifications with a major offered at PNW
- Declare their major within their first 45 credit hours of study
Academic Advising
Students in Exploratory Advising are assigned to an Academic and Student Success Advisor. These advisors support students in their successful transition to college, major exploration process, and successful major declaration. They assist students in planning courses that meet their interests, allow them to explore, and keep them on track to timely degree completion. Academic and Student Success Advisors also connect students to campus resources to ensure students receive holistic support at PNW.
The Exploratory Advising Pathways
As part of the program, you will take GS 19100 - First-Year Experience I . It will introduce you to campus resources and events, career exploration and proven academic skills that will be valuable in future courses and careers. Your advisor and student peer mentors will visit the classroom on a regular basis to provide guidance.
We’ll be with you each step of the way, providing resources to help you explore your options and understand the requirements to declare your major.
Student Academic Support (SAS)
Student Academic Support (SAS) provides free academic assistance to all Purdue University Northwest students in a friendly and nurturing environment. Our goal is to help students not only increase understanding but improve study skills and build confidence. Highly qualified, faculty recommended students are hired as tutors and Supplemental Instruction (S.I.) Leaders. SAS services include Supplemental Instruction, Walk-in Tutoring and Success Workshops. Employment opportunities are available. For more information, visit our website or contact us - Hammond: Gyte Building, room 102, Phone: 219/989-3227; Westville: Library-Student-Faculty (LSF) Building, room 202 Phone: 219/785-5628; Website: www.pnw.edu/sas; Email: sas@pnw.edu.
Tutoring
Walk-in Tutoring is available in math, science and other major subject areas. The tutoring is conducted by peers on a drop-in basis - no appointments are needed. Schedules are available on our website (pnw.edu/sas) and by visiting the center for Student Academic Support on each campus.
Supplemental Instruction
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic support program that targets historically difficult courses. It is a non-remedial approach to learning enrichment that increases student performance and retention. SI offers regularly scheduled, out-of-class review sessions to all students enrolled in a targeted course. SI sessions are facilitated by SI Leaders, students who have successfully completed the course and now sit in on every class with you. These sessions are interactive and give students the opportunity to review notes, discuss readings, practice problem solving and prepare for examinations.
Series of Success Workshops
These free one-hour workshops focus on providing tips and improving skills needed to be a successful college student. They are held on both the Hammond and Westville campuses. The titles of some previously held workshops include:
- Face-to-Face: The Importance of Meeting with your Professors
- Power in Numbers: The Importance of Forming Study Groups
- Save Your Semester: Pass that Class
- Test Smart: Successful Strategies for Exams
- Time Flies When You’re on Social Media: Time Management Skills
Staff
Yesenia N. Avalos (2020) Associate Director for Student Success and Retention, B.A. Western Illinois University, 1994, M.A. Western Illinois University, 1997, Ed.D. National Louis University, 2011.
Lyndsey Schaap (2017) Associate Director of Student Success and Retention, B.F.A Columbia College, 2004.
William Batsch (2021) Academic and Student Success Advisor, B.S. University of St. Francis, 2016, M.S.Ed. Northern State University, 2019.
Allison Vickers (2018) Academic and Student Success Advisor, B.A. University of Iowa, 2007, M.A. New York University, 2013.
Reid Mosson (2022) Academic and Student Success Advisor, B.A. Hanover College, 2020, M.S. Illinois State University, 202.
Amy Bishop (2010) Academic and Student Success Advisor, B.A. Purdue University North Central, 2007, M.S. Purdue University Global, 2020.
Emily Lane (2018) Academic and Student Success Advisor, B.A. Manchester University, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Valparaiso University, 2018.
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