Academic Support

Advising

NKU’s Academic Advising Philosophy

Academic advising at NKU is an integral part of the learning process. As such, academic advising is a collaborative effort that encourages students to develop clear educational plans and choose realistic life/career goals. In order to assist students in realizing their full potential at the university, faculty and staff advisors at NKU embrace the following beliefs about academic advising:

• The primary responsibility for decision-making rests with the student.
• Students are often unaware of the demands and expectations of the university and therefore need to clearly understand the culture of higher education.
• Academic advising is not an isolated event but an ongoing communication between the student and advisor in which mutual trust and respect must be established.
• Academic advisors recognize and accept that each student is unique.
• The core of all academic advising is the development of a holistic educational plan that facilitates the student’s intellectual and personal growth and includes an academic plan that identifies the most appropriate courses to satisfy degree requirements in an efficient and effective manner.

Primary Goals and Objectives of Academic Advising

As a result of the collaborative advising process the student will:

• Define and develop educational and career goals that are consistent with their personal values, interests, and talents.
• Develop a rapport with their advisors to enhance their academic performance.
• Utilize university resources to support their educational development.
• Develop an understanding of university policies, procedures, and requirements.

The desired outcome of the above goals is that students learn to make informed and increasingly independent decisions about their educational plans and other academic issues. Accordingly, as students become more knowledgeable about curriculum, policies, and procedures, they should become less reliant on advisors for information, but they will continue to consult advisors or designated faculty concerning university requirements, graduate school admission, career opportunities and most importantly graduation requirements (http://inside.nku.edu/registrar/graduation/graduation-requirements.html).

Students’ Responsibilities in the Advising Process

Students should be active participants in developing their educational plan. Central to this responsibility is developing a strong relationship with the academic advisor by:

• Preparing for academic advising meetings.
• Actively participating in advising discussions.
• Maintaining personal academic records.
• Developing an understanding of all graduation requirements:
  • Major/minor requirements.
  • Foundation of Knowledge/general education.
  • University requirements.
• Learning how to access campus and online resources.
• Informing academic advisors regarding issues that may impact academic success.
• Proactively participating in planning for their post-graduate career.

Advisors’ Responsibilities in the Advising Process

The academic advisor will serve as a teacher and facilitator to enable students to be successful by developing appropriate academic and post-graduate career plans. Central to this process is serving advisees by:

• Maintaining and communicating accurate and current documentation of student records.
• Communicating information about current university policies and procedures through a variety of channels.
• Assisting advisees in developing decision-making skills and encouraging them to take responsibility for their decisions.
• Facilitating connections between students and appropriate resources when needed.
• Participating in professional development activities relevant to advising.

Advising Requirements for Registration

The proper selection of courses is important for every NKU student. Therefore, all students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor prior to registration each term. Some students are required to meet with their academic advisor prior to registration. All degree-seeking undeclared and University Studies students assigned to Norse Advising (http://advising.nku.edu) are required to meet with their advisor before registering for classes each semester. All non-degree students on probation are also required to meet with an advisor prior to registering for classes.

Note: Students on academic probation will not have access to online registration until they comply with the following. They MUST first see their academic advisor to obtain registration approval and should check with their advising center to determine if there are additional requirements.

Here is a list, by college, showing which students MUST see their academic advisor prior to registration.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Location: UC 210
Telephone: 859-572-5494
Web Address: https://artscience.nku.edu/advisingcenter.html

All College of Arts and Sciences majors are required to meet with an advisor in their departments:

• Anthropology
• Art
• Biological sciences
• Chemistry
• English
• History and Geography
• Integrative Studies
• Mathematics
• Music
• Philosophy
• Physics, Geology, and Engineering Technology
• Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Organizational Leadership
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Theatre and Dance
• Undeclared
• World Languages and Literatures

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES

Location: MEP 230
Telephone: 859-572-6944
Web Address: http://coehs.nku.edu/advising/appointment.html
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM

The following students are required to meet with an advisor:

• All pre-education majors (including secondary education students).
• Counseling, social work, and mental health/human services: all students.
• Exercise science: all majors.
• Athletic training: all pre-majors.

COLLEGE OF INFORMATICS

Location: Griffin Hall 404
Telephone: 859-572-7670
Web Address: http://inside.nku.edu/informatics/advising.html
Email: coiadvising@nku.edu

The following students are required to meet with an advisor:

• Business informatics: all freshman and sophomore students.
• Communication: students with 45 and under earned credit hours.
• Computer science, computer information technology, and data science: students with 45 and under earned credit hours.
• Undeclared: all students.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Telephone: 859-572-5248
Web Address: http://healthprofessions.nku.edu/Advising/schedule-an-appointment.html

The following students are required to meet with an advisor:

• Nursing students: all pre-major undergraduates.
• Four-year BSN, the accelerated BSN, and the RN-to-BSN programs: all students.
• Respiratory care and radiologic technology: all pre-majors and all new majors.

HAILE/U.S. BANK COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Location: Business Center 206
Telephone: 859-572-6134
Fax: 859-572-6144
Web Address: http://cob.nku.edu/advising.html
Hours: Monday, Thursday & Friday 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday & Wednesday 8:15 - 6:00 p.m.

The following students are required to meet with an advisor:

• All new majors in the Haile/U.S. Bank College of Business (freshmen, transfers, and readmits).
• All students with fewer than 30 hours earned who are currently enrolled in their first or second semester at NKU.
• All students with 75 or more hours that have not certified in their major.
• Construction management and construction technology: all students.

Norse Advising

Location: University Center 210
Telephone: 859-572-6900
Fax: 859-572-6989
Web Address: http://advising.nku.edu
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:15 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Friday 8:15 - 4:30 p.m.
Other hours may be available by special appointment. Summer hours vary.
Director: Pat Moynahan (interim)
Other Key Personnel:

Associate Director: Amy Pieper
Manager: Melody McMillan
Coordinator, Advising Programs: Robin Theobald
Senior Advisor: Linda Albert
Advisors: Samantha Muntis, Terkerah Washington

Norse Advising provides a range of academic advising services, ranging from answering general questions for all students on a walk-in basis to development of academic plans for undeclared students, all University Studies students, and some students interested in but not yet admitted to one of the programs in NKU’s College of Health Professions. Norse Advising also administers the Pathfinders Program and Project Graduate program, and assists with advising of students in Integrative Studies and Chase 3+3. Non-degree-seeking students may also request to meet with a Norse advisor. Norse advisors help students make well informed, timely decisions about programs of study and promote academic success.

Undeclared Students

Many entering students elect to be “undeclared” rather than selecting a major. Some undeclared students may want time to explore possible areas of interest, make appropriate choices about majors, and develop academic plans. Other undeclared students want advice about which programs might be best suited to their academic strengths and weaknesses, personal interests, and career objectives. Norse Advising helps only undeclared students whose academic interests cannot be narrowed to a specific college. Undeclared students who have focused their major choice(s) within a specific college should be advised in one of the five colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Services, Health Professions, or Informatics.

University Studies Students

NKU has developed a special program for entering students who have not yet fulfilled the Kentucky Pre-College Curriculum requirements or who have not met all of the ACT admission standards. Students who have academic needs as defined by their admission status are classified as University Studies students and are advised by Norse Advising. Norse advisors help these students plan for their timely completion of pre-college curriculum requirements and discuss avenues for academic success. They also help facilitate the selection of an appropriate major upon completion of readiness standards.

First-time freshmen who are granted admission but have two or more academic deficiencies will be admitted to and must participate in an associate degree program called the Pathfinders Program.* Through the Pathfinders Program, students must participate in a variety of advising appointments, tutoring sessions and special programs to maintain their enrollment eligibility. Please visit the website for specific details (http://pathfinders.nku.edu).

*Students who are 21 years of age or older are exempt from the Pathfinders Program. Please visit the website for specific details.

Advising Services

Undeclared students, all University Studies students, and those students who are interested in but not admitted to a program in the College of Health Professions must meet formally with an academic advisor in Norse Advising each semester. During advising appointments, NA advisors provide academic advising that is focused on students’ individual needs. Specifically, NA advisors assist students in the following ways:

1. Discuss students’ academic progress.
2. Teach students how to access information related to pre-college curriculum, general education, and major or minor course requirements.
3. Clarify university policies and procedures and help students navigate the higher education system.
4. Help students learn effective decision-making skills for choosing majors.
5. Offer proactive academic counseling for students to promote academic success.
6. Help students develop educational plans based on academic strengths, personal interests and career objectives.
7. Make referrals to appropriate university faculty, staff, and services.
8. Help students begin to identify academic majors consistent with their goals and interests.

In addition to meeting students’ advising needs, the NA director (or designee) provides assistance to students with issues that need approval from the dean/assistant dean. These include, but are not limited to, withdrawal from classes, probation, suspension, and reinstatement.

Information Technology

Location: Lucas Administrative Center
Telephone: 859-572-6911
Web Address: http://oit.nku.edu

NKU’s Office of Information Technology is committed to supporting student success. IT provides a variety of services. All students are urged to visit the student page of the IT website (http://oit.nku.edu/students.html) to learn about services and view guides that answer common IT-related questions about students’ academic experience, administrative experience, student life and IT services and fees.

Antivirus Software

IT wants to ensure that all student computers are safe from viruses. Information about obtaining this free software is available online (http://oit.nku.edu/security.html).

Blackboard

Blackboard is NKU’s online learning management system. Faculty often post course syllabi, assignments, reading material and other course-related materials on Blackboard for student access. Students are often expected to submit course assignments via Blackboard. To learn about Blackboard, visit the website (http://oit.nku.edu/students.html).

Computer Labs

IT provides computer labs in buildings across campus. Also, many academic departments have computer labs for their students. A full listing of lab locations is available online (http://oit.nku.edu/labs.html). Students may access software licensed by the university via the “virtual lab.” This free software installation allows students anytime, anywhere access to the software they need from any computer or tablet.

Technology Discounts for Students

Vendors offer discounts to students, so those who are buying Dell or Apple computers are eligible for a student discount. More information and links to the vendors’ websites to make purchases are available online (http://oit.nku.edu/minimumconfigurations.html).

Email/Storage

Each student at NKU is provided an email account that belongs to the student for life. All official communication from the university is directed to this email address. IT will assist students in setting up mobile devices to access their email in person at the Norse Tech Bar, University Center 252, or by contacting our IT Help Desk (http://oit.nku.edu/help.html). Also, connected to the email account is an online network storage location. Students can store and share files in this location.

Technology Help

Students have two options for technology assistance. If on campus during normal business hours, students are urged to visit the Norse Tech Bar in University Center 252. Students may also contact the IT Help Desk via phone 859-572-6911, instant message or online service request (http://oit.nku.edu/help.html).

NKU User Name and Password

Each NKU student is assigned a unique user name and a password for accessing online services at NKU. An NKU user name and password are generated and provided to new students in their acceptance letters. As a security measure, NKU passwords are required to change at least every 90 days. To activate your NKU user ID, change your NKU user account password or reset your password, visit the website (https://password.nku.edu).

Norse Tech Bar

Located in University Center 252, the Norse Tech Bar is the student destination for technology. Go there for answers to all your technology questions as well as software and hardware troubleshooting. We also offer lab computers with printers, large-format printers, computer/tablet/camera checkout and LCD screens for group work. Visit the website (http://techbar.nku.edu) for more information and hours, and follow us on Twitter for the latest news@nkutechbar.

Printing

Each semester, full-time students are credited a $12 print allowance. Beyond that allowance, students can add money to their All Card (http://allcard.nku.edu) for additional printing. More information is available online (http://oit.nku.edu/printing.html).

Technology Training

IT offers online tutorials on a variety of technology topics, such as Blackboard and Microsoft products. Tutorials and training resources are available online (http://oit.nku.edu/cite/students.html). IT also offers training to help students with the registration process. Tutorials and training resources about myNKU, the registration system, are available online (http://mynkuhelp.nku.edu).

Technology Use Policies

To ensure that NKU’s technology resources are secure, responsibly utilized, and available to everyone, the university has established policies that must be followed by all users of NKU’s technology resources. Illegal downloads of copyrighted materials and inappropriate use of technology resources is strictly forbidden. Policies are available online (http://oit.nku.edu/policies.html).

Wi-Fi

NKU has wireless access throughout the campus. Depending on the purpose when connecting through Wi-Fi, students can select from the various NKU networks as described online.

Learning Assistance Programs

Location: University Center 170
Telephone: 859-572-5475
Email Address: laplearn@nku.edu
Web Address: http://lap.nku.edu
Director: Diane Williams
Other Key Personnel:

Associate Director for Tutoring Programs: Jered Wasburn-Moses
Math Center and Success Skills Coordinator: Jered Wasburn-Moses
Writing Center and Academic Tutoring Coordinator: Paul Ellis
Supplemental Instruction Coordinator: Karen Jenkins
Developmental Mathematics Coordinator: Barbara Hamilton
Developmental Literacy Coordinator: Wanda Crawford
Academic Specialist: Mary Seifried
Academic Specialist: Mary Golden

Full-time faculty: Wanda Crawford, Paulette Ebert, Paul Ellis, Patricia Fairbanks, Martha Ferguson, Barbara Hamilton, Karen Jenkins, Gretchen Kauscher, Elizabeth McMillan-McCartney, Dempsy Smith, Jered Wasburn-Moses, Diane Williams, Natalie Williams

Services

The Learning Assistance Programs provide a variety of services to support students’ academic achievement. The services assist students with specific classes and specific skills required for academic success. LAP services include academic tutoring, math center, writing center, success skills tutoring, supplemental instruction, and developmental education.

Academic Tutoring

Academic tutoring provides FREE assistance and support for students who want or need to better understand the course content and materials of specific 100-, 200-, and some higher-level courses. To learn more about the service and how to schedule an appointment, students should visit the website (http://lap.nku.edu/academictutoring.html).

Math Center

The Math Center provides FREE tutoring to all NKU students interested in improving their understanding of course content and key concepts in mathematics and statistics courses. To learn more about the service and how to schedule an appointment, students should visit the website (http://lap.nku.edu/mathcenter.html).

Writing Center

The Writing Center provides FREE assistance and support for students with college writing tasks assigned in any course: essays, reports, research papers, etc. Writing Center consultants can guide and advise students through the entire writing process. To learn more about the service and how to schedule an appointment, students should visit the website (http://lap.nku.edu/writing.html).

Success Skills Tutoring

Success Skills Tutoring provides FREE, one-on-one peer assistance with many important college and life success skills, including (but not limited to) time management, effective study habits, test-taking strategies, note-taking tips, and financial literacy. To learn more about the service and how to schedule an appointment, students should visit the website (http://lap.nku.edu/success.html).

Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction provides FREE collaborative peer review sessions for some sections of difficult and challenging courses. SI leaders attend all classes and conduct weekly review sessions to help students with mastering content as well as developing learning strategies that can be applied to other courses. Students are encouraged to attend review sessions often. For more information about SI, students should visit the website (http://lap.nku.edu/supplemental.html).

Developmental Courses

The developmental mathematics and developmental literacy programs help underprepared students develop the skills and attitudes necessary for success in their college-level courses. The programs enable NKU to maintain high standards and at the same time make NKU accessible to students who do not meet the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education college readiness standards. Placement into developmental courses is based on ACT scores, SAT scores, and COMPASS and KYOTE placement test results. More information on college readiness standards and placement testing is available under Placement Testing in the Admissions and Enrollment section of this catalog, and on the website (http://lap.nku.edu/developmental.html).

Students with an academic deficiency are required to enroll in all necessary developmental courses during their first two semesters at NKU. Developmental courses do not contribute to the credits required for graduation and will not be calculated in the GPA. The following developmental courses are available:

Developmental Literacy Courses

International Developmental Literacy Courses

Developmental Mathematics Courses

 Note: Some college-level courses have a prerequisite that is higher than the CPE college readiness standards and could result in a student needing a developmental course(s).

Library

Telephone: 859-572-5457
Fax: 859-572-6181
Web Address: http://library.nku.edu
Associate Provost for Library Services: Arne Almquist
Hours During Regular Semesters:

Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

The W. Frank Steely Library, located in the center of campus and online, partners with many campus departments to support the academic achievement and success of NKU students. The library provides a variety of services and resources including wireless access, laptop checkout, a coffee shop, group study rooms, and computers with Internet access and Microsoft Office products. The media collection offers streaming music and video, in addition to CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and software. An eContent area provides computers with multimedia software such as Photoshop, Acrobat Professional, Dreamweaver, and InDesign.

Other special services (http://steelylibrary.nku.edu/services.html) include research consultation (in person, by phone, by email, by chat, or by appointment); classroom instruction and embedded librarians via Blackboard courses; My Librarian and First-Year Experience services; web-based research guides and tutorials; SourceFinder (a document delivery service for obtaining materials not available at Steely Library); access to almost 200 databases, many with full-text documents; and a growing collection of electronic books. Steely Library is also a depository for many federal government publications. The Eva G. Farris Special Collections and Schlachter University Archives contain materials related to the history of NKU and materials documenting the history and heritage of the northern Kentucky region, the Ohio River valley, the Underground Railroad, Appalachian writers, and military history.

Steely Library has reciprocal borrowing agreements with the University of Cincinnati’s Langsam Library and the three northern Kentucky public library systems in Boone County, Campbell County, and Kenton County. Students and faculty may use their NKU All Card to borrow materials from these libraries. Please visit the library’s home page for more information about its facilities and services.

NKU Bookstore, Barnes & Noble

Location: University Center Plaza Level
Telephone: 859-572-5142
Web Address: http://www.shopnku.com
Summer Hours from 5/16 - 8/15:

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Store Hours will be updated regularly on our Bookstore Website (http://shopnku.com).
Please check for changes and extended hours.

Extended Hours: At the beginning of fall and spring semesters.

Barnes & Noble offers NKU students all the options for college textbooks. Students can buy new and used books, rent books, and obtain digital editions of books. The bookstore also stocks the materials required for classes. Students looking for easy and convenient textbooks for the best price should visit the NKU bookstore website to place an online order. For books ordered online, the bookstore will box up the requested books and have them ready for pick-up.

Student Success Center

Located in the University Center, the Student Success Center serves as a seamless and streamlined experience to equip and empower students for success. For additional information regarding the student success center and services offered, please contact us at success@nku.edu.  Services and programs available to students in the student success center include:

Career Services

University Center 225
859-572-5680

Career Services provides programs and services that engage and empower students to establish academic and career goals, obtain co-ops and internships, secure meaningful employment, and manage their careers for rewarding, fulfilled lives. Career Services also operates as the principal point of contact and servicing unit for employers who wish to recruit students for co-ops, internships and full-time positions. The career services team is committed to providing excellent career-related programs, services, and resources. Visit the website or stop by for details (http://careerservices.nku.edu).

First-Year Programs

University Center 120
859-572-5913

Northern Kentucky University freshman students have the opportunity to experience their first college year in an environment that promotes active learning, collaboration and personal development through these programs:

• Alpha Lambda Delta
• Book Connection
• Freshmen Specialists
• Learning Communities
• University 101: Orientation to College & Beyond

Health, Counseling and Student Wellness

University Center 440
859-572-5650

Health, Counseling and Student Wellness is dedicated to helping students achieve and maintain optimal levels of physical, mental and emotional functioning. Services are administered by highly trained and qualified professionals, including a registered nurse who is available free of charge and on a walk-in basis. NKU’s licensed clinicians provide confidential services in crisis intervention and individual and group counseling. Health, Counseling and Student Wellness also educates students on substance use and provides women’s health services.

International Education Center

University Center 340
859-572-7976

The international education center is composed of the Office of Education Abroad, the Office of International Students and Scholars, and the Office of American English Language Programs. Our mission is to develop and promote global perspectives through engagement in the international arena and to become a regional resource for global initiatives. NKU achieves its international mission through high-quality study abroad experiences; international student recruitment, retention and involvement; an international curriculum; international scholar exchanges; and diverse international opportunities for faculty and staff in teaching, research and outreach.

Learning Assistance Programs

University Center 170
859-572-5475

Learning Assistance Programs offers five, free tutoring services: academic tutoring for help learning the content and materials of specific courses, a mathematics center, a writing center, success skills tutoring, and a supplemental instruction program that offers group tutoring/review sessions in selected, historically difficult courses. Learning Assistance Programs also offers developmental courses in mathematics, reading, and writing.

Norse Advising

University Center 210
859-572-6900

The mission of Norse Advising is to advise and teach students skills that facilitate growth through exploration as they embark upon their educational careers at NKU. We help students navigate the university and make informed decisions while transitioning into majors and professional careers. Norse Advising serves as the primary advising center for undeclared students in University Studies and offers walk-in advising assistance to all NKU students. We also manage the Compass desk, where peer coaches provide quick answers to student questions.

Norse Tech Bar

University Center 252

The Norse Tech Bar is the student destination for technology. Go there for answers to all your technology questions as well as software and hardware troubleshooting. We also offer lab computers with printers, large-format printers, computer/tablet/camera checkout, and LED screens for group work. Visit the website (http://techbar.nku.edu) for more information and hours, and follow us on Twitter for the latest news @nkutechbar.

Testing Services

University Center 101
859-572-6373

Testing Services at NKU offers testing services for placement, undergraduate admissions, credit by examination, accommodated classroom examinations, distance learning proctoring, and certification/licensure. Testing services provides standardized and proctored exams in a convenient and secure testing environment for the NKU community and region. Testing services adheres to the National College Testing Association Professional Standards and Guidelines.

TRiO-Student Support Services

University Center 127
859-572-5138

TRiO-Student Support Services is the home on campus for first generation college students. You will find friendly and knowledgeable staff and students who understand what it means to be the first in your family to attend and finish college. You will benefit from mentoring, advising, coaching, and other resources and opportunities designed to support your personal, academic, and career goals. SSS is funded through a federal TRiO grant from the U. S. Department of Education. You must meet parental education and income guidelines to be eligible. Apply online to be an SSS Scholar (http://sss.nku.edu).

Learning Experience and Parenting (LEAP)

If you are a student parent from Kentucky trying to juggle school, work, and parenting, then LEAP might be for you. Through LEAP, student parents have access to campus and community resources, assistance with student employment, and an ally in navigating complex state benefits systems. LEAP students participate in personal support sessions, professional development workshops, leadership opportunities, and Holiday Help. Funded through a grant from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, LEAP students must be Kentucky residents receiving public assistance. For more information, visit University Center 120 or email leap@nku.edu.

University Connect and Persist

University Center 120
859-572-6497

University Connect and Persist empowers students to create action plans, establish success networks, and implement techniques that promote persistence to graduation and lifelong learning. UCAP offers a Lending Library, Financial Fitness programming and consultation, and a last dollar SGA retention award. Any student with questions or concerns related to their NKU experience is welcome to stop in or make an appointment with a member of our team. UCAP likewise supports faculty and staff in their work with students through timely outreach once a student is referred to our office.

TRiO-Student Support Services

Location: University Center 127
Telephone: 859-572-5138
Fax: 859-572-5336
Email Address: sss@nku.edu
Web Addresses: http://sss.nku.edu
Director: Vacant
Other Key Personnel:

Associate Director: Joyce Couch
Support Coach: Anita Adkins
Administrative Assistant: Cynthia Ash

TRiO-Student Support Services is the home on campus for first-generation college students. You will find friendly and knowledgeable staff and students who understand what it means to be the first in your family to attend and finish college. SSS Scholars will benefit from mentoring, advising, coaching, and other resources and opportunities designed to support your personal, academic, and career goals. SSS is funded through a federal TRiO grant from the U. S. Department of Education. You must meet parental education and income guidelines to be eligible. Apply online to be an SSS Scholar (http://sss.nku.edu).

Learning Experience and Parenting (LEAP)

If you are a student parent from Kentucky trying to juggle school, work, and parenting, then LEAP might be for you. Through LEAP, student parents have access to campus and community resources, assistance with student employment, and an ally in navigating complex state benefits systems. LEAP students participate in personal support sessions, professional development workshops, leadership opportunities, and Holiday Help. Funded through a grant from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, LEAP students must be Kentucky residents receiving public assistance. For more information, visit University Center 120 or email leap@nku.edu.

University Connect and Persist

Location: University Center 120
Telephone: 859-572-6497
Email Address: ucap@nku.edu
Web Address: http://ucap.nku.edu
Director: Peg Adams

University Connect and Persist develops and implements proactive strategies that empower students to create action plans, establish success networks, and implement techniques that promote persistence to graduation and lifelong learning. In addition, UCAP engages the campus community in collaborative partnerships to facilitate student success and oversees the early referral process, while assisting students in creating and utilizing their success networks.

How do students connect with us?

• Early Referral: Faculty may refer any student who appears to need assistance with issues that could hinder academic progress.
• Walk-In/Self-Referral: Any student with questions or concerns related to their NKU experience is welcome to stop in or make an appointment with UCAP staff.
• Scholarship and Grant Recipients: UCAP staff work one on one with students who receive the Educational Diversity Scholarship and the Northern Difference Grant. Students are required to meet with UCAP staff throughout their college career for guidance and support.
• Proactive Outreach: Students who are identified as needing additional support are contacted by UCAP for early intervention.

Our Programs and Services

• The Lending Library allows students to borrow one textbook per semester. Students who borrow books meet with a UCAP staff for a financial and academic wellness check.
• SGA Retention Award is a one-time-only tuition assistance award that helps students who are struggling financially. Students schedule an appointment with a UCAP coordinator to discuss eligibility criteria and the application process.
• Financial Consultation and Workshops provide students with essential information about their financial picture, especially as it relates to their academic plan. UCAP coordinators are available to work with students to develop strategies and plans to address financial challenges.
• Networking is a life skill beneficial in college and beyond. Students learn how to build, expand and activate their success network at NKU.

Veterans Resource Station

Location: University Center 131
Telephone: 859-572-7867
Email Address: veteransresource@nku.edu
Web Address: http://veterans.nku.edu
Director: Dave Merriss
Other Key Personnel:

Coordinator/Certifying Official: Robin Estridge

This outreach service for veterans and their families helps to create a community of university personnel, students and community agencies that increase the likelihood of veterans, student service members and their family members completing their educational goals.

The Veterans Resource Station offers individual computer and Internet access that includes a welcoming, open space to study, socialize, borrow books, and connect with other veterans. VRS student peer mentors are veterans or family members of veterans who provide information, referrals, and support to enable students to successfully navigate and connect with the right resources. NKU’s student organization for veterans, Norse VETS (https://www.facebook.com/nkuvets), provides a social group and support structure to help veterans adjust to and become successful in civilian life. The Veterans Resource Station acts as a resource library for a broad range of services and benefits provided by the Kentucky and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other community activities.

The Veterans Resource Station processes and certifies Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits for veterans and family members.

Benefit Programs Through the GI Bill