OSAC

The Office for Student Academic Counseling (OSAC) offers academic and personal support to all UNC students. OSAC's primary objective is to sponsor programs and activities that promote academic excellence, increase retention, and improve the campus climate for diversity among American Indian and African American undergraduates. Support provided by OSAC includes the Minority  Advisory Program, Cultural and Personal Enrichment Sessions for American Indian Students, the STAR Networks, and the annual Academic Achievement (3.0) Awards Ceremony. Historically, OSAC has worked cooperatively with members of several student organizations including Black Women United, the Black Student Movement, the Carolina Hispanic Student Association, the National Panhellenic Council, the Asian Student Association, and the Carolina Indian Circle. Among the tribes that have been represented in the Carolina Indian Circle over the years are the Cherokee, Coharie, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, and Waccamaw Siouan. An Associate Dean, an Assistant Dean, and a Program Assistant work with several Graduate Assistants to meet the needs of any UNC student requesting assistance.  STAFF Contact

The Minority Advisory Program and Carolina Covenant Peer Mentoring Program

The Minority Advisory Program (MAP) consists of minority students with cumulative grade point averages of 2.5 or higher, who volunteer to serve as peer mentors to minority first-year undergraduates providing academic counseling, and bridging communication between OSAC and first-year students, and assisting them with their transition from high school to university life.  OSAC also oversees the Carolina Covenant Peer Mentoring Program.  As with MAP, Carolina Covenant Scholars volunteer to serve as peer mentors to first-year students, in this case Carolina Covenant Scholars, to assist them with their academic and social transition to Carolina.

Academic Monitoring System

This program identifies early in the semester, students who are in potential danger of academic failure. Professors and instructors complete academic progress data forms that assess the student's performance in a course. The Deans review these forms and  discuss improvement strategies with the student.

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshops

These workshops encourage students to strengthen their study skills through organized topical discussions and a mutual sharing of ideas.  Those topics include;  reading for college, note-taking, preparing for taking tests, studying for Biology, studying for Chemistry, using and citing sources properly and effectively, time management, test prep, reading prep/speed, studying/active learning, memorization, managing time and stress and preparing for final exams. 

Cultural & Enrichment Sessions for American Indian Students

These sessions provide opportunities to discuss aspects of their culture and heritage, share their experiences at UNC and discuss strategies for meeting their personal and academic goals.

STAR Networks

These networks organize sophomores, juniors, and seniors to help them prepare for graduate research and career opportunities.

 Academic Achievement (3.0) Recognition Ceremony

These ceremonies acknowledge minority students who have excelled academically while attending UNC. Students achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher are recognized each semester and awarded a certificate of achievement. Parents and friends are encouraged to attend this annual event.