Spectrum - Volume 20 Issue 07 October 9, 1997 - Project Success wins national advising award

A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor , a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

Project Success wins national advising award

By Catherine Doss

Spectrum Volume 20 Issue 08 - October 16, 1997

One of Virginia Tech's student-advising programs, Project Success, has been awarded a Certificate of Merit by the National Academic Advising Association. The award, presented at the association's national conference last week, recognizes innovative and/or exemplary practices that have resulted in the improvement of academic-advising services.
Project Success, operated through the Center for Academic Enrichment and Excellence (CAEE), is a goal-setting, self-assessed seminar for undergraduate students with quality-credit averages (QCA's) less than 2.0. The seminar assists students in increasing their QCA's, enhancing study and personal management skills, and graduating from Virginia Tech. Since its inception in the fall of 1993, more than 60 percent of Project Success participants have been retained, improved their QCA's, and/or graduated from the university.
Project Success is a voluntary program. Students with QCA's less than 2.0 are mailed an invitation to apply for the program at the beginning of each semester and during summer sessions. Participants commit to a weekly one-and-a-half-hour group seminar. Students who are uncomfortable participating in a group setting may obtain individual assistance through CAEE.
"Project Success is a prime example of how intervention efforts for students who are struggling academically can have positive results," said Provost Peggy S. Meszaros. "As an institution, we are dedicated to ensuring the success of our students and extremely proud of this exemplary program."
The National Academic Advising Association is a 5,000-member non-profit organization promoting quality academic advising and professional development of its membership to ensure the educational development of students. Its membership includes faculty members, professional advisors, administrators, counselors, and others in academic and student affairs concerned with the intellectual, personal, and vocational needs of students.
Faculty members may become involved in Project Success by volunteering to be a facilitator and/or by referring students to participate. For more information, call Amelia Clark at extension 1-4133.