Allen Student Advising Center supports student success

This fall the Allen Student Advising Center (ASAC) moved to the second floor of Alden Library. Ohio University students can now find ASAC staff and programs in the Academic Achievement Center (AAC). This move helped consolidate the academic support services provided to students by the Allen Student Advising Center and the Academic Achievement Center. 

“The Allen Student Advising Center is a great place to start when students are not sure where to go, or who to ask for help,” said University College Assistant Dean for Student Persistence and Success Jenny Klein.

Center staff provide advising and support for students focused on exploring majors, minors, and certificates; changing majors; adding or dropping classes; improving class performance; connecting to campus resources. They can also provide specific support for first-generation and commuter students.

ASAC Graduate Assistant Brittney Seals provides support, advising and programming for first-generation students. “Any student who is looking to become more invested in their academic endeavors should visit the Allen Center,” said Seals.

“We are here to support undergraduate students from any major or college,” said Director Angela Lash. “We pride ourselves in being proactive and student-centered. We listen carefully, offer thoughtful advising and suggestions, but always leave the final decision about how to move forward to the student.”

Sophomore Clayton Hoskinson, a nutrition science major, said the Allen Center, and advising from Lash, have helped him find success at OHIO. “I was on the verge of being academically dismissed from the university and with the help of the staff there I'm now in good standing and I was able to declare my major.”

Lexi Fogle, an information and telecommunication systems major, said she appreciates the advice, information and support she has received at the Allen Center during her college career. “I’m thankful for the Allen Center because without it, I wouldn’t have the help that has made a tremendous difference in my academics each semester,” said Fogle.

Graduate Assistant Chais Michael advises students from various majors who come to the Center for walk-in advising and provides study skills coaching to help students with general study tips, time management, and note-taking. “We do our best to get students the answers they are searching for,” Michael said, explaining that if ASAC advisors are unable to help with a student’s needs or questions, they will refer them to the appropriate person or place on campus.

Students can find the academic advising, college study skills coaching, and OHIO First Scholars Program offered by the Allen Center staff within the Academic Achievement Center in Alden Library 230. ASAC hours are 8 a.m to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday.