Fast Facts
Mission
To guide students through a structured process for transition to the university and selection of a major. Our program prepares students to gain the foundation for acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become self-reliant and productive citizens of an increasingly diverse community. https://advising.dasa.ncsu.edu/welcome-to-exploratory-studies/
History
Academic Advising Programs and Services has its roots in several ground-breaking programs from the 1980s for first-year and undecided students. In 1995, these programs were consolidated into the First Year College (FYC). The program was unique at NC State, and very different from most first-year efforts around the country. FYC was designed especially for undecided students, to give them a year to explore majors, learn how to succeed in college, and discover more about themselves. Each year, students complete a small, two-semester orientation course taught by their academic adviser – someone who sees them as students and as people, and who cares about their development and their success. This model is the core of Exploratory Studies, the foundation that has allowed it to grow and evolve, and to become an important part of NC State University. In 2015 FYC became Exploratory Studies when it became part of University College. Partnerships with other NC State colleges developed into the Intracollege Transfer (ICT) program, for students at NC State redeciding on their majors. Leadership and collaboration in advisor training and professional development has led to the creation of the Advisor Development Institute, the Advisor Roundtables, and other programs and resources for advisors at NC State. All of these programs became part of the newly named Academic Advising Programs and Services department in 2018. Most recently, AAPS became the home for the Transfer Student coordinator and the International Student Support coordinator.
People
- 2 Associate Directors
- 15 Academic Advisors and Lecturers
- 1 International Student Support Coordinator
- 1 Transfer Student Coordinator
- 2 Support Staff
- Staff Directory https://advising.dasa.ncsu.edu/about-us/our-team/
Activities
AAPS is comprised of Exploratory Studies, Intracampus Transfer (ICT), and Advisor Training and Resources, and houses the coordinators for Transfer Student and International Student Support. Our advisors teach USC 101, 102, and 298, advise students in Exploratory Studies and ICT, and serve as walk-in advisors for all undergraduates who are redeciding about their majors. The Virtual Advisor answers questions online, and Advisor Training and Resources offers NC State advisors online and in person assistance with the Advisors Toolkit, the Advisors Development Institute, and Advising Roundtables.
Recognition and Accomplishments
Exploratory Studies Matriculations Trends:
| 2013-2014 | 2014-2015 | 2015-2016 | 2016-2017 | 2017-2018 | 2018-2019 | |
| 7.3% | 7.2% | 9.3% | 8.6% | 9.5% | 7.1% | College of Agriculture & Life Sciences |
| 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 1.75% | College of Design |
| 1.1% | 2.0% | 2.5% | 4.8% | 4.3% | 3.96% | College of Education |
| 16.5% | 18.2% | 14.6% | 20.9% | 15.3% | 12.24% | College of Engineering |
| 24.5% | 25.0% | 28.5% | 24.1% | 24.7% | 24.71% | College of Humanities & Social Sciences |
| 9.9% | 9.6% | 11.1% | 8.5% | 9.1% | 8.62% | College of Natural Resources |
| 12.1% | 10.0% | 8.3% | 10.4% | 8.6% | 11.77% | College of Sciences |
| 8.7% | 6.6% | 5.4% | 4.5% | 4.1% | 2.68% | Wilson College of Textiles |
| 19.9% | 21.4% | 20.4% | 17.9% | 23.8% | 27.16% | Poole College of Management |
Recent Staff Recognitions and Nominations
- Dr. Andrea Atkin, Barbara Soloman Advising Award 2019 (recipient)
- Dr. Brian Peters, Barbara Soloman Advising Award 2019 (nominee)
- University College Teaching Award 2019 Nominees: Kimberly Cole & Gina Riccobono
- Pride of the Wolfpack Award Winners 2019: Susannah Lawrence & John Resnick-Kahle
Facilities
Holmes Hall, 2751 Cates Avenue
Director or Department Head
Dr. Brian Peters, Associate Director, University Advising Partnerships & Services
919.515.5598
bapeters@ncsu.edu
Kimberly Cole, Associate Director, First Year Advising Services
919.513.3539
kefrankl@ncsu.edu
