UC’s Discovery Program tapped for national honor

The University College's Discovery Program for undeclared students will be recognized later this year in the 2008 Annual Awards Program for Academic Advising presented by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

The Discovery Program’s award, which recognizes innovative and exemplary advising programs, will be officially presented during the annual NACADA conference in October.

"We are pleased to be recognized nationally for excellence in academic advising," said Jon Steingass, dean of University College. "This external validation from our peers reaffirms what we already knew: that University College programs are cutting edge and improve student success at VCU." 

The Discovery Program offers a blend of individual and group counseling sessions and workshops to assist undeclared students. Advisers help first-year undeclared students monitor their academic progress, schedule courses, interpret university regulations and procedures and maximize their academic success. In conjunction with the University Career Center, advisers help students to link educational options with career opportunities.

In addition, each semester the Discovery Program offers a three-credit class, UNIV 103 “Focus on Choice,” that concentrates on careers, educational opportunities and the development of each student’s potential. Advisers also provide alternative advising options for those who do not qualify for, or are not admissible to, their preferred programs of study.