As-U-R supports App State students with executive function challenges (EFCs).
As-U-R is an intensive student support program focused on supporting students with executive function challenges (EFCs). Many skills related to academic success, such as organization, setting priorities, and monitoring progress on tasks are referred to as executive function skills. The seven executive functions that As-U-R focuses on are:
- Monitoring (Self and Tasks)
- Planning and Organizing
- Working Memory
- Cognitive Flexibility (Switching)
- Initiation
- Emotional Regulation
- Inhibition
Services & Support
Accountability
As-U-R provides intensive academic accountability to students through weekly one-on-ones with a mentor, as well as assistance in creating weekly study times. As-U-R is located in I.G. Greer, and our space includes the lobby (238), several independent study rooms, and Study Central (room 224), which also serves as meeting space for our mentors and students. We recognize some students have preferences for other study spaces on campus, but using Study Central as a primary study space gives students direct access to assistance from Support Staff, as well as an ability to engage with the As-U-R community of students.
Community
Along with the intensive academic support that As-U-R students receive, community is also a large contributing aspect that makes this program successful. As-U-R produces an environment that is always positive and it is so encouraging to see our students motivate one another on a daily basis. Students are encouraged to participate in wellness and social activities together outside of academics, which is an important part of student stress relief. Join us at one of our upcoming events.
Drop-In or Appointment Based Support
In addition to weekly mentor meetings, we recognize that crises do occur. Students are always welcome to come seek support from the As-U-R Director or Assistant Director on a drop-in basis if issues arise. Additionally, students seeking further assistance with learning strategy development may make an appointment with the support staff to dive deeper into these skills.
Seminar
As-U-R provides an ability for students to further engage with the As-U-R community, as well as learn relevant skills related to EFCs, through access to semester-long seminars. These seminars are offered for elective credit. While these courses are not mandatory, they are strongly encouraged.
Weekly Academic Mentor Meetings
All As-U-R students are matched with a Support Staff Member to work with on a weekly basis throughout the semester. These weekly meetings are a mandatory support for As-U-R students and are expected to be treated with the same priority as attending class. Expectations will be thoroughly discussed at the first semester meeting and an As-U-R contract will be signed between the As-U-R mentor and student. Students will receive individualized organizational support for the week, which includes creating a weekly plan for completion of assignments that are due, as well as assistance navigating AsULearn and ensuring that all assignments are submitted on a timely basis. Additionally, students have access to intensive executive skill coaching with As-U-R's full-time staff members, as well as with their trained As-U-R mentor. As-U-R collaborates with other campus resources to ensure all As-U-R student needs are being met. The ultimate goal for our program is to create academically independent students by providing intensive support in the beginning of their As-U-R program acceptance, with the intention that students will learn the necessary skills to take ownership of their education.
Study Material & Learning Assistance Technology
As-U-R students are given access to necessary study tools, such as highlighters, notecards, Cornell note-taking paper, and list and planner tools. Students also have the option to use Livescribe Smart Pens to assist with note-taking. Students can rent a Livescribe 3 Smart Pen with a notebook at any point during the semester from the As-U-R Director. Additionally, Study Central provides access to free printing and access to desktop computers, as well as PC laptops and Macbooks. Students can rent these from the As-U-R Director while completing homework in As-U-R designated spaces.
Applying to be in As-U-R
Any degree-seeking undergraduate student who attends, or plans to attend App State is eligible to apply. As-U-R admits incoming freshman, transfer students, and current students, depending on program capacity. When a student is admitted to As-U-R they are retained in our program until graduation.
Click here to learn more about the As-U-R application process.
We value your feedback!
Submit this Google form (annonymously or self-identifying) to give us feedback on the program.