Appalachian's As-U-R — an academic resource for any student

View larger image — Jamie Inlow, director of As-U-R, an intensive student support program offered by Appalachian’s Student Learning Center, has worked with junior Ronshad Shabazz since his freshman year. Their working relationship has grown into a friendship both of them say they value. Photo by Marie Freeman

By Mary Giunca

Posted Oct. 1, 2017 at 3:30 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — The Student Learning Center in Appalachian State University’s University College offers support specially designed for first-generation students, nontraditional students, student-athletes and students with learning disabilities. And, according to Jamie Inlow, director of As-U-R — an intensive student support program offered by the learning center — the center is also “an amazing resource for any student, even if they may be struggling to bump a solid B up to an A.”

In addition to academic support, the center’s programs expose students to service, research and an array of cultural and intellectual enrichment opportunities.

Inlow’s program, As-U-R, helps students develop critical executive functioning skills, including planning and organization, that may not be taught in high school.

Ronshad Shabazz, a junior majoring in criminal justice at Appalachian, said during high school he never mastered study or time management skills he needed to succeed in college. Inlow began working with Shabazz his freshman year. They meet several times a week, and Shabazz is on a path to graduate in 2019.

Shabazz described Inlow as a giving, selfless person who has made him glad he chose Appalachian. “As long as you surround yourself with people who are going to better you and have your best interests at heart, you’ll survive college,” he said.

About the Student Learning Center

Established in 1972, the Student Learning Center at Appalachian State University provides six core services designed to make higher education accessible by providing students the insights they need to navigate their college environment successfully. These services include tutorial services and academic strategy instruction, which are offered to all undergraduate students, and four additional services — ACCESS, Student Support Services, As-U-R and Academic Services for Student Athletes — which serve specific groups of students identified as needing comprehensive support. Learn more at https://studentlearningcenter.appstate.edu.

About University College

Formed in 2007, University College consists of the university’s general education program, faculty and student support, and co-curricular programming and support – all designed to support the work of students both inside and outside the classroom. All students at Appalachian begin their education in University College and benefit from its programs until they graduate. Learn more at https://universitycollege.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.