Academic Success

Southwestern University

The Center for Academic Success & Advising offers resources empowering students to achieve academic success. We act as the primary support for the academic experience of the campus community. Our aim is to provide student-centered services in a supportive and professional setting.

All students are welcome!

Programs & Services

Captain’s Academy is a donation funded program that supports first-year first-generation students. A first-generation college student’s are defined as those students whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a four-year baccalaureate degree as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965. Enrollment in the program is by email invitation and typically begins in June prior to Sprog.

Program Benefits:

Community of support and sense of belonging
Dedicated First-Gen Peer Educator who serves as a resource and guide
Exclusive Southwestern University First-Generation Stole upon graduating
Higher cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)*
Mixers, study halls, and collaborative socials with campus partners
Network of First-Gen Faculty and Professional Staff
Official Certificate of Completion and Pin upon completing the first-year
Private academic focused sessions with campus partners
Sponsored funding for select off-campus trips

*On average, participants earn a higher cumulative GPA compared to non-participants in their first-year. The average cumulative GPA for 2024-2025 participants was 3.39.

This program is designed in collaboration with the Athletic department to assist first-year student-athletes in their pursuit of academic success.

Student-athletes enrolled in the program are required to set-up an initial meeting within the first week of class. Students will need to provide syllabi for all courses. These syllabi will be referred to throughout the semester as part of the meeting process. Participants will receive an email from their assigned support staff with additional information.

Individual meeting topics include:

Time & Priority Management
Study Skills, Test Taking Strategies
S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Campus Resources Referrals
Mid-semester grade checks, Grade projections
Stress & Anxiety Management

A part-time student is defined as one taking a course load of 11 credits or fewer. Students are expected to enroll as full-time students with at least 12 credits. Failure to enroll as a full-time student may carry consequences such as a change of academic status, financial aid penalties, or forfeiting of athletic eligibility.

Students who need fewer than 12 credits to graduate may request an exception of full-time status by requesting approval from the Office of the Registrar.
Students who wish to drop from full-time to part-time status must complete a Permission to Drop to Part-Time Status form and meet with a staff member in the Center for Academic Success & Advising to determine what consequences, if any, could result from such action.

LatinXcel is a program designed to foster a strong sense of belonging, build a supportive community, and promote academic, professional, and personal success. Open to students of all backgrounds, the program offers mentorship, connection, and opportunities for growth to help participants thrive in college and beyond.

Eligibility & Expectations

To be considered an active member of LatinXcel, you must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student at Southwestern University, meet with the program coordinator at least once per academic year, and complete this membership form. By joining LatinXcel, students commit to a high standard of academic engagement, leadership, and community involvement. As a member, you are expected to:

Maintain good academic standing and aim for the Dean’s List each semester
Demonstrate ongoing engagement in the program throughout your undergraduate studies
Participate in the SU Alumni Network Mentoring Program
Engage in at least one High Impact Experience, with a goal of participating in two
Provide regular updates on academic progress, extracurricular activities, internships, research, and other achievements
Complete program evaluations or surveys to contribute to continuous improvement

All Southwestern University undergraduate students who are interested in culture, community, and reaching their full academic potential are encouraged to join!

Mentors are a source of academic support for fellow students throughout their time at SU. As upper-level students, the Peer Academic Mentors have experiences both in and out of the classroom that help relate to the students they work with. They work with students to develop effective study skills and strategies on an individual basis, design and facilitate academic skills workshops, refer students to campus life support services, and guide students through short- and long-term planning.

Contact the Peer Academic Mentors

A course may be added or dropped after the specified deadline only if the student has an emergency or extenuating circumstances. To add or drop a course after the deadline, the student needs to submit a petition to the Academic Standard Committee. Review the current Academic Calendar for add/drop deadlines.

Appeal for Academic Standard Committee Form

Participation in the PASS Program is mandatory for students on academic probation, continued probation, and academic warning. Students receive a letter from the Registrar notifying them of their academic standing at the conclusion of each semester.

During bi-weekly individual academic counseling sessions, we track the student’s progress, strategize for optimum academic performance, and provide support as the student works on specific areas of difficulty. The meetings are designed to provide students with knowledge and resources, as well as to immediately put into practice new tips, techniques, and systems to become academically successful.

The Senior Director of the Center for Academic Success & Advising contacts students during the first week of class notifying them of the requirement to meet within the first two weeks of the semester. During the initial meeting, students are made aware of the academic requirements needed to avoid dismissal and subsequent follow-up meetings are scheduled.

Students may be eligible to receive accommodations based on the nature and functional limitations of a documented disability. Students with disabilities who require accommodations to receive equal access should begin by completing the online Student Application.

Learn more about services for students with disabilities

Considering leaving Southwestern University? Whether your leave is permanent or temporary, we provide support for students by ensuring they are aware of all available options to them before making a final decision.

Learn more about Leaving SU Support