From Start to Finish: Interdisciplinary Studies Graduation Support

Each student in the Associate of Individualized Study in Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) program at UC Online has access to a student success coordinator who offers support from enrollment to graduation. With the help of student success coordinators and our excellent faculty, our AIS students can customize their curriculum utilizing their previously earned college credits to earn a degree that fits their needs. Read on to meet Rachel, your student success coordinator, and learn about the support and help you will receive while in the Associate of Individualized Study in Interdisciplinary Studies program!

Step-by-Step with Rachel J.

Program: Associate of Individualized Study in Interdisciplinary Studies

Background:

My approach to higher education is a bit unique. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati with an undergraduate degree in communications, I started my career in human resources. I spent six years in the field before realizing I craved something more for my career. I was determined to be in a field that I felt passionate about, where I could make a difference. I started in higher education because I felt inclined to support students on their educational journey and to see students succeed. It’s rewarding to watch students start in their program and then graduate. I’m grateful to be a Student Success Coordinator and have the opportunity to work with so many wonderful students!

Orientation Support:

Getting started in the Associate of Individualized Study in Interdisciplinary Studies program is simple! My goal as a student success coordinator is to ensure students have everything needed to be successful, starting on day one. To get started, students will first have a welcome call with me. The welcome call is a great way to get to know each other and provide program details and expectations, as well as an opportunity for the students to ask questions or raise concerns. I also help students get enrolled in their courses for their first semester. In addition to the call, students will be invited to complete the Online Orientation in Canvas, which will help them get acclimated to UC Online and the learning management system Canvas.

Administration Support:

For financial aid questions or concerns, UC Online has a dedicated staff member to assist online students. As a student success coordinator, I can also connect students to our resources in the Student One Stop and the financial aid office.

Our AIS online students will have two dedicated points of contact. In addition to me, our students will be assigned an academic advisor who will assist them each semester with registration, course planning, and their graduation plan.

Course Registration:

Students will self-register for courses in the UC system Catalyst. I am available to assist students with their registration process. I will provide students with courses they need to register for in their first semester. Once students begin the program, they will work directly with an instructor and their advisor to select their course clusters based on their interests and previously earned credits, and build their graduation plan in the My Graduation Plan system. Each semester, students will need to only register for the classes in the My Graduation Plan to ensure they stay on track for graduation. We always encourage students to reach out to their student success coordinator or advisor prior to enrolling if they have questions or concerns.

Check-ins:

Each student is unique, and so is my approach to guiding them throughout their program. First and foremost, all new students will be contacted for a first-term check-in (a few weeks into their first semester) to make sure they are happy with the courses and the program. I will also send frequent reminders throughout the semester regarding important program details and UC dates and deadlines. I work directly with the academic advisor for this program and will reach out to students for additional check-ins when needed. I am always readily available for students through email, phone, and text.

Graduation Support:

Having a set graduation plan in place is vital to a student’s success. That’s why each student will have their own graduation plan uploaded into the My Graduation Plan system. Students will work directly with their academic advisor to create a plan and will follow that each semester when registering for classes. Each student’s journey will be different in the AIS program, so it’s very important to follow their graduation plan to track their academic progress.

If the Associate of Individualized Study in Interdisciplinary Studies program sounds like the right program for you, I look forward to meeting you and guiding you through to graduation!