Academic Support

The Office of Academic Support offers professional advising and academic support for all undergraduate and graduate students. Our staff partner with students and faculty to enhance academic experience, and our office is committed to collaborative engagement across the campus community to improve the student experience.

Mission

The mission of Academic Support is to engage all degree-seeking students and support faculty advisors in the academic planning process to enhance the academic experience at Mercyhurst.

Supporting Our Students

Academic Advising

Each Mercyhurst student has a faculty advisor in their major/program to:

Help students understand major requirements and planning courses.
Approve students for registration.
Serve as mentors in their field.
Ensure students are on track to finish their degree.

Student success coaches are professional staff in the Office of Academic Support to:

Serve as an additional academic resources to students.
Offer general guidance regarding academics.
Assist students to develop academic goals and explore their interests.
Help students to understand the REACH Curriculum.
Foster skills that encourage academic success.
Address academic performance concerns.

Academic Advantage Program

The Academic Advantage Program is a structured, inclusive academic program designed to help with the transition to college while fostering skills that encourage academic success and career readiness. Students participating in the program receive consistent one-on-one support from a professional student success coach throughout their enrollment and design an individualized academic plan based on their strengths, abilities, and interests. Weekly sessions help students acquire more effective and efficient study skills, promote self-awareness, and foster independence to increase academic achievement. The Academic Advantage Program is a fee-based service and available to all majors and college years.

To enroll in the Academic Advantage Program, please complete this online form. This form should only be submitted once a student has committed to enrolling at Mercyhurst. Please submit at least 30 days prior to the term bill due date to ensure timely processing.

Exploratory Studies Program

Choosing a major might be daunting and students are sometimes unsure where to begin. Academic Support is available to guide students who come to Mercyhurst as an undeclared major (Exploratory Studies) or who are considering changing their current major. We use personality and interest inventories to help students to examine their values, interests, and skills. Students are also strongly encouraged to attend the annual Majors & Minors Fair to learn more about Mercyhurst’s undergraduate majors. We recommend that Exploratory Studies students declare a major by the end of the fall semester of their sophomore year. Stay connected with your student success coach to explore options while staying on track to graduate.

Exploratory Studies Program

Student Services

Academic Support offers professional advising and academic support to students in associate degree, baccalaureate degree, and graduate degree programs. Our professional staff empower students to develop personalized educational goals which align with their academic and career interests.

Academic Support can assist students with:

Providing general academic guidance and academic advising.
Implementing academic success strategies.
Assisting with course planning and registration.
Developing academic goals.
Navigating the college environment.
Exploring interest areas and majors.
Finding a peer tutor.
Understanding the REACH liberal arts curriculum.
Addressing academic performance concerns.
Clarifying academic procedures and policies.
Connecting with other campus resources.

Hear from our Lakers

"My student success coach helped me with different study methods and has helped me get on the right track with what you need to do in regard to schoolwork. In the past, I struggled with not asking questions whenever I needed help and while being in AAP here at Mercyhurst I’m starting to ask those questions. I’d rate my overall experience in AAP a 10—an 11 if it was an option. I’d recommend this experience to anyone who needs it because like I’ve said, they help you get on the right track but it’s up to you to do the work."

"During my time in the Academic Advantage Program at Mercyhurst I have realized several goals with the help of my student success coach: I was able to get through all my classes. I will be able to achieve my goal of graduating and graduating with a dual major. Proving myself by being the first ever student from my 12-1-1/IEP program from my high school to go to a four-year school and graduating with two degrees. AAP consists of a great group of people that are always there and willing to assist with whatever is needed. In my first semester, my student success coach helped me with the transition into the college environment and assisted me with studying when I was struggling in classes. My current student success coach keeps me calm when I am stressed over school. He helped me navigate a very difficult class and particularly long assignment. Always having someone to talk to and being able to connect over sports is something I have missed this semester as I am finishing up my last class remotely.”

"This program has helped improve my academic experience here at Mercyhurst. The weekly meetings with my student success coach helped me get acclimated to college life and provided me comfort with knowing that there are people here to help me succeed. I would recommend AAP to peers and incoming students!"

Explore Academic Services

Office of Academic Support
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Office: Egan Hall, First Floor
Appointments are offered in-person, virtually, and as walk-ins.