4PAS

What is 4PAS?

4PAS stands for Four Phase Advising System and is a supplemental and student-focused advising program offered by the Office of Multicultural Development. 4PAS provides baccalaureate students of color enrolled at The University of Akron the chance to experience a unique personalized academic and career related advisement experience aimed at enhancing their potential for learning, while investing in their personal and professional growth. Moreover, 4PAS Advisors will engage students in dialogues that will allow them to explore viable ways for successful achievement of academic goals and intentional career exploration. The advising relationship between advisors and advisees will facilitate the process of students becoming life-long learners and self- and socially aware individuals.

* Please note that 4PAS is not designed and does not intend to substitute the services provided by the Academic Advisement Center in University College, Summit College Advising or any other advisement services provided by degree granting colleges at The University of Akron. Students are still encouraged to meet with the Academic Advisors assigned to them.

4PAS Objectives:

-To assist students in achieving academic success from their first year at The University of Akron to graduation.

-To assist students in completing General Education Requirements and the coursework in their chosen degree granting college.

-To provide opportunities for students to explore their career goals, developing themselves as professionals, and furthering their knowledge of their chosen field of study through co-ops and internships;

-To assist students in successfully transitioning to the world of work.

What can students expect?

The Office of Multicultural Development strives to provide students of color an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment where students are able focus primarily on succeeding academically. Students can also expect to work with professionals who will address their academic, career, social, and cultural issues. Students in the program are expected to work in partnership with their respective advisors in drafting a plan for their graduation and success during and after their college career.

Who are 4PAS Advisors?

4PAS Advisors are professionals from the Office of Multicultural Development, committed to student development and success. Such professionals will develop one-on-one advising relationships with their advisees and will serve as an additional support system to all students of color who are part of 4PAS.

4PAS criteria for admission into the program:

1. Completion of a 4PAS application.

2. Students must be enrolled on a full-time basis, pursuing a bachelor's degree, at The University of Akron.

* All students of color entering the University are encouraged to attend one of the ADVANCE Orientations offered by the Office of Multicultural Development during the summer. Dates will be communicated to students in a timely manner.

The Benefits of getting involved with 4PAS:

-Students will experience a unique personalized academic and career related advisement.

-Students in Phase I will have access to trained Peer Mentors who will also serve as a support system for their academic and social challenges during their time of transition to college life.

-All students enrolled in 4PAS will work with professional advisors who will serve as liaisons between students and faculty members.

-Students can count on their advisors to serve as their advocates within the University community.

-Students will gain increased awareness of the many personal and professional possibilities ahead of them.

-The Office of Multicultural Development coordinates a Laptop Loan Program for students enrolled in 4PAS or PASSAGE. Such technology serves as an additional tool to enhance students' academic performance and career preparation.

How does 4PAS work?

Students enroll in the program based on credit hours earned. First-year students are strongly encouraged to enroll in 4PAS as soon as they are accepted into The University of Akron. However, any and all students of color are welcome to enroll in 4PAS at any point of their academic career.
Students will move through the phases as they progress toward degree completion and accumulate credit hours. The Four Phase Advising System recognizes that each student will advance through advising phases at different rates, as follows:

4PAS - Phase I

-Schedule and complete courses and begin enrolling and/or completing General Education courses.

-Students will meet regularly with their Advisors to keep track of students' academic progress and review progress reports submitted to instructors.

-Students in this phase will be assigned a trained Peer Mentor to assist them academically and socially while they adjust to their first-year at The University of Akron.

-Students remain in Phase I who have earned 0-24 credit hours.

4PAS - Phase II

-Advising emphasis will include career exploration, social and academic integration and skill assessment.

-Advisors will assist students with organizing and tracking assignments and exam dates listed on course syllabus.

-Students will continue to meet regularly with their Advisors to monitor their academic progress and review progress reports submitted to instructors.

-Students remain in Phase II who have earned 25-45 credit hours.

4PAS - Phase III

-Advising emphasis will be on the completion of General Education requirements, meeting academic major prerequisites, maintaining good academic standing, confirmation of career goals, and applying to a degree granting college (if not already admitted).

-Students in this phase will be informed of and encouraged to take part in internships and other professional development activities.

-Students will be encouraged to begin exploring alternatives for graduate and/or professional schools.

-Students remain in Phase III who have earned 46-70 credit hours.

4PAS - Phase IV

-Advising emphasis will be on degree completion audits.

-Students will have the chance to assess their internships and professional development experiences.

-Students desiring to continue their education will be assisted with the application process for graduate and/or professional programs.

-Students remain in Phase IV who have earned 71 credit hours or more until they graduate from The University of Akron.