Supporting Every New Governor
New Student Programs and Initiatives supports the academic and personal success of every new Governor from day one. Through first-year seminar courses, peer mentoring, academic recovery support, and honors recognition, we connect students to the people, tools, and communities that make APSU feel like home.
University Success Courses
Every new student at APSU enrolls in a University Success course — a required first-year seminar designed to ease the transition into college life. These courses introduce students to campus resources, academic expectations, and the skills needed to thrive as Governors.
Courses offered under the University Success umbrella include:
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UNIV 1000
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UNIV 1010
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UNIV 2100
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Honors 1000
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PELP 1000
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PASS 0900
Each of these satisfies the University Success degree requirement.
Peer Leader Program
Peer Leaders are upperclassmen embedded directly in UNIV 1000, UNIV 1010, HON 1000, PELP 1000, and PASS 0900 sections. They attend every class meeting, support the instructor, and serve as a mentor and resource for new students — someone who has already navigated APSU and can help others do the same.
New students who have a Peer Leader:
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Build a meaningful connection to the campus community
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Make a smoother transition to university life
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Learn where to go for academic support, advising, and student resources
Interested in becoming a Peer Leader? The path runs through three courses:
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UNIV 3010 — Foundations of Peer Leadership — Offered each spring; open to students with 12 or more credit hours, no application required to register
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UNIV 3020 — Peer Leader Practicum Experience — The hands-on teaching experience; requires a C or better in UNIV 3010 and selection as a Peer Leader
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UNIV 3030 — The Leadership Project — For returning Peer Leaders; a practical application of skills developed in 3010 and 3020
PASS 0900 — Promoting Academic Student Success
PASS 0900 is a non-credit, pass/fail course designed specifically for freshmen and sophomores on academic probation. It's not a punishment — it's a structured, supportive path back to good academic standing.
Students in PASS 0900 receive wrap-around support from a dedicated team that includes a Peer Leader, a staff or faculty mentor, an embedded librarian, and their PASS instructor. The course covers critical thinking, study skills, self-reflection, and research assistance.
A few key things to know:
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PASS 0900 is required for all students on academic probation
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Students who pass the course can appeal an academic suspension if their GPA is below 2.0
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Students who do not enroll cannot appeal a suspension
Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society
Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) is a national honor society recognizing first-year students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. Founded in 1924, ALD invites students who earn a 3.5 GPA or higher during their first full-time term to join a community of high-achieving peers.
Membership is by invitation only — and once accepted, it's a lifetime honor with no annual dues.
Members gain access to national scholarships and fellowships, honor cord recognition at graduation, regional and national conference opportunities, and leadership roles through chapter officer positions and campus service projects.
Center for Academic Support & Enrichment
The Center for Academic Support & Enrichment (CASE) offers free academic support services to all APSU students. Whether you need help in a difficult course or want to build stronger study habits, CASE has resources for you.
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Peer Tutoring — Free tutoring for 1000-, 2000-, and select upper-level courses. Schedule sessions through AP Navigate or by emailing tutoring@apsu.edu.
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Supplemental Instruction (SI) — Free, structured study groups for historically difficult courses, open to all enrolled students in those sections.
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Online Tutoring via Tutor.com — Available 24/7 through the Resources tab in D2L.
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Academic Testing Center — Offers Accuplacer, CLEP, and TEAS exams for placement, credit, and program admission.