Student Academic Assistance Center

Prior to founding NHU, much background research focused on what factors optimize success. The Student Academic Assistance Center (SAAC) coordinates an important range of academic support services for students before they begin NHU classes, during classes, while job hunting, and even after graduation.

New Student Orientation

The New Student Orientation is offered throughout the academic year on a variety of days and times, and includes a full introduction to the college experience including:

Discussion of student and NHU expectations;

• Financial aid and scholarships;
• Library tour and introduction to internet based library search protocols;
• Introduction to NHU support services, partnerships and departments;
• Interactive computer assessment in English, reading and writing, and math, immediately followed by a discussion of the results and advising about next steps and appropriate course (for undergraduates only).

Individual or Small Study Group

The NHU encourage Study Groups - students who work together in groups help and encourage each other, work harder, and get better grades.

Self-paced computer software are available to improve skills in English reading comprehension, writing, grammar, and mathematics.

Tutoring

The SAAC tutorial program is designed to assist students with their academic challenges. The program emphasizes on faculty interaction and counseling support. Tutors will provide assistance in mathematics, reading, writing and study skills to help students develop the necessary skill level to ensure success in college. The role of the SAAC tutor is to guide students in the development of their academic potential and motivate students to become self-directed learners. Furthermore, the SAAC tutorials are incorporated in the curriculum in English 45 and English 100 as well as Math 45 and Math 100 in order to provide students with one-on-one support and feedback catered to their individual needs. This extra tutorial will prepare them for the more rigorous upper division courses. It is offered to all enrolled students free of charge.

Academic Advising and Counseling

Each NHU program has assigned Academic Advisors, who are also encouraged to act as general mentors for our students.

SAAC Advisors provide general education advising for all students. These Advisors will also furnish information through the library, Internet and other sources, to aid students in the decision making process of choosing a major.

Sometimes non-academic issues are overwhelming and can affect performance in class. Through the SAAC, NHU provides Peer Advisors to help with short-term problem solving issues. These Peer Advisors, in conjunction with SAAC staff, can also provide referrals to appropriate area resources as needed.

Career Planning & Placement

The SAAC provides assistance with post-baccalaureate study, career planning and job placement services that help currently enrolled students and alumni best utilize their collegiate educational experience and prepare for future careers.

Graduate school information is an integral part of career planning and is provided through the SAAC Advisors, guided Internet searches and the NHU Library.

SAAC Advisors also work with students who wish to explore available career choices using assessment tools, Internet searches and the NHU Library.

Job search information is available through:

• Bulletin Board postings,
• Binders in the SAAC,
• Internet job postings,
• Our partnership with San Jose State University which includes access to many of their Career Center services.
• Our partnership with NASA Ames Researdc Center, which allows ouraccess to its 3000+ job-listing database.