Academic Success Center
Your Partner in Academic Support
Whether you need extra help in a class, strategies for studying, or guidance on managing your time, the Academic Success Center (ASC) is here to help you discover and reach your full potential. We’re glad you’re here, and we’re ready to support you every step of the way.
Accommodations
Every student learns and processes the world differently, and CIU’s Academic Success Center walks alongside you with the accommodations, tools, and advocacy you need to thrive academically and pursue your calling with confidence.
- Learning
- Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
- Medical & Chronic Health Conditions
- Sensory & Physical Accessibility
- Short-Term Temporary Injury or Illness
Steps for Accommodations
- Complete the Disability Services Initial Contact Form. When possible, apply for accommodations at least 30 days prior to your first semester.
- Meet with the Academic Success Center staff.
- Complete the registration process and provide the required documentation.
- Accommodations become effective on the date that the process is completed with the signing of a contract between the student and the ASC.
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Hope for HOPE Program
The Hope for HOPE Program is CIU’s commitment to helping South Carolina students maximize their scholarship opportunities.
- First Year: Eligible South Carolina students receive the one-time SC HOPE Scholarship ($2,800) and participate in CIU’s Hope for HOPE Program.
- Second Year: Students who earn 30 credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA qualify for the SC LIFE Scholarship ($5,000 per year).
- If you are close: Students who earn 30 credit hours, finish with a 2.75–2.99 GPA, and participate in the Hope for HOPE Program may receive CIU’s Hope for HOPE Scholarship ($2,800). This scholarship replaces the SC HOPE Scholarship during your second year while you continue working toward eligibility for the SC LIFE Scholarship.
At CIU, we know that one semester doesn’t define a student’s potential. The Hope for HOPE Program provides financial support for students who are making strong academic progress and are close to qualifying for the SC LIFE Scholarship.
What the Program Includes
Weekly Coaching Check-ins
Connect with your Academic Success Coach on a consistent basis to stay on track, process challenges, and build momentum.
Study Skills & Note-Taking Support
Learn how to study smarter, organize your time, and retain what you’re learning. Develop skills that pay off well beyond your first year.
Tutoring & Mentoring
Access one-on-one and small group support from peers and faculty who are invested in your success.
Academic Workshops & Advising
Participate in targeted workshops designed to strengthen the specific skills that lead to academic confidence and long-term growth.
Ready to Get Started
For first year incoming SC HOPE Scholarship recipients, your coach is already assigned. Your team is already here and excited for you to get started. Below are your next steps:
- Meet your Academic Success Coach during your first week of class.
- Show up consistently. Students who engage with the program finish stronger. Your SC LIFE Scholarship is within reach.
Questions? Email academicsuccess@ciu.edu or call (803) 807-5611.
Academic Resources
Whatever “success” looks like for you, whether that’s mastering a subject, prepping for a big exam, or simply figuring out how to manage it all, ASC is here to help you get there. Explore the services below to find the right fit for your goals.
Academic Mentoring
Start Strong with an Academic Mentor
Starting college can come with new challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone.
CIU’s Academic Mentoring Program connects new undergraduate students with upperclassmen or recent graduates who have successfully navigated college life. Your mentor can help you adjust to campus, develop effective study habits, manage your coursework, and connect you with helpful campus resources to thrive academically.
Ready to get paired with a mentor? Complete the Mentee Matching Questionnaire.
Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
Want to encourage and support fellow CIU students while developing your own leadership skills? Returning students are invited to apply to become Academic Mentors through the Academic Success Center.
How to Apply
Complete the following steps:
- Complete the Mentor Matching Questionnaire
- Complete the Mentor Matching Questionnaire for Returning Students.
- Submit Two References
- Request two references by sending them the CIU Academic Success Center Mentor Reference Form.
- Select a Faculty or Staff Mentor
- Choose a mentor from a list of participating CIU faculty and staff members provided by the Academic Success Center.
- Complete the FERPA Training Form
- Read and submit the FERPA Form for Academic Mentors to acknowledge your responsibility for maintaining student privacy.
- Complete Your Background Check
- Watch for an email from HireRight and respond promptly to complete your required background check.
If you have questions about becoming an Academic Mentor, contact Lisa Lanpher at lisa.lanpher@ciu.edu.
Success Workshops
Our workshops cover everything from study strategies and time management to stress relief and leadership skills, helping you grow both academically and personally.
Visit the Events Calendar and attend the next workshop.
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If you have never used/received veteran’s benefits but think you may be eligible:
- Find out more about GI Bill® Benefits and/or Eligibility
- Apply for VA Education Benefits
- If you qualify for benefits you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or a Statement of Benefits.
- Bring or send your COE or eBenefits page to Laura McCall (School Certifying Official) in Financial Aid (see contact info below under CIU School Certifying Official).
- If you need help applying for benefits or are unsure of your eligiblity contact the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at (888)-442-4551.
Testing Services
Need to take a proctored exam or knock out some college credit with a CLEP test? The Academic Success Center has you covered.
Test Proctoring
Whatever accommodation you need on exam day, we make sure it’s built into your experience from the first test you take at CIU.
Complete the Test Proctoring Request Form on MyCIU or email academicsuccess@ciu.edu for more information.
CLEP Exams
CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) exams lets you test out of courses you’ve already mastered, so you save both time and tuition on your path to graduation.
Step 1: Take your exam for free with Modern States
Modern States is a nonprofit that offers free prep courses for CLEP exams, and completing one earns you a voucher that covers your entire exam fee.
- Visit modernstates.org and create a free account.
- Choose the course that matches the CLEP exam you want to take.
- Complete the coursework: videos, readings, and quizzes.
- Request your voucher through your Modern States account once you finish.
- Use your voucher code to schedule and pay for your official CLEP exam.
Step 2: Register with the College Board using remote proctoring
CIU is not a CLEP testing center, so we recommend testing remotely from wherever you are, rather than traveling to an off-campus test site.
- Go to collegeboard.org and log in or create an account.
- Navigate to the CLEP section and select your exam.
- Choose the remote proctoring option.
- Confirm your computer meets the requirements: stable internet, webcam, and microphone.
- Pick a date and time that works for you.
- Pay your exam fee (covered by your Modern States voucher, if you have one).
- Watch for your confirmation email with your exam details.
Ready to see which courses you can test out of? Talk to your advisor to find your best CLEP opportunities.
Tutoring
Struggling with a subject? Our certified peer tutors are ready to help, offering personalized guidance in person or online.
Appointments must be booked at least 4 hours in advance. No-shows will be charged a $10 fee.
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Financial Aid
Most federal and state grants, as well as loans, can be used to support your international experience. To explore the financial resources available and help make your study abroad opportunity more affordable, we encourage you to meet with the Financial Aid Office. They’ll guide you through the options and help you plan for the costs associated with your program.
Note: CIU’s institutional financial aid does not apply to study abroad programs.
Questions?
(803) 807-5611 | academicsuccess@ciu.edu
CIU Library, Second Floor
7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203
