Who Are We?

The Office of Academic Services (OAS) was established in 1969 to serve underrepresented groups. It has evolved over the years to serve any student applying to Western as a freshman who does not meet regular admissions criteria. Office of Academic Services students are admitted on ‘academic warning’. Students remain in the program until they have completed a minimum of 27 semester hours at Western, have achieved at least a “C” average in their course work, and have declared a major course of study. This is typically two semesters (freshman year).

In 1994, OAS merged with the University Advising Center to become the University Advising and Academic Support Center (UAASC). The Center primarily serves students entering through OAS and students entering undeclared in our General Orientation Program. All UAASC academic advisors carry manageable caseloads so that they can be available to meet with advisees multiple times during the semester.

Advisors

Candace McLaughlin, Director

Responsibilities – In addition to directing the University Advising and Academic Support Center (UAASC), Candace serves as the Chair of the University-wide Council of Academic Advisors.

Biography – Candace received her B.A. degree in Sociology/Anthropology and her M.S. in College Student Personnel.

Francis Atuahene, Advisor

Responsibilities – In addition to advising students in the Academic Services Program, Francis coordinates the pre-advising and first time registration of international students accepted to Western. He also teaches a freshmen success seminar course.

Biography – Francis has a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education Administration from the Ohio University. His advice to students: the adoption of positive behavioral and attitudinal patterns is the engine of your academic success; understanding the purpose of higher education is your source of motivation; connecting positively with your advisors, faculty members and peers will serve as the compass of your career path and aspirations. Francis is an international scholar educated in diverse academic disciplines.

Dianne Fullenwilder-Bracey, Advisor

Responsibilities – In addition to advising students in the Academic Services Program, Diane coordinates New Student Registration for students in the OAS Program. She also teaches a freshmen success seminar course.

Biography – Dianne is a WIU alumna with a B.S. in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and a M.S. in Counseling.

Kelly Morris, Advisor /Admission Coordinator

Responsibilities – In addition to advising students in the Academic Services Program, Kelly coordinates admission for the OAS Program. She also serves on CAGAS and CAGAS subcommittees.

Biography – Kelly earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and her M.A. in Math Education from the University of Northern Iowa.

Estelle Plewa, Advisor

Responsibilities – Besides advising students in the Academic Services Program, Estelle coordinates the Educational Assistance Program that provides extensive tutoring in lower division courses for all University students.

Biography – Estelle has a B.A. in History and a M.S. in Higher Education Administration.

Teresa Stockler, Advisor

Responsibilities – In addition to advising students in the Academic Services Program, Teresa serves as Assistant Coordinator of Admissions for OAS. She also teaches a freshmen success seminar course.

Biography – Teresa earned her B.A. in English and her M.S. in College Student Personnel.

Support Staff

Debbie Carithers, Office Manager

Responsibilities – Debbie serves as an assistant to the UAASC Director by providing clerical assistance for the activities that support the Center and the academic advising community.

Biography – Debbie has a B.S. in Photography/Media and a M.S. in IDT from Western Illinois University.

Contact Information – http://directory.wiu.edu/?display&alias=DA-Carithers

Eva Fisher, Office Support Associate

Responsibilities – Eva manages the reception area and coordinates the UAASC front line response. She also supervises the student assistants and provides clerical support for many advisor projects.

Biography – Eva is from Macomb and she is currently working on her BOT degree at Western Illinois University.

Doug Rossio, Staff Clerk

Responsibilities – Doug is responsible for creating and maintaining all admission records for the Academic Services Program as well as responding to inquiries from students, parents and high school personnel. He also serves as the UAASC computer support technician.

Biography – Doug is working on his Bachelor of Arts degree.