Academic advisors

The NGSC is a scholarship program offered through the Public Service Academy within Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Through a competitive admissions process, the program accepts approximately 100 first-time freshman and 20 third year transfer students, both in-state and out-of-state, each year. All students are eligible for 8 or 4 consecutive semesters of gap funding to cover base tuition, and benefit from engaging in various leadership development training and opportunities. As an interdisciplinary program, students in the NGSC represent nearly every major offered at ASU and complete program requirements in addition to their chosen major(s), minor(s), and/or certificate(s).

The goal of the NGSC is to develop character-driven, cross-sector leaders armed with the courage to cross sectors, connect networks, and ignite action for the greater good. Students in the program will engage in rigorous coursework, regular personal and professional development, leadership training, hands-on knowledge application, and various internships. Through these combined activities, students attain the knowledge and skills to lead within their chosen fields and drive change in their communities.

Students accepted into the NGSC and awarded the Public Service Academy scholarship agree to a range of requirements designed to foster their development as character-driven, cross-sector leaders and provide them with opportunities to expand their personal and professional networks. Program requirements include earning an academic certificate, completing various internships, attending mandatory events, and engaging in service focused activities. Detailed information about each requirement can be found in the corresponding sections of the PSA website.

Students must complete all requirements each semester or risk a reduction in their scholarship or removal from the program. To remain in good standing with the program and remain eligible for their full scholarship award, students must complete all participation requirements, as well as maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA and complete 30 credit hours per academic year.

All first-time freshmen are required to earn a certificate in Cross-Sector Leadership as a part of their membership in the NGSC. For transfer students who are entering the program as juniors, earning the certificate is optional and only select classes are required. The following five classes are required to earn the certificate. Classes that are required for transfer students are indicated with an asterisk.

The NGSC Course Map lists each required class and indicates the suggested order and time frame for taking each class. 

* Failure to complete coursework by stated semester deadlines could result in a warning, probation, or removal from the program.

**Overrides required for all students. Exceptions made for students in certain majors with approval from the Program Manager, Student Retention and Success. Email NGSCstaff@asu.edu. 

In addition to their chosen majors, students in the Next Generation Service Corps (NGSC) earn a certificate in Cross-Sector Leadership. With student members from nearly every major across ASU, we rely heavily on the expertise of all ASU advisors to ensure the academic success of our students. Here you will find information that will help guide you as you provide academic advising to students in the program. This digital packet contains the most up to date information about the academic requirements of students in the NGSC, as well as additional resources that may be of use to academic advisors as they work with NGSC students.

Every fall, the NGSC hosts an Advisors Breakfast to review general program information, share updates, and answer questions. The Advisors Breakfast is held in-person at the Tempe and Downtown campuses. A virtual session is also offered for anyone who can’t attend in-person. Event information and registration is sent out at the beginning of each fall semester.

To receive more information about the Advisors Breakfast, and similar events, please provide your contact information below.

Since students are taking NGSC classes in addition to the courses required for their majors, there are key considerations to keep in mind when planning class schedules:

• There is flexibility in the order and semester when the classes are taken, as well as reciprocal classes that can be taken in place of some classes.

• After sophomore year, first-time freshmen students may double up on classes if needed.

• Transfer students may double up on courses at any point.

• 4-year students have 6 semesters to complete the 5 required classes, so they will have at least one semester where they do not have to be enrolled in an NGSC class.

• Transfer students have 3 semesters to complete the 3 classes required of them, so they should be enrolled in an NGSC class each semester.

• Students who are not enrolled in an NGSC class for more than 2 consecutive semesters are subject to a scholarship reduction or removal from the program. 

• Special accommodations can be made on a case-by-case basis for students in majors that do not allow for additional classes to be taken during a student’s senior year (e.g. education, nursing). To discuss those cases, please reach out to the Program Manager, Student Retention and Success

• To ensure only NGSC students are enrolling in these courses, each has multiple restrictions and may require department consent. Students can request department consent and related overrides by emailing
  ngscstaff@asu.edu

In an effort to ensure students are able to complete the certificate and take classes that will be most beneficial to them, we allow reciprocal credit to be given for certain classes. Reciprocal credit will be given for classes that cover the same topics as required NGSC classes and provide students with similar project-based learning opportunities. 

Students who take an alternative class for reciprocal credit must notify the Program Manager, Student Retention and Success so that an exception can be made to their DARS prior to applying for graduation. A list of pre-approved reciprocal courses can be found on the next page. Other courses can be considered for reciprocal credit by emailing the course information and syllabus to the Program Manager, Student Retention and Success. Credit will be conditional to the alignment of syllabi and learning outcomes of the courses. NGSC cannot provide overrides into any of the alternative classes. Students are responsible for requesting overrides from the appropriate advisors and/or faculty.

These classes are regularly offered each semester and may be taken as reciprocal credit for the required NGSC classes as indicated. This list is not exhaustive, as classes may change from semester to semester. Check the ASU Class Search to verify class availability.

*If you have a course that you would like to have considered for reciprocal credit, you need to email the course information and syllabus to the Program Manager, Student Retention and Success. Credit will be conditional to the alignment of syllabi and learning outcomes of the courses.