Academic Support

Encouraging Success

It is not unusual for students to stumble from time to time along their academic journey. Students may recognize that old methods of studying are no longer effective; some students seek assistance with study skills, while others benefit from working one to one with a peer to master difficult course material. Because we believe in student success and strive to help students become independent learners capable of meeting their academic goals, a number of academic support services are provided through the Academic Support Center.

Supplemental Instruction tutoring_leo

Supplemental Instruction, or SI, is a valuable learning resource where students can increase their level of understanding in traditionally difficult courses. Through meaningful discussion with peers and SI leaders, students develop effective study strategies, and are able to test themselves on the course material before being faced with the classroom exam. SI sessions are led by upperclass students who have obtained a high level of subject mastery. SI leaders attend classes with students and are trained to facilitate group learning sessions outside of the classroom. SI is not tutoring, but rather learning how to learn a particular subject. SI is offered in select courses each semester. Students who regularly attend weekly sessions report that their course grade is 1/2 to a full letter grade better than they expected.

Early Advisory System

The early advisory system, or EAS, helps to identify students at the earliest sign of academic distress. EAS is based in an on-line system where faculty can share early concerns about student attendance and class progress. Research indicates that the earlier that difficulty can be addressed the better the success rate of any intervention. Acknowledging excellent work also demonstrates to students that such behavior is valued and can reinforce positive behavior.

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Peer Tutoring

Peer Tutoring is available to all undergraduate students in most 100-200 level courses. A student can request a tutor through the Office of Freshman & Transfer Students or through one of the help centers. Tutors are trained through the Academic Support Center and have earned an A in the courses in which they tutor. Other help centers include the Accounting Lab, Math Center, Science Center, and Writing and Reading center. The key is to get help sooner rather than later.
Tutoring: Allison Laske ext. 1312
Location: Academic Support Center, Campus Center 137D
Accounting Tutor: Dr. John Coulterext. 1720
Location: Churchill 112
Math Center: Josephine Rodriguez ext. 1692
Location: Herman 307
Science Center: Dr. Anne Poirot ext. 1611
Location: Herman 215
Writing & Reading Center:  Louise Pelletier ext. 1263
                            Location: Herman 105

**Hours are posted at each location.**

Academic Progress Monitoring

The Academic Monitoring Program is designed to monitor students’ academic progress throughout the semester. Monitors work with these students on a weekly or bi-weekly basis throughout the semester, and help students identify and overcome roadblocks in order to reach their academic goals.Academic Progress Monitors work closely with faculty and varsity coaches as well as with the various support agencies on campus such as Student Disabilities, Counseling Services, Health Services, and Peer Tutors to assist students in meeting their academic goals. Monitors are frequently in touch with faculty, partnering to coach effective academic lifestyles. Students can request the help of a monitor by calling the Academic Support Center at the beginning of the semester.

Life Skills Study Coach

The Life Skills Study Coach program is a unique collaboration between the Athletic Department and the Academic Support Center. It is based on the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program and strives to support student development and enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience at the college. Life Skills Study Coaches monitor team sponsored study halls and conduct life skills workshops on goal setting, time management, effective study skills, etc that will assist student-athletes in balancing their role on a collegiate varsity athletic team and achieving academic success.

Academic Success Workshops

Academic Success Workshops are designed to help students identify barriers to academic success and equip them with strategies to overcome those barriers and improve academic success. In those workshops, Academic Support Specialists cover topics such as time management, study skills, learning strategies, stress management, test taking skills, and review campus resources that will also help them achieve academic success. Academic Success Workshops are held several times throughout the academic year. For upcoming workshops, look at the First Year Website under Support Services.

Testimonials

“My APM Monitor helped me to develop my time management skills and study skills. It was cool to have a peer in my corner help me out.”
~Anonymous Student

“My SI Leader was really nice and friendly. She knew everything about the professor, the subject and what was going to be expected of us on the tests and quizzes. The SI sessions really helped reinforce what I learned in class.”
~Quote from the 2008 SI Evaluations

“Lauren is an excellent tutor for chemistry. She is extremely knowledgeable in the general chemistry area. She is patient, flexible, and always brings a positive attitude.”
~Quote from the 2008 Peer Tutor Evaluations

Services Provided

Early Advisory System
Supplemental Instruction
Peer Tutoring
Academic Progress Monitoring
Math Center Referrals
Writing Center Referrals
Science Center Referrals
Accounting Lab Referrals
Life Skills Study Coach for Student Athletes
Academic Success Workshops

More information on Academic Support Services can be obtained through the Academic Support Center.
Phone: 413-782-1312
Email: frstyear@wnec.edu

Submit an on-line Peer Tutor request form here!