Tutoring in chemistry, biology and psychology, along with the pre-existing English Language Learner Lab and Writing Center, will all be part of the new Academic Center for Success and Excellence.
Shelly Gehrke, assistant vice president of Academic Success, said the university has been discussing different ideas regarding a success center ever since they started the Campus Master Plan.
“It really goes back to the idea of doing anything we can do that would foster student success,” said David Cordle, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “We want the students who come here to succeed and leave with a degree.”
According to the provost’s office, the university spent $84,500 on the center – $79,700 for furnishings and $4,800 for technology. It includes three moveable furniture structures with monitors and white boards.
“We believe the Academic Center for Excellence and Success is an incredible resource for students and provides opportunities for students from various fields to receive tutoring,” said Janet Weaver, Associated Student Government president and senior psychology major, in an email statement to The Bulletin.
Located on the north wall of William Allen White Library, Gehrke said the center will most likely go through various phases. The subjects chosen for fall 2015 are considered part of Phase I.
“Over time, the expectation is that other kinds of tutoring would be available as well,” Cordle said. “In other words, it’s building on what we already have.”
Most of the subjects chosen for the first phase already had on-campus tutoring available in previous semesters. This time, Gehrke said, the university is moving it to a place where it’s campus-wide accessible.
“(I) looked at the general education classes that sometimes are a larger transition for students when they come to college, and then I talked with those academic departments,” Gehrke said. “And also, these majors enroll a lot of students in general education, so it should be more applicable to a lot of students.”
Kevin Rabas, chair of the English, modern languages and journalism department, said that the university is considering combining the ELL and Writing Center under one directorship, now that ACES is underway.
“That move will not be made until our department (EMLJ) has had a chance to discuss that idea and offer suggestions and direction on August 19th, when we have our first EMLJ department meeting,” Rabas said in an email statement to The Bulletin.
All of the tutors are students who have filled the approximately eight paid positions. Tutors include undergraduate and graduate students. Different subjects will be tutored at different times and the university plans to have a schedule soon.
“I hope the students love it as much as I’m excited about it because it’s all for them,” Gehrke said.
The center will open next Monday, Aug. 24 and will be open during the library’s regular hours, pending the availability of tutors.
