 | Visiting the new Academic Enhancement Center are (seated l-r) Libby Miles, director of URI’s Writing Center, and students Ren Sharma and Noelia Gonzalez. Standing (l-r) are Kandice Salomone, associate dean of University College, student Marlene Moore, Alix Moffatt, interim coordinator of the center, Jayne Richmond, dean of University College, and Provost M. Beverly Swan.
|
Academic Enhancement Center opens to aid student successURI has rolled out a brightly-colored speckled carpet this month to welcome all students to its new Academic Enhancement Center, located on the spruced up fourth floor of Roosevelt Hall.
Students who find astronomy over their heads, math problems that don’t add up, suffer from writer’s block, or who puzzle over other subjects can receive help either by appointment or on a walk-in basis.
“This is a retention strategy,” explained Jayne Richmond, dean of University College who heads the effort. “We’re taking a proactive approach by bringing together all our resources and strengthening them to show that we are committed to the academic success of students in all majors.”
The new center integrates the work of the Writing Center with the Learning Assistance Network, which provides one-on-one tutoring.
In addition, the center provides additional academic support services including study groups and supplemental instruction. Workshops on a variety of topics including time management, reading and memory techniques, or how to find your way around the library, will be offered throughout the semester.
Richmond envisions the center as a place where students will work with other students. Although the center is primarily for students seeking academic help, it also serves students interested in helping others. High-achieving students willing to serve as individual tutors or study group leaders are being recruited, especially those majoring in chemistry, physics, biology, math, and economics. Each tutor and study group leader must attend a training session and has the option to receive course credit or pay for their work.
Alexandra Moffatt, the center’s interim coordinator, sees the center as a place to celebrate the diversity of students’ experiences, academically and personally.
Moffatt says faculty members are an important component of the center, since they work closely with students. She is seeking their input on what they have tried, and what has worked to help students succeed.
The Academic Enhancement Center already has an established satellite office in Mackal Field House, which provides student-athletes with a study hall and the Rhody Ram Computer Lab.
By Jan Wenzel
|
