Learning styles differ from person to person; techniques that may work for one student may not work for another, but assistance is available on campus now no matter the learning style. The Success Center in the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library is working to help all students reach their optimal potential.
Mary Worthington, the new coordinator for the Success Center, entered the position in February 2018. Worthington was involved in community mental health prior to taking the Success Center coordinator position and has worked in special education rehabilitation counseling for over 20 years. During that time, she has worked with a variety of people from various backgrounds across the country. “I’ve worked in schools, with the state, mental health departments, in a locked facility and as a liaison to veterans,” she said.
“I like working with students,” Worthington said. Her previous experience helps her provide insight to tutors to create an environment in the Success Center that is inviting and encouraging for students who come into the center for assistance. “We want students to recognize this is a relaxed place to study,” she said.
The Success Center offers tutoring in a number of different subjects. Students can come in from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and request tutoring. Individual tutor hours may vary. Tutoring is also available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through SmarThinking in Canvas.
An academic coaching pilot program focusing on helping students with time management and strategy skills is now offered to those who need a little extra direction.
Four enclosed group rooms are set up in the back of the center with large screen mounted TVs that can connect to laptops for improved group projects. The rooms are private; however they are not sound proof. Several charging stations are scattered around the room, and most of the newly installed furniture includes plug-ins for electronics.
Students will be asked to sign in and out when using the center. This enables the center to identify what tutors are being used the most and what subjects are requested more frequently. The information gathered in the center is used when writing grants for the center’s improvements.
During the first five weeks of spring term, over 780 people have used the center for tutoring sessions and studying. “I use the center two to three times a week,” Logan Martin, AAOT, said. “I use it for a lot of classes because everything is online now.”
An open house event is scheduled for the Success Center on May 24, 2018 at 10a.m. to 2 p.m. “Students can see the new look and meet and greet the tutors. We are also recruiting tutors for next year,” Worthington said. Students and instructors are encouraged to stop by, tour the facilities and learn what the Success Center has to offer. Light refreshments will be served.
To find out more about the Success Center, contact Mary Worthington at 541-440-7831.
