Academic Advancement Center F a l l 2 0 1 4 N e w s l e tt e r
Fall 2014 SI Courses
ACCT 1010 BIOS 1030 BIOS 1300 BIOS 1700 BIOS 1710 CHEM 1210 CHEM 1220 CHEM 1500 CHEM 1510 CHEM 1520 ET 2200 MATH 1200 MATH 1300 MATH 1350 MATH 2301 MATH 2302 PHYS 2001 PSY 1010 (Dr. Alicke & Grant’s classes ONLY)
What the AAC has to offer: We offer support services that assist undergraduate students towards improving retention, engagement, and academic performance. AAC services are designed to foster student success • Student Writing Center • Graduate Writing and Research Center • College Adjustment Program • Math Center • Science Center • Supplemental Instruction • Skills Courses • Study Skills • Tutoring Services More information at www.ohio.edu/aac/
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Spring 2014 SI Courses
ACCT 1010 BIOS 1030 BIOS 1300 BIOS 1310 BIOS 1700 BIOS 1710 CHEM 1210 CHEM 1220 CHEM 1500 (depending on enrollment) CHEM 1510 CHEM 1520 ET 2200 MATH 1200 MATH 1300 MATH 1350 MATH 2301 MATH 2302 PHYS 2001 PSY 1010: Mega sections ONLY (Prof. Markman and Grant only at this time).
AAC 2014 Fall Newsletter
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Tiffany Arnold
Assistant Director of CAP Tiffany Arnold began her education at Ohio University graduating with a Bachelors in Political Science and a Masters of Education with Licensure. She is currently finishing up course work for a doctoral program in Education and hopes to take the Comprehensive Exams next fall. Arnold has worked with both the OU and the Washington State Community College TRiO Upward Bound programs for the last nine years and decided she was ready to move on to working with college students as well. While pursuing her Masters degree, Arnold began working at the AAC in tutoring services and then in 2005 began working with OU Upward Bound in 2005. Arnold worked with the Washington State Community College Upward Bound from 2008-2014 and began in the Assistant Director of CAP position on August 18th of this year. When asked what she likes
most about her position, Arnold explains that the most rewarding part of the program is getting to know the CAP students on an individual basis. “It is amazing to get to know where students came from and where they are going and how I can help them get there,” says Arnold. “I may only be part of their lives for a short time but if I can help them while they are here I am making a difference.” While working with the CAP program, Arnold wants to determine what services and programs that sophomores and juniors in CAP would like to have. With a universitywide focus on the freshman experience, Arnold wants to see what additional services can be provided for them beyond their freshman year. Arnold considers herself a “foodie” and tries new places as often as she can. Aside from taste testing, she is in a PhD program so her hobbies are school work and family.
AAC employees
Tiffany Hedges Coordinator of Tutoring Services Currently the Coordinator of Tutoring Services at the Academic Advancement Center, Tiffany Hedges started her education at Ohio University. Hedges became the coordinator of Tutoring Services and stayed at the AAC until 2007. She then pursued a position in Tennessee. Originally born and raised in Alabama, Hedges realized that after graduating from OU, this was her real home. Her favorite part about the campus is the architecture and how beautiful College Green is. Especially in the Fall. With a Bachelors in Education, Hedges always knew that she wanted to help students. Although she is not teaching inside the classroom, she is able to help students outside the classroom succeed and grow as successful learners. “We can’t be successful in the classroom without having the resources available to us,” Hedges says. Through Tutoring Services, she is able to present those necessary resources. When Hedges previously worked as the Tutoring Services Assistant Coordinator, she created the Math Center.
The Math Center is still thriving as a free academic resource to OU students. Upon her return, Hedges explains that it is very fun to see the Science Center, another free resource for OU students, up and successfully running alongside the Math Center. Hedges is not stopping with the Math and Science Center. She wants to be able to keep implementing and installing other resources students can use to assist them in their academic studies. The enrollment in Tutoring Services has already doubled since last Spring semester. This past summer Tutoring Program also became CRLA, College Reading and Learning, Certified. All of the tutors working through the Academic Advancement Center will now be certified tutors through this program. When not working at the AAC, Hedges likes to explore and travel around the Athens area. She is also currently working on completing her “Mostly Realistic Bucket List.”
Are you worried about a student in your class either because of low test/homework scores, missing assignments, or a high absence rate?
Submit an Academic Alert! The best first step is to reach out to your student via email or phone to offer and invitation to office hours to discuss your concerns. If you are not able to reach your student, please feel free to use the Academic Alert system at http://www.ohio.edu/univcollege/alert.cfm.
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Skill Building Courses Many students are unprepared for and surprised by the vast differences between how they studied in high school and what is required in college. High school studying usually involved memorization of facts and often required no more effort than just “looking over the material.” College freshmen quickly discover that these strategies don’t work well and erroneously believe that the problem can be remedied by simply “studying a lot more.” Although increasing the amount of study time is an important factor, the key to becoming a successful college student involves strategies that promote effective and efficient learning. In other words, learning to STUDY SMARTER, NOT HARDER. UC 1100, UC D998, and UC 1006 are the flagship courses of the Academic Advancement Center and are designed to teach techniques that students can apply to most or all fields of study throughout their college career. Madison Kristoff is currently a freshman at Ohio University registered in Skills Courses. She entered college eager to explore her career options, and decided to start as an undecided major. Before Ohio University, Madison attended Seneca Valley High School. There, she was a member of the IB program. IB, or International Baccalaureate, program allows students to take college-level courses while still in high school. Madison explains that this program greatly helped her transition smoothly into college, but she didn’t want to stop there. While preparing for OU in the summer before her freshman year, Madison’s mother stumbled upon the CAP program at Ohio University, and signed her up. At first Madison was bothered that her mother did this, but the outcome she has had from the program was one she never expected. Madison explains that each week she is handed a chart and assigned to write down everything she does. Literally everything. From mid-afternoon naps, snacking, and working out, to studying and class time. “In high school you were okay if you did everything the night before. In college, that is not the case. Writing down my daily routines really helped me learn time management skills,” says Madison. Learning strategies, effective note taking and study planning are other key takeaways Madison has received from Skills
UC 1060 Academic Computing
UC 1100 Learning Strategies
Students will learn how to use different types of technology found in educational settings to develop and enhance their computing skills. This includes hardware basic peripherals, productivity applications (Microsoft Office Suite), Internet search for credible sources, managing their oak storage, multimedia skills, e-mail and social networking etiquette, and web technology (wikis, Blogs, etc.)
Helps students assess current study behaviors and attitudes and then adopt techniques that increase effectiveness in managing time, taking notes, reading and comprehending test material, and preparing for exams. Emphasizes regular practice and application of strategies discussed. Especially recommended for new students who didn’t study very much in high school and/or have no well- developed system of effective studying.
(1 credit for first year students) (2 credits, for first year students)
Courses. “At first I was embarrassed at the thought I was taking a class to learn how to learn, but now I know that what I am learning now will help me through my four years here at OU,” says Madison. Madison would highly encourage any first-year student to take these courses. More information at: http://www.ohio.edu/aac/courses/index.cfm
UC 1101 Time Management & Test Taking Skills
(1 credit, for first year students) New this Spring, the AAC is offering this one credit course for students to learn how to manage their busy schedules and how to better prepare for college level exams. The class will teach students how to manage class, extra curriculars, and downtime. The class will then learn effective note taking and how to study for comprehensive exams.
UC D998 College Reading Skills
(2 credits, for first year students) Focuses on active reading and study reading techniques, such as summarizing main ideas, organizing textbook content, understanding inference and point of view, adjusting reading rate, expanding vocabulary, and developing critical thinking skills. Course content moves from shorter passages to longer selections and emphasizes practice and application of skills,
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College Adjustment Program CAP promotes academic success and supports college completion for all of its, roughly, 275 participants. CAP has helped students adjust to the demands of college life since 1979 at OHIO. We assist students as they work toward graduation, a career, and/or graduate school. The CAP staff is committed to collaborating with our participants through a wide variety of academic support services at no cost to students. Through supportive and professional academic advising, CAP provides opportunities for academic and intellectual development, assists students in understanding the various graduation requirements, and gives students a home base and physical place on campus where they know they will be supported. For 34 years, CAP has been a positive force for student success and enrichment at Ohio University. All CAP services are designed to increase a student’s chance of success. CAP includes: • Free Academic Tutoring • UC Skills Development Courses • Academic Advising • Peer Advising and Mentorship • Computer and technology resources • Technology Loan Program http://www.ohio.edu/aac/cap/
Student Writing Center The Student Writing Center is a very beneficial tool for students looking to improve their writing skills (free of charge). The SWC will first help students understand the assignment they were given, then assist them in developing a thesis, organizing ideas, grammatical issues, and finally revision and constructing a bibliography. Located on the 2nd floor of Alden Library, The SWC offers face-to-face 50 minute appointments and 50 minute walk-ins. For commuters, grad students, and e-learning students, the SWC can help you via online tutoring. Free writing workshops are held every semester. In the past some of these have included how to write a personal statement, writing in groups and research in writing. The updated schedule of workshops offered can be found on the SWC website. HOURS OF OPERATION: • Mon. - Thurs. 9am-10pm • Friday 9am-4pm • Sunday 4pm-10pm http://www.ohio.edu/writing/
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Tu t o r S p o t l i g h t Elliot Kaplan Elliot is a currently a senior majoring in Math. After college, Elliot wants to continue his higher education by becoming a math professor. Before entering college, Elliot knew that he wanted to be a math tutor. Within the first week of freshman year at Ohio University Elliot pursued his dream of being a math tutor and being able to help others succeed. “I like when you are able to watch someone grown,” says Elliot. “You are able to see them learn throughout the course of a semester, and know
that your help is making them grow as a student.” Elliot also says that he likes tutoring because it not only helps students who are struggling, but it helps him review and learn the material even better than he did before. One piece of advice that Elliot has for freshman is to try and get off campus and see all that Athens has to offer. He says that there is an array of beautiful sites to see and adventures that need explored.
Emily
Student Accessibility Services
If a student has a disability, make sure they are registered with Student Accessibility Services. It is the mission of SAS to ensure equal opportunity and access for members of the Ohio University Community. Central to this mission is the development of an academic environment that is accessible to all people without the need for adaptation. While working toward the goal of full inclusion, accommodations must still be provided on an individual basis. http://www.ohio.edu/disabilities/
Emily is currently a senior at Ohio University majoring in Biological Science. After college, she is hoping to continue her education by attending a prestige medical school. Emily started tutoring the Fall semester of her sophomore year. She initially started tutoring just general chemistry, but now tutors a little bit of everything from pre-calc to physics. The best thing about
tutoring for Emily is the ability to help people. She explains that it is very fulfilling when you can fix someone’s problems by the time that they leave. Emily continued by saying that one student sent her an email saying that she felt very confident after taking an exam all because of Emily’s help. That moment solidified Emily’s passion for tutoring. One piece of advice Emily has for freshman is to not be afraid to ask for help. “Don’t wait until it’s too late to get help. As soon as you feel like you are falling behind, get help before it’s too late.”
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Math Center FREE assistance in math and math-related classes
Science Center
Free 30-minute appointments or walk-in during the day without an appointment: • Monday - Friday - 10am - 5pm at the Math Center by appointment or walk-in (walk-in not guaranteed) • Book appointment 8 hours in advance Evening drop-in sessions • Sun-Thurs 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Alden 101 • No appointment needed 1 hour sessions during the day and evening: • Free or at a low cost of $10.00 per session • Payment is due at the beginning of the session • Schedule an appointment or search drop-in times on TutorTrac
FREE assistance in science and science-based classes
Free 30-minute appointments or walk-in during the day: • Monday,Tuesday,Thursday,Friday12p.m.-3p.m. • Book 8 hours in advance Evening drop-in sessions: • Sunday - Thursday - 7pm - 9pm • No appointment necessary 1 hour sessions during the day and evening: • Free or at a low cost of $10.00 per session • Payment is due at the beginning of the session • Schedule an appointment or search drop-in times on TutorTrac
Computer Lab Open to all Ohio University students and staff A glimpse into what our computer lab has: • Black and white laster printer • Mac and PC computers • Scanners, digital cameras, card readers & more
Hours of operation: • • • •
Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. closed Sun. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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