The drive to succeed in school e Center for Academic Success aids students

Many tools and resources are available for students to succeed on campus, mainly in the form of the Center for Academic Success (CAS).

The CAS’ main goal is to achieve academic success for students. They are committed to helping students achieve their individual goals, dreams and aspirations.

Race, age, physical ability and gender do not determine a student’s eligibility for help.

The new Center for Academic Success building is located under the Library/Learning Crossroads under the stairs. Inside is a wellorganized building with lots of chairs for students to receive help or study.

Each table is labeled according to the different school subjects. Mathematics, English, science, and philosophy tutors are available for about two hours to help students with any questions they might have.

The Pierce College CAS helps students reach their goals by providing hands-on tutoring. They provide students with one-on-one direct tutoring for the students.

Director of the CAS Crystal Kiekel said that she believes the center is great for students.

“I really feel that in our hearts,” Kiekel said.

There are paid and volunteer tutors in the center that cover the subjects. The CAS will be here for many years to come, according to Kiekel.

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“The Center for Academic Success is a permanent part of the school’s budget,” Kiekel said.

Crystal finished off by saying that there are graduating student tutors, Brahma internships, and a mentor at hand for one-on-one help.

“We also have English and math placement help to boost up the students’ scores,” Kiekel said.

Nicholas Ross, a masters of social work intern for the CAS director, said it provides individualized tutoring for mostly every subject they teach on campus.

“The CAS has private meetings to promote academic success,” Ross said.

He added that the CAS prides itself on tutor mastery, including extensive tutor training.

“Our overall goal is to increase academic success with our community,” Ross said, adding that they do that by providing if they are not watered or taken care then the plants begin to struggle,” Peabody said.

Farris also takes her Biology 10 class to bird watch at the Botanical Garden. She confirmed that there are bird feeders in the garden, but it currently costs too much to maintain it.

Every semester she takes 20 of her students to the pond located at the Botanical Garden and cleans the roots of the plants.

He said that every type of plant blooms at different times of the year and each needs specific care.

Many students come to the garden to find peace and quiet. Some use this area to catch up on their reading., while others enjoy the nice breeze and fresh air that the outside provides for them.

With two wooden tarp shade areas around the garden, students can avoid the hot sun in the approaching summer season.

They are located at opposite ends of the garden -- one by the lake and one by the main path.

Jazmin Medina, 19-year-old graphic designer major, enjoys coming to the garden to read on one of the benches near the lake.

“Its quite nice. There’s turtles. I come to read out here where there’s shade,” Medina said.

Wednesday, May 14 Alpha Gamma Sigma meets at 1 p.m. in BUS 3206.

The Psychology Club meets at 1 p.m. in the ASO Conference Room.

The Political Science Club meets at 1 p.m. in the ASO Office.

The Philosophy Society meets in the ASO Conference Room at 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 15 Spring Festival starts at 11 a.m. in Rocky Young Park.

The Anthropology Society meets at noon in CNC 3808. Alpha Gamma Sigma meets at 1 p.m. in BUS 3206 students with academic support and guidance where they need it.

According to Ross, rush hour occurs between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and he is enthusiastic about how Pierce has the resources to help their students succeed.

“I have never seen a college more proactive for student success in my life,” Ross said.

Tutors at hand are there to help for whatever questions students would like to ask. Eydin Dorri, a 25-year-old philosophy major and tutor, said he feels like he struggles alongside the students.

“I feel like I sometimes go through the struggle with them,” Dorri said. “Philosophy is tackling someone else’s facts.”

He said that philosophy could be a very hard subject for any student to tackle. The needs of students that he tutors vary from midterm examinations to finals preparations.

“I do wish that students would come by a lot during the semester, even if they already know the subjects. It’s good practice,” Dorri said.

Pierce student Kassi Carrillo said she finds the CAS a very helpful environment.

“It is way better than the other one, which use to be located near the bungalow area,” Carrillo said. She comes for tutoring at least two to three times a week, and says each tutor’s schedule varies and can be checked at the front desk.

“It helps you with your classes, especially when there are tutors around to help you,” Carrillo said. “They are very helpful and they are well-organized.”

“Looks kind of like a wrestling match,” Farris said.

Instructional Assistant to Horticulture Keith Peabody’s job is to keep the garden well-maintained.

“I make sure that the plants are watered, and cut when they need trimming,” Peabody said.

He said he sees different types of animals living in the area.

“There are mosquitoes, fish, ducks that come during the spring, and rabbits, ground squirrels,” Peabody said. “I love the whole design of the garden.” Peabody said although most of the plants from the garden could withstand days without water, they still need water on a regular basis.

“They still need to be maintained,

She said that it helps her get her mind off things and finding an area that fits her comfort zone helps her finish the book that she is reading.

Another student that frequents the area is Erick Carranza, a 23-year-old electrical engineering major, who enjoys walking by the garden in between classes.

“It’s cool to see the different variety of plants,” Carranza said, adding that it’s very relaxing and peaceful around the garden.

The S. Mark Taper Foundation Botanical Garden became possible through the work of three Pierce College instructors dedicated to making the garden a reality: Pat Farris, Kate Kuback, and James Rikel.

The French Club meets at 2 p.m. in the ASO Office.

We B.U.I.L.D. meets at 3 p.m. in the ASO Office.

Monday, May 19

Film Club meets at 3:40 p.m. in BEH 1310.

Habitat for Humanity meets at 4 p.m. in BEH 1309.

Tuesday, May 20

The Architecture Club meets at 3 p.m. in AT 3800

The Business Economics Students Association meets at 3 p.m. in the ASO Conference Room.

To add your club events to the calendar, contact cjohnson.roundupnews@gmail.com