Academic Counseling

Students wanting to improve their academic performance may decide they need help with a particular study strategy (i.e., time/task management, note taking, or test preparation). Bonnie O'Connell, director of Academic Support Services, can talk with students and help determine weaknesses and ways for improvement. Initial discussions and follow-up meetings often help students improve their learning skills. In addition, handouts on a wide variety of study strategies are available in Winger 112.  

Another valuable tool is the Learning Plus software. Developed by Educational Testing Services to help students prepare and practice for the Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST), the test must be taken by education majors to become certified teachers. It is now used by many college students and adults who need assistance with basic reading, writing and math skills. It contains computer-based assessment and instruction in each of these basic skills plus lessons about test taking skills and practice tests for PPST.  

Students meet with the director of Academic Support Services to register in the system, discuss assessment results, and determine which lessons to complete. Students may use any of the PCs in the college computer labs and work at their own individual pace once registered.