Updates in Academic Affairs: September 21, 2015
Inside Updates: Academic support services for students are highlighted, the University Convocation draws near and an October fair features graduate programs.
WMU offers students an array of academic support services
At the start of a new semester, students are often looking for help with their studies. In addition to meeting with their instructors during office hours, the Academic Resource Center, Bronco Study Zone and Writing Center offer a variety of services to meet the individualized needs of students. These three units are part of the portfolio of academic services offered though the Center for Academic Success Programs.
• The Academic Resource Center, directed by Marilyn Duke, is located in 1275 Ellsworth Hall. The ARC offers students two programs:
College Success Seminars. These one-hour seminars are designed to improve student skills in such areas as coping with test anxiety, studying for success, test-taking strategies, basic math skills and time management techniques. Each session is free and offered multiple times each semester. Find the seminar schedule at wmich.edu/tutoring/student-services/college-success-seminars.
Supplemental Instruction. This service provides course-specific assistance for traditionally challenging classes at WMU. SI leaders who have successfully completed a course for which a student needs help will sit through the class with the student and then hold review sessions. Sessions operate as study groups to maximize learning. Find the supplemental instruction schedule at wmich.edu/tutoring. Instructors interested in providing supplemental instruction services for their students may contact Marilyn Duke at (269) 387-4442 or @email.
• The Bronco Study Zone, directed by Katie Easley, is located on the second floor of Waldo Library. The BSZ offers a wide variety of tutoring for many courses. Students can use the BSZ as a “go-to” location where homework help is readily available. Find the BSZ schedule at wmich.edu/arts-sciences/academics/student-success/bronco-study-zone. Instructors interested in more information about the BSZ may contact Katie Easley at (269) 387-4257 or katie.e.easley@wmich.edu.
• The Writing Center is located in 1343 Ellsworth Hall. The center, directed by Kim Ballard, assists writers at all levels and abilities. And the center's staff members help students make academically responsible choices at all stages in the writing process for all genres of writing. Trained consultants will work one-on-one with students by appointment. To learn more about the center's services and to access the appointment scheduler, visit wmich.edu/writingcenter.
To refer a student who may benefit from these academic support services and for more information, contact Randy Ott, director of the Center for Academic Success Programs, at (269) 387-4413 or randy.ott@wmich.edu.
You're invited to the Convocation and State of the University address
Please join the campus community at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall for the 2015 University Convocation and State of the University address by President John M. Dunn.
The following faculty and staff members will be recognized for demonstrated excellence in their work:
2015 Annual Make a Difference Award
Kevin Knutson, College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Advising
Caroline Ray, Haworth College of Business
Terri Riemland, Student Activities and Leadership Programs
Michiko Yoshimoto, Haenicke Institute for Global Education
2015 Distinguished Teaching Award
Allison Downey, Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies
Michael S. Nassaney, Department of Anthropology
2015 Emerging Scholar Award
Luigi Andrea Berto, Department of History
2015 Distinguished Service Award
Joseph G. Reish, University Libraries
Juan Tavares, International Admissions and Services, Haenicke Institute for Global Education
2015 Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award
Chansheng He, Department of Geography
Following the awards presentation, Dunn will deliver a State of the University address and outline goals for the University community for the 2015-16 academic year. Immediately following the address, there will be a reception in the lobby of the Richmond Center for the Visual Arts.
Upcoming fair focuses on graduate, professional studies
The Graduate College, in collaboration with Career and Student Employment Services, is hosting the 2015 Graduate and Professional School Fair from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, in the Bernhard Center East Ballroom.
Faculty and staff are asked to encourage interested students to participate in the fair. The purpose of this event is to connect students with graduate and professional schools in various disciplines. School representatives will provide information about their application processes and strategies for success.
A list of registered organizations and additional details about the fair are available online here.
For questions or more information, contact the Graduate College at (269) 387-8237 or Linda Comrie at linda.comrie@wmich.edu.