Q&A with the director of the new MBU Academic Success Center

Q: What is the overarching goal of the Academic Success Center?

A: During the past year, the University identified a need to provide academic support services that will help students be successful at the college level. The Academic Success Center (ASC) was created this summer to address that need. Our goal is to offer services and resources that will enhance student learning both in and outside of the classroom environment and thus improve the opportunity each student has to succeed at MBU.

Q: So, what are some of the specific services offered?

A: One of the main services provided by the ASC will be mentorship and accountability for incoming freshmen who are accepted on probation. Students who are admitted to the University on probation with a test score below our stated requirements of 20 (composite score) on the ACT or 950 (math + critical reading scores) on the SAT are required to participate in the services provided by the ASC including scheduled meetings with me throughout the semester. These mentoring meetings are designed to help students with achieving a 2.0 or higher cumulative grade point average. During the meetings we discuss academic expectations and study habits, we set goals, and we identify potential obstacles to success and how to overcome them.

Q: Are there any services that are available to all MBU students?

A: Absolutely. While participation in the ASC is required for some freshmen, there are also many services coordinated through the ASC available to all MBU students. These services include a writing lab, a tutoring program and testing services. Currently students can make an appointment with a writing coach to get one-on-one help with various parts of the writing process including brainstorming, structuring a paper, editing and properly citing sources. Math and science tutoring is already being offered through the ASC, and we plan to expand the available tutoring to other subjects as the school year progresses.

Q: Where is the Academic Success Center located?

A: The former Testing Center, located on the lower level of the Thomas and Virginia Field Academic Hall, was renovated to accommodate offices for the ASC as well as space for student tutoring and testing to take place.

Q: So what happened to the Testing Center?

A: The Testing Center no longer exists by that name. Our new department offers so much more than just testing services, so that is why we are named the Academic Success Center. Faculty and students do not need to be concerned, though, because all of the same testing services including classroom make-up exams and assessment tests will continue to be offered through the ASC. The Coordinator of Testing will schedule, administer and supervise these exams.

Q: What brought you to work in the Academic Success Center?

A: A search for a Director of the ASC began in late spring, and after working in the Admissions Office at MBU for three years, I left my position as the Director of Undergraduate Admissions in July to accept this new role. I am passionate about student services and am especially thrilled about the opportunity to launch a new program that will have such an impact on student success and retention. Being in a position that allows me to build relationships with students and play a part in helping them reach their goals is extremely rewarding, and I truly cannot imagine a better job.

Visit the Academic Success Center web page