With the spring 2012 semester just beginning, it may be difficult for students to think about needing academic assistance. Finding resources early in the semester however, is one way students can maintain their grades and avoid playing catch-up during finals week.
“It would be wonderful for more students to come in, call or ask for assistance,” said Pam Chambers, interim director of Student Academic Services. “We’re here to help, and our services are free.”
SAS is responsible for the Writing Room, Gen Ed Tutoring Center, Academic Advising Program, National Testing Program, Academic Improvement Program and Disability Resource Office. The program was formerly located in the Psychology Building, but is now located in the Library and Academic Resources Center, according to the program’s website.
The Writing Room is a resource available to CSU-Pueblo students that provides assistance with the writing process at any level and in any discipline. Tutoring for writing assignments is available by walk-n or appointments, but students can also use the Online Writing Lab to submit assignments and access additional resources, Chambers said.
“I would encourage students to come in at all stages of the writing process,” she said. “Even if they haven’t actually begun writing, we can help them get started.”
The Gen Ed Tutoring Center provides tutoring for all general education courses on an individual or group level, Chambers said. Both the Writing Room and Gen Ed Tutoring Center are located in LARC, Room 251.
In order to aid students who are not quite sure which direction they are heading, the Academic Advising Program works with students who remain undeclared after their first two semesters, new transfer students with more than 13 credits and continuing students who have changed their major, Chambers said.
It utilizes career exploration activities to help students find the best major for their interests and skills. The AAP uses major discussions, career assessments, major fairs and exploratory courses to do so, according to the program’s website.
Students who need to work with the AAP are typically directed to the service by the university’s First-Year Programs organization and the Office of Admissions, Chambers said.
The National Testing Program at CSU-Pueblo serves not only university students, but the outlying community as well. Through the program SAS administers standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, LSAT and CLEP. These services are provided in LARC, Room 267.
“Our National Testing Program serves many high school students in the Pueblo area,” Chambers said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to get on campus and experience the university as well.”
In the same room is the Academic Improvement Program. This resource aids students on academic probation to develop an academic improvement plan and how to raise their cumulative GPA above a 2.0, Chambers said.
The Disability Resource Office is the final branch of SAS. It can be found LARC, Room 169, and is mentioned on every syllabus handed out at CSU-Pueblo. In accordance to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, this office offers classroom accommodation, an adaptive technology lab, testing accommodations and support for students with documented disabilities, according to the department‘s website.
