(Archive October 1, 2011) Academic Support Streamlines Services

By Jonathan Jones | Observer Contributor

The recently completed merger of the Academic Support Center to the library has streamlined the process of introducing students to the vast information available to them.

Director of Academic Support, Chris Doyle said, “Having access to the library staff in such a close proximity makes the tutoring sessions easier and gives students a sort of one stop shop where they can speak to someone from reference, get a book in circulation, work on writing their paper with a tutor, or get math help and be in an academic environment.”

With the change of scenery also comes some new and exciting features. Students can now sign out a laptop computer, while remaining in the library, to complete class work and writing assignments. Also brand new is the student’s ability to get drop-in tutoring for Math and English, at the Leominster campus.

For students that cannot travel to the Gardner or Leominster campus, the free website e-tutoring. org provides the ability to chat with a tutor via instant message or post a question through a message board.

There are, however, challenges to reaching out to students who may have a negative connotation associated with being tutored.

“We provide students with as many services as we can, and if someone has a unique situation

then we are going to find a way to help that student succeed.” Doyle continued, “There is a challenge getting students to understand that you don’t have to be struggling academically to receive tutoring. You can be a straight A student and still receive tutoring.”

In spite of those challenges, the high traffic area around the library is expected to bring in more students that were previously unaware about the Academic Support Services. Director Doyle believes that with the first month of classes completed, more students will be attending tutoring for help with projects, exams and writing assignments.

Director Doyle’s advice to new and former students is this, “You’re always going to be a student. You may be a student athlete, student-leader, student worker, but you’re still a student and make sure that you are spending enough time focusing on that aspect.”

Chris Doyle earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Connecticut State University with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Psychology. He would go on to graduate from Springfield College and earn his Masters Degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education. Before his employment with Mount Wachusett, Doyle worked as the Tutor Manager at Springfield College. Prior to his positions in the tutoring departments, Doyle worked for Horizons, Inc. This company provided educational, vocational, and residential assistance for adults with disabilities.