IU South Bend offers various options for students who need help meeting their academic goals and for students who are not struggling but are compelled to be exceptional in even the most difficult courses.
The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) offers students free tutoring in many courses. The ACE has a large staff of student tutors from various academic disciplines who are dedicated to helping students learn to perform better in their classes.
“Students should visit the ACE if they are struggling to pass a course or if they are just the type of student that wants to improve their grades,” said Paul Schmucker, ACE tutor and accounting major.
The ACE wants students to feel comfortable and enjoy the experience of learning.
“We offer one-on-one tutors and we also tutor groups of students from the same class or subject,” said Schmucker.
The ACE is located in room 122 of the Administration Building and is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information visit www.iusb.edu/~sbtutor/.
The Writing Center is provided for students who are looking to focus strictly on their writing skills.
Computers are available in the WC where students can work on papers with a tutor. printers are also available so students can print rough drafts of papers for proofreading and final drafts when work has been polished and edited.
“We can help with any stage of the writing process: getting started, connecting ideas, staying on topic, etc.” said Rachel Cheeseman, Writing Center tutor. “We help students with any paper and for any class. Dedicated students who want to get better grades on their papers will often come to the WC as well as students who are in danger of failing W130 or W131.”
The tutors of the WC understand the writing goals of W130 and W131.
“We meet with freshman level writing professors, so, as tutors, we understand what the professors are looking for and we can help the students meet these goals,” said Cheeseman.
The WC is located in room 124 of the Administration Building and is open Sunday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Wednesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information visit www.iusb.edu/~sbwrite/.
Talking with and taking advice from other students can also be an excellent source of help and inspiration for becoming a more successful student.
“Don’t procrastinate,” said elementary education major Jenn Fink. “Review everything and make notes of the things that you need to work on.”
One-on-one interaction with other students and studying in groups has also helped Fink become a more successful student.
“Study groups are very helpful. Find a study partner that is in your class so that you can learn from one another,” said Fink. “And don’t just memorize the course material, but create relationships between ideas.”
The sources for excellence are all over campus. Students, professors, tutors, the library, computer labs and learning resources can help students improve their academic performance and experience.
Improving your academic performance
Published: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Updated: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
 "Photo: File Photo")
File Photo
Developing the appropriate study skills and getting help when you need it, is one way to improve your academic performance.
Be the first to comment on this article!