Through a peer-to-peer model of interaction and academic support, the Academic Success Center strives to develop confident, equipped, and engaged learners within the university. Focusing our efforts on growth and development of students, faculty, and staff, the ASC utilizes diverse and innovative strategies which not only promote the intellectual pursuits of all community members, but also provides systemic support which enhances retention at the university. Providing a patient, positive, and approachable atmosphere for all community members--and clients of the ASC--nurtures access to services which empower and encourage individuals to reach their full potential as learners, staff members, and professionals at ULV.
Learning Centered: Every collaboration with faculty, staff, and students; professional development opportunity offered; task completed; decision made; and conversation will serve the goal of nurturing the skills needed for each student to feel confident, acquire knowledge, pursue wellness, and succeed throughout the course of their life.
Innovative: Data-driven decisions serve as the foundation of efforts to challenge the status quo, collaborate across disciplines, and create new programs and strategies to meet the unique needs of each student we serve and prepare those students to proceed with curiosity and ingenuity.
Outcome Focused: Long-term impact on student success and continuous assessment of our efforts are the foundations of all programs and processes. Setting aside thoughts of the way it has always been done and embracing mistakes empowers all members of the department to lean into the learning curve, improve processes, and discover new more effective paths toward the realization of the department’s vision.
Community Minded: The different ways we experience the world are an asset to the community. All are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to the center—as both employees and learners. Within our walls, everyone is important, safe, accepted, and valued.
Equitable: The university was not designed to support the growth and development of everyone. Therefore, we acknowledge the contribution of unique cultural perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to our collective knowledge; empower stakeholders to build on the richness of their contribution; and actively combat educational inequity (and all other forms of inequity).
The Academic Success Center strives to meet the following student learning outcomes in all of our efforts and interactions with the ULV community:
Increased confidence
Enhanced critical thinking skills
Knowledge of available resources/feeling supported in one’s efforts
Growth and understanding of one’s self as a learner
ASC Student Initiatives Specialists (SISs) comprise the student leadership team of the Academic Success Center and assist in coordinating, supporting, and implementing academic initiatives from the ASC, including, but not limited to, providing leadership and mentorship for student employees, as well as assisting in the development of La Verne community members. SISs work together with their student employee teammates to carry out and enhance all functions of the ASC. You will often see SISs in the ASC space, lending support to employees, students, and professional staff. Their goal is truly to enhance the experience of all students and student employees in the ASC, acting as a liaison with professional staff.
ASC Tutors are students at ULV who have a minimum gpa of 3.25, are faculty recommended, and have expertise in the areas they tutor. They participate in weekly trainings throughout the academic year to learn more about their content areas as well as strategies to make your tutoring experience not only helpful, but also encouraging and enjoyable. They report that their favorite part of working with students is watching their growth and excitement when they have those lightbulb moments and say to themselves, "I CAN do this!"
ASC Academic Coaches are undergraduate or graduate students at ULV who support students on a long-term basis. Academic Coaches have varying areas of specialty, but all are trained to assist with enhancing study skills and academic habits, avoiding procrastination, long-term planning, and creating goals for academic success. Academic Coaches assist with accountability and encourage students' development and long-term growth. They participate in weekly training sessions which equip them to serve the diverse student population at ULV, focusing on making all coaching experiences learning opportunities as well as boosting students' confidence. Academic Coaches report that their favorite part of working with students is the relationship they are able to build over a longer period of time; this relationship allows them to really get to know the student, their passions and interests, and their goals. They appreciate the opportunity to assist students with meeting their goals and love when students express excitement about their own progress!
ASC Student Learning Assistants (SLAs) offer classroom support for the campus community, so you will seem them within some of your classes at ULV. SLAs are either undergraduate or graduate students at ULV, are faculty recommended or requested, and have a minimum gpa of 3.25. Most often, SLAs support courses in which they have already been enrolled, allowing them to offer additional support to students in the class. Within the classroom, you will see SLAs offering technology support, facilitating discussion in small group activities, and offering individualized support to students. Outside the classroom, SLAs host office hours by appointment for students, and they may offer group tutoring sessions on difficult concepts within the course. SLAs report that their favorite part of working in the classroom is interacting with students and faculty; they feel being in the classroom, reviewing the same material as students, allows them to offer more tailored academic support. They appreciate being helpful and love when students utilize them as an additional resource within the class!
ASC Promotions Coordinators work to strengthen the connection among the ASC and the campus community. Promotions Coordinators develop displays, campaigns, and social media activity in order to bring awareness to ULV students and clients regarding available supports within the ASC. The campus community will interact with ASC Promotions Coordinators at campus-wide and departmental events, as well as during class visits and other initiatives aimed at developing relationships with the campus community. ASC Promotions Coordinators enjoy using their creativity to bring awareness and interaction to the campus community, and they look forward to seeing you at various events throughout the academic year!
ASC Office Assistants work to provide an approachable, supportive environment within the Academic Success Center. Their goal is to ensure that all ASC visitors feel welcomed, supported, and aware of all the services the ASC offers for the campus community. Have a question about the ASC? The ASC Office Assistants work at the service desk in the ASC and are available to help in every way they can. ASC Office Assistants love to work with members of the campus community and to ensure that all visitors have a great experience within the ASC. Come by the ASC to see them, to get your questions answered, and to be pointed towards the proper supports for YOU!