Academic Success Center
Mission
The Academic Success Center is a group of staff representing eleven programs and services that works collaboratively to support students toward their academic success and assist students to achieve their Fitchburg State College degree.
Our collective approach is pro-active and student centered. We utilize the resources of the Fitchburg State College community of students, faculty and staff to encourage the development of the whole person.
We encourage students to investigate our programs and services and consider how the Center staff can assist them to address their concerns and realize their goals.
Description of Programs & Services (2007-2008)
Do you prefer to receive this information in an alternate format, such as Braille, e-text? Please contact Disability Services at 978-665-4020.
Academic Advising Center
Donna Foley - Director
978-665-3319
dfoley@fsc.edu
Heather Beam - Academic Advisor
hbeam@fsc.edu
www.fsc.edu/advisingctr
The Academic Advising Center specializes in assisting students with various academic concerns. The Advising Center provides services for students who have not declared their major, students who are experiencing academic difficulty, students in need of assistance with academic regulations, and students seeking credit for their life experience. The Academic Advising Center advises all pre-major students. The “Focus On The Future” program offers individualized academic advising services that assist pre-major students in their process of determining a major. The Advising Center is also a vital resource for faculty. Enter our web-site at www.fsc.edu/advisingctr to view the Four Year Plans of Study.
Eligibility: All registered pre-major students, students on academic probation or suspension, and non-traditional students seeking life experience credit.
Location: 3rd Floor Library
Availability: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30 PM
Multicultural Student Services and ACCESS Program
Jamie Cochran - Coordinator
978-665-3701; jcochran@fsc.edu
www.fsc.edu/mssaccess
Multicultural Student Services and the ACCESS program develop a supportive community of learners where students feel comfortable, respected, appreciated and challenged to be academic high achievers.
Both Multicultural Student Services and the ACCESS program services include: academic assessment, personal, financial and career support. Other services involve – mid-semester progress report review, pre-advising, study/learning strategies and tutorial services. The staff also makes referrals to other support services to assist students with their academic achievement. Students enrolled in the program are expected to meet with their program counselor at least three times each semester, attend monthly meetings and activities and utilize other appropriate services as needed.
Multicultural Student Services promotes a college-wide program of cultural activities designed to contribute to a positive campus culture of appreciation and respect for differences. The staff collaborates with other support services, faculty and staff in the planning of multicultural awareness events. The staff supports and encourages students to develop leadership skills through participation in student organizations such as the Black and Latin American Student Unions.
Eligibility: All students are eligible for Multicultural Student Services. ACCESS Program students must be Massachusetts residents and meet one of the following criteria: low-income, students with disabilities and students of color.
Location: 3rd Floor Library Room 320
Availability: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:00 PM
Career Services
Erin Kelleher, M.Ed. - Director
978-665-3150
ekelleher@fsc.edu
Diane Maynard - Administrative Assistant
978-665-3151
dmaynard@fsc.edu
www.fsc.edu/careersvs
Career Services provides a variety of programs and services to assist students and alumni in planning for career decisions during and after FSC. Students receive counseling on choosing a career, internship planning, job search, occupational information and selecting a graduate school or professional program. Programs and services include: career counseling, graduate school advisement, career assessment/interest inventories and on-campus and off campus career events.
Eligibility: All students and alumni
Location: Library 2rd Floor, Balcony
Availability: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Evening hours by appointment
Counseling Services
Robert Hynes, Ph.D., LMHC - Director
rhynes@fsc.edu
Elizabeth Fineberg, LICSW - Associate Director
efineberg@fsc.edu
Erin Travia, MA - Counselor/Prevention Coordinator
etravia@fsc.edu
Rose Marshall - Office Manager
rmmarshall@fsc.edu
978-665-3152
www.fsc.edu/counseling
The Counseling Services Office provides confidential services to enrolled students at no charge. Clinicians are available for individual, group, and couples counseling, crisis intervention, educational programming, outreach workshops, community referrals and in-service training. Typical reasons for seeking counseling include: coping with loss, relationship concerns, loneliness/homesickness, self-esteem problems, family problems, sexuality issues, feelings of depression or anxiety, and stress.
Eligibility: All enrolled students.
Location: 3rd Floor Library, Room 325
Availability: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM,
Walk-In Hours, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
On-call response (for emergencies) 24 hours a day during regular academic year.
(Call Campus Police Department after hours at x3111)
Disability Services
Dawn Stevenson, M.Ed., OTR/L, - Director
978-665-3427
dstevenson@ fsc.edu
Julie Maki - Coordinator of Adaptive Computer Lab & Testing Center
978-665-3562
jmaki@fsc.edu
Francine Menendez-Aponte - Coordinator of Interpreter Services
978-665-3562
fmaponte@fsc.edu
Katrina Durham - Secretary
978-665-4020
kdurham1@fsc.edu
Disability Services is the primary support system for students with disabilities taking classes in the day and evening division. The objective of Disability Services is to promote independence, build skills, and facilitate achievement of educational goals for individuals with disabilities.
To be eligible for academic accommodations students must request services themselves and must provide appropriate documentation to support the need for such services. Requests for accommodations must be made in a timely manner and must be reasonable given the nature of the disability.
For additional information about how to register with the office for services, please visit the department web site at: www.fsc.edu/disability
Services & Accommodations:
Some examples of services and academic accommodations are listed below. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of services.
- Adaptive software and computer equipment
- Testing accommodations (for example, extended time testing)
- Alternate format materials (for example, Braille or electronic text)
- Assistive listening devices
- Sign language interpreters
- Reduced course load
- Skill-building workshops and coaching
Please note: Students are responsible for scheduling out of classroom testing (i.e. time and a half, non-distractive environment) at least one week prior to the date of the exam. If you have already registered with the office and need to schedule a test with Disability Services, email us at testing@fsc.edu .
Accessible Technology:
Disability Services also is host to the Adaptive Technology Lab. The lab is located on the third floor of the Hammond Building and includes a variety of technology resources that are available for use by students, faculty and staff. Some examples of software, equipment and services available through the lab include:
- Text to speech software (screen readers)
- Screen magnification software
- CCTV (for magnification of text)
- Organizational software
- Voice recognition software
- Alternate input devices
- Adapted keyboards
- Ergonomic workstations
Eligibility: All registered students with a documented disability.
Location: Library 3rd floor, room 321
Availability: Mon -Thurs. 8:00 AM -5:30 PM, Fridays 8:00 – 3:00 and by arrangement
Expanding Horizons Program
Laura L. Duncan, MSW - Director
978-665-4613
Maggie Peterson - Administrative Assistant
978-665-3064
Beth C. Hallet, GCDF - Coordinator of Career and Peer Mentor Programs
www.fsc.edu/ehp
The Expanding Horizons Program endeavors to create a smaller learning environment within the larger campus community. Staff work with students to facilitate their adjustment to college and to enhance their ability to attain their fullest academic potential. Services include:
- Peer Mentors
- Individualized Academic Assessment
- Academic Counseling and advising
- Personal Problem Solving
- Professional & Peer Tutors in writing and other subjects
- Career Counseling
- Computer Loan Program
- Financial aid counseling
Eligibility: All registered undergraduate students who are either first-generation to attend college (neither parent has a baccalaureate degree), and/or low-income and/or student with a documented disability.
Location: Library 3rd floor
Availability: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* other evening hours by appointment
International Education
Clare O’Brien - Director
978-665-3599
cmobrien@fsc.edu
Jean Varchol - Administrative Assistant
978-665-3089
jvarchol@fsc.edu
www.fsc.edu/intled
The Office of International Education provides a number of services including:
- Study Abroad Opportunities: FSC students have the opportunity to study in another country for a semester or a year. Extremely affordable programs are offered in several locations including the U.K., Ireland, Finland, and Quebec.
- Support for Int’l Students: International students can receive assistance with immigration issues, academic concerns, employment information, and personal issues. Orientation, newsletters, and social programs help aid with international students’ transitions.
- Global Education: Campus-wide events are offered throughout the academic year to promote cross-cultural awareness on campus. Students can learn more about life in other countries without ever leaving campus.
Eligibility: All registered students
Location: Sanders Building, downstairs, Room 130 in the GCE Office.
Availability: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Math Center
Thomas Rousseau, M.Ed. - Assistant Dean of Academic Support Services
978-665-3499
trousseau@fsc.edu
www.fsc.edu/mathctr
The Math Center offers peer tutors who specialize in one-on-one tutoring on a walk-in basis. Tutoring is available for fundamentals of arithmetic and algebra through upper-level mathematics courses. Peer tutors focus on effective learning strategies that develop students understanding and skill. A listing of the tutors’ subject specialties, as well as their hours, is posted at the Math Center and on the web site.
Eligibility: All registered students
Location: 3rd floor Library
Availability: Sunday - Thursday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM and Monday - Thursday,10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS)
A Service of the Tutor Center
Thomas Driscoll, M.Ed. - Academic Support Specialist
978-665-4035
tdrisco1@fsc.edu
PASS is a program designed to help first year commuter students with their academic and social transitions to Fitchburg state College. Pass pairs eligible students with peer guides, upperclassmen of the same gender with similar academic and social interests, that are available to answer questions and relate to concerns about college life.
The peer guides are campus leaders who have leadership roles such as tutors and orientation staff. They have at least a 2.75 grade point average and are well trained for their role by Tutor Center staff.
Your relationship with a peer guide will help you to:
- Address your concerns about adjusting to college
- Connect you with other students who have similar interests
- Achieve academically by connecting you with Academic Success center Services
- Learn more about your major, required courses and career options
- Explore opportunities on campus to participate in a variety of cultural, social, academic and athletic events, student clubs and organizations
- Initiate activities on campus that interest you
- Feel like a part of the Fitchburg State College community
Eligibility: Pass is open to full-time, first year commuter and transfer students who are not currently affiliated with the Expanding Horizon’s Program.
Location: 3rd floor Library, room 324
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Availability: Peer Mentors meet in the library, cafeterias, student lounges and other common areas on campus and are available by appointment seven days a week at mutually agreeable times during the day, evening or weekends.
Tutor Center
Thomas Rousseau, M.Ed. - Assistant Dean of Academic Support Services
978-665-4136
trousseau@fsc.edu
Thomas Driscoll, M.Ed. - Academic Support Specialist
978-665-4035
tdrisco1@fsc.edu
Denise Hampson - Secretary
978-665-3499
dhampson@fsc.edu
www.fsc.edu/tutoring
The Tutor Center offers free individual peer tutoring, in a variety of subjects, designed to assist students to increase academic performance. Individual Study and Learning Strategy Sessions are also available. Students are assisted to craft a study plan that aligns with their learning style. To enhance the learning of concepts and specific content, tutoring sessions focus on memory principles and test preparation strategies that help students attain the best results for their study time.
Eligibility: All registered students
Location: 3rd floor Library, room 324
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Availability: Peer tutors meet in the library and are available by appointment seven days a week at mutually agreeable times during the day, evening or weekends.
Writing Center
Thomas Rousseau, M.Ed. - Assistant Dean of Academic Support Services
978-665-3499
trousseau@fsc.edu
www.fsc.edu/writingctr
With a focus on clear communication, the Writing Centerpeer tutors work together with writers - at all levels, in all stages of the writing process, and in all areas of study. Each meeting begins in the same manner, with a discussion of the assignment. What happens next depends on where you are in the writing process and what your needs are. Tutors do not edit your paper! You are the author; together we notice problems, but you make the final writing decisions after the issue is explained.
Eligibility: All registered students
Location: Library 3rd floor
Availability: Monday - Thursday, 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Evening hours are available by appointment for Graduate & Continuing Education students
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