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 use our programs and services and realize how the Center staff can assist them to achieve their goals.
Description of Programs & Services
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
978-665-3321
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 website 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: Hammond Building – 1st Floor, Room C-109
Availability: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 Multicultural Student Services and ACCESS
Jamie Cochran - Coordinator
jcochran@fsc.edu
Heather Daly - Administratrive Assistant
hdaly@fsc.edu - 978-665-3399
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 underrepresented racial groups.
Location: 3rd Floor Library Room 320
Availability: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 Career Center
Erin C. Kelleher, M.Ed. - Director
978-665-3150
ekelleher@fsc.edu
Diane Maynard - Administrative Assistant
978-665-3151
dmaynard@fsc.edu
www.fsc.edu/careersvs
The Career Center 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 Fitchburg state College students and alumni
Location: Hammond Building (Library) – 2nd Floor – Rooms 215 & 216
Availability: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Evening hours by appointment only)
 Counseling Services
Robert Hynes, Ph.D., LMHC - Director
rhynes@fsc.edu
Elizabeth Fineberg, LICSW - Associate Director
efineberg@fsc.edu
Erin Travia, MA, LMHC - Staff 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 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Walk-In Hours, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
On-call response (for emergencies) 24 hours a day during regular academic year. (Call Campus Police Department after hours at Ext. 3111 or 978-665-3111)
 Disability Services
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 website 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 workstation
Eligibility: All registered students with a documented disability.
Location: Library 3rd floor, room 321
Availability: Mon - Thurs. 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Fridays 8:00 – 3:00 (also by appointment)
 Expanding Horizons Program
Crystal Joseph, Ph. D - Director
978-665-4613
Janice Allen - Program Assistant
978-665-3064
Kristen Nelson, M.A. - Peer Mentor Coordinator / Career Counselor
978-665-3373
Sarah J. Sadowski, MA - Professional Writing Tutor /Academic Counselor
978-665-3064
Marktavian Martin - Counselor
mmarti17@fsc.edu
www.fsc.edu/ehp
The Expanding Horizons Program endeavors to create a smaller learning environment within the larger campus community. The Expanding Horizons staff works with students to facilitate the adjustment to college and to enhance their ability to attain their fullest academic potential and propensity for personal growth.
- Support of Peer Mentors (Upper class EHP students)
- Extended pre-semester orientation for eligible freshmen and transfer students
- Individualized academic assessment
- Academic counseling, including study skills and time management skills training
- Pre-advising for course selection
- Personal problem solving
- Peer tutors in mathematics courses and other subjects
- Mid-semester progress reports from faculty
- Professional tutor in writing
- Career counseling, including resume development / preparation
- Informational seminars
- Social and cultural activities and events
- Use of EHP office and computer lab
- Financial aid advising and financial counseling
Eligibility: All registered undergraduate students who are either first-generation to attend college (neither parent has obtained a baccalaureate degree), and/or low-income and/or student with a documented disability.
Location: Library 3rd floor
Availability: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (other evening hours by appointment)
 International Education
Clare O’Brien - Director
978-665-3599
cmobrien@fsc.edu
Tracey Sarefield - Study Abroad Advisor
978-665-3089
tsarefie@fsc.edu
Heather Daly - Administrative Assistant
978-665-3089
hdaly@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., Australia, China and Spain.
- 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: Hammond Campus Center, Rm. 308
Availability: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Math Center
Tom 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 website.
Eligibility: All registered students
Location: 3rd floor Library
Availability: Sunday - Thursday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 p.m.
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Peer Assisted Student Support - PASS
Tom Rousseau, M.Ed. - Assistant Dean of Academic Support Services
978-665-4136 - trousseau@fsc.edu
Tom Driscoll, M.Ed. - Academic Counselor
978-665-3499 - tdrisco1@fsc.edu
PASS is a program designed to help all pre-majors, first year commuter students and transfer students with their academic and social transitions to Fitchburg State College. Eligible students are paired with Peer Guides, upperclassmen of the same gender with similar academic and social interests, who are available to answer questions and relate to concerns about college life. The Peer Guides are campus leaders who may also work 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 with other students who have similar interests
- Achieve academically by introducing you to Academic Success Center services
- Learn more about your major, required courses and career options
- Access specific career exploration activities that assist students in their selection of a major
- 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 pre-majors, first year commuter and transfer students.
Location: 3rd floor Library, room 324
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Availability: Peer Guides meet students 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
Tom Rousseau, M.Ed. - Assistant Dean of Academic Support Services
978-665-4136; trousseau@fsc.edu
Tom Driscoll, M.Ed. - Academic Counselor
978-665-4035; tdrisco1@fsc.edu
Denise Hampson - Secretary
978-665-3499 - dhampson@fsc.edu
www.fsc.edu/tutoring
The Tutor Center’s fifty peer tutors offer free individual peer tutoring, in seventy-five subjects, representing nineteen majors. Our goals are to improve students’ academic achievement, ability to learn, to apply knowledge and to help students develop critical thinking skills. Students become more self-confident and self-directed learners as a result of their tutorial relationship.Tutoring sessions focus on reviewing and explaining concepts and specific topics. Tutors also introduce study and learning methods that assist students to develop new habits for learning.
Individual Study and Learning Strategy Sessions are provided by professional staff. Students are assisted to craft a study plan that builds effective learning habits, long term memory and improved reading, note-taking and test-taking skills.
Three group tutoring services are available. Peer Facilitated Study Groups after each class is offered for selected courses. The Peer Facilitated Study Group tutor introduces supplemental instruction activities to assist students’ learning of the traditionally difficult topics from each lesson.
The Study Partner service matches students in the same class with a study partner and provides guidelines on how to maximize your learning and time whilestudying with a classmate.
The Study Group Peer Facilitation service provides a peer tutor trained in effective study group processes. If you are studying with a group of three to five students you may request a peer facilitator who will attend your group. The peer facilitator’s goal is to maximize each members learning and critical thinking through group discussion and supplemental instruction activities.
Test Preparation Workshops facilitated by professional tutors assist students to prepare for the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), General Curriculum, Foundations of Reading, and Early Childhood Tests. Individual peer tutoring at the Writing Center assists students to prepare for the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills test. Professional MTEL preparation tutoring can also be requested.
Eligibility: All registered students
Location: 3rd floor Library, room 324
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Availability: Tutors meet with students in the library and are available by appointment seven days a week at mutually agreeable times during the day, evening or weekends.
Writing Center
Tom 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 Center professional and peer 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.
Individual peer tutoring at the Writing Center also assists students to prepare for the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communication and Literacy Skills test (CLST) writing sub-test. Fourteen guidebooks are available for additional instruction and practice resources on each of the eight Writing sub-test objectives. Students are assisted to develop an individualized study plan through an assessment of writing skills by test objective, test taking strategies, practice tests and feedback on the written summary and essay sub-tests. Preparation for the CLST Reading sub-test is available as a two hour workshop at www.fsc.edu/tutoring/mtelprep/video.
Eligibility: All registered students
Location: Library 3rd floor
Availability: Monday - Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
|
