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Odessa College Student Learning Center :
Guide to Services
Angela L. Tombs
Director
Contents:
Preface 4.
Purpose of the Student Learning Center 5.
Goals and Objectives
Staff
Services Offered in the Student Learning Center 7.
Tutoring
Reasons to Seek Tutoring
Online Tutoring Services
Student Responsibilities in the Tutoring Process
Distance Learner Support Services 10.
Blackboard HELP
Student Email HELP
Web Course Preparedness
Distance Learning Study Skills
Supplemental Instruction 11.
Peer Mentoring 12.
Who Should Participate
How to Become a Participant
Study Skills Training 13.
Workshops
Individualized Training Opportunities
How to Seek Training
Project TIE 14.
Overview of Program
Who Can Participate
How to Get Started
Project SHARE 15.
Computer Lab Access 16.
Student Responsibilities
Center Information 17.
Hours of Operation
Scheduling Appointments
Contact Us
Employment Opportunities 18.
Academic Tutors
Lab Assistants
Expectations of Student Learning Center Staff
Preface
The development and support of the Odessa College Student Learning Center is an endeavor on the part of Odessa College to provide students with assistance in meeting their college goals. The Student Learning Center offers many valuable services to students in the form of academic tutoring, peer mentoring, study skills and other services explained within this guide. This guide is intended to explain the purpose and functions of the Center and how to obtain services so that students may take advantage of this valuable resource available to them at Odessa College.
Purpose of the Student Learning Center
The purpose of the Odessa College Student Learning Center is to provide assistance to students with meeting their academic goals. The Center is a valuable resource to students needing academic tutoring, study skills training, assistance with web-based courses, and many other services which promote and enhance the learning process. All Odessa College students are encouraged to take advantage of the extensive and comprehensive services available to them at the Center. All services of the Center at no additional cost to students beyond the fees paid during the registration process.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of the Student Learning Center is to provide quality academic assistance and services which assist students in meeting their personal academic and/or occupational goals.
The Student Learning Center objective is to provide meaningful services which increase the retention rates of individuals who partake of such services. The Center staff will conduct longitudinal studies in order to track the academic performance of individuals who receive Center services. The statistical data generated will be analyzed to measure the efficacy of the services and programs of the Center. The Center will change and/or enhance services based on outcomes of such studies.
Mission Statement
To assist Odessa College in maintaining ideals by serving as a central location which provides information and services necessary for academic success and life long learning to all college students and faculty.
Student Learning Center Staff
The Center staff members are dedicated to the goals and objectives of the Center. Their actions are guided by the mission statement. Staff members are carefully selected based upon their academic achievement, grade point average, technical skills/knowledge and communication skills. Staff members are held to a high standard of performance and professionalism as they perform their assigned duties in the Center. Learning Center staff are continuously trained and provided with opportunities to enhance their occupational skills. All Center tutors are required to successfully complete the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) within the first fiscal year of their appointment.
The Director
The Director of the Student Learning Center oversees the daily operations and long-term planning of the department. The Director is available to students to provide specialized services and assistance as needed. The Director has an open door policy, and students are encouraged to give their input, feedback, and ask questions at any time.
Services Offered in the Student Learning Center
Tutoring
Tutoring in all major academic areas is available to all Odessa College students. Tutoring is conducted by appointment or on a walk-in basis. It is highly recommended that students make an appointment in advance so that their time with a tutor is secured. Tutoring appointments should be kept or canceled in advance if students are unable to keep them. Each student who provides a valid email account will receive appointment reminders via email. Appointments can be scheduled, changed or cancelled in person, via phone or via email.
Reasons to Seek Tutoring
Students should immediately seek tutoring when comprehension of course material becomes difficult. Students should not wait until the last minute to seek assistance through the tutoring process. The tutoring process is most beneficial when pressing time constraints and deadlines are not an immediate concern. Simply put, the tutor and student need adequate time to determine what course of action should be taken in the tutoring process to insure the student’s success. The tutor must have sufficient time to assess students’ performance and abilities in order to assist them in a meaningful way.
Tutors can also be helpful to students who are satisfied with their academic performance. Tutors can assist students with preparing and studying for tests, editing papers, improving study skills and serving as a sounding board for students’ thoughts and ideas. Many students find this additional input in their coursework to be very valuable.
Students who have fallen behind in their coursework are encouraged to seek assistance from a Center tutor. Tutors can set realistic goals for students and assist them with achieving their goals. Often, a third party taking interest in the progress of students who have fallen behind is all it takes to help the student stay self-motivated and to catch-up.
Instructors and academic advisors will often refer students to the tutoring services offered by the Center. Students who receive such referrals are strongly encouraged to follow the advice of their instructors or academic advisors. These referrals are made by these professionals because tutoring works, and they know it!
Online Tutoring
Many Odessa College students live a great distance from the campus, and they take web courses which do not require them to travel to attend classes. Other students live in the Odessa area, but because of work and family obligations they choose to take web courses. The Student Learning Center has developed and implemented an online tutoring program which allows students to receive one-on-one tutoring online with a certified tutor. Online tutoring is available during regular business hours of the Center. Students needing this service must contact the Director, Angela Tombs, at 432-335-6714 or atombs@odessa.edu for an initial assessment and training on how to access online tutoring.
Student’s Responsibilities in the Tutoring Process
Students seeking tutoring must provide the tutor with all necessary materials such as textbooks, class notes, handouts, etc. It is the responsibility of the students to provide the material for the tutoring session. Students cannot come to tutoring with the expectation that the tutor will provide materials or subject matter for the session.
Students must attempt to complete assignments to the best of their ability before seeking tutoring. This enables the tutor to assess what the student already knows and focus on material that the student is struggling with the most. Also, all reading assignments should be read by the student completely before the tutoring session begins. Being well prepared for a tutoring session is the most important step to getting the maximum benefit of tutoring. It is unreasonable to expect a tutor to teach a course to a student. The student must do his/her part by attending class regularly, taking notes, reading assigned material, and attempting to complete assignments before the tutoring session.
Student Learning Center promotes personal responsibility by requiring that students play an active role in their tutoring appointments. Tutors are not allowed to give out answers to students. Students must come up with their own answers, solutions and/or conclusions. The tutor’s primary purpose is to provide feedback to the student in regards to their coursework and assist the student with related study skills
Tutoring sessions generally last for one hour each. However, the student and the tutor must mutually determine what is best for the student concerning the frequency and duration of tutoring sessions. Students must play an active role in determining what course of action is best for themselves.
Distance Learner Support Services:
The Student Learning Center is committed to providing excellent academic support to our distance learners at Odessa College. The SLC strives to provide the same meaningful services to distance students as are provided to traditional students who come to campus to attend class.
Blackboard HELP:
Students may call 432-335-6878 in order to obtain assistance with Blackboard usage. If students do not know how to use Blackboard or cannot remember their usernames and/or passwords, the Center is their source for the assistance they need!
Student Email HELP:
Students may call 335-6878 in order to obtain assistance with all student email access problems they may encounter. This is a valuable service to OC students, and the use of student email is now required by the college. The SLC is here to help students successfully comply with this requirement!
Web Course Preparedness and Distance Learning Study Skills:
Many students enroll in web courses without having all of the facts! The SLC is here to assist all distance students with becoming adequately prepared for the rigors of web courses. Please call 335-6878 to schedule online, personal assistance.
Help Desk:
Help Desk hours and contact information is available on a semester by semester basis on the SLC website, located at: www.odessa.edu/dept/slc
Students may contact the Help Desk by phone, email, or Yahoo! Instant Messenger.
Help Desk Phone Number: 432-335-6461
Email: ochelp@odessa.edu
Yahoo! Instant Messenger ID: ocglobalhelp
Supplemental Instruction
The Student Learning Center offers supplemental instruction services to supplement various courses at OC as deemed necessary.
Supplemental instruction is a program in which an SLC tutor (SI Leader) works closely with a course instructor so that he/she is well aware of the course assignments and the expectations of the instructor. The SI Leader may even attend class meetings in order to take notes and receive the instructor’s assignments and lesson first-hand. The SI Leader then holds SI sessions where students can attend and receive additional assistance with course content. Student participation is SI sessions is highly recommended because many participants are very successful in their coursework when they take advantage of this service.
Students who wish to participate in the SI program must enroll in a course in which this program is offered. Instructors wishing to add SI to their course should contact the SLC Director, Angela Tombs, at 432-335-6714.
Peer Mentoring Program
The Student Learning Center Peer Mentoring Program provides all Odessa College students with the opportunity to connect with another OC student who has similar academic interests and goals. Peer mentoring is very helpful to students who may not be familiar with the services offered by the Student Learning Center and other departments on the OC campus. The mentors are well aware of campus resources, and they are a valuable resource for OC students.
Who Should Participate
While all Odessa College students can benefit from the peer mentoring program, it is strongly recommended that students who do not have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher participate in this program. Mentors can connect students with academic tutors and trained study skills professionals who can assist with academic needs. Also, all mentors are certified CRLA tutors, and they can provide study skills training to the students they mentor.
First generation college students are particularly urged to participate in the peer mentoring program. Mentors can provide first generation college students with valuable insight into the higher education process. The knowledge that a peer mentor can impart to a student protégé is crucial to meeting academic goals.
How to Become a Participant
Students wishing to participate in the peer mentoring program may come to the Center in person or call 432-335-6714 to inquire. All participants must complete the online questionnaire in order to be matched with a peer mentor. Participants will be notified via phone or email of the date and time of their initial appointment with their mentor. The questionnaire can be completed and submitted from the Center website, www.odessa.edu/dept/slc/ .
Study Skills Training
The Student Learning Center offers training in study skills which are essential to becoming a successful college student. The Center offers study skills workshops and individualized training. All Center tutors are certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) to teach study skills.
Workshops
Study skills workshops are offered in the Student Learning Center throughout the fall and spring semesters. The schedule of workshops can be accessed on the Center website at www.odessa.edu/dept/slc/ .
Individualized Training Opportunities
Students may obtain assistance with study skills training from a Center tutor by appointment. Study skills tutoring sessions offer students an opportunity to receive personalized study skills training based on their respective learning styles and needs.
How to Seek Training
Students may schedule a study skills tutoring appointment by calling 432-335-6878 or by making the appointment in person at the Center. Workshops are open to all OC students, and no appointment or reservation is necessary. All Workshops are held in room 302 at the Center.
Project TIE
Overview of Program
The Odessa College Student Learning Center is dedicated to assisting students with their academic needs and helping them move as far along the learning continuum as they desire to go. The Center staff also realizes that preparing to enter community college requires preparation, and sometimes, personalized assistance. The TIE project provides such assistance to individuals who have made a commitment to register for classes at Odessa College.
Who Can Participate
Through this project, anyone within six months of registering for classes who has an expressed intent to register at Odessa College is eligible for the following services:
Participants in the TIE Project are provided up to two hours of tutoring per week. Also, unlimited access to Plato, Rosetta Stone, THEA Online Test Preparation, workshops, and study skills training are available.
How to Get Started
Individuals who meet the above criteria must contact the Director, Angela Tombs, to schedule an initial intake appointment by calling 432-335-6714 or emailing atombs@odessa.edu .
Project SHARE (Student Help and Retention Enhancement)
The Odessa College Student Learning Center offers extensive study skills resources online. This can be accessed by visiting the Center website at www.odessa.edu/dept/slc . The SHARE Program will consist of study tips, online training, frequent updates to enhance study skill development, links to valuable study skill resources available online, etc. The intent of Project SHARE is to provide OC students with an opportunity to enhance their study skills online at their own pace. Project SHARE provides study skills resources which can be conveniently accessed via the Internet. Of course, study skills training and workshops are available throughout the fall and spring semesters in the Center. Students are encouraged to frequently access the Project SHARE pages on the Center website in order to take advantage of this convenient online learning opportunity.
Computer Lab Access
The Student Learning Center offers computer lab access during regular business hours. Computer access is available on a walk-in basis, and there is no need to make an appointment. All printing is free to Odessa College students needing to print course related material.
The Center provides Lab Assistants who will assist with any technical difficulties or computer related issues which may arise while students are using lab computers.
The Center follows the Odessa College Acceptable Computer Usage Policy.
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Student Responsibilities
Students are allowed to bring a drink with a lid into the computer labs. However, food is not allowed in the computer labs at any time.
Students are required to treat the computer lab as a study area and keep the noise to a minimum.
Students are to exit the Center at five minutes prior to the posted closing time.
Students must bring a disk or other storage device on which to save their work. The Center computers do not save files. Frequent saving of files is necessary to avoid losing data in the event of a power failure.
Students are required to sign in upon entering the Center and sign out when exiting.
Student Learning Center Information
Location: 3 rd Floor of the Library (LRC) building
Hours of Operation
Fall/Spring:
Monday through Thursday: 8:00 am to 9:30pm
Friday: 8:00 am to 1pm
Sunday: 2pm to 5pm
Summer I & II:
Monday through Thursday: 8:00 am to 9pm
Contact Us
Angela Tombs, Director
Office: LRC 300A
Phone: 432-335-6714
Email: atombs@odessa.edu
Learning Center Main Number: 432-335-6878
Learning Center Fax Number: 432-335-6715
Technical Assistant to the Director: 432-335-6538
Chemistry Tutoring Office: 432-335-6880
Biology Tutoring Office: 432-335-6881
Scheduling Appointments
While walk-ins are always welcome in the Learning Center, it is recommended that students schedule a tutoring appointment ahead of time. This will guarantee that the student will be seen by a tutor when they arrive at the Center.
Students may call the main number in order to schedule an appointment by phone. Also, appointments can be scheduled in person or by email. All current tutors’ email addresses are located on the Center website at www.odessa.edu/dept/slc/ .
Employment Opportunities
Academic Tutors
Applications for tutoring/peer mentoring positions are available year round. Please see the Director if you wish to apply for a tutoring position. You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum of 3.0 in all courses which you wish to tutor. All tutor applicants must receive CRLA certification before the end of the first full fiscal year in which they are employed. Current or former Odessa College students preferred.
Lab Assistants
Lab Assistants are responsible for assisting students with computer usage questions and problems. Also, lab assistants train students to use various software programs including Blackboard. Lab Assistants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 if they are college students. Odessa College students preferred.
Expectations of Learning Center Staff
All staff members of the Student Learning Center are expected to demonstrate professionalism, courteousness, patience and good customer service skills. Reliability and punctuality are both necessities. Learning Center staff members are expected to be student-oriented, goal-driven, and knowledgeable in their specified areas of responsibility. All staff members are expected to be proficient in their use of a computer and willing to learn new skills through employee training opportunities which shall be made available to each employee. Staff members answer directly to the Director.
Notes