OFFICE OF ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES

The Office of Student Academic Support Services, headquartered in Knutti Hall, room 114, offers a variety of course work and services to assist students in achieving academic success at Shepherd. Among the responsibilities of this office are 1) the Academic Foundations Program, 2) the tutoring program, and 3) Writing Center.

The Academic Foundations Program at Shepherd is designed to bridge the gap between high school and college for interested students who do not meet the stated admissions standards. Through courses in reading, study skills, composition, and mathematics, the program can assist recent high school graduates and nontraditional students who wish to attend college but whose skills need further development. Academic Foundations courses feature individualized instruction and learning assistance sessions outside of class. Completion of the Academic Foundations Program will assist students in being academically prepared to pursue a Shepherd University degree.

In addition to Academic Foundations course work for selected students, this office operates the college wide learning center called the Study Center. The Study Center offers free tutoring in most academic courses to any interested Shepherd student. Besides peer tutors, the Study Center employs a support staff of professional learning resource specialists in the areas of mathematics, composition, reading, and study skills to work with students individually and in small groups. The Study Center also sponsors free workshops on how-to-study skills and computer-assisted, self-study materials to be used independently to improve specific reading, writing, and mathematics skills.