Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center (ASC) is a collection of services, programs, and expertise coordinated and managed by the Dean of Students Office. The mission of the ASC focuses on “creating relationships and providing services to enhance students’ learning and academic success by:

• Providing individual and small group assistance for a wide range of academic   disciplines
• Offering individual consultations to both assess strengths and limitations and   develop personalized action plans and goals
• Cultivating leadership opportunities and training students to assist students
• Facilitating educational programs designed to enhance learning
• Serving as a resource for student services and academic departments
• Assessing campus-wide students needs and providing feedback to institutional   policies and procedures.

Services and resources provided through the Academic Success Center include the Learning Lab, tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, Disability Resources, and Psychology 131 (Academic Success Course). The Learning Lab offers one-on-one academic consulting on issues, “contracts” with students to enhance their academic performance, and open workshops on academic success strategies. Course-specific tutoring is available with trained student employees who participate in a tutor certification program. Supplemental Instruction (SI) offers peer-led and collaborative learning sessions for traditionally difficult introductory classes. Accommodations for students with special needs are provided through the Disability Resources Office. Screenings for LD and ADD, mentoring, advocacy with faculty, and accommodations such as extended time on tests, books on tape, and sign language interpreting are just a few of the services offered. Finally, the Psych 131 – Academic Success Course is coordinated through the Academic Success Center and taught for academic credit.

Assessment indicates that these programs are assisting students in their academic achievement. Approximately 250 tutors are matched with 1,500 tutees per semester, and tutees report that tutoring has impacted their course grade. Of the respondents, 23% reported their grade improved 1+ letter grade, 46% reported a “1 letter grade increase” and 27% reported 1/2 letter grade increase. Twenty-three percent (23%) said they strongly agree that tutoring has improved their academic skills and 70% agree; 94% agree or strongly agree that they are more satisfied with their academic experience because of tutoring services.

Assessment conducted on SI participants demonstrates that students who participate in SI earn higher course grades than non-participants (2.63 course grade vs. 2.29, respectively). Research suggests students enrolled in Pysch 131 (Academic Success Course) who had academic difficulty (earned less than a 2.0 GPA) raised their GPA by .85 grade points and maintained that increase in subsequent semesters.

The Academic Success Center and the units it houses have demonstrated success in addressing the academic needs of Iowa State students. The construction of the new Hixon-Lied Student Success Building allows the opportunity to provide services to students in multiple locations, as well as to expand support programs. A significant challenge for the Academic Success Center is limited financial and staffing resources to meet the needs of an increasing number of students.