The Office of Retention has implemented an Access and Success Program that targets freshmen and sophomore students. The Center for Student Access and Success offers free academic support such as tutoring, study skills seminar, Blackboard training, and writing and math labs to all undergraduate students at Grambling State University.
Strengthening and improving the retention of first-time, full-time freshmen is a university wide program that provides tutoring to all students.
The Supplemental Instructors and the Supplemental Instruction-Leaders programs have three certified personnel, Veterine Simpson, director of retention, Dr. Beatrice McKinsey, English, and Dr. Sandra Gamble, math, who have completed the required training. The targeted high-risk areas are English 101 and 102 and math131 and 132.
“We will offer program activities for students who experience academic difficulties, as well as those who are already succeeding academically, but simply want to enrich their educational experiences,” said Simpson.
The Center for Student Access and Success provides individual and small group tutoring in biology, chemistry, math and physics. The center also tutors students in accounting, English and the Writing Center.
In an effort to make the retention program work effectively the staff will submit early alert forms to each academic college so deans can ask the faculty to submit the names of those students who are in need of help, said Simpson.
Simpson said the forms will include an Early Alert Referral, follow-up form, academic monitoring form, and a request for tutoring form.
The other four Academic Skills Computer Centers will offer writing and English labs, Modu Math and Blackboard training. Seminars and workshops will be offered to provide students with support that will strengthen their academic performance and promote student success and retention.
The seminars and workshops will include:
– Student leadership and their roles
– Etiquette and charm
– Time management
– Critical thinking
– Choosing a major/career
– Note-taking
– Academic etiquette
Dr. Sharon Green, vice chancellor at Southern University in Shreveport, will present a faculty and staff development workshop Tuesday. She presented a Student Leadership workshop for SI Leaders, Peer Mentors, Peer Tutors and lab assistants in the Office of Retention on Sept. 12.
“As a result of participating in Dr. Green’s workshop, the student leaders were better able to recognize their need for self-confidence, pride, dignity, respect, and sense of worthiness in all situations,” Simpson said.
The program is partially funded by Title III.