As finals draw nearer, the Center for Academic Success is working to prepare students for the end of the semester through tutoring, counseling and online workshops.
CAS recently received an award for the 2004 Outstanding Learning Center in the Nation from the National College Learning Center Association.
“This award recognizes the innovative and progressive work accomplished over the last few years,” said Sarah Baird, a consultant at CAS.
CAS constantly is looking for ways to improve, Baird said.
“We always ask ourselves, ‘how can we reach the most students?’” Baird said.
Baird said CAS works to help students with strategies and tips for finals preparation, but most workshops and programs are not well-attended.
“The actual workshops usually only had one or two students attending,” Baird said. “That doesn’t meet enough students’ needs.”
The primary methods that have been successful in reaching students have been programs providing online workshops and materials, Baird said.
“We are working with the computer center to put more and more on the Web,” Baird said. “That has been a really exciting part of our outreach at LSU.”
Baird said while class and workshop attendance at CAS is minimal, an increasing amount of students are using the center’s online services.
“We are thrilled with the number of students who participate online,” Baird said.
CAS online services are popular because they constantly are available to students, Baird said.
Instead of making appointments or trying to juggle schedules, students can take advantage of CAS services whenever they have a free moment.
In addition to basic study skills classes, several tutorial centers are available to help students with specific academic areas.
There are tutorial centers available to all students in mathematics, biology and chemistry, computer science, general computer applications, physics and Spanish. All tutoring is free.
Most tutorial centers do not require appointments. Students are free to come anytime during specified hours.
Despite the urgency of finals, Baird said most students come to CAS for help around mid-semester when most professors give tests.
“Most students go into hibernation mode around finals time,” Baird said. “We used to offer extra programs right before and during finals, but no one attended.”
Students find the most success by using the CAS Web site and going to individual appointments.
“We also have resources for students who want to form study groups,” Baird said. “Research has shown that studying with others is one of the most effective ways to enhance learning.”
Baird said CAS also addresses test anxiety issues with students.
“We find that there are a lot of people who have put up with a level of anxiety throughout high school and college,” Baird said.
CAS offers test anxiety counseling through online workshops and individual appointments.
“There are a lot of students who have experienced great success after our training,” Baird said.
CAS consultants teach students to think positively before and during tests. They also show them different relaxing, breathing exercises and prepare them for dealing with memory blocks.
Baird attributed the success of CAS to director Saundra McGuire.
“She is a remarkable director and a remarkable leader,” Baird said. “She has been going all over the country lecturing on the learning process and learning development.”
McGuire currently is out of town and could not be reached by press time.