A strong support system

The Center for Student Success seeks to equip students for independent, effective, and life-long learning through programs and services tailored to assist them in achieving their personal and educational goals.

This office was first established in 1991 as a program funded by a grant from the Teagle Foundation. Since that time, the staff and services have been expanded to better serve the growing needs of MVNU students. There are no additional fees for any of the services provided by the Center for Student Success.

One-on-One Tutoring

One-on-one tutoring is offered in the Center for Student Success during most hours that the Thorne Library and Learning Resource Center is open so academic enrichment is easily accessible for all traditional students on campus. Tutors are student employees who are trained to teach students individually toward the goal of mastering content and developing transferable study skills. Traditional students make appointments with tutors here. Students in the nontraditional and graduate programs (GPS) must follow the procedures for may access tutoring assistance by following the instructions here.

Supplemental Instruction (SI)

Supplemental Instruction is a program that provides academic enrichment to traditional students who are enrolled in selected courses. The SI Leaders are student employees who lead weekly group study sessions outside of class on topics covered in class during the week. Supplemental Instruction Leaders have successfully completed the class for which they lead SI, take notes, and model exemplary student practices. The Center for Student Success offers SI for many courses in the General Education Core, including but not limited to the following:

Algebra
Pre-Calculus
General Psychology
Zoology
Introduction to Chemistry
Art in the Western World
Music in the Western World
American Government
U.S. History
Western Traditions

You can find a complete list of courses with SI and the meeting times here

Academic Peer Mentor Program (APM)

Academic Peer Mentors (APM) are upper-level student employees who are trained to assist new MVNU students in the process of transition into college life. APM’s meet with their assigned students weekly to provide individualized academic assistance and accountability. APMs also assist with time management, organization, study strategies, and other forms of personal or academic accountability and support. If you are interested in meeting with an APM please contact Shae Mowry or visit here.

Writing Lab (WL)

Mission:

The MVNU Writing Lab exists to create a safe and friendly space for all writers at all levels to share their work and receive thorough and considerate feedback from attentive peer tutors who strive to empower student writers to become more confident, self-sufficient, and effective critical thinkers and communicators.

Goals and Commitments:

- to assist any student seeking help on any writing assignment at any stage of the writing process

-to provide face-to-face, one-on-one support for students within a community of well-trained peer tutors.

- to ask questions and listen to students to help them explore, clarify, and articulate their ideas.

- to support and guide students as they develop their writing process and style.

- to offer writing workshops that address student needs and focus on challenging concepts in writing.

To book an appointment for a Writing Coach click here.

College Success Strategies Courses

The Center for Student Success offers courses that equip first-time freshman students with the necessary skills to make the transition to the academic demands of higher education. These courses are elective courses with credits toward graduation, and any student may choose to enroll. In addition, these courses are required for students who are conditionally admitted to the university and are likely to benefit from additional support and preparation for college-level academic work.

College Success Strategies 1 (CSS 1002): This introductory course provides an orientation to the college and assists students in the transition to the college environment. It provides an overview of college policies and procedures, services offered at the university, including the learning resources center, counseling, and academic advising, and encourages contacts with other students and staff. Specific emphasis is placed on techniques, habits, and skills essential for college success. Effective listening, active reading, test-taking skills, and study habits are discussed. Information related to career and academic planning, as well as other college resources, is provided to students.

College Success Strategies 1 (CSS 1012): This course is a continuation of the material discussed in CSS 1001 and provides students the opportunity to build and enhance skills related to college success. Topics include goal setting, communication, collaborative and cooperative practice, leadership, conflict resolution, time management and planning, public speaking, community and technological resources, academic skill development in reading, writing and research, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. Prerequisite: CSS 1002

If you have any questions, concerns or if you'd like to request a job application to work in the Center for Student Success, please come to the Center for Student Success front office, located on the main floor of the Thorne Library. You may also email student.success@mvnu.edu.

Disclaimer: While every attempt is made to provide personal, individualized attention and support to students, there is not a guarantee that tutors/sessions will be available in every subject area and/or timeframe that you desire.

staff

Prof. JOY STRICKLAND

Assistant Vice President of Student Success & Retention
740-397-9000, Ext. 4281
joy.strickland@mvnu.edu

Dr. LEE CHAMBERS

Director of Student Success
Nease Institute Director
740-397-9000, Ext. 4612
lee.chambers@mvnu.edu

KATIE RHODES

Associate Director of Accessbility Services
740-397-9000, Ext. 4280
katie.rhodes@mvnu.edu

PRISCILLA MILLS

Academic Enrichment Coordinator
Director of the Writing Lab
740-397-9000, Ext. 4282
priscilla.mills@mvnu.edu

MATTHEW LEACH

Student Success and Testing Specialist
740-397-9000, Ext. 4287
matthew.leach@mvnu.edu

TONYA NOONAN

Student Success and Accessibilities Coach
740-397-9000, Ext. 4283
tonya.noonan@mvnu.edu

MINDY ZIEGLER

Test Center Coordinator
740-397-9000, Ext. 4230
mindy.ziegler@mvnu.edu

“I'm thankful for professors who care about me as an individual person and push me to do my best.”

Kelleyann Stackhouse, '20