The mission of Acadamic Studies is to prepare our students to succeed in their course work and beyond. We envision the opportunity to work with students in a unique way, building confidence and esteem, but real academic success depends on real skills. Our courses promote both self reflection and skill building on a variety of different levels. Reading skills are a vital part of each course.

ACAD 100

Overall, Academics 100 will provide our students with a deeper understanding of the college environment. In this course, students will learn how to read a course catalogue, plan their schedules, move toward career choices, and become aware of support staff and campus resources, including the library and the TLC. During the course students will identify their individual learning styles, set realizable goals, manage their time effectively, learn how to study, learn strategies for taking tests, learn how to listen and take effective notes, engage in critical thinking and reading, identify organizational patterns and main ideas, write coherent responses, and conduct research. The Lab (one hour per week) allows students the opportunity to become comfortable with e-mail, the Internet, computer-based tutorials, word processing, and on-screen revision, as well as other campus resources.

ACAD 101

Academics 101 also explores the college experience, but its primary focus is offering integrated, academically oriented reading, writing, and study skills that can be applied across the discipline areas. It is meant both to prepare students and motivate them toward sustained academic study leading to the completion of a degree.

The course also includes techniques for effective time management, effective note taking, techniques for improving academic reading skills, techniques for test taking and essay writing, general study skills, research, library use and computer skills.

The Lab (one hour per week) allows students the opportunity to become comfortable with e-mail, the Internet, computer-based tutorials, word processing, and on-screen revision, as well as other campus resources.