Spring 2010

March is here and the staff in the Student Success Center has accomplished a lot already this year. National TRiO Day for the southern region of Illinois was hosted here at John A. Logan College on February 27, 2010. There were over 250 students and staff in attendance from six different colleges and/or universities at this event to help celebrate and reflect upon increased access to higher education for disadvantaged students. Federal TRiO programs help low-income and first generation students enter college and earn a college degree. JALC is funded to serve 200 students in the Student Support Services grant. Interested students should stop in to pick up an application when they are on campus to register.
JALC’s campus tutoring program is as busy as ever. Most of our tutors’ appointments are full as students finish midterms and prepare for “crunch time.” JALC currently employs approximately 17 tutors who assist students in over 50 different courses. Students can request a tutor at any point in the semester; however, applications for individual tutoring are accepted one week before the start of each semester. It is encouraged that students sign up early to avoid waiting lists.
Disability Support Services staff encourages new and returning students to sign up for services early to avoid any delays in obtaining approval for accommodations. New students needing accommodations for the ASSET or COMPASS test should make an appointment to see one of our DSS staff to determine if they qualify for reasonable accommodations, such as extended test time or a test reader. Current documentation is required in order for staff to make the determination for services. For those students who want to find out if they qualify for services for their courses only, now is the time to make an appointment as well. Advance planning is necessary in many situations to not only allow ample time for DSS staff to prepare, but also for the student who may need to obtain additional documentation.
And finally, the retention program is growing. Our retention counselor has been conducting college survival workshops, as well as seeing many at-risk students who may require financial and/or academic assistance in order to remain in school.
New students are encouraged to stop by the Student Success Center at any time to learn more about our valuable support services.