General Description
The Academic Skills Center (ASC) at Heritage University provides several services designed for new and returning students. The center’s goal is to help each student become a successful, independent learner. The ASC provides individual tutoring and small group study sessions in English, mathematics, and all the General University Course Requirements. Tutors for advanced classes are recruited on a semester-by-semester basis. Additionally, the ASC utilizes written resource materials and computer-assisted instruction. For students who have missed tests, a makeup test service is provided.
Academic Placement Testing
The Academic Skills Center (ASC) offers placement testing using COMPASS-ESL and a locally developed writing exam for freshmen or transfer students to assist them in selecting courses in English, mathematics, and reading. The approximate time for the initial assessment is two to three hours. Results are provided to students in a letter. The student may also request a personal conference. A copy of the placement test is kept in the ASC.
Tutorial Support
Tutorial support is provided by faculty members and by peer tutors who are hired specifically to tutor. In addition, some instructors volunteer additional time outside of their regular office hours. Most peer tutors are work-study students who have mastered particular subjects. Tutors are selected for their ability to be patient and supportive while fostering academic independence. Access to tutoring is available through referral from the instructor or by direct request from the student.
The most common kinds of tutoring are one-on-one or small group sessions. Many individual sessions happen on a drop-in basis; however, group sessions are usually arranged by appointment. Some students organize themselves into small study groups and use the ASC as the site for their study.
Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is available to students who want to study independently. Some software is available that includes pretesting and posttesting in reading, math, writing, and grammar. After the pretest, students are directed to study specific modules within the program. When all recommended modules are completed, the students posttest. Students may access most CAI software through the campus computer network. Some software use is free and some requires payment of a fee.
During semesters, the ASC is open Monday through Saturday. Hours for Monday through Thursday are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Hours on Friday are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.