Writing Center

Most LSC students are probably aware of the Burnham Academic Support Center, that small room connected to the library. Many have probably also been in it, even if only to sample the free food. But how many students really know what goes on in this room, which many call Bob’s Place or simply “the Writing Center”? As it turns out, a lot more than writing happens in Academic Support.

Academic Support is home to two programs: Project Excel and Student Academic Development. Project Excel is a federally-funded program that works with students who come from low to moderate income families, who have learning disabilities, or whose parents have not graduated from a four-year college. The program offers testing accommodations for students with learning disabilities, help with note-taking, tutoring, laptop lending, help with tax preparation, counseling for both personal and academic issues, financial aid assistance, and a scholarship program. Project Excel at LSC is run by Bob McCabe, Director of Student Support Services, and also employs Angela Ryan, Special Services Counselor; Mary Etter, Learning Specialist; and Lori Drew, Tutor Coordinator.

Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements for Project Excel but would still like some academic help need not despair, as they need only contact Student Academic Development. This program, run by Debra Bailin, is open to all LSC students and has many of the same features as Project Excel, most importantly tutoring and help with academic issues, such as test anxiety and time management.

Tutoring is one of Academic Supports primary services. Tutoring is conducted on a course-by-course basis, and both students and faculty can request that a tutorial be set up for a specific class. Project Excel students seeking tutoring will be assigned a personal tutor. Other students will be directed to the tutor for their class, whom they can see on a drop-in basis (no appointment needed) whenever that tutor is on duty in Academic Support. Academic Support also runs the Writing Center and the Math Resource Room. The Writing Center, located in Academic Support, offers writing tutoring regardless of subject, while the Math Resource Room, located in Vail 450, offers math tutoring and stocks educational math materials. Math tutoring has also recently become available in the Writing Center. All tutors are fellow LSC students, and students interested in becoming tutors should contact Debra Bailin.

Students who wish to participate in Project Excel can call Academic Support or stop by. Instructors can also refer students to Academic Support.