Student Assistance

Student Assistance Center

Central Penn is committed to student success. Students are required to take placement exams to determine proficiency in areas of English and math. Correct placement allows for students to begin their academic requirements at a level where they can be successful. If Central Penn cannot offer the levels of remediation necessary, developmental coursework may be required elsewhere, prior to becoming a fully matriculated student. Central Penn provides several outlets for support or guidance for the academic programs and requirements in general education. These outlets include the Student Assistance Center, student tutors, and an online assistance center — SMARTHINKING. Students seeking assistance beyond these means should seek guidance from his/her Academic Advisor or the Academic Dean. The Student Assistance Center has been designed to help students with tutoring and writing needs. Students often benefit from a different perspective or style of explanation, or a little extra attention on a difficult subject. The Center allows you to take the initiative to seek help, without having to go through a difficult process. It is important that you use this service to your benefit; it can help you excel as a student. Faculty staffs the Center and a schedule is posted each term in the Library, on bulletin boards, the kiosk system, and in department offices. Appointments are suggested, but students may just walk in. Sessions are held in the Leadership Room of the Library.

Student Tutors

Students interested in tutoring should contact the Retention and Placement Coordinator. Students must have successfully completed the course they want to tutor with an “A.” Students must also make a day/time commitment for the entire term. Students can receive credit for community service hours through student tutoring. An active student tutoring list is disseminated each term.

SMARTHINKING

The College also provides SMARTHINKING, which is an online/virtual learning assistance center. Students connect to live tutors from any computer that has Internet access through the tools menu on Blackboard. Online tutoring is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An online writing lab allows students to submit papers for e-structors to critique with essays being returned within 24 hours.

Student Services Counseling

Student Services provides a part-time, onsite counselor. Students may confidentially seek counseling by contacting the Student Services office in Bollinger Hall. Additional local contacts are also available for students experiencing difficulties.