Building a Network of Support
By Lori Putnam
College is a time of discovery…of new talents, cultures, and ways of thinking. It also is a time of transitions, which can mean new challenges for students. The University recognizes this natural dichotomy and has developed a breadth of programs and services to assist students in all aspects of their college career.
Toga Night
Students dressed in the de rigueur white bed sheets make olive wreath crowns at one of the arts and crafts booths lining the street. A few cardboard chariots race by as a DJ plays. Unsanctioned dorm party? Actually, no, Housing and Residential Education co-sponsored the event along with Student Life and ASI as part of monthly block parties held between Anacapa and Santa Cruz Villages.
“Once Santa Cruz Village student housing was built across from Anacapa, the natural idea was to connect the villages. The parties also offer a connection between older and younger students,” said Sarah Hawkins, Assistant Director for Residential Education. A committee of students and staff coordinates the parties.
Cindy Derrico, Director of Housing and Residential Education, hopes students will view her staff as advocates. “We are working on doing more for students in a more impactful way,” said Derrico.
Peer Tutoring
Students seeking additional support in the classroom can turn to the University Writing
Center and the Learning Resource Center, both part of Academic Advising and Learning
Support. Each semester, the University Writing Center assists students by individual
appointments or through an innovative program that brings student tutors into
the classroom.
Juan Carlos Villanueva, a first year student, said of his in-class tutor, “It’s like talking to a person who is more like a friend. Sometimes I get scared talking to the teacher.” Professor Stacey Anderson, who teaches Composition and Rhetoric, confirms the value of student tutors in her class. “Tutors pull me out of my teaching head by noticing things that I don’t,” said Anderson. “They also help me to see if anything is unclear about my assignments. The tutors help to provide a bridge for students.”
The Learning Resource Center, located adjacent to the University Writing Center in the John Spoor Broome Library, attracts students looking for support in math and other areas. “Both centers welcome everyone at CSUCI to make use of these valuable resources,” said Sue Saunders, Director of Academic Advising and Learning Support, who believes these resources are essential to student retention and success.