December 2009

Student success

For some students, learning to study at college is more difficult than they expected. Luckily for them, the Student Success Center is there to help. And now you, as alumni, can help as well.

The Student Success Center assists at-risk students by offering tutoring, counseling, study groups, academic skill development, workshops and computer instruction. Specifically, the Special Support Services Program serves 200 first-generation, low-income and/or disabled students.

The impact has been powerful. Last year, of those who were eligible for the program but did not participate, only 79 percent remained at UNCG by the end of the year. Comparatively, 89 percent of students who went through the SSS stayed at UNCG. Also, those who used the program have consistently higher grade point averages and graduate at a higher rate than their counterparts.

But the center could use some alumni help. John Foreman, director of the Student Success Center, notes alumni could mentor students by offering career and personal guidance as well as professional school guidance one hour twice a month. Opportunities for weekly tutoring in biology, chemistry and mathematics are also available.

If you would like to make a difference in these students' lives by mentoring or tutoring, contact Foreman at jeforema@uncg.edu or call (336) 256-0194.