Columns:: Academic Assistance changes its name to Academic Enhancement

since 12/15/98

Columns::April 29, 2002

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Campus News

Academic Assistance changes its name to Academic Enhancement

By Allyson Mann
tiny@uga.edu

The average SAT score of the freshman class has risen steadily during the past three years and, during that same period, the number of students using services of the Division of Academic Assistance has nearly doubled. That might seem contradictory, but the explanation is simple--the Division of Academic Assistance offers much more than institutionally mandated classes. And that’s why the name has been changed to the Division of Academic Enhancement.
“The new name better reflects our mission of offering services to students campuswide,” says Director Sherrie Nist. “Many of the students who use our programs are already good students. They simply want to become better students.”
During 1998-99, 18 percent of the student body used the division’s services, but by the 2000-01 academic year, the rate of student usage had increased to 34 percent. That translates to more than 10,000 students utilizing the division’s programs, which have expanded and evolved to meet students’ needs.
The division offers academic assistance courses in English, mathematics and reading/studying for students who do not meet university-established placement criteria and are therefore institutionally mandated to enroll in one or more such courses. Approximately 400 students each year enroll in these courses.
Another 100 take advantage of academic counseling that offers help in dealing with issues including test anxiety, time management, lack of motivation and other problems.
Far more students--about 5,500 annually--utilize the Academic Center, which provides professional and peer assistance in writing, mathematics and reading/studying to all students, with a focus on enhancing academic performance in core courses.
Professors teaching large, lecture-based core classes can elect to offer adjunct seminars through the Division of Academic Enhancement. Taught by graduate teaching assistants who coordinate with the professor, adjunct seminars focus on how to study and learn in a specific discipline, allowing students to receive personal attention if needed. Faculty may also make use of the Absent Professor Program, which provides substitutes for faculty who have to be away from class and offers sessions that focus on improving academic skills.
“We’re trying to fill the gap between what the core curriculum offers and what students need to become lifelong learners,” Nist says.
The division is also taking its services to the students. Satellite offices established in Brumby and Creswell halls make it easier for students living on campus to get help.
And the Freshman College Summer Experience allows incoming students to establish good academic habits while immersing themselves in campus life a few weeks before the start of fall semester.
“Our new name better reflects our philosophy of helping all students,” Nist says. “We’ll always be here for students who are in trouble, but we’d prefer to be proactive and help them before problems occur.”

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