Grad Students and Interns Bring Added Services to ACE
Students Urged to Use Tutoring Services for Academic Success
Bluefield University’s Counseling Center is providing support to the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) in the form of added tutoring, coaching and mentoring services, which is ultimately putting BU students in a better position to achieve academic success.
Two interns and two practicum students working with the BU Counseling Center are providing the extra services, including counseling and wellness graduate student Harleigh Robinson who is offering additional tutoring assistance and serving as a supplemental instructor for ACE. Robinson, who will soon graduate with a master’s degree in clinical mental health, shares a deep-rooted commitment to supporting students, drawing from individual experiences she had as a first-generation college student.
“My time at Bluefield holds profound significance in my life, as it provided me with invaluable experiences and shaped my perspective,” Robinson said. “As a first-generation college student from a lower socio-economic background, I understand students’ challenges first-hand. This motivates me to give back and support current students in navigating similar hurdles, fostering an environment where they can thrive and achieve overall success. My commitment to serving our campus community stems from a heartfelt desire to empower others, drawing upon my journey to guide and uplift those I have the privilege to assist.”
Emily Coppola is supporting ACE as an academic advisor, providing coaching and mentoring beyond traditional subject tutoring.
“I now work with any student that feels they could benefit from academic mentoring,” Coppola said. “I’m passionate about helping students feel welcomed, seen, and heard not only in my role as an advisor but also in my faith. Christ put me in my role to help students reach new heights of success they didn’t before think possible.”
Coppola also works with students on time management, communication, and creating daily/weekly schedules. She and Robinson have also been hosting workshops where students can build on these and similar skills.
Coppola said the whole idea is to help students be the best student/person they can be. She also stressed the importance of meeting students where they are, especially considering the unique challenges brought about by the COVID pandemic.
“One of the biggest challenges I think those in higher education are seeing now is the impact of COVID,” Coppola said. “It truly has impacted society in a way that nobody expected. The way I see it the most is in student motivation and communication skills. I must remember that in my young adult years I attended school in the traditional sense — in the classroom with my peers — and I had that time to grow and socialize. Students today have had their learning experiences and lives halted completely, and I believe that has affected them and society.”
Wayne Pelts, assistant director of ACE, is thankful for the added support. He knows the value of tutoring, advising, mentoring and other academic support services. He emphasized the significance of seeking help early on, noting the various resources available through ACE, including supplemental instruction.
“I’ve seen great success with supplemental instruction, especially in our second year of implementing it,” Pelts said. “It’s a smart approach for challenging courses. Having someone schedule weekly study sessions within the class provides invaluable support for students, making it easier for them to connect, ask questions, and get help.”
Pelts also stressed the value of academic tutoring. Whether for writing or math, he said it is crucial for skill-based courses.
“Having someone beside you to guide you through problems or brainstorm ideas can make a significant difference,” Pelts said. “Peer tutoring is truly invaluable.”
Pelts, who regularly sends information about available tutoring sessions via email to students, said success rates are clear in the program’s effectiveness. He urged students not to hesitate to reach out for help even as the semester ends.
“As we near the end of the semester, it’s crucial for students to understand that it’s never too late to seek help,” Pelts said. “Whether it’s a specific assignment or a challenging course, reaching out and making connections can make all the difference in academic success.”
Bluefield University recognizes the transformative impact of the ACE program on student success and encourages all students to take advantage of the invaluable resources available. Through ACE, the university is committed to guiding students toward achieving their academic goals by fostering an environment of support and empowerment.
For more information about the support services available through ACE, email Pelts or visit ACE on the BU website or on MyBU (accessible with your BU login and password).