The Secret to Student Success at PVCC

Bryn Dotson, assistant editor

When back-to-school banners are pasted all over grocery stores and syllabus after syllabus is released, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. School can be incredibly rewarding at times, but it can also challenge students. PVCC offers a wide variety of free resources to help them achieve their goals.

Writing a paper? Any PVCC student can get help with writing at the PVCC Writing Center in the Main Building in room M617. The Writing Center’s tutors are passionate about their work, showing enthusiasm for each and every student. Students can get assistance for work for any class that includes writing in English. Professor of English and Writing Center Coordinator Jennifer Koster oversees the center.  Koster explains that many students that visit the center are looking to clean up grammatical errors, as well as have another set of eyes on their work before turning it in.

Many professors encourage their students to utilize the center and its incredible staff. Koster said students who come to the Writing Center three or more times for a class are 20-30 percent more likely to earn a passing grade than the other students.

The Writing Center is open  9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays. For more information, students can visit the Writing Center’s page at https://www.pvcc.edu/student-services/academic-support/writing-center.

Along with writing help, students can also get assistance with other subjects.

For many, math is a daunting and challenging subject. The First Quadrant aims to ease math anxiety and help students better understand math. The First Quadrant tutors students in a broad range of mathematical and science courses offered at PVCC.

The First Quadrant offers one-on-one assistance for students seeking help. The staff are friendly and more than willing to assist wherever they are able.  The center is in room M253 in the main building. Tutors assist students with classes including Pre-Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Computer software, and so many more.

The First Quadrant is available to students Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information on the center, visit at https://www.pvcc.edu/student-services/academic-support/math-center.

PVCC believes that every student should have an equal opportunity to succeed. Disability services aims to allow every student to succeed and get the help that they need.

Disability services offers assistive technology, which provides laptops with specialized programs and tools to aid the student. Another service aids the hearing impaired with interpreters.

In addition to services, students are offered a variety of accommodations to allow for each and every person to feel comfortable. Susan Hannifan, the disability services counselor, said, “I love being able to see these wonderful people overcome their barriers and achieve their goals and more when you know them personally.”

Visit their webpage at https://www.pvcc.edu/student-services/disability-services for more information.