1. What resources are available to support a student who is struggling academically?
All students are encouraged to use the following resources to enhance academic performance and their college experience. For questions regarding these services, please contact the Engaged Learning and Career Action Center for Students (ELCA) at 360-546-9155 or van.elca@wsu.edu.
- Free Academic Success Workshops designed to help students develop and refine the skills needed to succeed in college are offered every semester on an ongoing basis. Students may check out the current schedule here.
- Inexpensive tutoring services are available to current WSU Vancouver Students in need of individual tutoring. Tutoring scholarships are available to those students who qualify.
Students may request a tutor online. - Free drop-in math tutoring is available in the Quantitative Skills Center (Math Lab) located in VUCB 102. Visit the tutoring page for the schedule.
- Free online professional tutoring assistance is available to all students from eTutoring.org in the following subjects: accounting, anatomy & physiology, biology, chemistry, math (developmental through calculus), medical coding, MS office 2007, physics, Spanish, statistics, web development (xHTML, CSS, and Adobe Dreamweaver) and writing.
- Free drop-in support is available through the Writing Center located in Library Building, Room 203. The Writing Center provides face-to-face collaboration between a trained writing consultant and a student writer. Visit the Writing Center website for the hours of operation. If students cannot come into the Writing Center in person, they may send their papers to the Writing Center via the OWL at writingcenter@wsu.edu.
2. Where can I refer a student for help with study skills?
The Academic Success Workshops available through ELCA are highly recommended as a first step for students. If the student needs one-on-one assistance, he or she should schedule a study skills consultation with Bill Stahley, ELCA Academic Coordinator, by calling 360-546-9155 or emailing van.elca@wsu.edu.
3. What resources are available to help students select the right classes or major?
Information regarding advising at WSU Vancouver is available on the ELCA advising page. Advising is provided by academic departments as well as through ELCA.
If a student would like to explore a major or is undecided about what to major in, they may schedule an “exploring options” appointment by contacting ELCA at 360-546-9155 or van.elca@wsu.edu. Career assessments and career counseling are also available.
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid/online courses for students who are struggling academically?
Oftentimes students find hybrid/online courses difficult if they are struggling academically. Students are encouraged to discuss these options with their Academic Advisor to help make a decision that will best meet their individual needs.
5. A student is failing my class. Where can I send him/her for information about academic deficiency?
Refer your student to ELCA in the lower-level of the Student Services Center for any questions related to academic deficiency and the reinstatement application process. Academic deficiency rules and reinstatement application process details including deadlines may be reviewed online. For more information, students can also contact ELCA at 360-546-9155 or van.elca@wsu.edu.
The Academic Alert System is an online resource that lets you signal a student’s need for additional academic support in an effort to help them succeed. Early intervention is key to student success. At the first signs of struggle, complete the Academic Alert System Form, and the Academic Alert Response Team will contact the student to develop a plan to get them back on track. The plan may include meeting with a peer mentor, connecting with learning support, discussing enrollment options, etc. The goal is to get the student back in your class, engaged in the content, and equipped to finish the semester well.