Office of Academic Support Offers Expanded Services
The Office of Academic Support offers new services and welcomes new staff members
The Office of Academic Support has recently expanded, moving its office to the southeast wing of the second floor of 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, offering new services and welcoming new staff members. Joining Kristina H. Petersen, Ph.D., second from left, director of academic support programs are, from left: Megan Siemers Livingston, academic support specialist; Kelsey Polikoff, administrative assistant; and Erika Maikish, writing specialist. The new space also houses the School of Medicine advisory deans and the office of Camille A. Clare, M.D., M.P.H. ’11, associate dean of diversity and inclusion for the School of Medicine.
A new resource room is available for students to reserve for small group or individual studying. The room contains a desktop computer, tables and chairs with power plug-ins, two large white boards and commonly used study resource books. The room must be reserved online.
The Peer Learning Partner Program (PLP), formerly known as Peer Tutors, has been expanded to include programs in the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences and the School of Health Sciences and Practice. The new name was selected to emphasize the importance of collaboration and interaction during peer-to-peer sessions, and to de-emphasize the misconception that a “tutor” is there to teach the material. The PLP electronic request system has been upgraded to allow easier access for students, while also allowing staff to make real-time updates and edits.
Enhanced workshops are being offered this year, including: memorization techniques, notetaking for the sciences, speed reading, conquering test anxiety, CVs and resumes, presentation skills and a series of writing workshops.
One-on-one writing assistance is available by appointment for students working on their CVs, personal statements and noteworthy characteristics for ERAS residency applications, as well as class assignments and articles for research projects.
Students requiring accommodations in the classroom and/or on examinations will continue to submit applications and receive assistance from the Office of Academic Support. Students should make an appointment to discuss the process.
As always, one-on-one meetings are available by appointment to any student who would like to meet to discuss study strategies, a study plan or schedule, or for general support with academic challenges.
“The Office of Academic Support continues to find ways to support students as they seek ways to exceed their personal and studying goals,” said Dr. Petersen. “I encourage students to take advantage of this valuable resource.”