With COVID-19 still running rampant, Madison College chose to keep everything as virtual as possible this spring semester. So, the Student Achievement Center (SAC) and Writing Center have continued to work under the adjustments done in the fall semester in order to still be there for students in need of help.

In the times before the pandemic, both centers were crucial hubs for students to study by themselves and in groups or receive tutoring help with subjects like math and English. Therefore, it’s obvious that, with the online transitions, it was particularly important to make preparations for the increased number of students that would be needing their services in this harder virtual learning environment. So, here are the following updates.

First off, websites. Each center’s website is home base for finding information and scheduling tutoring appointments in this virtual world. The Writing Center’s online page can be found through the Madison College website, and the SAC’s multiple pages can be found throughout the Madison College Library’s website. The easiest way to find the Library’s site is by linking out to it through the Madison College home website as well. Here are the links to each center’s home page: SAC – https://libguides.madisoncollege.edu/saconlineweb , Writing Center – https://madisoncollege.edu/writing-center.

For book tutoring appointments, the transition was a bigger challenge for the SAC because more of their tutoring was based off drop-in students seeking help. For the Writing Center though, the changes were easier and more streamlined because many of their appointments were scheduled or dealt with over email anyways. For the SAC there is “Book a tutor” and “Book a Librarian,” which are programs for students to schedule live meetings with tutors or librarians to work on a large variety of subjects, especially most of the math courses. Plus, there are also tabs detailing who the student and faculty tutors are, and when they are available. For the Writing Center, the email option is still possible, or live appointments are schedulable through their home webpage (again, see link above). Here is the link to the SAC’s “Book a Tutor” and “Book a Librarian” service – https://libguides.madisoncollege.edu/bookatutor.

Finally, in addition to addressing drop-ins and tutoring, SAC Director, Gail Powers-Schaub, said that the Student Achievement Center is also offering streaming versions of Digital Backpack workshops; test taking and study skills as well as tutoring options in a remote learning world are some of the workshops available (see link at end of paragraph). In addition, there is support 24/7 in any subject via Brainfuse, Khan Academy tutorials, LinkedIn Learning resources, and test practice options through Learning Express Library. Links to all of these places are located throughout the SAC webpages. Another one of those links being this: https://libguides.madisoncollege.edu/library-workshops

Going forward, Writing Center Director, Sarah Z. Johnson and SAC Director, Powers-Schaub, said that they both will continue to lead their respective centers this semester, and they are still accepting applications for student tutors interested. Director Johnson mentioned that tutoring for the Writing Center is a paid position too. For any students who are interested in tutoring at either center in a subject they’re strong in, contact either director via email for further details and requirements for the positions.

Director Johnson’s email – [email protected]

Director Power-Schaub’s email – [email protected]

Cisco WebEx and Blackboard Collaborate (Ultra) are the two main meeting softwares the centers are using for their operations this semester. Both are similar, but more robust than Zoom, providing the best possible interaction between students and tutors. Again, to find more information, links, resources and book appointments, make sure to check out the SAC’s website and Writing Center’s website, or email either director (see links above).