Germany Kent, author of “The Hope Handbook” writes, “Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.” Whether you realize it or now, you have already chosen to believe in yourself and do just that. College is not for the faint-hearted. It requires discipline, dedication and determination. There will be challenges along with numerous opportunities on the journey.
Some of those opportunities are found in the Libraries and Student Achievement Centers at every campus. For over 20 years our students have ranked us as a college strength, telling us we provide exceptional customer service and have the resources they need to succeed.
When you think of how we might be able to help you, remember four things: 1) student technology support, 2) tutoring, 3) support for classroom homework and projects, and 4) ideal study spaces with nice views.
Did you know the librarians serve as the primary technology support for students? We answer more than 60,000 questions a year through phone calls, texting, email, chat, custom appointments and walk-in support. We’re good at it. We can help you set up college or personal laptops, navigate Blackboard, initiate and use email, identify phishing scams, access OneDrive, troubleshoot MFA, discover printing options and much more.
Did you know free tutoring is available through our Student Achievement Centers in person and via online appointments? Our tutors are nationally certified and provide patient, expert assistance for all math courses as well as tough classes like physics and chemistry. Our academic engagement partners can provide support for exam taking and study skills, too.
Did you know we have six libraries with professional librarians and provide access to millions of journal articles, thousands of print and electronic resources and multiple streaming services to help you succeed?
Our librarians work with students to identify what you need, where to find it and how to use it. You can walk-in, book a custom appointment or become a PAL. Our personal academic librarians (PAL) provide free, personalized support to you all semester long. They are there for you when you need them.
Our six libraries and Student Achievement Centers are located at each campus. This encourages easy access to all academic support resources and eliminates service barriers. It also encourages strong learning communities. Group and individual study rooms, a quiet study room, comfortable seating, open computer labs with printing and scanning, whiteboards, individual study carrels, puzzles and games provide a variety of options to students who might need to focus or just unwind.
So, congratulations to all of you for choosing this college path. For some, it is a new, exciting, and uncertain path. For others it may be familiar, and you are continuing the journey or creating a new career path. Take advantage of all the people and resources you have at Madison College.
Our libraries and Student Achievement teams look forward to meeting all of you and are committed to your success. I wish you all the best of luck.