The Division for Student Success and Retention (DSSR) is dedicated to enhancing retention and graduation rates through student academic support services that are available to all students at Bennett College. The services include Accessibility Services, Tutoring (Curriculum Learning Center), Academic Advising for Undecided Majors, Orientation 100-A&B, and the Emerging Scholars Program. The Division’s broad-based initiatives are aligned with the College’s mission to provide learning opportunities for all students. Our approach is evidence-based and designed to provide exceptional services to all students that will ensure proper access to academic support services.
Mission
The mission of The Division for Student Success and Retention is to provide comprehensive Accessibility Services, Tutoring (Curriculum Learning Center), Academic Advising for Undecided Majors, Orientation 100-A&B, and the Emerging Scholars Program. Student success professionals are committed to providing an exceptional learning environment that enables individuals to develop their full potential, pursue their dreams and become enlightened leaders in local and global communities.
Core Values
To increase retention and graduation rates by providing students with access to free tutoring in core courses, accessibility services, success skills seminars, and academic advising for undeclared majors, thus fostering the independent, critical thinking skills that all students need to succeed at Bennett College and beyond
Program Goals
To maximize every student’s potential to achieve academic success and to adjust responsibly to the individual and interpersonal challenges presented by the College
To provide resources and support services that will ensure student success through the coordination and collaboration of all academic divisions on campus
Student Responsibilities and Expectations
Students are expected to take an active role in their education by participating in all available resources offered on campus that will enhance their learning.
Students must be prepared to learn and to be intellectually challenged.
Students must strive for academic excellence in all of their courses.
The Curriculum Learning Center
The Curriculum Learning Center (TCLC) is designed to allow students an opportunity to become proficient active learners and develop the confidence needed to increase their skill levels and succeed in academic coursework at Bennett College. The Curriculum Learning Center helps students create learning strategies necessary for today’s analytical and critical thinkers by providing instructional support services to all currently enrolled students. Group and individual tutoring sessions, and Success Seminars are provided for all students. There is no charge for any of the following services provided by The Curriculum Learning Center:
Professional and Peer tutoring in gateway courses and various 100-200 level courses across all disciplines
Specialized Academic Counseling
Success Seminars and Workshops
Academic Advising for All Undeclared Majors
The Academic Advising Coordinator assists students with meeting their academic goals and developing high, but realistic expectations of their college experience. The Academic Advising Coordinator also provides academic advising for all students who have not declared a major, maintains and gives advisement for the majors’ change process, assists with academic assessments, monitors probationary students, and provides supplemental advisement for all majors. Another component of academic success is the Early Alert/Intervention system, which is used to send alerts to students who are in jeopardy of not meeting the College’s class attendance expectations.
Emerging Scholars
Emerging Scholars (ES) are Bennett College students who have been admitted with a high school cumulative grade point average of less than 2.5, at the time of their offer of admission to the college.
Orientation 100 A & B
Orientation 100-A, Part 1 of Orientation 100, is a required one (1) credit hour course offered during the fall semester and designed to assist first year and transfer students with less than 26 transferable credit hours with the positive integration into the academic community of Bennett College. Students must successfully complete Orientation 100-A and 100-B offered during the spring semester in order to meet Bennett College’s graduation requirements. This class is designed to be interactive and dialogue-driven. Topics covered include the history, traditions and culture of the College, time management, study skills, interactive presentations, research resources, understanding your learning style, test-taking strategies, self-motivation, values, and preparing for student success.
Accessibility Services
The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) provide, coordinate, and advocate for services which enable undergraduate students with disabilities to receive equal access to a college education and all aspects of college life. Academic growth, accessibility management, and self-advocacy skills for students are supported and enhanced by providing reasonable accommodations and information for students. We not only assist students with disabilities; we also collaborate with other departments on campus to provide services for faculty and staff. The Accessibility Services Program addresses the academic needs of students with learning differences through consultations, referrals, and accommodations plans. With proper documentation, reasonable accommodations will be provided to all students.
Contact Information:
Dean
Dr. Althea S. Truesdale
336-517-2183
Curriculum Learning Center/Emerging Scholars Coordinator
Ms. Tonya Doane, M.A.
336-517-2185
Accessibility Services Coordinator
Dr. Lucheia Graves
336-517-1501