ACADEMIC CATALOG - Purdue University Calumet

Center for Student Achievement
The CENTER FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT (CSA) serves several important functions within the university in order
to help students realize their academic potential and reach their career goals. First, CSA orients and advises students who
are undecided about a major, non-degree students, and students with academic deficiencies that prevent direct admission
to a major. CSA also provides academic assistance referrals, counseling to determine selection of a major consistent with
career goals, and course planning appropriate to intended major. In addition, the Skills Assessment and Development
Center (SADC) provides tutoring, Supplemental Instruction and testing. Finally, in conjunction with the academic
departments, career services, and other units of the university, the Center for Student Achievement collaborates with
high schools, community colleges, and area employers to create bridge programs and relevant work experience programs
for potential and current students.
Departments / Schools
Civic Engagement to Foster Relationships with
High Schools and Community Colleges
CSA works actively to cultivate relationships and create
effective programs in surrounding area high schools and
community colleges to aid in University retention efforts
and to help identify quality students. Programs include:
Bridge (2 + 2), Rule 10, Brainstorm Conference, Student
Transition Program, various summer camps, as well as
advisory committees. CSA staff pre-advise potential students
and work with aspiring students on major selection
in relation to career opportunities, as well as engage in
additional initiatives integral to these activities.
Develop Experiential Learning
and Internship Opportunities
The CSA also develops key partnerships with corporations
and regional employers to cultivate internship
opportunities linked to majors for our students. These
partnerships enhance our collaborative learning environment
and increase both student employment and networking
opportunities that connect degree to career.
Collaborative Learning
By working closely with student groups to offer collaborative
learning experiences, the CSA staff and their
collaborative learning initiatives help promote student
comfort levels, self-confidence, retention and student
satisfaction, and ease the transition to higher education
for groups such as first-generation college students.
Students may be grouped into the following cohorts:
block scheduling (summer classes into fall classes);
similar study, social, and/or work backgrounds; or by
other similarities. CSA provides access to focused tutoring,
Supplemental Instruction (SI), academic assistance,
and advising. Educational opportunities like LSAMP,
grants, scholarly Greek organizations, and volunteerism
are activities actively promoted by CSA staff.
Skills Assessment and Development Center (SADC)
Tutoring Center
Free tutoring services are provided for most subjects
on campus, such as mathematics, English, engineering,
technology, physics, and foreign languages. Special
tutor-led study groups for students who wish to participate
are available as well as low cost tutoring services
for the community.
Supplemental Instruction (SI), a collaborative learning
strategy that helps students to empower themselves, is
offered for courses historically viewed as difficult. SI
employs peer facilitated study sessions to aid students by
focusing on both course processes and materials. The SI
Leaders are “model students” with proven success in the
course(s) they guide. SI leaders will hold two or more
review sessions per week to promote effective studying.
SI has gained national recognition as a program that can
help improve students’ grades.
The SADC also provides admission testing for undergraduate
and graduate students through administration of the
SAT, ACT, ISAT, PRAXIS I and II, NLN (Nursing
Challenge Exam), and GRE subject areas. The College
Level Examination Program (CLEP) is also available.
Testing Center
Entering degree-seeking undergraduates may be sent to
the Testing Center for placement examinations in mathematics,
reading, and English. The Foreign Language
Placement Exams, which allow college credit for foreign
language proficiency, may be taken in the Center as well.
Reasonable accommodations, in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act, are available by calling
Student Support Services at (219) 989-2455.
166
Ina M. Dillon (1993). Academic Advisor. B.A., Calumet College of St. Joseph, 1988. M.S., 1993 Purdue University. LMCH, Indiana.
dillon@calumet.purdue.edu
Lois M. Gamble (1990). Coordinator High School & Community College Partnerships. A.A.S., 1986 Purdue University, B.S., 1988. M.A. 1990.
verbowa@calumet.purdue.edu
Melissa Gonzalez (2005). Coordinator/High School & Community College Programs. B.A., Purdue University (1994). M.A. University of Indianapolis.
Cathi Kadow (1995). Academic Advisor. A. A., South Suburban College, 1987. A. S., 1988. B. A., Purdue University, 1990. M. A., 1992.
Ronald J. Kovach (2004). Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affair. B.S.Ed., Ohio University, 1975. M.A., Kent State University, 1980.
C.S.S., Harvard University, 1984; (ABD), Ed.D. Northern Illinois University. kovachr@calumet.purdue.edu
Linda M. McMillan (2000). Academic Advisor. B.A., Valparaiso University, 1988. M.A.L.S., Valparaiso University, 1994.
M.A., Purdue University Calumet, 1999. mcmillan@calumet.purdue.edu
Jacquline P. Reason (1988). Assistant Director, Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction. B.A., Purdue University, 1998.
Lawrence J. Steffel (2000) Coordinator of Internships and Collaborative Learning. B.S., Purdue University Calumet, 1969. M.S., 1971.
steffel@calumet.purdue.edu
Janice Golub-Reynolds (2003). Coordinator of Internships and Collaborative Learning. B.A., Purdue University, 1990.
M.A., Purdue University, 1994.
Departments and Schools