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Center for Student Achievement
The Center for Student Achievement (CSA) consists of several important university initiatives that are known for their role in student success. Academic Advising,
Academic Recovery Program, and Skills Assessment and Development are just a fewof the areas that play an important role in student success.
Academic Advising
One of the first and most important functions that CSA performs is academic advising. Academic advising is a proven activity that helps students become successful
from matriculation through graduation. CSA advisors assist undeclared students in course selection as they guide these students in pursuit of a major. CSA advisors work
with students who are not directly admitted into their chosen major as well as assist all temporarily admitted students. The advisors also provide an academic presence at
various University functions and often pre-advise potential university students.
Academic Recovery Program
The Academic Recovery Program is designed to encourage both persistence and retention by providing intervention services for students who are at risk of academic
dismissal and is only required for students on probation due to their cumulative GPA. Purdue Calumet developed this program based on research and successful programs at
other universities. Interventions include enrolling in a special study skills course that addresses issues (personal effectiveness, understanding learning styles and objectives,
note taking, test preparation, etc) to encourage student success, working with an academic advisor to select appropriate courses for the upcoming semester, and develop
strategies that helpstudents meet goals and make progress toward their degree objective.
Learning Communities
Within the Center for Student Achievement, newstudents participate in learning communities through a predetermined block schedule of first-semester courses, a
common reading program, and activities specifically aimed at first-year students. Taking part in a learning community will provide students the opportunity to develop
personal connections with faculty and other students, take courses that research has shown are vital to student success, and broaden their learning experience. A block
schedule is designed to give first- semester students the foundation they need to be successful at Purdue Calumet. Courses include Math, English, Speech and a First Year
Experience course. Within this framework, students may be enrolled in upto four courses with the same groupof students. The cohesive, in-class and out-of-class activities
planned around a central theme through the common reading program will offer students a richer academic experience. In addition, students benefit from the opportunity
to integrate coursework in an interdisciplinary manner. Learning communities provide students increased faculty-to -student interactions while promoting faculty-tofaculty
collaboration.
Academic Resource Center (ARC)
Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides tutoring and testing to all university students. Free tutoring services are available for most academic subjects. There is also a
lowcost tutoring program available for the surrounding community. A specialized grouptutoring program, Supplemental Instruction (SI), is offered for specific courses. The
SI tutors are current Purdue students who have proven themselves academically and qualify for the SI program. ARC also provides admissions testing for potential university
undergraduate and graduate students through the administration of the SAT, ACT, ISAT, PRAXIS I and II, the NLN (Nursing Challenge Exam), and GRE subject area tests. The
college Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Foreign Language Proficiency test are also available.
Cathi Kadow (1995). Manager, Academic Advisor. A. A. South Suburban College, 1987. A. S., 1988. B. A. Purdue University, 1990. M. A., 1992. catkadow@purduecal.edu
Lisa Kovacs (2008). Manager of Retention. B.S. Purdue University, 1989. kovacs@purduecal.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@purduecal.edu
Tanya Obetkovski (2007). Academic Advisor. B.A. Indiana University, 2004. obetkovt@purduecal.edu
Jacquline P. Reason (1988). Manager Skills Assessment & Development Center. B.A. Purdue University, 1998. reasonjp@purduecal.edu
Amber Schuler (2008). Academic Advisor. B.S. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2002. M.S. University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2007.
Lawrence J. Steffel (2000). Academic Advisor. B.S. Purdue University Calumet, 1969. M.S., 1971. steffel@purduecal.edu
Renee Y. Williams (1991). Academic Advisor. B.S. Ball State University,1978. M.S. Purdue University, 1997. williamr@purduecal.edu
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