During the winter term, the Korman Center on Drexel University's University City Campus was announced as the home of the new Academic Resource Center (ARC), and more academic support services are being brought into the building in the upcoming months. The end goal is for the ARC to be a one-stop shop for most of the University's tutoring, academic coaching and academic support.
To reach that goal, the first phase of this project is to unite the University's existing learning centers in the way they provide services to students. Students will be able to have a consistent experience regardless of which service they are using.
But, having most of these services in one central location is only one part of this important endeavor, said Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Success Rebecca Weidensaul, PhD.
"We're hoping that the ARC will help students become comfortable asking for assistance and seeking out resources because they are confident that there are people at the ARC to listen and help," said Weidensaul. "We want it to be easier for students to have a clear understanding of the resources that are available. For example, once the Center for Learning and Academic Success Services, or CLASS, is in residence, students will save time accessing adjacent tutoring services that may be part of their academic coaching plan developed by the professional coaches at CLASS."
The ARC is part of a yearslong effort to increase student success, particularly among first- and second-year students, and make it easier for Dragons to find and receive the type of academic help they need.
"The goal is to reduce barriers to student success and access to support," said Weidensaul. "We do not want students to feel that they are disconnected, disengaged, confused and unmotivated when coursework becomes challenging or they want to do better."
Most of the current services located in the Korman Center were already there, but more will move over during the rest of the academic year.
"We are extremely excited to move the Academic Center for Engineers (ACE) to the vibrant student support hub at ARC," said Christopher M. Weyant, PhD, associate dean of undergraduate affairs and teaching professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering. "In addition to being in a more convenient location, we look forward to walking students to other services which will benefit their learning. Every time I walk into the ARC and see students collaborating in the various spaces, I can’t help but feel energized by all the activity."
Here's what's available through the ARC at the Korman Center, and what will be coming soon:
A group study room and tables and chairs located on the second floor.
What's There Now
Study Spaces
A variety of tables and chairs are available in the lobby on the first floor for anyone to study (or hang out, eat, etc.). The second floor has additional tabling and seating, as well as special rooms for group study and a reservable multipurpose room (room 201).
The vending machine options on the first floor of the Korman Center.
Food and Drinks From Vending Machines
The first and second floors of the Korman Center house vending machines for drinks and packaged snacks and other options. The first floor also has a vending machine for grab-and-go meals, from fresh sandwiches and salads to frozen items including burritos and macaroni and cheese. There's also a microwave on the first floor that students can use.
One of the areas for the Math Resource Center's help sessions.
Math Resource Center
- What is it: The Math Resource Center provides tutoring sessions and other assistance in relation to classes offered by the Department of Mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences. One of the ARC's first priorities was to build up math support for first-year students, which resulted in a "Tutors in Residence" program at most University City residential halls beginning in winter 2023.
- Who can use it: Undergraduates taking any level of math classes.
- How to use it: Stop by or schedule an appointment online.
- Where is it: Room 207 (second floor)