The Student Success Office oversees academic support services including Tutorial Center,
Math Lab, Study Central, Supplemental Instruction (SI), and Learning Communities.
The ultimate goal of the Student Success Program is to connect students with the appropriate
academic support services and resources needed to achieve their educational goals.
Contact Tomasia Drummond, Director of Student Success at (209) 384-6318 if you have
questions.
Tutorial Center
Merced Campus, Communications Building, Room 1
(209) 384-6329
The Tutorial Center provides tutoring at no cost to students who are currently enrolled
in the course for which the student is seeking tutoring. Students must complete a
tutoring referral form and be referred by a counselor or instructor to receive tutoring
services. The Center provides individual and group tutoring in most subjects and
is always staffed with professional faculty and highly-trained peer tutors. Tutors
are students who have been recommended by their instructors and have completed a tutor
training course. Students receive assistance to enroll in the non-credit TUT106
course.
Math Lab
Merced Campus: Science Building, Room 201, (upstairs)
(209) 384-6293
The Math lab is always staffed with math faculty to assist students with math skills
acquisition. The lab provides faculty support and computer tutorials for all math
students. Math instructors assist students individually with questions from basic
to advanced math. Graphing calculators are available for use in the lab only. Students
who enroll in a math course are automatically enrolled in the non-credit EDU 112B
lab course. There are no fees for this course and attendance is optional.
Study Central
Merced Campus: Study Central, Student Union Building
(209) 384-6177
Study Central is a place where students can receive assistance from highly trained
peer guides, and faculty who specialize in a variety of academic fields. It provides
a comfortable environment for students to study or work on homework, individually
or in small groups. Study Central is equipped with computers and Internet access for
research and class-related assignments. In addition, Study Central offers free, drop-in
academic workshops that cover a variety of topics supporting student success.
Supplemental Instruction (SI)
Merced Campus: Study Central, Student Union Building
(209) 384-6318
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic assistance program that utilizes peer-assisted
study sessions to assist students with traditionally difficult academic courses. SI
sessions are regularly scheduled, informal review sessions in which students compare
notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools, and predict test items. Students
learn how to integrate course content and study skills while working together. The
sessions are facilitated by “SI leaders”, students who have previously done well in
the course, and who attend all class lectures, take notes, and act as model students.
SI sessions are open to all students in the course and are attended on a voluntary
basis.
Learning Communities
Merced Campus: Study Central, Student Union Building
(209) 384-6177
Learning Communities are pairs or clusters of courses that revolve around a theme
or major. These courses are taught by creative faculty dedicated to student success.
Learning Communities enhance students’ academic and social opportunities, improve
connection with faculty and peers, and provides greater involvement in learning. If
students are interested in learning communities they must enroll in all of the classes
in that group. Students must enroll in person to determine if they are eligible and
obtain a counselor’s signature.
Student Success Workshops
Merced Campus: Study Central, Student Union Building, Room #141
(209) 384-6177
All Student Success Workshops are free and students are welcome to attend on a drop-in
basis. Come join us! Our workshops are held in Study Central, in the Student Union
Building, Room #141. Feel free to bring a drink or snack with you to the workshop.
About the Student Success Program
Award-Winning Program
Winner of the 2014 Chancellor's Student Success Award
Merced College's Study Central was one of three California community college programs recognized in 2014 by the Chancellor's Office for demonstrating a commitment and significant progress toward Achieving Student Equity and Success for all students.
Winner of the 2011-2012 President's Blue & Gold Award
The Student Success Program received the 2011-2012 President’s Blue & Gold Award for outstanding contributions to Merced College.