UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 3, Page 1
September 15, 1994
Academic Services Center at historic Main St. site

     Welcome to the new home of the Academic Services Center (ASC) in
the recently restored historic George Evans House at 5 West Main St.
     The center is equipped with some of the latest technological
devices to support the academic needs of Delaware students, according
to director Lin Gordon.
     "We had input with the architect and contractor through
Facilities Planning and Construction and are delighted with the
outcome. We now have the space and facilities better to serve
University students and high school students enrolled in our
enrichment and support programs," Gordon said.
     The exterior-with restored ironwork and fretwork-and the
interior-with its graceful stairway, arched doorways and windows,
fireplace and hall with hardwood floors and oriental-style carpets-are
reminders of the building's past.
     Modern office equipment, computers, VCRs and other electronic
devices attest to its present use as a multipurpose testing and
tutoring center for students.
     The house is approached by a walk and ramp on the side facing the
new student center site. Inside are offices and a reception area, with
an enclosed porch that is a pleasant, small waiting room.
     The first floor contains a tutoring room with audiovisual
equipment and a testing room where students with identified or
possible learning disabilities are evaluated.
     The home's former living room can be used as a meeting room and
also is equipped with separate carrels for selected students to take
exams. As in the past, students with learning disabilities have the
option of taking exams during the year at this location, overseen by a
proctor, rather than in a regular classroom setting, and the test
accomdations in the new facility are brighter and better designed,
Gordon said.
     The first floor is handicapped-accessible, and all services are
available for students with mobility problems on this floor.
     The second floor houses the offices of professional staff who do
counseling, advising and mentoring, and their rooms are equipped for
individuals or for small groups. There also is a resource room where
students can borrow material and software to improve their academic
skills.
     The center's pre-college programs, Upward Bound and Upward Bound
Math/Science Initiative, are located on the third floor.
     The center serves approximately 700 students a semester. They
represent a wide variety, including those with learning disabilities,
minority scholars, those who are at high risk, undergraduates who wish
to improve academically and students who want to maintain grades in
order to get into graduate school. ASC also works closely with other
University programs that are concerned with college preparation and
retention of students, such as RISE, ASPIRE and NUCLEUS, Gordon said.
     In addition, ASC serves approximately 100 pre-college students in
its programs during summers and throughout the academic year.
     Programs run by ASC to help pre-college and college students
achieve success in their academic careers include:
        * The SkilMod Program, which offers courses in academic self-
          management, study skills, critical thinking and problem
          solving;
        * Tutorial Services for individuals or groups;
        * The Summer Enrichment Program for incoming freshmen;
        * Learning Disability Services;
        * The Student Support Services Program for traditionally
          disadvantaged and underrepresented students:
        * The John Henry Taylor Scholars Program for Hispanic and
          African-American students majoring in science or math;
        * The Upward Bound Program offering support services and
          academic enrichment to selected high school students; and
        * The University of Delaware Upward Bound Math/Science
          Initiative for underrepresented high school students, with
          an emphasis on math and science.
     An open house is being planned for the fall.
                                                   -Sue Swyers Moncure