Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) wants its students to be successful. In fact, the college's service strategy is, "Your Success is Our Success." So, how do we ensure that our students achieve that success? The college has made it a priority to have several learning support services available for all EMCC students to utilize to help them be successful in their academic pursuits. These resources include, but are not limited to, free tutoring at the Learning Enhancement Center (liberal arts, social and behavioral science, and occupation courses), the NASA Center for Success in Math and Science, and the Writing Center.
Estrella Mountain student, Hiroko Pearce, used the Learning Enhancement Center for her English and world religion courses, as well as the NASA Center for her math and science courses. As an English as a second language (ESL) learner and returning adult student, Pearce was nervous about returning to college after a 25 year absence, but her daughter, an EMCC alumna, suggested that she use the learning support services on campus, which had helped her finish her degree successfully. Pearce currently holds a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) because of the help she received. "The moment you walk in and are greeted with a smile at the NASA Center, that stress just fades away," said Pearce. The quiet study rooms in the NASA Center also helped Pearce relax. "I can't study where there is a lot of noise or distractions," she said. "Tutors in the Learning Enhancement Center and the NASA Center are very friendly, knowledgeable and patient. The whole atmosphere makes you feel like, 'you can do this,'" she said. "If you are struggling, go and get help. It works."
Another ESL student, Marta Knych, used the Writing Center for her English courses. "My instructor encouraged my class to use the Writing Center before turning in any papers," she said. "The Writing Center was so helpful in making sure my papers were ready to go." Knych is also using the NASA Center to help her with her math and science courses - getting her ready for the college's nursing program. When she started her chemistry class, she knew she was going to need some help. "I've noticed that a lot of people struggle with these classes and end up dropping them," she said. "But, there's nothing wrong with feeling lost or confused. The tutors at the NASA Center will do everything in their power to make you successful and help you understand the material. I looked for help and I started getting A's and was even the only one in the class to get 100% on a test!"
Pam Davis, an EMCC business student who found the NASA Center through disability services, has also had success with the NASA Center's support. She too was stressed and fearful at the thought of taking all of the math classes that her degree required. But one piece of advice was all it took to get the ball rolling, said explained, "My tutor, Michael, told me 'You need to relax, because if you don't, it will affect your test scores.' He made me realize that getting nervous was shutting me down. Getting past that made all the difference. I've gotten all A's in my math classes. I couldn't have done it without the step-by-step instruction from the tutors."
All three students were impressed with the patience and the wealth of knowledge that the tutors in each of the centers have. "There is a tutor for every personality out there," said Davis. "If you need help, just go. It's such a positive experience." They would like to thank Nathan Williams, Derek Dell, Michael Dwan, Michael Buman, Rosalee Bayles, Xochitl Arroyo, Radu Sebescu, and Patricia Ingalls for helping them be successful.
The Learning Enhancement Center and the Writing Center are located in Estrella Hall by the Information Commons and are open Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Call 623-935-8189 for more information.The NASA Center is located in Montezuma Hall, room 122 and is open Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Call 623-935-8221 for more information.*The above hours are hours of availability for Summer I.
Please call the center you are interested in visiting for information on operating hours.