On the heels of Easter Break, we are in the last week of the semester and ending what I affectionately refer to as an “A” month. Simply put, April is intense, and students feel it.
As an undergraduate student, I had to work through a false belief that asking for help was a sign of weakness. What I needed, and ultimately benefitted from, was a staff member who cared enough to say, “learning is not meant to be easy.” So, as an administrator, I make a point to share with students and families that asking for help is a demonstration of courage, determination, and intelligence.
A Hub for Student Growth
At Carlow, we have a fundamental belief that admitted students can and will earn a college degree. More importantly, we are committed to helping students believe this about themselves—that they can achieve their educational goals and aspirations. To that end, the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) provides a structured process that engages students within the campus community, expanding access to services across the university that address unmet needs.
We know the most successful students at Carlow University ask for help and take advantage of programs that improve skills and cultivate a stronger command of academic material. In fact, over 35% of students who engage peer tutors through the CAA are recognized on the Dean’s List (3.5 grade point average or higher).
The key is to understand each student’s unique needs and interests. It is the mission of our faculty and support staff to understand these dreams and aspirations, and work to create opportunities for learning and skill development. We measure our success through each student and remain committed to walking with you during the experience. The CAA, like Carlow as a whole, is truly devoted to the future of you.
Walking the Journey Together
Completing a college degree takes patience, dedication, and perseverance. We believe the experience is far richer in community, working alongside and with the help of those around you. While advisors and staff navigators help track progress to degree completion, peers embrace a spirit of camaraderie, mutual regard, and commitment to every student’s success.
At commencement I often think, “Wow, we created a learning environment and then got out of their way.” When speaking with our graduates, their gratitude often spills over: “I could not have done this without the people and what the university offered.” What’s not to love about that?
Timothy P. Phillips, Ph.D., is Carlow’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students