Student Support Services

As intelligent, social and studious as we may be, we all need a little help from time to time. Student Support understands that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. The goal of the office is to help each student become as successful as he/she can be in order to explore new opportunities and challenges.

Students are encouraged to become acquainted with the staff and services of Student Support early in their college careers. Though some services may require appointments, the office maintains an open-door policy and relaxed atmosphere where students are always welcome.

 

Staff
The professional staff members work diligently to develop an individual plan of support for each student. With complete confidentiality, staff members act as student advocates with faculty and administration, serve as secondary advisors and help students develop study strategies for specific courses.

 

Counseling
Individual counseling, both personal and academic, is confidential for all students. Support groups may be formed during the year based on students’ interests. Referrals to community agencies are provided as needed.

 

Tutorial Services
Peer tutoring in individual courses is provided free of charge. Tutoring may occur on an individual basis or in groups, depending on need. Tutors are selected on the basis of professor recommendations and are trained by the tutor coordinator. Staff tutoring is provided by appointment for students in need of specialized learning techniques.

 

Assessment
Those students experiencing academic difficulties can receive individual assistance through psycho-educational assessment. Follow-up consultation and recommendations are provided. Inventories are also available for career exploration, learning styles and personal counseling.

 

Accommodations
To receive the special accommodations mandated in the Americans With Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the student must have recent documentation of a disability. Such information is kept confidential and is shared only with written permission from the student.

With appropriate documentation, students with special needs may be provided:

  • Testing accommodations
  • Notetaking
  • Taped texts
  • Support groups
  • Specialized learning techniques
  • Academic advising

Workshops
Workshops on topics suggested by students or faculty are conducted throughout the year. These topics typically include:

  • Time management
  • Research papers
  • Assertiveness
  • Stress reduction
  • Math anxiety

Education 100: Study Strategies
Education 100 is taught by Student Support Services Staff. This one-credit course is designed for students interested in improving their academic skills.
Some of the topics include:

  • Individual learning styles
  • Time-study management
  • Motivation
  • Reading comprehension and memory
  • Test-taking techniques
  • Text anxiety reduction
  • Writing essays and research papers
  • Notetaking techniques
  • Various memory devices

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8am – 12pm and 1pm – 4:30pm

Located in the Arnold House, corner of Moore and Chester Streets.  For more information contact Student Support Services at (276) 466-7905 or VI Box # S-105, Virginia Intermont College, Bristol, Virginia 24201.


Talmage Dobbins, Director of Student Support Services and Certified Counselor
E-mail: tdobbins@vic.edu


Barbara Holbrook, Certified School Psychologist
E-mail: bholbrook@vic.edu


Jody Bowery, Student Support Services Secretary
Email:  jodybowery@vic.edu

Copyright © 2002/2003 Virginia Intermont College - all rights reserved

 

 

 

 

Study Tips

Attend all classes. Remember that every class is important. If you absolutely must miss a class, inform the professor of the reason for your absence and make arrangements to receive notes from a classmate.

Develop a precise time management plan. Plan all your activities for the week, including time in class, study time, meal times, work, travel, stress reducing time and free time.

Keep up with assignments. Plan your study time so that you can stay well ahead on your reading assignments, project requirements, papers, etc. Make sure that you have all other assignments completed well in advance of test dates, so that you are not working on them the night before a test. Always turn in assignments on time. Usually there is a severe grade penalty for late assignments.

Plan ahead for papers. Start working on research papers and/or other compositions well ahead of the due date. Always brainstorm your ideas and organize them before you actually begin writing. Have a reliable person proof your paper before you submit the final draft.

Consult with your professors frequently. If questions arise or you need additional assistance with your course work, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your professor during his/her office hours to seek clarification.

Make meaningful contributions to your classes. Try to share your ideas, ask relevant questions or respond to the instructor’s questions in class. This will help you concentrate, as well as demonstrate your interest in the course. Try to sit in the front row whenever possible.

Seek help with study skills. If you are having difficulty comprehending or remembering information, managing your time, taking tests or dealing with stress and anxiety, you should seek assistance from your advisor or the staff in Student Support Services.

REWARD YOURSELF!! Whenever you are successful in achieving your goals, maintaining your time schedule and studying efficiently, you should reward your efforts. Rewarding yourself helps maintain your motivation and prevents burnout. When you work hard, you deserve the rewards!