At Columbia College, every effort is made to help students develop their full potential. The Academic Skills Center is an important part of that effort.

A program of the Department of English, the Academic Skills Center offers writing, reading and study skill development to all students. In addition, the Center encourages students to learn to use these essential tools for academic success:

Calendar-- to write down assignments and appointments
Books-- reading in and out of the classroom
Journal -- to record events, grades, etc.
Computer access
A good relationship with professors
Boldness-- courage to ask questions
Writing Skills Development

INDIVIDUAL TUTORING --The ASC employs the best English students on campus to assist with writing problems. These peer tutors help with anything from thinking of a topic to editing, so bring a draft or just an idea for a paper to the Center for helpful suggestions or intensive, one-on-one instruction.  Appointments are necessary and can be made online.

The ASC is located in Edens Library, Room 119.  The ASC is open the following hours:

Reading Skills Development

TUTORING IN READING -- A reading specialist is available to give individual guidance in overcoming inefficient reading behaviors. She will assess present reading skills and habits, then give direction for developing college-level reading skills. These reading skills are developed using textbooks with which the student is struggling, so all reading material used in instruction is relative and pertinent to the student.

HANDOUTS -- A rack just inside the door of the ASC houses handouts on various topics, including reading textbooks. The handouts are available free of charge to students.

Study Skills Development

INDIVIDUALIZED STUDY-SKILL COUNSELING -- Present study skills can be addressed by a computerized study-skills inventory (LASSI), after which individual study-skill counseling is available. Although not a tutoring service, the study-skills counseling is tailored to those courses in which the student is having difficulty or wanting improvement. Learn to manage time, study for tests, take notes, and other skills.

VIDEOS ON STUDY SKILLS -- Video tapes available to students include Decision Making, Preparing to Study, Test Taking Without Fear, Note-taking, Memory, and Exams. These videotapes may be viewed in the media center by any student.

Online Help

Demanding schedule?  No time to visit the on-campus ASC?
Writing Consultations are now available through SKYPE!  All you need is a computer with a microphone and the Internet. (Webcams are helpful.)

Steps to make it happen:
1.  Create a SKYPE account prior to making appointments (see below).
2.  Use your Columbia College email address.
3.  Give us your username for appointments.  Please come in person to give us your username and schedule or send your information to                  
     patti.scurry@columbiasc.edu.
4.  Make an appointment by giving your preferred meeting times.
5. We will confirm your appointment. Please know that your initial confirmation may take up to 72 hours.

If you do not have SKYPE already, click HERE.   Click the "Download Now" button.  Create an account by entering a username and password.  SKYPE is a free service and www.skype.com can explain what the program is capable of.

If you have difficulty using SKYPE or setting up a webcam, please come to the ASC or contact the IT Department at (803) 786-3007.