Sophomore Taylor Adkins tutors freshman Antwan Giilerbe
By John Wolgamot (Whetstone staff writer)
Tim Courtney was on the verge of failing out only after his second semester as a freshman at Wesley College. He was put on academic probation.
Courtney, now a junior physical education major, relies on the tips he learned in the ARC to acquire academic success.
“When I come to the ARC, I go over all of my notes from that day, then start my homework assignments,†he said. “Once that is done I like to take time to organize my planner for the rest of the week.â€
Wesley’s College’s 46.3 percent retention rate means that less than half of the students who come here stay.
Wesley College’s Academic Resource Center exists to help make sure students stay put, offering a wide variety of tutoring-based services in all subjects at all academic levels.
Stocked with professional staff, graduate assistants and peer tutors. Peer tutors in subject areas and writing are available by appointment or on a drop-in basis, senior writing tutor Erin Bifferato says.
The ARC, located in Parker Library, comes equipped with WIFI access, large tables for group study, small cubicle-style desks, and the recently added tutoring center. Tutors have passed the classes they are tutoring with an A or higher
“Unfortunately, students tend to wait until they are really struggling before they seek out our services,†said Jessica Pilewski, tutoring services coordinator.  “Our goal is to give additional incentive to encourage students to come to tutoring, sooner rather than later, so that they can be more successful at the collegiate level.â€
The ARC also caters to student athletes. Depending on your GPA and sport, athletes are required by coaches to spend from three to ten hours in the ARC.
“Last fall I had to take Organic Chemistry II during volleyball season†said Rachel Hasuler, senior volleyball captain. “It was difficult to keep up, to be honest. My tutor went above and beyond to help me, and I was able to pass class with an A.â€
