Western Illinois University to Realign Resources Aimed to Support Student Transition
MACOMB/Moline, IL – Western Illinois University is continuing to focus on supporting students during their transition to college and finding academic success through the redevelopment of two support offices.
“Through divisional realignment, the former Transition and Academic Skills Center has evolved into two separate functions, allowing staff to focus on vital areas supporting student development and learning,” Executive Director of Student Success and Retention Initiatives Justin Schuch said. “Divisional changes allowed us to have a meaningful review of services offered and create new focuses to better support our students.”
New Student and Family Programs, under the leadership of WIU College Student Personal Director of Transition and Academic Skills Center Michelle Janisz, will provide numerous services and areas of support that assist students toward a successful transition into the WIU community. These services include Leatherneck Launch (New Student Orientation) during fall, spring and summer, which is designed to introduce new students to Western, and Camp Leatherneck, an engaging program for new students that takes place prior to the start of the academic year.
New Student and Family Programs will also develop resources and support for Leatherneck family members and special student populations like transfer, commuter and first-generation students. New Student and Family Program is housed in the Division of Student Success and located in the lower level of Memorial Hall.
The Student Learning Center, led by WIU Director of the First Year Advising Center Miguel Huerta, will provide vital academic support throughout students’ careers as Leathernecks. The Student Learning Center houses key programs, including the Academic Success Coaching program, offering students additional support and focus from an Academic Success Coach, and Rocky’s Resources, which offers tutoring support and academic success workshops for students focused on studying techniques, time management, using Western Online and more. The Student Learning Center is housed in Academic Affairs and is located in the lower level of Memorial Hall.
For more information on New Student and Family Programs, visit wiu.edu/nsfp. For more information on the WIU Student Learning Center, visit wiu.edu/slc.
