Education

Working on a University campus is a very rewarding experience. Each day I have opportunities to converse with students regarding their plans for the future and to hear about different experiences which have shaped their lives. I gain a better understanding of how I may be of assistance when students share their motivations for attending college, why they chose their majors, and the challenges they are experiencing. Many students describe their goals with passion and have outlined a clear map on how to achieve their goals. Others need someone to listen for a while so that they may share some of the challenges they are facing and design a plan to accomplish their goals. The common denominator is the willingness to listen. I must listen to what the students share they need, and identify the role(s) students envision I will take in helping them succeed. In turn, I benefit. I am able to assist by matching students with tutors, directing them to applicable resources, sharing information which may help in the decision making process, and clarifying misconceptions. The reward--empowered students who see that their goals and dreams are possible; and students who recognize the power of their voice and the power of a solid education.

One of my favorite authors wrote, "True education is the preparation of the physical, mental, and moral powers for the performance of every duty; it is the training of body, mind, and soul for divine service.” Every student has been called to perform a special work in this world. Today, I celebrate Alabama A & M University students, their dedication to facing the challenges of achieving a true education, and the work they will accomplish across the globe.

Are You Missing Out?

Too often I speak with students who share that they meant to attend tutoring or SI sessions, but never got around to actually attending. Sadly, their comments are shared when we discuss poor course performance or last minute attempts to help them pass a course. Today, I want to encourage everyone to consider obtaining a tutor, establishing a study group, or attending an SI session. You do not have to wait until you are in trouble. If you lack understanding of a concept, have a C or below in any of your courses, feel completely lost, or realize that you need to brush up on your study, time management or test-taking skills seek help now. Mid-terms are over.... Finals are coming.... Positive course and academic outcomes are within your grasp. Take the first step--NOW!

It's Homecoming. Chart a path to bring "home" the best grades! I am available to chat via telephone (256-372-5487) or email (linda.skeete@aamu.edu). Your success is my top priority. Tell me how I may help you.

Appointment Tutoring

Sometimes it helps to review course material with someone who has already taken the course. With busy schedules, it also helps to have a time set aside to do this which is consistent from week to week. This is called appointment tutoring. By calling the TAN office, you are able to reserve time with a tutor to work on concepts which are unclear or which need practice.

TAN currently provides consistent appointment tutoring for ACC 203, ECO 200, 231 and 232, HIS 101-102, ENG 100-204, MTH 100-126, PHY 101, CHE 101-102, BIO 100, 101 and 103, MIS 213 and 315, EDU 150, FRE 101-202, SPA 101-202. We have weekly SI sessions available for CHE 101, MTH 112, MTH 113, MTH 125, PHY 105 and PHY 106.Select the SI schedule on the FA '11 SI schedule tab for details. Also, we will soon have tutoring available for MTH 227-238, BIO 102L, ECO 271; and Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering courses. Do you need help with a particular course? Call TAN today at 256-372-5487 and give us the opportunity to assist you. Our team would love to work with you.

Have You Considered Tutoring?

Recently, I had an interesting conversation with a student. (Let's call him Peter.) He shared that he was experiencing difficulty in one of his classes, but felt that the situation would get better because he was doing well in his other courses. After Peter and I discussed some of his challenges, we agreed that tutoring would be a great tool he could use to improve his course performance. Peter made it quite clear that he did not need a tutor and was only trying to appease me.

I saw Peter recently and he is doing much better in the class. He shared with me that being able to discuss the material with someone who previously completed the course has been helpful. Peter also stated that he felt uneasy asking another person for help; but is extremely glad he did. Now he is on his way to a higher grade in the class. Tutoring works!

Do you have a story you want to share regarding tutoring? Please submit it to: tan@aamu.edu for review and posting.

Fall 2011

Have you registered for your Fall 2011 courses? If not, please contact your advisor and register for your Fall 2011 courses today! Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI) will be available this Fall, so sign up early to ensure you have the assistance you need from the beginning of the semester. (Classes start August 17.)

To sign up for a tutor, contact the TAN office at 256-372-5487 or complete the Tutorial Request form at: http://www.aamu.edu/academics/academicresources/oras/tan/documents/tutorialrequest.pdf, save it, and then send it as an attachment to: tan@aamu.edu.

Your academic success is important to the TAN team. Let us know how we may help you today. See you in August.

Summer Tutoring

The Tutorial Assistance Network (TAN) has appointment tutoring for the following courses this summer.

English                    Mathematics                   Management Information Systems            Philosophy
Physics                   Psychology                      Spanish                                                                   World Literature
Call 256-372-5487 or send an email to: tan@aamu.edu to sign up.

Mathematics walk-in tutoring is available Mondays and Thursdays from 1:30-5:30 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8-10 a.m. in V. M. Chambers 237 with Landon Cook.

Partner with TAN this summer. We've helped students to increase their GPA, maintain and improve their  grades, and make academic progress. What can we do for you?

TAN is Here This Summer!

The Tutorial Assistance Network (TAN) is here to provide academic support to students completing coursework this summer. Our services are available to all AAMU students regardless of GPA or classification. Contact the TAN office at 256-372-5487 or email us at tan@aamu.edu to obtain tutoring, participate in Supplemental Instruction (SI), complete an academic record check, and work towards creating an academic support plan which works for you. Your success matters to TAN. Let TAN help you achieve your goals.

Updates!

TAN HIS 101 and 102 SI Leader, Jasmine Crittendon is ready and willing to assist you. Please see the days and times of her SI sessions and office hours below:

HIS 101 SI Sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-3:50 p.m. in the Drake Hall Conference Hall

HIS 101 Office Hours: Wednesdays: 3-4 p.m. in Room 7 of T.G. Parker

HIS 102 SI Sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-4:50 p.m. in the Drake Hall Conference Hall

HIS 102 Office Hours: Wednesdays: 4-5 p.m. in Room 7 of T.G. Parker

Please call the TAN office (256-372-5487) if you need more information.

Spring Break Planning!

It's Spring Break! Classes have come to a halt and now you have time to think about strategies for finishing the semester strong. Don't be discouraged. You may still request a tutor, attend SI sessions, talk to your instructor, and form a study group. However, the time to do it is now.

The TAN team is in office this week and we would love to hear from you. So take a few moments and think about investing an hour or two each week toward obtaining a better grade and better GPA. We are seeing some powerfully, positive grades for the students who meet with our tutors, attend SI sessions and follow through on the recommendations provided. We want success for you too! Call us today at 256-372-5487.

Do YOU Need Help?

Sometimes when I visit classes and talk to students, students share how their course grades would have been higher if they had only asked for help. Although asking for help may be challenging at times, we must recognize when our own methods are not working we may reach out to another person who has the knowledge to help us.

The University is continually striving to provide you with adequate academic support each semester through TAN appointment and walk-in tutoring and SI. These services have helped students, including current and former tutors, to improve their course grades and Grade Point Averages, graduate from the University, and continue their pursuit of their goals and dreams. Take advantage of these opportunities. Call me today if you need help in your class(es). These ten digits (256-372-5487) have made a difference in other students' academic success. Give TAN the opportunity to make a difference in your academic success.

Communication Is Key!

Please stay in touch with University news and information. Activate your new AAMU Gmail account (----@bulldogs.aamu.edu) today and ensure that you are party to valuable information. I've included a step-by-step guide to signing up for your AAMU Gmail account below. If you experience any trouble with your AAMU Gmail account, please contact the IT customer service representative in the J.F. Drake Memorial Learning Resources Center (Library/LRC).

Seven Steps To Activating Your AAMU Gmail Account

Your AAMU Gmail email account will serve as your official University email address. TAN may  also use it at times to send you tutorial and SI schedules, and other information. To sign up:

1. Log on to: www.aamu.edu.

2. Select Current Students to the left of the webpage.

3. Select Set Up Google Account.

4. Review the email policy.

5. Select Activate Your Account.

6. Enter the requested information.

7. Select Activate Account.

Also, call me if you need a tutor or have any questions or suggestions for TAN.

Decisions For Today

Every decision has consequences. When we make mistakes we pray that there is someone there to help us to rectify or move past those mistakes. This semester, let us look past the mistakes of yesteryear. Let us make a comittment to make the best of what we have right now. We have use of your mental faculties right now. We have opportunities to forge new partnerships right now. We can develop a plan to accomplish excellence right now. If you can't seem to get started with you plan, call me (256-372-5487) or send me an email (linda.skeete@aamu.edu) right now. Don't delay. Let's commit to starting the the process for achieving academic success and healing today.

Extra Time

You may have initially planned for Spring 2011 to be just another semester. But deep in your heart you know that business as usual won't lead you to reach your true potential. Well, you've been given a few more days to formulate another plan--a plan that incorporates proven strategies for academic success and prepares you to achieve excellence this semester and beyond. Believe me when I say, you are not alone.

I've met many students since coming to the University. Though some students may not have started their academic journey strong many have moved from mediocrity to excellence by taking responsibility for their academic and professional success. Those who recognized that "time waits for no man" and committed themselves to utilizing the opportunities provided to them have made tremendous strides in achieving their goals. I do not have to theorize that success may be achieved by anyone. I have real life examples in my photo album.

I look forward to many celebrations this semester. Celebrations fuelled by students engaging in the learning process and obtaining the best education possible. Celebrations exhibited by the success fireworks that are lit by hard work. Celebrations with you. Have a great semester!

New Year! New You!

Spring 2011 is here and TAN is ready to serve you.

This semester, make a comittment to improve your current standing. Regardless of your current GPA, aim higher. If you already have a few study skills which work, seek to improve and add to them. If you need to find direction, contact the ORAS office (256-372-5491/ 5494/ 8087/ 5487/ 5493) so one of our academic counselors may assist you.

Eliminate the excuses!
Make your dreams for academic success a reality!
Utilize all the academic support services (tutoring, Supplemental Instruction (SI), academic counseling, mentoring, ...) available to you!

You can do it and TAN can help. I'm willing to help you steer your ship. Are you willing to be the captain?