ACADEMIC CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE (ACE)

The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) is a comprehensive academic support program designed to help undergraduate and graduate students accomplish their academic goals. Our mission is to increase the recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of our diverse student population. In keeping with this focus, ACE is committed to establishing an inclusive and supportive academic environment that fosters developing the skills necessary to succeed in college.

In order to fulfill the mission of the ACE program, we are in the process of developing numerous initiatives that attempt to address the comprehensive needs of students. Currently the focus of the program is on academic instruction and tutoring, following careful assessment of student writing, critical thinking and mathematical capabilities.

We recognize that students have different learning styles and experiences that can influence their learning process and performance. For these reasons, ACE will use diverse teaching methods including small group discussions, large group training, and one-on-one assistance. Thus allowing incoming students to understand and master the transition from their prior experiences in higher education to the unique demands of a health professions curriculum. The ACE Program will complement the curricula by focusing on the process involved in developing the skills that are necessary to succeed at the College. These skills include the ability to understand, organize, and apply what they have learned and experienced and use them in a health care setting.

ACE will also hold workshops to address time and stress management, effective study methods, learning style evaluation, and teach critical thinking skills. In addition, we will assist with referrals for mental health or crisis counseling, or referrals for help in obtaining ADA accommodations, etc. Essentially, all of our efforts will share one central mission; it will be to work with fellow faculty and staff to help all West Suburban College students realize their full academic, intellectual, and professional potential.