By Julie Branham
The REACH Program has flourished as the University of Louisville’s leading provider of academic support since 2000, and the numbers speak for themselves.
According to REACH’s 2004-2005 annual report, students who participated in tutoring programs had an overall pass rate of about 70 percent. REACH has served more than 4,000 U of L students with its wide variety of free programs.
“I would encourage students to consider our services because in my experience, students who have come in contact with REACH have improved academically,” said Kathy Leist, executive director of the REACH program.
Free peer-to-peer tutoring is a REACH specialty, and three tutoring divisions are available to students: the Computer, Math and Learning Resource Centers are all located in Strickler Hall on Belknap Campus.
The Computer Resource Center offers drop-in tutoring in all computer science subjects and computer applications. Any student issues with Blackboard can also be resolved there. The Math Resource Center offers drop-in tutoring for subjects ranging from developmental mathematics to Calculus II. The Learning Resource Center specializes in all other subjects at the 300-level or below.
“REACH tutoring is very beneficial,” said senior Jeremy Watts. “It has long-term learning effects.”
Sessions are scheduled for one hour each week and are usually conducted in groups of five or less. “Research shows that students are more successful in study groups,” Leist said. “It makes the tutoring session more productive.” Individual assistance is common and also offered for students with special needs, however.
Sophomore tutor Alison Burton, who uses her experience as a student to help peers, said, “Since we may have had the same teachers and classes before, it allows us to share our own perspective and relate to the students.”
There are also a variety of supplemental instruction and learning assistance programs available for larger classes. S.I. covers classes like biology, chemistry and physics while L.A. focuses on history and anthropology.
“Our 2004-2005 report shows that students who attended SI at U of L received a higher percentage of A, B and pass grades than those who did not.” Leist said.
REACH is much more than tutoring, however. For example, the REACH ambassadors offer a peer mentoring program. Ambassadors are trained to offer assistance and serve as advisers to incoming freshmen and transfer students. Anyone interested in participating in the program can pick up an application in Strickler 126. Drop-in mentoring is also available on a daily basis.
Academic advising for non-degree-seeking students and academic referral students is offered as well.
“I wish there was something like REACH available when I was in college,” administrative assistant Bridgett Young said. “It would have helped out a lot.”
People continue to utilize REACH not only for the outstanding academic support, but for its hospitality and friendly atmosphere. On any given day you can see students surfing the Internet or getting a hot cup of coffee in the welcome center. The welcome center staff is available to answer general campus-related questions and concerns.
“We offer a friendly community of people who are very willing to assist and provide support to students,” Leist said.
