By Breanna Mudd

Many students have a negative connotation of the word “tutoring,” believing it is only for those students who are struggling in a course. But other students use tutoring as a method for achieving high grades. The Resources for Academic Achievement, more commonly known as REACH, are there for both types of students.

At the beginning of each semester, REACH sends staff members to visit many classrooms, explaining the goals of the department as well as how it can best benefit students. However, these staff members do not explain that the program has an impressive history and continues to become more successful with each passing year.

REACH was created in July of 2000 and is under the umbrella of the Office of the Provost. By offering study sessions, coaching for academic development, educational seminars, and peer mentoring for first-year students, REACH provides an opportunity for help to a wide array of students, aiding undergraduates in achieving academic success.

“Our primary goals are to provide resources to assist students to enhance or improve their academic performance, to help students transition to college life, and to support the university’s retention of undergraduate students,” said Cathy Leist, executive director of REACH.

REACH centers are located throughout campus. The main locations are in Strickler Hall, the Ekstrom Library, and the Miller Information Technology Center, but many REACH activities take place in classrooms across campus. It is not only the free academic services that draw students into the welcome center in Room 126 of Strickler Hall. They are also enticed by free coffee, newspapers and computer workstations.

“Over the past 10 years, REACH has greatly changed,” said Leist. “And its development has been the result of the university’s focus on extending and intensifying academic support for all undergraduate students.”

This year marks the 10 year anniversary for REACH. And the program is celebrating in a big way. A new logo, designed by staff members, will help mark the milestone. This logo can be found on a banner hanging from the side of Strickler Hall. Leist, along with Bridgett Thornberry, an administrative assistant for REACH, and Sarah Jennings, a tutor in the digital media suite, helped design the graphic.

The department is also hosting a campuswide cookout on Thursday, Sept. 16 to commemorate the anniversary. This cookout will be in the courtyard between Strickler Hall and Davidson Hall and will offer free food, games, information tables, and a drawing to win a basket of University of Louisville gear. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“If [REACH] wasn’t important, it wouldn’t be successful,” said Greg Carmichael, senior program coordinator. “This is a great opportunity to celebrate REACH’s anniversary, while learning what we do.”

Students with experience in the program agree with Carmichael’s analysis, believing REACH is invaluable to the success of undergraduates at the University of Louisville.