Elmira College Creates Center for Academic & Professional Excellence (CAPE)

This is the first in a series of articles about CAPE and the academic services provided to students. Subsequent articles will detail each organization and the value students have found in leveraging these important services.

Elmira, NY (02/16/2022) — Elmira College has a mission to provide a collaborative and supportive environment for students that helps them become active learners, effective leaders, responsible community members, and globally engaged citizens. This mission is why the College formed the Center for Academic & Professional Excellence (CAPE), which combines the academic support organizations under one banner and is now led by Rachel Redmond.

"Bringing these academic support services together streamlines student access and strengthens what we are able to offer students across all areas of their academic and professional development," said Redmond, director of the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence and director of Career Services.

"The highly collaborative professional CAPE staff and faculty bring a diversity of expertise and knowledge to optimize and customize the learning experience for each student, from their first college experience through graduation and beyond into a fulfilling career or graduate studies," said Patricia Ireland, Provost.

Below are service descriptions and quotes from the staff members about their programs:

George L. Howell Tutoring Center: Students receive course-specific walk-in tutoring, group study and one-on-one tutoring. Beyond course or topic-specific aid, the tutoring center helps students - at all academic performance levels - learn skills like time management and note-taking as well as how to address test anxiety.

"As an alumna, I want to see every student find the success that I did here at Elmira, and that is why I am so excited to be a part of CAPE. Alongside our faculty, peer tutors play a crucial role in helping their classmates achieve their academic goals, and I'm honored to lead them in that endeavor," said Michaela Johnson '17, Assistant Director of the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence and Manager of Student Success.

Writing Center: Provides writing support to students across all of the academic disciplines through one-on-one consultations and workshops.

"We are excited by the opportunity to better collaborate across our services and teams of tutors," said Annaliese Hoehling, Director of Academic Writing and Assistant Professor of English. "In the short time that we've begun working under the CAPE umbrella, we've already begun to see benefits. Our teams are energized, and we have a centralized identity and set of resources. This translates to more effective tutoring, new programs, and a more holistic approach to helping students that still provides specialty-area expertise."

Accessibility Services: Coordinates accommodations and services for students with qualifying documented disabilities that are designed to match the individual student's identified needs, such as testing modifications.

"As Elmira College students with learning or other disabilities practice self-advocacy in identifying and managing their disability, the resources available within the CAPE group will be invaluable," said Carolyn Draht, Academic Accommodations Coordinator and Associate Registrar.

"As we continue to make effective changes in the Elmira College community, especially for English Language Learners and students with academic accommodations, CAPE services will help ensure that EC students can always find a place of mentorship and support in pursuit of their academic goals," said Anthony Affissio, Academic Support Specialist, Student Accessibility and ELL Student Services.

Carol and Robert Morris Career Services Center: Provides current students and alumni with resources to help them in their career pursuits, including self-assessments, aid in finding internships, networking, resume building and career-prep seminars.

"The professional world is constantly changing and the experiential learning and development opportunities both in and out of the classroom at Elmira College are continuing to adapt to ensure that our students and alumni are equipped to reach their professional goals," said Redmond.

ARTICLE SERIES:

Media Attachments

Elmira College formed the Center for Academic & Professional Excellence (CAPE), which combines the academic support organizations under one banner and is now led by Rachel Redmond.

Rachel Redmond will lead the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence and also remain as Director of Career Services (CAPE).