Get the Academic Support You Need
The Success Center at Noss Hall
As a PennWest California or Global Online student, you can take advantage of The Success Center—Noss Hall, a centralized campus academic resource for all students, including one-on-one training, workshops, or individualized support tailored to meet your needs.
Support for Success (S4S Program)
The S4S program is designed for new students identified as those who would benefit from academic support from the very start. Students are notified of their participation through their acceptance letter from PennWest California. During the summer, students receive additional information about the program and meet with their Success Center leaders. Throughout the fall semester, students meet with their Success Center leaders and attend workshops to strengthen areas including, but not limited to, proper note-taking, the development of study skills, and strengthening writing and speaking skills.
Mentoring Program
The Peer Mentoring Program is designed to help new students with their transition into PennWest California. The program assigns first-semester freshmen and transfer students with current students who have volunteered to be peer mentors. Students are often asked to complete a profile and are matched with current students based on hometown, interests, activities, and primary major of study. The peer mentor serves as a support and resource person who provides information, encouragement, and guidance during the student’s first year at PennWest California. For more information on peer mentoring, contact mentoring@pennwest.edu.
More Resources at the Vulcan Learning Commons
The Vulcan Learning Commons (VLC) is available to all students. Even the highest-achieving students may need academic assistance at some time during college. The Writing Center, STEM Lab, Reading Clinic, and Tutoring 1 Office of Academic Success Center offer no-cost assistance designed to help students perform at their academic best. Trained peer tutors assist students in most curriculum areas. The VLC can be found on the first floor of Noss Hall.
Supplemental Instruction
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a nontraditional tutoring method that emphasizes teamwork, group study, and engagement to help students succeed in "traditionally challenging" courses. SI is a free program that is available to all students.
Make your 4-year graduation plan
The Four-Year Graduation Plan (FYGP) is a commitment to help students stay on track and earn their undergraduate degree in four years. The no-cost program helps students set academic goals, create clear academic plans, and stay on their path by following program guidelines and requirements. The plan provides eligible students with a unique combination of advising, priority course scheduling, and individual attention, which helps students graduate in four years. Eligible students will be automatically enrolled after attending a New Student Orientation. During the fall semester, students must attend one mandatory meeting, in which an FYGP contract is completed and signed. Exploratory Studies students must declare a major by the last day of their first semester to maintain eligibility and enrollment in the program. The Four-Year Graduation Plan reinforces PennWest’s commitment to student success.
Stay on track with Starfish
Starfish is an online software tool that provides students with a central location to connect to the people and services that can help students stay on the path to success. Starfish will automatically provide students with connections to current instructors, advisers, and campus services. If students have a question or need help, they can “Raise your Hand” in Starfish. The mobile-friendly tool helps faculty, staff, and other PennWest California community members support students when help is needed. Examples include but are not limited to, how to schedule classes, identifying an academic adviser, checking faculty office hours, and so much more.