By: Yvonne Nachtigal
The Language Center has moved to join the Learning Commons in Thigpen Library.
This makes it the one stop shop for Volunteer State Community College students’ tutoring needs.
Eventually, the entire space will simply be called “Learning Commons”, but the two departments are keeping their names for the time being to avoid confusion.
Learning Commons Director Kay Dayton and Language Center Director Suzanne Previte are excited about the move.
“There used to be tutoring for different subjects in different buildings. What bringing us together did was put us under one roof and made it more convenient for students,” said Dayton.
“The primary purpose is that we establish a tutoring space that works with students and is centrally located for the comfort level of students,” said Previte.
Learning Commons will be a busy environment this year since it contains the Language Center as well as math classrooms while the Warf building is under construction, but according to both directors, the environments have always been busy.
While combining the Learning Departments is seen as a positive for students, the need for classroom space admittedly sparked the decision.
“We have record enrollment this year,” said Previte.
Volunteer State Community College enrollment is up 14% this year with an active enrollment of 9,372 students.
Students can expect the Language Center to accommodate all the needs it has in the past.
“The only thing that has changed about the Language center from last semester to this semester is address. Everything else is identical.” Said Previte.
Students can now take advantage of the Language Center during Learning Commons’ hours.
“Bringing the language center staff gave us more coverage, more hours,” said Dayton.
The Learning Commons is open, Monday through Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
When asked if he was excited about the move, Learning Commons Reading/Writing Specialist Ken Westmoreland was more reserved in his enthusiasm.
“Well, it’s not been going on long enough yet. Don’t know yet,” said Westmoreland.
Comments are closed.