DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE
HISTORY OF THE ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER
(Formerly the Learning Center)

Daytona State College’s learning assistance initiative originated with the awarding of the federally funded TRIO Program, which was at that time known as Special Services. Idris Muhammad was named director and the foundation was laid for building institutionally funded support for at-risk students.

The Learning Center was first established in 1976-77 as the “Learning Support Center”. The center, directed by Altha Manning, was a unit of the Student Development Division and was housed in an area of the Student Center. Services were designed around the federally funded Special Services Program and consisted primarily of peer tutoring. Three (3) classrooms in Bldg. 14 were later converted into a Tutoring Lab, Math/Writing Lab and office space for 3 full-time staff. The Individualized Manpower Training System for vocational students and Disabled Student Services were added and the Center was reassigned to the Arts and Sciences Division in the early 1980s.

Sue Hawkins was named director of the Learning Support Center in 1983 and led the expansion of learning assistance programs/services until her retirement in 2008. As institutional priorities changed and needs of students were identified, the Learning Center services expanded to promote academic performance and retention. Growing numbers of students received services including peer tutoring, math, reading and writing assistance. Student Assessment Services, Vocational Preparatory Instruction (VPI); TRIO Student Support Services, Retention Services were also among the programs and services housed in the department.

In 1995, the College was awarded Title III funding to restructure the developmental studies program in an effort to improve the academic performance and retention of students enrolled in college preparatory courses. The restructuring included the establishment of the current Learning Center, a state-of-the art facility designed to provide personalized, guided academic support for these students. In preparation for this change, the center was temporarily relocated to Building 5 while the second floor of Building 14 was remodeled to accommodate the expanded services.

The Learning Center opened in its newly renovated, multi-media facility in January 1996 as an integral part of the college preparatory curriculum. Centers were established on each of the college’s campuses to ensure consistency of academic support to students college-wide. In April 1997, the Learning Center was recognized as an exemplary program in the Technology and Instruction Category by the National Council of Instructional Administrators.

In recent years, the center expanded significantly, adding professional tutoring and Supplemental Instruction to the services provided, upgrading learning resources, increasing staff, and emphasizing professional development and program evaluation. Robin Courtney was named Director in 2002 when Sue Hawkins was named Assistant Dean. A skilled and knowledgeable team of professional staff  provided personalized assistance to improve student performance.

The demand for Learning Center services by students enrolled in non-college preparatory courses led to the application for another Title III grant in 2003. With the awarding of the grant, the Center’s role expanded once again. Student Success Centers were established for this purpose and integration into the Learning Center began at the DeLand Campus, New Smyrna Beach Edgewater Campus, and Flagler Campus, respectively in the following years. In 2006, the final year of the grant, the initiatives were integrated into the services provided by the Daytona Campus Center.

To emphasize the college-wide change in the Center’s focus from support for college preparatory courses, a name change was recommended and the Learning Center became the Academic Support Center, effective with the relocation of Daytona Campus services to the first floor of Bldg. 500. The Modern Languages lab became a part of the Center’s offerings, online tutoring expanded as did support for college credit courses across disciplines. Academic Coaching was initiated and faculty involvement increased significantly.

Throughout its history, the Academic Support Center has been a major contributor to the College’s efforts to promote retention and success in higher education. With the retirement of Robin Courtney and Sue Hawkins in 2008, Dr. Judy Campbell was appointment director, and Yvette Giles was appointed assistant director. The new leadership supported by the team of learning specialists, vocational specialists, peer and professional tutors, and faculty continues the tradition of promoting independent learners and academic success.