Alana Laanui |
Am I in the right major? How can I get involved on campus? Where can I get help with my homework? Do I even belong at this university?
These questions often plague freshmen during their first few months on campus. The reality, though, is that these questions often reappear and can be amplified the closer students get to graduation.
In the past, the Shepard Freshmen Resource Center answered these questions for new UP students. The Resource Center has expanded its role beyond helping freshmen and is now a one-stop shop for students of all grade levels as the newly christened Shepard Academic Resource Center.
The SARC now houses academic support services for all undergraduate students. These include the Learning Commons, Accessible Education Services, Learning Assistance Counseling and services that were previously available from the SFRC. These services are now centrally located in Buckley Center 101.
Director of the SARC, Brenda Greiner, and Assistant Director Kelly Carder are leading this transition to ensure that the needs of all students are met.
“The first year in college isn’t the only year there are questions,” Carder said.
Carder is now in charge of helping freshmen through orientation and workshop classes, in addition to meeting with students one-on-one.
Sophomore Jared Tom recalled meeting with Carder as a freshman.
“When first coming to UP, it was intimidating since I was coming from Hawaii,” Tom said. “But the people in the resource center would be very helpful and even though they were busy I never felt like a bother.”
The SARC is not only a place for counseling and questions. Greiner also oversees other resources for students such as the Learning Commons, a place where students who have a strong grasp on a subject can tutor students who are struggling. Many upperclassmen can attest to the support that these tutors provide (especially during finals week).
“They helped me when I had writer's block as well as helped me edit my papers,” sophomore biology major Avaya Bhattarai said. “Instead of just taking my paper and writing edits, they guided me through the process.”
The Learning Commons continues to offer accessible peer-to-peer tutoring to students. They now offer biology assistance and have special rooms for various subjects. These services strive to help students succeed; the SARC is available to help all students no matter the question.
“The goal is making sure that all students are aware of who we are, and that they can come to us,” Greiner said.
Though students can feel like they are struggling in isolation, Greiner said, “People might be feeling alone, like they’re the only ones going through it, but they’re not.”
SARC drop in hours:
Monday-Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday: 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., or by appointment. Learning Commons:
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m-9:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 5 p.m-9 p.m., or by appointment.
Shepard Academic Resource Center Contact Information:
Shepard Academic Resource Center (main office): 503-943-7895, sarc@up.edu
Learning Commons: 503-943-8002
Accessible Education Services: 503-943-8985
Learning Assistance Counseling: 503-943-8716
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I find out who my advisor is?
You can find your advisor by logging into PilotUP’s "Self-Serve" portal. From Self-Serve, click on "Student Records," then "View Student Information" at the bottom and find your advisor on that page.
How do I change my meal plan?
Visit the Office of Residence Life to pick up a petition form and return it to their office. If you live off campus and would like an off-campus meal plan, you can visit the Office of Student Accounts to purchase one.
How do I schedule an appointment with a writing tutor?
The University of Portland provides a Writing Center for assistance with paper-writing. If you would like to learn more about the Integrated Writing Center or schedule an appointment, please see their website at www.up.edu/lrc/writing/.
Alana Laanui is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at laanui18@up.edu or on Twitter @AlanaLaanui.
