The Center for Success

Purpose of The Center for Success

The Center for Success at Franciscan University of Steubenville exists to address the individual academic needs of students and cultivate a welcoming atmosphere and inclusiveness for students with disabilities.

The Center for Success staff works to create dynamic student-centered services to help Franciscan University students thrive. We help students reach their educational and personal goals by providing the support, coaching, and encouragement necessary to build a strong foundation and achieve excellence. We provide additional campus resources for academic and personal enrichment services for students overcoming learning, physical, and mental health challenges.

We strive to develop the God-given strengths of each Franciscan student. From orientation to graduation, the Center for Success serves the needs of every member of the Franciscan community. Whether you are on our Ohio campus or pursuing online coursework, an academically excellent and passionately Catholic education is within reach.

 

Our Goals:

  • To assist our students achieve their full academic potential

  • To assist our students with disabilities by providing academic accommodations

 
 
 

Primary Services Offered

The Center for Success assists students in meeting their educational goals by providing the support, training, and encouragement to build a strong academic foundation. Services available include academic coaching, peer tutoring, writing assistance, and accessibility services.

Franciscan PLUS Program

The Center for Success helps its students adjust to their first year of college life at Franciscan University. The most challenging time for any college student is the first year. Making friends and adjusting to academic life is not always easy. The transition to college is fun and exciting, yet it can present some challenges.

Franciscan PLUS is a one-year program to support first-year students in their academic, social, and spiritual adjustment to college. Participants attend weekly seminars on an online platform during the fall semester that cover a variety of topics. PLUS students meet regularly with the a student success team member to receive guidance and accountability. Our student success mentors help students set goals, create new habits, and cultivate strong time management skills. Finally, students participate weekly in one non-academic activity on campus.

Students who participate in the Franciscan PLUS Program have a proven track record of success at Franciscan University; not just in their first year, but through to graduation and beyond! If you would like more information or want to opt into the program, feel free to contact the Center for Success.

Academic Coaching

The Center for Success Staff and Graduate-Assistants are available to work with students who wish to improve their scholastic performance and become more proactive learners.

Through weekly one-on-one appointments, students develop time-management and study skills. Student success counselors help identify, explore, and overcome obstacles to student wellness and academic success. Students are able to learn more about making good decisions, exploring and setting life goals, and increasing motivation in college and beyond.

Student success counselors work closely with students to create an overall assessment of their academic progress. Coaching sessions are tailored to meet each individual student’s needs and goals. Meeting with a student success coach on a regular basis is an effective way to monitor academic progress. Students are encouraged to develop a more meaningful approach to their individual academic pursuits and participation in student life.

Tutoring

Peer tutoring is one of the many services offered by the Center for Success. It is a free service designated for students who have special academic needs or are struggling in a course. This is a free service the promotes success by helping clarify concepts and improve comprehension of difficult topics.

A variety of peer tutoring options are available:

  • open tutoring labs, small group
  • one-on-one assistance
  • in-person and online tutoring writing assistance in the Franciscan University Writing Center

The goal of peer tutoring is to empower students of all backgrounds to reach their academic and personal goals. Students develop basic academic skills, experience intellectual growth, refine their writing skills, and promote critical thinking skills. The tutoring relationship is an active, developmental relationship that provides students with academic assistance that builds on their classroom experience.

Stop by our office or give us a call (740-284-5263) to speak with a staff member to learn more and determine what is the best option for you.

Testing Services

Make-Up Tests

The Center for Success is available throughout the academic year for make-up tests and exams provided there is space available. Tests can only be scheduled in the testing center due to emergencies and extenuating circumstances. They must be arranged two days in advance and are only scheduled during regular office hours. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Distance Learning Tests

Students enrolled in Distance Learning courses may schedule an appointment to have their exams proctored. A fee of $10 is charged for proctoring each Distance Learning exam. Prior to taking the exam, the student must pay the fee at the Student Accounts counter in Starvaggi Hall and bring the receipt to the scheduled testing appointment.

CLEP Tests

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate courses. The tests are computer based and are available to students who have not yet completed 26 credits of college coursework. Consult the CLEP Score Sheet (available at the Registrar or the Center for Success) for a complete list of approved tests, course equivalents, and the minimum scores required to receive credit. Students need to register and pay for CLEP exams at http://clep.collegeboard.org/started.

To schedule a make-up, distance learning, or CLEP test, please call 740-284-5263

Accessibility Services

The Center for Success coordinates the provision of reasonable and appropriate accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. Our mission is to collaborate with and empower students with disabilities in order to coordinate support services and programs that enable equal access to an education and university life. Our staff strive to create and sustain a welcoming, accessible, and supportive environment to promote academic independence and success of all students with disabilities.

We are committed to providing the highest quality service to each student with a disability. The focus of the department is to ensure that every student with a disability has an equal chance to participate in and benefit from university programs. It is the policy of Franciscan University to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Housing Act, and other regulations issued thereunder to the extent applicable to the University.

Students and parents are encouraged to thoroughly review the information on the Accessibility Services page for information on registering with the office, how to provide documentation of a disability, as well as an overview of services and accommodations available. On behalf of the Student Success Team, we look forward to working with you during your academic career at Franciscan University.

 

In His service,

Sarah Hough

Director of Student Success

740-284-5371

Call/text – 740-275-7436

[email protected]

 

More information is available on the Accessibility Services page.

 

Related Services

Academic Advising

Advising appointments with Franciscan’s student success advisors help you develop academic paths, determine necessary college credits, and prepare for graduation.

The Writing Center

On campus students as well as students pursuing distance learning or online education can find assistance with writing assignments from beginning to end.

Contact Us:

Stop by our office on the lower level of the St. John Paul II Library, or call:

Sarah Hough
Director of Student Success
[email protected]
740-284-5371

Shelby Gianni
Accessibility Coordinator
[email protected]
740-284-5263

Anne M. Gabor
Student Success Counselor
[email protected]
740-284-5303

Gabriela Taylor
Student Success Counselor
[email protected]
740-283-6304