3.4.9

The institution provides appropriate academic support services. (Academic support services)

Compliance Judgment

X In compliance Partially compliant Non-compliant

Narrative

Francis Marion University’s academic support services are available to students and faculty in an effort consistent to the university’s mission of providing students with an excellent education, stimulating inquiry and research, and serving the Pee Dee region and the state of South Carolina.

In addition, the University provides students with special learning opportunities, such as “an honors program, internships, study abroad, and cooperative degree programs” [1].

Academic Support Services

To support the university’s achievement of its mission, Francis Marion offers the following academic support services for students and faculty as seen in Tables 1 and 2 below:

Student Academic Support Services
Services	Office	Description
James A. Rogers Library	Provost	The Library provides Francis Marion’s “students, faculty, staff, and regional citizens with access to scholarly information [2, 3].
Cauthen Educational Media Center	Administration	The Media Center incorporates all instructional technology and support. They provide computer stations and printing services [4].
Dooley Planetarium	Provost	The planetarium is first and foremost a teaching instrument. We use it to show how the sky changes during the course of a day or even over a longer period of time. Schools from around the Pee Dee are encouraged to bring their students to us for a visit [5, 6].
Freshman Focus	Student Affairs	Program designed to help students acquired skills that will enhance their student success and assist in their acclimation to the campus community [7].
Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA)	Provost	The Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA) advises all incoming freshman and probationary students as well as offers a variety of services designed to help all students thrive during their experience at Francis Marion [8].
Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA) – Academic Advisors	Provost	Academic advisors are available to facilitate student questions about registration for courses, majors and minors, study habits, time management, career guidance, and more [9].
Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA) – Career Development	Provost	Career Development helps students to select majors and minors, set professional goals, consider career paths, develop resumes, and explore testing necessary for graduate programs [10].
Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA) – Tutoring Center	Provost	Offers one-to-one assistance with a variety of subjects, including math, sciences, social sciences, and liberal arts courses [11].
Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA) – Writing Center	Provost	Center provides students with one-to-one tutorials on writing projects for any class at Francis Marion [12].
Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA) – University Life 100	Provost	All incoming freshman enroll in University Life 100. This course provides academic support by providing first-year students with valuable information to help them become acquainted with the university, build connections on campus, learn about strategies for being successful students, and make the most of their time at Francis Marion [13].
Computer & Technology Services	Administration	Provide computer support services and email access to currently enrolled students at their request [14, 15].
Computer & Technology Services- Computer Labs	Administration	Computer Labs are available for use by all faculty for their classes to utilize. The three main labs are located in the James A. Rogers Library, the Academic Computer Center, and the Cauthen Educational Media Center, with various additional labs located in the other academic buildings [16, 17].
Computer & Technology Services- Classroom Technology	Administration	Classrooms, are furnished with computers, projection equipment, Smart boards, 3D printers, etc. [18].
Computer & Technology Services- Student Orientation Sessions	Administration	Students learn about the available services during orientation. Technicians assist students during the first couple of weeks of each semester in connecting and using our support services [19].
Computer & Technology Services- Blackboard	Administration	Francis Marion University contracts with Blackboard for course management functions for students and faculty [20].
Math Resource Center	Student Affairs	The Department of Mathematics has a computer lab for use as a resource center for mathematical work. The computers contain mathematical software such as Maple, Scientific Notebook, MathLab, Geometer’s Sketchpad, and R for students to use to complete assignments in mathematics and statistics [21].
Counseling and Testing	Administration	Coordinates the advanced-placement testing program, serves as the focal point of academic services for students with disabilities [22].

Table 1. Student Academic Support Services

Faculty Academic Support Services
Services	Office	Description
Computer & Technology Services - Instructional Technology	Administration	Faculty are offered workshops on instructional technology [23].
Computer & Technology Services- Chief Information Officer Updates	Administration	The Chief Information Officer meets every fall with all academic departments to visit and inform them all of the department’s services, accomplishments, and upcoming projects and to solicit feedback regarding any concerns, observations, and/or questions regarding their services [24].
Computer & Technology Services- Computer Labs	Administration	Computer Labs are available for use by all faculty for their classes to utilize. The three main labs are located in the James A. Rogers Library, the Academic Computer Center, and the Cauthen Educational Media Center, with various additional labs located in the other academic buildings [25].
Computer & Technology Services- Blackboard	Administration	Francis Marion contracts with Blackboard for course management functions for students and faculty [26].
Technical Support Partner (TSP)	Administration	A program with representatives that serves a two-way conduit for sharing information between departments [27].
REAL Grants	Provost	Grants designed to extend learning experiences for students [28].
Professional Development Funds	Provost	Faculty members may request funding for professional development activities up to $2,750 in the following areas: presentation grants, conference, workshop, or course grants, and research grants [29].
Counseling and Testing	Administration	Acts as a liaison between students and faculty/administration on concerns relating to appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities [30].

Table 2. Faculty Academic Support Services

James A. Rogers Library

The James A. Rogers Library provides Francis Marion’s “students, faculty, staff, and regional citizens with access to scholarly information.” Librarians are available to assist students, faculty, staff and the community during all regular hours of operation, as well as through special sessions for library skills instruction. Access to library records and resources is available through the university’s web site. Additionally, resources can be accessed through interlibrary loan. Rogers Library is the largest library in northeastern South Carolina, and its holdings include more than 398,000 volumes, 343,000 accessible e-books, 35,000 e-journals, 550 print subscriptions, 377,000 volumes of microforms, and 142 electronic databases to access information from almost anywhere [31].

Center for Academic Success and Advisement

The Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA) offers a variety of services designed to help students thrive during their experience at Francis Marion:

Academic Advisors: “Academic advisors are available to facilitate student questions about registration for courses, majors and minors, study habits, time management, career guidance, and more. [The] team is dedicated to supporting students and connecting them to resources that will help them to be successful during their academic careers at Francis Marion” [32].
The Office of Career Development: “helps students to select majors and minors, set professional goals, consider career paths, develop resumes, and explore testing necessary for graduate programs. In addition, Career Development also hosts semi-annual job fairs and connects students to employers looking to hire Francis Marion students and alumni” [33].

Further details about the Office of Career Development appear in the following narrative from the Catalog 2016-2017:

The Office of Career Development supports the educational goals of the University mission statement by providing a comprehensive, educational approach to career development and preparation as a life skill. Specialized services, programs, and strategies are designed and targeted for Francis Marion students and alumni. It also develops and maintains relationships both internally (with faculty and staff) and externally (with business and the community) and plays an integral role in facilitating a blend of academic, personal, and career development for students, while providing a link to the world of work.

Additionally, a state-of-the-art resume referral service is available to students and alumni seeking full-time employment. The service includes resume postings on the Francis Marion University Internet Resume Book, and is linked to a national job listing service, both available to employers on the World Wide Web. A career guidance program called “Career Connections” allows students to explore careers, research employers, and develop the skills and tools needed to conduct successful job searches. Job listings for part-time, summer, and experiential learning opportunities are also available, in addition to career workshops and “practice interviewing” opportunities [34].

Tutoring Center: “offers students one-to-one assistance with a variety of subjects, including math, sciences, social sciences, and liberal arts courses” [35]. The Tutoring Center “is a free service available to all students. The Tutoring Center offers students the opportunity to seek assistance in all academic areas from trained peer tutors” [36]. Open from Monday through Thursday, 9:30 – 8:00 p.m. and Fridays, 9:30 – 1:30 p.m., students are free to walk in but are encouraged to make appointments through the online appointment system available through a link on the Tutoring Center’s webpage [37]. Once a student seeks tutoring assistance, faculty are notified using the Professor Note Form [38]. The use of the form ensures that the student receives specific support where needed.

Writing Center: “provides students with one-to-one tutorials on writing projects for any class at Francis Marion. The Writing Center also assists students with resumes, applications, creative writing, and other writing projects” [39].

The Catalog 2016-2017 provides further details about the Writing Center as described below:

The Francis Marion Writing Center is available to help all students improve their current writing abilities and acquire the skills needed to succeed at writing tasks in academic and professional communities. English department faculty consultants and trained student consultants provide one-on-one assistance on a wide range of writing tasks and projects, including research papers for all disciplines, literary analysis, creative writing, lab reports, resumes, business letters, and graduate school applications. Students are invited to meet with a consultant at any stage of the writing process for guidance on generating a topic, building an argument, incorporating research, revising a draft, or learning about grammatical errors [40].

Students have the several options to receive assistance through the Writing Center. They can book an in person appointment or “Online Tutoring” in person, by phone, or through the online appointment system, My WCOnline [41], which is accessible through the Writing Center’s webpage [42]. In addition, Writing Center consultants are also available in the evenings at the Tutoring Center.

In addition to individual assistance, the Writing Center offers several workshops each semester, which are “interactive sessions where [workshops] help students address common writing situations and attain skills students need to succeed at writing tasks in both academic and professional environments” [43].

Additionally, the Writing Center measures user satisfaction by giving in-center students satisfaction forms after each tutorial. These are used to measure the success of services the Writing Center offers. At the end of each semester, these results are compiled into a document. For example, for the Spring 2017 semester, the Writing Center gave 1,193 surveys. Those surveys found that over 90 percent of students who use the Writing Center are highly satisfied with its services [44].

University Life 100: “The Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA) also works in conjunction with the University Life 100 courses. All incoming freshmen enroll in University Life 100. This course provides academic support by providing first-year students with valuable information to help them become acquainted with the university, build connections on campus, learn about strategies for being successful students, and make the most of their time at Francis Marion. All of these resources provide students with a network of knowledgeable and friendly professionals who can help with any questions they may have while at the university” [45].

Computer and Technology Services

Campus Technology provides computer support services and email access to currently enrolled students at their request [46]. Students can use computer laboratories in several locations on campus (Stanton Academic Computing Center, Cauthen Educational Media Center, Rogers Library, and Housing Computer Lab for Residents). The hours for these laboratories are posted on the wall outside the labs and on the Campus Technology webpage [47]. In addition, many departments have their own computer laboratories [48]. Additionally, lectures are held in the classrooms, many of which are furnished with computers, projection equipment, or “Smartboards.”

The Center works to ensure that the services are adequate and that faculty and students learn about the services available in several ways:

1. During faculty orientation each fall, new faculty are instructed on the availability of the services as well as how to obtain support.

2. The Chief Information Officer is available every fall to all academic departments to visit and inform them all of the department’s services, accomplishments, and upcoming projects and to solicit feedback regarding any concerns, observations, and/or questions regarding their services. Most academic departments (about 90-95%) take advantage of this visit.

3. The Technical Support Partner program (TSP) is a program that serves a two-way conduit for sharing information. The program is comprised of technical support representatives from each department and staff from Campus Technology [49]. Through the Technical Support Partner program, available services are shared with other departments and Computer and Technology Services provides support to the designated representatives who support their departments.

4. Students learn about the services during orientation and technicians assist students during the first couple of weeks of each semester in connecting and using support services. Instructions are also provided on the Campus Technology website under Login Instructions [50] and ResNet [51].

Mathematics Resource Center

The Department of Mathematics has a computer lab for use as a resource center for mathematical work. The computers contain mathematical software such as Maple, Scientific Notebook, Matlab, Geometer’s Sketchpad, and R for students to use to complete assignments in mathematics and statistics. Students are free to use the computer lab during the open hours (8:30 – 4:00 daily) [52]. The software available in the computer lab is used in classroom instruction, so students learn about the software in their lectures. To increase student access, software has been added at other computer labs on campus.

Media Center

The Cauthen Educational Media Center provides Francis Marion’s faculty, students, and staff with several resources, which include:

non-print resources
technological support
media-equipped teaching and conference facilities.

The Center supports academic programs by providing:

study facilities
instructional space in the Resource Area
computer laboratory
media equipment
media-equipped classrooms
production facilities
hosting campus and community activities.

The facility contains the Dooley Planetarium, located on the second floor [53].

To further assist faculty, the Media Center incorporates all instructional technology and support in that unit. For example, the university utilizes Blackboard as a student learning platform and the university’s Blackboard administrator works from the Media Center to provide support to both faculty and students. For example, the Media Center staff most recently assisted the Business Department in setting up technology for capturing and delivering online teaching services.

The Office of Counseling and Testing

Along with addressing the counseling needs of Francis Marion students, the Office of Counseling and Testing “coordinates the advanced-placement testing program and administers several standardized tests used by graduate and professional schools” [54].

The Office of Counseling and Testing also serves as the focal point of academic services for students with disabilities as described in the following narrative from the Catalog 2016-2017:

The Director of Counseling and Testing coordinates services for students with disabilities, assists students in determining reasonable accommodations on the basis of disability, and acts as a liaison between students and faculty/administration on concerns relating to appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities. The Director of Counseling and Testing is also available to meet with prospective students to discuss services available at Francis Marion University [55].

Francis Marion is committed to making programs and activities available to qualified students with disabilities. In addition, the University makes efforts to ensure that the grounds, major buildings, and classes are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

To help ensure that the students and faculty have knowledge of and access to the programs, representatives from the department participate in New Student Orientation, present to new faculty during their orientation, present to resident assistants each semester, hold workshops with first-semester nursing students, present to first-year students in UL100, and are partnering with the Center for Academic Success and Advisement to identify students at risk and formulate appropriate interventions.

Additional Programs and Activities

In addition to Francis Marion’s academic support services, a variety of other programs and activities help to enhance students’ educational experiences.

Student Life

The focus on student life appears in the following narrative from the University catalog:

The University provides a balanced student life program which contributes significantly to the total educational experience of its students. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities designed to enhance their sense of community responsibility and their capacity for leadership.

Student Government, organizations, and publications, in particular, are not only a vital part of the operation of the institution but an important part of the total student educational experience. Students are advised to choose activities wisely and to balance academic activities with participation in service, spiritual, athletic, social, and recreational pursuits [56].

University Programming Board

As stated in the University catalog, “The University Programming Board is responsible for providing a variety of events throughout the year for the student body of Francis Marion” [57]. Student members are recruited in the fall for the upcoming year. The board works together with other campus organizations and departments. “Regular campus-wide activities include: Welcome Week, Fall Fest, Homecoming Week activities, Spring Fest, and educational events,” as seen in University Programming Board [58].

Multicultural and International Student Affairs

As stated in the Catalog 2016-2017:

The Student Affairs Office provides leadership in the University’s effort to support students, inform the campus community of the values of multiculturalism, and assist in encouraging a campus environment that is conducive to diverse student learning. The purpose of the office is to amplify the academic, social, and cultural development of students as well as plan and implement programs that facilitate opportunities for self expression and cultural harmony. Activities including lectures, forums, and cultural and social events are open to students, faculty, and staff. Within the Student Affairs Office, the Multicultural Advisory Board provides campus-wide programming and consists of faculty, students and staff [59].

International students, entering Francis Marion as degree seeking or as exchange students, receive support and guidance regarding immigration documentation, curricular and optional practical training and general counseling.

Student Publications

The Patriot, the campus newspaper, is published regularly by and for students of Francis Marion University. The newspaper provides a record of campus news and events, and serves as an outlet for students seeking practical experience in journalism. “Students are encouraged to become involved with The Patriot, which has a staff including student editors, writers, photographers, and managers” [60].

Artists are encouraged to use The Snow Island Review to showcase their work. “The Snow Island Review is a campus literary journal featuring the work of Francis Marion students and is published on a semester basis” [61]. The journal publishes essays, short stories, poems, photographs, and artwork.

Artistic Opportunities

The University offers a variety of options designed to enrich and develop a student’s appreciation of aesthetic values which include:

two choral performance groups – the Concert Choir and Cut Time
instrumental music ensembles
University Theatre [62].

Students may choose to attend a variety of events offered through the Artist and Lecture Series [63], as well as the Film Series [64]. The Art Series presents exhibitions in three venues representing local, regional and national artists. All of Francis Marion’s art experiences are offered as contributions to individual personal perceptions, intellect, and emotion. In conjunction with course work and other University offerings, they promote inquiry and reflection of aesthetic knowledge and understanding.

Evaluation

Evaluations are completed by the various services to ensure they properly meet the needs of students and effectively support their academic needs. These evaluations are mostly done through surveys and usage records. Examples are provided below.

The Writing Center measures user satisfaction by giving in-center students satisfaction forms after each tutorial. These are used to measure the success of services the Writing Center offers. At the end of each semester, these results are compiled into a document. For example, for the Spring 2017 semester, the Writing Center gave 1,193 surveys. Those surveys found that over 90 percent of students who use the Writing Center are highly satisfied with its services [65].
The James A. Rogers Library conducts surveys of faculty and students biennially, and conducts focus groups throughout the semester to provide qualitative data on, and assess the adequacy of library services and resources. These surveys found that 95% of students believe the library provides adequate materials and software needed for their classroom assignments. Additionally, over half of the faculty members that took the survey believe the library provides effective class instruction [66].
The Freshman Focus program conducts a yearly exit interview through which student satisfaction is measured. Students are first asked to rate the program on a scale of 1-5 and are then asked a series of questions about the functionality and helpfulness of the program. In 2016, nearly all students rated the program as either “Good” or “Excellent” with no students rating it below “Neutral.” In the comments section, students referred to the program as “informative” and “encouraging” [67].
The Center for Academic Success and Advising conducted several evaluations, which were published in this year’s Institutional Effectiveness report. It measured success by establishing benchmarks and analyzing whether or not these goals were met. The program achieved many of its targets. For example, the center desired for 80% of students to be able to “know and understand their major and degree requirements,” and the survey showed that 85.29% of students claimed this to be true [68].
The Director of the Dooley Planetarium takes attendance during every one of the shows and presentations. Frequently, the 64-seat planetarium reaches 100% capacity. The numbers have grown throughout the years, and in the 2016-2017 school year, over 7,300 visitors attended programs making it the highest attendance Dooley Planetarium has seen in 14 years [69].

3.4.9 Academic Support Services