ITTA BENA, Miss.—The Division of Academic Affairs has launched a new, centralized tutoring program to support students academically during their matriculation at Mississippi Valley State University.
The University’s Writing Center, the Early Monitoring Alert Program and several other previously distinct tutoring units across departments and disciplines have been consolidated under the new MVSU Tutorial Services program.
The program will provide peer-tutoring to all MVSU students virtually through the online platform WCONLINE.
Spearheaded by Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Abigail S. Newsome and Interim Dean of University College Billy J. Benson, Jr., this centralized tutoring concept stems from a partnership with the Woodward Hines Foundation.
The university recently secured a five-year grant from the foundation, with a goal of increasing retention, persistence and graduation rates.
“An exciting aspect consistent with the development of this new tutoring model is the expansion of peer tutoring services available to students,” said Newsome. “This initiative allows students and tutors to coordinate tutoring services based on their respective schedules. This accessibility will assist us in improving the academic outcomes of our students."
Benson said the new model will enhance the University’s efforts to assist students who may be experiencing academic difficulties.
“By structuring and coordinating the academic support services available to students, we hope to address the void in our overall early alert approach—academic performance,” said Benson. “We’re hopeful that this new initiative will aid in our commitment to student success.”
In addition to academic support, students will also be able to use the WCONLINE platform as a portal for academic advising.
MVSU Academic Affairs plans to roll out this virtual one-on-one advising tool later this semester.
To learn more about MVSU Tutorial Services, or to schedule an appointment, visit www.mvsu.edu/MVSU-Tutorial-Services.