The Student Newspaper of Highline College

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Carly Randall and Josh Gallegos - writing tutors working in the Writing Center, a service offered by the ASC.

The Academic Success Center opens awareness

Staff Reporter Oct 16, 2025

The Academic Success Center (ASC) opened its doors to showcase its wide range of free tutoring and academic support services offered to students. Held in Building 25, the open house welcomed students and faculty to learn more about opportunities available in math, writing, public speaking, and general coursework. 

Carly Randall, a faculty writing tutor on the sixth floor, spoke with the ThunderWord this past week about the available resources the ASC provides: “When you come in as a new student, there’s so much you don’t always realize what services are actually offered to you. The booths were set up throughout to show and welcome you to the library,” said Randall.

Rory Sellers/THUNDERWORD

Available computers for work at the ASC.

Attendees of the open house, which was held last Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., also heard from ASC staff who shared insights about the tutoring process and how students can get involved or join in.

Josh Gallegos, lead student writing tutor, emphasized the center’s collaborative approach to success and learning. “It could be really daunting to show your work to someone you’ve never met before. It really helps knowing that we don’t judge. You’re here to get help and we are here to provide it,” Gallegos said. 

Many tutors are also fellow students that understand the campus resources, creating a peer-friendly environment and a great support system. The ASC also aims to increase awareness and accessibility to academic support, including studying workshops.   

Students interested in using these services can make appointments or drop in during open hours (Mondays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.) Tutoring is available online or in person through the Highline website, where you can navigate the ASC page to find more information about upcoming workshops and scheduling. 

As Highline continues to navigate budget challenges, there may be a possible impact to the student support services like the ASC. Stay tuned for more coverage from the ThunderWord as we explore these changes for the academic aid.