The Academic Success Center (ASC) held its Winter Open House, where it welcomed students and community members to learn about academic resources available and highlighted different programs aimed to support the student body. 

The event was held on Wednesday Jan. 21 in the library (Building 25), on the sixth floor. It featured subjects including math, engineering, science, and achievement programs. The open house ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Highline student, Boltumelo Mathibidi, said the ASC played a crucial role in helping her succeed academically. “I would say this is the best department in the world,” Mathibidi said. “I’ve survived my course because of these guys. It was really tough, but almost everyday I was here.”

The open house was designed to increase awareness of the campus resources, along with library resources focused on academic assistance and student support. Director of the ASC, Sheena Hendrix, said the event was intended to create a welcoming, low pressure environment for students who may be hesitant to seek help. “The intent is to get more students in without feeling pressure that they only have to be here for tutoring,” Hendrix said. 

“With some students, it takes a while to kind of warm up to the idea of ‘Oh I don’t wanna be seen in there’ so with the open house, it’s for students to come in, whether it’s for tutor services or not, and check out the place without pressure,” Hendrix continued. “Also we want our tutors to be seen and appreciated for the things they do because they really do work hard. Just have a light experience when they need help.” 

Students who want to take advantage of the ASC services can schedule appointments or drop in during open hours. The ASC is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The center provides both in person and online tutoring, including workshops throughout each quarter, supplying students with various options to receive support that is essential to achieve academic success.