PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC)'s Humanities, Behavioral & Social Sciences Division recently hired two part-time academic success coaches, Jordan DeGaetano and Jennifer Jennings, to support students in English course work. 

 

Funding for the positions was made possible by grants from the Massachusetts Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) program.

 

"Research has shown that academic coaching has a positive effect on course completion, GPA and student retention," said Dr. Laurie Gordy, Dean of Humanities, Behavioral & Social Sciences. "Our new academic coaches will provide greater support to students as they face ongoing challenges and barriers brought on by the pandemic."

 

Recognizing that writing and reading are critical foundational skills for all academic programs and careers, BCC has identified the need to focus student support on English coursework, Dr. Gordy explained. The two new positions provide all students enrolled in English Composition and College Writing Practices the support they need to help understand, plan and manage coursework. 

 

"Success in English courses shapes students' abilities to progress through their academic program and through general education," Dr. Gordy said, adding that faculty members can intentionally integrate the success coaches into their coursework. "These grant-funded positions allow BCC to pilot and assess ideas that we hope will enhance student success. Such assessment can help shape the College's planning for future positions and student success initiatives."