Skip to main content

Promoting Student Success: One Pizza at a Time

Every semester the School of Math, Science and Engineering hosts a “Pizza with the Dean” event to encourage students to learn more about the school, the tutoring they offer, and the academic support resources that are available. This semester's event was held on Feb. 21 in the STEM Learning Center in the Science Building (SI) on the Taylorsville Redwood Campus.

The center provides drop-in tutoring in subjects like math, chemistry, biology and more. Students can check in at the front desk and then scan a QR code on tables to be connected with a tutor. In addition to tutoring, the center serves as a quiet study space for individuals or groups. Jevahjire France, a student studying mechanical engineering, said he often comes to the center to "find a comfortable spot by the big windows to do homework or study for tests." Being in the space makes it easier for him to focus and stay awake, he says.

Three students eating pizza together
Attendees at the "Pizza with the Dean" event enjoying their pizzas.

A key part of the event was introducing students to the new Student Success Ambassadors program. Led by success coaches Bonnie Ogden and Renee Mixco, six peer ambassadors are available in the center to help guide students to the right resources. Their role is to connect students one-on-one and ensure they are aware of all the academic support options on campus. Bonnie explained, the ambassadors aim to "empower students to take control of their own learning and seek help independently."

For those interested in research opportunities, the center’s director Kamal Bewar, and other faculty were available to discuss the benefits of undergraduate research. Craig Caldwell, dean of the school, shared that students don't become scientists by reading about science, they become scientists by practicing science. And that it is through research how students "become scientists by practicing skills like data collection and analysis." 

The dean holding a plate of pizza
Dean Craig Caldwell holding a pizza at the "Pizza with the Dean" event.

Presenting research at the annual Undergraduate Projects and Research Conference (UPRC) in April is a chance for students to showcase their research work and skills, Kamal said. It also improves communication abilities - an important skill for any career. It provides a supportive environment for students to share their work, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and faculty. The deadline to submit a presentation, project, performance, or research for the conference is March 1.

“The goal of this event is to make sure every school and student participates,” says Kamal, who is chairing and leading the conference. “This is encouraging students to do undergraduate research that will prepare them for the bigger step when they move to four-year institutions or perhaps moving forward to a master's degree. Undergraduate research is the first step for them to initiate their ability.”

A girl holding a laptop and a pizza standing by the sign in screen for tutoring center

For those seeking academic support or research experience, the STEM Learning Center aims to help all students achieve success through their services. Their dedicated staff, including the new ambassadors, are helping ensure peers know where to turn for help. Visit their website for more information

While the STEM Learning Center focuses on subjects like math, chemistry and biology, computer science students in need of programming help should visit the Gail Miller School of Business according to Bonnie. They provide specialized tutoring for courses in computer programming involving languages like C++ and Java.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

SLCC's Undergraduate Annual Research Conference Registration Deadline

Salt Lake Community College’s annual Undergraduate Projects, Performances, Presentations, and Research Conference (UP3RC) is set to take place on April 2, at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, offering students a chance to showcase their academic achievements, fostering a culture of intellectual exchange.  The UP3RC is an annual event designed to celebrate and highlight the academic accomplishments of undergraduate students. It provides a supportive environment for students to share their work, hone their presentations skills, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and faculty. All SLCC departments and programs, including faculty and staff, are encouraged to support and visit the day of the event. Students with their poster from last year's UPRC event “The goal of this event is to make sure every school and student is given the opportunity to participate,” says Dr. Kamal Bewar, interim director of the STEM Learning Center, who is chairin

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o

HB 261 and HB 257 Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students: The Utah Legislature recently passed two bills that significantly impact higher education:  HB 261  Equal Opportunity Initiatives and HB  257  Sex-Based Designations for Privacy, Anti-Bullying, and Women’s Opportunities. Salt Lake Community College is deeply committed to our students, faculty, and staff. We strive to be a place where all are welcomed and respected. While there are many unknowns about the ultimate effect these bills will have on some student and staff support programs, be assured that SLCC will maintain an environment where all can find success and feel a sense of belonging. In the coming months, college leadership will work to gain clarity and determine the changes necessary for legislative compliance. We will also share this information as it becomes available.  We realize that during this time, some in our college community may feel unsettled and stressed. We encourage you to make use of available SLCC resources designed to support y