ETSU’s first resource/study room, located in Lucille Clement residence hall, aims to help first-year students by promoting academic success and personal development.
“We wanted a room that would be a symbol of academics but it would also be a working room,” Dr. Bonnie Burchett, assistant director of housing said. “Our goal is to retain students at ETSU.”
The room holds a library of resource books and textbooks and a “Study Buddy” notebook that allows residents to share course information.
It also has computers with Internet access, a place for group study sessions, and audiovisual equipment.
The first-year program features group and individual advisement on early semester progress reports; programs and activities on such topics as leadership/communication styles, managing stress, good habits, and more; peer mentors; career planning sessions; and other social activities.
ETSU dedicated it’s resource/study room in honor of Joan C. Dressel on Homecoming Day, Nov. 10.
Dressel has long supported academic excellence at ETSU.
She had served as the assistant dean of women, director of housing, assistant director of career placement, and as a faculty member in the department of developmental studies.
“This was her life. She’ll be able to continue helping students,” Burchett said.
During her tenure as director of housing, Dressel stressed the importance of co-curricular activities necessary to a healthy residence life program.
She provided many students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and supported their total personal and professional development during her career.
For more information, call Burchett or Kristen Chamberlin-Long in the Of-fice of Housing and Residence Life at 439-4446.

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