The Center for Academic Achievement (CFAA) is a phenomenal resource for students of all kinds. Located on the first floor of the Sherrod Library in room 144, the CFAA offers support seven days a week through tutoring, supplemental instruction and academic coaching.

“We are a centralized academic support department. I think of us as a more modern version of how help has been organized on campuses before,” said Jake Alspaugh, director of the CFAA.

Tutoring is available for almost every general education course ETSU offers. Tutors provide content based instruction face-to-face or via Zoom. Writing consultations are also available for papers, projects and more.

Photo of students at the Center for Academic Achievement. (Contributed/@ETSU X)

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a structured study group led by an upperclassman who sits in on the course and offers two study groups per week. SI is offered in many difficult math and science courses including biology and chemistry. The program is also being introduced to physics courses this fall.

Academic coaching consists of non-content based help including time management, studying habits and test taking strategies. It is especially beneficial to first year and transfer students. Alspaugh added that academic coaching is “how to college.”

Using your resources is one of the most sure ways to succeed during your time at ETSU. “We track data closely,” said Alspaugh. “Students who use SI regularly average almost a full letter grade higher than non-SI students. Students who engage in academic coaching tend to have a higher GPA, graduate on time and remain at ETSU.”

While the services offered at the CFAA are purely academic, they are described as “complimenting” other resources such as the Counseling Center and University Career Services. 

The CFAA is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m to 8 p.m. with reduced hours on the weekends. To inquire, call 423-439-7111 or email learning@etsu.edu. Tutoring appointments can be booked through Navigate. For more details visit https://www.etsu.edu/students/learning/.

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