Academic Development Center

A one-on-one process of helping a student examine academic concerns and empowering them in developing academic skills for college success. Coaches will provide students with semester long academic support in areas such as: time management, study skills, test preparation, and note taking. The coaches will work individually with students, assess their strengths, and devise a personalized plan of action. Students may request a meeting with an Academic Coach through the Student Academic Development Center or by contacting Nolan Esfeld at [email protected] or Kelley Scott at [email protected].

New in 2024: Academic Coaches are embedded in co-requisite Math and English courses. Review the Embedded Coaches document for more information.

Independent Study is a designated space, available to all students, specifically for learning, completing homework, and practicing academic skills. Independent Study in the Academic Development Center (ADC) is monitored for academic integrity and developed to assist students in acquiring study skills, academic organization, and task planning.

Students may walk in during open hours for individual or group study, and scheduling is available for team sessions. Also, multiple computers in the ADC are Zoom compatible so students may attend classes virtually.

Directed Skill Development is a voluntary program that offers free, regularly scheduled study sessions for any course based on student needs. Directed Skill Development is an opportunity for students to work together with an academic mentor to explore important concepts, review class notes, discuss reading assignments, practice subject-specific test-taking and study skills.

The Cougar Keeper is our very own student planner designed for organization, reflections, and resources. Students are encouraged to complete daily tasks such as tracking assignments, reminders, and personal tasks needed to complete. The Cougar Keeper is also filled with academic resources such as free tutoring services, testing services for Barton students, and finals preparation. To request a FREE Cougar Keeper please stop by the Academic Development Center or email [email protected].

Please come join the Academic Development Center every Friday in-person for supplemental instruction from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Visit the Academic Development Center every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. for in-person supplemental instruction. This applies to writing assignments in all courses. No appointments are needed, but please bring in a printed copy of your current work.

Cougar Conversations take place every Tuesday at 8 p.m. CST (unless otherwise noted). Join us for directed discussions on topics that support students including Taking Notes, Organizing Study Materials, Online Course Tips, and more! All students are invited to attend, and all conversations will be presented in the Academic Development Center (Barton County Campus, room L-136) and via Zoom. 

Check out scheduled conversations for more details!