Chelsea Jacobs Helps Students Succeed with Involvement in Work Program at Blackburn College

2012 May 8

The English and Communications department at Blackburn College has created a new system to help students succeed , known as the Academic Resource Center (ARC). It's made up of a team of students, faculty, and staff who are always available for students who need help in their classes and the chance to do better academically.

Started this year by Blackburn staff, the ARC focuses on the freshman class to help the students get off to a good start, learn to be self-sufficient, and become more connected with other Blackburn students. Chelsea Jacobs, of Carlinville, is one of the tutors for the program and states: "It feels really good helping students and it helps us let students know that we are here willing to help because most students wouldn't ask for help on their own." Barbara Clark, one of the staff involved with the program, states: "Having the ARC focus mainly on freshmen helps them adjust to college and be aware that for their next years at Blackburn, they have people to turn to when they need help on homework."

Along with the ARC program is the Writer's Block, another facility on campus that helps students excel. The Writer's Block is a writing assistance program where students can get help on papers or other writing assignments. Both facilities tie in with the Work Program at Blackburn and allow the tutors to get the experience needed while at college. Jacob's says: "This part of the Work Program doesn't necessarily fit in with my major, but I am learning responsibility and time management. I go from class, to work, to my activities, to helping other students. It's definitely a place where managing your time is essential!"

Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, Illinois. One of the seven work colleges in the U.S., Blackburn is the only one with a student managed Work Program. Blackburn was recently ranked by US News as the 2012 #2 Best Value College in the Midwest; and placed #65 in The Washington Monthly's ranking of Baccalaureate Colleges. The school remains the most affordable, residential liberal arts college in the state.