Communication Skills Assistance
Writing papers, participating in group work, and giving presentations are an essential part of college classes. This service focuses on improving current course work while building awareness of the interrelationships among the language components. Students practice using language communicatively and are involved in activities with genuine rhetorical aims (i.e., an audience, purpose, and topic of some importance.) Communication Competence is stressed - the ability to use the language appropriately in different contexts. Emphasis is placed on one-to-one and small group guidance with regularly scheduled appointments.

Algebra
Students experiencing difficulties in their math/math-related classes may make an appointment for an assessment of their procedural skills. Study tips as well as different perspectives to the material will be shared.

Services for Students with Disabilities/ Alternative Testing
Qualified students may use this service. Consultations will be scheduled with the Center to determine times and procedures. Faculty, staff, and students work together to provide appropriate accommodations.

The Academic Center for Excellence works with the administration and faculty to provide Mount Mercy students of all abilities with academic programs and support. These programs empower success and promote intellectual curiosity and life-long learning. Activities emphasize development of skills that help students become more independent and efficient learners. Students are encouraged to contact Academic Center early in the semester in order to realize maximum benefit. However, students should not hesitate to contact the Center at any time. Our approach is personalized and flexible. Students are involved in activities that meet their unique learning needs; students and staff work together to assess current skills in relation to educational goals. Learning contracts are planned based on these goals and objectives. Personal interviews, review of academic records, checklists, and skill inventories may be used in this process. Instructors may also refer students to the Learning Center . To help students build their academic capacities - reading, writing, speaking, listening, and problem solving - a group of credit courses in writing, algebra, and learning strategies is provided and taught by department members.