Learning Skills

EXCEL Program

The EXCEL program is a federally funded TRIO program that provides undergraduate low-income, and first generation college students (neither parent or guardian is a graduate of a four year U.S. College), and disabled students in-depth long-term academic support throughout their undergraduate education. Students are assisted in the areas of: Academic Advising, Personal Counseling, Scholarship Information, Career Development, Learning Skills, and Graduate School Advising.'

The EXCEL Learning Skills Tutorial Component

In 1992, the Learning Skills Tutorial Component was added to further assist students in recognizing and understanding their learning strengths and weaknesses in a non-threatening environment. In EXCEL, tutoring means developmental skill building as opposed to remediation. Students receive services in the areas of: Academic Testing, Prescriptive Teaching, Tutorial Assistance, Test Taking Skills, Goal Setting Skills, Note Taking Skills, and Time Management Techniques.

Mission Statement

EXCEL students are assisted in recognizing and understanding their learning strengths and weaknesses in a non-threatening environment.

History

As of Fall 2008, the EXCEL Learning Skills tutorial component is entering its 17th year of operation. It was started over 17 years ago in the Fall of 1992 with twenty-five students and two tutors, and has grown to thirteen tutors and over 2,160 students. Students are tutored in the areas of English (WST, CBEST & ELM Preparation, Personal Statements, Terms Paper Preparation, and Resumes), English As A Second Language (ESL) Conversation Group, Business, History, Math, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, Science, and Statistics. The component has attained an 85%-100% success with our students passing their classes and campus tests.

In EXCEL, tutoring means developmental skill building as opposed to remediation. Developmental building is the process of helping students remember skills they may have forgotten and to clarify new skills being introduced for their academic success. Students are pre-assessed in Math and English to determine if referral is needed and post-assessed for results of academic success. When needed, students are offered sessions in test and note taking skills, time management and goal setting skills, and study techniques for the varied learning styles.

Six EXCEL tutors have gone on to complete graduate school and are currently teaching Math and English at CSUEB and local Junior Colleges. One of the six is currently teaching special education at an elementary school in Sacramento. Over the school years, EXCEL has had several graduate international students as tutors who have re-located to other states, married, had children, and are all very productive educators.

The EXCEL Program makes a difference in the lives of our low-income, first generation and disabled students; and is very proud of the work they do.

"To teach is to touch a life forever"