Academic Achievement Center
The AAC is the largest hub of student academic services on campus. Ideally located in the basement of the Maxwell Library in the center of the BSU Campus, the Academic Achievement Center is a vibrant environment at the heart of the BSU academic community. The Center offers a comprehensive array of programs and services to support the continued academic success of Bridgewater State University students.
Academic advising is a major function of the Achievement Center. Programs include the Haughey First Year Advising program, academic advising for all degree-seeking students who have not yet declared a major, and evening advising for currently enrolled and prospective non-degree seeking (Continuing Education) (students.http://www.bridgew.edu/AAC/)
In the AAC I received a graduate assistant position of Academic Counselor in the fall of 2010. This position was a huge enrichment for my professional school counseling skills. Many of the activities and job criteria are transferable skills to the high school level. Here I worked with all freshmen who declared special education as their major. I also worked with returning students who previously failed out, undecided upperclassman, and a freshmen book club.
I enjoy working in the AAC because I get to be hands on with students. It is our job to help students become independent and learn new skills at Bridgewater State University. I also was able to see another side of academic counselor besides high school and middle school. I get to work with students who now have goals, but need help reaching them. It feels accomplishing to have a student come to an appointment overwhelmed and leave feeling comfortable and knowing what the next steps are. Working at the AAC has been an amazing experience which has helped shape me as a school counselor.
As an academic counselor I:
- completed time management meetings
- helped students make class schedules
- registered students
- give presentations to large groups and small groups
- helped with orientations
- facilitate a book club
- worked with students withdrawing
- attended and participate in staff meetings
- helped set goals and find a major
- helps students with organizational skills
- helped students who are overwhelmed
- helped students in crisis
- work one on one with students
- and much more