*Republished from the October 2015 issue of The Kayseean, Updated on February 17, 2021
By Cameron Smith
Most students want to “ace” exams, written papers, and oral presentations, so what better place to go than ACE – The Academic Center for Excellence? The ACE, located on the first floor of Bristol Hall, provides tutoring services in writing, public speaking, and math. Also, certain subject-specific peer tutoring is available.
According to Professor Kim Holloway, director of the Ace, “Our main goal in the ACE is to help students at all levels and all stages to improve their writing, speaking, and math skills”. The ACE also offers services for students who need help with writing assignments. Although there aren’t currently any drop-in hours being offered because of COVID, students are able to make appointments to meet virtually.
Students also have access to the Online Writing Lab, which you can visit using the following link: https://www.king.edu/academics/student-academic-services/academic-center-for-excellence/writing-resources/writing-centers/online-writing-center-owl/. Students can submit their papers and receive helpful feedback usually within 48 hours or less. To submit a paper for review make sure it is in Word format and send it to owl@student.king.edu.
The Speak Easy is located in Bristol Hall and provides help with all the stages of creating a speech or presentation, provide feedback for speech performances, hold mock interviews, and even work with groups on group projects/presentations. The ACE facilitates the service and helps students with all oral communication needs, whether the student is preparing for a class presentation or a job interview. You can also email in a video file for review on performance. To arrange a virtual appointment, go to https://www.king.edu/academics/student-academic-services/academic-center-for-excellence/speaking-center/ and fill out the form. To schedule an appointment you can also email elbyingt@king.edu or call 423.652.6351.
The Math Center is a peer tutoring resource that provides supplemental instruction and quantitative assignments. For more information about the Math Center, contact Professor Wendy Traynor at wltrayno@king.edu.
The ACE is also implementing a new 24/7 online tutoring service called Upswing, offering a more student-friendly interface for students to receive online tutoring in all subjects. Learn more about Upswing by going here: https://www.king.edu/academics/student-academic-services/academic-center-for-excellence/upswing-tutoring-partner/
ACE tutors and staff are eager to help students improve their writing, speaking, and math skills. Dr. Holloway notes, “We are committed to facilitating learning and scholarship by providing King students with resources and instruction to produce quality academic writing.”
If you have questions about the Academic Center for Excellence, contact Professor Kim Holloway at kholloway@king.edu.