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counselors, among others. There is help all across campus. The best place to start is by encouraging
your student to seek help from someone if they need it.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Dr. Ted G. Westmoreland Academic Success Program
During their first semester of enrollment at Clemson, students may find the academic expectations
and rigor at Clemson to be at a higher level than expected. The Class of '56 Academic Success Center
(ASC) building, located just behind Cooper Library, is home to the Dr. Ted G. Westmoreland
Academic Success Program and features FREE comprehensive academic programs designed for student
success. These programs, offered to all undergraduate students, include Peer Assisted Learning (PAL)
sessions, tutoring, cross-college academic advising and coaching, learning strategies consulting and
success strategy workshops. There’s something for every student at the ASC.
Peer-Assisted, Course-Based Programs
Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) is a series of twice-weekly interactive study sessions for students
enrolled in historically difficult classes. Clemson’s PAL program has been awarded international
recognition for its effectiveness. PAL sessions are led by an upperclass PAL leader who completed
the course at Clemson and earned an A. The PAL leader attends all class meetings and guides
their peers through the course material throughout the semester.
PAL leaders are trained to integrate course content (what to learn)
and study strategies (how to learn) into the PAL sessions. The PAL
leaders also help students organize class material, compare notes,
discuss difficult concepts, develop strategies for studying the subject
and prepare for upcoming tests. PAL leaders do not lecture, re-teach
or tutor the material. PAL is intended to support the course, not
to replace a lecture or contact with the instructor. Data shows that
students who participate in PAL on a regular basis (six or more visits
during a semester) earn a higher percentage of As and Bs and a
lower percentage of Cs/Ds/Fs and Withdrawals (Ws) than non-
participants. PAL is typically offered for the following courses:
• Accounting 2010, 2020
• Civil Engineering 2010
• Mechanical Engineering 2010
• Biological Sciences 2220/2230
• Chemistry 1010/1020, 2230/2240
• Math Sciences 1020, 1040, 1060, 1070, 1080, 2070
• Chemical Engineering 2010
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“The transition to college is
often difficult with students
having to manage being away
from home for the first time.
The academic challenges can
seem overwhelming for many.
The Academic Success Center
is a wonderful resource to
encourage students who just
need some confidence and
aiding those students who need
to develop good study habits
and time management. My two
children both took advantage
of the expertise offered by the
Academic Success Center and
have been on the Dean’s List
several times.”
Cindy Parler
North Augusta, S.C.