One resource typically stigmatized as a place for “struggling students” is a ticket to success for several of the school’s top performers at Vermont State University.

Academic Support, a space located in the lower level of Babcock Hall, provides students with academic advising, access to tutoring, and workshops, which helps a multitude of students get into spots on the Dean’s List and President’s List.

Director of Academic Support Rachel Mark has worked to eliminate the stereotype that students only seek support when experiencing difficulties in their academics.

“I have always found this problematic, and this is evidence that the people who use Academic Support, some of them, are our best students,” Mark said. “The more you come, the better your chances of success. It’s not a bad thing- it’s smart”

According to Mark, nearly half of the students on the Dean’s List and President’s List this past fall used Academic Support.

“Forty-six percent of Castleton students on the Dean’s List and President’s List have come to Academic Support,” Mark said. “That’s exciting, and it just shows that this is a place where successful students go.”

Alissa Benson, who had first started Academic Support as a tutor, found herself taking advantage of the services of other tutors as her assignments became more difficult.

“At first, I was just working there, but as I started taking harder classes, I needed help,” Benson said.  “I knew Academic Support was a safe and welcoming environment where I could get help with my papers or even one-on-one tutoring for my chemistry class.”

Senior Lily Modica had a similar experience.

“My time at Academic Support has been great as I have been on both sides of what goes on there; a student seeking assistance and a tutor helping students. I have been able to help such a diverse group of students at Castleton and it’s super rewarding to see them grow as writers and feel confident in their work,” Modica said.

Academic Support offers a variety of free services, including different types of tutoring in all subjects with one-on-one tutoring and drop-in visits. They also offer academic counseling, and brainstorming workshops on important things like time management, career paths and resume development. The building also houses Disability Services and a testing center for students who may need accommodations.

“We try to help in any way we can,” Mark said. “If a student is overwhelmed, we can talk through time management strategies, provide planners, or connect them with other resources on campus.”

Aside from academics, the center provides a welcoming atmosphere in which students can seek advice on future possibilities and even themselves.

“The staff at Academic Support helps with more than your academics as well. They are people to go to if you have anything going on in your life and they even help you with your future careers,” Benson said. “The staff care about all of the students and are willing to do anything and everything that they can to ensure that students are succeeding and have all of the resources that they need to do so.”

Events are also always being thrown in hopes of increasing student involvement and reducing stress, such as “Stress Busters,” a recent collaboration with the Wellness Center with crafts and activities. “We want students to know we’re here,” Mark said.  “We even write personal notes to students congratulating them on their achievements.”

For anyone hesitant to seek assistance, Marks and her staff highlight that asking for help is a sign of strength. “Some of the best students come here for tutoring, for writing support, and just to have someone review their work,” Mark said. “That’s probably what makes them so successful.”

With Academic Support playing such an important role in student success at Castleton, Mark encourages all students to utilize the resource. “Everyone should go,” she said. “This place exists to help you succeed.”

“I would highly recommend others to reach out to Academic Support as a tool. It is something that has changed my life for the better,” Benson said. “This is a great resource that not all schools provide and we are lucky enough to have this on our campus with access to any resources that you can imagine having.”

Students interested in Academic Support services can visit the bottom floor of Babcock Hall or look up tutoring and workshop schedules on Vermont State University’s website.