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The Cove Provides Unique Academic Support

by Victoria Stearns, Public Relations Writer

The moment students steps into the The Cove at Cedarville University, they feel at ease and welcome — and ready to learn. With its bright, open lobby and uniquely designed offices and testing rooms, The Cove provides academic resources through a variety of programs, courses, services and referrals for a one-of-a-kind experience available to Cedarville students. 

“Every student has a different story; it is our priority to find the right ‘fit’ for each individual to encourage them to academically succeed,” said Kim Ahlgrim, director of The Cove.

The Cove's impact on student success is evidenced through Cedarville's graduation and placement rates. According to the career services department, 96.8 percent of recent Cedarville graduates are employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation. Cedarville’s placement rate is nearly nine points higher than the national average, while its 72 percent graduation rate is more than 13 percent higher than the national average.

The Cove prides itself on its open layout, natural light and unique and calming ocean theme. There are seven secluded test rooms, each decorated to represent a specific beach for a calming, yet secure, testing environment. The entire space, including test rooms, was built to accommodate students with disabilities. The Cove, which first opened in 2004, is located on the second floor of the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies. 

The Cove’s tutoring center’s success was recognized by the NCAA when the university was pursuing NCAA Division II status three years ago.


"The Cove is absolutely one of the best academic support programs in the world of NCAA Division II,” said Jill Willson, governance contractor for NCAA Division II. “It's truly one of a kind.” 


Additionally, The Cove was highlighted at the 2014 Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) annual conference for its effective models for academic support in disability services. 

“Every part of The Cove, from the beach theme to multiple tutoring options, was created for student accomplishment,” said Ahlgrim. “The Cove was uniquely designed to make students feel comfortable, and leave feeling stronger academically and better emotionally than when they walked in.”

The Cove provides free peer tutoring services for all undergraduate courses. The Cove implements four types of tutoring, each customized to fit the individual student’s distinct needs.
 
“We did years of studying and listening to feedback from students,” said Ahlgrim. “We learned that just as a doctor gives a prescription for an individual’s distinctive needs, we need a unique approach specific to each student’s history and academic needs for optimal academic performance.  Most of the programs and services are based upon research and listening to the students.”

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,711 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 18 87, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.

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