PAS offers student aid

 Gabrielle Mazza a junior photojournalist says she uses the PAS services for "classes where I have to write essay's." Point Park offers a program for academic success for its students in need of tutoring, counseling and disability services. Located on the 7th floor of Lawrence Hall. Assistance with math, science, english and writing are just a few of the services exhibited, help is available or arranged in all areas needed for students who may struggle in the demanding academic world.

Students in university settings often encounter difficult academic tasks, all while trying to maintain activities of interest and a functioning social life. Most students balance a full load of classes and many choose to have a working job and eventually an internship usually enters the criteria. These tasks can often be difficult to manage and the program for academic success thrives on dedicating its services to the excellence of the university's students. 

 Patricia Boykin, the coordinator of services at PAS has been with the program since 1981. Boykin first came to Point Park University with a counselor position helping college students succeed and worked as a reading specialist to improve learning strategies. Boykin, became the coordinator of services for students with disabilities in 1999. PAS offers disability support in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Executed July 26,1990 ADA is a civil rights law that prevents  under any situation discrimination based on disability. These disabilities are classified as a physical or mental impairment that essentially limit a considerable life event. Accommodations are determined with a case by case evaluation of the student. Evaluations are done when documentation is provided by the student, Boykin then speaks with each student individually to predispose what services will be reasonable. Boykin suggests "It's a good idea to have this meeting every semester because people can change and therefore needs can change, every semester new classes bring more challenging tasks."

Mazza meets with Catherine Houghton and states that "every essay I write before I hand it in I go there for them to read it, I like having a second pair of eyes in case I missed something or if I should rearrange or clarify something." Mazza is a community facilitator on campus and never fails to mention PAS to incoming freshman and proposes that PAS "is a good service that everyone should take advantage of,  there is no shame in going there. I have only gotten better from the experience."

Stephanie Jackson, a junior photojournalist and special events chair on the campus activities board claims that the PAS program is "a great service to offer because not only can they help out with history and english, they also have a math and science tutor." 

  Professional tutors are available for all Point Park students in need of services. There are two full time and three part time writing tutors on hand, Catherine Houghton the coordinator of english and writing at PAS says "We provide writing on every subject students need assistance with." 

Promoting the services at PAS have increased in recent years. New methods of broadcasting PAS have arose, such as 30 seconds slot ads 10 times per semester on the student run radio station WPPJ. Every year there are also ads in Point Park's magazine the Pioneer and PAS attends various fairs but mostly the knowledge of services travels by word of mouth from other students that have used the facility. Tutoring information is available on Point Parks website and sign up sheets are provided on the 7th floor. 

Athletics are a vast part of Point Park university and the start of each new year brings in around 55 to 60 new athletes. The athletic department at Point Park requires that every new athlete in their first semester schedule a planning session with PAS. Going over syllabi with a professional is the main objective of the session  this helps, because students often overlook all the work needed to be done on a semester basis. It is required to meet their needs and show what will be expected of the university athletes. Boykin states that "it is the goal to have these athletes looking forward."

 Math is often looked at as a difficult subject and it is suggested that appointments be set up in advance with Leslie Fronick, the coordinator of math and science at PAS. Peer tutoring is also available with subjects like accounting, english math and science these tutors are scheduled by a coordinator. Jackson, takes part in going to the office to go over syllabi each semester to see different assignments that will be given. Jackson states that "if there were any assignments that I would have trouble with I set up a meeting time for help and assistance."

Boykin says one of the best parts of her job in the PAS office is "seeing people find a way to cope and learn." Students may go through school without even knowing of tutoring services or may not even be aware of a disability. "Knowledge is power, and we are here to help."