7/17/2019 Mike Koon
As universities across the nation are reimaging the look and function of the modern library, the Grainger College of Engineering has been on the cutting edge of using its space to serve the 21st century student. In 2012, the fourth floor of the building became home to the Center for Academic Resources in Engineering (CARE) Center as a space where undergraduates can study individually or in groups and receive on-the spot academic, personal, and professional support.
Written by Mike Koon
As universities across the nation are reimaging the look and function of the modern library, the Grainger College of Engineering has been on the cutting edge of using its space to serve the 21st century student. In 2012, the fourth floor of the building became home to the Center for Academic Resources in Engineering (CARE) Center as a space where undergraduates can study individually or in groups and receive on-the spot academic, personal, and professional support.
Besides the walk-in tutoring and peer advising, the Center offers private tutoring appointments, exam review sessions for first and second-year math, physics, and chemistry courses, and peer-led teams (PLT) on many of these courses.
“There are few places in college where students can teach others and revisit and relearn core engineering material from a matured perspective, but CARE and its PLT program is one of them,” said Pieter, a junior in civil and environmental engineering who tutors at the center.
“Whether they come with groups or as individuals, every student is going to find something in CARE that encourages them to stretch and excel,” said Dana Tempel, Assistant Director of CARE. “Providing the space and resources, and a positive environment allows our excellent engineering students to work together, learn together, and support each other.”
Tutors and advisors who serve through CARE see the value in peer-to-peer support.
"Each semester brings new students, and each new student brings new perspectives and challenges,” said Danielle, a senior engineering physics major. “I will never stop learning from this job, which is why I love being a CARE tutor.”
In addition, once per month, CARE hosts the McKinley Health Center, who presents “5-Minute Facts,” with valuable information on stress management, fitness, nutrition, sexual health, health safety, general health, and wellness. CARE is also one of many locations across campus where the writers workshop offers free writing workshops.
CARE is constantly looking to improve its effectiveness. Besides encouraging feedback from students, it started a CARE leadership team, a four-to-six-person advisory committee that meets with center leadership biweekly.
Anecdotally, even students who were skeptical about seeking help through CARE are glad they made the decision.
“I was worried about going to tutoring because I wasn’t sure what questions to ask, but the tutors were great at asking me the questions to guide our session,” said a sophomore computer science student. “It was not at all what I envisioned, I only wish I had started going sooner,” said Khushbu, a sophomore in computer engineering.
“It was quite beneficial to have been able to supplement my study with the experienced guidance that the tutors offered in giving me direction on what was important in calculus and physics,” added Mark, a freshman James Scholar majoring in mechanical engineering. “I recognize that an important part of what I have achieved at Illinois was due to the support and insight I obtained from the CARE program.”
The staff at CARE is committed to being proactive in providing programs to meet the ever-changing needs of Grainger Engineering students.
“Students in engineering have more resources at their fingertips now than ever before,” Tempel said. “We continually stress to them that taking advantage of these resources is a sign of commitment to their education and not remedial or a sign of struggle.”