History of Academic Support Center at College of the Redwoods

The Academic Support Center (ASC) at College of the Redwoods is a place for students to improve and advance their learning skills. The department was previously named Learning Assistance Center (LAC) and shared room with the old Library. In 1987, College of the Redwoods submitted plans for renovation of the CR Library and requested funds from the state, which were tentatively approved. Soil samples determined, however, that the Eureka campus Library site was too close to an earthquake fault to be approved for the renovation. A new Learning Resource Center building and funding proposal was submitted to the state in 1992. It was approved in concept and funded when voters passed Proposition 1A in November 1998. The building opened in August 2002 which housed the newly named Academic Support Center (previously called LAC), new library, a Writing Center, and the Distance Education Classroom. 

The mission of the Academic Support Center is to help students reach their educational goals by developing their academic skills and encouraging them to become independent learners. This mission is aligned with that of the Learning Resource Center for College of the Redwoods: to become a central educational resource of the District. The facility, its staff and its programs are the information gateway or “the server” for the District. The new LRC links the Academic Support Center and the Library, as well, as media resources, into a single unit, administratively, physically, and philosophically.

The Academic Support (ASC) has 6,291 sq. ft. in area and its services include:

• Tutors available via drop-in and by appointment.
• Test taking: make-up exams, Disabled Student Programs and Services’ students with verified accommodations; English/math skills evaluation; distance education testing; general education development (GED) and ATB (ability to benefit) testing.
• Workshops on essay writing, speech preparation, and other instruction services.
• Six noise-reduced study rooms, by reservations and drop-in, for testing, studying, and tutoring.
• Translucent wall separating ASC and library area to facilitate natural lighting and provide a rare visual example of structural wiring for construction technology student.
• Media viewing and usage.
• Computers with internet access, word processing, spreadsheet, and PowerPoint software.