Forrer Learning Commons and Academic Support

Forrer Learning Commons

The Forrer Learning Commons offers more than 40 different areas designed for a community of studying, researching, creating, reflecting, designing, and sharing. The first floor's Morgridge Center for Collaborative Learning offers expert services in learning & research, information technology, tutoring, writing, and career development. Media-rich Macs and PCs support digital media creation while a nearby practice room is available for practicing job-interview skills or public presentations.

Special Collections provides the Bridgewater College community with primary sources and trains students in public history work. It preserves, interprets and makes accessible the historic record of Bridgewater College, the Church of the Brethren, and the Shenandoah Valley and includes the Reuel B. Pritchett Museum Collection.

Smitty's Café completes the Forrer Learning Commons with a special menu from Dining Services to support our student community.

Academic Support and Disability Services

The mission of Academic Support and Disability Services is to support students, parents, faculty, and staff in the engagement of the academic program and positively impact students' performance in the learning environment. Services include assessment, academic advising, time management training, organizational skills development, workshops, disability services, accommodations, and a testing center to assist students in developing the skills necessary for college and graduate school. 

Academic Coach Program
The Academic Coach Program guides, mentors, and coaches students in small group settings to develop and support their time management, organization, ongoing learning, and timely work completion for college success. Academic Coaches are peers who are trained, paid, and meet twice per week with a student.  Students can sign up for Academic Coaching via the Penji app. The program's objectives are:

  • Support students in their adult development by providing assistance in developing systems to organize and complete course assignments successfully
  • Provide accountability for timely assignment completion

For questions about the Academic Coach Program, contact:
academiccoach@bridgewater.edu
Flory 1st floor; 540-828-5370

Disability Services

Bridgewater College is committed to upholding the rights of students under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Office of Academic Support and Disability Services (ASDS) exists in part to assist students in this regard. The College provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations to enrolled students with a disability to ensure equal access to the academic programs and College-administered activities.

Determining the barriers a disability presents and ensuring appropriate accommodations are provided for the student involves engaging the student in an interactive process, reviewing any history of accommodation use, assessing the current impact of the disability, and reviewing any supporting documentation. It is the responsibility of the student with a disability to identify themselves before receiving services by contacting ASDS.

Questions or concerns about disability services should be directed to:
disabilityservices@bridgewater.edu
Flory 1st floor; 540-828-5611

Tutoring Services
Tutoring Services are free, group oriented, and led by students who have been recommended by teaching professors. Tutors are paid by the College and specialize in helping in specific classes. Any student may request a tutor. Following receipt of the request, the student will be assigned to a student success group led by a peer tutor. Tutoring requests are matched up with an email and then students need to schedule two one-hour blocks per week.

For tutoring services, contact:
John Manson
Director of Student Outreach and Tutoring Services
Learning Commons, 540-828-5324; jmanson@bridgewater.edu
 

The Writing Center

The Writing Center offers in-person and online writing assistance to all students in classes across the curriculum. Trained peer tutors help with any stage of the writing process, from planning to proofreading. Student writers may schedule appointments via the Penji app or drop by during open hours on Sunday through Friday. Faculty members may refer students or classes to the Writing Center and are welcome to contact the Writing Center director to help facilitate that process.

Location: Forrer Learning Commons 125
Website: bridgewater.edu/writingcenter
Director: Ashley Lauro, 540-828-8030, alauro@bridgewater.edu