Forrer Learning Commons and Academic Support

Forrer Learning Commons

The Forrer Learning Commons offers more than 40 different areas all designed for students. The first floor's Morgridge Center for Collaborative Learning offers expert and peer services in learning & research, information technology (IT), tutoring, writing, and career development. Macs and PCs support digital media creation while a nearby practice room is available for practicing job-interview skills, public presentations, or group study. The second floor offers individual and group study areas including six group study rooms available by reservation or a first-come, first served basis.

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. A Café Commons and Portico offer students a place to meet and enjoy community.

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 Academic Support Center at Bridgewater College provides students with a wide range of assistance to positively impact students' performance in the learning environment, including:

  • Academic Coach Program
  • Tutoring Services
  • Disability Services
  • Math Center
  • Writing Center
  • Academic Support Resources

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 Coaching is like having a personal trainer for your learning. Academic Coaches are peers who are trained, paid, and meet twice per week with students.  Students can sign up for Academic Coaching sessions via the Penji app. The program's objectives are:

  • Support students in taking responsibility for their work 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
John Manson 
Director of Student Outreach and Tutoring/Academic Coaching
Forrer Learning Commons Academic Resource Center
540-828-5324; jmanson@bridgewater.edu

Academic 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. Students can find Academic Tutoring sessions in the Penji app and if there is not availability request a session to start. 

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

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 disabilities to ensure equal access to 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

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