Forrer Learning Commons and Academic Support

Forrer Learning Commons

Designed to meet the rhythm and personalized learning styles of our students, the Forrer Learning Commons offers more than 40 different areas designed for studying, researching, creating, reflecting, designing and sharing paired to Bridgewater College's mission to develop students' collaborative spirit, reason, and resilience of mind. The Morgridge Center for Collaborative Learning connects students to experts in learning & research, tutoring, writing, technology support, and career development. Media creation stations, a presentation practice room, and an audio room support the core roles digital media and presentation play.

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, organizational skills, 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.  Academic coaches are intentionally matched with students for mentoring and connection. 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 or to request an Academic Coach, contact:
academiccoach@bridgewater.edu
Flory 1st floor; 540-828-5370

Disability Services
Disability Services provides equal access to Bridgewater College programs to otherwise qualified students with a disability. The College provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations to enrolled students with a disability to ensure equal access to the academic program and college-administered activities.  Determining the barriers a disability presents entails student discussion, history of accommodation use, current assessment of disability impact, and review of supporting documentation that will ensure appropriate accommodations are provided for the student. It is the responsibility of students with a disability to identify themselves before receiving services by presenting pertinent documentation to Disability Services.

Available services (determined by disability):

  • Academic advising
  • Academic progress feedback
  • Accommodations (Academic and Housing)
  • Books in alternative formats
  • Class notes
  • Individual meetings
  • Test center

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. 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.

For questions about the Writing Center, contact:
Ashley Lauro
Director of the Writing Center and Senior Instructor of English
Forrer Learning Commons 128, 540-828-8030; alauro@bridgewater.edu