The Academic Resource Center (ARC) at Coppin State University is a comprehensive, multidimensional academic support center that further promotes the college's mission to focus on the needs of culturally and economically disadvantaged students who represent our indigenous population from Baltimore City and the surrounding Metropolitan area. The ARC offers academic support in the form of free individualized, small group and computer assisted instruction (CAI); tutorials; and workshops in English, mathematics, study skills, upper level math and natural science classes.
The ARC strives to meet the University's goal of providing a student-centered retention program that includes instructional support and encouragement so that students can reach their full potential, persist, and eventually graduate from Coppin State University. Professional and trained peer tutors provide quality assistance, employing a variety of instructional modes designed to encourage learning and to meet the needs of the diverse population of students who utilize ARC services. Tutors assess the needs of students on an individual basis, using students' self-assessments, faculty recommendations, and diagnostic testing to establish instructional goals. Tutoring is provided for students enrolled in developmental, GER, and major and other upper level courses.
The ARC provides supplemental activities that assist pre-college and pre-professional students in preparing for standardized tests. Community outreach – which includes collaboration with various high schools, middle schools, college preparatory programs, and other agencies in Baltimore City and surrounding counties – aids in helping students pursue and achieve their goals of higher education.
In addition, the center's staff collaborates with and acts as a liaison to the Humanities and Media and Mathematics departments, The Freshman Seminar faculty, the Honors Division, and other academic divisions for which the ARC provides workshops, tutorial support, and consultations.
Additionally, the staff, persists through faculty development and research, continues to focus on its primary goal, which is to raise retention and graduation rates of the students of Coppin State University.