Holistic Approach
When The Cove began 10 years ago, we
began designing programs and services to
reach all students — freshmen to seniors,
engineering to education, self-confident to
struggling. We interviewed hundreds of
students, poured over incredible amounts
of survey data, researched best practices,
held brainstorming sessions with small
groups, and listened to students’ input.
What we learned fueled our vision, and
the resulting growth has been stunning.
Since our 2008 move to one of the most
heavily trafficked academic buildings on
campus, every program we have offered
has increased. Last fall alone we held more
than 1,200 hours of tutoring sessions.
We now provide a variety of resources
to help with the learning process, including
online tutoring and tutoring labs, one-
on-one sessions, and academic peer
coaches. We offer courses for first-year
students, academic probation students,
and Intermediate Algebra students. We
provide a range of services for students
with disabilities. We also plan fun and
crazy events to help students master study
skills, timemanagement, and organization.
The variety of programs we offer allows
students to customize their strategies with
the most helpful services. We look at the
big picture, listening to students’ stories
and suggesting holistic academic support.
Prospective families often hear that
Cedarville is tough — it is. There is
academic rigor, but it comes with support.
Parents are often surprised to know the
most common group of students we work
with are those who had A/B averages in
high school, often at the top of their class.
But in their first semester, after they get
a few tests and papers back, they find
they didn’t develop the kind of skills in
high school that they need for college.
College learning requires that students
make the leap from memorizing facts to
critical thinking. We show students how to
adjust to new ways of studying to enhance
their learning, which in turn can raise
their grades.
Biblical Foundation
Years ago when The Cove was just getting
started, President Bill Brown gave a sermon
based on 2 Kings 4 about a woman of faith
who had nothing but a jar of oil (Read it
— it’s an unforgettable account of God’s
provision!). I was struck by the way God
took what little she had and multiplied it to
provide for her needs. The department was
a blank canvas then — we had no money
and very few programs. We had a dream
and a vision, but no idea how they would
materialize. That week I took an old jar
and tied it with twine and a tag that read
“2 Kings 4.” It still sits on my desk as a
visual reminder that God often provides in
ways that surpass our explanations.
Today I am amazed by what God has
done with The Cove. Our physical space
includes a tutoring center, comfortable
office space to consult with current and
prospective students, testing rooms, a
workroom, a conference room, and an
inspiring entrance designed to make each
visitor feel immediately at ease. Although
we have an inviting space, it’s more than
the natural sunlight or colors on the walls.
Although we strategically follow current
research, it’s more than implementing
best practices. Although we love building
relationships with students, it’s more than
hosting them for fun-filled “Syllabus
Crunch” events. We are successful because
everything we do at The Cove begins with
Christ as our foundation.
Our team unity and commitment is
critical to howwe serve students.This team
loves the Lord with all of their hearts, souls,
andminds.They inspireme daily with their
passionate effort and professionalism. Our
team dynamic is no accident — we pray
for each other, for students, and for our
University. Beyond helping students ace
a test or write a solid paper, our purpose
is to glorify God by helping students
achieve what He’s calling them to do. The
values, habits, and disciplines we instill
in them today (do your best this day, this
semester) will translate to their careers,
their communities, and their lives. They
can leave Cedarville well on the path to
excellence because they have claimed who
God has made them to be, and they know
how to fully use their gifts for the glory of
God and the cause of Christ. That is the
Cedarville difference.
Kim Ahlgrim
is an Associate Dean for
Academic Enrichment and an Assistant
Professor for Developmental Education.
She received her bachelor’s degree from
National Louis University and her master’s
degree from Wright State University. She
is a nationally certified Academic Coach.
Learn more about The Cove at
NCAA DIVISION II
ENDORSES THE COVE
“The Cove is absolutely one of the
best academic support programs
in the world of NCAA Division II;
it’s one of a kind,” said Jill Willson,
National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) Division II
Governance Contractor. Willson
visited Cedar ville’s campus
throughout its pursuit of NCAA II
status. Cedarville became an NCAA
II institution in 2012, joining 315
other Division II schools.
In addition to gaining confidence
from the NCAA, the Cove is
receiving acclaim from a variety
of private and public colleges
and universities. Representatives
from several other universities
have contacted The Cove and
have scheduled campus visits
and consultations.
The Cove’s impact on student
success is evidenced through
Cedarville’s outstanding graduation
rate of 73 percent, soaring above
the 48 percent average for NCAA II
schools. Cedarville’s 94 percent job
placement rate also speaks to the
high level of student preparation.
Cedarville Magazine
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