Thursday, February 7, 2018
                           
               Enrichment Lab Student Services At Your Service



       "I need to make some new friends." "I just need someone to talk to." In college you may be
concerning these statements or wondering who could turn to, to get some type of guidance and
support. Having trouble in a certain subject and need extra help? The enrichment lab in student services center can answer all of these questions and concerns. Located in the middle of the quad lies the student services center, straight across from the Andruss Library. In the shape of a cabin house, the student service center looks small from the outside but has an immense inside. This building contains three floors and includes two entrances. The front entrance leads to the middle floor and the back entrance leads to the ground floor. Entering the student services center, everyone keeps bright smiles on their faces. Students, professors and even employees. Smelling the bacon and bagels from Roongo's cafe on the middle floor gives everyone the urge to grab a bite. The middle floor also has the financial aid office and registrar office. The top floor is very noticeable and open for all students to locate different supports and services more quickly. Some services that the third floor offers includes; LGBTQ resource center, career developments, office of diversity and retention, etc. The services they have for students goes on and on down the line. Overall, they provide various supports and services that offers the wealth of student resources. Enough of this, let's go to the ground floor to the enrichment lab!
      
     The ground floor usually confuses most students. The set of stairs to the ground floor begins on the middle floor in front of Roongo's cafe. It take students directly to the ground floor, which will lead to two sets of huge doors. Two different areas are down on the ground floor. The first area contains the Special Education Services, PSECU credit union, and Java City. Java city sells fresh coffee, bagels, cookies, fruits and juices. Most students recommend their iced coffee, a very mouthwatering refreshment. The second area encounters the enrichment lab across from the Act 101 office. Majority of students do not to ask for help because, they say they feel afraid they will be judged by their peers. A student by the name of Nasir Bryant explains that he was once in that predicament, he was afraid to seek for help.

"I don't want people to see the real me and my weaknesses". "I am afraid to expose the real me, but the enrichment lab gave me much more confidence in myself  than I ever had before", Nasir adds.

     No one should feel ashamed to ask for guidance. This lab gives the most accommodating support anyone could ever ask for. Warm welcomes are given walking into the enrichment lab from the astounding assistants at the front desk. Hearing the noisy crumbling sound of paper and the constant grinding noise of the printer just shows how constantly the enrichment lab gets used. Although the enrichment lab stays occupied, it is very independent. A lot of Bloomsburg students depend on this computer lab to receive feedback. This lab a great place to meet new people and gain some friendships. This also gives a great very social area for students to meet with friends and complete assignments. Throughout the day the enrichment lab has about 50-70 students coming in and out during the day. The enrichment lab opens Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. What support does the enrichment have? Good question.

Figure 1

     Luke Betley, a co- adviser and a boxing coach mentions that they have multiple services for students. Remember walking into the enrichment lab receiving warm welcomes from the assistants? Well, behind the assistant desk shows an huge bulletin board outlined with bright green construction paper with each of the twelve assistants, with their information. (Figure 1) shows the board with the assistants and a events board to keep students aware of upcoming activities. The assistants information include their picture, name, major, email and what service they provide. Most of the assistants fix laptops, so if someone is having any issues with their computer, the enrichment lab would be great place to come to. In the back of the enrichment lab locates a room, in that room they provide tutorial services. Tutorial services offers tutoring sessions for students who may need help or struggling with a certain subject. To apply for a tutor or even be a tutor to someone in need for extra assistance, click this link for more information. http://intranet.bloomu.edu/tutoring. The tutorial services room is shown in (Figure 2).

Figure 2

The enrichment lab overall creates a good environment to be engaged and interact with mentors and students. Although Luke Betley is a co-adviser, behind the front desk of the enrichment lab locates his office so, he's very well aware on what goes on. In a very thoughtful and serious tone he explains;

   "The enrichment lab is open to all students, it gives them the opportunity to do academic work and catch up socially. I enjoy being here for students and having the opportunity to interact with them".

  An assistant, Jessica Williams  mentioned that she loves assisting students with their needs.

"I enjoy helping others, I feel I learn something in the process while helping a student". She claims



Figure 3

  (Figure 3) shows the room of the computer lab and how the seats are setup. This lab includes 30 computers and one printer. The set up of  the computer seats are designed like a business office almost. Each computer spot has their own personal area. Some students may not want to intact with others and chose be more independent with their work. It seems quite little but, the lab gives a lot of positive energy to each and every person who walks into the room. The sound of laughter, and clicking and clacking of the keyboards may seem like a lot of ruckus but, the support they give here remains valuable. This would be a good home for students to come to for help, support, guidance, and even a tutor. In addition, not all assistants fix laptops or sit at a desk, some assistants tutor certain subjects as well. For example, if there are no more tutors in the subject that someone struggles in, those assistants are available to tutor that subject if available. These mentors and assistants are here for all students and to give the best assistance as much as possible. The enrichment lab and the student services center alone will always be at your service.