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Home > Academics > Student Services (ACE)

Academic Success

We seek to foster the skills, strategies, habits, and character necessary to create excellent students and transformational leaders.

To support a culture of academic success, the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) provides a wide range of resources and services for online and on-campus students. We offer:

  • Academic coaching
  • Disability services
  • Math and writing labs
  • Testing services
  • Tutoring

Supporting BU’s focus as a Christ-centered liberal arts University with strong scientific programs, the ACE staff strives to develop the whole person. For comprehensive information about all the services and resources of the ACE Center, please visit ACE on myBU.

Preparing You for Success

Academic coaches tailor their sessions to the individual student. Students can meet with ACE staff for a single appointment, short-term coaching, or weekly sessions throughout the semester, depending on their needs. We can help you develop skills in:

  • Getting organized
  • Managing time
  • Avoiding procrastination
  • Developing effective study habits
  • Making connections
  • Employing different learning styles

The techniques you learn through coaching can help you succeed at Bluefield and throughout your lifetime.

Disability Services

The ACE staff offers a full range of services for students who have a documented disability. Please visit Disability Services on myBU to begin the process of requesting accommodations for your classes.

Testing & Tutoring Services

Bluefield University accepts the results of two testing programs for students who want to demonstrate their mastery of a subject for course credit. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers 34 exams, and DSST offers 38 exams. DSST exams, once known as DANTES, are available to anyone, including military personnel, who are interested in course credit by exam. CLEP and DSST testing sites are available across the country.

No matter which test you take, please note:

  • The fee for taking a CLEP and DSST test must be paid online at the time of registration.
    Bluefield University charges a modest fee for administering the test. This fee is collected upon arrival at the testing center and MUST be paid by credit or debit card (Mastercard, Discover, or Visa).
  • If a student fails the CLEP or DSST test, they must wait 180 days (6 months) before retaking the same exam.
  • There is no penalty for incorrect guessing when you take a computer-based test; you should answer all of the questions on the exam.
  • CLEP and DSST assume a student has previous knowledge about the subject of the test; you need to study from a current subject textbook and the materials available online.
  • A fact sheet or exam description can be downloaded by visiting each website. These descriptions break down the areas of the subject that should be studied.
  • General education and elective credits may be earned by taking these tests. The equivalencies for Bluefield University credit can be found on the list of tests accepted for credit at BU on myBU.
  • Bluefield University students must receive permission from the assessment counselor in the Registrar’s Office for approval to take one of these tests instead of taking a Bluefield University class.
  • You cannot receive credit for an exam after you’ve tried to take a college course in the same area.

Online & On-Campus Tutoring & Labs

Tutors are available for both on-campus and online students in many subjects. Flexible hours are available to fit your schedule. Tutoring is offered as peer-led, one-on-one support, and small group study sessions. All services are free of charge to BU students.

Math and Writing Drop-in Labs

Math and writing labs are scheduled during specific hours during the week. Students can drop by the ACE or Easley Library to receive help from student math or writing tutors. Math tutors can help with developmental math through calculus. Writing tutors can assist with writing for any class offered by the University.

Online Tutoring

We encourage online students to take advantage of Grammarly writing help, as well as SmartThinking tutoring services available on myBU. For tips and insight on how to succeed with online learning, please visit ACE on myBU.

For more information about tutoring services, please email Wayne Pelts.

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Moran

Associate Professor of Counseling

Brandy Smith

Assistant Professor of Education & Counseling,
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program,
Title IX Confidential Counselor