The Office of Academic Excellence Elevates Student Achievement
The Newly Designed Office Guides Students Toward Success
The Office of Academic Excellence, encompassing the Division of Student Academic Support and the Division of Student Accommodations and Accessibility, at New York Medical College and Touro College of Dental Medicine, is dedicated to empowering our diverse student body through equitable support and guidance throughout their graduate and medical studies. John Blicharz, Ph.D., director of the Office of Academic Excellence, provides insight into the collaborative environment fostered within his office, where teamwork and camaraderie prevail.
What are the responsibilities of your office?
The Office of Student Academic Excellence aims to cultivate self-efficacy, resilience, and a culture of academic excellence in the next generation of researchers and health care leaders through comprehensive services, including peer tutoring, academic advisement, study skills, time management, test taking strategies, writing to foster achievement of their academic and professional goals, and accommodations for students with disabilities.
How would you describe the day-to-day functions of your office?
The day-to-day functions of the office consist of meeting with students to discuss study strategies, ensuring that students are connected to our Peer Learning Partners and know where to locate our online study resources, and providing accommodations and accessibility services. In addition, the staff is continually engaging in professional development and assessment of services.
What is the most-asked question from students about your office?
Many students come to our office and say, “The study strategies that I used in the past are not working for me. There is so much material to learn, and I can’t find time to study. Can you help?”
What do you find most interesting or most rewarding about working in your office?
Meeting with students to discuss study strategies and hearing that they’ve drawn upon our discussions and are doing well. We are here for the students and appreciate collaborating with them.
Is there a fun fact or best kept secret about your office?
Our office absolutely loves chocolate.
What is one useful tip you can give to students about your office?
There is no shame in engaging in academic support programming. Reach out and start early.