Instructional Services earns honor
Aaron Sudholt
The Alestle - 12/06/05

     SIUE Instructional Services is reportedly one of the best in the Midwest. 

     Instructional Services won the Outstanding Developmental Education Program Award at the Oct 21 annual meeting of the Midwest Regional Association for Developmental Education in Springfield, Mo.

     "It's nice to be able to say to students, parents and the university that we make a significant contribution," Director of Instructional Services Karen Patty-Graham said.

     The SIUE Instructional Services program is one of 31 chapters of MRADE in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and southern Illinois.  The award makes the program eligible for submission to the National Association for Developmental Education for an additional award and national recognition. 

     The Instructional Services program was described as being "well-planned and well coordinated, offering invaluable academic support for the under prepared ... having a strong sense of purpose and commitment, being student centered ... and serving as a bridge for those whose educational aspirations demand that their skills be further cultivated," association officials said in a press release.

     Though the program has associated with SIUE since the 1980's this is the first time Instructional Services has won this award. 

     One of the things that encouraged us to apply for this award was we went through a process to have our cousework program certified by the national organization," Patty-Graham said.  "Having achieved that in 2004 encouraged us to go ahead and apply."

     Staff and faculty at the university gave nine award recommendations in a submitted application to NADE. 

    Among the provided services Instructional Services offers include:  Developmental and enhancement courses.  The Writing Center and Math Resource Area, supplemental instruction, the Summer Bridge program, testing services, involvement in the university's new student seminar, collaboration with faculty, staff and administrators on committees and projects, as well as a variety of academic workshops for individuals and groups. 

     "We do quite a bit for the university," Patty-Graham said.