University Changes Office Names to Reflect Scope of Programs, Service

Citing a desire to better communicate the expanded role and scope of its services, Texas A&M International University's Academic Enrichment Center has been renamed Programs for Academic Support and Enrichment (PASE).

PASE executive director Conchita Hickey said the new name better captures the center's function and extends a warm welcome at the same time.

"Our Academic Enrichment Center first opened its doors in Fall 1995. We've grown quite a bit since then and expanded services and programs to meet the needs of our students. We believe PASE more accurately reflects the range and scope of programs and services and, as an acronym in Spanish, offers a friendly 'come in,' " Hickey explained.

Other changes within PASE include the renaming of the Tutoring Center as the Center for the Advancement of Scholastic Achievement or CASA, she said.

"Again, this better communicates our purpose and our commitment to our students. We want CASA to become our students' academic 'home,' and a place where they can feel comfortable and welcome as they seek academic support or information," she noted.

Among services available at PASE are supplemental instruction, study and note-taking skills workshops, TASP preparation, advising and non-course based instruction, Rising Junior Exam/English 3301 advising support, learning styles inventories and more, she said.

Hickey said that an average number of 11 tutors are available to assist students in multiple disciplines, providing over 2000 hours of assistance to students per semester. A lab of 47 computers enables self-paced tutorials and self-study initiatives.

"We believe these name changes better articulate our hope and mission to help all students achieve their academic goals," she concluded.

In addition to CASA, other PASE offices include the Testing Center and Computer Lab Services , the International Language Institute, General University which includes Developmental Studies, ESL Levels 4, 5, 6 of the ILI, and, starting in the Fall, the class and advising component for the University's First Year Experience Program.

For additional information, please visit PASE offices in Killam Library 214, call Hickey at A&M International's PASE, 326.2134 or email to chickey@tamiu.edu.

PASE office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. CASA hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 8:30-4:30 p.m. on Fridays.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu