TRiO Quest for Success

QUEST is a comprehensive support program that addresses students’ academic, career and personal development needs. Designed to help students who may be the first in their families to attend college, who come from low-income backgrounds, or who may have a disability, QUEST is funded in part through a TRIO Student Support Services grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

QUEST Services

QUEST for Success offers exclusive services for participating students that ease the transition to college:

Course selection with specially trained advisors.
Special orientation program
Free College Success Seminars
Self-paced learning labs for developmental courses
Special scholarship opportunities
Supplemental Instruction
Academic transfer, career and personal counseling
Field trips, and cultural enrichment activities

Specific Academic Services

QUEST Math Lab, located in B-109, x2986.
QUEST Writing Lab, located in B-204, x2692
QUEST Reading Lab, located in B-100, x2611
QUEST ESL Lab, located in B-110, x2476

College-wide Resources

Tutoring & Academic Support Center (TASC), Dr. Ron Weisberger, Coordinator is located in B-110, x2295. The TASC provides individual and group tutoring, Supplemental Instruction group study sessions, and individual programs for ESL and reading students.
Office of Disability Services, Jan Baptist, Director, is located in B-104, x2955. The Office assists students with learning disabilities or physical challenges

Specific Academic Services Include:

The QUEST Math Lab (B-109 x2986) offers developmental mathematics courses including Arithmetic Review (MTH 01), Introduction to Algebra (MTH 1N), Algebra & Essential Geometry (MTH 4N), and Intermediate Algebra (MTH 07 and 08). Students in the Math Lab progress at their own pace to master each topic, with extra support provided if needed. Students may complete a course in less than one semester, or they may take up to one academic year (two consecutive semesters).
Learning resources include small group study, computer-assisted learning and mini-lectures. Each lab class is led by an instructor and supported by one-on-one instruction/tutoring from the Math Skills Specialist and the QUEST tutors. Open Lab hours also provide extra individualized tutoring if desired.

The QUEST Writing Lab (B-204 x2692) offers both Basic Writing Skills (English 10) and College Writing (English 11). Students may finish these courses in one semester each or may require an additional semester to build writing or research skills. QUEST Writing Lab courses provide a classroom writing experience with additional support services that students can benefit from, such as:

Tutorial support
Individualized instruction
Self-paced grammar instruction
One-to-one assistance with word processing and online research.
All students in QUEST may take advantage of the QUEST Writing Lab during Open Lab hours.

The QUEST Reading Lab (B-100 x2611) offers Fundamentals of Reading Development (Reading 09), College Reading and Learning Strategies (Reading 10), and Advanced English Reading and Vocabulary (ESL 23) in a supported, modified self-paced format. Students work in large groups, small groups and individually to develop reading skills they need to succeed in college. Lab support includes: one-to-one instruction, computerized curriculum, and Internet research skills. Open Lab hours provide individual assistance for all QUEST students.
The QUEST ESL Lab (B-110 x2476) provides individual support, tutorials, and language practice for students in English-as-a-Second-Language courses. The ESL Lab is located in the Tutoring and Academic Support Center (TASC) and is directed by the ESL Skills Specialist. Work in the Lab may include the use of audiotapes, computer software, one-to-one or group tutoring sessions, conversation practice, and assistance with writing. All students in ESL are assigned at least one lab hour each week, but most students spend many hours improving their language skills in the TASC. In fact, many ESL students go on to become peer tutors in the TASC!

All QUEST labs are equipped with Skillsbank Plato and Learning Plus software.

Additional Information on QUEST

Eligibility
General Studies Prep (see page 50) students receive priority acceptance
to QUEST services, but QUEST is open to eligible students in any
program. Students may request information about the QUEST program
through the admission process. At the time of placement testing,
interested students may apply for participation in the program. Students
interested in this TRiO Program can contact Assistant Dean Susan Boissoneault,
QUEST Project Director at any time.
Participation Requirements
Students in the QUEST Program are required to complete CSS 11,
the College Success Seminar. QUEST students enroll in a designated
course section at no charge. Students are also required to attend QUEST
Day orientation and to allow staff to monitor their academic progress.
QUEST students are enrolled in a degree program, are usually

Academic Policies and Grading in CDE Programs

Grading in Self-Paced Learning Labs: Students who successfully complete
a QUEST self-paced learning lab course earn grades of A, B, or C including
plus and minus grades. Students who make satisfactory progress and
complete at least 50 percent of the required coursework will receive a grade
of “S” (Satisfactory) and must register for the same lab course the following
semester. The “S” grade is not final and does not apply to the degree or the
Grade Point Average (G.P.A.).
Students who do not make satisfactory progress and complete less than 50
percent of the course requirements will receive a grade of “U” (Unsatisfactory)
and must register for the same course in a traditional lecture section in
the following semester. “U” grades are treated in the same way as “F” grades
with regard to satisfactory progress, academic standing, and G.P.A.

Academic Standing and Dismissal: Full-time students in the General Studies
Prep program, including ESL students, are placed on probation if they fail
to complete a minimum of 9 credits of coursework with a minimum grade of
“C- ” after one semester.

Students may be dismissed from the college if they fail to complete the 9-
credit minimum after two semesters. Dismissed students may reenroll only as
non-degree students and are not eligible for financial aid.