Considered a critical resource for COD students seeking to improve their academic performance, the Tutoring and Academic Skills Center (TASC) offers a variety of services and programs designed to help students reach their full potential and achieve their academic goals.

At TASC, students can receive one-on-one tutoring in math, science, writing and foreign languages. Experienced tutors work closely with students to help them grasp challenging concepts, build confidence and improve their grades for future transfers to 4-year universities.

TASC also provides group tutoring sessions, allowing students to work together and collaborate on coursework. Workshops and classes on topics such as study skills, effective writing, time management and test-taking strategies help students develop additional skills they need to succeed in college and beyond.

Tutoring centers in community colleges are the foundation of student success. They provide students with the necessary support and guidance to overcome academic challenges, develop critical thinking skills and reach their full potential. In a safe and inclusive environment, students can learn, grow and thrive. By providing access to knowledgeable tutors, state-of-the-art resources and engaging programs, tutoring centers empower students to reach their academic goals and succeed. Without this support, many students would struggle to find their path and achieve their dreams.

DANIEL AUCUTT, DIRECTOR OF TASC & SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION

Director of TASC and Supplemental Instruction Daniel Aucutt took on the COD program over seven years ago. He has led its incredible success even throughout the pandemic, when staff moved the entire program online in two short weeks. During the recent fall semester, nearly 1,750 students visited TASC.

Aucutt understands the student experience. As an undergraduate, he struggled with focus and discipline, and he left school for a short time. After recalibrating his life, he returned more determined to graduate and begin the next chapter of his life.

He became a teacher in turbulent inner-city school systems in California and the Midwest, where his efforts produced unprecedented graduation rates. Aucutt proudly sent his students off to study at schools like Stanford and Johns Hopkins.

In 2016, he joined COD and quickly bolstered the credibility of the TASC program. He collaborated with the faculty to include the TASC in their syllabi, held informative student conferences and built a team devoted to making genuine connections with students so they could perceive the possibility of accomplishing great things at 4-year institutions and beyond.

“One of our tutors was selected as a student speaker for the 2022 commencement, where he gave a shout-out to the TASC faculty for being instrumental in his development and his trajectory to attend UCLA. Watching our students excel is one of the job’s greatest pleasures,” shares Aucutt.

The remodeling of Hilb Library elevated the TASC program by adding study rooms, independent study areas and presentation rooms filled with innovative technology, all with views of the campus and the mountain range beyond. Rounding out TASC’s offerings, a robust schedule of programs and events provides students with opportunities to connect with other students, build their skills and engage in their academic pursuits.

Pre-pandemic stats were extraordinary, with 80% of the college students making one or more visits to TASC per year. In March 2020, the Center moved their tutors online and added an independent 24/7 tutoring service to ensure students continued to receive the resources needed to continue their academic journey supported and without interruption.

“With COD’s Fall semester headcount around 10,000 students, our team was over the moon to learn TASC had 17,460 visits,” says Aucutt. “Our end-of-term survey revealed that 98% of student respondents would recommend TASC services to other students! We have also received our International Tutor Training Program Certification. Students feel valued and cared for by our talented tutors. When they succeed, we succeed.

To support COD students, donate at codfoundation.org, call 760.773.2561 or email cabbott@collegeofthedesert.edu.