With questions mounting about the future of the Program Access for College Enhancement (PACE) program at UTM, campus administrators have been working to find relief for the 70 students who participate in the program.

According to Dr. Michelle Arant, director of the PACE program, PACE will likely not be returning next year in its current form. This means some services that have been provided, such as individual note-takers or one-on-one tutors, probably will be eliminated.

However, the university is required by state law to continue having access to notes and to provide a location so that students can have extended time to work on tests, quizzes, etc.

Officials take action

Sharon Robertson, interim director of the Student Academic Support Center, has begun contacting students to take part in a focus group in hopes that it will provide insight and help in preparing an application for a grant to help students who have learning disorders.

In addition, the group would help with efforts to examine similar services that may help students who need them.

“Federal law requires us to provide services to these students to adequately meet their needs,” said Dr Tom Rakes, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.

“Regardless of how much money we receive from the state, we still must maintain these services somehow.”

UTM does offer students other means of getting help with school work such as the Student Academic Support Center, the Math Lab and the English Writing Center. Also, all faculty members are required to maintain office hours for students to come and talk about problems that they may be experiencing in their classes.

Problem not just local concern

UTM’s PACE program is not the only program that is being affected by previous budget cuts, as well as the possibility of future budget reductions. Programs at UTK and the University of Memphis have also seen drastic cuts in their state funding.

“The state’s grant support [to UTM], approximately $90,000 per year, will be phased out by thirds over the course of three years,” Dr. Rakes said.

For more information on services available to students with learning disabilities, contact PACE at 124 Gooch Hall, extension 7195, or the Student Academic Support Center at 208 Clement Hall, extension 7744.