West Virginia University has launched a new initiative, the Midsemester Help Center, to help students who are struggling academically and may need extra help around midterms.

The drop-in center will serve as a one-stop shop, bringing several student support units together after midterm grades are posted. Students can receive assistance in making informed decisions about their midsemester situation at this vital time period.

Participating units include Financial Aid, Undergraduate Academic Services Center, Student Support Services, Admissions and Records, Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, Career Services Center, Disability Services, Student Health Services, First-Year Experience and Extended Learning (summer school).

For studentsconvenience, the Midsemester Help Center will be set up from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, March 5, in the Mountainlair commons area.

Students seeking advice and information are encouraged to stop by to ask questions, access key information, learn about support services, add or drop classes or schedule follow-up appointments.

The goal of this initiative is to take a more pro-active and holistic approach to midterm assistance by offering students a one-stop location,said Katie Utterback, WVU s parent advocate.

The help center is timed to correspond with the start of eight-week midsemester classes and falls before the full distribution of financial aid. The advance date also provides students ample time to assess their midsemester status and make informed decisions about keeping or dropping classes, Utterback said.