The halfway point of the college semester provides instructors and students with an opportunity to review academic performance and make adjustments in study habits and class schedules.

To further support students at this critical period, West Virginia University is providing a Mid-Semester Help Center from 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, in the WVU Mountainlair Commons area and from 1 -7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, in the Student Recreation Center.

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

Representatives from several University departments will be on hand to work with students including: Financial Aid; Student Accounts; Undergraduate Academic Services Center; Student Support Services; Admissions and Records; Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services; Disability Services; Center for Civic Engagement; Student Health Services; and First-Year Experience.

Its important to note that the center is for all studentsnot just those with mid-term grade reports,said the Universitys Parent Advocate Katie Utterback.In the past, mid-terms may have meant students just dropped a course without talking with an advisor or understanding the impact on their academic progress, financial aid or scholarships. But, there may also be students with a learning disability that have never sought out assistance from WVU s Disability Services or Student Health Services.

First started last spring as a pilot project, the Center was received so positively that it has been expanded to two days in two locations across campus.

These services have always been provided. Weve just brought them together as a more convenient option for students,said Regan Bruni, coordinator of Student Affairs Retention.I think more students will take advantage of the center to ask questions, seek advice and be more informed about their decisions and options.

The help center is timed to correspond with the start of eight-week mid-semester classes, and falls before the full distribution of financial aid. The advance date also provides students time to assess their mid-semester status and make informed decisions before the last day to drop a class, which is Friday, Oct. 26.