Center for Academic & Career Excellence
The mission of the ACOM Center for Academic and Career Excellence is to help ensure that ACOM students are academically successful. Academic support can determine student strengths and weaknesses, teach specific strategies for particular courses, help with stress and anxiety issues, and improve time management skills. Academic support is proactive and students who are struggling may be contacted to receive assistance.
The Center for Academic and Career Excellence also provides guidance in career development, including navigating the residency match process, developing a curriculum vitae, and identifying appropriate audition rotation opportunities.
ACOM offers academic support services designed to enhance learning and aid in the success of all students. These services include individual consultation and planning, large and small group presentations, and peer-assisted learning (tutoring). For third- and fourth-year students located off campus, telephone guidance is available as well as regularly scheduled in-person visits.
For first- and second-year students, peer tutoring is offered (both individual and in small groups) which is designed to help students understand the concepts covered in the curriculum and to prepare for exams and labs. Students who serve as peer tutors receive content guidance from appropriate faculty and course directors. Any student, regardless of academic performance, may attend a tutoring session. Students scoring low on any exam may be identified as needing academic assistance and referred for personal academic counseling and/or tutoring. Attendance is kept in these instances.
Academic assistance can include, but is not limited to, the areas outlined here:
- assessment of study habits
- board preparation
- time management strategies
- stress management techniques
- assessment tools
- study strategies
- ongoing follow-up
- acting as liaison for students with faculty and staff
- student advocacy
For more information about any of these services, please contact Kim Chosie, LPCS, CAP, Director of Academic Support Services, at (334) 305-1010 or .
ACOM offers career development support by assisting students in preparing for audition rotations and gathering and creating the necessary information to obtain the residency of their choice. Staff offer guidance through the match process and help students position themselves for the best possible opportunities.
Career development services include, but are not limited to, the areas below:
- individual career planning
- curriculum vitae development
- goal setting
- assistance in medical specialty selection
- education regarding audition rotations
- navigating the match process
- student advocacy
For more information about career development services, please contact Dr. Jaishree Patel, PharmD, at (334) 944-4048 or .
ACOM provides a student assistance program at no cost to students which consists of 3 free counseling visits for students and immediate family members, 1 free legal consultation, and 1 free financial consultation. Visits beyond this will be at the student’s (or student’s family member’s) expense, and in the case of mental health counseling, is generally covered under the student’s health insurance plan. Co-pays and deductibles are the student’s responsibility.
Counseling is confidential between the student and counselor, except for specific circumstances that indicate the student is a danger to himself or others or in the case of child or elder abuse. If counseling is mandated by the Student Progress Committee or other authorized faculty, the counselor may confirm (with the appropriate information release) the student’s attendance at counseling sessions.
At ACOM, student health and wellness is of primary importance. To encourage students to practice and promote a healthy lifestyle, ACOM has developed a vibrant wellness program which includes a student-led Wellness Club as well as a dedicated Wellness Committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students.
Some of the activities available to students are:
- mindfulness education
- stress reduction exercises
- walking trail
- fitness area
- yoga classes
- kickboxing
- disc golf
- Diversity Week
- Taste of ACOM
- Champions of Hope 5K race
A number of community wellness and service opportunities are also available.
For more information on ACOM’s wellness initiatives, please contact Student Services at (334) 944-4038.