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Department of Developmental Programs

The Department of Developmental Programs at The University of Akron is located on the 3rd floor of the Polsky Building - Room 334. Its mission is to prepare UA students to achieve their personal and academic goals. Toward this end, Developmental Programs offers basic academic skills courses and, and in conjunction with the Office of the Associate Provost for Student Academic Success, an array of academic support services.

Basic skills courses are offered in writing, mathematics, and reading and study skills. To further support and maintain quality instruction in General Education courses, Applied Study Strategies classes are offered to teach study skills applied specifically to challenging first-year courses. In addition to courses, Writing and Math Labs, Study Skills Center, and peer tutoring are available to all University students.

For the convenience of our students, tutoring and learning labs are available in two locations: 1) on the third floor of the Polsky Building and 2) in Bierce Library - Room 69.

Developmental Programs' main office and faculty offices are on the third floor of the Polsky Building - Room 321.


Program Goals

Developmental Programs subscribes to the goals established by the National Association of Developmental Education. These goals are as follows:

  1. To preserve and make possible educational opportunity for each post-secondary learner.
  2. To develop in each learner the skills and attitudes necessary for the attainment of academic, career, and life goals.
  3. To ensure proper placement by assessing each learner’s level of preparedness for college course work.
  4. To maintain academic standards by enabling learners to acquire the competencies needed for success in mainstream college courses.
  5. To enhance the retention of students.
  6. To promote the continued development and application of cognitive and affective learning theory.
Fact Sheet for Developmental Programs

Sample Syllabi

Developmental Programs Staff


  • Dr. Marjorie Keil, Interim Director
    Coordinator of Writing and The Writing Labs
  • Office: Polsky 338-L
    Tele: 330-972-6549

  • Mrs. Shawneen Bixler, Coordinator
    College Reading & Study Skills
  • Office: Polsky 338-K
    Telephone: 330-972-5482
  • Mrs. Rae Leonard
    Coordinator of Math
  • Office: Polsky 340-S
    Tele: 330/972-5480
  • Mrs. Chris Kolaczewski-Ferris
    University College
    Coordinator of Math Lab
  • Mrs. Joy A. LiCause
    Supervisor--Developmental Programs Support
  • Office: Polsky 334-A
    Tele: 330/972-5575
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    302 E. Buchtel Mall, Akron, OH 44325

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    Last modified: November 11 2008 11:33:21