IUPUI Bepko Learning Center Receives Learning Centers of Excellence Designation

Indianapolis, IN (September 2016) - The IUPUI Bepko Learning Center in the Division of Undergraduate Education has been awarded a Learning Centers of Excellence (LCE) designation for October 2016-December 2019 by the National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA).

The Bepko Learning Center exceeded the NCLCA's expectations in all categories of programs and services which include providing interactive academic spaces, reinforcing and extending student learning, and providing a variety of comprehensive support services and programs. Bepko was also recognized for its achievements in enhancing student academic success, retention, and graduation. The chair of the NCLCA and member of the Learning Centers of Excellence committee, Dr. M. Elaine Richardson, congratulated the Bepko Learning Center for its "considerable accomplishments" which led to this "significant milestone."

The learning center association's mission is to encourage and "support learning center professionals as they develop and maintain learning centers, programs, and services to enhance student learning at the post-secondary level." The association offers the LCE designation to promote professional standards of excellence for learning centers. Additionally, the association desires to honor the history of established and unique centers and celebrate the outstanding achievements of centers that meet and exceed all standards.

The Bepko Learning Center at IUPUI was formed to coordinate existing university resources and to develop new initiatives that promote academic excellence as well as enhance student persistence. Mark Minglin, executive director of the Bepko Learning Center, commented, "We are so excited to be recognized by our national organization for the work we do in helping students succeed! Exceeding the professional standards set by NCLCA has been achievable only through the hard work of our staff, the majority of whom are students. The Bepko Learning Center provides scholarships for exceptional peers who want to help their peers succeed. The dedication of our peer leaders is a testament to the center's mission of 'students helping students.'"