Learning Commons’ Partner PLUS Supports Student Success and Retention through Peer Assistance

The Learning Commons in JFK Library is the “hub” of the student academic experience on campus. With the 21st-century student experience evolving to be more collaborative and innovative, the JFK Learning Commons creates a dynamic and free-form student learning space with technology access, social spaces, and peer and staff support.

Peer support continues to be a driving force for student retention. Students often feel more comfortable and open when interacting with fellow students. Peer support is also highly cost-effective and usually results in substantial gains for participants, both academically and socially.

The Program Leading to University Success (PLUS), a partner in the JFK Learning Commons, provides FREE peer academic support to EWU students through collaborative study groups, tutoring, academic coaching, and student success programming. Students who utilize PLUS services state that peer sessions allow them to connect to the group and not be afraid to ask questions.

PLUS is one of the largest student support services on campus, hiring approximately 100 student employees each quarter, partnering with over 100 faculty members, and serving close to 3,000 unique students annually.

PLUS services increased 35 percent from 2016-17 to 2017-18, and demand for services keeps growing. As a result, PLUS continues to evaluate how to provide more services to meet increasing needs and support student success and retention at both the Cheney and Spokane campuses.