Newsletter Preview
1) The AEC is Open and Off to a Great Start!
2) Staff Spotlight: Josie Chaves, Tutoring Coordinator
3) Peer Academic Coaching at URI: Helping Students Thrive
The AEC Is Open and Off to a Great Start!
The Academic Enhancement Center is up and running for the Spring semester, and we’re already seeing strong student engagement across our Tutoring, Writing Center, Peer Academic Coaching, and UCS 160/1 courses. Please encourage students to visit AEC services early and often—the sooner they connect with support, the smoother their semester will go. Whether they need help tackling STEM & Business course content, improving their writing, or developing study strategies, the AEC is here to help. Thank you for continuing to refer students and for partnering with us to promote academic success across campus. Visit the AEC website for hours, program details, and to request a class visit.
Staff Spotlight: Meet Josie!
Josie Chaves is one of the Coordinators of Tutoring for the Academic Enhancement Center (AEC) at the University of Rhode Island, where she co-leads, alongside Ceileidh Kung, the design and implementation of tutoring programs that promote student achievement and academic confidence across high-demand STEM & Business courses. She recruits, trains, and mentors peer tutors, using data-informed practices to strengthen tutor instructional quality and skills and ensure meaningful academic support across various courses. Her role also includes leading the development of faculty outreach efforts, building and strengthening partnerships across departments aligning tutoring services with course objectives and emerging student needs. Josie brings a diverse background in education, athletics, and student development. Prior to her current role, she served as a part-time assistant in Academic Advising for Student-Athlete Support Services at URI and as Athletic Director at Rogers High School, where she oversaw 30 athletic programs and championed student-athlete achievement both on and off the field. A former member of the University of Rhode Island Women’s Basketball Team, Josie is passionate about leadership, mentorship, and fostering inclusive environments that empower students to thrive. She holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from URI and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University.
Peer Academic Coaching: Helping students thrive!
Peer Academic Coaching at the AEC gives students the personalized support they need to study smarter, stay organized, and reach their academic goals. Coaches are trained peers who meet one‑on‑one with students to build habits around semester planning, time management, goal‑setting, motivation, note‑taking, and effective exam prep. Open to all undergraduate students, coaching sessions are available in‑person or online—making it easier than ever to get the tools and encouragement needed to succeed in a supportive environment. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this powerful resource to strengthen their academic performance and confidence. To sign up for appointments, student should visit the TutorTrac app available in their MS365 portal.
Thank you for reviewing our Newsletter! Please reach out to Jennifer Burgess jlburgess@uri.edu with any additional questions or comments.