The Reading Department develops essential literacy and critical thinking skills for student achievement and academic success in all disciplines and all levels of ability. Our focus on equity and developing an aptitude for lifelong learning in each student by providing skills and strategies to understand, organize and assimilate information ensures they excel in a global environment and are prepared for diverse careers that create upward mobility.
The Academic Reading Center (ARC) is a supportive and personalized learning environment where students receive innovative, quality instruction in reading, writing, and study skills from Saddleback faculty. Our center has a spacious room with tables and chairs for individual work, breakout rooms for small-group work, as well as computer stations for learning, research, online access, and printing.
We encourage you to give us a try – our goal is to help you become an elite student!
In the Academic Reading Center, students can work with a variety of technologies and materials to improve their critical thinking through reading, writing, and study skills. We offer:
- Free, 0-unit open entry/exit labs (ENG 332 - ENG 343)
- Full semester transferable IGETC courses (ENG 70 - ENG 180 - ENG 190)
- .05 unit labs that will elevate core learning skills (ENG 333A - ENG 333B - ENG 333C)
- Personalized assistance & support in any subject from the Reading professors
- Want to know more? Take a quick 10 minute assessment in your chosen subject area to find out if the Academic Reading Center could help you.
The ARC will be accessible online and on campus this semester. Please access your reading lab course in Canvas and read the announcement for directions. Please email your reading lab professor at any time (Zoom is available in Canvas) for academic support and tutoring Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
ENG 343NC is a free, 0 unit (does not show on transcripts) class designed to provide students with academic reading, writing and study skills. This open-entry/open-exit course allows students to drop in for assistance with particular concerns or to develop more broad plans for continual progression over the semester (no min/max number of visits). Distinct from TU 300 because you work independently under the guidance of a professor in the ARC (LRC 215 or online via Canvas or Zoom) for support that includes:
- Understand, organize, & assimilate reading assignments in any subject
- Practice study skills (annotation, mapping, Cornell notes, etc.)
- Utilize effective memory and test taking strategies
- Develop high-level writing skills
- Improve reading rate and comprehension
Come by check out our facilities. It is a quiet and airy study area with beautiful window views. Study rooms are available and prioritized on a needs basis. Staff is available to answer your academic and technology questions.
Available for your use: Wi-Fi, Zoom, computer stations, and printers.
This ESL lab class is designed to help improve spelling, reading, comprehension, reading rate, vocabulary, and study skills at your own independent pace. You may meet with the lab instructor for formal diagnosis and program planning, then work independently on the assigned material. These classes offer an excellent opportunity to brush up on skills or to develop learning strategies once the semester has begun and it is too late to enroll in class. Open entry/open exit: students may register for and complete the class anytime throughout the semester.
The Academic Reading Center is a resource dedicated to facilitating student achievement and academic success. Your ability to read at a high level affects every aspect of your daily life, and no matter what career path you choose, there is always room to improve your capacity to read well. Nearly every profession demands excellence in reading and writing, and reading well can provide the best foundation for lifelong learning with the ability to change careers at any time. So check in with us anytime, we're here for you!
Need Help?
- Reading skills (for any subject: comprehensive, vocabulary, etc.)
- Writing skills
- Critical thinking acquisition
- Testing strategies
- Study skills (note taking, time management, memory, etc.)
- Academic resources
- Research
- Individualized instruction with professor support
- Online tutoring and support
- Walk-in or appointment
- Zero-cost / zero-unit courses
- Computer access, Wi-Fi, printing
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am -12:00 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
The Journalism and New Media Lab, also known as the Student Newsroom, is a valuable branch of the Journalism and New Media Department and the essential place to develop news reporting and technical skills while creating content for the Lariat newspaper, Orange Appeal magazine, the OC News Now, which airs on Channel 39, and other student-run news outlets on the web and social media. The lab features state of the art software and provides access to equipment used by industry professionals across traditional and digital platforms.
The Journalism and New Media Lab is now open on campus through the fall semester. Students enrolled in production or other courses may utilize the lab according to the schedule below.
Lab support is available Monday through Friday during the hours listed below.
Building & Room Number: LRC 221
Phone: (949) 582 - 4688
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed during lunch 11 am-12 pm) |
| Tuesday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed during lunch 12 pm-1 pm) |
| Wednesday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed during lunch 11 am-12 pm) |
| Thursday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed during lunch 12 pm-1 pm) |
| Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed during lunch 12 pm-1 pm) |
Journalism and New Media students can request equipment from the Student Newsroom by locating Ali Dorri in LRC 215, on the second floor of the building. Students can use an Apple computer in the Journalism & New Media Lab.