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In order to help students stay in college, graduate, and transfer, the STARS Program offers a comprehensive array of support services.

Cultural Activities
STARS students are provided with many exciting opportunities to participate in activities on- and off-campus such as: museums, concerts, lectures, and plays.

Previous opportunities have included:

• Nashville, TN : Museums, Grand Ole Opry, Opryland Hotel
• St. Louis, MO: City Sites, Restaurants, Broadway Series at the Fabulous Fox Theater, St. Louis Speaker's Series at Powell Symphony Hall, Black History Month
• Springfield, IL: History and State Government
• Carbondale, IL: Shryock Auditorium
• Whittington, IL: Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
• Lake Geneva, WI: MAEOPP Student Leadership Conference
• McKendree College: Distinguished Speakers' Series

LEC
The Learning Enhancement Center is located in the Academic Building room 106. STARS students who are enrolled in a college preparatory course or are on academic probation are required to attend the LEC at least two hours per week. The LEC is designed to offer assistance in classes and is utilized for one-on-one and group tutoring sessions. Computers with word processing, internet, and e-mail capabilities are in the Center to offer students the tools they need to complete their work outside of class. The LEC is open five days per week (Monday-Friday) from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Academic and Personal Counseling
The STARS Counselor can assist students in choosing a major, planning a schedule and developing the necessary skills for coping with problems that might impact scholastic performance.

Career Counseling
The STARS Counselor can help students set appropriate goals and provide opportunities for career exploration. See the STARS counselors for more information.

Transfer Counseling
Our staff can help students make a smooth transition from Rend Lake College to the four-year college or university of their choice. Visits to four-year institutions in the area are scheduled each semester. Colleges and universities visited each year may include:

• Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
• Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
• Murray State University
• Eastern Illinois University
• University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign
• Greenville College
• McKendree College

Financial Aid Counseling
STARS can provide students with information regarding full financial aid packages/scholarships and how to obtain them.

Tutorial Services
STARS, in conjunction with the Campus-Wide Tutoring Program, provides academic support for class work, preparation for tests and assistance with study skills. Tutoring sessions occur on a regular basis and are geared to individual needs.

Peer Mentors
The STARS Program can also provide students with a Peer Mentor. Students enrolled in a college preparatory course, new college students, or students on academic probation are required to meet regularly with a Peer Mentor. STARS Peer Mentors help students with goal-setting, time management, and locating other services on- and off-campus as needed.

Focus Sessions
STARS staff can help students learn more efficient methods of reading assignments, taking notes, scheduling study time, and taking tests.

Topics include:

• Time Management
• Test Taking
• Test Anxiety
• Note-taking
• Motivation
• Stress Management
• Goal Setting
• Career Development
• Procrastination
• Anger Management
• Open Discussion Sessions
• Self-Advocacy
• Making the Most of College Life