Some students begin college ready to take on all the academic challenges higher education has to offer. However, many first-time and returning college students may need additional preparation before they are able to succeed in college-level courses.

But they shouldn’t be discouraged by this fact, according to Naomi Ludman, chairwoman of Southwestern Michigan College’s Department of Developmental Studies.

“We are all developmental in some ways,” said Ludman, who has a doctorate in educational leadership from Andrews University. “People come to us at different stages of their lives, sometimes they may need help in only one area. We try to help them get completely ready to be successful.”

Developmental Studies promotes student success by providing a comprehensive approach including basic skills assessment, mandatory placement and developmental course work in math, reading, writing, study skills and even English as a Second Language.

In March, the department received advanced-level certification from the National Association for Developmental Education (NADE). The college has to apply for recertification every seven years.

To be eligible for the advanced certification, the college was required to collect data on their student success rates over a five-year period.

“The certification process requires us to compare developmental studies students with non-developmental studies students,” Ludman said. “What we have found is Developmental Studies students do as well or better than non-Developmental Studies students.”

For Karen Young, an Southwestern Michigan College student in the medical assistant program, English 101, Math 100 and Math 101 have helped her make the transition back to college after 25 years in the workforce.

“I felt more comfortable with the developmental studies because I knew it would be at a level where I could possibly obtain more one-on-one attention versus being in a crowded lecture hall,” Young said. “I lost my employment in 2008 and I made a decision to return to school.”

Young said the instructors in the Developmental Studies program have made her feel comfortable, offering one-on-one time when she needed extra help.

“One day when Ms. (Annette) Magyar sat and ate her lunch at her desk to help me because it was the only convenient time for me,” Young said. “The instructors are understanding, patience, and make you feel confident in yourself.”