Matt Puford, Campus Carrier Staff Reporter
After 12 years serving as director of the Academic Support Center (ASC), Martha Van Cise is set to retire at the end of 2013.
In keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Berry will immediately fill the position. Two people will be hired as her successors to lead the ASC for the next academic year, Van Cise said.
Interviews for the position will take place after Thanksgiving break.
Van Cise said she currently has 169 clients, plus 18 students with concussions with whom she also works.
“It’s a big job, and it’s going to take two people to do it,” Van Cise said.
Van Cise has worked at Berry since 1984, teaching English 095, 101 and 102. She started working in the ASC in fall 2001.
The hall leading to her office has pictures and news clippings of her past clients, Berry students she has assisted over the past 12 years.
Van Cise said she has worked with well over 500 students throughout her career with the ASC. Her task, and the purpose of the ASC, is to assist those with special needs, that includes learning, psychological and physical disabilities, so that they can achieve their full potential.
“It’s frustrating at times,” Van Cise said. “But it’s rewarding to see students who wouldn’t be able to be successful without accommodations become successful.”
Van Cise discussed a notable student she helped to overcome obstacles and achieve his full potential during his years at Berry. This student has since graduated and done well in his career.
“John Hall was one of my clients who graduated about four or five years ago,” Van Cise said, referring to a photograph of him. “He is a quadriplegic. [Recently], he was appointed by the governor to be on the Governor’s Rehabilitation Board. [Now], he works at the CDC. John could not have gotten his education without accommodations. John has been very successful, and I feel very fortunate in being a part of it.”
Van Cise said that for these students, academic accommodations include extra time or an alternative text to help level the playing field with their peers.
“Without those, they are at a disadvantage in the classroom,” Van Cise said. “It’s not about getting them something they don’t deserve or disadvantaging other students. It allows them to demonstrate what they know. And without those, it’s difficult for them to do that.”
Van Cise said she truly loves her job and will miss her work and the students dearly.
“I’ll miss the kids,” Van Cise said. “I wouldn’t be here if I did not enjoy student contact. I’ll miss knowing that I’m helping someone.”
While Van Cise will be missing her time at the Academic Support Center, others said they will miss her and her passion for the program.
Senior Brandi Tyson, who has worked as a receptionist for the ASC and a volunteer tutor, said her time working with Van Cise at the ASC was a highlight of her career at Berry.
“Ever since I began working there my sophomore year, I’ve loved walking into the office every day because [Van Cise] has a spitfire personality and is one of the most honest and true people I know,” Tyson said. “Her bold personality makes her an advocate for her students, so they can receive their proper accommodations. Ms. Van Cise is more than my boss. She’s a close friend and role model.”
Kim Sippel, secretary for the ASC, has worked with Van Cise since 2011, and she said she has enjoyed working with Van Cise.
“There have been so many great things that [Van Cise] has done for this program. I will miss working for her and with her,” Sippel said.
Van Cise’s last day of work will be Dec. 31. She said her plans for the future after retirement are still undetermined.
“[I plan to do] whatever I want to do, when I want to do it,” Van Cise said.