Academic Success

The Academic Success team fosters connections between academic and experiential learning in partnership with students, staff, and faculty. Our charge is to support students’ exploration of, connection to, and creation of their academic experience.

In support of CMC’s mission to graduate students prepared for thoughtful and productive lives and responsible leadership in business, government, and the professions, the academic success team uses an individualized approach to advising and coaching students. The team focuses on developing student academic and personal success skills in self-authorship, executive functioning, and inclusive well-being. They ensure that students are connected to all campus and community resources. They  aim to educate and empower students to navigate their CMC experience and strengthen their leadership skills.

The Academic Success Team

If you’re a student seeking course-specific support, our team can connect you to academic coaches, academic resources (Quantitative and Computing Lab and Center for Writing and Public Discourse), departmental tutoring services, and free peer tutoring for general education and gateway courses at CMC.

A central component to the college experience are your academic endeavors. We provide guidance and individualized coaching for a variety of scenarios. Not sure what you want to major in? Deciding between which classes to take? Want to be more organized or improve your study habits? Need an accountability buddy? Totally unsure of what you even need to ask? Rather than going from one office to the next asking question after questions, let our team be the first stop for any and all questions you may have. If you are unsure who to ask or what to do, Academic Success is the place for you!

Matt Layman
Senior Assistant Dean of Students for Academic Success
909-607-8107
mlayman@cmc.edu
Heggblade 105

Hi friends! I am here to support you in all of your academic endeavors at CMC and help you reach your fullest potential! I can assist you in balancing your commitments and figuring out how to most efficiently use your time. You can make an appointment below or just come see me, my door is always open!

Make an appointment with me

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Patty Villa
Assistant Dean of Students for Academic Progress
909-607-8300
patricia.villa@cmc.edu
Heggblade 107

Hello! I'm Patty, and I support students in their personal and academic journeys at CMC. I also work closely with students interested in developing their academic skills. I enjoy learning what makes each student unique and resilient. Whether you have a quick question or you're experiencing a challenge, my door is open to everyone.

Make an appointment with me

Erika Hongo

Erika Hongo
Administrative Assistant
909-607-7386
erika.hongo@cmc.edu
Heggblade Center

A Romero Success Coach working with a fellow student.

Romero Success Coaches

The Romero Success Coaches are a student leader cohort created to help develop academic study skills, promote inclusive well-being, foster belonging on campus, and create life skills and strategies with fellow students to help them reach their fullest potential at CMC.

Peer Tutoring

Romero Success Coaches

Students studying together at tables in Mid Quad.

Why Meet with Academic Success

  • General interest in improving academic performance.
  • Want to learn the most effective study strategies based on the latest research.  
  • Trouble balancing workload, meeting deadlines, and achieving goals.  
    • Not getting enough sleep.  
    • Struggling with motivation.  
    • Unable to complete daily tasks, or stay disciplined and focused.
    • Achieving the academic goals set for yourself feels out of reach.  
  • Need help identifying and accessing academic resources.
  • Need advice on navigating the myriad of experiences and opportunities available to you at CMC.
  • Received an Academic Advisory or Low-Grade Notice.  
  • Any significant life events that may impact your academics.

Ways to Connect

Dean of Students Office

Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed Daily 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
(909) 621-8114
Heggblade Center
deanofstudents@claremontmckenna.edu

After Hours Emergency
Campus Safety: (909) 607-2000

CMC Cares

If you notice or sense any concerning behaviors, please let us know. This information will be forwarded to the appropriate staff in the Dean of Students office.

Submit a Referral

If you feel concerned for a student’s immediate safety, please contact Campus Safety at (909) 607-2000.