The lab is located in Oakley 207. The lab opens every day at 8 a.m. and remains opened most of the day. Specific hours are posted outside the door.

Communications I, Communications II, Communications III/IV options - including Job Communications, Readings about Nature, and Contemporary Issues - Technical Writing, Advanced Essay Skills, Punctuation and Grammar, Job Search Techniques are all available on PACE

A communications tutor is also available in the PACE lab. If you have failed a communications class two or more times, this may be an option for you, because you will have one-on-one assistance and a low-stress environment.

There is a direct correlation between regular attendance and success in a PACE class. However, as long as you complete all of your work by the end of the quarter, attendance is not an issue. Always check the PACE calendar to be sure you are keeping up on the assignments, and remember, you must turn work in throughout the quarter. In fact, you may turn in up to two assignments per day. If you complete the recommended number of assignments each week, but do not complete all the hours of attendance that week, you'll be fine. Completion of the work is most important.

Many of the assignments, including all learning activities, can be completed at home. However, it is important to note that work cannot be submitted to your teacher online. In Communications I, students generally write their essays in the lab, including the test essay at the end of the quarter. Communications II students must write the final self-assessment essay in the PACE lab.

If you are a student who enjoys the support of the Access Center, you can do all of your learning activities and some of your writing there. PACE instructors prefer that students work on their essays in the PACE classroom; however, students may also be able to arrange to do some essay writing in the Access Center as well. Please see your instructor to determine whether or not this is an option for you.

Unlike online instructors, PACE instructors are always available during specific scheduled hours and office hours. If you have questions, concerns or problems, simply come to the lab and speak with a person who can help. In fact, teachers are available to answer general questions at any time. Students can also print their communications essays and related materials in the lab at no additional cost.

PACE offers a great deal of flexibility with scheduling. You will commit to the same number of hours you would spend in a traditional classroom, and you are assigned to one specific instructor; however, if an emergency arises and a scheduled hour must be missed, you can make it up another time. If you will be out of town for week during the quarter, you may choose to put in some extra time and work to get ahead so you won't get behind after your week away. Another option is to do "double time" upon your return.

Some students like to finish their work quickly so they can complete the course ahead of schedule. Once they complete their work, attendance is no longer an issue. In fact, one PACE student finished two one-credit classes in less than five weeks!

Some students need more time, and PACE allows that as well. If students need more time to complete their assignments, they've got it. Unlike online classes, there is no additional cost for taking a PACE class.

Sometimes unusual circumstances prevent students from finishing their work by the end of the quarter. You are strongly encouraged to complete your course on time; however, if this becomes impossible, you may request a PR. A PR indicates you are making significant progress in a PACE course. This allows students to complete their work, at no additional cost, the following quarter. Please note, receiving a PR may affect your financial aid, especially if you are on academic probation. Please see your PACE instructor and financial aid advisor as soon as you suspect you may need a PR. It's never a good idea to wait until the end of the quarter to request a PR.

Any student who lacks self-discipline is not a good candidate for PACE Communications. It is critical for anyone taking a PACE class to get into the lab, complete a folder, meet the teacher and turn in assignments on schedule or fulfill scheduled lab hours.