This is the third installment in a series featuring women who inspire at Ramapo College during Women’s History Month.

by Victoria Vuz ‘24

As we progress through Women’s History Month, Ramapo College proudly shines a spotlight on Susan Auger, reading specialist in the Center for Reading and Writing. With her unwavering dedication and passion for empowering students, she has become a driving force behind the literary success of countless Roadrunners.   

As the reading specialist, Susan not only oversees its daily operations but also serves as a mentor, guide, and advocate for students striving to enhance their literacy skills. Her approachable demeanor and genuine commitment to student success have earned her the admiration and respect of both faculty and learners alike.

“The Reading and Writing Center is an outstanding source for students to utilize since the center is staffed by people who care deeply about the fundamentals of reading and writing and understand how important it is to college success overall,” shared Susan. “Moreover, having student consultants working in the center allows students visiting the center to feel comfortable receiving help from their peers, but also understand the value of reading and writing as it connects to all their academic work.”

Beyond her administrative duties, Susan goes above and beyond to ensure that every student who walks through the center’s doors receives personalized attention and guidance tailored to their individual needs. Whether it’s providing feedback on essays, offering tips for effective reading strategies, or simply lending a sympathetic ear, she is always there to offer support and encouragement. 

“Sue genuinely cares about her students and the people she works with. While she values good work ethic she is also understanding of personal circumstances,” noted Denisse Gonzalez Ramirez, a senior communication arts major. “She has been a great mentor to me and I wouldn’t want anyone else to take her place.”

As a reading specialist, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Her academic expertise, coupled with her innate ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds, has proven invaluable in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment within the center. “For reading, I appreciate when students work in small groups, discuss the texts and write down what they’re noticing. This method enables all of them to look at each other’s work and build off of it.” she commented. “It’s important to start small, talk about ideas, and to create a safe space. It allows students to see how their work can be improved and developed.”

Her approach has proven instrumental in helping students overcome challenges, refine their skills, and unlock their full potential as readers and writers. Through active discussion, students can refine their understanding of material, gain new insights, and develop more nuanced perspectives, which can be reflected in their writing. 

Under Susan’s guidance, the Center for Reading and Writing has evolved into a hub of academic excellence and innovation. Through workshops and tutoring sessions she empowers students to become confident, independent learners who are equipped with the skills necessary to excel in their academic pursuits and beyond.

In addition to her work in the Center for Reading and Writing, Professor Auger also teaches Critical Reading and Writing and supervises the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program at Ramapo. Supplemental Instruction is an academic assistance program created to help students navigate courses through additional practice with course material in a group setting. SI provides weekly review sessions led by an SI facilitator – a student who has successfully completed the course at Ramapo. The SI facilitator attends class with the students to understand course material, and provide students with insight on how to succeed in the course.

“It is an impactful program because it is a concept of a peer who is modeling student behavior and success,” Susan said. “Having someone besides the professor who understands the content is a great source for students. They can go to their supplemental instructor for guidance and ask questions they might not want to ask their professor.”

Through this program, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of educators, providing mentorship, support, and resources to aspiring teachers as they navigate the challenges of the profession. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Professor Auger offers invaluable insights and guidance to her staff, helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the classroom.

As the academic year unfolds, Susan continues to leave an indelible mark on the lives of those she encounters, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who aspire to reach their full potential. Her unwavering dedication to student success serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the profound impact that one individual can have on the world around them.

In-person or virtual sessions for the Center for Reading and Writing can be scheduled through Connect. 

For questions regarding the CRW contact Susan Auger at sauger@ramapo.edu, Ramon Reyes at rreyes@ramapo.edu, or Priscilla Tovey at ptovey@ramapo.edu.

For questions about workshops, please contact Priscilla Tovey at ptovey@ramapo.edu

To reach the CRW front desk, call (201) 684-7557.

Celebrate Women’s History Month on campus! 

Thursday, March 28, 8:00 p.m., Adler Black Box Theatre: Vagina Monologues 

Thursday, March 28,  3:30 – 5:00 p.m., Friends Hall: Women’s HERstory Month Garden Party 

For further details about these events, please visit the Women’s Center located in Room C-220 or contact women@ramapo.edu.