Student Learning Center Home Page
Frequently Asked Questions: Student Guide
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Student Learning Center:
Frequently Asked Questions
for Students
Q: What is the SLC?
A: The Student Learning Center (SLC) provides
services for Brockport students who wish to receive help with meeting their
academic goals. Free tutoring services, computer access, and ample reference
materials make the SLC a place that promotes student success. Open 45 hours
a week, SLC services are available to all Brockport students during fall and
spring semesters-no application is necessary.
Q: What specific services does the SLC
offer?
A: The SLC offers one-on-one tutoring in
math,
writing,
and in many courses
as well as individual study skills
consultation during the fall and spring semesters. In addition, the SLC has a small computer lab. Extensive
reference materials, including textbooks, study skills and writing handbooks,
videotapes, and software, conveniently provide students with extra information
they may need to successfully complete their course work.
Q: Who uses the SLC?
A: Students from all levels and from many
different disciplines use the tutoring services at the SLC. Tutoring in math
and writing is open to all students. Tutoring for specific courses is designed
for students enrolled in those courses.
Q: Does the SLC offer tutors for all subjects?
A: No, we tutor courses that experience
has shown have a high demand for extra help. Students should check at the SLC
to see if tutors are available for a specific course.
Q: Do I need an appointment for tutoring?
A: Math tutoring works on a walk-in basis--no
appointment is necessary. Tutoring for specific courses is also available on
a walk-in basis--just be sure to check the current tutoring
schedule. An appointment for writing tutoring, however, is needed, and
we recommend that you schedule the appointment well in advance of the assignment
due date. This way you can get some suggestions, work on your writing independently,
and come back for additional help before the paper is due. Stop in or call (585)
395-5472 to schedule an appointment with a writing tutor.
Q: What do I need to do before I meet with
a tutor?
A: Do all of your reading assignments, attend
classes regularly, and make a serious attempt at solving homework problems or
understanding assignments on your own before you arrive so that you have specific
questions to ask the tutor. Also consider visiting your course instructor during
office hours.
Q: Who are the tutors?
A: All SLC tutors are undergraduate or graduate
students who are selected based upon faculty recommendations, academic excellence,
and a willingness to help others. Departments of Mathematics and English graduate
assistants are also tutors.
Q: What happens in a tutorial?
A: Expect to do the following when you come
in to work with a tutor:
Discuss the material
Go over the assignment
Express your concerns
Receive hints and suggestions for problem solving, organizing and planning strategies
In addition, expect the tutor to ask you clarifying questions, to find out what
you know and what you don't know. That way the tutor can get to know you and
determine what strategies would be most helpful. The tutor will expect you to
work and to participate in the tutoring process. Do not expect the tutor to
do the work for you. Always bring your textbook(s), assignment sheet, class
notes, paper, software, and syllabi.
Q: Will the tutor read my textbooks?
A: No, your tutor will clarify concepts
presented in the text or help you answer specific questions you identify as
you read the text.
Q: Will the tutor do my homework?
A: No, the tutor will help you with your
homework, but will not write papers for you or do extensive proofreading or
correct homework.
Q: How long can I stay?
A: You may stay at the SLC even after you
have finished working with a tutor. It's a comfortable, quiet place to study
or use computers to assist with assignments. The SLC Code of Conduct limits
behavior that is distracting and not conducive to study.
Q: Will I see the same person every time
I come?
A: Depending on availability, you may choose
to work with the same person when you come in for help. For writing tutorials,
you may request to schedule appointments with the tutor of your choice. For
math help, you may check to see what hours particular tutors are working.
Q: Do the tutors answer questions over
the phone?
A: No, the tutors do not currently answer
questions over the phone. The tutors need to see your textbooks, your assignments,
your notes, etc., and they need to talk to you, ask you questions, and allow
for quiet thinking time. With daytime and evening hours available, the SLC offers
ample opportunity for students with hectic schedules to come in and receive
tutoring. Planning your time is important to academic success.
Study Skills Workshops
Many students struggle with meeting the challenge of college level work. High
school study habits are often no longer adequate for students wishing to earn
A's and B's at the college level. The Student Learning Center provides students
with the opportunity to develop effective college level study skills through
the Academic
Success Seminar Series offered twice each semester. Seminar
topics include the following:
Textbook Reading
Lecture Note-taking
Time Management
Test-taking
Research Paper Writing
The seminars are open to all students. No appointment or registration
is needed. Visit the SLC website for current seminar information.
Study Skills Video Tapes
Students seeking immediate study skills help are invited to view selections
from the SLC Study Skills Videotape Library. Ask a staff member to view videotapes
on test-taking, time management, note-taking, reading, concentration, or math,
to name a few. No appointment necessary!
