The Word - 2007

Academic Development

Cyert B9, [412] 268-6878
http://cmu.edu/academic-development ::

Linda Hooper, Director

Academic Development assists students in developing more effective learning strategies that enable them to perform confidently in their courses. We offer a wide variety of services including academic counseling in study skills, peer tutoring as well as supplemental instruction for select courses. Our services are designed to help both students who are having academic difficulties and those who just want to improve their performance.

ACADEMIC COUNSELING

Academic Counseling is an assistance program that helps students acquire more effective and efficient study skills. Student Academic Counselors (AC’s) conduct both group workshops and individual sessions that focus on the following topics: time management, procrastination, stress management, test-taking strategies, final exam prep, textbook reading, lecture note-taking, and memory.

PEER TUTORING

Peer tutoring offers subject-specific tutoring geared primarily (but not exclusively) towards large introductory math, science, engineering, and writing courses. The service is offered in both a walk-in and a one-on-one format. Trained tutors are Carnegie Mellon students who have taken classes similar or identical to the ones they tutor. No appointment is necessary and the tutoring is free.

WALK-IN TUTORING

When: Sunday – Thursday, Evenings
Where: Mudge Library, Donner Reading Room, and West Wing Tech Lounge
Time: 8:30pm – 11:00pm

Subjects Tutored: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Calculus, Calculus in 3D, Concepts of Math, Multivariate A & A, Physics, Writing, Economics, CS 15-100/211/212, Chem E, ECE, Japanese, and Chinese.

STANDING TUTORING APPOINTMENTS

Students who require additional assistance in a course not supported by both walk-in and SI can request a weekly standing tutoring appointment. Appointments are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. Just stop by the Academic Development Office and fill out a tutoring request form.

SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION (SI)

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is offered for traditionally difficult courses. SI discussion and review sessions are facilitated by student SI leaders who have already completed the course and earned an A. Designed to supplement, not replace class lectures and recitations, SI sessions are interactive and collaborative. Students who attend sessions learn to integrate how-to-learn with what-to-learn. SI sessions are usually held twice weekly for one hour. Attendance is completely voluntary. Please view the Academic Development website for a list of classes for Fall 2007. SI will be announced in your class during the first week of the term.

Fast Facts

This series of study skills pamphlets is available on our website or by visiting the Academic Development office. They deal with such topics as: Combating Procrastination, Fighting Test Anxiety, and Preparing Your Study Space. Please view the website for a list of all available Fast Facts.

First Year Success Series

These books provide practical advice from Carnegie Mellon students and faculty about many of the new challenges that first year undergraduates face during the first few weeks of college. The series is available on our website and includes the following books: A Strong Start, A Lot To Do, Absorbing It All, and More to Consider.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Academic Development also has employment opportunities for undergraduates that include a thorough 4.5 unit training program. Call Academic Development for more information.