Student FAQ

Academic Success Center Learning assistance (ASC Learning assistance) provides services for Brockport students who wish to receive help with meeting their academic goals. Free learning assistance services, computer access, and ample reference materials make the ASC Learning assistance a place that promotes student success. The ASC Learning assistance is open 61 hours a week during the fall and spring semesters, and part-time during special sessions (summer and winter). ASC Learning assistance services are available to all Brockport students -no application is necessary.

The ASC Learning assistance offers learning assistance in math, writing, and in many courses as well as individual study skills consultation. In addition, the ASC Learning assistance has two computer labs. 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.

Students from all levels and from many different disciplines use the learning assistance services at the ASC Learning assistance. Learning assistance in math and writing is open to all students. Learning assistance for specific courses is designed for students enrolled in those courses.

No, our ability to provide learning assistance for a particular course is based upon the availability of qualified learning assistants. Students should check our Tutoring for Specific Classes page to see if learning assistance is available for a particular class. If no learning assistant is listed, students may fill out a request form, after which the ASC Learning assistance staff will work with faculty on trying to identify a qualified learning assistant for that class.

Sometimes, Math learning assistance works on a walk-in basis—no appointment is necessary. An appointment is needed for writing learning assistance, however, 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) 395-2293 to schedule an appointment with a writing learning assistant. Learning assistance for specific courses is sometimes offered on a walk-in basis and sometimes offered by appointment. See our Learning assistance for Specific Classes page to see how learning assistance is offered for a particular class.

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 learning assistant. Also consider visiting your course instructor during office hours.

All ASC Learning assistance learning assistants 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 learning assistants.

Expect to do the following when you come in to work with a learning assistant:

• 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 learning assistant to ask you clarifying questions, to find out what you know and what you don’t know. That way the learning assistant can get to know you and determine what strategies would be most helpful. The learning assistant will expect you to work and to participate in the learning assistance process. Do not expect the learning assistant to do the work for you. Always bring your textbook(s), assignment sheet, class notes, paper, software, and syllabi.

No, your learning assistant will clarify concepts presented in the text or help you answer specific questions you identify as you read the text.

No, the learning assistant will help you with your homework, but will not write papers for you or do extensive proofreading or correct homework.

You may stay at the ASC Learning assistance even after you have finished working with a learning assistant. It’s a comfortable, quiet place to study or use computers to assist with assignments. The ASC Learning assistance Code of Conduct limits behavior that is distracting and not conducive to study.

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 learning assistant of your choice. For math help, you may check to see what hours particular learning assistants are working.

Currently, the only type of learning assistance that uses the phone is Remote Writing Learning assistance, which is designed to help Brockport Downtown and SUNY Learning Network students access writing learning assistance. In all other cases, learning assistance over the phone does not take place. The learning assistants 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 ASC Learning assistance offers ample opportunity for students with hectic schedules to come in and receive learning assistance. Planning your time is important to academic success.

Most of the time. Writing learning assistance always takes place on a private one-on-one basis. Learning assistance for many specific classes is also offered on a one-on-one basis. However, because of the exceptionally high demand for math learning assistance and certain specific classes, one-on-one learning assistance may not be available in these areas.