Assessment also will be made to see if the student needs study skills development rather than tutoring the subject area. Because of the heavy demand in areas such as mathematics, biology, chemistry, and foreign languages, the Center cannot guarantee tutor availability for every student request. For additional tutoring assistance, students also should check with the department offering the specific course or the instructor to see if services are offered. The Writing Center of the English Department is a prime resource for students requiring assistance in developing writing skills. Also, the Mathematics Sciences Department offers help sessions for most subject areas.
Students assess their expectations and evaluate their academic strengths and career goals.
Through lectures, guest speakers and individual projects, students discover the VCU resources and services designed to help them solve problems and achieve a personally rewarding, successful academic program. Supplemental Instruction is attached to selected freshman level courses that are historically difficult for some students. At VCU, students participating in SI on a regular basis have out-performed their peers in the classes. SI is not a tutorial or remedial class, but uses a process that allows all students to participate and gain from the group's discussion of each week's lectures in the particular subject. Check with your instructor to see if SI is offered for your class.