Information for Faculty & Staff

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Recommended Syllabus Statement 

Including a brief syllabus statement about available tutoring support is essential for several reasons: 

  • Awareness: Not all students know the tutoring resources available to them. A syllabus statement ensures that every student knows about these resources from the start of the course.
  • Encouragement: It encourages students to seek help when they need it. Knowing that there are structured support systems can make students more likely to use them.
  • Equity: It helps ensure that all students, regardless of background or previous educational experiences, have equal access to support resources.
  • Academic Success: Tutoring can significantly improve student understanding and performance. Highlighting these resources can lead to better overall course outcomes.
  • Reduction of Anxiety: Knowing that help is available can reduce anxiety and increase confidence, especially for students who might struggle with the course material.
  • Proactive Problem-Solving: It encourages students to address difficulties early rather than waiting until they are overwhelmed.
  • Resource Utilization: Many institutions invest in tutoring programs, and a syllabus statement helps ensure these resources are utilized effectively.
  • Consistency: Including this information creates consistency across courses, making it a standard part of students' academic experience.

We encourage instructors to use the syllabus statement below about tutoring support: 

Our University offers various tutoring options to assist you with your coursework. These services are available free of charge to all enrolled undergraduate students. Please use these resources if you struggle with the material or want to reinforce your understanding. For more information on accessing tutoring support, visit albany.edu/tutoring.

 

syllabus

University Tutoring

At the Learning Commons, we are committed to helping students achieve their academic goals. Our tutoring services are designed to provide personalized support to help students excel in their courses. Whether they need help with a specific subject or want to improve their study skills, our experienced tutors are here to help. 

Services We Offer

  • One-on-one and group tutoring sessions
  • Assistance in a wide range of subjects
  • Study strategies and test preparation
  • Flexible scheduling to fit your needs
  • Online tutoring support
  • Enrichment programming

How Students Can Get Started

Please encourage students to take the first step toward academic assistance as early as possible.  We can help them to unlock their full potential!

 

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Request a Class Visit

We are in the process of updating this page. If you have questions about scheduling a class visit, please email [email protected].

Nominate Students to Join Our Team

We are in the process of updating this page. If you have immediate questions, please contact [email protected].

Refer a Student to the Learning Commons

We encourage instructors to refer any students who would benefit from tutoring, especially those who are struggling in the course. Below are some ideas on how to refer students to the Learning Commons.
 

Talking Points
  • "I've noticed you could benefit from additional support in [Course/Subject]. The Learning Commons offers tutoring services that could help strengthen your understanding and performance."
  • "The Learning Commons has tutors who specialize in [Subject]. They can help you tackle difficult concepts and prepare for exams."
  • "Tutoring can be a great way to get personalized help and improve your grades. The Learning Commons provides flexible options that can fit into your schedule."
  • "I've seen many students benefit from the tutoring services at the Learning Commons. It's a resource designed to help you succeed."
Email Template

Subject: Tutoring Support at The Learning Commons

Dear [Student Name], 

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to discuss your progress in [Course Name]. I believe you have great potential to succeed, and I want to ensure you have all the necessary resources to excel.

The Learning Commons offers excellent tutoring support that could benefit you. The knowledgeable tutors there can help clarify concepts, assist with assignments and provide strategies for effective studying.

Here are some of the benefits of visiting the Learning Commons:

  • One-on-one tutoring sessions tailored to your specific needs.
  • Assistance in a wide range of subjects.
  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate your busy calendar.
  • Helpful resources and study materials.

To get started, you can visit the Learning Commons website or you can drop by their office in LI-36 during business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

I highly encourage you to take advantage of this valuable resource. If you have any questions or need help with the process, please contact me or the staff at the Learning Commons ([email protected]).

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]

Brightspace Link

We are in the process of updating this page. If you have immediate questions, please contact [email protected].

STEM Tutoring

Center for Achievement, Retention & Student Success (CARSS) tutors work with groups of intended and declared science majors to improve undergraduate students’ understanding and application of introductory course concepts. Learn more about CARSS tutoring.  

If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation to learn more about our services, please contact the Learning Commons at [email protected].
 

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Request a Tutor for Your Course

We are in the process of updating this page. If you have immediate questions, please contact [email protected].

Give Tutors Access to Course Information

If STEM tutoring will be offered for your course, you must email your course syllabus to [email protected].

Our coordinator will tell you the name(s) of the tutor(s) assigned to your course section(s), as well as their email address(es), Albany ID(s) and Net ID(s).  

Please add each tutor to the appropriate course section’s Brightspace. These resources may help: 

Request a Class Visit

We are in the process of updating this page. If you have immediate questions, please contact [email protected].

Nominate Students to Join Our Team

We are in the process of updating this page. If you have immediate questions, please contact [email protected].

Writing Center 

The Writing Center offers peer conferencing and writing support to all UAlbany students, faculty, and staff. Learn more about the Writing Center.

We also offer expertise to instructors looking to talk about teaching writing courses and/or designing writing assignments.  

Contact us at [email protected] or 518-442-4061 to schedule a consultation or to ask a question. 
 

writing-center
Refer Students to the Writing Center

Tutors can’t correct grammatical or style errors, for both ethical and practical reasons. Instead, tutors engage the whole writer and their writing process during hour-long, one-on-one sessions.  

Writing Center peer tutorials are writer-centered and process-based. This means they are most productive when voluntary. We encourage you to learn more about our process-centered approach before you refer students to the Writing Center. 

Peer tutors are not allowed to contact instructors directly about sessions. If you assign extra credit when students participate in a writing conference, please ask the student to write a short summary reporting on their experience. This method reinforces reflection and writing practice. 

Additionally, please advise students that, while we offer walk-in services, Writing Center appointments are highly recommended.