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Academic and Disability Support Services

WELCOME

The Office of Academic and Disability Support Services assists students in becoming active, responsible, and successful learners.

The Department is designed to help students develop study skills and learning strategies that will assist them with their academic success. We offer peer tutoring, workshops, writing assistance, and individual consultations. In addition, the Department also coordinates services and accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

To learn more about SMU's Peer Tutoring Program, visit Academic Support Services

To learn about classroom and clinical site accommodations for temporary and permanent disabilities, visit Disability Services

EXPLORE OUR SERVICES

Community Learning Series

Our series of workshop lunches spotlights the best practices in study management and learning strategies. The noon sessions are informal and open to all members of the University community. These lectures and workshops extend and expand on the classroom curriculum, and promote wellness and inclusivity in the faculty and student body. Presenters come from the Samuel Merritt and Greater Bay Area community, and include faculty and staff as well as students. The Fall 2012 series includes lectures on

  • Connecting Spirituality with Healing and Learning
  • Introduction to the LGBT Community
  • Time Management for Health Care Students and Practitioners
  • Effective Learning Strategies

Click here to view our CLS Spring 2013 events

Peer Tutoring

The Office of Academic Support matches students' need for course-specific support with peer leaders in learning. Staff use learning profiles to connect students at risk with models of academic success for both short-term and long-term support, and work with students to to better understand course content and prepare for exams. The Peer Tutoring Program provides paid hours through both Work Study and Student Employment, and we are always recruiting exceptional students to provide quality support. To submit an application to tutor, please click here.

Counseling in Time and Task Management

One-on-one coaching is available to help students explore and leverage their strengths as learners. Staff share effective reading and study strategies, explore personalized time, task, and concentration management practices, and review exams with students to improve test-taking ability. Please contact Mark Abelson or Diane Hansen to make an appointment.

Drop-In Tutoring

Drop-In Tutoring is available to BSN and ABSN students at the Oakland campus, and our office plans to expand the service in the Spring 2013 Semester. Individuals and study groups are invited to take advantage of Peer Tutors' support at weekend study sessions organized on the Oakland campus, 10:00am to Noon every Saturday, in the Health Education Center.

One-to-One Writing Support

Students can request writing consultations through one-to-one and small group meetings, and sessions can focus on any stage of the writing process. Writing manuals and personal guidance are available on expository composition and resume development, as well as AMA and APA citation formats used in Samuel Merritt University writing assignments. To schedule an appointment, contact Diane Hansen or Mark Abelson.

For assistance with resume and professional materials development, please contact Craig Elliot, Assistant Vice President of Student Services.