Academic Resources for Undergraduate Arts and Sciences Students

The FCLC & FCRH Dean's Offices offers proactive academic coaching services to students who would like to improve their organizational skills and course performance. Students may also be referred for these services when the Dean's Office is alerted by an instructor to a student's repeated class absences or poor academic performance. We help students:

• Organize a calendar/academic planner

• Practice workable and efficient study and reading strategies

• Bolster executive functioning skills and academic motivation

• Utilize the appropriate University/College resources to assist them with personal, psychological and financial issues

• Understand their progress in a course in a complete and constructive way

• Avoid further class absences

The Dean's Office strongly encourages students of all class years and majors who are experiencing academic difficulty, or are interested in strategies to bolster their academic skills to discuss this with their advisor or class dean. They will offer guidance or refer you for additional assistance from one of our academic coaching team members.

Students in all courses at FCRH or FCLC can receive free tutoring on Knack. Knack Tutoring allows Fordham students to:

• Connect with trained Fordham peer tutors for live tutoring sessions either in person or online.
  
  
• Have sessions in an online environment with video, audio, and a shared, virtual whiteboard.
  
  
• Ask questions for feedback or guidance related to learning strategies, in addition to course content.

How to Access Knack Tutoring:

• You can access Knack Tutoring at fordham.joinknack.com
  
  
• Enter your Fordham credentials to be taken into the platform.
  
  
• Submit a tutoring request for any of the supported courses and all tutors for that course will be notified and encouraged to respond to your request. Please note that requests with a short turnaround time might not be accommodated.
  
  
• Chat with any responding tutors to see who has the best availability for your schedule.
  
  
• Select a tutor who you connect with and who can meet at a time you’re available.
  
  
• To connect with a specific tutor, feel free to search for their name and request them directly.
  
  
• Option to invite other students for a group tutoring session so students can collaborate with classmates
  
  
• User Support via live chat or email (this is especially helpful for any technical issues you may encounter)
  
  
• 24/7 access to the Knack Help Center
  
  
• Informational Knack Video for Students

Departmental Tutoring (in addition to Knack)

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Languages and Cultures
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Writing Center

Students who are part of the HEOP and CSTEP cohorts may also have access to tutors through those programs.

Before Classes Start - Getting Ready!

• Review the previous semester
• Check-in with your advisor if you have any questions about course selection
  • Do I need to make any changes based on prior coursework or interests?
• Purchase your textbooks and class materials
  • If you have readings and exams, you need the textbook!

Beginning of the Semester - Start Strong!

• Read course syllabi carefully
  • Record all deadlines and key dates in your planner
• Determine where to access course materials (for example, Blackboard)
• Make note of instructors' contact information
• Review reading requirements and plan sufficient time in your schedule to complete
• Review instructors' grading policies
• Review attendance and participation policies
• Find out how assignments are to be submitted

Throughout the Semester - Keep it up!

• Always check announcements and course emails
• Participate in class discussions
• Begin your assignments early
• Plan strategies and timing to study for exams and quizzes
• Ask questions when you need clarification
• Check your grades frequently
  • If you are missing grades, make sure your instructor has all of your assignments
• Use feedback received to improve future performance
• If you start to fall behind, immediately consult with your advisor
• Access support quickly!
  • Do you need help with the course content? Reach out to your instructor and check out our tutoring resources.
  • Would you like a second look at your writing? Need help with citations? The Writing Center is the place to be!
  • Are anxiety and/or depression getting in the way? Your advisor and instructor will so happily help you problem-solve and connect to resources. We are here to make anything we can easier for you.