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| College > Current Students > Academic Advising & Support > Learning Programs |
Learning Programs
Overview | EPASS | Supplemental Instruction (SI) | Roundtables | Learning Specialist | Online Resources | English as a Second Language (ESL) | Learning Enhancement Lab (LEL) | Faculty Resources | Calendar | Contacts and Directions
Faculty Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Academic Support
- Do Emory students really need academic support?
- What academic support resources are available for undergraduates at Emory?
- How do students access peer tutors?
- What should I do about a student who seems to be struggling?
- What is a learning specialist?
Frequently Asked Questions About Disabilities
- Who is disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act?
- Who determines the accommodations that will be provided?
- What are my responsibilities as a faculty member?
- What should I do if a student appears to need an accommodation but does not ask for one?
- What other resources are there on campus to support student’s academic performance?
- Can I get information about a student’s disability?
- What do I do if I cannot provide a recommended accommodation?
- Who should I consult if I have a question about a student disability matter?
Frequently Asked Questions About Academic Support
Do Emory students really need academic support?
Each year Emory admits students of an increasing high caliber according to their academic profiles. Still, many students seek academic support. Course loads are demanding; students set high goals for themselves and some deal with difficulties keeping up with the reading and writing demands of their programs. Some students are specialists, performing very well in some areas and having difficulty in others. Some have special needs that require them to learn new skills. Academic support programs are here to help all students.
What academic support resources are available for undergraduates at Emory?
Academic support is available through individual faculty members during office hours and service units, such as the Writing Center and Learning Programs in the Office for Undergraduate Education.
The services offered include:
- Peer tutoring-individual support in many subjects
- Collaborative Learning/Supplemental Instruction-group review and application of skills
- Writing Center-consultations for writing assignments from first to final phases
- English as a Second Language-help in the basics of grammar, reading, writing and oral expression
- Learning Specialists-consultations for students with disabilities or special needs
- Learning Enhancement Lab-technologies to increase productivity and efficiency
How do students access peer tutors?
Direct students to the TutorTrac software on the www.epass.emory.edu site. This program allows students to connect with a tutor and schedule an appointment. Courses for which tutors are available are listed on the program. TutorTrac is also used by the Writing Center to schedule consultations with their consultants.
What should I do about a student who seems to be struggling?
There are many reasons why students may become overwhelmed and many different sources of support. After a consultation with the student, you may be able to determine the best source of support: counseling, advising, academic support. If in doubt, refer the student to an academic advisor. If the problem seems serious and requires immediate attention, call a class dean.
- Academic Advisors: Director, Jason Breyan 404-727-6069
- Freshman Deans: 404-727-6160
- Sophomore and Junior Deans: 404-727-6160
- Senior Dean: 404-727-1480
What is a learning specialist?
Emory has two “learning specialists” both trained in counseling, advising and academic support. They provide an opportunity for the student to define the issues that are most affecting them and to problem solve jointly with the specialist. Learning specialists may make referrals to other resources on campus, such as the Counseling Center and to academic advisors, as needed. Some students with special needs, such as learning disabilities or attention problems, see the specialist weekly. Others come for just a few visits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disabilities
Who is disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act?
This civil rights legislation passed in 1990 provides the guidelines for determining who is disabled: an individual who has a substantial limitation in a major life activity, has a history of such a disability and is regarded as having a disability. These life activities include learning working, walking, breathing, hearing, seeing and other physical and sensory impairments. If an individual qualifies as disabled, accommodations can be put in place to address the specific needs.
Who determines the accommodations that will be provided?
At Emory, the Office of Disabilities Services under the Office of the Provost sets the standards and determines the accommodations that will meet the needs of students with disabilities. The process requires professional documentation of the disability, description of the functional limitations of the student as a result of the disability and the manner in which the disability issue will be addressed. The purpose of the accommodation is to provide equal access to programs and services while preserving academic standards.
What are my responsibilities as a faculty member?
Providing reasonable accommodations is a shared responsibility between the Office of Disabilities Services and the faculty. It is the student’s responsibility to make the faculty member aware of the need for an accommodation. This comes in the form of a letter that lists the accommodation. It does not give detailed information about the disability. It is the faculty member’s responsibility to deliver the accommodation or determine with the Office of Disabilities Services how the accommodation will be offered. Accommodations are meant to provide the student with the same opportunity to access instruction and perform as other students. It should not alter what is essential in the course or compromise the standards of the program. If the accommodation does not seem to fit the course requirements, this should be discussed with the Office of Disabilities Services.
What should I do if a student appears to need an accommodation but does not ask for one?
Often faculty become concerned about students who are under-performing or showing signs of stress. Students with disabilities are not required to share this information with faculty (or with the university). They may try to overcome the disability on their own. They often avoid asking for support that makes them feel different. Faculty may not ask a student if he/she has a disability. It is wise, however, to ask a student who appears to be struggling if there are ways you may be of help or to refer the student to other resources on campus.
What other resources are there on campus to support student’s academic performance?
Students with disabilities have the same range of academic support options available to them as there are to other students. These include individual help during office hours, peer tutoring, collaborative learning (Supplemental Instruction and Roundtables), consultation with a learning specialist, workshops and the Writing Center. Call Learning Programs at 404-727-5300 for more information on services.
Can I get information about a student’s disability?
Medical documentation of all kinds is protected for all adults and, since most of our students are over 18, they are considered adults. Many students sign releases so that information can be shared on a “need-to-know” basis. If you feel you can provide support to a student if you have a better understanding of that student’s disability, first ask the student about his/her needs and how they have been addressed in the past. Then ask the student if it might be helpful for you to consult with the Office for Disabilities Services or a learning specialist and suggest that the student to sign a release allowing this communication. If the student does reveal confidential information, be sure that you maintain the confidentiality. You should not share this with other faculty or students.
What do I do if I cannot provide a recommended accommodation?
You should make every effort to provide the accommodation as listed on the letter from the disability office. If you cannot, call the office immediately to discuss the limits of your resources. Be sure the office knows that you are having difficulty meeting the request so that other procedures can be put in place to meet this need.
Who should I consult if I have a question about a student disability matter?
For questions of policy and procedure, call the Office of Disabilities Services at 404-727-6016. For concerns about instructional matters or students who are not registered with that office, call the Director of Faculty Resources for Inclusive Instruction, Wendy Newby, at 404-727-6766. Detailed information about the law, best instructional practices, universal design and characteristics of individuals with disabilities can be found at www.portals.emory.edu.
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