Professors:  If you would like an OAS professional to present a workshop in your class, call ext. 8072.  Two weeks’ notice is requested.  We can tailor the workshop to your course.

Students:  The Office of Academic Support can present workshops to groups of four or more students upon request.  You may request a workshop on any topic listed below.  To schedule a workshop, we ask that you guarantee a minimum of four students, and the appropriate staff member must be available at the time you request.  RAs may also request workshops.  Two weeks’ notice is requested.

Professionals in the Office of Academic Support can present workshops on these topics:

• Making a Smooth Transition to College 
• 21 Things You Can Do to Raise Your G.P.A.
• Active vs. Passive Learning
• Improving Your Concentration
• Academic Mapping for College Success
• Strategies for Taking Objective Exams
• Taking the Anxiety Out of Multiple-Choice Exams
• Strategies for Taking Essay Exams
• Reading Textbooks Effectively: The “Study-Read” Approach
• Ways to Increase Your Vocabulary to Enhance College Reading
• Staying Motivated and Maintaining a Positive Attitude
• Techniques to Increase Your Reading Rate
• Unlocking the Mystery of Memory
• Managing Your Time Wisely
• Learning From a Graded Exam 
• Sharpening Your Listening Skills
• Thinking Critically to Enhance Your Reading and Learning
• How to Make the Most of a Tutoring Session
• Overcoming the Demon of Procrastination
• How to Actively Participate in Class Discussions
• Becoming a Well-Rounded Student: Taking Advantage of Campus Resources
• Thinking Visually: Mapping to Master Material
• Tips for Taking Better Notes
• Note Processing: What To Do With Your Notes AFTER Class

TESTIMONIALS ABOUT OUR WORKSHOPS

 From Faculty:

“I want to thank you for the workshop you conducted with my law enforcement (CRJ 230) class on April 4, 2001.  The session was on assisting students with how to read more quickly, efficiently, and with better comprehension.  [Student evaluations] seemed to be very positive.  I am extremely pleased that I have the opportunity to refer students to the Office of Academic Support and I am confident that they will receive very competent assistance.” 

--Dr. David B. Taylor, Department of Criminal Justice, Spring 2001

 “I certainly appreciated your study skills and reading presentation in my HIS 199 classes.  I can’t imagine all the work that preparing for these presentations entails.  Your presentations were engaging, concise and direct.  You emphasized all the important points that I had hoped for.  I am truly grateful for your willingness to do these workshops with my students.  The students of both sections are also very grateful.  The information that you shared…certainly impacted the class experience and helped me better achieve my goals.  Your workshop has made the college experience and my course a more rewarding experience for dozens of students.”

--Dr. Seneca Vaught, Department of History, Fall 2007

From Students:

Study Skills for Biology, presented in Dr. Michael Kotarski’s BIO 122 course, Spring 2008

“This workshop helped me by opening my eyes to other study suggestions that may help me in the long run.” 

Effective Reading & Study Strategies for HIS 199, Fall 2007

“I leaned a lot more about study skills.” 

“[This workshop] gave many study strategies that I had not thought of before.” 

“I like that we got handouts to use as checklists.” 

Do I Have to Cite This?  How to Avoid (even Accidental) Plagiarism,” Spring 2007

“I like that we were able to explore the different mistakes that other students made and then find the correct approach to writing over.” 

“I liked how she had us up and moving around.  It sustained my interest.  Also, she was extremely nice and provided helpful hints.” 

Oh, No, Not Another Test: How Can I Manage Test Anxiety?  Spring 2007

“This workshop helped you determine if you are anxious or nervous before tests, which I had never really thought about before.” 

 It’s About Time: Overcoming Procrastination,” Spring 2007

“I found out some of the reasons why I procrastinate and how I can stop procrastinating all the time.” 

“I liked the suggestions.  I feel that they will really help me.”

I Know I Need to Read My Textbooks, But What’s the Best Way?” Spring 2007

“I liked the variety of ideas presented and the presenter’s enthusiasm and helpfulness.” 

“I like the strategies she taught us while doing the reading.  It helped me understand the material.” 

Reading Strategies for Dr. Brian Bennett’s REL 101, Spring 2006

“I enjoyed the handout.  It not only provided a good quiz to give students feedback on where they are as readers, but it also summarized reading points and skills.” 

“I liked that you used the books that we are reading for class as examples.” 

“Gave me more ideas about how I can get more out of what I read.  I’m going to try some of the tactics the next time I read.” 

A Conversation about Study Tips with Experienced Students,” Fall 2004

“I didn’t know what to expect but I am walking away pumped about studying for finals – I can do it!” 

Textbook Reading Strategies and Critical Thinking on Essay Exams for HIS 103,” Spring 2003

“This workshop was helpful to develop and refine my study skills when reading the texts and class notes and studying for tests.  I now have a few more strategies to find the best ways to study.” 

Inside Tips for Taking College Lecture Notes, Fall 2002

“This was a very helpful workshop.  Note-taking is important, and not everyone knows how to take good notes.” 

“This was helpful.  Even though I am a sophomore, I was able to get good ideas.” 

Time Management for Athletes, Fall 2001

“I like this workshop.  It really made me think about what I’m going to need to do.” 

For more information, visit the Learning Center (Seton Hall, 1st floor) or call 286-8072.

Niagara University

Office of Academic Support