FAQs
- What services does Learning Assistance Services offer?
Our learning specialists provide:
- Individual learning assistance appointments
- Group workshops
- Courses in College Success Strategies (CIEP 111 & CIEP 112)
- Academic advising for students in the Learning Enrichment for Academic Progress (LEAP) Program (PDF)
- What is a learning specialist?
A learning specialist provides students with strategies for collegiate success. These staff members have had special training and experience in learning techniques and strategies. Meeting with a learning specialist can help you find ways to study more effectively for the classes in which you are having difficulty.
- What happens during a learning assistance appointment?
A consultation with a learning specialist is designed to help you find ways to become a more effective learner. Your learning specialist will be happy to talk to you about maintaining motivation, time and stress management, determining and making use of your most successful learning styles, taking better notes, increasing reading comprehension and improving test-taking strategies.
- Is learning assistance only for people who are doing poorly academically?
No. Learning specialists see students on the dean's list, as well as students on academic probation, and students at every stage in between. The determining factor is not simply whether you are doing well academically, but whether you feel you could be getting more from your studies or using your time more effectively.
- What workshops does Learning Assistance Services offer?
Learning specialists provide a variety of success strategy workshops at both the Lake Shore and Water Tower Campuses. Previous workshops have included:
- Why Am I Here at Loyola?
- Making a Smart Start to Studying this Semester
- Study Smarter, Not Longer—Tips for the Sciences
- Math—Making a Strong Start
- Test-Taking Strategies
- Should I visit Learning Assistance Services, or should I get tutoring?
You should see a tutor if you have specific questions about one class. Tutoring sessions are provided by successful students and are designed to answer specific questions related to course content.
If you need tutoring every week for one or more subjects, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a learning specialist at Learning Assistance Services. Meeting with a learning specialist can help you find ways to study more effectively for the classes in which you are having difficulty. - How often can I meet with a learning specialist?
You may meet with a learning specialist for a one-time trouble-shooting session or on a continuing basis. On average, students meet with a specialist for four sessions. To schedule an appointment with a learning specialist to assess your needs, contact us.
- Is learning assistance available at the Water Tower Campus?
Yes. Our Water Tower office is located in: 25 E. Pearson, Room 607, just inside the library. The Water Tower location is open during the following hours:
- Monday: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- I am a student with a learning disability. Should I call a learning specialist, or should I call Services for Students with Disabilities?
Learning specialists are academic strategists. You should contact a learning specialist when your goal is to identify ways in which to increase your reading comprehension, to take more comprehensive notes, to manage your time more efficiently or to better prepare for your exams.
You should contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) to ensure that your educational needs are being met. SSWD is responsible for all documentation regarding your disability, identifying and ensuring any necessary accommodations, providing note-taking services for qualifying students and functioning as a liaison between you and the university. To contact SSWD, call: 773.508.7714 or click here.