ACADEMIC SUPPORT & SERVICES
Tutoring
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Practice Final Exams and Solutions
Facilities
The instructional center at Klaeber Court is one of four SMART Learning Commons locations on campus. The Center provides group and individual tutoring to University of Minnesota students. The Instructional Center is a place where students can take their time to learn and where students are not afraid to ask questions. It is a place where students study together and develop support groups and lasting friendships.
Studies show that students who attend learning centers achieve better grades and are more successful during their college careers. Peer Learning Consultants offer one-on-one assistance for help in gateway courses and skills such as mathematics, sciences, statistics, economics, writing, and library research. Additional courses are also supported, based on the backgrounds of our Peer Learning Consultant staff in any given semester. SMART is home to the Peer-Assisted Learning program, which pairs experienced undergraduates (PAL Facilitators) with specific course sections to facilitate group learning experiences. Cram Slam offers support in the form of review sessions and food. This event is held before midterms and prior to finals week.
The Instructional Center provides academic support for all students. By using the Instructional Center regularly you will:
- Reduce study time by learning to study more effectively
- Become better prepared for exams by learning concepts and mastering course material
- Develop a more personalized approach to learning
- Develop confidence in your academic abilities
- Have the opportunity to study cooperatively in small groups
In addition to extra instruction for your courses, the IC also offers:
- A complete computer lab with up-to-date hardware and software, as well as access to the Internet
- Professional and Graduate School Preparation Workshops
- Individual and groups study spaces are available in the Center centers for self-directed study on a first come, first served basis.
- The Center also hosts short introductory workshops in Excel, PowerPoint, academic services and skill development, and library resources.
Learning Communities
Student Excellence in Academics and Multiculturalism (SEAM)
Initiated in 1999, (SEAM) provides first-year multicultural students with small learning communities that foster a sense of community and promote academic success. Groups of 15 to 20 students enroll in a cluster of classes with a common theme, such as health sciences, law, arts and design, technology, and deaf cultures. Central to each community is a one- or two-credit seminar taught by faculty and co-instructors. SEAM is a collaboration with College of Liberal Arts Martin Luther King Jr. Program, College of Biological Sciences and College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences. In 2004, the program served approximately 200 students through 13 communities.
American Indian Cultural House
One of only a few such programs in the nation, the American Indian Cultural House, started in 2003, is a living learning community in partnership with American Indian Studies. Students live in Comstock Hall, enroll in common classes, and have weekly meetings with the coordinator and peer mentor.
CASA SOL
CASA SOL is a distinguished living and learning community for University of Minnesota freshmen. CASA SOL is a collaboration between Chicano Studies, General Studies, the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence and Housing and Residential Life. The goal is to create a fun living and learning community for students interested in Chicano Studies based on what it's like to grow up or live as a Chicano/a or Latino/a in the US.
Other Academic Programs
MCAE Citizen-Scholar Fellowship Program (M3C)
Citizen-Scholar Fellows balance their academic studies with 10 hours per week in the program, including community service and training.
Multicultural Family Literacy Program
The Multicultural Family Literacy Program engages University undergraduate and graduate students with K-12 students and their parents at schools and community sites in the Twin Cities area.
Mobile Librarians @ MCAE
Mobile Librarians are Resident Librarians for the University of Minnesota Libraries who come to Klaeber Court to offer students their help. They can help in finding resources for you reasearch, how to access library resources remotely, focus a research topic, finding facts, reviews and more. They are at Klaeber Court in room 107 on Wednesdays & Thursdays from 11am to 1pm.
This service is available to all college staff, faculty, and students
The Multicultural Civic Engagement Program (MCEP)
MCEP offers 300 students a wide variety of civic engagement projects, including teaching adults English and helping first graders learn to read. Students are expected to spend three to four hours a week and will receive a stipend at the successful completion of their project.
MCAE Career Workshops Series
MCAE will be hosting a series of career workshops for all students this November. The purpose of these workshops prepare for job/internship searches as well as preparation for the Job & Internship Fair held in February. The workshops will help you work on your resume, cover letter, job researching skills and interview skills.
Achieving College Excellence in the Sciences (ACES)
ACES is a College of Biological Sciences/SEAM program that supports high-ability students from racial and ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in science or mathematics and who are pursuing a science major. The primary goal is to help students continue to achieve high grades in their University science and math courses. Students are required to take a SEAM seminar and participate in MCAE tutorial sessions for the four years they are enrolled in the program.
Academic Incentive Program
This program complements MCAE's academic programs through participation in the arts and other events. Throughout the year, MCAE receives free tickets or reduced price tickets to encourage student involvement in the arts and other cultural activities. During the 2003-2004 academic year, the program distributed over 3,000 tickets to organizations, such as Minnesota Orchestra, Guthrie Theater, and Minnesota Twins.
Students Travel Grants
MCAE awards students funds to attend conferences with the expectation that a post-conference written report or presentation is offered to other students.
Mentoring
President's Distinguished Faculty Mentor Program (PDFMP)
PDFMP was established in l986 as a recruitment and retention initiative. Participants typically graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class and are recipients of one of the following awards: Morton S. Katz Scholarship, President's Distinguished Student Scholarship; Puckett Scholarship, or the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship. Participating scholars are matched in their sophomore year with a faculty mentor.