Curious about the Office of Academic Success? Get answers to frequently asked questions about:
We offer a variety of support services designed to help students strengthen academic skills and succeed in college. These include Academic Coaching, Writing Consultation, Supplemental Instruction, Peer Tutoring, Learning Assistance, academic recovery program, pre-professional programs, workshops, and other learning opportunities. Visit our Programs page to learn more about each service.
All currently enrolled LSUS students, either undergraduate or graduate, full-time or part-time, on-campus or online, can use Academic Success services.
No. Our programs are designed not only for students who are experiencing academic difficulties, but for all students who want to strengthen skills, improve performance, build confidence, and make the most of their college experience. Whether you need help overcoming a challenge, staying on track, or growing from good to great, Academic Success is here to support you.
Yes! All our programs and services are free to LSUS students.
The best service depends on the kind of support you need. If you are looking for help with general study strategies – such as creating a study plan, managing procrastination, or taking effective notes in class – Academic Coaching may be a good fit. If you need help with a paper or want to strengthen your writing skills, Writing Consultation is a great option. If you would like support for a specific course, check whether Supplemental Instruction is available for that class, or contact a Peer Tutor if SI is not offered or if you prefer one-on-one tutoring.
If you are not sure where to start, contact us at success@lsus.edu or 318-795-2486, or visit our office in the Student Success Center during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We are happy to help you find the support option that best fits your need.
Yes! Students are welcome to use any Academic Success services based on their needs.
Academic Coaching, Writing Consultation, and Peer Tutoring are available in both in-person and online formats. Supplemental Instruction and Learning Assistance are offered in person only. For other programs and workshops, in-person participation is generally prioritized, though virtual accommodation may be available in some cases. Please refer to the specific program information for details.
We do not contact parents about services you use at the Academic Success Office.
Schedule appointments for Academic Coaching and Writing Consultations here. Schedule Peer Tutoring Appointments through Knack here.
Academic Coaching, Writing Consultations, and Peer Tutoring are offered by appointment. Supplemental Instruction and Learning Assistance are not scheduled through individual appointments since they are connected to course-based support.
Walk-in appointments may be available for Academic Coaching depending on coach availability. Writing Consultation does not offer walk-in appointments. Walk-in is not available for Peer Tutoring, but you can request on-demand tutoring sessions through Knack if you need quick help with a specific question.
If you need to cancel or reschedule an Academic Coaching or Writing Consultation appointment, please contact success@lsus.edu or 318-795-2486.
If you're unable to attend your appointment, please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your scheduled time so the time can be made available to another student. Repeated missed appointments may affect future scheduling availability.
You should bring any materials that will help make the appointment productive. Depending on the service, this may include your assignment instructions, notes, draft, syllabus, study materials, or specific questions you would like to discuss.
If you are having trouble scheduling an appointment or are not sure which service to choose, contact us at success@lsus.edu or 318-795-2486, and we will be happy to assist you.
Recurring appointments may be available for some services, depending on staff availability. Students who are interested in ongoing support should contact us at success@lsus.edu or 318-795-2486 to check about the best way to schedule regular appointments throughout the semester.
Academic Coaching and Writing Consultations have appointments of 50 minutes. Peer Tutoring appointments can be flexible and tailored towards the needs of the student, but each individual tutoring session has a maximum duration of 1.5 hours.
There is no limit regarding Academic Coaching and Writing Consultations. For Peer Tutoring, there is a limit of one between a Tutor/Student combination in one day.
Academic Coaches can help with a variety of academic skills and strategies, including but not limited to time management, overcoming procrastination, test preparation, note-taking, academic reading, study planning, motivation, goal setting, and metacognitive learning strategies. Coaching is designed to help students build habits and skills that support long-term academic success.
During an Academic Coaching appointment, you will meet one-on-one with a trained Academic Coach to talk through your goals, challenges, and current study habits. Together, you will identify strategies and practical next steps that help you succeed in your coursework and strengthen your overall approach to learning.
Academic Coaching focuses on helping students strengthen general academic skills and learning strategies. Tutoring is more course-specific and focuses on helping students understand content in a particular class.
No. For career counselling, visit Career Services. For helping choosing courses, understanding curriculum, etc., contact your academic advisor or visit Academic Advising.
All of our Academic Coaches are certified peer educators who are qualified to provide academic support to LSUS students. Students can feel confident scheduling with any of our coaches. However, if you would prefer to work with a coach who shares certain backgrounds, experiences, or areas of interest with you, we encourage you to visit our Staff page to learn more about our Academic Coaches.
Writing Consultants can assist with academic writing across courses disciplines, as well as with personal and professional writing projects. Students are also welcome to make an appointment to improve their general writing skills even if they are not currently working on a specific project.
Yes, we can help with any kind of public speaking, from class presentations to public speeches, thesis defenses, job talks, and conference papers. We give feedback on organization, argument and clarity, as well as on delivery techniques.
We welcome non-native speakers of English. While our writing consultants are not ESL instructors, their training includes a strong focus on issues related to writing in a second language.
Unfortunately, we do not currently provide assistance with writing in languages other than English. You can request an on-demand session or submit it as an asynchronous question to get help from a professional tutor on Knack.
While we prioritize feedback on ideas, argument, organization or logic, we have always recognized the importance of grammar and syntax to clear writing and those issues are important to students. Our consultants are happy to explain the rules, point out recurrent errors in your paper, connect you to online grammar resources, etc. We don't, however, proofread or fix errors directly. Our goal is to help you recognize and correct grammatical errors yourself so you can become a stronger, independent writer.
Yes. You are encouraged to use Writing Consultation at any stage of the writing process. A consultant can help you understand the assignment, brainstorm ideas, develop a thesis, organize your thoughts, or create an outline.
Yes. Writing Consultation is not limited to specific assignments. You are welcome to meet with a consultant to work on general academic writing skills and become stronger, more confident writers.
Anything relevant to your purpose. If you are working on a writing project, bring the draft you're working on, the assignment sheet or other directions, and questions you have. If you want to improve your writing skills in general but are not currently writing, you are encouraged to bring some pieces of your old writing for diagnostic purposes.
Yes. Writing Consultants can help with professional writing projects such as resumes, CVs, and cover letters. Our focus will be on writing itself, including language, word choice, clarity, organization, and overall effectiveness. You are also encouraged to consult Career Services for additional guidance on professional expectations, formatting, and career-specific advice.
No. At this time, our Writing Consultants do not offer online draft review with written feedback. However, you can submit your paper through Knack as an asynchronous question and receive written feedback from a professional tutor. For more information, please refer to the Knack Help Center article on Asynchronous Support.
All of our Writing Consultants are trained peer educators who are qualified to provide writing support to LSUS students across disciplines. However, if you feel more comfortable working with a consultant who can offer subject-specific feedback. We encourage you to visit our Staff page to learn more about our Writing Consultants.
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a non-remedial approach to learning that supports students toward academic success by integrating "what to learn" with "how to learn". SI consists of regularly scheduled, voluntary, out-of-class group study sessions driven by students' needs. Sessions are facilitated by trained peer leaders who utilize collaborative activities to ensure peer-to-peer interaction in small groups. SI is implemented in high-risk courses in consultation with academic staff and is supported and evaluated by a trained supervisor.
SI Leaders are students who have taken the class before and earned a high grade in the course or recommended by faculty. SI Leaders undergo a vigorous training process and are prepared to share with students who to effectively study for the course. SI Leaders attend the same class sessions with the students, taking notes and listening closely to the professor.
At each SI session, the Leader will guide the students through the most difficult course concepts. SI Leaders will help students make good use of their time and share the strategies he or she used to be successful in the course. SI Leaders will not re-lecture, give out copies of his or her notes, help students with assigned homework, or encourage last minute test cramming. The overall goal of SI sessions is to incorporate a deeper understanding of course content with study skills that can be used with other coursework.
No. While both SI and tutoring provide academic support, SI is tied to a specific course and is offered in a group setting through regularly scheduled sessions. SI emphasizes collaborative learning and study strategies connected to course content, while tutoring typically provides more individualized support.
In addition to regular SI sessions, SI Leaders hold office hours in the Student Success Center to provide extra support for students who have questions, who would benefit from additional one-on-one help, or who cannot attend SI sessions due to schedule conflicts.
No. SI is open to all students enrolled in supported courses. SI targets at challenging courses, not at individual students. While SI can be especially helpful for students who are finding a course challenging, it is also a valuable resource for students who may want to stay on track. Research across the states shows that participants, particularly those attending five or more sessions, often achieve higher grades regardless of prior academic achievement.
The SI Leader will make an announcement about sessions on the first day of class. Session information will also be shared on the course Moodle page and syllabus. You can also check the current SI schedule for which courses are supported by SI this semester.
The time and location of SI sessions will be announced during the first week of class. SI sessions start the second week of class. Each SI Leader typically sets up two review sessions per week. SI Leaders start holding their office hours from the first week of class. You can view the current SI schedule that includes the time and locations of SI sessions as well as SI Leaders' office hours. Session information will also be shared on the course Moodle page and syllabus.
Any student enrolled in a course that offers SI is welcome to attend SI sessions or SI Leaders' office hours. Because the number of SI Leaders is limited and their schedules may not allow them to attend every section of a course, an SI Leader is typically assigned to only one section and attends that class regularly. However, SI support is intended for the course as a whole. Even if an SI Leader is not assigned to your specific section, you are still encouraged to attend SI as long as it is offered for that course.
No. The two weekly SI sessions usually cover the same or very similar content. Offering multiple sessions a week is intended to give more students the opportunity to participate and access support at a time that works best for their schedule.
SI Leaders also hold office hours in the Student Success Center, and you are welcome to stop by during those times for additional help; no appointment is required. Check the current SI schedule for the list of office hours.
Yes. Although we encourage you to attend sessions led by the SI Leader assigned to your section, since they will be more familiar with your instructor's course content, pacing, and progress, you are still welcome to attend another SI Leader's session. This can be especially helpful if you are unable to attend the session offered by the SI Leader assigned to your section.
No. SI sessions are voluntary, but students are strongly encouraged to attend regularly in order to get the greatest benefit.
No. Participation in SI is anonymous, and professors are not informed about which individual students attend SI sessions. This helps to ensure that your participation in SI does not affect how your work is evaluated or graded.
You are encouraged to attend SI sessions regularly throughout the semester. Consistent attendance can help you stay engaged with course material, strengthen study habits, and prepare more effectively for assignments and exams.
No appointment is needed to attend SI sessions. You can simply attend the scheduled sessions for supported courses.
No. You can simply stop by in the Student Success Center during their office hours.
No. SI sessions are offered in person only. However, if you'd like to attend an SI Leader's office hours virtually, please contact them via email to check if they are available to set up a virtual meeting with you during their office hours.
You should bring any materials that will help you participate fully, such as class notes, textbooks, assignments, study guides, or questions about the course material.
Peer Tutoring at LSUS is offered through Knack, a CLRA-certified online peer tutoring platform. Through Knack, students can connect with peer tutors who have already succeeded in the courses they support and can provide guidance based on their experience and knowledge.
Students can access Peer Tutoring through the Knack platform. Visit the Peer Tutoring section of our Programs page for instructions on how to get started.
Peer tutors are LSUS students who have previously succeeded in the courses they support. Prior to tutoring, they have received systematic and extensive training to ensure the quality they provide for LSUS students.
All undergraduate courses and selected graduate courses are supported by Peer Tutoring on Knack. Upon signing in with your school email, Knack automatically applies your institutional program details to show which courses are covered.
You can find a peer tutor by completing the Request a Tutor form on Knack. Tutors will then review your request and respond with their offers to help. You will review tutor offers to determine which tutor is best for you and then schedule a tutoring session with your preferred tutor. Check the Help Center on Knack for more information about how to find a tutor.
Once you have found a tutor of your liking, you can send them a session request on Knack to schedule a day/time/location to meet. You can request the session by clicking the Request session button on the tutor's profile or through your messages with them. Check the Help Center on Knack for more information about how to schedule a tutoring session.
Peer Tutoring through Knack is available in both in-person and online formats.
Yes. Depending on availability, Knack allows students to find both one-on-one and group tutoring options. Check the Knack Help Center article on Scheduling a Tutoring Session for more information about how to book a group session.
Yes. Knack allows students to view available tutors and choose the tutor who best fits their needs and schedule. Check the Knack Help Center article on Searching for a Specific Tutor for more information about how to search for a specific tutor.
You can discuss it with your chosen tutor to find a time that works for both of you, which is not limited within business hours. Knack also offers access to professional tutors who are available 24/7 for on-demand support.
No. If you are scheduling an in-person tutoring session, you can discuss it with your chosen tutor to decide on a location where both of you find most comfortable and convenient, and it doesn't have to be on campus.
If an LSUS peer tutor is not available for your course, Knack also provides access to on-demand and asynchronous tutoring through a network of professional tutors.
LSUS peer tutors are LSUS students who support courses based on their own academic success and experience at the university. Knack's professional tutors are part of a broad tutoring network, who have an advanced degree in the subject area and are available to provide additional support, including on-demand and asynchronous tutoring when peer tutors are not available.
On-demand tutoring allows students to connect with available professional tutors for immediate help, often when they need quick assistance with a question or concept or a peer tutor is not available. Check the Knack Help Center article on On-Demand Sessions for more information about on-demand sessions.
Asynchronous tutoring allows students to submit a question or an essay and receive written feedback later, rather than meeting live with a tutor. Check the Knack Help Center article on Asynchronous Support for more information about asynchronous tutoring.
Students who are interested in becoming a peer tutors should visit our Join Us page about qualifications and application procedures or check the Knack Help Center article on Becoming a Tutor for more information about how to become a tutor.
You are welcome to encourage students to use Academic Success services whenever additional support may be helpful. You may refer students by directing them to our website, encouraging them to visit the Student Success Cener, or sharing our information on your syllabus and/or the course Moodle page.
It depends on the situation.
For Supplemental Instruction. No. SI participation is anonymous so that instructors' knowledge of attendance does not influence grading, and so student grade data can serve as an unbiased source for us to evaluate the impact of SI on academic performance.
For Academic Coaching and Writing Consultation, faculty may receive information in certain situations. If you have requested a student to use our services, we may provide you with a summary of the student's appointments with an Academic Coach or Writing Consultant, given the student's consent. If a student works with us on an assignment or take-home exam, we will provide the instructor with a summary of the appointment regardless.
Yes. We are happy to visit classes to introduce our programs and help students learn how to access support throughout the semester. Please contact us via success@lsus.edu or wenqi.zeng@lsus.edu to discuss scheduling.
Yes. We can host workshops related to topics such as study strategies, time management, note-taking, test preparation, or other areas of academic skill development. You can contact us via success@lsus.edu or wenqi.zeng@lsus.edu for more information and coordination.
Supplemental Instruction is typically provided for historically challenging courses based on DFW rate, institutional priorities, and program capacity. We currently focus our SI support on gateway courses in STEM majors. However, faculty who are interested in exploring SI support for their course are also encouraged to contact Academic Success.
Faculty recommendations are often helpful to identify strong candidates for student staff positions such as SI Leaders, Learning Assistants, Academic Coaches, and Writing Consultants. If you know a student who has demonstrated strong academic performance, communication skills, leadership skills, and professionalism, please refer the student to us via wenqi.zeng@lsus.edu.
Faculty recommendations are an important way we identify strong candidates for Peer Tutoring. If you know a student who has performed well in your course and would be a good fit to support other students, you may recommend them directly through Knack using the Knack Tutor Recommendation Form. Students who are recommended by faculty will receive a Faculty Recommended badge on their Knack profile. You may also contact Academic Success via success@lsus.edu if you'd like additional information about the recommendation process.
Student staff complete onboarding training before the start of the semester and continue to receive training annually as they work with Academic Success. All student staff participate in a two-day NASPA Certified Peer Educator training, which prepares them to support their peers through leadership development, wellness promotion, and bystander intervention. In addition, student staff receive role-specific training based on their position. Depending on their responsibilities, this may include additional training focused on areas such as facilitation strategies, academic coaching skills, tutoring strategies, writing tutoring skills, and other skills needed to effectively serve LSUS students.
Throughout the semester, student staff are also observed by their program supervisor at various points in time. These observations are used to discuss performance, recognize strengths, and identify areas for continued growth. Academic Success and the Student Success Center also provide ongoing professional development opportunities to support student staff in strengthening their skills and effectiveness in their roles.
Similarly, Peer Tutors on Knack complete onboarding and training through the platform as part of Knack's tutor recruitment and support process. Knack offers CRLA-endorsed tutor training modules that are designed to prepare peer tutors with foundational tutoring skills and best practices for supporting other students.
Student Success Center
Noel Memorial Library (1st floor)
318-795-2486
success@lsus.edu
Hours: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
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