ASC Frequently Asked Questions

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The Academic Success Centre   Academic Support/Peer Tutoring  Workshop Wednesdays  Info for Instructors

Question not answered below? Come see us in person or send us an email and we will answer it. 

The Academic Success Centre

What is the Academic Success Centre?

The Academic Success Centre (ASC) is an open learning environment where students can access academic support, such as tutoring, study resources, skills support (such as time management and study skills), study resources, space for individual or group study, and technology such as computers, printers, a projector, and noise-cancelling headphones.  We host Workshop Wednesdays throughout the semester on various academic skills, and we also hire Peer Tutors in various subject areas so that students can have access to specific help from peers who have been successful in the past.
Where is the Academic Success Centre and when is it open?
The ASC is located on Keyano’s Clearwater Campus, Room 119.  The space is staffed from 8:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mondays-Fridays, and staff may also be able to offer flexible times upon request.   
How much does it cost to access academic support or tutoring at the Academic Success Centre (ASC)?
All services at the ASC are free!
 Do I have to be a Keyano student to use the ASC?
Yes, and we require students to sign in using their name and Keyano email address. 
Who are the staff at the Academic Success Centre?

The ASC is staffed by three Academic Content Specialists: one for Math, one for Science, and one for English/Humanities. These staff members all have an academic background in their area of expertise. 

Additionally, the Academic Success Coach works out of the ASC, and can support students with academic skills like time management, notetaking, how to study effectively, etc. The Academic Success Coach also works with students who are on the RTW list or on academic probation. Check out our website for profiles on our staff.
How do I contact the Academic Success Centre?
The ASC has one email, academic.success@keyano.ca , that all staff have access to. The benefit of this is that our staff are able to determine what is needed and who is the best person to reply. The Academic Success Coach can also be reached at ACADEMIC.SUCCESS@KEYANO.CA. All staff also have access to check our Facebook messages, and each staff member has an individual Keyano email address and MS Teams account.
Do I need to book an appointment to visit the Academic Success Centre?

Normally, the Academic Success Centre operates on a drop-in basis, so students can bring their materials and come in at any time during our hours of operation and get the help they need. Students can book individually or as a group by sending us an email.
 How do I book the conference room?
There is a posted schedule on the conference room door at the ASC. The conference room can be booked for 3 hours at a time. If you can't come in to write down your name, please email us and we will do it for you. 
 Can I bring a friend to the ASC? 
Yes! Please spread the word to your friends and classmates.
Is there a time limit/limited number of hours I can get help per course?

No, however students need to take responsibility for their learning and staff must respect academic integrity and avoid over tutoring. If staff feel that a student is asking for too much help, they will explain the limits to the student.

Does the Academic Success Centre meet a student's every need?

No, there are other teams/departments within the College that we collaborate with to give students the most comprehensive support possible. 

For example, Accessibility Services, the Library, Wellness Services, Testing Services, and Student Life.  However, if you contact us when one of these other services would be more appropriate, we will do our best to make sure you are connected with the appropriate service!  Many students also come to us with other concerns because we are familiar faces/a safe space.  We also ensure these students get the help they need.

Academic Support/Peer Tutoring 

What is the Peer Tutoring program?
The Academic Success Centre offers employment opportunities to Keyano students as peer tutors.  Jobs are posted on the Keyano Careers webpage based on identified need in specific courses/subject areas, but interested students can also submit résumés.  Students hired as Peer Tutors have demonstrated competence in the area they wish to tutor and receive training on tutoring techniques. 
I want to work with a Peer Tutor, when are they available?
Peer Tutor schedules are posted weekly at the Academic Success Centre (CC-119)
How do I become a Peer Tutor?
Ask our staff or visit the Keyano Careers page to find out!
Can ASC staff meet me outside the ASC/College?
We can accommodate virtual meetings if necessary, however, in-person meetings must take place in CC-119.
How does the ASC follow academic integrity?
Instead of giving the answers or telling students what to write, we focus on helping students develop the skills to complete their work themselves.
What Keyano Courses does the Academic Success Centre offer support in?

The Academic Success Centre can support students in all Keyano courses and subject areas. However, it is sometimes necessary to access resources in those subject areas or to collaborate with instructors to receive documents like course outlines, course packs/manuals, or textbooks to gain more insight into their specific course delivery and expectations. We also support students who are struggling with the perquisite/foundational skills and knowledge they need for their courses.

Workshop Wednesdays

 My schedule won't allow me to attend a Workshop Wednesday, but I really want to! What can I do?
If you can't attend, but need support on that topic, drop in or email us and we will go over it one-on-one with you/your group. If there's enough interest, we may also consider offering it again. 
 I want to see a workshop on (insert topic here). Can you do that?
Probably! Email us to request a topic and spread the word with your classmates. However, if this is something you need immediately (i.e. in order to complete an upcoming assignment), it may also be necessary to book an appointment ASAP so you get the information you need when you need it. 
 Can I bring a friend to a workshop?
 Yes! Please spread the word to your friends and classmates.
 I'm not in (a specific program/course), can I still attend a given workshop?
 All workshops are open to all students, no matter what programs or courses they are taking. 
My question isn't answered here!
Come see us in person or send us an email and we will answer it.

Information for Instructors

 I'm an instructor and I have a student who needs academic support, what can I do?

There are a couple of options for getting students support at the ASC.  It is important to know that students must choose to access these supports.  ASC staff may try several times to reach out to a student, but cannot guarantee they will reply/come in.  It can also be helpful for the instructor to check in with the student after the referral to see if they have followed through or how things are going, and continue to remind them of the importance/benefits of accessing the service.

 

Option 1: Refer the student to us by emailing academic.success@keyano.ca and copying the student on the email.  Include the course/assignment/concept/skill the student will need support with. Staff will “reply all” to this first email so you can see contact was established.

Option 2: Directly encourage the student to contact us via email/drop-in.   
How can I encourage students to access the ASC and/or build awareness that these supports exist?

Awareness is a big barrier for us! 

Some things you can do as an instructor are to:

  • Invite us to your class at the beginning of the semester to explain to students what/who we are and how to access our services themselves. 
  • Posting our information on Moodle and continuing to remind students to use us (e.g. when you’re reminding them about due dates and assessments) also really helps. 
  • Students should know that the ASC does not simply offer remedial supports, i.e. you can be an A+ student and still visit the ASC! 
  • Also remind students to get help as early as possible (i.e. not the day the assignment is due) to ensure we are able to support them effectively.
 Do the staff at the ASC understand and respect academic integrity? 
 Yes!  Our staff do not provide answers, tell students what to write, or in any way do students’ work for them.  We support students in developing skills and knowledge, and are comfortable explaining these boundaries to students.  Peer Tutors are also trained in and expected to act with academic integrity.  ASC staff also do not replace course instruction – we expect students to attend class and communicate problems with their instructors.
 I'm interested in the ASC workshops, can staff present one to my class?
Probably!  Email us and we will try to work with your needs/schedule.  If an existing/upcoming Workshop Wednesday meets your needs, please encourage students to attend!  If the timing isn’t right (e.g. conflicts with a time students are in class) we can also offer it again at a different time!