The Study and Learning Skills Program (SLSS) is a peer-to-peer service offered to students with disabilities who are connected to the McBurney Disability Resource Center. SLSS has trained study skills student staff who meet individually with other students to provide tips, strategies, and guidance to study more effectively. To learn more about how a student might connect with the McBurney Center, please review information on how to apply for accommodations.
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Primary Appointment Topics
Scheduling and Time Management
Examples may include setting up a planner, creating a personalized study schedule, breaking down large assignments into smaller and more manageable segments, prioritizing your work, etc.
Procrastination and Accountability
Examples may include productive fidgeting, goal setting, habit tracking, productivity, check in time to discuss academic progress each week, etc.
Note-taking
Examples may include matching note-taking methods to your learning style, organizing your notes, using your notes to study for exams, etc.
Concentration and Focus
Examples may include tips for refocusing, finding effective study spots around campus or at home, tips for improving concentration and focus in and outside the classroom, etc.
Exam Preparation
Examples may include creating a personalized study schedule for an upcoming exam, creating manageable study goals, providing test-taking strategies students can use during exams, final paper writing strategies, etc.
Memorization
Examples may include strategies for improving your memory, understanding the differences between understanding material vs remembering material, using mnemonics, etc.
SLSS Information
What to Expect During a SLSS Appointment
SLSS is a peer-led study and learning skills program for students with disabilities who are connected to the McBurney Disability Resource Center. An initial meeting, or first meeting, with SLSS is one hour. Reoccuring or follow up appointments are available after the initial meeting and usually last 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is strongly encouraged that students utilize SLSS multiple times to get the most out of the program, though not all students may need to do so.
During SLSS meetings, students will work with a SLSS staff member to identify and problem-solve concerns in the following areas: accountability, concentration and focus, exam preparation, memorization, motivation and procrastination, note-taking strategies, study methods, test-taking strategies, time management and organization.
Students can expect personalized meetings about general study strategies, a place to ask questions and reflect on current study strategies, and the opportunity to work through their concerns with study skills in a supportive setting.
It is important to note that SLSS does not provide subject specific tutoring. If subject specific tutoring does interest you, check out the main Greater University Tutoring Service (GUTS) page for a variety of subject specific academic support programs.
How to Come Prepared to a SLSS Meeting
- Complete the pre-session questionnaire sent to you in your appointment reminder from the McBurney Center. Appointment reminders come via e-mail the business day prior to your SLSS meeting. The pre-session questionnaire allows you to explain your concerns and helps SLSS staff better prepare for your meeting.
- Ask yourself what your specific concerns are. For example, if you struggle with time management, what about time management is difficult?
- Be prepared to discuss your current study strategies. Think about what has or hasn’t worked in the past. For example, do you benefit more from a physical paper-based planner or an online/electronic format?
The SLSS staff is here for you. The more you reflect, the more information staff has to assist you.
Study and Learning Skills Specialists
Abdullah Marei
Credentials: Study & Learning Skills
Position title: Study & Learning Skills Specialist/Program Coordinator
Email:
abdullahm.guts
Preston Wong
Credentials: Program Coordinator
Position title: Study & Learning Skills Specialist (SSLS)
Email:
prestonw.guts