Published March 02, 2023
The University Learning Center: Your Go-To for Academic Success
Adjusting to the rigorous academic standards of college can be hard. Even the most diligent notetakers and office-hour frequenters run into a course or concept that stumps them. But, at NYU, students have a secret advantage for overcoming academic hurdles: the University Learning Center (ULC). At its two locations—the Academic Resource Center and University Hall—the ULC helps students meet their courses’ challenges, guides them as they adjust to the college learning environment, and instills lifelong learning skills.
Learning from Peers
The ULC provides peer-to-peer tutoring and support services at no cost. Undergraduate staff members like Vibha Mital, a senior studying global public health and biology, run day-to-day operations. As an information assistant, Vibha works at the front desk, welcoming students and matching them with the tutor who best fits their needs.
Tutoring sessions operate on a drop-in basis and last 30 minutes. They’re led by learning assistants who previously did well in the course they tutor for. “The ULC is a great resource for NYU students because learning assistants relate to their students’ experiences,” says Kwame Amoako-Boadu, a junior biology major who works as a learning assistant. “We’ve taken the same classes as the students, are generally familiar with the professors, and are often in similar majors.”
Before working at the ULC, Vibha dropped in for help with a challenging chemistry course. “The learning assistant explained the concepts in such a clear, concise way,” Vibha says. “The opportunity to pose questions to someone who recently did the course was game-changing.”
Making Connections Together
Beyond one-on-one tutoring, the ULC also offers group study opportunities. Learning Groups and Bits are sessions that meet weekly and cover lecture material in different ways. Learning Groups are problem-solving sessions where students work collaboratively to solve practice problems. Bits are similar but more lecture-based.
Before certain exams, the ULC also hosts Study Slams. These are fast-paced review sessions that cover important topics to remember, along with practice questions. “Each session has a different purpose, but the overarching purpose is to get students to engage in the learning process together and support each other through that process,” Vibha says.
A Path to Academic Growth
Not all ULC resources are tied to specific classes. You can also attend academic skills workshops aimed at building the skills needed to succeed in college. Topics include how to make a study schedule, how to connect with professors, and how to avoid procrastination. It’s all part of a larger academic-support ecosystem at NYU, which every student should feel comfortable using.
“I strongly believe that no student should feel ashamed to ask for help,” Kwame says. “Learning assistants are students who understand the challenges of being an NYU student. We’re able to speak to students on level terms not possible from a professor or teaching assistant.”
Whether engaging in a one-on-one tutoring session or group Study Slam at the ULC, students can reach their full academic potential without feeling alone in the process. “Classes at NYU are meant to challenge you,” Vibha says. “It can only help to get another perspective.”
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