Family Information
Academic Support Services at the University of San Francisco
In alignment with our mission, The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers offer a variety of services to help USF students achieve their academic goals. In the sections below there are links to more detailed descriptions of these services as well as some tips on how to help foster academic success for your student.
Appointments and workshop registrations (when applicable) for all Learning Center, Writing Center, and Speaking Center programs and services are available through a centralized online appointment system, which can be accessed under "Quick Links" on any of our webpages.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Learning Center provides peer tutors to assist students with the development of course-specific study strategies and a greater understanding of course material. For high-risk courses, the Learning Center also offers Supplemental Instruction, a series of structured study sessions facilitated by a peer leader.
Learning Center staff also meet with students individually and in groups to assist in the development of study skills and strategies, including (but not limited to) topics such as time management, organization, active studying (note-taking, critical reading, etc.), test-taking and exam preparation, motivation, goal-setting, and learning styles.
Writing assistance is available through Writing Center appointments in which students develop their writing skills by working on specific assignments with professional (faculty) writing consultants and peer tutors.
The Speaking Center is available to help USF students prepare for public speaking, including speeches, oral presentations, team presentations, and visual aid demonstrations. Coaches are trained peer tutors who are skilled, experienced public speakers and have excellent grades in public speaking.
Family members can play an important role in a student's academic success through their encouragement and support. Below are some tips for supporting your student.
- Talk to your student about his or her courses; discuss topics you are familiar with and ask questions about those you are not.
- Encourage your student to connect with their professors; faculty members are excellent resources and mentors.
- Suggest that your student study with others; group learning with classmates, tutors and other peers can often facilitate better understanding.
- Remind your student that they are in college first and foremost for the opportunity to learn; everything else comes second - sometimes even family obligations.
- Encourage your student to plan early and study often; managing priorities will help students find more time in their schedules.
- Let them know that help is available. The University of San Francisco offers a range of services to support students. In addition to the academic support services provided by The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers.
The week of final exams can be stressful for students. Listed below are some simple tips for supporting your student.
- Ask for details. Asking specifics will allow your student to verbalize a plan for studying and completing tasks.
- Be a coach. If your student is having trouble staying on task, offer to check in on his or her progress with specific tasks throughout the week.
- Help prioritize. Students can feel overwhelmed when all their courses are coming to an end, help them decipher which exams and assignment carry the most weight and importance.
- Encourage healthy habits. Taking the time to eat nutritious meals, exercise and get enough sleep can make a huge reduction in stress levels.
- Give praise. To help raise your student’s self-confidence, help to identify and recognize what he or she has accomplished so far this semester.
- Suggest peer support. Studying with classmates, tutors and other peers can often facilitate better understanding.
- Be patient. Your student is in college first and foremost for the opportunity to learn; everything else comes second - sometimes even family obligations.
- Point to resources. The University of San Francisco offers a range of services to support students. If students are unsure where to look, they can stop by Gleeson Library, Room G03 (Lower Level) or contact us at lwsc@usfca.edu or 415-422-6713.
The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers
Gleeson Library | Geschke Center | Lower Level G03
2495 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94117
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED