RESOURCES AT JOHN JAY

Whether tackling tough course material or working hard to keeping on track toward graduation, every college student needs help sometimes.

TIPS FOR FINDING THE HELP YOU NEED

1. Seek help early. Don’t wait until a manageable problem snowballs to unmanageable proportions. New concepts often build on earlier ones, so if you do not grasp a key concept from the beginning of term, ask for help. Your instructor will appreciate your effort to stay on top of course material rather than waiting until the last minute.
   
   
2. Overcome nervousness. Some students don’t ask for help when they need it because they:
• don’t want to admit that they could not follow the lecture. Professors know that material can be challenging. They expect students to let them know when they need clarification.
• are afraid of asking a “dumb” question. According to an old English proverb, “The only stupid question is one not asked.” No question is dumb. Many other students have the same question and will be glad you asked.
• feel shy or embarrassed. Instructors want to help you understand. It’s important to overcome your shyness and learn to be your own advocate.  This is a life skill that you will use beyond college.
• have fallen behind because of misplaced priorities.  Everyone gets off track sometimes. The sooner you get help and catch up on your assignments, the easier the rest of the semester will be.
• are not sure where to go for help. There are many resources available on campus to help you succeed.  See Where to Go for Help below.
• do not know what questions to ask. Figuring out what to ask and how to word your question is a skill that is learned. (See next tip.)
  
  
3. Ask focused questions. Whether talking with a professor, advisor, or tutor, focus your questions in a way that gets you the information you need. A well-formed question makes clear what you do and do not understand and solicits specific information. Compare:

   Vague question: “Can you explain this chapter?” What specifically about the chapter don’t you understand? The instructor may not know where to begin or how much depth to go into.
   Focused question: “How do atomic number and atomic weight relate to how many protons and neutrons are in an atom?” With specific questions like this, the instructor or tutor can zero in on the information you are looking for. Sometimes just clarifying to yourself what you need to know is enough to help you find answers on your own.

4. Be prepared. When visiting your professor during office hours, meeting with an advisor, or participating in a tutoring session, write down your specific questions beforehand or star the items on your homework or test that you wish to discuss. Bring your textbook or other materials, such as class notes, a pen, the course syllabus, and a calendar.
   
   
5.  Clarify before you leave. Take notes during your meeting and check your understanding every so often. To make sure you understand, restate the information in your own words: “So you’re saying, __________________________, right?”
   
   

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

Use the resources available to you on campus. (Links are provided to services at John Jay College. If you attend a community college, visit your college website for the resources on your campus.)

• Instructors. If you are struggling in one of your classes, the first person to go to is your instructor. That’s what office hours are for.
  
  
• Your advisor. If you have questions about your major, your course load, your plan to graduate, or your transition to John Jay College, meet with your academic or CJA advisor. It is your responsibility to keep in contact with your advisor to make sure you are on track with your course plan and meeting all necessary requirements for your major.
  
  
• Tutoring center. The tutoring center can help you succeed through online, individual, or small group tutoring. You can find support in math, science, and writing.
  
  
• Study groups. You can join or form study groups for specific classes. Participating in a study group reinforces your understanding of course material, keeps you from falling behind, and forces you to work on aspects of the course content that you may have been putting off.
  
  
• Accessibility Services. If you have a disability, the Accessibility office can help you arrange accommodations and can offer additional types of academic support.
  
  
• Counseling Center.   If you feel overwhelmed by stress, worry, or sadness, visit the counseling center on campus. Personal or emotional problems can keep you from doing your best in school, and ignoring them does not make them go away on their own. Support is there for you, so take advantage of it.
  
  
• Student Health Center. To be your best academically, you need to stay healthy. Free and low-cost prevention and treatment is available at the Student Health Center.
  
  
• Other areas. Support is available in many other areas of interest as well, such as Career Development, Veterans, LGBTQ, and Women’s issues. Visit your college for services available on your campus.