Academic Support Services
Resources to help you succeed
Academic Advising
Upon admission to Ave Maria University, each student is assigned an academic advisor. When the student selects a major, a new academic advisor with expertise in the selected field will be assigned if the current advisor does not teach that discipline. Academic advising is a collaborative relationship between a student and an academic advisor who is assigned to the student. The intent of this collaboration is to assist the student in developing meaningful educational goals that are consistent with personal interests, values and abilities. Although many individuals on campus may assist the student in making decisions and accomplishing goals, the academic advisor is granted formal authority by the University to approve the student's academic program of study and assist the student in progressing toward the appropriate degree. Effective academic advising also helps the student clarify program requirements, policies, and procedures, as well as facilitate relationships between the student and other individuals on campus who may provide assistance. A key tenant of academic advising is that it exists in a support capacity for students; it is primarily the student's responsibility to understand and complete the requirements of graduation. Achievement of this end requires the ongoing involvement of the student, the academic advisor, and the institution.
Student Support Services
Student Support Services provides academic support and counseling for Ave Maria University students and aims to significantly increase the retention and academic success of its students. The objective is to help students adjust to the greater academic rigor and autonomy of college and to prevent the stress caused by unsatisfactory performance. Student Support Services focuses on supporting students in their academic success beyond the traditional classroom setting in the following areas:
- Academic Counseling
- Counseling and Support for Students on Academic Probation
- Individual and Group Tutoring
- Development of Study Skills and Time Management Resources
- Support for Transfer Students Transitioning to AMU
- Early Warning Program
- Academic Advising/Assistance with Class Selection and Registration
- Academic Planning and Determining Progress Towards Graduation
Student Support Services advises students on academic issues, such as understanding their learning styles, study techniques, and which courses to take, and it also offers support on related issues, such as scheduling, time management, and project management. Student Support Services seeks to address techniques to avoid habits which are hazardous to students' academic progress, minimize distractions, and develop a positive attitude. It holds classes and workshops on study skills. In addition, the staff meets with students on academic probation or on scholarship which require them to maintain a high grade point average, plan for academic success by creating realistic written goals and means of achieving them, and provides a supportive yet relaxed atmosphere.
Adaptive Services
Ave Maria University is committed to ensuring that all qualified individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to take part in educational and employment programs and services on an equal basis. It is the policy of the University to extend reasonable accommodations to known limitations of qualified individuals with documented disability. The documentation specified in the Ave Maria University Policy on Disability Access and Reasonable Accommodation must be submitted along with the Request for Accommodations forms to the Adaptive Services Office two weeks prior to the start of classes. Reasonable accommodations are made on an individual and flexible basis, and will be provided in a timely and cost-effective manner. To schedule an appointment, please call (239) 280-1654. Further information can be found on the AMU Student Support Services webpage.
Tutoring Services
Peer tutoring at Ave Maria is offered by students who excel in particular subjects and receive faculty approval to tutor. Tutors are usually juniors, seniors, or graduate students, and are trained by the staff after having been recommended by faculty members and hired by the Director of Tutoring. No appointment is needed; tutoring is free. Tutoring is available sixty (60) hours a week. Tutoring occurs on the first floor of the Canizaro Library, and schedules for various subjects are available in the library and on the Student Support Services webpage. Tutors are paid by the university and approach their work in a serious but friendly manner. Designated areas are reserved for students who are working with a tutor. Students seeking study space may make use of other areas on campus.
Students are also able to receive writing support at the tutoring center from knowledgeable undergraduate and graduate students. These tutors are able to assist students with all steps of the writing process, although they are best used as a resource for reviewing completed written work. In addition to offering help with grammar and writing structure, writing tutors are also able to answer any questions about properly formatting and citing sources in academic work. Each writing tutor may be able to assist with specific content areas in addition to general writing help; this information can be found on the semester tutoring schedule.