Student Handbook 
Academic Resources
Academic Resources
Assistance for those experiencing academic problems may be obtained by contacting any of the following services which seem appropriate to your needs.
Academic Learning Center
Reading and study courses with an individualized approach are offered every quarter.
110. Reading/Study Skills emphasizes study strategies (approaches for organizing information to increase comprehension and recall), note taking, test taking, and ideas for decreasing procrastination.
120. Reading Rate Improvement emphasizes the development of flexible reading rates from intensive reading to skimming and scanning. The course also stresses critical comprehension and vocabulary.
Both courses are listed under "Reading" in the class schedule and under "All-University Courses" in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
Free individual tutoring is available for students who want help in their other courses. Focus is on helping students improve their study strategies and test taking skills. Specific assistance is provided with selected general education courses. 101 Stewart Hall; phone 302-308-4993.
Athletes for Success in the Classroom
Working in partnership with the athletic department, this program provides academic support and a positive learning environment for student athletes at SCSU through tutoring, study tables, and help with time management and study skills. The Athletes for Success in the Classroom program is located in the Richard R. Green House at 809 4th Avenue South directly west of the Education Building. Phone 320-308-5392.
Faculty Adviser
You will be assigned an advisor during your first semester at SCSU based on your intended major. Students who have not decided on a major will be assigned to an advisor in the advising center. You will need to see your advisor for help selecting classes for the next semester and to answer any questions you may have concerning the general education program and/or your chosen field of study. It is wise to confer with your advisor as early as possible in order to take advantage of his or her assistance. Please note that advisors and the advising center get very busy during registration, so make an appointment early.
"The Library": Learning Resources & Technology Services
Library
Learning Resources & Technology Services, located in the James W. Miller Learning Resources Center, serves all disciplines of the university, along with students, faculty, staff, and community members in central Minnesota.
The LR&TS collection consists of more than 2.767 million print and nonprint items for the academic community, including more than 667,000 books, 1.3 million federal and state documents, and 743,000 units of microform, including ERIC documents. The collection also contains 1,800 periodical titles, over 17,000 electronic periodical subscriptions, 1,500 maps, and 26,500 nonprint items (computer software, compact discs, videotapes, DVDs, films, etc.). The electronic catalog is available on the World Wide Web. Numerous CD-ROM indexes and online databases are also available. SCSU is a member of the MINITEX network system of Minnesota, which provides access to all major library collections of Minnesota, as well as those in North Dakota and South Dakota. Materials from other libraries can be obtained through Interlibrary Loan at no cost to the user.
The James W. Miller Learning Resources Center has more than 235,000 square feet of assignable space and offers an inviting environment to serve all types of academic needs. Included in the Miller Center are more than 750 study tables, each with data and power connections for laptop computers, and wireless Internet access is available throughout the building. There are 474 lounge seats and 16 group study rooms, each equipped with a computer, TV, VCR, and DVD/CD player. The NASA Educational Resource Center, the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education, and the Faculty Center for Teaching Excellence are also located in the Miller Center.
Computing and Technology
The James W. Miller Learning Resources Center has more than 350 computer workstations available for student use, including 27 in extended hours areas, which are available during over-night times when the Miller Center is closed.
Student computing handbooks can be picked up in MC 112, 204, or one of the listed labs.
Hours
See Hours on the Learning Resources & Technology Services Web site.
Math Skills Center
www.stcloudstate.edu/mathskills
The Math Skills Center offers individualized study plans for students who need to prepare for college level mathematics. The center offers flexible schedules and testing in order to accommodate a diverse student population. To use the Math Skills Center, students must register for MATH 130. Walk-in tutoring for other mathematics courses is not available. During the first day of class students will be assessed and placed into one of the following programs of study: pre-algebra, introductory algebra, or intermediate algebra. Pre-algebra and introductory algebra are non-college credit courses. For more information about any Math Skills Center course contact the staff at 320-308-3840.
Multicultural Academic Support Center
The center provides academic advising assistance, tutorials, computers, personal advising, a mentoring program, and a study area for students. All assistance is free and confidential. The center is located in B-121 Education Bldg., phone 320-308-3976.
Multicultural Tutoring Program
The Multicultural Tutoring Program provides students with on-site tutorial services with tutoring available for most general education classes on a daily basis, or by request. Referrals can be suggested for tutoring in other areas. This service is free. The program is located in the Richard R. Green House at 809 4th Avenue South directly west of the Education Building. Phone 320-308-5392.
Speech Anxiety Reduction Program
This course-for-credit is designed to teach participants techniques for relaxation, which are proven useful in stress-producing situations such as making a public speech. It is recommended to anyone who feels anxiety and stress in communication situations such as making a presentation, interviewing for a job, or meeting new people. Students who believe they are not exhibiting their true abilities because of this type of stress are encouraged to inquire at the communications studies department, MS 129, Joanna Pucel, director. Phone 320-308-2216.
The Write Place
www.stcloudstate.edu/writeplace
The Write Place, SCSU's writing center, is the right place to go with concerns about any writing project at the university. The center offers free, individualized instruction to all SCSU students. A professional staff is on hand to answer questions and provide strategies for all types of writing.
Students benefit from the response of trained readers-tutors who can diagnose writing problems as well as provide strategies for developing ideas, organizing information, and framing arguments. Questions and concerns range from the rules of grammar, punctuation, style, and documentation to conventions of academic writing. Proofreading is still your responsibility as a student, but the writing center can provide strategies that will enable you to prepare effective papers for any class at SCSU.
