FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. My exam scores this semester are not what I would like them to be. I'm not sure if the problem is my studying or my testing techniques. How can I improve my test scores?
Answer: Set up an appointment with Judy Palecek in ACE (472-3893 or jpalecek@francis.edu).
2. I need to improve my writing skills. The papers I'm submitting to my instructors are not receiving the grades I would like them to receive.
Answer: Call x3054 to schedule an appointment at the Writing Center.
3. I would like to do better in one or more of my courses. What should I do?
Answer: Visit the Academic Center for Enrichment in Francis Hall to sign up for a tutor.
4. I am struggling in one of my courses so I signed up for a tutor. I received the tutor's information and tried to contact him, but it has been three days and I have not heard from him yet. What should I do?
Answer: Contact Shannon Klein, Tutor Coordinator (814/472-3178 or sklein@francis.edu) and let her know about the situation.
5. I took Spanish and Psychology in high school and did very well. What could I do to earn credits for each of the courses without actually sitting through the courses?
Answer: You should sign up for a standardized exam called CLEP which would award you credits depending on your score. More information and registration procedures for these and other CLEP exams can be found at www.francis.edu/CLEP.htm
6. I am a student on academic probation. I missed my SAGE meeting, and I do not know where my sessions are. What do I do?
Answer: Go to the Academic Center for Enrichment (Francis Hall, Room 102) and ask to speak with the SAGE Coordinator.
7. For various reasons, I have missed 6 hours of SAGE. My parents are getting letters, my coach is getting letters, and my advisor is getting letters. What do I do?
Answer: Talk to the SAGE Coordinator (Francis 102) and you and she will sit down to devise a plan to make up the hours missed and to ensure that you don't miss anymore.
8. I had an IEP in high school. How do I make arrangements to receive accommodations at SFU?
Answer: Go to ACE (Francis 101) and ask to speak with one of the staff members; but before you go there, you must have submitted recent documentation of your disability to the Center. Call ACE (x3024) if you have any questions.
9. Is there a fee for tutorial assistance?
Answer: Tutoring is FREE to any SFU student.
10. How many hours of tutoring can I have?
Answer: Tutoring hours are not limited.
11. How will I be matched with a tutor?
Answer: The Tutor Coordinator will try to match you with a tutor who has had the same class and the same professor.
12. When does tutoring take place?
Answer: You and your tutor will create a schedule that is convenient for both of you.
13. I hear students talking about Supplemental Instruction. I'm not
sure what it is. How is SI different from tutoring? Where can I find out about SI?
Answer: Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of weekly review sessions for students taking historically difficult courses. SI is provided for all students who want to improve their understanding of course material and improve their grades. Contact Judy Palecek in ACE (472-3893 or jpalecek@francis.edu) for further information.
14. How much does SI cost?
Answer: SI services are FREE to all SFU students.
15. How long is the OASIS program? Will enrolling in it delay graduation?
Answer: The OASIS program is a one-year (two semesters) program. If a student attains a QPA of 3.0 or above during the first semester, he/she may opt out of the OASIS program; however, a majority of students elect to remain with the program for the entire academic year. OASIS credits count toward general education electives, so the program does not delay graduation.
16. Will I be able to get into my major of choice after completing the OASIS program?
Answer: After completing the OASiS program, if a student meets the academic criteria of his/her major, the student will be able to enroll in that major. Some majors accept OASIS students outright, pending the completion of the year-long OASIS program.
17. I am an athlete. Will OASIS interfere with the required study table with the team?
Answer: No. The OASIS program and the Athletics Department have a very good working relationship.
18. Is there an additional cost for the OASIS program?
Answer: There is no additional cost for the OASIS program.
19. What are the General Studies 111 & 112 courses and how will they benefit me?
Answer: GEN 111: Study Skills teaches best practices for studying and preparing for class, time management, test taking, note taking, and critical thinking. GEN 112 is University Reading.
20. What is required for successful completion of the OASIS program?
Answer: OASIS students must successfully complete a two-credit course (GEN 111) in the Fall and a one-credit course (GEN 112) in the Spring. Additionally, they must attend a minimum of four hours of peer tutoring per week.
21. What happens if I don't complete the OASIS program?
Answer: A grade of "F" will appear on the transcript for each of the courses.