As midterms approach, students often struggle to keep up with the academic workload at Michigan. Fortunately, U-M offers a multitude of resources to help students thrive in their academic work. These include:
- The Science Learning Center,
- The Language Resource Center,
- The Math Lab, and
- The Sweetland Center for Writing.
See academicsupport.umich.edu for a comprehensive listing.
However, many students enter the University of Michigan with the perception that asking for academic help is a sign of weakness or failure. Some believe that as the “leaders and best,” it's not normal to need help. Many others simply never had to ask for academic help in high school.
According to recent graduate, Ronald Beach;
“When I was a freshman I didn’t think I needed to use the University of Michigan resources because I had gotten here without them, so why do I need them now?”
The stigma applied to asking for help can be reduced when parents and peers encourage students to reach out. Using academic resources on campus can benefit a student in many ways. Peer tutors in resource centers can relate to the anxiety and confusion that many students experience. They can provide strategies and tips on how to get classroom material to “click” for students of different learning styles.
Students with learning and other disabilities are encouraged to register with Student Life's Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). SSD can help students obtain accommodations aimed at giving them an equal opportunity to succeed academically. SSD also provides academic coaching and peer mentoring to help students with disabilities to build time and self-management skills needed in the university environment (less structured than most high school experiences.)
We all want our students to be academically successful. Parents can remind them when they’re facing academic difficulties that true “leaders” become their “best” by asking for help when they need it.
To help Student Life continue making a difference in students' lives, please consider making a gift.