Academic Success Center
Academic Success Center: Overview
The Academic Success Center (ASC) provides a variety of academic assistance to support the academic achievement of students and foster their independence as learners. Assistance includes courses that prepare students for enrollment in Niagara University General Education writing and math requirements; peer tutoring for many 100-level and some 200-level courses; a Writing Center, and academic coaching. Academic and non-academic accommodations for students with disabilities are coordinated through ASC based on documented needs. ASC offers workshops and maintains an active YouTube channel that offers videos on topics related to success in college, including study skills, time management, writing skills, citations, and more. These services are available at no charge to Niagara University students.
For more information, please contact the Academic Success Center at 716.286.8072 or asc@niagara.edu.
Subject peer tutoring is provided for many 100 and some 200 level courses at no cost for students. Peer tutors are students who have at least a 3.0 overall GPA, a B in the course(s) they wish to tutor, and receive a faculty recommendation. All tutors are trained by the professional staff according to College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) criteria. Typically, tutors and students meet in small groups twice a week, for an hour each time, for the duration of the semester. Tutors may help students clarify textbook material, discuss ideas, go over practice problems, provide study techniques, and/or review test-taking strategies. To request a tutor, students must complete the request forms available in the Academic Success Center or online.
The Writing Center offers tutoring beginning from the third week of each semester until exams begin. Professional and peer tutors work with students on all aspects of the writing process, from understanding the assignment requirements to planning, organizing, documenting, and revising drafts. While tutors do not correct or proofread papers for students, they can recommend a variety of strategies and resources to help students with their drafts-in-progress.
Writing tutoring is offered both in person and online. In-person sessions take place in the Academic Success Center in Seton Hall. Online sessions may occur synchronously or asynchronously. Center hours are posted at the beginning of each semester in the myNU sign-up system.
Students can sign up to meet with a tutor by logging into myNU under the "Resources" tab and clicking on "Writing Center Registration." Session types (online or in person) are color-coded in the sign-up system for ease of reference. All Niagara University students–both undergraduate and graduates, and students enrolled at both our Lewiston and Vaughan campuses–are welcome to use the Writing Center.
Any student with a documented disability is eligible to receive reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case/course-by-course basis as stipulated under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008, and other pertinent state and federal regulations. The purpose of accommodations and modifications is to reduce or eliminate any disadvantages that may exist because of an individual’s disability.
Services for students with disabilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Academic accommodations:
- Alternate format of textbooks
- Note-takers
- Testing accommodations (e.g., extended time, separate location, readers)
- Advocacy
- Assistive Technology, such as screen readers, voice input
- Liaison with faculty, local, state, federal, and/or provincial agencies
- Progress conferencing: individual meetings with staff for academic coaching
- Registration and scheduling assistance
Individuals with disabilities seeking accommodations, adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids and services must contact and provide documentation of disability to:
Accessibility Services/Academic Success Center
11 Vincentian Drive
P.O. Box 1915
Niagara University, N.Y. 14109
Phone: 716.286.8072
Fax: 716.286.8063
Email: accessibilityservices@niagara.edu
A student with a disability is responsible for disclosing and documenting the current substantial limitation(s) they are likely to have in the university setting. Documentation must be submitted from a qualified professional and must support the student’s need for accommodations/services. Eligibility for reasonable and appropriate accommodations will be determined on an individual basis. Depending on the disability and the type of assistance requested, a student may be referred to additional university service providers as needed.