A lot is expected of students here. Your Chicago experience might be one of your most challenging and intense. But the University has many resources to assist you in your academic studies and in navigating the many layers of your life in the College. Faculty members are dedicated to teaching students in the College. From new to more senior professors, Chicago teachers want students to succeed—through hard work, free inquiry, and dedication. Each professor has different expectations, and students are ultimately responsible for making sure that they satisfy the requirements of the College curriculum and for individual courses. Teaching assistants (TAs) and Core Tutors are also crucial guides to succeeding in course work. Further, there are many mentor programs that provide advice, encouragement, and assistance.

Faculty office hours

If you want help learning the material, the most important contact you have is with your professor. You will have to take the initiative. Most professors have office hours, and you should feel free to use them. Others prefer that you make appointments. Professors (even the Nobel laureates) are genuinely interested in talking with you. They're usually willing to look over papers, discuss why they graded your midterm the way they did, or explain confusing points from class. Professors can also be great sources of advice in their field (but stick with your College adviser for the big picture on curricular requirements). If you want to have more contact with faculty, knock on doors. They will open. Also consider your teaching assistants (TAs) as resources—they can help if you're perplexed by a particular topic from class.

To find the phone number or e-mail address of a professor, use one of the University's searchable directories on the Web. Or dial 2-1234 and ask for the professor by name.

Tutoring

College Core Tutor Program
Web: www.college.uchicago.edu/tutors/
Phone: 2-3211

About 50 tutors, most of them graduate students, provide individual help with the material taught in general education and introductory courses. Tutors in biology, chemistry, economics, mathematics, physics, and writing meet with you one-on-one and in small groups in Harper Library (North Reading Room) and in some residence halls. There's no charge. Schedules are available the second week of the quarter (but not summer) on the Web and at the College advisers' front desk, Harper Memorial, Room 280. Be sure to visit the Web page for the program's policies.

Academic Skills Assessment Program (ASAP)

Student Counseling and Resource Service
Web: counseling.uchicago.edu/services/asap/
Address: 5737 South University Avenue
Phone: 2-9800
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

ASAP offers study skills assessment and educational therapy through workshops, ongoing groups, and individual appointments. The ASAP educational therapists coach students in the areas of reading skills, time management, test-taking, concentration, and the writing process. They also provide screening, coaching, and referral for students with concerns about ADHD and learning disabilities.

To schedule an appointment with an ASAP educational therapist, call SCRS at 2-9800. 

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