Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a study group?
- When do groups form?
- What happens during a study session?
- How do I join a study group?
- Where are study group locations on campus?
- How can I benefit from a study group tutor?
- How are facilitators and tutors chosen?
- Who is eligible for accommodation?
- Who do I need to verify my disability?
- What kinds of accommodation are provided?
- Who pays for interpreters, readers & adaptive equipment?
- How do I arrange accommodations for the classroom & examinations?
- How do I get a tutor?
- How do I become a tutor?
1. What is a study group?
A study group usually consists of 4-6 students and a trained leader who meet at appointed times during the semester. No fees are charged. Study groups are offered in most courses. Please talk to your professor or the Learning Center staff for more information about study groups offed during the semester. (Back to Top)
2. When do groups form?
Study groups usually form during the 2nd and 3rd weeks and continue throughout the semester. Study groups are closed to new requests at the end of the 6th week. (Back to Top)
3. What happens during a study session?
During each session, students ask questions, improve problem-solving skills, and work on course content. Students are expected to bring their books and materials to group and come prepared to ask questions. Study group is NOT a homework session. (Back to Top)
4. How do I join a study group?
Complete the on-line request. You will be contacted by e-mail about the status of your request. Note: not all requests can be filled because (1) we may not have someone who can lead the group, or (2) we may not be able to resolve schedule conflicts. (Back to Top)
5. Where are study group locations on campus?
Most study groups meet in the Learning Center, located in Miller Hall. The group leader is responsible for scheduling times and a room for the study group. Your group leader will notify you of the location and time of the group sessions. (Back to Top)
6. How can I benefit from a study group tutor?
Study groups are small groups of students who meet together regularly once or twice per week with the aid of a trained facilitator to discuss concepts, confusions, and insights into course material. In addition to making supplemental instruction available to more students, study groups provide exposure to different methods of problem solving and ways of understanding the material. (Back to Top)
7. How are facilitators and tutors chosen?
Study group facilitators are upperclassmen chosen on the basis of their grades in past courses, recommendations from professors, willingness to help other students, and ability to communicate the material well. (Back to Top)
8. Who is eligible for accommodation?
Any student or employee with a disability who meets the criteria established under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( ADA ) are elegible for accommodation. The four classes of individuals covered under the ADA are:
- Individuals who have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits a major life activity such as reading, walking, seeing, breathing, hearing, working, etc.
- Individuals who have a record of impairment.
- Individuals regarded as having a disability (e.g., a person who has recovered from a debilitating illness or surgery but is assumed by others to still be disabled).
- Individuals having an association with someone who is disabled (e.g., a parent of a child with a disability). (Back to Top)
You need a doctor or a specialist to provide the Learning Center with a letter stating the nature of your disability and how it may impact your learning and living experiences at Cornerstone. Documentation should include recommendations for specific academic adjustments and accommodations. (Back to Top)
10. What kinds of accommodation are provided?
Accommodations vary with each individual. There may be modifications in class scheduling, classroom assignment, testing, housing needs, or assignment of a disabled parking permit. Purchase of assistive equipment or services may include an assitive computer, student note-takers and readers, sign language interpreters, or books on tape. (Back to Top)
11. Who pays for interpreters, readers & adaptive equipment?
The University has set aside funds to cover reasonable accommodations. Additional funding may be available from Michigan Rehabilitation Services when you document your disability and show how the State's assisting in your education expenses can make you more employable. (Back to Top)
12. How do I arrange accommodations for the classroom & examinations?
Students who require accommodations for examinations must already have the appropriate documentation on file with the Learning Center and have met with the Disabilities Resource Coordinator to receive approval and recommendations for appropriate accommodation. Accommodations include, but are not limited to:
- Enlarged or audio taped course materials, handouts, syllabi, and exams
- Audio taping of a lecture
- Sign language interpreters for a lecture
- Student note takers for a lecture
- Extended time for tests
- Class relocation to a more accessible sight
- Assistive computer equipment for tests
- Modified testing formats or alternative means of evaluation
- Assistive listening devise in class
- Readers or scribes
- Lab assistant (Back to Top)
Fill out a tutor request form and turn it in at the Learning Center. They will find a tutor who's schedule fits with yours and your assigned tutor will contact you. (Back to Top)
Tutors must be upperclassmen with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Fill out the tutor application and reference forms, then drop them off at the Learning Center to begin the process. (Back to Top)
