If you are struggling with a tough course, you are not alone.
Breathe.
Then follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the Material
Search for clarity in the textbook, lecture notes, study guides, or other resources. Don't be afraid to wrestle with the material, for it's in wrestling that you not only gain knowledge, you solidify it. Worst-case scenario: you can’t figure it out; at least you’ll be able to discuss your question more intelligently when you jump to Step 2.
Step 2: Go to your Professor
Your professors aren't just there to teach; they’re also there to help. But they want to know that you’ve tried to help yourself first.
When emailing your professor to ask a question or set up a meeting, remember that you're sending out an irretrievable message about who you are. Make a positive impression by communicating thoughtfully. Be clear, concise, and courteous. In other words... (scroll)
Step 3: Go to Tutoring
Tutoring is a safe space where experts help you understand course material and work toward becoming a more independent learner. As a UTSA student, you have 5 FREE tutoring options to fit your needs:
Campus Tutoring. UTSA offers one-on-one tutoring for historically difficult courses, like Algebra, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, and more. Make an appointment or walk in. Meet in person or virtually. Click here for a list of supported courses and schedules.
Supplemental Instruction (SI). Many courses hold weekly SI sessions, where you and your classmates work together in small groups to go over course material and prepare for tests. These guided study groups are a fun way to learn and make friends. Click here for a list of SI-supported courses and schedules.
STARS. STARS tutoring is exclusively for select Chemistry, Math, and Accounting courses. Unlike regular tutoring, STARS tutors attend lectures, communicate with instructors, and hold weekly review sessions to go over the material. Click here for STARS schedules.
College-Based Success Centers. In addition to UTSA's university-wide Student Success Center, every college at UTSA has its own Student Success Center that offers tools and resources to help you with its courses. Two colleges even provide in-house tutoring for their courses, like the Carlos Alvarez College of Business and the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
TutorMe. TutorMe is an online tutoring service that is free, available 24/7, and supports over 50 courses! To see if your course is supported by TutorMe, log in to Canvas, select your course, and (if available) click the "TutorMe" tab in the navigation menu to get started.