Academic Tips
Check out the resources of the Student Learning Center (SLC)
The SLC offers credit-bearing classes linked to lecture courses, as well as tutoring, study groups, problem sessions, exam reviews, and mini-lectures—all designed to improve students' mastery of course material.
Seek regular academic advising and assistance from your DSP Specialist
Individual consultations are also available on assistance with: major selection, college requirements, and coursework to prepare for graduate school; test anxiety reduction; and reading efficiency.
Meet with an L&S Advisor
Maire Lanigan and Philaine Seher hold drop-in hours at DSP from 10am to noon and 1-3pm on Thursdays. They can assist you with your courses, schedule, academic progress, and other requirements. Check our calendar for last-minute changes in their schedule or schedule an appointment through bHive.
Meet with Pre-Career and Career Staff
Stop by the Career Counseling Library to learn about major, career and graduate school exploration resources. You can also sign up to meet with a Career Counselor who can support you with your major and career goals by helping you assess and understand your interests. Counselors also welcome discussions related to other personal factors that might be affecting your career goals. Call Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) at (510) 642-9494 and ask for an appointment with a Career Counselor.
Meet with the DSP WAIV staff, to learn more about activites designed to improve social skills, and comfort with the career preparaton process.
Join or organize a study group
Research shows that students who study together not only get better grades but also have more fun!
Establish and maintain relationships with your instructors
Knowing you personally will help instructors assist you with any learning problems you may have. Later these instructors may be more willing and able to provide you with recommendations for graduate school or employment.
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Have a long-term plan for getting to know instructors. For example, take several classes from the same instructor; ask instructors to help you plan your major or graduate study; take smaller classes so you'll have more direct contact with your instructors; get on the departmental listserv so you'll know about lectures given by specific instructors, and attend these lectures; get involved in undergraduate research; do an independent study course and/or a senior thesis.
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Attend each instructor's office hours: not just once, but several times per semester. You can drop by just to introduce yourself and discuss the class in general, or you can raise a specific topic for discussion. If you are worried about not having anything to say, bring something in writing: for example, written questions or the draft of an essay.
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Get yourself noticed in class. Contribute meaningfully to class discussions. Raise your hand to make comments or ask questions that verify that you have done your reading, and have also done some thinking about the topic.
Spend a semester studying away from campus
Discuss the possibility of studying abroad with your academic advisor and your DSP Specialist.
Take advantage of campus libraries
Library staff will furnish special assistance to students with disabilities. For advice or information about using the libraries, contact the Disabled Users' Library Network representative in the Main Library, Moffitt, or any of the branch libraries on campus.
Math/Science/Engineering Majors: Participate in NERDS & UC LEADS
NERDS and the UC LEADS program provide study groups, tutoring, and grad-school/career help to Math, Science, and Engineering majors. See ucberkeleynerds.com or email nerds@berkeley.edu.