Faculty Resources
“Faculty behaviors and attitudes affect students profoundly, which suggests that faculty members may play the single most important role in student learning.”
-Paul Umbach and Matthew Wawrzynski, Faculty Do Matter: The Role of Faculty in Student Learning and Engagement
Partner with the Student Success Center
The Student Success Center (SSC) supports all undergraduate students in cultivating the academic skills they need to thrive. We center our work in the science of learning, student-centered practices, and leadership development.
Faculty are essential partners in this mission. Your insights into classroom experiences and student challenges help us ensure our resources meet real needs. By working together, we can direct support where it matters most.
How We Support You
Our goal is to be a resource for both you and your students. Here are a few ways we can work together:
Add a syllabus statement: Encourage students to engage with academic support proactively. Here are some sample statements:
- Basic statement: The Student Success Center offers free academic support to help you build confidence, improve your study strategies, and stay on top of coursework--whether you're aiming to raise your grades or maintain your momentum. Services include tutoring, academic coaching, and interactive seminars on topics like time management and test prep. All sessions are led by trained peer educators who understand the student experience and genuinely want to help. Learn more at studentsuccess.vt.edu.
- Short statement: Want help staying on track or leveling up your study game? The Student Success Center offers free tutoring, coaching, and workshops--all led by trained peers. Visit studentsuccess.vt.edu to learn more.
- Course-specific statement: Success in [your course] is all about consistent practice and good study habits. The Student Success Center can help with both--they offer free tutoring in this course along with coaching on time management and test prep. Their peer educators are trained and really know the material. I highly recommend checking them out early at studentsuccess.vt.edu.
- In-class statement: I want to make sure you know about the Student Success Center. They offer free tutoring, academic coaching, and workshops to help you build strong study habits and stay confident in your classes. Everything is run by trained peers who really understand what you're going through. Even if you're doing well, it's a smart way to stay on top of things. You can check them out at studentsuccess.vt.edu.
Request a seminar for your class: We offer engaging, research-based seminars on the topics in the list below. These seminars are led by trained peer academic coaches and are available upon request during the fall and spring semesters.
- Time management
- Effective learning strategies
- Reading and note-taking
- Test-taking strategies
- Overcoming procrastination
- Preparing for finals
Promote our services with message templates: Want to share information with your students via Canvas or email? We have ready-to-use messaging--just contact us, and we'll send you what you need.
Collaborate with us: We're happy to co-develop initiatives, consult on peer educator training, or brainstorm ways to support your specific courses or departments. Reach out for a conversation.
How We Support Your Students
We offer accessible, peer-led support that complements what students learn in your classroom.
Tutoring: Individual and drop-in tutoring in a wide range of undergraduate courses, primarily in 1000- and 2000-level STEM and business subjects. Our program has top-level certification through CRLA, recognizing our excellence in tutoring practices and training.
Peer Academic Coaching: Students can schedule individual coaching appointments to strengthen their skills in time management, studying, motivation, reading, test prep, and more--all through Navigate.
Workshops and Seminar Series: Open-to-all sessions that help students build sustainable academic strategies in a supportive, peer-led environment.
Peer Educator Training: We offer training and consultation for departments with any kind of peer educators, such as undergraduate teaching assistants, tutors, or mentors. Email peereducation@vt.edu to learn more.
Help Us Direct Support Where It's Needed Most
We want to hear from you. Your insights help us stay responsive, close support gaps, and expand resources where students need them most.
Have feedback or want to explore a collaboration? Email us at studentsuccess@vt.edu