Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Faculty and Staff

The Academic Center for Excellence partners with faculty and staff to support student success across all disciplines. Below are answers to common questions about how to engage with and utilize our tutorial support services. 

About the Academic Center for Excellence

The Center provides comprehensive academic support services, including tutoring, writing support, and study skills development. The Center works collaboratively with faculty to reinforce course learning and improve student outcomes.

All enrolled students at Buffalo State University are eligible to receive support.

  • One-on-one and group tutoring 
  • Writing support across disciplines 
  • Study skills and academic coaching 
  • Workshops and classroom support 

Majority of students use our services in-person.  However, we do offer virtual Academic Mentoring for online students using online meeting platforms. To find out more information please visit Tutoring for Online Students. 

Faculty and staff can refer students to our website (Academic Center for Excellence) for current availability and the hours of operations.

All services for Mathematics and General Subject courses are on a walk-in basis.  Students should visit the Center during the days/times Academic Mentors are available for the specific course they need help with (Find Your Tutor).  Students are highly encouraged to schedule appointments for any writing related assignments through the Navigate360 link provided on our website under the Writing Support Services, although we also accept walk-ins based on availability of the Academic Mentor (tutor).

Collaboration

Faculty and Staff can collaborate with us by: 

  • Referring students for tutoring or writing support 
  • Recommending workshops and various programming 
  • Consulting with our staff on student needs and course challenges 

Yes, we offer in-class or virtual presentations of our services in Mathematics, Writing and General Subject services, which includes why and how tutoring can help as well as useful Center statistics.

Yes, we can coordinate targeted support for high-impact or high-need courses, including supplemental tutoring (Accountability Groups) and customized group tutoring sessions.  Please visit Find Your Tutor to learn more about the courses we currently offer tutoring for and times support is available.

Reach out to us to discuss your course needs, student challenges, or ideas for collaboration. We are eager to work with faculty to enhance student learning. Faculty and staff can: 

  • Schedule a consultation with the Center leadership and professional staff 

Referrals & Student Support

Faculty and Staff can refer students by: 

  • Directing them to the Center (Butler Library, Suite 145) or our website (Academic Center for Excellence) or scheduling system (Navigate360) for Writing Support Services. 
  • Including information in syllabi 
  • Recommending services during advising or office hours 
  • Issuing an alert in Navigate 360 and selecting “Referral – Tutoring Services” as the reason 
  • Students who are struggling academically 
  • Students with low exam or assignment performance 
  • Students who need help with writing or study strategies 
  • High-performing students seeking enrichment 

Faculty and Staff can: 

  • Normalize tutoring as part of the learning process 
  • Include our information in syllabi and course sites 
  • Offer ongoing reminders and before major assignments or exams 
  • Share positive messaging about academic support 

A detailed summary report is kept for every visit to the Center by students seeking help through Navigate360. Faculty have instant access to this information through Navigate360 for all students enrolled in their classes.  If you need help with it, we would be happy to show you how to access this information.

Yes, we provide holistic support, including academic coaching and skill-building strategies.

Academic Mentors (Tutors) & Instructional Alignment

Our Academic Mentors include trained peer tutors and adjunct faculty/professional staff with expertise in specific subject areas and writing instruction. Peer Academic Mentors must complete an online application (Employment Opportunity), go through an interview process, and provide references from faculty in their specific major discipline before they are hired.   

  • Ongoing tutor training and supervision.  We are Certified in all three levels of certification by College Reading and Learning Association International Tutor Training Program Certification (CRLA-ITTPC) 
  • Alignment with course expectations when possible 
  • Emphasis on active learning and student independence 

The Academic Mentors 

  • Do not complete assignments for students 
  • Do not provide answers to graded work 
  • Focus on skill development and concept mastery 

Yes, faculty are encouraged to share syllabi, assignments, and expectations to help Academic Mentors better support students.

Impact & Outcomes

Research and institutional data consistently show that students who engage with tutoring and academic support services are more likely to persist and succeed academically. Spotlight on Tutoring.

We strive to support diverse student populations, including first-generation students, adult learners, and those facing academic challenges.