Academic support is a unique blend of resources available to each deaf and hard-of-hearing student who takes courses in the other eight colleges and two-degree granting units of RIT. Students can choose to meet with NTID faculty tutors who have content expertise in the student’s major program, are proficient in sign language, and work closely with the faculty teaching the courses. Students also can take advantage of faculty mentoring to optimize their path to academic success.

Tutoring

Tutoring directly involves the application of educational principles in a variety of settings. Tutoring allows the faculty member to individually assess a student’s learning needs/style and global knowledge in order to determine the best way to provide the “bridge” to understanding.

Tutoring can occur individually or in a group. The scope of tutoring includes:

• Breaking down complex concepts and theories presented in class
• Reviewing homework/assignments offering feedback on papers/projects
• Developing outlines with students for complex projects or papers
• Offering feedback on papers/projects
• Assisting students in developing strong study and organizational skills
• Developing practice exams and supplemental support materials
• Preparing realistic scenarios that relate to topics being discussed
• Reviewing class notes and offering enhancements and corrections where necessary
• Guiding students to successful oral presentations through rehearsal opportunities
• Assisting students in problem solving (both in and out of class)
• Assisting students in recognizing their own learning strategies and styles
• Encouraging students and provide positive reinforcement for their academic accomplishments

Liaison

The role of liaison is an important component to successful tutoring. Academic support faculty contribute to the learning process outside of the traditional classroom environment. Deaf and hard of hearing students are enrolled in a wide variety of programs that require support faculty to collaborate with many faculty, staff and administrators at RIT and NTID.

Advising

Students have primary academic advisors assigned by major in their chosen college at RIT. Students are expected to meet with their assigned primary academic advisor to develop course schedules, discuss progress in the major, change of program decisions and problem solving related to degree completion requirements.

NTID support faculty offer the following supplementary support to students:

• Designation of courses for placement of access services
• Discuss co-op and career options
• Assisting students with issues related to VR support, faculty and classroom concerns

Personal Counseling

The NTID Counseling and Academic Advising Department assigns personal counselors to work with tutors and advisors to form a comprehensive system of support for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in all aspects of their college life.