Rochester University’s Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) offers free peer tutoring sessions, 24/7 online tutoring support, study resources, computer and printer stations, and much more. At the ACE, you’ll have access to student-centered programs, resources, and services to help you develop and grow as a student. It’s a great resource for printing your paper, checking your email, finding a textbook, checking out a calculator, working with a tutor, improving your study skills, or working independently. All services and resources are free to RU students.
The ACE is located in the Utley Center, downstairs from the Auditorium and right next to the cafeteria. Connected to the ACE is the Community Hub for Integrated Living and Learning (CHILL), which provides a quiet and comfortable area for individual and group study.
Academic Hours • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
During Academic Hours, the CHILL is used for academic endeavors including independent study, group study, office hour meetings, and the Athletic Study Hours program.
Recreational Hours • 5:01 pm – 11:00 pm
During Recreational Hours, the CHILL is used for recreational time. Students are welcome to watch television, play games, socialize, and host group functions with approval.
Tutoring: Walk-in tutoring is available for writing and basic math during most ACE hours. Walk-in sessions operate on a first-come, first-served basis and work great for students who have a quick question about their work.
Tutoring Appointments: Tutoring appointments are available for many foundational RU courses. During a session, you will work one-on-one with a tutor specialized in your subject. Appointments should be scheduled 24 hours in advance.
24/7 Online Tutoring: The ACE offers online tutoring support available 24/7 via Smarthinking. Smarthinking also provides students with access to subject study guides and video tutorials.
Time Management: Students can meet with a tutor to get help with time management, organization, study strategies, and test anxiety.
Academic Coaching: Students can meet with an academic coach to create an individualized plan for academic success.
Resources: The ACE has textbook, calculator, and headphone resources available for students to check out. Charging stations can also be found in the ACE and CHILL for electronic devices. A plethora of online resources are also available for student support.
Independent Study Spaces: The ACE and CHILL are great spaces for independent study. Students can work individually or with a group in this quiet, academic environment.
Additional Services: Students can request a meeting with a tutor for support in areas other than current coursework. Tutors provide assistance in MTTC prep, grammar practice, math study groups, speech writing assistance, ESL conversation practice, and technical assistance.
In addition to the in-person academic support available at the ACE, there are a variety of online resources and printable study pages available for academic support.
24/7 Online Tutoring Support for ALL subjects via Smarthinking
Smarthinking is an online-tutoring service designed for students who are taking core academic courses. Online learning assistance is available from tutors in mathematics, computer & technology (Word, Access, Excel, etc.), business, science, nursing, Spanish, and writing for all subjects.
Rochester University students must access and use Smarthinking via Canvas. In each course, at the bottom of the page is a “Quick Access Links” bar. Click on “Resources,” scroll down to “Other Campus Resources,” click on the “Smarthinking” button, and they will be dropped into Smarthinking. Smarthinking is a free resource for RU students.
Smarthinking Study Aids
In Smarthinking, students have access to student aids, including video lessons, general resources, and digital content.
Writing & English
Math
Textbooks and Resources
Study Skills & General Support
Note Taking Techniques: Mindmapping & Cornell note-taking method
Resume & Career Help
Citation Style Guides
Resources created by ACE Peer Tutors
Social and Educational Programs: Throughout the academic year, the ACE hosts small educational and social programs. Announcements about upcoming programs can be found on ACE social media sites and in the Weekly Warrior.
Athletic Study Hours Program: The Athletic Department and Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) are committed to the academic progress and success of student-athletes as they participate in intercollegiate competition and work toward earning their degrees at Rochester University. In order to ensure that student-athletes have the opportunity for studying in their busy schedules, Rochester University student-athletes must participate in the RU Athletic Study Hours Program. Mandatory study hour time is assessed each semester and communicated directly with student-athletes.
All services are free to Rochester University students. Bring your student ID in order to swipe in for services.
The ACE team is comprised of the ACE Coordinator, who oversees the Academic Center for Excellence, and support staff, including the Academic Support Specialist, ACE Office Assistant, and the Academic Advisor & Traditional Student Engagement Liaison, who offices in the ACE. For additional academic resources or inquiries please contact acelab@rochesteru.edu.
Email: acelab@rochesteru.edu
Phone: 248.218.2173
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