MSU Billings Catalog

Academic Support Center

University Campus (406) 657-1641

City College (406) 247-3022

www.msubillings.edu/asc

The Academic Support Center's mission is to empower students to become confident, capable, independent learners. The ASC provides qualified tutors, supplemental instruction (SI) leaders, peer mentors, and resources that support students in their quest to reach their goals, in a safe and encouraging learning environment. For up-to-date tutoring and SI schedules or more information about resources, visit the ASC at either City College or University Campus, view the ASC's website, email academicsupportcenter@msubillings.edu, or call 406-657-1641. 

Special educational delivery requirements that need to be addressed by persons with disabilities should be directed to Disability Support Services.

Academic Support Center Study Spaces

A study space and computer lab for students is available on the first floor of the Student Union Building on the University campus and in the Tech Building at City College. The ASC locations at both campuses provide tutoring space, study group tables, and computers for students’ school-related assignments.

College Success Strategies

A&SC 101 orients students to the expectations of college-level study and provides basic strategies for success as a student.

Tutoring

The Academic Support Center offers tutoring in math, science, writing, reading, and other general education subjects at both campuses, with drop-in and appointment tutoring available in onsite and online formats.  Tutors are available to assist students but are not meant to replace classroom instruction.  The ASC tutoring staff includes instructors, professional tutors, and student tutors who have majors in a variety of disciplines. 

Writing Consultants

Academic Support Center Writing Consultants provide tutorial assistance for writing across the curriculum.  Consultants help students at any stage of the writing process, but will not proofread, edit, or write work for the students.  Tutors will help students master grammar and mechanics, research writing formats and procedures, and many other writing skills.  Handouts, textbooks, and other reference materials are available for use in the ASC.  Graduate students can make an appointment to work with a consultant who specializes in graduate-level writing support.

STEM Tutors

Academic Support Center tutors provide tutorial assistance for students taking most math and sciences courses offered at MSUB.  Tutors will help students understand course concepts and assist with homework problems, but will not help with quizzes or tests.

Specialty Tutors

Based on student need, tutoring in other subjects is available by appointment in the Academic Support Center.

Online Tutors

Online tutoring is available for students through the Academic Support Center. 

Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a form of course-embedded, peer-led tutoring. There are multiple SI programs across the globe, and all are modeled from the International Supplemental Instruction Center at the University of Missouri- Kansas City. SI targets historically difficult courses with high DFWI rates. Students who consistently attend SI sessions typically perform better than their peers that do not utilize the service.

SI sessions are free and offered on a walk-in basis to all students in a class assigned an SI Leader. In sessions, you will be encouraged to think critically, work with other students in the class, and reinforce concepts learned in lecture. SI sessions are a great resource to work on study strategies and figure out how to learn material instead of strictly focusing on what material you need to know. You will find the sessions are a low-stakes, relaxed environment structured to make all students feel comfortable and welcome.

Peer Navigation

Peer Navigators can assist students in many ways. Whether you are new and adjusting to college or could just use some help. Peer Navigators assist students with time management, study skills, using D2L, navigating online course materials, planning out success strategies, and navigating and figuring out other college-related things. Peer Navigators can also help you connect with tutors, supplemental instructors (SI’s), and many other resources on campus.

Our research shows that MSUB students who meet with Peer Navigators perform better academically and are more likely to stay in college. First-year students and some others are assigned to Peer Navigators at the beginning of the semester, but Peer Navigators can meet with any student.