Welcome to the faculty resources page for the Center for Academic Success (CAS). We encourage faculty to invite students to visit CAS. From first-year writing to advanced calculus, a nudge in our direction from a caring faculty member shows students that learning is a collaborative process. For faculty professional development, review the resources we’ve created for you. We believe in succeeding together.
At the Center for Academic Success, we believe learning is collaborative—whether it happens
in a tutoring session, in a study group, or with the aid of technology. Most classes will have AI
policies- some tutees have free reign to use AI in their classes and homework, others may not
be allowed to use any AI technology, and sometimes the policy will allow a mix of uses. The
tutor does not carry the burden to detect or prove that AI was used. If a student divulges
inappropriate use of AI, the tutor will view this as a learning opportunity to talk about AI and will
refer the student to the AI policy in their syllabus or to their instructor.
Unclear emails from students are an evergreen topic among faculty.
Feel free to copy, paste, or amend the following into your syllabus or CANVAS shell:
8 Tips for Emailing Your Professor
#1. Know your audience and purpose. Thinking about who will read your email and why you are sending the email will make writing easier.
#2. Create a searchable subject line. Adding your name, the course number and section, and the primary purpose of the email helps the recipient find and address the email quickly. Consider this example: Absence for Jane Smith ENGL 1010-02 for March 15, 2020.
#3. Address your professor in a professional manner. Including an appropriate title, such as Dr. or Professor, sets a professional tone.
#4. Stick to one or two topics per email. Reading long texts can be overwhelming; stick to the point.
#5. Ask for a response (if you need one). Using a question in the body of the email or adding a farewell line that simply states “a response is appreciated” is a way of requesting a response.
#6. Revise your work. Checking for proper spelling and punctuation is essential. Remember that an email doesn’t use the same conventions as a text.
#7. Think before you click. Check your syllabus or talk to a peer before sending an email. Sometimes the answer to your question is found in your syllabus. For sensitive issues, try your professor’s office hours instead of sending an email.
#8. Always use your Cal State LA account when sending an email.
Please visit the Center for Effective Teaching and Learning (CETL)
A) Whether a tutoring session takes place virtually or in-person, CAS encourages faculty to assign a short reflection piece on the tutoring experience. Short, low-stakes writing assignments enhance writing abilities.
B) Students receive an email with their appointment date and time. This email can be forwarded to you as proof of the visit.
C) Students who use in-person tutoring services in the Writing Wing and Tutorial Wing of CAS may request a stamp from the tutor as proof of visit.
Do you have a student in your class with an academic success story? Do you want one of your students to become more engaged with the Cal State LA community? Do you work with a student who loves to help others?
Refer them to CAS.
Share their name and CIN number via [email protected] or simply refer them to our office, and we'll take it from there!
The Center for Academic Success is always looking for empathetic and intelligent Cal State LA students to join our cadre of business, STEM, and writing tutors. Thank you for partnering with us--one recommendation at a time.
Please feel free to copy and paste or amend the following blurb to your syllabus:
The Center for Academic Success (CAS) supports all students throughout their educational journey. You are encouraged to visit a CAS tutor for STEM, social science, or writing tutoring early in the semester. The academic services CAS provides are inclusive, engaging, challenging, and impactful. CAS tutors offer a one-on-one opportunity to discuss your assignments and will provide you with tools to become an independent scholar. For our first-year students, PLUS sessions are available throughout the semester. Log on to Navigate LA portal to make an appointment online.
Are you teaching a Critical Course Redesign for Equity and Student Success (CCRESS) or RE-CCRESS course*? If so, feel free to copy and paste or amend the following blurb to your syllabus:
The Center for Academic Success (CAS) supports all students throughout their educational journey. As a student in this course, CAS and I will team up to connect you with a Cal State LA tutor or advisor. You are encouraged to visit CAS early in the semester, but they will connect with me weeks 3, 7, and 11 to remind students that tutoring is available. Tutoring offers you an opportunity to discuss your assignments one-on-one, and the tutors will provide you with tools to become an independent scholar. Whether you receive an email or a phone call from CAS, log on to the Navigate LA portal to make an appointment online.
*CCRESS and RECCRESS courses for AY 24-25
ACCT 2100
ART 1590
BIOL 2030
CHEM 1100
CHEM 1110
CHDV 1400
CIS 2830
CLS 1500
COMM 1200
CS 2011
ECON 1500
ECON 2010
ECON 3060
ENGR 1500
HIST 2010
KIN 2150
ME 2010
MUS 1500
NSS 1001
SOC 2100
SOC 3100