Courses and Instruction:
Everyone can benefit from strategies to take better notes, improve test performance, and boost reading comprehension and math skills. Each semester, Student Support Services offers small, supportive classes focused on study skills, reading improvement, and math success—all taught by experienced instructors who are dedicated to helping you thrive in college.
Students in TRIO Student Support Services can take these courses for credit in a personalized setting, either one-on-one or in small groups. Each course is graded on an A–F scale and is designed to build the skills and confidence needed for academic success.
EDUC 121: Strategies for Reading and Writing
This 1-credit, graded course is offered each session through a collaboration between TRIO Student Support Services and the School of Education. It’s designed to support your success in college-level English by providing hands-on help with your current coursework. Using a workshop-style format, the class focuses on the assignments you're actively working on in your English course—whether you're drafting, researching, or revising. You'll receive personalized guidance from the instructor to strengthen your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
Course Learning Objectives:
- Analyze and respond to writing assignments using appropriate vocabulary, critical thinking, and an understanding of genre, audience, and purpose.
- Evaluate arguments and claims in both their own writing and the writing of others.
- Develop and apply a personal writing process, from brainstorming through final revision.
EDUC 291: Math Study Strategies
Math Study Strategies (EDUC 291) is a one-credit, graded course designed to support your success in your current math class. It focuses on building the essential skills needed to thrive in university-level math, including study techniques, test preparation, and confidence-building strategies. The course is presented in a concise, easy-to-follow format and is specifically designed to help you become a more effective and confident math student.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Develop self-awareness and confidence in their math learning by identifying personal learning preferences, reducing math and test anxiety, and building a positive mindset toward math.
- Apply effective study and test-taking strategies tailored to their individual needs, including memory techniques, time management, and creating productive study environments.
- Strengthen course-specific academic skills such as completing homework efficiently, preparing for finals, and improving overall math performance through targeted practice and support.
EDUC 123: Study Skills
This 1-credit, graded course is offered each session through a partnership between Student Support Services and the School of Education. It’s designed to help you build the essential skills needed to succeed at NDSU and beyond. Through a concise, easy-to-follow format, you'll learn practical strategies to become a more effective, confident student in all your classes. EDUC 123 gives you the tools to thrive in college and become the student you’ve always wanted to be.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Identify their personal learning styles and prepare effectively to learn, including setting goals and managing time efficiently.
- Apply strategies to enhance memory, concentration, and comprehension, especially when reading textbooks and organizing information.
- Develop academic skills for success, such as effective note-taking, exam preparation, and test-taking techniques for objective exams.
UNIV 220: Career or Graduate School Prep
This course is designed for sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are planning their next steps after graduation—whether entering the workforce or pursuing graduate or professional school. Students will explore potential career paths or graduate programs, clarify their goals, and learn how to align their strengths and interests with future opportunities.
Through hands-on activities and guided support, students will develop essential tools such as résumés, cover letters, personal statements, and application materials. The course also covers strategies for networking, securing strong letters of recommendation, preparing for interviews or entrance exams, and researching deadlines and requirements. By the end of the course, students will leave with a personalized, actionable plan for launching their career or continuing their education.
Course Learning Objectives:
- Research and align personal goals with career and/or graduate program opportunities, including identifying deadlines and contacting relevant faculty and departments.
- Create polished professional documents and/or grad school application materials such as statements of purpose and resumes/CVs.
- Develop a personalized timeline for job searching or graduate school applications, including test prep, networking, and follow-up strategies.
More Information
For more information about classes offered through TRIO SSS please contact your TRIO SSS Education Specialist or call the TRIO Office at 701-231-8028.