Students

Student Supports

Academic Advising

All enrolled graduate students at SSA are assigned an advisor with whom they are encouraged to discuss their academic program and career plans. The assignment of advisors to incoming students is made with attention given to the student's core cohort assignment; post-core assignments are made in association with the student's chosen concentration. Throughout their attendance at SSA, students are encouraged to engage any faculty member for advice or information regarding their interests or concerns. The Dean of Students is also available and may be of particular assistance regarding financial concerns, special programs, or special needs.

Tutoring

SSA offers tutoring for students who wish to increase their skills in academic writing or in substantive content such as research methods. The Writing Center is open for students to drop in for writing support. The University also offers an Academic Skills Assessment Program for students who would like help in evaluating their academic needs and in finding solutions.

Writing Workshops

All incoming students attend a workshop during orientation on professional writing. The workshop includes a grammar refresher, an overview of APA rules for style and punctuation, a suggested organization for writing academic papers, and an overview of the rules of citation.

English-as-a Second-Language (ESL) classes through International Affairs

The University offers a full complement of ESL classes for students with limited knowledge of English. Both language and writing classes are offered each quarter.