The Academic Assessment Program assists students in determining why their academic performance is not what they, or others, would like it to be.

Students may refer themselves or be referred by faculty or staff. A variety of factors may be interfering with academic performance. Some of these factors may be: personal problems, interpersonal problems, unclear choice of career path, inappropriate college major, ineffective study skills, or inadequate academic skills.

Intake Interview
The assessment process begins with an intake interview to determine the general direction of the assessment. Often, concerns focus on specific academic reasons such as reading, writing, math, or study skills. When skill development is cited as the major concern, the assessment will investigate basic applicable academic skills in diagnostic terms. Learning is impacted by many considerations. Some of them are: learning styles, educational background, study habits and attitudes, time management, and affective factors. These areas are explored through the use of inventories and discussion.

Diagnostic Tools
Often, this is a multi-session process with students able to choose how much or how little they wish to participate. Tests, surveys and inventories are used to further explore concerns in the following areas: reading (vocabulary, comprehension and speed), writing (analysis of writing samples), math (skill analysis of basic algebra through calculus), study skills, time management, learning styles, personality type, ADHD/ADD screening, and learning disability screening.

Conference
The Coordinator of the Academic Assessment Program makes recommendations and further referrals. These may include but are not limited to: ASC Math Lab, ASC Writing Lab, ASC Skill Specialists, Learning Support Services, as well as other RIT support services such as TRiO, the Counseling Center, and the Student Health Center. Students are encouraged to utilize resources offered by the individual colleges such as the Bates Study Center, Engineering Learning Center, and Computer Science Study Center.

If there is a possibility that a learning disability/ADHD exists, further evaluation may be warranted and requested. Students who suspect that they possess a learning disability/ADHD should seek an outside evaluation that meets RIT and AHEAD guidelines for academic accommodations. Guidelines are available from the Academic Assessment Program or Disability Services Office. An evaluation can be obtained in a student’s hometown or in the Rochester community. The Coordinator of the Academic Assessment Program can advise students and provide a list of local evaluators. RIT students who have questions regarding how their learning disability/ADHD impacts their academic progress may come in and address their concerns. The goal is to help students obtain a better understanding of their learning strengths and needs.

There is no charge to come in and discuss your concerns.

Contact Person:

Jane Munt
Academic Assessment Program
Academic Support Center
Eastman Building (01-2363)
(585) 475-6947
E-mail: Jane.Munt@rit.edu