Around 90% of college students face academic challenges, yet only 13% take advantage of tutoring and academic support services, according to a 2024 survey by Tyton Partners.

One common reason students often do not seek academic support is uncertainty about where to go for help. While other barriers—such as time constraints, transportation, or discomfort in asking for help—can also play a role, improving awareness is a critical first step.

This guide was designed to share more about the roles of academic advising, success coaching, and tutoring—so students can find the right support at the right time. Whether it’s selecting courses, communicating with professors, or getting extra help in a tough class, this resource is designed to point students in the right direction.

Academic Advising

At UAB, academic advising is the go-to resource for students planning their academic journey. Advisors help students choose and register for classes, stay on track with degree requirements, and understand university policies.

Advisors also talk through big-picture questions—like changing a major, adding a minor, or exploring career and graduate school options. Unlike tutoring or coaching, advising is about making sure students’ course choices align with their long-term goals so they can graduate on time and prepared for what comes next.

Advising for Declared Majors

Exploratory Advising and Advising for Undeclared Majors

Academic Coaching

Success coaching is ideal for students looking to improve time management, motivation, or study strategies. Coaches also assist with classroom communication, including how to email professors.

Success coaches work 1:1 with students to set realistic goals, overcome obstacles, and build skills in areas like time management, study strategies, motivation, note taking, and exam prep. They can help connect students to the right resources on campus. Coaching is not:

• Advising
• Counseling
• Tutoring

It is a collaborative space where a student and their coach can create an action plan tailored to the student’s needs. Students can meet with their success coach as often as they like– many students see benefits when they meet three or more times– and there is no cost.

VMASC SUCCESS Coaching (open to all students)
VMASC (Vulcan Materials Academic Success Center) success coaching offers free, unlimited, one-on-one support for all students. To get started, just complete a short intake form and schedule a session.

SUCCESS Coaching (open to freshmen in Blazing Start/Boost, online students)

UAB’s Success Coaching, under the Retention Initiatives office, is available specifically for freshman students in Blazing Start or Blazer Boost programs and students enrolled in online courses. To make an appointment, visit the website.

Tutoring

Tutoring is available for students who need help with specific courses, subjects, or assignments, including writing and math.

VMASC Tutoring (undergraduate students)
VMASC offers a free, peer-facilitated academic support for all undergraduate students. Tutors are undergraduate students who have done well in the courses they support and are trained to guide students through course content, study strategies, and habits that help students learn independently.

Students can schedule sessions in person or online (via Zoom), depending on preference and availability.  There is no limit to how often students can use tutoring services, as long as they are enrolled and consistently attend their scheduled appointments. Early engagement is encouraged: students should not wait until academic challenges become overwhelming.

Subjects currently offered include biology, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, sociology, nutrition science, and more. VMASC tutoring is offered in multiple locations on campus including VMASC in Sterne Library, The Collat School of Business, Off Campus Student Services, and UAB Student Engagement and Enrichment.

UAB Writing Center (all students)

The UAB Writing Center is available to all UAB students and supports writing at any stage of the process—whether brainstorming, drafting, revising, or finalizing a paper.

Students can meet with a tutor in person at Sterne Library or online through the center’s consultation platform. For added flexibility, there is also an option to upload a paper and receive written feedback when live sessions aren’t feasible.

During a session, writing tutors can assist with outlining, editing, citing sources, interpreting feedback, and understanding assignment guidelines. During peak periods, students are limited to two sessions per week, totaling 50 minutes, so early planning is recommended.

Math Learning Lab

The Math Learning Lab (MLL) is located in Heritage Hall, Room 202, and offers math tutoring support, on computers, for UAB students enrolled in mathematics courses from MA 094 up through MA 227 and certain calculus/statistics classes.

Graduate student tutors lead sessions where they guide students through problems and help deepen students’ understanding of the subject.

No appointment is required for many lab hours, though some specialized subjects– like calculus or MA 180– are only supported during designated times. Students are encouraged to bring notes, textbooks, and questions when they come.

Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental instruction (SI) is a peer-led study program designed to help students succeed in courses that many students find challenging. Currently VMASC supports SI learning for over 30 peer-supported courses including Introductory Biology I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, and more.

The SI sessions are open to all students in the listed courses and are held two or three times each week throughout the semester, with special sessions being added for exams, as needed.

Students who have already taken the class and done well lead the sessions. SI leaders attend lectures, take notes, and then lead group study sessions where students can review material, ask questions, and learn together.

These sessions are typically relaxed, interactive, and focused on helping students in the course build strong study habits and fully understand the course content to excel. SI is open to all students in a supported class, and students can go as needed. See if your course offers SI.