FAQ:   What is Structured Learning Assistance?  Structured Learning Assistance, also known as SLA, is an academic support system to assist all Ferris students. The program features weekly study and practice workshops where students master course content to develop and apply specific learning strategies for the course.

FAQ:   Is SLA a remedial program?  SLA targets high-risk for failure courses, not students. The service is available for all Ferris students who chose to sign up for an SLA course. Once a student signs up for an SLA course, the student is required to attend the first two SLA workshops and after those sessions, only when their grade in that class falls below a 2.0 (C) average (or other requirement set by the professor). Many students who are doing "okay" in the class still attend the SLA workshops because it is an opportunity to improve their grade in the course.

FAQ:   Who runs the SLA workshops?  The workshops are conducted by trained facilitators who attend the course lectures with the students and work in collaboration with the professor. The facilitators develop workshop materials, clarify lecture points for the students, and assist them in understanding the expectations of the professor.

FAQ:   What else happens in workshop?  Workshop activities include course specific study guides, collaborative team learning, practice quizzes and tests, study skills on note-taking, time management, and reducing test anxiety. Workshops are not for re-lecturing. Creative alternatives to learning the materials which are not typically found in the traditional classroom are employed.

FAQ:   I have heard that SLA is just a study hall; a place to get homework done.  Is this true?  No, SLA is not a study hall.  The workshops are structured, helping students acquire skills and strategies, specific to the course, that can be applied to the homework.  The amount of homework that takes place in a workshop will vary depending on the subject and the professor.

FAQ:   Are there workshop rules or attendance policies the students have to follow?  If a students' grade falls below a C (or other requirement set by the professor), the SLA student is required to attend all workshop sessions until the grade returns to a C or better (or is above the professor's requirement).  Students are allowed a total of four (4) unexcused absences from workshops.  After the fourth unexcused absence, the student must withdraw, if before university's last day to withdraw date, or receive an F grade after the official withdraw date.  Absences will be excused with appropriate verification.

FAQ:   I don't need SLA but it was the only section that was offered. Can I skip the SLA workshops?  No, all students who register for an SLA section are required to attend the first week of SLA workshops or until the professor has established a baseline for grades.  Students who maintain above a 2.0 (or as set by the professor) in the class are then considered voluntary and are not required to attend the SLA workshops.  Voluntary students are encouraged to attend and may leave at anytime during the workshop.  If a student is not meeting the requirements to become 'voluntary', the student is required to attend every SLA workshop offered until the requirements are met to become 'voluntary'.

FAQ:   I wanted to get into an SLA course but the section was already filled. Can I get into the SLA anyway?  No, not without special permission from the SLA Program.  On rare occasion exceptions are made to allow students to attend SLA who are not enrolled in the SLA course section.  However, the best way to participate in SLA is to see if it's possible to obtain special permission from the course's departmental office to officially enroll in the SLA course section.  You may also contact the SLA program coordinator for assistance.  The SLA program does not wish to deny any student who really needs and wants SLA.

FAQ:   How can I find out which courses offer SLA workshops?  From the Ferris homepage go to MyFSU and log in. Click on MyAcademics and then click Register for Classes. At this point you can search for courses with SLA workshops.  You may also click on the "Course Offerings" link from the SLA website's homepage.

FAQ:   When I register for classes and have a time conflict with a course and with an SLA workshop, can I skip the SLA workshop?  The registration computer system will not allow students to register with a time conflict between two courses.  Prior to scheduling, the students need to resolve the conflict with their academic advisor and should not attempt to schedule courses that are in conflict with SLA workshops.  Attached SLA workshops are part of the SLA course section and must be attended until the baseline grade is established.  Should you find yourself with a schedule conflict unexpectedly, you should contact the SLA program coordinator to discuss your situation.