Hi , 

As a new student, navigating campus life for the very first time can be challenging. Therefore, knowing the people and offices eager to support you can set you up for a successful first semester! 

In this Navigator, we will connect you with the Academic Learning & Tutoring Center and Success Coaching, just a few of the many resources here to keep you on track for success this semester. Plus, we will offer advice for making meaningful connections with faculty.

Questions? Contact our team by emailing firstyear@tulane.edu or by visiting our website.

Roll Wave!

The Office of First-Year Experience

The Academic Learning & Tutoring Center (ALTC) is your partner for academic success. Whether you are looking for a place to study between classes or an opportunity to ask questions of a peer who excelled in the course when they were enrolled, the ALTC can help! The ALTC offers a wide range of services, including:

Peer Tutoring

Meet one-on-one with a trained ALTC peer tutor who excelled in the course to review class concepts, work practice problems, ask questions, and get support. All tutoring is by appointment only. Students can schedule through Canvas or schedule an appointment through our Scheduling Portal! 

Supplemental Instruction (SI Sessions)

These are regularly scheduled, out-of-class, review sessions where students work collaboratively with a peer instructor in reading discussions, solving practice problems, and preparing for exams. SI schedules are posted usually on Canvas after the first week of class. SI sessions are free and open to all student in a course.

Located in the Howard-Tilton Memorial Library B01, the ALTC is now open for individual and group studying. Visit the ALTC today!

It's never too early to seek out Success Coaching! Using a strengths-based approach and a belief that every student learns and process information differently, Success Coaches can explore topics such as staying organized, time management, study skills, social life, and so much more!

You can engage with Success Coaching at any point during your academic career at Tulane. Schedule an appointment with a Success Coach using the link below!

Faculty are a great resource for when you have a question about course material or assignments, need help academically, or are interested in exploring opportunities in your major of interest. Here are some ways you can connect with faculty throughout your first year:

Office Hours: Attend Early & Often

Whether you have questions about the syllabus, are confused about practical problems or readings, or need an idea of what to study before an exam, attending a professor's office hours can have a big impact on your academic success! Make an appointment with your professor in advance or simply drop in to clarify course content and expectations. 

View this guide from Student Success for tips on how to make the most of office hours! 

Residential Faculty Mentors (RFMs)

RFMs support your transition to the academic and social communities of the university through programs and office hours held right in your residence hall. Connect with them if you have a question about a major, are looking for an academic resource, or simply want to chat about life in New Orleans!

Click here to learn more about your RFMs, including when they will be hosting lobby hours this semester.

Join us every Monday from 12-2 PM outside Mussafer Hall for Mondays at Mussafer! This signature program is designed to connect first-year students with campus resources eager to support your success. Enjoy lively conversation, engaging activities, free snacks, and exclusive first-year giveaways. Below is a preview of the Mondays at Mussafer themes and campus partners for the month ahead!

September 11 – Juice Do It: Let's Talk Testing & Tutoring

Campus Partner: Academic Learning & Tutoring Center (ALTC)

Giveaways: ALTC Swag & Juice

September 18 – First Month, First Merch, First-Year Forever!

Campus Partner: First-Year Experience Team

Giveaways: FYE Swag & Snacks

September 25 – Eating Well on Campus Is What TU Bake of It!

Campus Partners: Dining Services & Nutrition Services

Giveaways: FYE Swag & Snacks

Each year, Newcomb Institute selects twenty intellectually curious and motivated first-year students to participate in an academically rigorous, interdisciplinary feminist learning and leadership experience. All first-year, full-time Newcomb-Tulane College students are eligible to apply to the Newcomb Scholars program during their first fall semester. 

The following information session will be held on the third floor of the Commons. No RSVP is required!

The Tulane Undergraduate Research Journal is looking for students to join our editorial team for the 2023-24 academic year. The position is volunteer-based, but the benefits are many. You will gain insight into the editorial and publishing process for a peer-reviewed journal. It is also a wonderful addition to your resume and something to discuss for job or graduate school interviews upon graduation. 

Interested students should apply through this link before midnight on 9/6/23. New students and those from non-STEM backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply, though there is a need for all cohort years and disciplines. 

For the fall semester, we will hold three onboarding session to train you to read and edit student submissions—even those outside your major. In the spring, all we do is read and edit student submissions. This will entail approximately two hours of work a week.