Meet with L&S Advisor, Iris Crossley

Update academic progress and discuss fulfilling degree requirements. She holds drop-in hours from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays.

Join or Organize a Study Group

Research shows that students who study together not only get better grades but also have more fun!

Establish and maintain relationships with your instructors

Knowing you personally will help instructors assist you with any learning problems you may have. Later these instructors may be more willing and able to provide you with recommendations for graduate school or employment.

  • Have a long-term plan for getting to know instructors. For example, take several classes from the same instructor; ask instructors to help you plan your major or graduate study; take smaller classes so you'll have more direct contact with your instructors; get on the departmental list serve so you'll know about lectures given by specific instructors, and attend these lectures; get involved in undergraduate research; do an independent study course and/or a senior thesis.
  • Attend each instructor's office hours: not just once, but several times per semester. You can drop by just to introduce yourself and discuss the class in general, or you can raise a specific topic for discussion. If you are worried about not having anything to say, bring something in writing: for example, written questions or the draft of an essay.
  • Get yourself noticed in class. Contribute meaningfully to class discussions. Raise your hand to make comments or ask questions.

Request a tutor

Let your DSP Specialist know if you might need a tutor. Through a cooperative program between DSP and the Student Learning Center, some DSP students can be teamed with well-trained SLC tutors.

Check out the resources of the Student Learning Center (SLC)

The SLC which offers credit-bearing classes linked to lecture courses, as well as tutoring, study groups, problem sessions, exam reviews, and mini-lectures — all designed to improve students' mastery of course material.

Step by Step website

The College of Letters & Science Step by Step website provides a guide to getting ready for graduate school in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP)

The URAP program permits you to earn credits for working one-on-one with faculty members on cutting-edge research projects.

Haas Scholars Program

The Haas Scholars Program provides assistance in finding a research mentor and in learning how to write a research proposal.

Spend a semester studying away from campus

Discuss the possibility of studying abroad with your academic advisor and with your DSP Specialist.

Internships are a valuable complement to your educational experience

An internship can help you apply knowledge acquired in the classroom to work situations, reality-test career options, develop skills, and gain experience unavailable through coursework alone.

Use the Cal libraries

Library staff will furnish special assistance to students with disabilities. For advice or information about using the libraries, contact the Disabled Users' Library Network representative in the Main Library, Moffitt, or any of the branch libraries on campus.

Disability Studies

Consider taking a course or doing a minor in Disability Studies. Disability Studies provides leadership and training for students, faculty, staff, and community members.