Student Success Resources
One-on-one tutoring
If you need extra help with a first-year Core Curriculum course, schedule a one-on-one session with a trained peer tutor recommended by faculty. Sessions focus on clarifying difficult concepts, preparing for assessments, and developing study skills in a supportive, low-stress environment.
Virtual tutoring
Virtual sessions are available via . You can schedule 30-minute appointments for specific courses as needed鈥攆ree of charge. Sessions can be requested multiple times throughout the semester, but flexibility with scheduling is appreciated, as tutors are also students.
Supplemental Instruction
Supplemental Instruction (SI) consists of regularly scheduled, out-of-class review sessions available to all students enrolled in a targeted course. Collaborative peer-learning experiences help students improve their understanding of subject content, develop critical thinking, and strengthen study skills.
Courses offered
- SI BIOL 1250 鈥 Introduction to Human Anatomy
- SI BIOL 1260 鈥 Cell Biology
- SI BIOL 2270 鈥 Introduction to Zoology
- SI BIOL 2910 鈥 Microbiology
- SI BIOL 2930 鈥 Advanced Human Physiology
- SI CHEM 1021 鈥 Survey of Organic Chemistry (quad A)
- SI CHEM 1031 鈥 Survey of Organic Chemistry (quad B)
- SI CHEM 1150 鈥 General Chemistry I
- SI CHEM 1160 鈥 General Chemistry II
- SI CHEM 2310 鈥 Organic Chemistry I
- SI CHEM 2320 鈥 Organic Chemistry II
- SI HSC 1490 鈥 Statistics for Health Professions
- SI NURS 3240 鈥 Pathophysiology
- SI PSYC 1000 鈥 Introduction to Psychology
- SI PHEN 1210 鈥 Introduction to Physics I
- SI PHEN 1220 鈥 Introduction to Physics II
- SI BTS 1850 鈥 Introduction to the Bible
Peer Student Success Coaching
Peer Student Success Coaches mentor incoming first-year students, assisting with college preparation and a smooth transition through NPU鈥檚 First Year Experience program. Peer Student Success Coaching also helps students strengthen soft skills, improve time management, and build a sense of belonging.
How Student Success Coaching works
First-year students are matched with a Peer Student Success Coach (PSSC) and placed in a cohort by intended major. Coaching includes:
- Required 1:1 meetings (virtual or in person) scheduled through Bookings
- Direct support via email and Microsoft Teams
- Guidance on college life鈥攆rom making friends to managing time, study skills, and test anxiety
Your PSSC is here to help you navigate your first year and set you up for success.
Study skill resources
What is test anxiety?
Test anxiety is the nervousness and unease that can cause symptoms like upset stomach, restlessness, sleep issues, irritability, and 鈥渘ervous鈥 eating before an exam. It can also interfere with concentration, leading to careless mistakes.
What causes test anxiety?
Some anxiety before a test is normal and can help you focus. However, it becomes problematic when it鈥檚 driven by negative thoughts about failing, especially if you haven鈥檛 prepared properly.
Solutions to test anxiety
- Remind yourself that a test doesn鈥檛 define your self-worth.
- Take quiet time to relax and visualize yourself taking the exam calmly.
- Arrive 5鈥10 minutes early and take time to relax.
- Avoid cramming鈥攍ast-minute rushing increases anxiety.
- Get a good night鈥檚 sleep and eat a balanced meal 1鈥2 hours before the exam.
- Remember, test-taking is a skill that improves with practice.
Exam prep tips
Problem-solving
Review homework, lecture notes, and textbooks. Make a list of important terms, define them, think of examples, and note their relevance to the course.
Short answer
Similar to problem-solving, but focus on key terms, definitions, and examples. Understand the term鈥檚 relevance to the course.
Essay questions
Review past essay assignments and create outlines for potential thesis statements, including key facts and examples.
Multiple choice, true/false, matching
Focus on concepts and facts that can be answered objectively (e.g., dates, names). Study your notes and tests for these types of questions.