Interdisciplinary Resources for Transfer Students | Overview

What we do

The Student Learning Center (SLC) Interdisciplinary Program works to promote research readiness and assist students with the shifting academic demands of upper division course work such as research methods and writing towards a research concentration. The Interdisciplinary Program looks to assist students in their transition from their general education courses to doing extensive research in their field of study. The primary focus of the program is first and second semester transfer students working to satisfy field major prerequisites, acclimate to university academic standards, establish their identity as a scholar and obtain a sense of community within their field of study. Our services are based on a student-centered approach which respects the diversity of students' experiences, challenges students to engage actively in their own learning, and provides opportunities for students to work collaboratively to achieve academic success. Program objectives include increasing students’ critical inquiry skills, analysis, confidence in writing and research, problem solving abilities and ability to work collaboratively.

Kinds of Support and How To Sign Up

The Interdisciplinary Program offers support through the following formats: Research Writing Workshop, Study Groups, African American Studies 39B and the SLC Academic Guide for Transfer Students.

To sign up for support email Quamè at quame@berkeley.edu

Upper Division Research Writing Workshop

• A writing workshop for students in courses with an extensive research paper due at the end of the semester
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  The workshop allows students to maximize their time and resources throughout the semester to ensure excellence in final draft

Study Groups

• Academic support for research methods courses
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  Tentative list for the Spring 2009: Sociology 5, Psychology 101 and Political Science 3
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  Study group leaders clarify difficult course material and concepts. Weekly study groups provide opportunities for students to work in small groups to discuss course material.

• Important note: Study Groups are formed during the early part of the semester. Once formed, participants in the group are asked to consistently attend in order to build on the collaborative process toward success in the course supported.

African American Studies (Africam) 39B : Introduction to the University
(Available through tele-bears; Check online Schedule of Classes)

SLC Academic Guide for Transfer Students

• A newsletter formatted guide on academic issues that pertain to incoming U.C. Berkeley students such as: popular yet demanding courses where academic support is provided, current events that may affect transfer students, navigating the campus, and peer advice.

About the Staff

Interdisciplinary Program Coordinator: Quamè John Patton quame@berkeley.edu