Instructional Support

There are four specific types of instructional support.

1. Student Success (STSC 0101) Course

The Student Success Course (STSC 0101) helps you make a successful transition to college. The course covers topics vital to college success: getting organized, time management, goal setting, test taking, note taking and personal communication. In addition, you are introduced to the wide variety of resources on campus.

2. Developmental Courses

You might need to enroll in developmental courses to build a strong academic foundation prior to enrolling in college-level courses.

It takes determination on your part to postpone career plans while doing developmental work in English, mathematics or reading. However, these academic enrichment courses will establish the needed preparations prior to enrolling in college-level work.

You should know that you pay tuition for these courses, the grades earned are reflected on your permanent transcript and, in most instances, these courses do not count toward a degree. However, through these classes, you develop good study habits, improve reading comprehension, increase ability to analyze and develop reasoning skills. This is what building an academic foundation is really all about.

Your developmental course needs might be met by non-semester length developmental education interventions, Non-Course Based Option (NCBO) rather than semester length developmental education coursework. Check with the Chairperson of the appropriate department to see if you are qualified to take an NCBO.

3. Supplemental Instruction

If you are enrolled in a historically difficult academic course, Supplemental Instruction (SI) provides regularly scheduled, out-of-class, peer-facilitated study sessions led by trained SI Leaders. If you regularly attend SI sessions, you will learn study strategies and refine learning skills which can help you earn higher course grades, stay enrolled and graduate. Call (361) 698-2138 or visit www.delmar.edu/si.

4. Peer Tutoring

The Peer Tutoring Program assists you to identify strategies to support learning and enhancing academic performance. Tutoring is conducted in a constructive atmosphere of learning using a variety of tutoring techniques tailored to your individual learning style. Our main goal is to inspire you to become a confident, independent learner prepared to meet academic and personal challenges. This free tutoring is provided in a number of academic areas such as:

  • Business
  • Computer Networking
  • English
  • Developmental Math/College Algebra/Natural Sciences
  • Science
  • Social Sciences
  • Health Sciences
  • Nursing

The Peer Tutoring Program strives to create a win-win environment for Del Mar College students. Peer tutors assist you to reach your academic goals while at the same time earn money for your efforts. Our Peer Tutors have an overall GPA of 3.0 to 4.0, are currently enrolled and have earned a grade of an “A” or a “B” in the subject area. Peer Tutors are certified through the College Reading and Learning Association Certification Program. For more information about tutoring or becoming a Peer Tutor, call (361) 698-2267.

East Campus

St. Clair Building

Student Success Center

Room 111

(361) 698-2267

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Fall/Spring), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Summer)

Friday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Fall/Spring); 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Summer)