Asking for help is key to personal and academic growth. The people around you at SEMO genuinely want to help, because when you succeed, we all succeed!
How to Ask for help in college:
Getting the support you need starts with asking the right questions. Instead of saying, “I need help with my essay,” try:
“Can you help me summarize the main points of my essay to create a strong conclusion?”
Resources & Example Questions
SEMO offers a variety of support services to help you succeed. Below are key resources and the types of questions you can ask.
Counseling Services
What’s offered for counseling services? In-person, walk-and-talk, or telehealth support.
Location: Crisp Hall, Room 201
Phone: (573) 986-6191
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Example Questions:
- How do I schedule an appointment?
- What happens in a typical session?
- What’s your therapy approach?
Accessibility Services
What’s offered at accessibility services? Accommodations and support for students with disabilities.
Email: cbha@semo.edu
Phone: (573) 986-6191
Example Questions:
- How can I request accommodations?
- Can you help me find additional resources?
- Who should I talk to about unmet accommodations?
Office of Student Conduct
What kind of help does the Office of Student Conduct offer? Support for reporting incidents and understanding policies.
Email: lrcarter@semo.edu
Phone: (573) 651-2264
Example Questions:
- What form do I need to fill out?
- When should I contact the University Police Department?
- Can someone help me with a situation I’m unsure about?
Center for Writing Excellence
What’s offered in the Center for Writing Excellence? One-on-one writing help for essays and assignments.
Location: Kent Library, Room 309
Email: writing@semo.edu
Phone: (573) 651-2460
Example Questions:
- How do I format my works cited?
- Can you help me keep a consistent voice in my essay?
- Can you guide me in forming a rebuttal?
Academic Support Lab
What help can you get at the Academic Support Lab? Tutoring for various subjects, in-person and virtual.
Email: lap@semo.edu
Phone: (573) 651-2861
Schedule Tutoring: Log in to SupportNET in your mySEMO account.
Example Questions:
- Can you help me understand this chapter?
- What study tools can I use?
- Can you quiz me on this material?
Mathematics Learning Center
Wondering where you can get help on your math assignments? Free math tutoring, in-person and virtual are available at the Mathematics Learning Center.
Location: Johnson Hall, Room 112 and Kent Library, Room 412Email: lap@semo.edu
Virtual Help: Microsoft Teams
Example Questions:
- Can you help break down this equation?
- What’s the best way to understand this concept?
- Can we work through a practice question?
a Final Reminder on asking for help
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. SEMO’s resources are here to support you, don’t hesitate to reach out and take charge of your success!