Discover the People, Programs, and Spaces Designed to Help CIA Students Succeed
Author Sarah Rolph ’22/’26 is a Culinary Science major.
“Supporting student-driven success at every step.”—Jennifer Abramowski-Tiernan, learning specialist
Starting college is a big step—you’re moving to a new place, meeting new people, and learning in a whole new way. Honing your culinary skills at CIA is an amazing college experience and it’s normal to feel a little nervous at first, but every great adventure starts with stepping into the unknown. One of the resources that students have access to is The Russell H. Ferber Learning Commons, sometimes referred to as the Library Learning Commons or LLC for short. Here, CIA students have all kinds of support ranging from peer tutors to kitchen space, where you can practice piping skills and your knife cuts, with potatoes of course.
The LLC Kitchen
If you’re in fundamentals, or fundies as we call it, and want some extra practice on your basic techniques, come to the LLC kitchen. Here students have access to potatoes (and sometimes carrots, onions, apples, and oranges) to practice knife cuts or practice buttercream piping; it’s a great space to hone your skills.
Group and Individual Study Rooms and Spaces
Have a test coming up? Grab some friends and book a private study room, equipped with whiteboards and a room all to yourselves so you can focus without any distractions. Head to the back of the LLC and find the ZenDen, a space with flashcards, de-stressing/fidget toys and games specially designed for the more challenging classes here at CIA. Don’t forget to grab a cup of your favorite tea or coffee to keep you awake and ready to learn!
Tutoring and Mentoring
Struggling in a class? The Commons will connect you with both professional tutors and peer tutors who did well in the class. Tutors are able to share tips and help you work through any concepts or problems you might be struggling with. You can also meet with mentors that will help develop personalized study plans, improve time management skills, and explore new learning strategies.
Learning Strategies
Tests can be overwhelming, here you can come in and work with a professional learning specialist who will help you build study plans and find learning strategies tailored to your personal needs and learning strategy.
Disability Services
The Russell H. Ferber Learning Commons has a quiet, separate location for testing, with various accommodation tools and resources. The disability specialist and learning specialist will connect you with the tools, strategies, and resources, to empower your academic success here at CIA.
Workshops
Workshops are designed and hosted by learning strategy professionals. Ranging from Study Sync—themed body doubling days where students engage in independent study together, to Unlocking You—an academic success series addressing foundational academic skills such as self-knowledge, understanding and overcoming procrastination, and time management.
Interested in Learning More About Student Support Here at CIA?
Explore CIA student support services.