When ؾ students seek academic assistance, Sia Batra is often the first face they see. Sia is a peer success coach who meets regularly with students for one-on-one sessions to improve study skills, time management and test-taking strategies. Included with tuition for all ؾ students, the Peer Success Coaching program is just one of many services provided by the Learning Commons—an invaluable support resource found on the University’s downtown and Schaumburg campuses.
“The Learning Commons was created to support you academically and ensure you that any struggles you’re experiencing are incredibly common,” Sia says. “Whether you’re having trouble with a particular class or need to re-think your academic approach to the college experience, there is someone on our team who will be committed to assisting you.”
Sia’s passion for helping others is a natural extension of her career ambitions. As a dual Industrial-Organizational Psychology and MBA candidate, she wants to combine empathetic interpersonal skills with savvy business strategies to help companies produce a happier and more efficient workforce. During her sessions with students from a variety of majors, she is warm, knowledgeable and tailors her approach to each individual’s learning style.
“Everyone is receptive to information and learning strategies differently,” she says. “So many of my I/O Psychology classes at ؾ show me that getting to know people one-on-one allows you be familiar with their personal learning approach, and you can let them succeed academically at a higher level.”
Sia views her commitment to the Learning Commons as reciprocal after receiving her own support from ؾ. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Delhi, she selected ؾ for graduate school because of the unique opportunity to combine an MBA with a psychology degree. Leaving India, Sia was initially nervous to attend college in another country, but the University’s support for international students immediately put her at ease. She’s now an enthusiastic Chicagoan, eager to try new restaurants near her West Loop apartment and exploring the Riverwalk.
Sia extends ؾ’s philosophy of welcoming students from all backgrounds by being a peer success coach to people of all needs. She has helped individuals with ADHD refine their time management skills, shy students practice class presentations and international students refine their English-language comprehension for literature courses. And the peer success coach program is only one of many services the Learning Commons provides.
The Commons also house Disability Services (which can facilitate special classroom and testing accommodations) as well as tutors for writing and math. Students can always visit the physical offices on either Roosvelt campus, but they can also sign up for virtual appointments or register for the Peer Mentorship program through EAB Navigate.
“No matter how you find us, we’re here to support you,” Sia says. “ؾ is dedicated to everyone’s academic success, and we’re enthusiastic to help.”
