What Are TA Office Hours at RPI?

TA office hours at RPI are scheduled periods when teaching assistants are available to help students with course content. These sessions provide support to review lectures, clarify assignments, offer homework help, and prepare for exams. They are an important academic support system designed to reinforce what is taught in class.

Please note that each tutoring session is listed under the name of the course instructor. Additionally, a PDF version of all the courses mentioned below is also provided.

TA Summer 2025 Tutoring (PDF Version)

What is ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces)?  

ALEKS is an AI online program to help students prepare for Rensselaer’s Calculus 1. ALEKS develops an individualized program based the student’s math skills.  

The first step: Assessment

Students take the Initial Knowledge Check (IKC) of 25 questions that takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the IKC, the students can view their strengths and weaknesses and begin to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics, including trigonometry, linear functions, Vectors, Algebraic expressions, etc.

ALEKS Prep for Calculus at RPI:

• Is a pilot program for a selected number of entering first year students
• Has an Initial Knowledge Check
• Provides Individualized Prep and Learning Modules that are self-paced

To complete the program and be better prepared for the fall semester, we will ask a selected number of participants to be involved in SIX-week math preparatory learning modules from end of June through August. What you need to know:

• ALEKS Program will strengthen, and refresh knowledge needed for Fall
• At Rensselaer, students cannot use calculators in their math classes
• SIX weeks starts when the student hits “Select;”
• The student’s commitment would be 4-5 hours per week for six weeks
• Once the student starts the program, individualized work module and prompts will be given to help students through problems sets and encourage completion
• Participants who complete 80%+ of the program will be put into a lottery for a $400 gift card to the RPI bookstore
• ALAC and RPI’s Chatbot #Puckman will reach out to students periodically to encourage and troubleshoot any problems with the program

Due to the loss in math skills nationally over the pandemic years, Rensselaer has noticed an impact on our students’ knowledge level and recall of preparatory material for Calculus 1. Since math classes do not allow calculators, crib sheets or any other aids when taking a quiz or exams it is extremely important students can recall and use concepts from Pre-Calculus. Rensselaer wants to help students strengthen those skills by giving them an opportunity to practice and review topics. It is designed to help students regain that knowledge and succeed academically in the long run.

FAQ   

Who will be identified for ALEKS Prep for Calculus?

The Undergraduate Education Office will work with Admissions to select the students who would most benefit to participate in the program. 

How long it will take to complete the program?

The program will be active for 6 weeks, and for the best practice, you can expect 4-5 hours of commitment per week. We strongly encourage you to practice and complete tasks weekly to successfully complete the program.

How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module?

You will have 6 weeks of access to your Prep and Learning module. Access to the prep course will not begin until you select start on the top of your screen. DO NOT select into the Prep and Learning Module until you are ready to start working.  

When do I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

ALEKS will be open on June 26, 2023. Designated students will receive instructions on how to sign up and start the ALEKS PPL Assessment.

Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL? It is FREE!

Do I need to install any software or plug-ins prior to taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment? No. There are no required plug-ins or applets required with your use of ALEKS. As long as you have access to the internet and are using an updated browser, you should not experience difficulties in accessing ALEKS.  For a list of preferred browsers, please review the ALEKS system requirements on their support site: http://www.aleks.com/support/system_requirements 

What are ALEKS Knowledge Checks? While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete a Knowledge Check to make sure you have mastered the topics you gained in Learning Mode. If you do not show mastery during the Knowledge Check, the topics will be added back into your Learning Pie so you can review them again.    

Technical Support 

What do I do if my web browser gets stuck or my computer crashes while I'm working in ALEKS? Simply close the browser, or log out and log back in. ALEKS will resume exactly where you left off, with no loss of your previous answers. 

Where can I get help with ALEKS? 

http://www.aleks.com/faqs/technical 

http://support.aleks.com/assess_placement