If MLA, APA and Chicago bring to mind anything other than writing styles and professional associations, then you might be in trouble.
That’s where the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences’ Office of Academic Services comes in. Located in the Parker Building, Suite 100, the office offers a variety of free services — ranging from 45-minute individual tutoring sessions to online information on graduate exams — to undergraduates.
According to Lisa Walther-Austin, director of the Office of Academic Services, tutoring is one of the office’s most popular services and is available for classes such as biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, statistics and computer technology. Students can find tutors at the main campus and at the Student Educational Centers in Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Ft. Myers. Online tutoring is available for students who are unable to get to one of these campuses. Online tutoring is conducted through the WebCT Wimba Live platform, which enables the student and the tutor to meet in real time. This requires a computer with Internet access and audio.
Tutors help students improve their writing skills. Students can meet with tutors at every stage of the writing process — from brainstorming to revision. The tutors also help students learn to spot and correct their own errors.
Tammy Graham, junior communication studies major, said Academic Services helped her tighten up her writing.
“I think it is a wonderful service available to students for free and I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t take advantage of it,” said Graham.
Students who do not need tutoring can pick up support materials such as APA and MLA style guides and math DVDs. The office also has computer resources designed to reinforce topics covered in class and in tutoring sessions. These include access to software programs such as MathXL®, SPSS®, Microsoft® Office, and the eyeQ™ speed-reading program, which helps students read and process information quicker.
The office is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 7p.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call (954) 262-8350 and to access the office’s online resources, including the MLA and APA guidelines, log on to www.fcas.nova.edu/academicservices.
