The Office of Academic Services is busier this semester because of incoming freshmen seeking help earlier.
Cortney Palmacci, coordinator of Main Campus Tutoring, said, “In the past, it took a couple weeks to get going. This semester, though, tutoring started right from the beginning. Students are coming in pretty quickly.”
Palmacci recommends that students continue to come in early for tutoring in order to address problems, which will build a solid learning foundation and a solid knowledge base as they progress in their courses throughout the semester.
“With math and science courses, students build upon knowledge, so if a student waits until the end of the semester, they’ve already been confused or lost for weeks,” said Palmacci. “It’s much harder to catch up when you don’t have a good foundation.”
The Office of Academic Services offers three tools for students: tutoring, testing and individualized academic success strategies.
Professional and student tutors help students with math and science classes and also with writing assignments. The office also offers testing for students who may be referred to take College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams and makeup exams. In addition, the office offers testing accommodations for undergraduate students with disabilities.
If students need individualized assistance with study strategies, they have the option of meeting with a professional staff member who can provide specific resources.
“This aspect is there for students who may be struggling with the transition to college. If they need help with study strategies or prioritizing, they can meet with a professional and learn how to read and understand the textbook, how to use their time wisely and other important tools,” said Palmacci.
The Office of Academic Services is a tool for students who have a specific problem and for those who don’t, said Lisa Walther–Austin, Director of the Office of Academic Services. It is a way for students to stay current and be proactive with their studies.
“Tutoring is a part of studying. It’s another tool or resource to incorporate into your studies and help you stay current. It’s for every undergraduate student at all levels to help them keep the edge and make sure nothing slips through the cracks,” said Walther–Austin.
The office offers tutoring sessions Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Though walk–ins are accepted, there’s no guarantee that a tutoring slot will be available. It is recommended that students make an appointment a few days in advance, either by phone or by dropping in. During the weeks before midterms, though, it is recommended that students make appointments a minimum of one week in advance.
Walther–Austin also recom-mends that students not schedule a session the week something is due, especially if it as a writing assignment, so that there is time for feedback to be provided.
Students should also bring a draft of their work to sessions due to the collaborative process of the tutoring. The session is for the student to understand how to make improvements and revisions and how to apply them in that assignment and future assignments, said Palmacci.
Students may not only use the center to seek help, but there are opportunities to become tutors.
If a student is looking to become a tutor with the Office of Academic Services, the application and list of requirements are featured on their website. Once hired, all tutors go through a comprehensive in-house training program certified by the College Reading and Learning Association, said Palmacci. They learn strategies and tips to help students learn, in addition to their knowledge of various class subjects.
