The Learning Center in upstairs Loso Hall is not just a place to buy paper and print assignments; it is a helpful resource in navigating and assisting with the workload in any kind of class. Ryan Scariano, the tutor coordinator, and Kathryn Shorts, director of student success and transition, continue to let students know one important piece of information: the Learning Center is not just for students who are failing their classes.
A misconception that students often have is that tutoring is only for students who are getting bad grades, and only a last minute resort. Whether it’s the writing tutor, subject tutors, or groups study sessions, tutors are there to help you understand and work through the day-to-day class work and information. They are there to help you get prepared for upcoming tests, and are there when you are struggling. Many students have benefitted from going to meet with tutors.
Approximately 48% of students on campus received some kind of tutoring help in the 2018-2019 school year. Often students who have been tutored and gotten familiar with the Learning Center end up networking, forming a community, and working there themselves.
Both Emily Andrews, a current writing tutor, and Deon Nguyen, a General and Organic Chemistry tutor, used tutoring services before becoming tutors themselves. Even if you are not struggling, Emily says that “it’s nice to be able to get a different perspective on assignments.” Deon Nguyen says another benefit to the tutoring services in the Learning Center is that they are free. He adds, “Most people often think that tutoring services cost money but it is easy as booking an appointment and receiving help.”
Besides tutoring, the Learning Center offers a lot of other resources. In the computer lab, printing is available for free. If you do not have your own paper, there is paper there to purchase, as well. The Learning Center is a quiet place where you can do your homework. They also host events, like Night Against Procrastination (N.A.P). There are also job opportunities as a lab aid, as a tutor, as a front desk lab aid, and as an aid in the Disability Services Office (applications are available on handshake).
Ryan Scariano says one thing that is helpful to students is “knowing what is available to you.” He says that building a community is one great aspect of getting involved in school events and knowing your resources. A shared experience of being a student closes that student to tutor gap. Some current tutors even go to other tutors of different subjects to help them. Emily Andrews advises that students should not “worry about feeling embarrassed or nervous to ask for help.” Help is here at EOU in the Learning Center for students no matter where they are in their studies.