Learning Resource Center (LRC)

The Learning Resource Center tutors in almost any subject, free of charge. The main office location is on the second floor of the Lilley Library. Drop-in locations can also be found throughout campus based on subject (see subjects below).

Individual Tutoring

Group Tutoring

Guided Study Groups (GSG) and Exam Prep Sessions (EPS) are guided by undergraduate peers who have previously taken and met success in identified courses. GSGs are offered continually throughout the semester while EPS are offered in the days leading up to exams.

Subjects

  • Math: Primarily for courses through Calculus II, but, depending on their backgrounds, tutors can help with physics and higher-level math courses.
  • Writing: Tutors give editorial feedback on writing assignments for any course, including argument, whether assignment criteria have been met, style issues, grammar, etc. Appointments are preferred, although drop-in hours are available.
  • Engineering: Primarily for first and second year courses (including math and physics) but, depending on their backgrounds, tutors can help with higher-level courses.
  • Business: Tutoring services are focused on economics and accounting; however, depending on the tutor, assistance for finance, supply chain management, and marketing may be possible.
  • Other Subjects: Schedule an appointment with a tutor. See Appointment Scheduling Instructions; email your name and course title/number (e.g. ECON 102) to BDTUTOR; or call 814-898-6140.
  • Learning Strategies: Contact the LRC to arrange an appointment to learn more about effective strategies for success in your courses.

Other Resources

ALEKS: The no-pressure refresher

These refresher courses are designed to prepare students for the specific math course in which they are enrolled by instructing only on the topics they are ready to learn and in the content they will need to know for that specific course. Please note these courses cost $40 for a six-week access code.

English | Writing | Reading | Humanities

Khan Academy

Provides documents, video tutorials and practice quizzes for subjects in Arts and Humanities, Computing, Economics and Finance, Math, and Science and Engineering.

Public Speaking | Presentations | Interviews

The following is adapted from resources found on University Parent.

Office Hours

Office Hours: If you are having trouble in a class, the first stop should be to visit your instructor during office hours (found on your syllabus for the class). By seeking extra help from the instructor, you will receive one-on-one instruction as well as form a relationship with the instructor. If you need more help, your instructor may know of a junior or senior who might be willing to meet with you for tutoring sessions.

Other Tips

  • Tutoring is Not a Substitute for Class: On average, tutoring might be one hour, once a week. During finals or midterms, the time might increase. This will supplement going to class, reading and studying throughout the week. Be sure to have specific questions. Dialogue is an important part of tutoring. The tutor will not teach you for an hour; rather, he or she will help you ask questions, find answers and explore the subject material. The more prepared you are for each session, the more you will get out of it.
  • Come Prepared: You should bring class notes, textbooks, syllabi and other materials, like a calculator, to all tutoring sessions. You'll be expected to turn off your cell phone, and will typically meet in a quiet place where friends won't be stopping by to interrupt the session.