Center for Learning Excellence

The Center for Learning Excellence 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 [email protected]; or call 814-898-6140.
  • Learning Strategies: Contact the Center for Learning Excellence to arrange an appointment to learn more about effective strategies for success in your courses.

Other Resources

ALEKS: The no-pressure refresher

ALEKS 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 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, and Humanities

Khan Academy

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, and Interviews

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). By seeking extra help from the instructor, you may receive one-on-one instruction and form a relationship with the instructor. If you need more help, your instructor may know of a junior or senior 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 essential part of tutoring. The tutor will not teach you for an hour; they 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 typically meet in a quiet place where friends won't stop by to interrupt the session.