Tutoring

Who we are

We are upper-division writing students and faculty who have been specially trained to work with you on your writing and to help you become a better writer. We are genuinely interested in what you have to say, and we are known to be attentive, supportive, and helpful.

What we do

We discuss your writing with you. After all, we think that's what writers need most--readers who are interested in their writing and who want to respond to it. Thus, we hope you will visit us often--with anything from your biology paper to the poem you wrote last night. While we do not claim that we will always be able to respond to the content of a discipline-specific paper, we can certainly be of help with other aspects of it. Give us a try! You are also welcome to come see us if you're working on a scholarship application letter, a BLA portfolio, or a story of your own. Bring us your questions, concerns, or a request for feedback.

What We Don't Do

• We do not write, revise, or "fix" papers. We do not proofread (instead, we work with you on editing your papers if you so wish).
• We do not spend unlimited time with one student.
• We do not work on every aspect of a paper in one sitting.
• We do not estimate grades.

Signing Up for a Writing Tutor is Easy

• If you are in the neighborhood (Room 105 Egan Library), drop in and sign up. The sign up notebook will be on a table as you enter. Simply write your name in the most convenient time slot and be sure to be there in time for your tutoring session.
• We generally start tutoring at 11:00 and have tutors available until 5:00 or later. It is advisable to schedule a writing tutor in advance.
• If you can’t drop in and sign up, call (796-6187).
• Hopefully your scheduled writing appointment will work nicely. Remember, though, if you are ten minutes late, your appointment may be given to another student. When things don’t go as expected, be sure to call to cancel the appointment (796-6187).

What to Bring

• Bring the latest draft of the paper you want to discuss.
• Bring earlier drafts if you'd like us to look at the changes you've made.
• Bring the assignment handout from your instructor to help us understand the requirements for your assignment better.
• Bring questions you have for us, or be ready to let us know what kind of feedback you are hoping to get.

And most of all, remember: There isn't much we can do for you if your paper is due in an hour! To get the most out of your appointment, please make it well ahead of your deadline. Hope to see you soon!

Distance Tutoring

We also offer distance writing tutoring for students who are ill, not in Juneau, or have childcare problems.

• Call the Writing Center (796-6187) and set up an appointment.
• E-mail us a copy of your essay and as much information about the assignment as possible, including instructions, problems, and concerns. (writingcenter@uas.alaska.edu)
• Call the Writing Center at your scheduled time and be sure you have a copy of the essay in front of you.
• The writing tutor will conference with you as if you are at a typical appointment.
• We do not go over essays and send them back to students. The student must be present either physically or by phone to be tutored.

Who are the Math Tutors?

We are primarily students like yourself with a little more experience in math. Some of us started with Math 054 or 055 and slowly made our way to calculus, so we know what you are going through. If you prefer working with an "expert," we have Educational Technicians who have already acquired their degrees in math or sciences.

Why go to the LC for math help?

If you are having trouble understanding what is going on in your math class or cannot finish your homework, you can come for help. Helping students in distress is indeed one of our main functions, yet it would be wrong to think that having "trouble" is the only reason to come see us. Students come for everything from a little moral support to sharing insights to discussing the nature of mathematics.

What are the Tutors likely to do for you?

We will try to make the math you are doing more comprehensible. This might include working on problems with you, explaining a concept, or simply letting you know you are on the right track. A simple statement of our philosophy might be that we help you help yourself. Yes, we know how trite that sounds, but it does underscore the idea that we are a resource to aid in your understanding, not a substitute for understanding.

Will I pass my math class if I come to the Learning Center?

Coming to the Learning Center will almost certainly increase your understanding of math, which is directly related to passing the course. But that alone will not get you through--attending lectures, doing your homework, and passing exams are important too. The more you do to try and better understand the mathematics you are learning, the better you will do in your math courses.

What other services do you provide?

A grant from the Alaska State Library provides Alaskan students with free access to live one-on-one online help with assignments, papers and exam preparation in math, science, social studies and writing. Visit tutor.com via the Statewide Library Electronic Doorway on the web any day of the week from 1 pm until 12 am.

There are periodic workshops offered during the semester that range from course specific problem solving sessions to how to effectively use your calculator. During these workshops you can review course material in a group setting, moderated and assisted by a tutor. We also have a collection of math exams for review online, which will help you prepare for your tests. Textbooks and calculators are available for use at the Learning Center, and some textbooks can be checked out. 

If there is a service you wish we offered, come tell us about it or call us at 796-6348. We are always open to suggestions.