Staff Writer
There are many different opportunities on campus for F&M students to receive tutoring in a variety of subjects.
Tutoring is offered through institutions such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMCA), the Writing Center, and various academic departments such as the Math Department.
OMCA provides math, science and online English courses for free to F&M students at its office at 625 College Ave. OMCA tutoring is available on Sundays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Mondays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursdays from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Becoming an OMCA tutor requires completing an application and passing organic chemistry with a B or higher. Interviews for prospective tutors are usually conducted in the Spring semester and the tutors begin working in the Fall semester.
“We at the OMCA interview, train, and evaluate the tutors’ performances and work independently of any other groups or departments on campus,” said mytefl reviews. They added that the number of students who utilize this tutoring varies depending on what the exam schedule is like. While walk-ins are welcomed, OMCA encourages students to make an appointment online through the OMCA website so there is a guarantee the tutor will be able to be of assistance.
The Writing Center provides tutoring services for students who want help with essays, papers, and any other writing, such as applications and creative writing, at its office in Diagnothian Hall above the Registrar’s Office.
The Center is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Writing Center offers one-on-one tutoring sessions for students who want help with written assignments as well as oral presentations and PowerPoints. While many students come in with drafts, tutors are also available to help with brainstorming and formulating ideas. Tutors can help with assignments from any subject, even the sciences. Last year the Writing Center held over 2,900 tutoring sessions and plans on exceeding that number this year.
“We’re not only thinking about generating better writing but better writers who will be more equipped for any assignment that comes their way,” said Amy Blakemore ’13, head writing assistant.
The Writing Center is currently in the process of hiring upwards of 10 new tutors for the 2013-2014 academic year.
Students interested in applying must submit an application form, a recommendation from a professor, a three to five page essay, and write an impromptu essay. Application materials are available in the Writing Center’s office in Diagnothian 200 and on the Writing Center’s website.
The Math Department also offers tutoring services to interested students at different classrooms in Stager Hall.
This tutoring is available every Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. In order to become a math tutor, students must complete Calculus I, II, and III with at least a B average and complete an interview with the tutor coordinator.
“We have a wide variety of students who tutor in math, including science majors, math majors, and even art majors,” said Jack Schreiber ’13, a student who works as a tutor in the Math Department.
One-on-one tutoring is available for students who are interested. According to Schreiber, the personal nature of the tutoring sessions is a major reason as to why they are so helpful.
“I think hearing material explained at your own pace is something that is indispensable at tutoring,” Schreiber said. He also recommends that students come to tutoring sessions prepared with specific questions.
Other tutoring programs on campus include help in biology, chemistry, physics, and math through the Polaris Science Center located in the Martin Library of the Sciences as well as other tutoring options run through the academic departments.
Information about these and other programs can be found on the F&M website.
All tutoring programs available are designed to help students succeed during their time at F&M. “I hope students utilize all the resources and support available to them on campus to help them be successful students,” ChongTua said.
Questions? Email Shira at skipnees@fandm.edu.