From math help to writing advice, academic support is all around

By Stephanie Lonzak,
WWU University Communications Intern

Western Washington University offers many services for students who need academic help.

Need help with study skills? Need a place to surround yourself with fellow math enthusiasts? Want an extra pair of eyes on that final essay? Western offers help with all of these needs.

Some of these services focus on new students, specifically helping them adapt to the college environment. This list suggests a few programs all students are encouraged to take advantage of:

• The Academic Advising Center, Old Main 380
  Provides professional and peer advisors who assist students in choosing a major or minor, select courses, plan for General University Requirements (GURs) and understand academic policies at Western. The Academic Advising Center strongly recommends that students meet with them at least once a year.
• Student Outreach Services, Old Main 387
  Focuses on helping first-year freshman, transfer and underrepresented students make the transition to college life. They help students plan for a major or minor, teach time management and study skills and connect students to advisors who create individual academic plans.
• The Learning Commons, Wilson Library
  Includes services such as the Writing Center, the Tutoring Center and the Teaching-Learning Academy. Other services include Instruction and Research Services where students can get research tips and help with proper citation formats.
• The Writing Center, Wilson Library
  Offers students help at any point throughout the writing process, from picking a topic to providing another set of eyes on the final draft. They provide writing guides and resources such as voice-to-text software. Students also can get feedback on writing-related homework or job search materials and get assistance with strategies for reading and research. They also are available online for those too busy to make a face-to-face appointment.
• The Tutoring Center, Wilson Library 280
  Offers assistance in math and science GUR’s, such as biology, chemistry, logic, mathematics, physics and more. Students can also set up individual appointments to learn effective time management skills and other academic success strategies.
• The Student Technology Center Haggard Hall, second floor, inside the Learning Commons
  The Student Technology Center focuses on students helping students with technology. They offer workshops in different computer applications and have special equipment such as scanners and color printing available for students to use for coursework.
• The Teaching-Learning Academy Wilson Library 270, inside the Learning Commons
  The TLA is a dialogue forum that includes faculty, staff and students from across campus, plus community members, who meet every other week to study and enhance the learning environment at Western. Students can earn communication practicum credit for participating.
• The Math Center, Bond Hall 211A
  The Math Fellows at the center provide tutoring in calculus, linear algebra, statistics and differential equations. There also are computers available for students who need to use math applications and a room dedicated to group projects.
• Other services
  Tutors and other sources of help are available in academic departments. Faculty also are happy to help and answer questions – visit during their office hours. Study groups are another great way to learn the material. Private tutors now list their services on the Student Employment Center website, www.finaid.wwu.edu/studentjobs.
Page Updated 09.07.2012