Like many students, University junior Eric Steinke is burdened with challenging courses, which is why he sought help with Academic Learning Services. Struggling with Math 241, Steinke went to the ALS math lab, where Kim Griggs tutored him free of charge.
“The tutoring helps me talk my way through the math with some help,” said Steinke.
Griggs, now in her second year as a tutor, warns students: “We don’t do your problem for you, but we will guide you through it,” and stresses the importance of students reading their textbooks, which answer many common questions.
Students are encouraged to drop in or schedule an appointment for the free math and writing labs at the ALS office, located in 68 PLC.
The math lab is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and assists students with courses through Math 253. The writing lab is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is available for writers of all levels. Most writing lab sessions don’t last longer than 30 minutes.
The drop-in labs are only a small part of the many services ALS has to offer students, according to ALS instructor Amy Nuetzman.
“We have a lot of services that are designed to help students succeed academically, whether that means a higher GPA or a more balanced academic life,” Nuetzman said.
Individual tutoring is offered for specific courses and costs $8 to $10 per hour for lower division courses and $10 to $12 per hour for upper division courses. Tutors are usually students who have taken the course, passed with high marks and have faculty recommendations. A list of individual tutors and their specific courses can be found at the ALS office. Nuetzman encourages any University student who wants to become a tutor to contact the ALS office.
Group tutoring is another option for students seeking help with classes. Groups cost $110 per term, usually consist of no more than six people and generally meet twice a week.
ALS also offers individual consulting for University students who need help with issues related to learning, studying and academic performance. One-credit ALS courses are designed to assist in a variety of topics including critical reading, college vocabulary, essay exam preparation, speed reading, grammar, personal statements and research strategies.
Nontraditional students can also seek help and support through Student Support Services, a part of ALS. A Tri-federal grant is offered to qualified students and makes smaller classes possible, provides active academic advising, intensive personal counseling and tutoring. Eligibility is based on income level, parents’ education, academic need for support services and documented disabilities.
The McNair Scholar’s Program, also part of ALS, assists students from low-income homes who are among the first generation in their family to complete a bachelor’s degree, or are from groups underrepresented in graduate education with preparation for graduate school and doctorate degrees.
Throughout the year, ALS sponsors many workshops designed to help students with test anxiety, time management, note-taking and other tools that make college life simpler. Standardized test preparation is also offered for students preparing for the GRE, MCAT and the LSAT exams. Faculty and graduate teaching fellows are also invited to attend various workshops through the Teaching Effectiveness Program, aimed to evaluate and improve teaching.
For more information about ALS, visit the ALS Web site at http://als.uoregon.edu, or call the ALS office at (541) 346-3226.