While there's no substitute for attending class, completing your assignments, and asking your instructors for help when you need it, there may be times when it feels like you need more personalized support to help you succeed. If that sounds like you, think about working with a Peer Tutor.
In addition to Specialists and Tutors who help specifically with writing and with math, we also have a whole staff of peer tutors who can help you with any class or subject!
Please complete the request form and someone on our team will reach out to you by email and get you connected with the right tutor.
We are always looking for tutors to help out other students, so if you earned an A or A/B in the course and are interested in working as a tutor, please contact the LearningCommons@westerntc.edu.
Not available when the Learning Commons is open? Can't find a time to meet with a peer tutor? Additional online tutoring is available through Net Tutor!
While we have great Western tutors available to help you, you can also initiate a tutor connection through your Blackboard course. All of the tutoring options are FREE to students. Hours and availability vary by subject, but this can be a good option if your schedule doesn’t line up with the peer tutors or other support options for your course or subject. Connect directly to Net Tutor from the tools area of Blackboard.
This resource is a great supplement for the content areas that have fewer Western tutors, and you can initiate it as you need.
Net Tutor may be particularly helpful for the following content areas: Economics, Psychology, Business, Chemistry, History, Sociology, A & P, Nursing, Philosophy, Government, Biology and more!
Net Tutor is compatible with PC, Mac, or tablet. Hours of availability vary by course, but it can be a good resource if your availability doesn't match the availability of Western's tutors for the courses in which you need support.
PALS: Personalized Applied Learning Strategies refers to all individualized supports offered at Western. Looking for one-to-one support that is tailored to your academic needs? PALS offers small group of personal support that factors students' strengths and challenges. Academic support instructors and students work together regularly throughout the term. Students from any program or skill level are welcome to participate. PALS can also assist students as they work to get back into good standing with their program or with Financial Aid.
Please contact LearningCommons@westerntc.edu or your Academic Advisor for more information.
Basic goals for PALS by the end of the term:
PrePALS exists as a support program for students who may be getting started on their college journey and know some preparation could help them along the way.
Students let their College Advisor, the Learning Commons, Access Services, the Welcome Center, or Counseling/Case-Management know they are interested in PrePALS.
At that point, a referral is made to the Learning Commons and our team will work with the student to create a plan.
There are currently nine (9) PrePALS courses offered:
Together, the student and instructor decide which topics to explore. Students make their way through the course that blends online work and in-person or virtual instruction and support.
Students may work with multiple faculty members in the Learning Commons and are also able to work with Peer Tutors. Once the course is complete, and completion is determined by the instructor and the student together, students can more confidently register for General Studies and program courses.
Best of all, students have experience with Western's Learning Commons, our academic support offerings, and multiple other student support services and opportunities available at Western!
