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What We Do

Successful Students Collaborate

The Academic Resource Centers (ARC) are dedicated to the idea of students helping students to raise academic achievement.  Students who study in pairs or small groups tend to learn more and perform better than students who study in isolation.  The ARC capitalizes on the strength of peer collaboration by hiring students who have distinguished themselves in math, writing, or science to work with other students in these areas. 

Experienced students are an excellent resource.  Because they remember what it was like to learn the material, they are adept at perceiving points of confusion and explaining difficult concepts.  In addition, students who seek help from their peers tend to feel less intimidated about asking questions because of the inherent equality in the peer relationship. 

The ARCs currently offer peer assistance in math, writing, and science.  For help in math and writing, students can meet with peer consultants on a walk-in basis Sunday through Thursday evenings. Both Centers are well stocked with math and writing texts, and provide a quiet place to study as well as find help.  Math and writing consultants are available from 8-11 PM, Sunday through Thursday evenings.  The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and coffee and cookies are usually provided.  Help for challenging science courses is provided through the Biology and Chemistry Center for Academic Success.  Peer science consultants, called SI leaders, serve as a resource to the students taking the course.  The SI leaders attend class, take notes, and conduct two to three study sessions each week.  These peer assistance services in math, writing, and science are available to all students at no cost. 

Where We Are
The Math Center - Olds/Upton 205, Sunday-Thursday 8-11PM

The Writing Center - Upjohn Library Commons 310, Sunday-Thursday, 8-11 PM (other times available by appointment)

Biology and Chemistry Center for Academic Success, Dow Seminar Rooms (or Upjohn Library Commons), afternoons and evenings.  Times and locations are announced in class and on the schedule page

Come Prepared
Whether you're seeking help in writing, math, biology or chemistry, your active participation is critical to the success of the session.   Always spend time wrestling with the material on your own before seeking help.  Be prepared to explain where specifically you're having trouble, and bring the assignment when appropriate.  The peer consultants will not do the work for you; rather, they will guide you through the process of finding your own solutions. 

Need a Tutor?
If you think you could use extra help in a course and would like a personal tutor, please contact the specific department for a list of available tutors. The Academic Resource Center does not coordinate individual student-tutor relationships. Arrangements regarding schedules and payment must be made with the department and/or individual tutor.

For questions about tutors, specific departmental contacts are listed below:
Math or Physics - Peggy Cauchy, (269) 337-7100
Languages - Terry Wiborn, (269) 337-7136
Biology or Chemistry - Martha Warpehoski, (269) 337-7011
Writing or English - Deb Pattison, (269) 337-7043

For more information about the Writing Center, contact:
Marin Heinritz, Director of the Writing Center
phone: (269) 337-5734
office: Humphrey House 212
e-mail: heinritz@kzoo.edu

For more information about the Math Center, contact:
Michele Intermont, Director of the Math Center
phone: (269) 337-7107
office: Olds/Upton 203B
e-mail: intermon@kzoo.edu

For more information about the Biology and Chemistry Center for Academic Success, contact:
Martha Warpehoski, Director of Biology and Chemistry Center for Academic Success
phone: (269) 337-7011
e-mail: mwarpeho@kzoo.edu