Tutoring helps Citrus College students find success

By Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, Citrus College Governing Board Member

College isn’t always easy; fortunately, Citrus College is home to an amazing number of tutorial services aimed at keeping students on track.

Located on the first floor of the newly renovated Educational Development (ED) Center, the Learning Center is one of the most utilized tutoring resources at Citrus College. Free to all enrolled students, the Learning Center pairs students with tutors who can answer questions about English, writing, speech and other non-STEM subjects.

“We want students to know that our staff members are dedicated to helping students without judgment,” said Gerald Helm, Learning Center supervisor. “We strive to create a warm, welcoming and accessible environment.”

In addition to helping students with their writing and speech needs, the Learning Center is also the home of the college’s embedded tutoring program.

Originally launched to support an enhanced reading and composition course, the program has expanded in recent years to include many other English, speech, philosophy, child development and ethnic studies courses. Through the program, embedded tutors are assigned to a class and work under the instructor’s guidance to help students understand course concepts and enhance student engagement.

“Embedded tutors also host study sessions where students can work directly with the tutor they already know and feel comfortable with,” Helm said.

Another service offered through the Learning Center is the Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) Testing Center, which supports students who require accommodations due to disabilities or other special circumstances. Through this service, students are able to take their exams in the Learning Center and receive accommodations, such as extended time, large print, and computers equipped with assistive technology and software.

To make it easier for students to access these free services, the Learning Center offers flexible hours. In addition to being open weekdays in-person and online, the Learning Center has remote services on evenings and Saturdays.

For students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math-related subjects, there are free tutoring services available at the STEM Center. Similar to the Learning Center, the STEM Center offers both in-person and online tutoring on weekdays and evenings.

One additional benefit of the STEM Center is that it has computers with access to Microsoft Office and mathematical software, as well as textbooks and graphing calculators that can be loaned out for the semester.

As the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees representative of Glendora and portions of San Dimas, I am impressed by the work being done to support our students academically. For those looking to start or complete their education, I encourage you to consider Citrus College. For more information on how to enroll, visit www.citruscollege.edu/applyregister.