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Frequently Asked Questions

There are five different programs in the Learning Centers that support students:

Each of our 5 programs works a bit differently, so the style of support varies among programs. In general, the Communication Center, ELLS, and the University Writing Center offer appointment-based consultations. Students make an appointment and work one-on-one with a consultant on whatever the student chooses to focus on.

The Science and Math Learning Center (SMLC) and PASS are more of a drop-in style. Students can visit the SMLC without an appointment, sit down at a table, and raise their hand for help. Tutors rotate among students to provide assistance. PASS offers one-hour review sessions twice a week for specific courses. Students enrolled in these courses can attend study sessions at any point in the semester. The location and times of PASS sessions are posted on our website and announced in classes.

No, the Learning Centers does not offer specific tutoring for every class at JMU. We are not content experts on all subjects. However, there are ways that we can still provide support, depending on what type of assignment you have. For example, if you’re working on a research paper for your geology class, a tutor cannot help you with the geology content; however, a writing tutor can provide guidance on creating a strong thesis, organizing your thoughts, writing a conclusion, etc.

If you need help with course content that we don’t support, we encourage you to go to your professor’s office hours, ask the department if there is any departmental tutoring available, or consult with your classmates. Additionally, you can check out our LC Resources page, where we list additional tutoring resources at JMU. If you know of a resource that we’re missing, let us know!

All tutoring and programming are free!

The majority of services offered in the Learning Centers is done by the 150 undergraduate students that work with us. These students have undergone extensive training and professional development to become peer educators. There are also several graduate assistants who work in the Learning Centers. Each program is overseen by faculty coordinators who also support students.

Our tutors act as consultants. As the student, you decide what you want to work on, and the tutors will give you guidance and support to be successful. For example, in the Writing Center, a tutor will never take your paper and edit it for you. A tutor will ask you what you want to work on and teach you techniques and strategies to improve your writing. In the Science and Math Learning Center, a chemistry tutor will not give you the answers, but they will explain concepts and work through a difficult problem so you can master the material and continue independently. Overall, our goal is to provide you with skills that you can use to be successful in your academic career and beyond.

It depends. Because each program runs a little differently, they have different policies on usage. In the Writing Center, for example, a student can have three 45-minute appointments each week. A student can come to the Science and Math Learning Center whenever the SMLC is open and stay for as long as they want. A student can attend every PASS session of the semester (and that is highly encouraged!). It is helpful to visit each program’s website to learn about their policies.

Learning Strategies Instruction (LSI), another program on campus, offers individualized, student-centered academic coaching. LSI offers help with time management, study skills, reading comprehension, notetaking, test-taking, and online learning. LSI is available to any student and coordinated through the Office of Disability Services.

Because programming in the Learning Centers is subject to change, please visit the website, call (540) 568-2932 or send an email for the most up-to-date information for programs and services.

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