The new Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC) officially opened its doors on May 18, replacing what was known for many years as the Multi-Academic Center (MAC) at SCC’s Lincoln Campus.

The TLC, which is located right inside the Library Resource Center (LRC), is one of many changes happening to improve the campus.

“The new center (TLC) was built to provide students with a larger, updated, and more visible location,” said the Director of the TLC, Geriann Rada.

“With the move (from the MAC) also came new branding by changing the name to Tutoring and Learning Center so the name would convey the services offered,” she continued.

The services the TLC offer are geared towards helping students at any level of academic need and not only for those students who are having problems with homework, Rada said.

“Tutors can also help students understand concepts, course content, homework assignments, help prepare for exams, help calm an overwhelmed student by breaking an assignment down, find other helpful student support services, and help students maximize their academic performance,” said Rada. “The biggest piece of advice is to seek help well before you need it.”

The tutors in the TLC are trained students and faculty members skilled in several academic disciplines, and for those subjects that don’t have tutors available at the center, the tutor coordinator will work with faculty to attempt to find one.

The Lincoln campus and ESQ recently welcomed Derek Hodges as the TLC’s new tutor coordinator this year.  Hodges has a B.A. in physics and is an experienced math and physics tutor.

As coordinator, Hodges “supports our tutors, works with Program Chairs and instructors to recruit, hire and train tutors, develops tutoring schedules, tracks tutor use, prepares data reports, helps market our services to students and works with the TLC team,” said Rada.

Besides Rada and Hodges, the TLC team consists of the Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Carolee Ritter, the Writing Center Coordinator, Dr. Barbara Tracy, and Math Program Chair, Dr. Sandeep Holay.

Tutoring for writing and math is available Mondays – Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on a walk-in basis each quarter for individual and small groups. Students can also schedule an appointment with a writing tutor by calling 402-437-2627.

Walk-ins are welcome for one-on one and small group tutoring in writing, reading, math and general subjects during their scheduled time periods.  Full schedules are posted at the TLC.

Tutoring for other subjects such as chemistry, physics, anatomy, modern logic and computer programming, is also available for walk-ins during their scheduled time slots which are posted in the TLC.

General tutors for subjects such as accounting, biology, microbiology, drafting, economics, German, Spanish, medical terminology, nursing, personal finance and pharmacy technician are available by emailing the tutor and setting up an appointment.  A list of tutors and their emails are available at the TLC.

Students can also make an appointment with a tutor in another subject that is not scheduled by calling the Tutor Coordinator at 402-437-2628 for a tutor’s email, or they can stop by the TLC.

There are study rooms available for small groups and computers in the center for students to work with a tutor on their assignments.

Besides all of the services available at the TLC, SCC also provides a free online tutoring service called Smarthinking, which is available anytime students need it and offers help in a variety of subjects. Students can find directions on how to use Smarthinking on The HUB under Student Services->Support Services->Tutoring.

Tutoring services are available on all four SCC campuses.

ESQ tutoring is located in room 109F, Beatrice tutoring is available by contacting Margarita Feyerherm (Tutor Coordinator) at 402-228-3468 ext.1351 and Milford tutoring is available by contacting Rob Koch (Tutor Coordinator) at 402-761-8416.

Students interested in becoming a tutor must have a recommendation from their course instructor, received at least a B in the course they want to tutor and completed college-level courses in that area. Students should contact the Tutor Coordinator for their campus.