Student help available in Peer Tutoring center
   By Heather Bowers
   IV Leader Staff, Oct. 19, 2006
    With the passing of mid-term already behind, it is getting 
to be that time of year where the papers seems to pile up and the homework never 
ends. 
    However, there’s no need to fret. IVCC has two services 
available to students who are struggling to keep their head above the pile of 
textbooks—Peer Tutoring and the Writing Center. Peer Tutoring provides academic 
assistance to part-time and full-time students for free. 
    Students can work individually or in groups as many times as 
they want and can sign up for appointments at allotted times as their schedule 
allows. 
    With around 10 student and faculty tutors, many subjects are 
being taught including English, Computer Science, Math, Biology, Foreign 
Language, Chemistry, Business, Criminal Justice, and Accounting. One student who 
received tutoring said, “My tutor gave me the extra push and encouragement that 
I needed.” 
    To sign up for an appointment or show up as a walk-in, all a 
student needs to do is come to B201 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or contact 
coordinator Cathi Nelson at 224-0479. 
    The Writing Center is located right next to Peer Tutoring and 
shares the same hours — 9-3 Monday through Thursday and 9-2 on Fridays. The 
Writing Center has 10 tutors that are specifically there to help with papers and 
other writing assignments. Help with grammar, MLA, paper format and 
brainstorming are just some of the few benefits of visiting the Writing Center. 
Appointments can be made and walk-ins are accepted. 
    According to coordinator Tara Coburn, 73 percent of students 
that visited the Writing Center in the spring of ’06 semester earned a “C” or 
better in their course. A student who received help remarked, “The tutor really 
explained to me exactly how an essay should be arranged. He was also very 
supportive of my rough draft and wasn’t over critical of my writing.” 
    To make an appointment, stop in the Writing Center and sign 
up or contact Coburn at 224-0335. As the semester rolls on and the assignments 
start coming in, Peer Tutoring and the Writing Center will continually be 
available to students who need help with their classes or papers. Appointments 
fill up fast, so don’t hesitate to stop by between 9-3 on M-Th and 9-2 on 
Fridays.