Tutoring Center Blossoms Under CAPE Banner

Elmira, NY (03/02/2022) — This is the second in a 5-part article series highlighting the Center for Academic & Professional Excellence (CAPE). See below for links to previous articles.

Michaela Johnson '17 manages the George L. Howell Tutoring Center, one of the academic support services that's now part of the Center for Academic & Professional Excellence (CAPE). She and the student peer tutors see how bringing the support services closer together makes it easier for students.

Under the new CAPE structure, Johnson sees more collaboration with her colleagues, has been able to combine some of the tutor training with the Writing Center, and sees how CAPE gives students a one-stop-shop experience.

"For students, there is now one spot dedicated to their success," she said.

Peer Tutor Zachary Raffino '23, a Biochemistry major, sees big advantages for the students with this approach.

"Before, if a student wanted support, it was on him or her to reach out to the individual services," said Raffino. "Sometimes, like in the case of lab reports, it was unclear which service to seek and that deterred some students. Now, students have one place to contact and they will be directed to the service or services that will help them best. "

Johnson and the peer tutors also hope these changes will help dispel the myth that tutoring is only for students who might be struggling. The program is designed to support anyone at any academic level.

Peer Tutor Carina Gibbs '23, who is double majoring in Nursing and Psychology, envisions a vibrant Tutoring Center where many students drop in and help each other study and deepen their knowledge.

"Getting tutoring doesn't have to be a scary thing," said Gibbs. "It should be more of a collaborative effort rather than a teacher-learner situation."

She likes the changes CAPE has brought and the focus put on creating an inviting space.

Peer Tutor James Blair '23, a Mathematics and Psychology double major, feels the same about the Tutoring Center. "It's a great setting. It's comfortable. But, I think a lot of students are shy and they aren't sure when to come by for help," he said.

The peer tutors, many of whom received tutoring themselves, all expressed a desire for more students to leverage the Tutoring Center (See videos of Gibbs and Blair encouraging students to leverage CAPE). To them, it's a place where people study together and get tips from someone who took the same class and knows what questions will be on a test. Also, they can meet people who are interested in the same subjects.

"In a way, it is a networking thing too," said Blair. "I feel like I am more a part of this campus because I'm not only helping the students but I'm involved with the faculty too."

Johnson, an Elmira College alumna with a background in childhood education, knows first-hand how the tutoring center can help any student succeed.

"In high school, things came easily to me," she said. "But my upper-level Math classes at EC weren't easy. I sought tutoring and it was huge. I was able to come and ask questions and have confidence in my peers. It helped us form a really good bond in our program. We formed study groups and reviewed our homework."

"I was successful in earning my math degree in part because of the help I received from my peers through tutoring services," she said.

Interested in becoming a peer tutor? The Tutoring and Writing centers are seeking applications now. Sign up here by Sunday, March 13.

ARTICLE SERIES:

• Elmira College Creates Center for Academic & Professional Excellence (CAPE)
• Tutoring Center Blossoms Under CAPE Banner
• CAPE Banner Helps Writing Center Foster Writing Confidence
• Accommodation Services Bolstered And Simplified Under CAPE
• Career Services Links With Other CAPE Services To Build A Holistic Student Journey

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