Learning Services

All Learning Services are FREE to all SMU students.

Graduate and Bachelor Completion Programs

• Writing Support
• Academic Coaches
• Academic Resources

Winona Undergraduate Campus

Peer Tutors

Peer Tutors offer support to students for specific courses. Peer tutors are high achieving students who have done well in the course(s) they tutor and have been recommended by faculty. Services can be utilized as a “one off” for a specific topic, chapter, etc., or as regularly-scheduled support throughout the semester. Tutoring is provided utilizing a satellite model so that tutors and students can meet at a time and place convenient to both parties. 

Tutoring appointments can be made through Penji. Not all courses are covered; however, all efforts are made to meet the needs of our students. In general, coverage for 100 and 200 level courses is more robust. Tutors for 300 and 400 level courses are difficult to find as they are typically taken late in a student’s career, but some are covered. If there is not a tutor available for a course, please select the option in Penji that brings this to our attention.

Resources for students utilizing tutoring:

• How to prep for a session
• Tutors can/can’t

Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors offer support to students who would like to build general skills to support them across all classes. Skills they can help you learn/build include time management, study skills, test taking strategies, note taking strategies, building better habits, organization, and reading strategies. Even if you know some strategies for studying or reading effectively, the Mentors may help you discover a better strategy.

Peer Mentor appointments can be made through Penji. Peer Mentors also hold office hours throughout the week. They work out of SM 142, the Learning Hub (across the hall from Campus Ministry).

Writing Tutors

Writing Tutors offer support to students for all types of writing at all stages of the writing process. They know the ins and outs of college writing: from understanding the assignment instructions to brainstorming content, and from organizing ideas to polishing up a final draft, they’ve got you covered! Tutors meet one-on-one (or with a group if necessary) for 45 minutes in person or on Zoom. They will answer writing questions and make suggestions when appropriate. They can help identify writing problems and help improve proofreading skills. In addition to coursework, tutors will look over resumes, cover letters, and scholarship and graduate school applications. Appointments can be made through Penji, and while appointments are preferred, tutors who aren’t already working with a writer can assist on a drop-in basis.

Graduate and Bachelor Completion Programs

Writing Consultants

The Writing Consultants – Alex Urquhart and Nate Titman – are available to help with any of your writing needs. Appointments can be conducted via email, face-to-face, or over the phone. Once you select a time, it is reserved for you. There is also an online queue available for you to submit work for them to review. They do require 72 hours minimum for review, and they are able to review, most, but not all, papers submitted. In addition, The Writing Center provides a variety of self-directed tools to assist you in becoming a better writer. These tools include APA resources and templates, Word tutorials, workshops and courses, how to avoid plagiarism, help with specific forms of writing, understanding the writing process, grammar resources, and resources for dissertation writers. 

The consultants will spend up to 60 minutes per queue submission. If you have never set up an appointment with the Writing Consultants before, you’ll want to start by creating a profile. If you have already done that, you’ll make an appointment using WC Online. To submit a paper to the queue, click here.

Academic Coaches

Academic Coaches are fellow students who offer support to those who would like to build general skills to support themselves across all classes. Skills they can help you learn/build include time management, study skills, test taking strategies, note taking strategies, building better habits, organization, and reading strategies. Peer Mentors can also offer support in navigating online classes, and weekly accountability meetings to plan and maintain progress. Appointments are held via Zoom and can be made through Penji.