As with most things in life, being successful depends on not only working hard but working smartly. As a college student, it is essential to understand the best ways to study and where to turn for help. Auburn’s study programs offer guidance on any class or subject to help lead student’s in the right direction.
1. Study Partners
Study Partners is Auburn’s official peer tutoring program. Located in the Learning Commons on the 2nd floor of the Ralph Brown Draughon Library, students can receive help on over 170 of the courses offered.
The staff consists mainly of upper-level undergraduates who are highly skilled in both their academic performance and leadership abilities. Every session is confidential and learning from your peers is an easy way to feel comfortable while also learning useful study tips from someone that has already succeeded in the subject.
Tutoring is free, and students are encouraged to make an appointment or simply walk-in at the desk. Drop-in tutoring is also available from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Study Partners is a great resource for any academic help, not just to prepare for an upcoming test. It is an excellent way to check in with a tutor on how you’re doing, build confidence, maintain good grades and receive helpful organization and note-taking skills.
2. The Miller Writing Center
This is one of the best programs to turn to and one that students should utilize any chance possible. Whatever your major may be or class you may be in, writing will be involved. The Miller Writing Center provides free one-on-one consultations for any kind of writing.
With a staff of 68, consisting of both undergraduate and graduate students with a variety of majors, they are there to help with any step of the writing process.
Their help is not just limited to essays. Students can bring in any kind of assignment including lab reports, research papers, PowerPoints, dissertations, theses, annotated bibliographies, scientific posters, cover letters, resumes, personal statements or even
The Miller Writing Center’s primary location is on the 2nd floor of RBD in the Learning Commons, but they have multiple satellite locations across campus. Appointments can be made at any of their locations, online or by phone.
3. Supplemental Instruction (SI)
This program is specifically designed to help students succeed in historically challenging courses.
Led by students who have successfully completed the course in a previous semester, they are there to help in any way possible through their study tips or practice tests.
Sessions are regularly scheduled outside of the classroom where students can work collaboratively with one another along with the help of their SI leader. This is a great way to also meet your peers and help one another on the same topic you may be struggling with.
Along with leading sessions, SI leaders attend all class lectures and take notes, so they are there to help with any questions you may not have been able to ask during class.
The sessions are not only created to help students who may feel like they are falling behind but also to relieve any kind of stress and gain a firmer understanding of the class.
Currently, there are SI sessions for classes in accounting, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, history, math, physics and Auburn Global.
4. Departmental Tutoring
The College of Sciences and Mathematics also offer specific tutoring programs.
According to COSAM’s website, the physics department does not provide official tutoring, but The Society of Physics Students provide tutoring services for a reasonable fee. The department also offers students a list of tutors and their area of focus.
The Math Tutorial Center offers free services to students struggling in precalculus and calculus, including business calculus. No appointment is needed, and students can drop by Parker for help Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m.
5. Study Smart: Academic Boot Camp
This non-credit 10-week program is offered to suspended students. The class focuses on skills and attitudes needed to succeed at Auburn.
Registration begins Aug. 23 and ends Sept. 7. The class costs $150, and students can expect to obtain practical academic skills and realistic alternatives for their success.
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