Learning Center Policies and FAQs

Yes! Students take advantage of tutoring to maximize the resources of the University to achieve academic success. Tutors and Academic Coaches are trained to assist students in mastering course concepts and academic success skills. Academic Coaches can help students take their study skills up a notch by helping them with time management, test-taking skills, taking notes to improve comprehension and memory, active reading strategies and more!

Working with a peer tutor can help you:

• become more motivated and self-directed
• master course content and practice skills
• learn effective study strategies
• gain confidence

Students ask more questions in a tutoring session than in the classroom and have a chance to talk about material with a subject matter expert – tutors and coaches - a practice that can help improve students' academic performance and ultimately their grades. Tutoring works best when students participate regularly throughout the semester, but tutors can also help with specific concepts students need help with on an as-needed basis. 

For Subject Tutoring:

1. Log in to Starfish.
2. Click the drop-down menu in the top left corner.
3. Click on Courses.
4. Select the appropriate semester.
5. Click Schedule Appointment.
6. Select reason and click Continue.
7. You will see appointment times available for all the tutors for the specific course.
8. Select the desired appointment day and time.
9. Click Continue.
10. Click Confirm.
11. You will receive an appointment confirmation in your Penn State email.

For Writing Tutoring:

1. Log in to Starfish.
2. Click the drop-down menu in the top left corner.
3. Click on My Success Network.
4. Click Schedule on Free Writing Tutoring for All Courses.
5. You will see appointment times available for writing tutoring.
6. Select the desired appointment day and time.
7. Click Continue.
8. Click Confirm.
9. You will receive an appointment confirmation in your Penn State email.

Reach out to Eileen Giovagnoli or Blair Cutright. If you have questions or would like assistance, stop by the Learning Center in the Student Success Center in the Study Learning Center, or contact us at 570-963-2678.

Contact the Learning and Writing Center by calling 570-963-2678, stopping by the Center in the Student Success Center in the lower level of the SLC building or emailing Eileen Giovagnoli to discuss specific subjects. If we don’t have a tutor for a particular subject, we can look to identify a tutor, and you can meet with a staff member to work on study and test-taking skills.

Before the session, review the content you want to work on and prepare questions for the tutor. When it's time for the session, bring your class notes, syllabus, textbook, assignment instructions and any other materials that can be useful on the topic.

The tutor will provide you with a 10- minute grace period to show up for your appointment. After 10 minutes, your appointment will be forfeited and marked as a no-show.

 Students may schedule a maximum of 3 tutoring appointments (up to an hour in length) per subject per week. Multiple tutoring appointments for one subject in one day are not permitted.

Tutoring is a learning process that requires time, effort, and commitment. Don’t wait until the last minute to seek assistance (i.e. right before an exam or paper is due).

Tutoring appointments during weekdays will take place primarily in the Student Success Center in the Study Learning Center.

Appointments online in Zoom are available by request.

Evening and weekend tutoring appointments will be available on a remote schedule. To access links for online appointments, click on the Zoom link in your appointment.

Take-home exams are not permitted in the Learning Center or during a tutoring session. Tutors cannot help with online exams or quizzes.

Our consultants are peer and professional tutors who are academically strong in their subject areas and possess a desire to help others. Professional tutors have undergraduate or graduate degrees. Peer tutors are employed by the Learning and Writing Center, have exceled in their courses, and have been recommended by faculty.

If you would like to apply for a peer tutor position, email Eileen Giovagnoli at [email protected] or Jaime Mosher at [email protected] for writing tutoring to share your interest and inquire about staff openings. Peer tutor applicants are current Penn State Scranton students, must have an "A" in the course for which they are applying to tutor, and must have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA. Applicants must be in good overall academic standing and must be responsible and patient. Available positions vary by semester.

• Phone: 570-963-2678
• Location: The Hawk Student Success Center, lower level of the The Study Learning Center.
• Meet the Learning Center Staff
• Make a tutoring appointment in Starfish now.