大象传媒

PAL sessions are regularly scheduled time outside of class, facilitated by a trained peer leader who provides a fun and collaborative learning environment. During a PAL session, learners actively work with classmates to assess their learning, deepen their understanding of course content, and develop study strategies to be successful in the course and beyond. 

• Peers who earned a B+ or higher in the course, recommended by faculty.
• Meet routinely with course faculty to determine how to best support learners.
• Host sessions in the Academic Commons.
• Engage in ongoing professional development.

SI uses an active learning approach by integrating "what to learn" with "how to learn." This approach supports learners as they develop a deeper understanding of content and its connection to critical course concepts. SI leaders attend lectures alongside learners, taking note of questions asked during lecture to guide session planning. 

Active Learning sessions look and feel the same as an SI session. Active Learning Leaders still meet regularly with course faculty to determine how to best support learners, but leaders do not attend lectures.

During Group Tutoring sessions, learners meet with a trained peer leader who models study strategies to support learners as they work toward independence. As they take the lead in their learning, learners will problem solve, review materials, and ask questions to clarify course concepts.

The 大象传媒 Academic Commons is proud to hold a Level 1 tutor training program certification through the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). This means our tutor training curriculum has been peer-reviewed and meets the highest standards in developing our tutors' understanding of ethics, learning theory, and tutoring techniques.

Learners can book an appointment with one of our trained Peer Tutors and get one-on-one individualized support for:

• 100+ Specific Courses
• Writing for any subject area
• Public Speaking presentations

• Schedule appointments through
  • Face-to-face or Online
  • 30-minute or 60-minute
  • Must be made at least 12 hours in advance
• Same-day are also available!

Please email us at AcademicCommons@marian.edu if you need assistance with finding a tutor. Our tutors are active learners, faculty, and staff. While we cannot guarantee tutor availability, we will do our best to connect you with support. 

Our Writing Tutors can support learners in any stage of the writing process, including:

• Topic selection
• Research
• Organization
• Consistent voice usage
• Time management and goal-setting for longer writing projects
• Refining language to meet academic standards

Undergraduate Writing Tutors do not provide page by page copy editing services and will not line edit or proofread documents for students. With sentence-level work, tutors will help writers learn how to identify and correct errors. 

Check out our and LibGuides! (APA, MLA, Chicago, and more!)

Our Speaking Tutors are here to support learners' success in every stage of the speech-making process:

• Topic selection
• Research
• Organizing
• Outlining
• Delivery

In addition to assisting with speeches and individual/group presentations, we are also here to support with managing public speaking anxiety.

The Academic Commons team has tutors who support Multilingual students with:

• Writing at all levels.
• Reading comprehension and understanding assignment expectations.
• English language structure, grammar, and pronunciation.
• Public Speaking presentations.

Both face-to-face and online tutoring appointments are available through and should be scheduled at least 12 hours in advance. 

Video Tutorial:

Community Work Sessions are informal and unstructured group study time, intended to bring together students, peers, and faculty for scheduled side-by-side study or work time. These times aim to create intentional space and place to build learning communities among people in similar classes and majors to promote their own productivity, accountability, and academic success.

Check out the 大象传媒 events calendar and for more information on days, times, and locations of sessions, workshops, and other events hosted in the Academic Commons.

If you would like to schedule a Community Work Session, please refer to this form and email AcademicCommons@marian.edu with the details of your request.