Study Centers

STEM COMMUNITIES Project

Students in LA-supported courses can get help from LAs in department-specific study centers. LAs will carefully listen to your questions, help clarify your thinking, and offer guidance tailored to your specific needs. LAs will give you helpful tips and questions to get you thinking about the material in a new way. Their goal is to support your learning process, not provide answers.

Two students working together

Biology

Supported courses: BIO 1330 - Functional Biology; BIO 1331 - Organismal Biology

Location(s): Supple 313

Lead contacts: Dr. Erica Nierth (BIO 1330), Dr. Andrea Aspbury (BIO 1331)

Blind salamander
Fireworks

Chemistry

Supported courses: CHEM 1341 - General Chemistry I (select sections)

Location: Centennial 405

Lead contact: Mr. Duke Willoughby

Physics

Supported courses: PHYS 1335, PHYS 1345, PHYS 1430, PHYS 2425, PHYS 2435. Physics majors / minors are also welcome to use this space to study.

Location: Roy F. Mitte 3rd floor, in the open area across from classroom 3224 / office 3227

Lead contact: Dr. Eleanor Close

Rocket launch
Equations

Math

There are currently no LA-supported math courses. There has been LA support in selected sections of MATH 2472 (Calculus II) in the past.

Students wanting to study for math courses can visit the Math CATS tutoring center.

How can you use the study centers productively?

  • You can work with other students.
  • You can work by yourself.
  • You can explain your current understanding to other students and to LAs.
  • You can ask specific questions about course content or assignments.
  • You can get advice about study skills.

What should you expect from LAs in study centers?

  • LAs are expected to listen carefully to you and help you clarify your ideas.
  • LAs are expected to help facilitate discussions among students.
  • LAs are expected to provide guidance that is appropriate for your current level of understanding.
  • LAs are expected to help you learn how to learn.

What should you *NOT* expect from LAs in study centers?

  • LAs are NOT expected to re-teach you the course material. 
  • LAs are NOT expected to check whether your homework answers are correct. 
  • LAs are NOT expected to give you their undivided attention if there are other students also seeking guidance at that time.
  • LAs are NOT expected to work with you when they are not “on-duty” (e.g., if they are using the study center as a study space for themselves).