Academic Support

Issue Number: 
3

Free Tutoring

Early grades have recently been posted on line. (Ask your son or daughter about reviewing them on UMHB’s My Campus space.)  Now that these grades have been posted, students are aware of their academic standing in each of their classes.  It is my hope that all of our freshmen students are doing well.  Experience tells me that some freshmen are struggling academically, at least in some of their courses.  What can they do?  What can you do as parents? 

At UMHB, we realize that every student has their own particular strengths and weaknesses.  One student may excel in mathematics and struggle with English composition, while another student may be just the opposite.  In order to assist students with their academic challenges, our Center for Academic Excellence employs upper level students as tutors.  A tutor is available for every freshman-level course in the core curriculum (English, mathematics, sciences, etc.). 

All students have the privilege of getting help from our tutors, but we especially encourage the freshmen to utilize these services.  We believe it is very important for freshmen to receive a solid foundation during their first year.  This includes learning the material thoroughly, learning how to study properly, and learning some tips regarding test-taking.  Our tutors are able to offer guidance on all of these skills. 

Our tutors are highly skilled in their particular discipline.  We only hire students who come with the full recommendation of their department chairperson.  They are knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, courteous, effective, and truly desire to help freshmen succeed. 

The Center for Academic Excellence is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Fridays until 5:00 p.m.  As you can see, the Center has extended hours to allow for the busy schedules of our students.  The Center is located on the first floor of Hardy and students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a tutor to be sure schedules are worked out. 

Does your son or daughter remember that we offer this valuable service?  Remind them next time you communicate with them.  Encourage them to go by the Center and check it out.  Getting them to do this one step can be very helpful.  It has been my observation that too many of our freshmen do not seek out academic help due to pride.  However, once they visit the Center and receive help (and gain confidence), they are much more likely to continue utilizing their services.  As a result they are successful. 

The Center will assist numerous students this fall.  I hope that your son or daughter will be one of them.  It is a valuable tool in the academic development of new students.  Please encourage your student to visit the Center in Hardy Hall or check us out on the web at www.umhb.edu/cae.  They’ll be glad they did. 

Tammi