Peer Tutoring and Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) are offered through the Marian University Academic Commons. All services are included in tuition for all students.
Mission: We promote academic engagement and success through learning support.
Vision: We strive to be a high-quality, stigma-free academic support program where learners confidently engage in learning and skill-building.
We can help you:
Check out the PAL schedule. Take the lead in your learning and attend a session!
PAL is most effective for learners who attend regularly throughout the semester. Research shows learners who attend more than three sessions in a semester have higher grades compared to peers who attend fewer than three sessions.
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.
Supplemental Instruction (SI) & Active Learning (AL)
SI and AL use 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.
Embedded Tutoring
Embedded Tutoring looks and feels the same as SI sessions. Embedded tutors co-facilitate alongside faculty.
Group Tutoring
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.
WCOnline - Schedule an Appointment Here!
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.
The Marian University Academic Commons is a Level 1 & 2 certified tutor training program 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 expect high quality tutoring sessions. Book an appointment with one of our trained Peer Tutors and get one-on-one individualized support for:
Both face-to-face and online tutoring appointments are available through WCOnline and should be scheduled at least 12 hours in advance. Use our step-by-step guide to schedule an appointment.
The Academic Commons team has tutors who support Multilingual students with:
Use our step-by-step guide to schedule an appointment.
Our Public Speaking Tutors are here to support learners' success in every stage of the speech-development process, for individuals and groups:
Use our step-by-step guide to schedule an appointment.
Online Writing Resources:
Our Writing Tutors can support learners in any stage of the writing process, including:
Undergraduate Writing Tutors help writers learn how to identify and correct errors. Writing Tutors do not proofread or edit documents for students.
Use our step-by-step guide to schedule an appointment.
