Learning Center hosting creative events to make students aware of its services

group of students in learning center's study area

A group of students utilizes one of the spaces in the David and Ann Hawk Student Success Center to work together on a project. The center houses a variety of student services, including the campus' Learning Center, which provides tutoring/mentoring, writing assistance, a computer lab and more.

Credit: Penn State

DUNMORE, Pa. — As the spring semester begins, students are already beginning to look for ways to broaden their knowledge and improve their grades in their classes. However, many students are reluctant to reach out to get the help they need.  

To aid in their plights, Associate Director of Learning and Disability Services Eileen Giovagnoli, has developed a creative slate of events aimed at driving students to the campus Learning Center's resources.

She has already offered the first three sections of Math 10, a one-credit tutorial course for Math 4, 21, 22, 110, and 140, as well as the first three sections of English 5, which is in support of English 4 and 15.

Students may still be able to add English 5 to their schedules, Giovagnoli said, but should check with Jody Griffith, assistant teaching professor in English, at [email protected].

Renee Bishop-Pierce, associate professor of biology, is offering a one-credit Peer Learning course, Biology 3, which supports Biology 110. For more information on this course, contact Bishop-Pierce at [email protected].

There are also events planned for the students in The View Cafe that will promote the Learning Center and its services.

“The events are designed to provide valuable information in a fun and interesting format,” Giovagnoli explained, "as we introduce new events and old favorites for the spring semester."

During the first week of classes, Math Mania was introduced to provide students with resources on how to succeed in math and give tips on tutoring, math class tutorials, and sources for overcoming math anxiety. 

This week, students can "Meet the Learning Center!" where they can stop by and pick up free student success tools and learn about the services the Learning Center provides. This event will take place from noon to 1 p.m.on Tuesday, Jan. 28, and Wednesday, Jan. 29, in The View Cafe. 

On Monday, Feb. 3, from noon to 1 p.m. in The View Cafe, there will be a "Meet the Writing Center" event, where students will learn about the face-to-face and online services that the campus' Writing Center provides, as well as meet the staff who offer help in any stage of the writing process. 

On Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 3 to 4 p.m., The View Cafe will host "Study Smarter Trivia with Kahoot," where students can test their knowledge on study skills, time management, academic reading of college resources, and note taking for learning, memory and comprehension. Prizes will be handed out at the end of each game.

“We’re also bringing back our popular events,” Giovagnoli said, which include "Tacos, Tutors, and Test Taking Tips" on Tuesday, Feb. 25, and the "Day Against Procrastination" on Monday, March 23, both during the noontime hour.

"Tacos, Tutors and Test Taking Tips" allows students to meet the tutors and get test taking advice, as well as free "walking" tacos. 

"The Day Against Procrastination," held in the Library, provides students with information on how to stay on track of writing papers and completing projects. Tutors and library staff will also be available for added information and will be providing free pizza. 

During the final week of classes, the Learning Center will be hosting "It’s the Finals Countdown" from April 27 to May 1. This event gives students information on review sessions and events to help them get ready for final exams.

For more information on the Learning Center and its services, contact Eileen Giovagnoli by phone at 570-963-3678 or by email at [email protected].