Grossmont has a plethora of free resources to help students succeed on and off campus. Ranging from help with math homework to learning how to use Microsoft Excel, there’s something for everyone.
English Writing & Humanities Center
The English Writing & Humanities Center, located in 70-119, is run by Tutoring Center Specialists Cassidy “Cassie” Eiler and Anisa Flowers. Walk-in services are available Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Virtual appointments and asynchronous tutoring options are also offered online.
“ not just an English center, it’s a writing center,” Eiler said.
Students can receive help with writing in any capacity, including non-academic projects like cover letters. They don’t need to be enrolled in an English class or even have a draft prepared to receive tutoring. “You could just need help brainstorming,” Eiler said.
The people at the center understand that reaching out for help can be intimidating, which is why they hire tutors who have been in similar positions.
“We intentionally seek out some tutors who have struggled in the classes that they’re tutoring.” Flowers said. “It’s important to us to have tutors who…have that redemption story.”
For students with busy schedules, the center offers asynchronous tutoring, allowing them to submit work online and receive feedback and edits within 24 hours.
The center also offers English as a Second Language (ESL) support. Unlike translation services, the ESL tutors assist students learning English through class assignments and practice activities. Languages offered this semester include Arabic, American Sign Language (ASL), Japanese and Spanish.
Students interested in the EWHC can find more information and schedule appointments at bit.ly/griffinEWHC.
Math and Science Center
Tutoring Center Specialist Laura Friend manages the Math and Science Center, located in 36-227. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. While the first hour is reserved for open study, tutoring begins at 10 a.m. each day
It is an excellent place where students can get support with all math courses, as well as biology, chemistry, physics and Earth science. The list of supported courses and the tutoring schedule is posted online at bit.ly/griffinMSC.
The center only offers drop-in tutoring, meaning there are no online appointments to schedule; just walk in.
“You might as well come do your homework here, where there’s no distractions from home,” Friend said. “If you are able to do all your homework, it’s done. If you run into any kind of challenge, wouldn’t it be great if there was somebody right there you could ask your questions to?”
In addition to tutoring, students can simply come to use the room as a study space during hours of operation. Additional information can be found online at the link provided previously.
Anatomy Learning Center
The Anatomy Learning Center is located in 30-162. The schedule is posted at the door, as the hours vary.
Run by Coordinator Alison Shearer, the center provides the most hands-on resources of the bunch. Not only is tutoring available, but students can also rent equipment such as microscopes and skeletons to help with assignments. The center offers support for students enrolled in all anatomy and select microbiology courses.
“I wish knew that we wish we had every seat filled,” Shearer said.
While it’s primarily for anatomy students, anyone who needs a quiet space to study is welcome. With computers and plenty of desk space, “students of any major can come study,” Shearer said. “We try to provide a judgment-free zone.”
Tutor and Grossmont alumnus Amanda Ramirez said, “I enjoy coming back as a tutor because the atmosphere here is really great, and there’s a lot of great resources to help the students succeed.”
No food or drinks are allowed inside, and water bottles must be left outside. Information about supported classes, equipment usage and more can be found at bit.ly/griffinALC.
Business Office Technology
The Business Office Technology Flex Lab, located in 70-131, is overseen by technician Candy McLaughlin. Homework lab hours are Monday from 2:30 to 5 p.m., Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The primary tutoring services offered are for economics and business majors, but students can receive help with more than just classwork.
The lab offers a program that recently celebrated its 40th anniversary: Office Professional Training, or OPT. This full-time, one-semester program offers 12-20 Grossmont credits, designed to equip students with the skills to succeed in office environments.
The lab specializes in accounting, insurance, medical office and office support. Best of all, it’s “100% free,” McLaughlin said.
A licensed marriage and family counselor is also available for students in the training program who need help transitioning into the workforce.
When setting up tutoring appointments, economics and business majors can “get there from the Student Support Hub within Canvas,” Mclaughlin said of the Support Hub, which is located in the left menu of the Canvas homepage.
Interested in the Flex Lab? Additional information about tutoring, training programs and many more services can be found at bit.ly/griffinBOT
Computer Science and Information Systems Tutoring Lab
The Computer Science and Information Systems Tutoring Lab, located in room 70-112, is led by Computer Lab Technician II Austin Thomas. In-person tutoring is available Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The lab is a one-stop shop for students who need assistance with any computer science class. While its services are straightforward, the importance of the resource remains.
“You’re not asking too much ,” Thomas said.
The Tutoring Lab offers multiple tutoring options with friendly tutors ready to help students with anything related to computer science.
In-person tutoring is available during scheduled hours, and virtual tutoring via Zoom can be booked online. Whether students need help with cybersecurity or data science, the tutors are there to make classes as smooth as possible.
Computers in the lab are loaded with all the tools students might need to complete their work. Students can use the equipment while being assisted, or simply as a quiet place to study.
For anyone interested in the CSIS Tutoring Lab or seeking additional information, full details are available at bit.ly/griffinCSIS
