Tutoring & Writing Center
IN-PERSON
- Drop-in Writing Center: Drop by Library building LI 168 for immediate help with any reading, writing, or research assignment for any class.
- Study Rooms: Bring your study room and use one of our 4 quiet study rooms. Reserve a study room ahead of time.
- Computers, Printers, & Other Technology: We have Chromebooks, laptops, desktops, Macs, printers, document cameras, headphones, webcams, and more available for you to use.
- Textbooks & Writing Resources: We have lots of books available for you to use. Also--we're inside the library, so you have easy access to lots of resources and librarians who can help you find what you need.
ONLINE TUTORING
Make an online (Zoom) appointment with a peer tutor for as soon as tomorrow:
First visit? Register for an account. Returning? Log in below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the tutors?
Tutors are Gavilan students or members of the community who have volunteered their time. Every peer tutor must be recommended by an instructor, have successfully completed the classes they tutor for, and complete a 1.0 unit tutor training course to develop their skills.
How long is a tutoring session?
Tutoring appointments take about 45 minutes. You are always welcome to make recurring, weekly appointments to work with a tutor regularly.
How do I sign up for tutoring?
We offer three ways to access tutoring that fits your schedule:
- Make an online appointment at least 24 hours in advance
- Drop into the Writing Center on campus (LI 168)
- Access 24/7 Tutoring through NetTutor
How should I prepare for my tutoring session?
- Have your materials (books, assignments, etc.) with you if possible.
- Attach a copy of your assignment or assignment instructions when you make an online appointment or come prepared to share your screen with the tutor.
- Groups are welcome! If you're working with a group, let us know and we'll make sure that you are all in on the same session online.
- Be on time for your session. When you arrive, let us know you are here for an appointment.
- Remember: Tutoring sessions are 45 minutes in length. Come prepared to stay for your entire session.
- Before the end of your session, ask the tutor to schedule your next appointment.
- After your session, check your email or log into WCONLINE to view the summary of your tutoring session and the next steps you and your tutor created at the end of your session.
How often should I meet with a tutor?
At least once a week.
Why? National studies on academic support show that students who participate in tutoring on a regular basis earn higher grades when compared to students who don’t participate at all.
What happens if I miss a tutoring session?
We understand. Life happens and sometimes you have to miss a session. We ask that you let us know ahead of time if you are going to miss a session, and we'll contact you if we don't hear from you. If you miss several sessions without notifying us, we will cancel the remainder of your tutoring sessions, and you'll need to talk with us before you can sign up for another session.
How can I get help using iLearn or technology?
We know that you might have questions and anxiety about using technology and iLearn. To help you, our tutors have been trained to answer your technology questions and help you navigate iLearn in the easiest way possible. In fact, many courses have peer leaders embedded into them, so be on the lookout for messages and announcements that will help you succeed in learning online.
Here are some resources to help:
- Join the free, self-paced iLearn Orientation: This resource was created to answer most questions you might have about using iLearn, seeing grades and feedback on assignments, and other services on campus available to help you.
- Online Student Support: Use this link to talk directly to counselors, financial aid, and many other student service people. This is a GREAT link to get most of your classes answered.
- Get help with all iLearn questions.
- Make an appointment to work with a peer tutor.
How do I get help with a writing assignment?
You can schedule an appointment with a Writing Center Peer Tutor online.
How do I become a peer tutor?
We accept applications year-round, but unless we have a specific subject need, we usually only hire and train peer tutors twice per year, at the end of each semester. Learn more about how to become a peer tutor...
Writing Center
OUR MISSION
The Gavilan College Writing Center serves the campus community by fostering, celebrating and encouraging writers and the varied and multiple purposes and audiences that writing serves.
The center assists writers in identifying and developing tools and strategies to meet goals for their writing both in and out of the classroom. Likewise, the center collaborates with instructors in identifying and developing best writing teaching practices across the curriculum. It offers space for exploration and reflection on a wide range of written material, promotes an appreciation for literature and literacy, and cultivates diverse writers’ voices and the communities that nurture them.
The Writing Center offers free one-to-one reading, writing, and research help to all Gavilan students for any class (not just English!).
Log in below to make an ONLINE appointment at the Writing Center:
First visit? Register for an account.
Returning? Log in below.
