Baker University Student Academic Services provides academic support and tutoring to students seeking help with homework throughout the year, and tutors are finding a demand for help is especially high with finals week rapidly approaching.
Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services Lisa Johnston said some students consistently use the tutoring services offered by SAS, while others only seek help during finals week or for important papers and projects.
“It’s a mixed bag,” Johnston said. “There are some folks who utilize the services throughout the semester, as well as during finals, and then there are some folks who haven’t utilized it throughout the semester but feel like they really want some help on a couple things before they go into that final exam.”
Johnston said SAS encompasses the study abroad program and First Year Experience program, helps accommodate international students and provides academic support for students, including those who are at-risk and those who require disability accommodations.
“The services, for the most part, remain the same, but we do see a lot more of the students utilizing the services (during finals week), particularly tutoring services,” she said.
Academic Support Coordinator Eric Hays said SAS doesn’t plan any different type of programming during finals week, but tries to keep as many tutors working as possible.
“We try to up the hours of the tutors and stuff like that so they’re more available,” Hays said.
Hays said this semester has been busy compared with other semesters the past two years.
“It means students are taking advantage of the services we have,” Hays said. “I’m sure it will be even more hectic and crazy during finals week, which is good – that means students are getting the help they need.”
Sophomore Jessica Beckem tutors students in algebra, biology, Spanish and LA 101. She said she is noticing an increase in students seeking tutoring as finals week draws near.
“At night, it has been more packed; more people are coming around,” she said. “I have appointments for finals, and people are coming in for help with LA 101 since their papers are due.”
Freshman Marcia Hillman said she uses the tutoring services for help with LA 101 and math, and she plans on using it during finals.
“I’ll probably be using it for the next four years,” Hillman said. “I think (tutoring) is very important. If (students) are having trouble, there are so many people here that can help and are willing to sit with you patiently. It’s been really helpful.”