Faculty/Staff FAQ

Thank you for supporting Humboldt students.

 If you have a question that isn't answered below, reach out to us at learning@humboldt.edu or by calling 707-826-5217.

What types of academic peer support does the Learning Center offer?

• Supplemental Instruction - Supplemental Instruction (SI) sections are optional peer-led courses for specific classes in the sciences, Phil 100, and psychological statistics. SI sections meet twice a week for the duration of the semester. Registration is strongly encouraged to attend the bi-weekly sessions, but exam review sessions are available to all students in the courses SI serves. 
• Embedded Tutoring - Embedded tutors are available for classes where peer support can helpful to students for in-class practice and hands-on activities. Tutors attend class or lab a couple of times a week, may offer tutoring hours outside of class, and have access to students through Canvas.
• Writing Studio - The Writing Studio offers free peer assistance with writing assignments and standardized writing examination preparation. Appointments highly recommended; availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Academic Peer Coaching - Academic peer coaches don't provide content tutoring, but they do provide individual assistance for online learning, time management, and effective learning strategies. Appointments highly recommended; availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

What if a student wants individual tutoring?

Limited one-on-one tutoring is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can contact the Learning Center in person in Lib 101, by phone,

707-826-5217, by email learning@humboldt.edu to see if one-on-one tutoring is possible for the requested subject and meeting time(s). 

Can I require students to visit the Learning Center for extra credit?

If you would like to require Learning Center visits, we can accommodate requests, we just ask for a heads up so our staff are aware there may be an influx of students on a particular day. Some programs such as writing and coaching have limited availability, and we want to ensure that we can serve students within the required timeframe and that students have a positive experience. Students coming in for tutoring are ultimately responsible for securing confirmation of the visit, and this can be as easy as taking a screenshot during a tutoring session or giving students a digital form that the student completes and the tutor signs during the visit. Contact us at learning@humboldt.edu or reach out to a specific staff member that coordinates the program you are interested in. 

What are the requirements to become a tutor?

Students must meet these basic qualifications to be hired as tutors:

• Currently enrolled at Humboldt and in good academic standing.
• Grade of B or better in the course(s) they apply to tutor.
• Humboldt faculty recommendation in the department they apply to tutor
• Completing all application materials, hiring paperwork, submitting two forms of identification, including a Social Security card, prior to working.

The Writing Studio, Math Tutoring, and Supplemental Instruction have additional qualifications.

How do I recommend a tutor, SI leader, writing consultant for an eligible course?

The Learning Center typically hires tutors, SI leaders and writing consultants mid-spring for the upcoming year. Our staff page has information about which staff member to contact for each tutoring program. You can use our nomination form to recommend a student for any of our student leader positions. 

What type of academic skills assistance do you offer?

We offer academic peer coaching and academic assistance from staff for the following:

• Online Learning Strategies
• Canvas Navigation
• Time Management and Organization
• Note Taking
• Time Management
• College Reading & Annotation
• Test Preparation
• Test Anxiety
• General Learning Strategies 
• College Writing Skills 

Can I request a workshop or presentation for a class or student group?

Yes! Faculty and staff may request workshops or Learning Center services presentations by emailing: learning@humbolt.edu. For writing workshops, reach out directly to the Writing Skills Specialist, Jessica Citti. For all workshops, please make your request three to four weeks in advance to allow us time to contact you, plan, and prepare. For general presentations about our services, one to two weeks is enough notice.