Current Offerings
To schedule an appointment with a Learning Resource Network (LRN) tutor, students should join the Virtual LRN.
Hours for tutoring: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Instructions for scheduling an appointment can be found by joining the Virtual LRN. Any student who cannot find an appointment with a tutor on the schedule should email tutor@arcadia.edu.
The Virtual LRN in Canvas is “open” 24/7. Students will find resources and videos for academic support, and information about group and drop-in tutoring. If students have any other questions or concerns regarding academic support, they can email tutor@arcadia.edu.
What We Do
The Learning Resource Network is part of the Office of Academic Development and provides academic support services free of charge to all Arcadia University undergraduate students. The Learning Resource Network is committed to equity and fostering academic success for all students seeking to enhance and develop their ways of learning. Our services are based upon the principle of collaborative learning among peers.
The LRN aims to support students through a flexible approach, addressing the needs and preference of diverse learners by providing content specific tutoring and resources for academic strategies and skill-building. Peer tutors promote active learning through modeling questioning techniques, problem-solving strategies, and critical thinking. Our overarching goal is to encourage students to be independent learners who will be able to communicate effectively, engage with different perspectives, apply disciplinary knowledge in multiple contexts, and engage with and respond to a changing world.
The LRN works closely with faculty and students to provide academic support that takes into consideration the content area, professors’ teaching styles and expectations, and students’ learning styles and preferences.
Disability Support Services (DSS) is closely associated with the LRN. Information regarding academic accommodations for students with disabilities can be found on their website.
Peer Tutoring
All peer tutors have been recommended by a member of the faculty, maintain a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 3.0 and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. LRN peer tutors undergo an initial period of tutor training. They are supervised and regularly observed by the Assistant Dean of Academic Development. In addition, tutors must undergo periodic training covering such topics as strategic learning, effective communication, and addressing cultural differences and other biases in tutor/student relationships.
Group Tutoring and Study Sessions
In addition to individual tutoring, students can work with tutors in study groups or attend tutor-facilitated study sessions. Call or email the LRN for the current schedule of group tutoring and study sessions. Students who would like to form a tutor-facilitated study group may contact Jen Smull at smullj@arcadia.edu.
Recruiting Tutors
The LRN recruits for tutors in the Spring Semester for the upcoming academic year. Students who meet the minimum qualifications are invited to apply to be a tutor. Applications are available at the LRN. Typically, LRN peer tutors work with students only on those courses they have actually taken and successfully completed at Arcadia. In general, those who are recruited to be tutors are upper-class students who have taken a number of AU courses. The best candidates will be able to tutor a wide range of courses, particularly “high-demand” courses. However, the LRN hires peer tutors who are not only excellent all-round students, but also possess interpersonal abilities, good communication skills, and enthusiasm for their subject areas.
Students who are interested in becoming a tutor must:
- Complete an application.
- Receive a recommendation by a member of the faculty. A professor may write you a brief letter, e-mail Linda Pizzi (the Assistant Dean of Academic Development), or provide a signature on the application.
- Have a B or better in each course you list on your application.
- Maintain a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Once completed, the application can be sent to tutor@arcadia.edu or dropped off at the Learning Resource Network Lab in 142 Knight Hall.
