The Learning Commons is a group of educators supporting Augustana's mission to help our diverse student body meet academic challenges. We work with students and faculty to offer individualized or group instruction and guidance. We facilitate reflection, goal-setting, and development of new skills while also creating equitable opportunities for students to grow and serve others as peer leaders.
The Learning Commons offers services such as academic coaching, tutoring, reading/writing assistance, and accommodation support.
Questions about our services or would like to set up an appointment? Please email learningcommons@augustana.edu or stop by our office.
Locations
- Main office: Olin 320
- Reading/Writing Center: Gerber Center 423
Find us on Instagram
Check out our Instagram (@augie_lc) for notices on events and tips for school!
Reading/Writing Center (RWC)
The RWC provides feedback on reading/writing for any student, any assignment, any class. It’s a free service; students are encouraged to come early and often.
Students may schedule synchronous appointments (real-time video chat) and/or asynchronous (written feedback via email) as they wish.
- Synchronous appointments are up to an hour long and are ideal for reading-related sessions, brainstorming and early-stage drafting, or just having a friendly conversation about all things reading/writing.
- Asynchronous appointments are good for those who aren’t available during RWC open hours, whose technology or internet connection may be unreliable, or who would prefer to communicate via writing rather than face-to-face.
Make an appointment for either type of session via Starfish, by emailing the RWC, or by calling 309-794-8987 during open hours.
J-term hours
- Faculty tutoring: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Peer tutoring: Sunday through Thursday, 7-9 p.m.
Peer academic coaching and workshops
The Learning Commons offers academic coaching and workshops to Augustana students.
Peer academic coaches are trained to help students meet their learning goals through individualized support tailored to each individual. Coaches cover a variety of topics like time management, procrastination, motivation, preparing for exams, test anxiety, note-taking, reading, study strategies, and much more.
→ Learn more about academic coaching
→ Sign up for coaching appointments via Starfish
→ See the schedule of upcoming workshops
Peer subject tutoring
The Learning Commons offers peer tutoring to students to help them succeed in their courses.
Tutors ask guiding questions to encourage students to think more deeply about course concepts, discuss ways to prepare for exams, and break down complex problems. Tutors do not give out answers; rather, they will act as guides and coaches so that students can master the skills on their own.
Appointment and drop-in tutoring is available to all Augustana students for select courses.
→ See courses available for tutoring
→ See the drop-in tutoring schedule
→ Learn how to set a tutoring appointment through Starfish
Contact Alex Crawford, Director of Academic Support, for more information.