What is the Learning Commons?
The Learning Commons is also known as our tutoring center. We help students improve their academic skills (writing, communication, math, science, studying, note-taking, time management, etc.) so that they can be successful during their time at UNT Dallas.
Who can use the Learning Commons?
The Learning Commons serves all members of the UNT Dallas community: currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty. We assist students enrolled in face-to-face traditional courses, hybrid courses, and online courses.
Who works in the Learning Commons?
Our staff consists of professional tutors and peer tutors (undergraduate and graduate students just like YOU). Our professional tutors have extensive tutoring and teaching experience. To be selected as a peer tutor, all students must be (a) recommended by a professor, (b) meet strict G.P.A. and grade requirements, (c) pass several levels of writing tests and diagnostics, and (d) receive intensive training on how to tutor students. Both our professional and student tutors receive consistent training even after the selection process is complete.
What types of students need tutoring? I heard tutoring was just for people who are failing or struggling in their courses.
All students can benefit from visiting the Learning Commons regardless of whether they are struggling through an English or Math class or have a 4.0 GPA. Even if you feel you have written the perfect “A” paper, our highly qualified tutors can provide a fresh, objective perspective that may help your writing evolve even further. Many of the students who visit us most often are students who are making As and Bs in their courses and want to get ahead and stay ahead. Of course, if you are having trouble understanding a concept in any of your classes, we highly recommend that come see one of our tutors so you don’t fall behind in your class.
How should I prepare for a tutoring session?
The more information you bring to the session, the more thoroughly your consultant will be able to help you.
Items you should bring for a writing tutoring session:
- The assignment instructions, grading rubrics, and any examples.
- Your paper that you’d like to discuss. If you have previous drafts of the assignment with any instructor feedback (margin notes and comments) or previously graded papers from the class, bring that, too.
- Any textbooks or research material you referenced in your paper if you need help with citations.
- A pen, pencil, notebook, and/or computer to take notes.
Items you should bring for a STEM tutoring session:
- Any applicable assignment instructions, grading rubrics, and examples.
- The assignment/problems/questions/material you are working on.
- Your textbook and class notes.
- For exam review: bring any test review materials and information about what the exam will cover.
- A pen, pencil, notebook, and/or computer to take notes.
What if I need tutoring when the Learning Commons is closed?
If you need help after hours or on the weekends when the Learning Commons is closed, you can still get all the help you need by logging onto Brainfuse, an online tutoring program that is a free service to all registered UNT Dallas students. Using Brainfuse, a student can choose to ask a tutor a question in real-time, post a question to be answered within 24 hours, submit a paper for review, or schedule a virtual tutoring session. Brainfuse is accessible 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, and you can get tutoring in any subject. Please note that when you submit a paper, it may take 24-48 hours to receive the tutor’s critique. For more information and to access Brainfuse, visit our Brainfuse page.
Do I have to schedule an appointment to receive tutoring?
Yes, all tutoring is on an appointment basis. Our tutoring can fill up quickly, especially during peak times (midterm and final exams), so we recommend scheduling ahead of time, but we will also take same-day appointments when available. Students may schedule one 45 minute writing tutoring appointment per day (Graduate students can schedule 2 of these) and up to 90 minutes of STEM tutoring per day (STEM appointments are 30 minute slots).
Does the Learning Commons offer in-person and online tutoring?
Yes, the Learning Commons offers in-person tutoring (located in the Student Center, 2nd floor) as well as online tutoring. Our online tutoring includes Zoom Tutoring (with video, audio, chat, screen share, file share, and virtual whiteboard capabilities) as well as Email Tutoring (in which the student can submit a draft of a paper or a quick STEM question and the tutor will review it, type feedback, and email it back to the student). Check our specific in-person and online availability for each subject on our online scheduling website WConline.
Does the Learning Commons offer in-person and online tutoring?
Yes, the Learning Commons offers in-person tutoring (located in the Student Center, 2nd floor) as well as online tutoring. Our online tutoring includes Zoom Tutoring (with video, audio, chat, screen share, file share, and virtual whiteboard capabilities) as well as Email Tutoring (in which the student can submit a draft of a paper or a quick STEM question and the tutor will review it, type feedback, and email it back to the student). Check our specific in-person and online availability for each subject on our online scheduling website WConline.
Which tutoring format is best for me?
The majority of the time, we recommend in-person or Zoom sessions, as these formats allow for more collaboration and real-time discussion between tutor and student. The zoom tutoring experience is very similar to in-person, but more convenient for times when you are not on campus. Some students prefer in-person over Zoom when it comes to subjects such as math – although Zoom offers a virtual whiteboard, some students prefer working with a tutor in-person with paper and a whiteboard.
Email tutoring is another option and it is convenient for students who are unavailable to meet with a tutor during our open hours but still want some feedback on an assignment – simply submit the work ahead of time, and the tutor will review it and email you back with feedback and suggestions. Email tutoring is good for receiving grammar review or citation assistance on a completed draft of a paper, but not for developmental stages of writing, such as brainstorming or developing your argument. Additionally, email tutoring is not recommended for students who are experiencing significant struggles with writing, as the tutor’s notes may not be as helpful as a face-to-face session through in-person or Zoom tutoring. Email tutoring is also available for a quick STEM question – the tutor can check the student’s work or explain and provide resources on a single concept. However, STEM email tutoring is not recommended for more extensive tutoring needs, and if a submission goes beyond the scope of a simple question, a tutor may ask the student to reschedule to a Zoom or in-person.
Please see our video, “Which Tutoring Format is Best for You” for additional guidance.
How do I schedule a tutoring appointment?
You can schedule, modify, or cancel appointments through WCOnline, our online scheduling system: https://untdallas.mywconline.com. If you have trouble figuring out how to book your appointments, we have an easy-to-follow guide that walks you through the scheduling process. We also have videos to walk you through how to schedule a writing appointment or a STEM appointment. We can also schedule an appointment for you – simply stop by during our operating hours, call us (972-338-1755), or email us (lcwriting@untdallas.edu for writing appointments or lcstem@untdallas.edu for STEM appointments).
What happens if I miss or skip an appointment?
We ask that students cancel their appointments on WCOnline as early as possible if they know they can't make it to an appointment. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can always call (972-338-1755), email (lcwriting@untdallas.edu for writing appointments or lcstem@untdallas.edu for STEM appointments), or stop by to let us know you need to cancel, as well. There is no penalty or punishment if you can cancel appointments in advance; however, if you miss or skip more than 3 appointments during the semester, you will be blocked from making any future appointments.
Can I drop off my paper or my homework and pick it up later?
No. We would be doing our students a big disservice if we accepted papers for proofreading and editing and did our students’ homework for them. We know you take your assignments seriously and want to earn the highest grade possible for each, but far more important than any individual paper for any individual class is your overall, continuous development of knowledge and skill. This is also considered cheating, and you can be dismissed from the university.
If you are unavailable for a writing appointment, we can provide feedback via Email Tutoring, but it is important to note that our tutors do NOT make direct edits for students or do the work on the student’s behalf.
I don’t know if I have a WCOnline account yet, and I’m unsure about how WCOnline works. Where can I go for help?
If you have ever worked with one of our tutors or SIs, you should already have an account with WCOnline. If not, you can easily register for an account: https://untdallas.mywconline.com/register.php
If you need assistance creating an account, logging in, or setting an appointment, feel free to stop by, call us (972-338-1755), or email us (lcwriting@untdallas.edu for writing appointments or lcstem@untdallas.edu for STEM appointments).
If I'm working on a STEM homework problem, how do I share it with my tutor on Zoom?
- For smartphone and tablet users: If you have a hard copy printout of your work, you can take a picture and upload it to the conversation with your tutor. If it’s in your online account (say, MyMathLab), then you can simply take a screenshot of the problem/question and then upload that picture to the conversation, as well. You can also flip your camera, and show your tutor the problem you are working on.
- For laptop users: You can simply take a screenshot and upload it to the conversation with your tutor.
Do I have to share my video with my tutor? I feel uncomfortable being on screen and when using video conferencing.
It is completely up to you—you do not have to share your video with your tutor if you are not comfortable doing so. Our tutors are flexible and will use all available resources (video chatting, using built in white board, providing necessary supplemental videos and links) to help you out. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you the best learning experience.
Can I use the screen share option even if I am using my cell phone? Will I only be able to access Zoom tutoring sessions on my laptop?
You can still share your screen with your tutor even if you are receiving tutoring on your cell phone. Students may use their smartphones, laptops, or tablet devices to connect to Zoom for their tutoring sessions, and screen sharing is an available feature regardless of device. This means, you do not need to have a laptop for online tutoring session, although you may find it easier to use a device with a larger screen.
Where can I download Zoom?
You can visit the Zoom Download center website to download Zoom to your laptop or tablet device. You can also search for the Zoom app on your smartphone app store. It is a free download. Make sure you create an account using your UNT Dallas email account to access free Zoom services.