CAS FAQs Academic Support
Tutoring
Tutorial Centers
- How can I receive tutoring?
- For which courses is tutoring available?
- Where is the Tutorial Center Located?
- What are the hours of operation for the Tutorial Center?
- Is there a cost for tutoring in the Tutorial Cneter?
- Why is tutoring helpful?
- How can I become a tutor?
- What have tutors said about their experience?
- What have students said about tutoring?
Private Tutoring
- Can I hire a private tutor?
- Is there a cost for private tutoring?
- For which courses is private tutoring available?
Online Tutoring
- Is tutoring available online?
- Is there a cost for online tutoring?
- In which courses is online tutoring available?
Supplemental Instruction (SI)
- What is SI?
- For which courses is SI available?
- Where do SI sessions take place?
- When are SI sessions held?
- What are the benefits of attending SI sessions?
- What happens in SI sessions?
- Is there a cost for attending SI sessins?
- How do I become an SI Leader?
- What have SI Leaders said about their experience?
- What have students said about SI?
Study Groups
- Are there organized study groups on campus?
- Why are study groups helpful?
- How can I form a study group?
How can I receive tutoring?
LSU students can receive tutoring by visiting the Center for Academic Success’ multidisciplinary Tutorial Center in Middleton Library during the hours of operation. Students are required to sign in using their LSU identification card.
Physics is offered in both the Tutorial Center (Middleton Library) and in Nicholson Hall during specified hours of operation.
For which courses is tutoring available?
Tutoring is available for many subjects including Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Accounting, Economics, Finance, Statics, Experimental Statistics, Spanish, French, Latin, German, and Chinese.
Where is the Tutorial Center located?
The CAS Tutorial Center is located in 141B Middleton Library.
What are the hours of operation for the Tutorial Center?
The Tutorial Center is open during the Fall and Spring semesters, Monday through Thursday, 10 am – 7 pm and Friday, 10 am – 3 pm.
During the Summer term, the Center is open Monday through Friday, 10 am – 3 pm.
Click here for the hours of operation in 102 Nicholson Hall.
Is there a cost for tutoring in the Tutorial Center?
No. Tutoring is free for all LSU students; this includes tutorial services in both the Tutorial Center in Middleton Library and Nicholson Hall.
Why is tutoring helpful?
Tutoring allows students the opportunity to master course content in a friendly, peer-led environment. Tutors not only assist with content, but take the time to demonstrate study methods, based on cognitive science, learning techniques. Therefore, students are able to transfer the strategies they learn in the Tutorial Center and apply them to all of their courses.
How can I become a tutor?
Tutors are needed each semester. You may apply online here (log in to PAWS) or contact Susan Saale (ssaale1@lsu.edu) for more information.
What have tutors said about their experience?
- “Being a tutor has really impacted my communication skills and my knowledge of general chemistry. These are skills that I will be able to use for the rest of my life, and I don't know how I would have learned them if I hadn't been working as a tutor.”
- “My experience as a tutor has helped my leadership qualities by improving my creativity to tackle problems.”
- “With the confidence I gained being around people, I feel like I am more in control of my future and what I would like to become. I would like to be a leader instead of just a follower.”
What have students said about tutoring?
Can I hire a private tutor?
Yes. The Center for Academic Success compiles a private tutor list as a resource for LSU students. CAS does not employ or endorse private tutors. Click here to explore your private tutor options.
Is there a cost for private tutoring?
Yes. Each private tutor sets their price, schedule, and process for tutoring. Contact the tutor for more information.
For which courses is private tutoring available?
Tutoring is available for a variety of courses based on the expertise of the tutors on the list. At present time, tutoring is available for Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, select Foreign Languages, and select other courses. Click here to explore the private tutor options.
Is tutoring available online?
Yes. Tutoring is available to LSU students online 24/7, through SMARTHINKING. Students may access SMARTHINKING through PAWS, under student services.
Is there a cost for online tutoring?
The first 900 minutes of SMARTHINKING, online tutoring, is free for all LSU students. Students needing more than 15 hours can purchase additional hours at smarthinking.com.
In which courses is online tutoring available?
SMARTHINKING provides online tutoring 24/7 in the following courses: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Genetics, Anatomy and Physiology, Writing, Statistics, Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Spanish.
What is SI?
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a nationally recognized program offered at LSU. It is delivered as a series of weekly study sessions guided by a Leader who attends class and works closely with the instructor to provide relevant course content.
For which courses is SI available?
SI is available for historically difficult courses but is subject to change based on funding. Click here for a current list of courses.
Where do SI sessions take place?
SI sessions are held in classrooms across campus. Click here for current locations of SI sessions.
When are SI sessions held?
SI leaders generally hold 2 or 3 sessions per week and an additional session for test reviews. The leaders are also available during their office hour to answer questions. Click here for times.
What are the benefits of attending SI sessions?
Students who attend SI sessions regularly earn better grades in their class. It is also a great opportunity to meet other students in your class. And, SI Leaders help to reinforce and explain content in another setting, allowing students to discuss each concept in-depth.
What happens in SI sessions?
SI Leaders provide activities that reinforce the content being taught in class.
Is there a cost for attending SI sessions?
No. SI sessions are free and voluntary for all LSU students.
How do I become an SI Leader?
SI Leaders are needed each semester. Click here to apply online (log in to PAWS) or contact Susan Saale (saale1@lsu.edu) for more information.
What have SI Leaders said about their experience?
- “I liked how the SI program required me to juggle work and school, and I think I did it well. It taught me a good bit about time management. It also made me feel more responsible, not just towards my own schoolwork, but also towards the work my students had to complete. I learned how to "simplify" complex ideas and present it in a form easy to understand by people who have likely never encountered such ideas before. I think it also did a good bit for my interpersonal skills as I had to be friendly and professional both, in just the right amounts so to speak, to connect with my students.”
- “Doing SI along with a rather heavy course load has made me a much better manager of time. Also, I think I've developed some better teaching and communication methods through interacting with the diverse group of students that were taking my class.”
- “I have always been shy speaking in front of people. After being an SI leader that has changed. I am now able to stand up and speak in front of a group without getting super nervous like I used to.”
What have students said about SI?
Are there organized study groups on campus?
Currently there are no organized study groups on campus. Most study groups are formed independent of the professor by students in individual classes. Click here to access a starter kit to begin a study group yourself.
Why are study groups helpful?
Study groups help students deepen their learning and increase their motivation. When you help others learn it shows you know the material. Often students relate better to explanations from peers. Other benefits of study groups include, opportunities to share notes, study tips, ideas and talents.
Collect contact information from classmates who are interested in forming a study group. A group size of 5-6 people is sufficient. Pick the best date, time, and location for everyone to hold the first study group. During the first meeting, be sure to discuss and agree on goals, expectations, and rules of the study group. Constant communication is key to having an effective study group.
Click here to access and utilize a starter kit for forming your study group.
CAS News
Scholarship Created for Dr. Saundra McGuire
The Center for Academic Success has created the Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire Scholarship in honor of the accomplishments and the impact that Dr. McGuire has had on the Center, the LSU community and students. This scholarship will be awarded to an S.I. leader who embodies key characteristics displayed by Dr. McGuire: leadership, service, scholarship, and love of learning and teaching. Click below to donate and to learn more about Dr. McGuire.
