New Peer-tutoring Program Headed for UHM

By Kevin Schumacher

A peer-tutoring program at University of Hawai‘i at Manoa is being developed as part of a new student-focused plan by several chancellors and deans.

Because funding is tight, the final plan might not be fully realized for a couple of years, said Neal Smatresk, vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Ronald E. Cambra, associate dean for Academic Affairs and Student Academic Services, said he wants to have something in place soon, possibly for Fall 2006. In addition, Smatresk said he believes the "first step would be to serve as a central clearinghouse for all that information."

The proposal is in its initial stages, but members of the administration are developing a plan to formalize a peer-tutoring and mentoring program. Smatresk said he envisions a "one-stop-shop," walk-in tutorial center where students can have access to resources and discover what each department is offering.

Smatresk said he has a better understanding of students' needs due to his daughter, a transfer student from the mainland, who asked him where to find tutors. He said he wanted "this place to be good enough for her not to want to go back."

Smatresk said the university also plans to beef up advising and undergraduate research. He said this would improve the undergraduate experience on campus.

He also said he wants to bolster tutor services that are already in place, such as those offered through the math and english departments, which currently have little to no connection to other student services. Cambra said there is no centralized body that could coordinate departmental tutoring services. "That's something we would really like to sink our teeth into," Cambra added.

Cambra said talks with other on-campus tutoring services would help determine what the administration needs to offer. "If (individual tutoring services) are doing a really good job, there is no reason to duplicate services," he explained.

The process may take awhile before being fully realized. Smatresk and Cambra agree that it will take time to get students and staff trained, facilities open and develop services that minimize costs to students.

Smatresk is considering a process called cost-share tutoring. In this, the cost of tutor and mentoring services would be split between departments, student fees and university funds. "There is a balance of university funds and student funds that can ameliorate the high cost of individual tutoring," he said.

Additionally, Cambra already has experience in an effective tutoring program. He was instrumental in setting up the Nagatani Academic Center, located in the athletic complex.

This lab was designed for student athletes to get one-on-one help with academics as well as a place to study. The athletic department funds the center, but Cambra said the mentor and tutors all report to his office. This center could serve as a model for the upper campus service.

There are services that students can currently look to for help. Workshops and open labs offered from different departments may offer study groups or tutoring services, such as the writing workshop or math lab. Students should check with their professors for more information on specific subjects.

The Kokua program offers services to students with physical and learning disabilities. The Kokua website lists some of the advantages of the program, including priority registration, exam accommodation, alternative media services and note-taking assistance. Interested students should visit the Queen Lili'uokalani Center Room 13.

Cambra and Smatresk have also been looking at other internal UHM tutoring services for guides on developing an organized tutor and mentor program. Programs such as UHM's Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC) help students adjust to campus life.

Rosie Woodruff, head of the Learning Assistance Center (a former division of the CSDC), said, "I would love for this to be some place where you would come to study and be comfortable, and there would be someone here that you could consult."

Located on the third floor of Queen Lili'uokalani, the learning center focuses on teaching students how to study proficiently, learn effectively and become a better learner. The program also trains student mentors to help other students' progress.

Woodruff said the program offers a variety of free services designed to maximize academic success, including assistance with time management, writing, taking tests and learning disabilities. The center also has open study rooms for tutoring and general studying, plus food and drinks are allowed in the room.

One group that is already taking advantage of the open study room is the newly formed Peer Mentor Ohana Club, of which Woodruff is the faculty advisor. The club provides tutoring in basic statistics and organizes study groups.

Woodruff also said the independent club originally began as a statistics study group and was formed by students who wanted to participate in a learning community. "It is satisfying to help somebody," Woodruff stated. "And when you teach it you get to know it better."

Cambra added, "We've found that the best tutors turn out to be fellow classmates."

In addition to the CSDC, the Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded tutoring and advising program. This program is geared toward families who do not have a college graduate among relatives. "That office does a lot of outreach into various parts of the island that may not have as many students thinking about going into higher education," Cambra said. "And the program works. (SSS) is getting a number of students that have been extremely successful coming through the program."

All of this restructuring and package planning comes after UHM interim Vice Chancellor Denise Konan declared this school year be the "year of the student."

"It's a public statement that we're putting education, particularly undergraduate education first on our priority list," Smatresk explained. "We're really working on a lot of fronts to let the students know that we care. I think that's a real different approach than has been used in the past here."

"It's a great thing we are finally getting one. I am glad UH is finally stepping up," said UHM sophomore Katie Petersen.

"I think it's a good idea; it's easier to go right down to a central location and especially since you don't have to arrange a meeting with your teacher," said UHM sophomore Jordan Falber.