Kathleen Savino

"For me, peer tutoring at Utica University has been an incredible experience. Utica's tutoring program has truly helped me overcome academic challenges to succeed in my studies. Last semester, I made the Dean's List, which I would not have been able to do without the Learning Commons Tutoring Services. Even the most gifted student can benefit from the guidance of an experienced tutor! Peer tutoring has the power to transform even the most apprehensive students into enthusiastic, highly motivated learners."
- Kimberly M., Criminal Justice, Class of 2022
Whether you are in need of extra help or simply wish to enrich your educational experience, the Learning Commons is here for you! Our peer tutors are trained and excel in their courses. They are friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic about helping their fellow classmates succeed! Tutors are available for most subjects including writing, math, science, business, criminal justice, and cybersecurity.
To access drop-in tutoring, you don't need to make an appointment! Simply:
It's as easy as that. (Please don't forget to wear a mask and check in and out of your drop-in session! Your tutor will help you with the latter.)
Our mission is to empower Utica University students to become independent, successful learners by providing academic skill-building, resources, and learning opportunities through quality tutoring.
Learning Commons staff hold equity and inclusion at the heart of our student support practices. Our tutoring space is an open, welcoming, comfortable, and mutually respectful learning environment which allows student clients and tutors to ask questions readily, express themselves fully, and evaluate their learning fearlessly. We do no tolerate speech or actions that disrupt this core value. Our aim is for peer tutoring to be easily available, accessible, and beneficial to ALL students. If you feel it isn't, please speak up! we appreciate hearing from you and improving our practices as a result. To get in touch with Kathleen Savino, the Director of the Learning Commons, send an email to tutoring@utica.edu.
Smarthinking is an online tutoring service that is also available to you 24/7 at no additional cost. Smarthinking provides expert assistance in a variety of subjects, including writing. Simply login with your UC username and password at smarthinking.utica.edu. Click the Smarthinking 24/7 Online Tutoring tab below to learn more.
Smarthinking is an easy-to-use online tutoring service available to all Utica University students. Smarthinking provides expert assistance in a variety of subjects, some of which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Over 90% of Smarthinking tutors hold a Master’s degree or Ph.D., so you will work with an expert in every session. Smarthinking tutors average 12 years of experience working directly with students, so they are expert teachers as well as subject experts. Although Smarthinking tutors will never do your work for you, they will help you learn and gain the confidence and skills necessary to handle future assignments on your own.
MORE INFORMATION ON SMARTHINKING
What can I expect from Smarthinking online tutoring?
With Smarthinking online tutoring, you can:
How can a Smarthinking tutor help me with my writing?
To succeed in college and beyond, you need to write well. Nobody’s born a great writer. But everyone can learn and improve. Smarthinking writing tutors can help you:
Smarthinking tutors will review your essay or other writing assignment in any subject, and they will give a detailed critique that identifies your strengths and shows exactly how to improve. You’ll get a focused revision plan, targeted comments where you need them, and writing help on any issue you ask them about. The goal of Smarthinking writing tutors is to help you learn writing skills you can use today, next semester, and forever.
Sounds great! How do I get started?
Login is easy. Just click here and enter your Utica username and password.
Special Requests: If you are unable to find a specific undergraduate course or subject offered by either peer tutors or Smarthinking tutors, you can fill out this Tutoring Request Form, and we will get in touch with you and do our best to accommodate your request. However, we cannot guarantee a tutor for every subject/request. Please be sure that you have viewed all schedules and tutor availability on Navigate and on Smarthinking before making a special request.
The tutoring experience is collaborative, and both the tutor and the student play a role.
Tutors Offer:
However, Tutors Do NOT Offer:
A Tutor’s Goals Are To:
Students Who Make the Most of Their Tutoring Sessions:
Why should I use tutoring?
What should I bring to the tutoring session?
What about confidentiality?
Tutors maintain strict confidentiality and do not share any information regarding student clients and tutoring sessions with anyone other than the Director of Learning Commons. Tutors have permission to share information about your tutoring with the Director of Learning Commons if necessary. This is for your benefit. The Learning Commons keeps record of all tutoring activities, and all Learning Commons tutors sign a Confidentiality Agreement as a condition of their employment.
What can I expect from a tutor?
Tutors are expected to facilitate student learning by:
It is important to note that tutors are not “homework machines” or miracle workers. If you procrastinated throughout the semester, cramming with a tutor the night before a major exam will not produce good results. If you plan to visit a writing tutor, keep in mind that last minute revisions are not effective.
What will a tutor expect from me?
Tutees are expected to be active participants in their tutoring sessions. Bring relevant materials to the tutoring session. Come prepared by:
When can I meet with a tutor?
Tutoring typically begins during the second full week of classes. Currently, all tutoring takes place in-person (in masks) on a drop-in basis at the Learning Commons. To learn more, scroll up to the tab "Drop-In Tutoring: How It Works."
Are there other options available for tutoring?
Yes! The Smarthinking online service is also available to you. Smarthinking gives students anytime, anywhere access to academic help from experts with an average of 12 years of experience in their field. Each Utica College student can access their Smarthinking account with their Utica username and password at this link: https://smarthinking.utica.edu/. Tutors are available in the following subjects:
Questions about tutoring?
Please contact Kathleen Savino, Director of Learning Commons, at 315-792-3369 or at tutoring@utica.edu.
Utica’s peer tutors are a select group of students who demonstrate subject proficiency as well as the interpersonal skills necessary for good working relationships. Working as a tutor offers you many benefits and valuable experiences. If you are interested in becoming a peer tutor, please read on:
What are the requirements of a peer tutor?
How much will I be able to tutor?
Peer tutoring is a paid position, and tutors typically work 3–8 hours per week, depending on the tutor's schedule and available funding. Tutoring as part of work study for undergraduate applicants is preferred but not required.
What does tutor training involve?
You are required to complete several hours of (paid) training before beginning work as a tutor. Training topics include:
I'm interested! How do I apply?
For a general list of frequently used logins, you can also visit our logins page.