Learning Commons
Welcome
The Learning Commons is a student-centered space where students can receive personalized support for their learning. In this space they can learn collaboratively with peers in a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment, while getting the support they need to feel empowered and to thrive. Join us for tutoring, workshops, study groups, and other programs throughout the semester.
Located on the 1st floor of Neilson Library (Neilson 108), students can meet peer tutors and partners from the Libraries, the Jacobson Writing Center, the Spinelli Center for Quantitative Learning, and the Accessibility Resource Center.
The Learning Commons space is open during all Neilson open hours. See below for support service hours.
Regular Semester Drop-In Hours
The following hours apply during the academic year when classes are in session.
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
|
Content & Writing Tutors (Jacobsen Center) |
1-4 p.m. |
1-4 p.m. |
1-4 p.m. |
1-4 p.m. |
1-4 p.m. |
1-4 p.m. |
Library Research Mentors |
1-4 p.m. |
1-4 p.m. |
1-4 p.m. |
1-4 p.m. |
1-4 p.m. |
1-4 p.m. |
Quantitative Tutors (Spinelli Center) |
ECO150 & 153: |
ECO150 & 153: |
ECO150 & 153: |
ECO150 & 153: |
ECO150 & 153: |
Accessibility Resource Center
The Accessibility Resource Center's graduate interns are available in the Learning Commons to answer questions about ACR and to provide support for disability-related learning and access needs.
Assistive Technology Lab
The Assistive Technology Lab (ATL) contains both Mac and Windows machines and has specialized software such as Dragon, Kurzweil, and Big Keys. The ATL also offers a whiteboard and TV screen that can be used as a computer monitor or Zoom room. Students are welcome to use the programs to make PDFs readable through optical character recognition (OCR), text-to-speech, dictation etc. The lab also has two adjustable tables for increased accessibility and comfort. To ensure privacy and focus there is an opaque window, making the ATL an ideal spot for taking exams. For more information about assistive technology, visit Campus Community Resources.
To request Lab support or schedule a time to use the Lab, please email ithelp@smith.edu. If interested in learning more about a specific program please email arc@smith.edu.
Hours: Available by reservation or drop in to use.
Content & Writing Tutoring
The Jacobson Center for Writing, Teaching & Learning has trained peer writing tutors who work in the Learning Commons to provide students with writing assistance. Students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis for drop-in support at any stage in the writing process, from brainstorming a new assignment through revisions. Tutors are hired from a wide range of majors in all divisions, so students can often meet with someone in their own field, if they want, though tutors are able to read in any discipline .
Learning Commons Hours: Regular semester drop-in hours are:
- Sunday-Thursday, 1-4 p.m. and 7-10 p.m.
- Friday 1-4p.m.
For those who prefer a scheduled appointment, the Jacobson Center employs tutors and professional writing instructors who hold one-on-one meetings in Seelye 307 or over Zoom:
- Appointments in Seelye 307 are available 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
- To schedule an appointment, use the online calendar system.
Library Research Mentors
Library Research Mentors work in the Learning Commons to provide research support to their peers. They can help other students to find a book on a specific topic, locate peer-reviewed articles, format their citations and more. Come to the Learning Commons during drop-in hours and the Mentors can help you to navigate the Libraries, both physical and virtual, and their many resources and services.
Learning Commons Hours: Regular semester drop-in hours are:
- Sunday-Thursday, 1-4 p.m. and 7-10 p.m.
- Friday 1-4 p.m.
Quantitative Tutoring
The Spinelli Center for Quantitative Learning supports students doing quantitative work across the curriculum, and offers tutoring, workshops, and class study sessions.
Hours: ECO 150 & ECO 153, Professors: Craigie, Haas-Wilson, Mahdavi, Miller & Sharma
- Sunday - Wednesday, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Thursday, 4:15-6:15 p.m.