Students at Black Hills State University are now able to utilize an online tutoring service, new this semester, accessible directly through D2L.
“It’s built into most online courses at BH,” said Ezekiel Bucks, director of the Student
Success Center. “All students have to do is go into D2L, click help, and the option for online tutoring is right there.”
Online tutoring is still new at Black Hills State University, so class availability is limited, but most gen-ed courses are offered the service.
BHSU’s online tutoring service is through Tutor.com, and students can meet virtually one-on-one with a tutor, they can submit papers to be reviewed and also schedule tutoring sessions for later in the semester. Online tutoring is a completely new option for students, but the in-person tutoring options at BHSU have also had some new changes.
Steven Williams, a senior at Black Hills State University, has been tutoring for the school since the second semester of his freshman year; and now with the finished library and the influx of new students, the tutoring center on campus is busier than he’s ever seen.
“It’s been much busier this year, we’ve had a lot more people coming in,” Williams said. “Last year, I spent a lot of time working on my own homework, but this year I almost never have any time to do that.”
Williams tutors for three different organizations on campus: TRIO, the Student Success Center and the Math Assistance Center. Most of his work is diverted towards the Math Assistance Center, where students are encouraged to walk in and get assistance with homework.
An allocated space for tutoring came with the completion of the E.Y. Berry Library, whereas previously the academic assistance resources held temporary spaces within the student union. The space within the library where tutoring takes place has a calm presence, along with several posters along the wall detailing the different schedules for tutoring, a stark difference to this time last year when the Writing Assistance center was tucked into a conference room in the Hive.
Tutors within the Student Success Center have also received different kinds of training this year. This revamped training includes a new handbook, mental health training and a newly implemented end-of-the-year review in order for the Success Center to gain input directly from tutors.
Tutoring is meant to be a comfortable and helpful experience for students seeking assistance in their classes.
“You have to be able to meet the energy of your clients, you have to be right there with them, giving them the most enjoyable and helpful experience possible,” Williams said.
Tutoring is a free and helpful resource students may utilize in order to succeed, and tutoring is offered in many different forms at Black Hills State University. In-person tutoring is offered at the Student Success Center for a multitude of different courses, including Psychology, History, and Economics. There’s also walk-in assistance at the Math Assistance Center as well as by-appointment help at the Writing Center.
Further information regarding setting up an appointment with a tutor can be found on JacketHub, and to set up an appointment at the Writing Center go to bhsu.mywconline.com. Athletes are eligible for athlete-on-athlete assistance through the Athletes Tutoring Athletes program at the Young Center.