Learning Center: FAQs

GENERAL FAQs

1. Where is the Bepko Learning Center located?

The center is located on the second floor of Taylor Hall (UC 2006).

2. What is an academic mentor?

Academic mentors are students who have been successful in specific courses and have been recommended by the faculty to serve as mentors. They are not tutors, but facilitators who can help students develop the thinking and reasoning skills that characterize intellectual maturity. Mentors are learning assistants who are content competent in a particular subject and can assist students in gaining a better understanding of course material.

3. What services does the Bepko Learning Center offer?

The center offers free Supplemental Instruction (SI) and Structured Learning Assistance (SLA), which are the two components of our academic mentoring services for specified courses. We also provide free tutor referrals, STAR (Students Taking Academic Responsibility) mentoring, study skills workshops, and one-on-one study skills help.

4. What study skills do you offer assistance with?

• Stress management
• Time management
• Midterm and finals preparation
• How to study
• Forming study groups
• Goal setting
• Learning styles
• Note-taking skills
• Reading skills
• Test-taking techniques

5. How can I get help on study skills?

Come to the Resource Desk (UC 2006) in Taylor Hall and speak with a resource mentor or call (317) 274-4818 for details. 

6. Can anyone use the rooms on the second floor in Taylor Hall?

Yes, as long as the room is not reserved, they are open as study areas for all students currently enrolled at IUPUI. Please note though, that if there is a session scheduled in the room you are using, you may be asked to leave.

7. How do I reserve a room?

Contact Barbara Lingle (blingle@iupui.edu).

8. What are your hours of operation?

We are open during the fall and spring semesters Monday through Thursday 8:00–7:00, and Friday 8:00–4:00; we are closed weekends, holidays, and Summer I and II sessions.

Mentoring

1. What is SI?

The Supplemental Instruction (SI) program is a free, voluntary service adopted by University College to help you succeed in your courses. The SI mentors are learning assistants and facilitators who performed exceptionally well in a particular course and can assist you in gaining a better understanding of the material. They also serve to help you develop learning skills to enhance your academic experience.

2. When are the SI sessions held?

Please click on this link for more information: http://uc.iupui.edu/learningcenter/siN261.asp

3. What is SLA?

Structured Learning Assistance (SLA) is an exciting and unique program that combines the idea of “what to learn” with “how to learn” through weekly required sessions led by a fellow student who has demonstrated the ability to perform exceptionally well in class.

4. What is the difference between SI and SLA?

SI programs are optional and are usually longer to meet the needs of more students. SLA sessions are mandatory and are typically a component of the course.

5. How do I apply to be a mentor?

Click the mentor application link under “quicklinks” on our home page or contact Shannon McCullough (ssykes@iupui.edu) for more information.

6. Do you have to pay for mentoring?

No, SI and SLA mentoring are free services to all IUPUI students.

7. Can I get online mentoring?

Certain sections for select courses offer online mentoring. See the registrar’s home page (http://registrar.iupui.edu/) for more information.

8. What classes are included in your mentoring services?

BIOL K101

BIOL K103

BIOL N212/N214

BIOL N217

BIOL N261

CSCI N241

HIST H114

HPER P391

HPER P409

PHIL P162

PHIL P265

PSY B104

SPEA J101

Resource Desk

    9. What services does the Resource Desk provide?

• Assistance with OneStart, Oncourse, and Webmail
• Finding general resource(s), people, and services on campus
• Free tutor referrals
• STAR mentoring (Students Taking Academic Responsibility)
• Answers to general IUPUI questions
• Study skills handouts, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring
• Learning style assessments
• Assist students with general academic needs

    10. Who are STAR students?

Students Taking Academic Responsibility (STAR) is a program designed for students who are either on academic probation for the first time or have recently been reinstated to the university. Resource mentors work individually with STAR students to help improve their academic success.

Tutoring

    11. How do I get a tutor?

Come to the Resource Desk (UC 2006) and we will search our database for a tutor or feel free to search our database at http://tutor.uc.iupui.edu.

    12. What are VA/VR services?

Veteran Affairs and Veteran Rehabilitation. If you are a VA/VR student come by the Resource Desk before you start tutoring because you may be eligible for free tutoring.

    13. Are tutors free?

Tutors are a paid service, but our referral service is free. We can check to see if there is free tutoring in your department. VA/VR students need to check at the Resource Desk (UC 2006) to see if you are eligible for free tutoring.

    14. What if there is not a tutor for my class?

We can contact the department and start a tutor search. We will try to find you one within two weeks, but these searches are not guaranteed to be successful.

    15. What is the "study buddy" program?

The study buddy program is designed to connect and help students to interact and network for scholastic purposes. This will allow students to form study groups when they are unable to find a tutor through the Bepko Learning Center tutor referral service. Without the presence of the instructor, the setting provides an atmosphere that may be less intimidating to ask questions for those presently in the course or those who have previously taken the course.

    16. Am I guaranteed to find a tutor for my class?

No, tutors have to apply on their own and work around their schedule. We will try our best to find you a tutor, but these services are not guaranteed.

    17. What if I still have a question about tutoring?

You can visit the Resource Desk (UC 2006), or e-mail the tutoring coordinator, Landon Brothers (ljbrothe@indiana.edu) for further information.

Other FAQs/Services

    18. Where can I get math help?

The Mathematics Assistance Center (MAC) offers free tutoring for select math classes and is located on the first (main) floor of Taylor Hall (http://www.math.iupui.edu/MAC/).

    19. Where can I get chemistry help?

The Chemistry Resource Center (CRC) offers free chemistry help and is located on the second floor of the LD building (http://chem.iupui.edu/~anliker/new_CRC.html).

    20. Where is OTEAM located?

OTEAM is located on the second floor of Taylor Hall, rooms UC 2005 and UC 2007. (http://welcome.iupui.edu/Splash/Default.aspx).

    21. Where is advising located?

University College advising is located on the third floor of Taylor Hall (http://uc.iupui.edu/).