Tutoring & Writing Center

The Tutoring, Learning, and Testing Center and the Writing Center can be found in DeMille Hall 130, which is the building located next to Starbucks on Chapman main campus.

Use your resources! Learn more about getting the help you need to succeed below!

More Information

The Tutoring, Learning, and Testing Center, also known as the “TLT” services, provides students with the help and guidance they need to achieve their academic goals. There are academic mentors that offer advice on study skills such as, time management, note taking, exam preparation, and stress management. This is extremely helpful because students that succeeded in their classes are able to give tips and advice that worked for them to other students in need. Students that seek help or are interested can request an academic mentor at DeMille Hall 130.

In addition, there are peer tutors available for walk-in hours to review and answer questions about course content. There are a variety of courses within business, science, computer science, language, math, and video editing that tutors offer to help in. Peer tutor walk-in sessions are located at DeMille Hall 140 and the Davis Community Lounge, which is located by the dorms. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by someone who asks you what course you need assistance with and then they will tell you the desk number they are at. If you would like to see a certain tutor or can only visit during a specific time, you can check out the schedule online. Or, if you do not see a course you need a tutor in or a time that works for you, you can email the TLT at “tutor@chapman.edu”. In some math and science courses, supplemental instructors (SI) give additional support to students in challenging classes focusing on collaboration among students during study sessions. They help individually or within a group setting, as well as provide extra practice, like worksheets and tests, to enhance your understanding of the class.

The Testing center also takes place in the same area allowing students request accommodated testing, math placement tests, and foreign language placement tests. There are multiple testing rooms that are available for students to reserve.

The Writing center is also a great resource for students that need help with writing and editing assignments. Students are welcome to walk in during hours or schedule an appointment by email, but appointments have priority. Students can also submit papers for a response using the online tutoring service.

Here are some informational responses from Chapman tutors:

Interview with Math Tutor

Q: Can you describe a positive experience you have had as a tutor?

A: A student that was assigned to me for one on one sessions boosted his grade from a 70 to a 90 percent after a couple of weeks. I felt like it was a really great moment because he messaged me after his final.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the TLT center?

A: It’s a very homely environment like I know people who work at the desk and all the other tutors so it’s just relaxing to come here and meet all of them. Usually when I dont have my own students, then I can do my own work. Since it’s a quiet place, it’s easier for me to focus as well.

Interview with ASL Tutor

Q: How do you think the tutoring center has benefitted students?

A: It’s helpful if students take advantage for it. American Sign Language is not an easy class and I’m sure there are students not getting an A in the class. If students are aware that it is helpful and make the effort to come in and see someone, then it is helpful.

Q: What kinds of tips would you give someone struggling in class?

A: Use your resources wisely because most classes have SI’s and professors at office hours. The TLT not only has this walk-in tutoring but you can also sign up for an independent tutor that works for your schedule. It’s not hard to find help if you take advantage of it.

Interview with Writing Tutor

Q: What are the qualifications of a writing tutor?

A: A lot of writing tutors are graduate students so as part of their curriculum as english masters or teaching masters, they have to take a course to teach and tutor.

Q: What are the teaching strategies you use that are the most helpful to students?

A: I personally like to explain the grammar when I correct it because regardless of whether they are an English speaker, they don’t know why it’s wrong or why it’s right. I try to explain why it’s wrong so they don’t repeat the same mistakes in the future. I also like to give my students personal tips to being a student on writing, especially when students come in and they don’t know how to structure a paper. I would offer what I would do or how other people do it and have them try it and see if it works for them.

As a Chapman student myself, I have found the tutoring center to be very helpful in receiving extra help or practice that I need in difficult courses. All the tutors are experienced in the class and offer knowledge and advice that made me feel more confident as a student. And it's free to Chapman students!