The Student Success Center, located in every San Jacinto College campus library, strives to help San Jac students build their confidence in their studies with tutoring and other useful services throughout the semester terms.
“The Student Success Center offers an array of services to our San Jacinto College students,” says North campus’ SSC Director Erika Hernandez, “we offer face-to-face tutoring services in the core academic courses as well as online tutoring services.”
For many students, utilizing the tutoring services for the first time may feel intimidating. The SSC does their best to alleviate those feelings.
“We strive to create a judgement-free zone, where the student feels comfortable,” says Hernandez, “most of our tutors are peer tutors, which helps put students at ease. We listen to what you need, go your pace, and celebrate small wins along the way. Plus, you see lots of students here, so you’re definitely not alone.”
The benefits of tutoring go beyond improving grades and even academics. It improves the individual.
“Improving your grade is always great, but a great benefit of tutoring is that it helps build confidence,” says Hernandez, “seeing our students learn to become independent learners and how to better approach their courses is always a bonus.”
Despite these benefits, Director Hernandez expresses her concern that the Student Success Center isn’t as utilized as she would like it to be.
“We see a steady stream throughout the semester, but things really pick up around midterms and finals. We also notice spikes when major projects or papers are due. However, we feel that not as many students are taking advantage of our tutoring services as we would like,” says Hernandez.
With the wide array of classes San Jacinto College offers, there won’t always be a tutor for the class students may need help with, but that doesn’t mean students aren’t able to reach out for help.
“We can point you toward resources, study strategies, or maybe connect you with a tutor that may be able to assist with some of the topics you are struggling with in that class,” explains Hernandez, “we also take note of high demand subjects, so if enough students ask, we prioritize getting a tutor in that area. Your feedback matters.”
Alongside one-on-one help, the Student Success Center offers other useful services that students can take advantage of.
“Beyond tutoring, we offer writing support, study skills workshops, TSIA2 prep sessions, and several events throughout the semester,” says Hernandez.
The Student Success Center’s ultimate goal, like the name suggests, is student success, both academically and personally.
“Needing help doesn’t mean you aren’t cut out for college. Don’t be so hard on yourself, the most successful people know when to ask for help. Tutoring isn’t about successfully completing your homework; it’s about grasping the material and understanding your own learning style. Don’t struggle with that course alone, let us help you,” says Hernandez.
For more information, contact Director Erika Hernandez ([email protected]) or visit your campus’s library Student Success Center.
