In March of 2020, the COVID-19 crisis affected higher education and changed how learning centers operated, forcing leaders to develop new ways to reach students and support their college communities. The coronavirus continued to challenge them during the summer and fall semesters. 
At Missouri State University, the fluid situation meant that the safety of our students was paramount. For fall 2020, all tutoring and consultations will be held online. Here’s how we’re doing it.
The Bear CLAW has approximately 70 students (graduate assistants and undergraduate students) in the TutorTrac system ready to make appointments and assist online through Blackboard Collaborate. These faculty-recommended tutors and graduate assistants can help students with over 100 subjects listed on our website. Thirty-minute one-on-one appointments are available with a limit of two hours per week per class. Graduate Assistant hours host up to 5 students per session.
If you have students seeking assistance or would like to recommend a potential tutor for your class, contact Dr. Diana Garland, Director of the Learning Commons, at DianaGarland@MissouriState.edu
Writing consultants are working in twomodalities this fall. Visit the Center’s page for more information on the methods listed below.
Method #1: Email Consultations
Writers can obtain advice regarding their manuscript through an email consultation. A writing consultant will read and give students an overview of the text’s strengths and weaknesses. Comments are made using the “Track Changes” feature in Microsoft Word.
Method #2: Synchronous Support Using Blackboard Collaborate Ultra
If students prefer to have a real-time consultation, writing consultants will meet them using Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance.
The Brand-New Presentation Center to Support COM 115
The Presentation Center’s mission is to enhance communication skills and offer helpful advice for students enrolled in COM 115. We provide one-on-one consultations and small group workshops with peer consultants and communication professionals. Students can spend an hour working with one of our trained consultants to tailor their message and delivery while boosting their confidence. Visit the Public Speaking Support page for information or call us at (417) 836-6398.
Method 1: Scheduling a Video Consultation Session
Online consultations for COM 115 are available for the 2020 fall semester. You must use the Online scheduling system and make the appointment 24 hours in advance.
Method #2: Email us a Video
Speakers can obtain advice regarding their speech through an email consultation. A speech may be at any stage of the development process. A consultant will watch the speech and give the speaker an overview of the text’s strengths and weaknesses.
The Brand-New Course Mentoring Program
Course mentors are part of the Bear CLAW’s Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) Programming. They’re a series of academic enhancement group sessions for students taking historically difficult courses. Led by Course Mentors, the sessions are provided for all students who want to improve their understanding of course material and improve their grades. Attendance at sessions is voluntary. This semester, we’re supporting select AGR, BMS, CHM, DTN, and GLG classes.
If you’re looking for a guest speaker to talk about learning enhancement techniques, citation methods, academic writing, and defeating test stress, we’re offering in-person or virtual workshops.
For more information about the Writing Center, Presentation Center, the Course Mentoring Program, or the services of the Absent Professor Program, contact Michael Frizell, Director of Student Learning Services, at MichaelFrizell@MissouriState.edu
(submitted by Michael Frizell, M.F.A., Director of Student Learning Services)