Spring 2024 Hours of Operation

In-Person Appointments Available
Monday – Thursday – 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Online Appointments Available
Sunday – Saturday – 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Per Tutor Availability)

For in-person or online content tutoring and online math and
writing tutoring,
schedule appointments via
TracCloud

CAS Overview

The Center for Academic Support (CAS) provides one-on-one and small group tutoring for most courses on campus. Located on the northeast corner of the library building, the Center consists of group study spaces and a large open area for students to receive tutoring or work independently.

The CAS offers free tutoring in math, writing, and specific courses. In addition to these services, students have access to Supplemental Instruction (SI) and workshops sponsored by the Center. Flashcards and handouts are also available.

Our Mission
The Center for Academic Support provides Missouri Western State University students with quality, academic assistance and educational resources to prepare them to become successful, efficient, and independent learners.

Our Vision

The Center for Academic Support aims to provide comprehensive assistance to all students throughout any point of their academic journey at Missouri Western State University.

Writing

The CAS provides trained peer tutors who assist with writing in all academic disciplines at Missouri Western. However, writing tutorials are not for coursework exclusively; students can also come to the Center for help with resumes, cover letters, and applications for scholarships. Our tutors work with students one-on-one for half-hour sessions, focusing on any aspect of the writing process. In addition, handouts covering a variety of writing topics are available for student use.

Math

Math tutoring is available for math courses from Foundations for University Mathematics (MAT 083) through Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (MAT 167). Assistance is also available for math concepts in other general studies courses. Tutors are hired only after being recommended by faculty, and all are trained in tutoring techniques. So that students will receive the attention they deserve, we schedule a tutor with no more than three students at one time. Tutors assist students by explaining concepts and working sample problems. The Center also provides handouts which cover specific math topics that have proven difficult for students in the past.

Content

Content tutoring is a term used to describe tutoring for subject areas other than general studies mathematics or writing. This type of tutoring is scheduled online via TracCloud and can be for virtually any course in any catalog. Students can search for and schedule tutoring appointments based on their current enrollments; all tutoring takes place in the Center or online via Zoom.

Supplemental Instruction/Embedded Tutoring

Supplemental Instruction (SI) and Embedded Tutoring are more intensive forms of tutoring that meet students in the classroom and throughout the semester. Where SI is a series of weekly review sessions for students taking historically challenging courses, Embedded Tutoring meets the student during instructional time and implements collaborative learning techniques. SI and Embedded Tutoring are provided for students who want to improve their understanding of course material and improve their grades. Both forms of academic support partner with faculty to better serve the student as a whole.

No upcoming events.

Our Services

Meet Our Staff

Susan Garrison

Susan Garrison
Director
garrison@missouriwestern.edu
Hearnes Center 214
(816) 271-4401

Amber Halstead

Amber Halstead
Math Coordinator
ahalstead@missouriwestern.edu
Hearnes Center 217
(816) 271-4532

Ben Moran

Ben Moran
Tutor Coordinator
bmoran4@missouriwestern.edu
Hearnes Center 220
(816) 271-4531

Alyssa Striplin

Alyssa Striplin
Writing Coordinator
astriplin@missouriwestern.edu
Hearnes Center 218
(816) 271-4131

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TracCloud

What is TracCloud?

TracCloud is a complete management solution for the specific needs of learning, writing, tutoring, academic skills and other centers that support students in higher education. As a cloud-based application, TracCloud provides on-demand access to essential tools such as appointment scheduling, logging visits and activity reports. Contacts are recorded in any physical or online environment. Appointments and schedules are managed and accessed on multiple criteria. Integration with campus information systems can link course enrollments and other critical data.

Any Missouri Western State University student can receive tutoring for courses he/she is currently taking through the use of TracCloud.

All of the services the CAS provides are FREE for MWSU students! You will never be charged for using TracCloud or coming into the CAS.

Appointments are strongly suggested for math and writing, but we do take walk-ins if slots are available. Appointments are required for all content and online tutoring. Appointments can be scheduled via TracCloud.

If you are unable to make it to the scheduled appointment or if you are going to be late, if at all possible, please call (816) 271-4524 and let us know. This helps us when we are scheduling other appointments.

When you come to the CAS for an appointment, you should bring your MWSU ID and any materials that will be useful for your tutoring session: textbook, class notes, assignment sheet, calculator, etc.

Making an appointment with a math tutor is the first step. In-person appointments with math tutors for MAT110E-MAT167 can be scheduled by calling (816) 271-4524 or stopping by the CAS. Online appointments can be scheduled via TracCloud. We also take walk-ins if slots are available. Appointments for math courses above MAT167 can be made with a content tutor. See the content tutor list.

Math tutors will assist with concepts presented in class, calculator questions and will work additional example problems with the student. The tutors rotate among students offering assistance in these areas and then give students time to process and practice the concepts on their own. Tutors will then return to check again with students for understanding. The goal is to help students become independent learners.

To make an in-person appointment for writing, you can call (816) 271-4524 or stop by the CAS. We also take walk-ins if slots are available. Online writing appointments can be scheduled via TutorTrac.

Writing tutors will assist you with any phase of the writing process, including help with correctness. What happens during a 30-minute appointment will depend on where you are in the writing process. Tutors could assist with any of the following:

  • Topic choice
  • Pre-writing strategies
  • Organization
  • Supporting detail
  • Adherence to assignment guidelines
  • Editing techniques

At the end of the session, tutors will encourage clients to make the appropriate revisions and then come back for a follow-up appointment. A Writing Tutorial Summary describing what occurred in the session will be sent to the student’s instructor after each appointment, unless the student wishes for the appointment to remain confidential.

Writing tutors also assist clients with non-class-related writing such as resumes, cover letters, applications for scholarships, or personal statements for admission into graduate school.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of weekly review sessions for students taking historically challenging courses. SI is provided for students who want to improve their understanding of course material and improve their grades. SI Leaders will provide times and updates for sessions in class or on Canvas. You will not be able to find meeting times on TracCloud.

Attendance is voluntary. The SI leader does not teach the session but acts as a guide and resource for learning. SI is a chance for you to get together with other people in the class to compare notes, discuss important concepts, develop strategies for studying the subject, and to test yourself before your professor does, so that when he/she does, you’ll be ready.

Study groups do meet in the CAS. They are often, although not always, led by a content tutor. If you are interested in using our facilities for a regular study group meeting, please contact us at (816) 271-4524.

When clients come for writing assistance, we complete a Writing Tutorial Summary, documenting what was covered in the session. A copy of the summary is emailed to the instructor, unless students prefer their instructors not know about the visit.

If students want their professors to know they have come in for other tutoring, we can provide that information as requested.

Some professors do ask us whether or not students have used the CAS. For example, some math professors want to know which of their students have come for math tutoring. We send those professors weekly usage reports.

No. All in-person tutoring takes place at the CAS during our normal operating hours. If you sign up for online sessions on TracCloud, those will take place on Zoom.

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Become a Tutor

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Presentations and Workshops

The Center for Academic Support provides collaborative connection between students, faculty, and staff. With a variety of presentations, we are happy to pair with and present to students in a handful of ways and locations. With this, we will also hold a handful of workshops throughout the semester.

Requests for workshops/assistance are welcomed from both student groups and faculty members; please contact the Center for more information.

The CAS – Study Smarter

A breakdown of our services; the Center for Academic Support provides free tutoring for all MWSU students either in-person or online. Services include math, writing, content, Supplemental Instruction, and Embedded Tutoring. This presentation will help attendees learn what to expect at an appointment and how to schedule an appointment through TracCloud.

Included: Discussion and free flashcards, pencils and bookmarks to attendees.

Duration: 20-30 Minutes

Request This Presentation Here

First Semester College Success: Things You Don’t Know You Don’t Know!

An introduction to changes in college. This presentation focuses on three success strategies: How to write an email to a professor, why a syllabus is important, and the benefits of attending class. Built in, attendees will have the chance for discussion and connection. (Presentation recommended during the first 1-3 weeks of the semester.)

Included: Professional Email Template

Duration: 30-45 Minutes

Request This Presentation Here

Time Management – Help! I Can’t Get Everything Done

An overview of healthy time management, this interactive session requires students to be in computer lab or have a laptop with them. The presentation as a whole helps students think about priorities and the amount of study time it takes to be a successful student. Discussion will revolve around the benefits of scheduling and understand time usage, then each student will start to fill their Google calendar for the semester.

Included: NA

Duration: 50 Minutes

Request This Presentation Here

Perspectives When Studying

A refresher on good academic study habits. Start with a fun collaborative activity, then discuss study strategies to help with memorization and how to look at the “big picture” when studying. This presentation also briefly touches on Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Included: Powerpoint Slides

Duration: 30-45 Minutes

Request This Presentation Here

How to Study For Finals

A clear focus on study skills; start early and don’t get behind is one strong way to study for finals. Attendees will get knowledge and tips on what to expect for the upcoming finals season. We recommend this presentation 3-4 weeks before finals week.

Included: Finals Workshop Handouts and Powerpoint Slides

Duration: 20-30 Minutes

Request This Presentation Here

Upcoming Workshops

FREE MoGEA Preparation Workshop

Friday, March 8, 2024
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location Murphy 109

The MoGEA is required for all students with an ACT composite score of 19 and below who are pursuing admittance to the Missouri Western Teacher Education Department.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

  • 12 to 1 p.m. – Test Taking Strategies/Understanding the Format
  • 1 to 2 p.m. – Careful Reading and Writing Preparations
    Helps with English, Social Studies & Science portions of exam
  • 2 to 4 p.m. – Math Review & Wrap Up

To view test dates and more information follow this link; https://www.missouriwestern.edu/mwsu-testing-centers/mogea/

There is no cost for the workshop, but we do request that you register by Wednesday, March 6th. Registrations made after this date may be accepted based on availability.

MoGEA Workshop Registration

  • Do not include the G