Mount Hood

The tutoring opportunities are endless

Everything students need to know about free tutoring at Western

Mikayla Coleman | News Editor

As students are entering week three of fall term at Western, the time for tutoring is upon us. Western offers a wide variety of student tutoring and support services that many students do not even realize are available to them, completely for free. There is no reason for any student to struggle alone or be afraid to reach out for help in subjects that they need extra support in when there are so many kind faces ready to set them up for academic success. 

Appointment availability decreases as the demand for tutoring and help in courses rises near the end of the term. To ensure students receive all the help they need, it is encouraged to be mindful of when the most support will be needed in specific courses and make appointments in advance accordingly. 

This tutor guide is available outside of the Advising Office.

Writing Center — The Writing Center offers writing help for papers and professional projects. Many English courses at Western either require an appointment with the Writing Center for course credit or offer extra credit for showing proof of a Writing Center appointment when working on a project. They are currently offering appointments online and in person on the first floor of Hamersly Library. The easiest way to make an appointment is to use their specific online scheduler via the Western portal. 

Math Center — The Math Center offers drop-in math tutoring for almost all 100, 200 and 300 level courses, both in person on the second floor of Hammersly Library or online via Zoom. 

Science Center — The Science Center offers drop-in and scheduled appointments in person, in study room 124 in Hamersly Library or online via Zoom. The Science Center seeks to help struggling students master skills that are necessary for success in science courses here at Western. 

Computing Science Tutoring — The Computing Science Center offers tutoring in upper and lower computer science and information system courses. They offer drop-in appointments Monday – Thursday from 12 – 4 p.m. in person in the newly renovated ITC in room 310D, or online via Zoom. To make an appointment, students are encouraged to email a known tutor or reach out to the tutoring director, Tracy Boyson.

SSA Tutoring — Student Success and Advising Tutoring covers the most ground by far, tutoring in over 20 different subjects, many of which fall under general education requirements. Outside of the previously stated academic disciplines — they cover many different nontraditional tutoring subjects such as art, music, sustainability and gerontology. In addition, they offer study skills tutoring where students can learn how to be more effective in their notetaking, test taking and time management skills. 

According to Keegan Gormally, the tutoring coordinator/academic success advisor for SSA, “SSA Tutoring seeks to build content knowledge in courses, study skills and academic habits, peer connections/connections to campus for students, support for students so they are more likely to seek help, and empower students towards their personal and academic goals.”

SSA Tutoring appointments are going to remain strictly via Zoom through fall term. Students can schedule appointments with a plethora of different tutors via the Wolf Connection System on the Western portal. 

Contact the author at newseditor@thewesternhowl.com

Interviewing tips and techniques

Four tricks to leave a good impression on potential employers

Sarah Austin | Lifestyle Editor

The need for a job becomes apparent for just about everyone at some point in their life. One of the most important things about a job can be the interview — it sets up not only the opportunity for employment, but also for one’s path as they progress at said job. Here are four of the most important focusing points to help land the job.
Dress for the job being interviewed for. According to Jill Hurd, broker at Taylor & Taylor Realty Co. in Lincoln City, “It shows the person’s motivation and determination.”

It is safer to overdress for an interview than to underdress. If applying for a job where the dress code is casual, go business casual if possible. Dress up an outfit that is already owned with small details such as adding jewelry like a watch or earrings, accessories like a portfolio or purse and wearing a clean pair of shoes. Make sure to also be well groomed. 

Dressing for success in business casual wear is a great way to impress potential employers.

First impressions are important, so make sure you show up prepared for the interview. Know who is conducting the interview and memorize their name. Bring a resume copy and any references to the meeting. This shows organization and gives the appearance of professionalism. Research the company as well so if a question arises the ability to answer will be quicker and the interviewer will be more likely to remember you. Lastly, read the listed job post, and look up the resumes of other people with the same title. This is a great way to tune up a resume with skills that may not have previously been considered. 

Eye contact with the interviewer is proven to convey confidence and self esteem which are important qualities in an employee, according to Fusion Career Services. This can be a difficult task for many, but try to remember to look them in the eye at least 50% of the time, or try focusing on one eye and switching while they talk. 

“Eye contact is the number one thing for me,” said Jody Gaver, guidance director at Taravella High School in Florida. “I always tell my students that. If you can’t look in my eyes to talk to me and show interest and are looking around everywhere, I would be concerned you can’t do your job well.”

Tardiness to an interview can foreshadow later punctuality issues. Not only will arriving 10 – 15 minutes early to an interview allow time to decompress and prepare, but will also indicate to the employer that their time is valued and can earn respect. 

“I have always been praised for showing up early to interviews and making it a talking point before exiting at the end that being on time is something I pride myself in,” said Caitlyn Kessinger, former nanny in Dallas.

Contact the author at lifestyleeditor@thewesternhowl.com