Fresno City Community College’s Spring semester began only a few weeks ago, but its Tutorial Lab is open for business. Students don’t have to wait until the end of the semester to get help because tutors are available now to help maintain good grades, complete homework and prepare for exams.

“It really is a benefit for students and teachers,” said Ray Sanchez, the Tutorial Center’s coordinator. Because of the program and the changes that are ongoing, Sanchez said students continue to thrive in their college career. More and more success stories come out of the tutorial experience.

With lots of dedication and pride, Sanchez calls the program, “His baby.” With his dedication, it has become more interactive and armed with an improved website where students can view photos of the tutors along with the tutors work schedule.

Today, a new program like the Extending the Class (ETC) has been established. ETC is designed for classes with high failure rates and high withdrawal rates. It’s a great way for students to improve their knowledge of course content, work with peers, and learn different techniques for taking exams.

Sanchez also said the tutorial center is now placing tutors right into the classrooms.

“It’s a really good idea. I think it’ll help students,” said FCC tutor, Christina Andrews. She tutors Physiology and will now venture out of the lab into classrooms. “They can get to know me on a one-on-one basis, then feel comfortable coming to the tutorial center for help.”

By just looking into the data of classes such as Math 101 and Bio 3, things such as a high withdrawal rate and failing can be found.

According to the SCCCD Department of Institutional Research, last semester 49.6 percent of of students successfully completed Math 101. Which gave the class a total of 1.99 as it’s grade point average.

That’s not a very pretty number. In Bio 3 a total of 60.8 percent of the students successfully completed the course. Because of the high fail rates and withdrawals the tutorial center felt the need for a change.

The Tutorial lab has continued to evolve since its birth in 1979 and Sanchez said he has no goals of slowing down progress. “It’s our job to help students,” stated Sanchez. And that’s what the new program is all about.

The Tutorial website is packed with information so students can have a look at the programs before even stepping into the lab.

FCC Student Haylie Royce says “I think the tutorial center is a great tool for students who need help with their homework”
She clearly sees the help and benefit a place like the tutorial center is for an ongoing college student. She also said, “More students should utilize this resource.”

Don’t wait till it’s too late to get your grade up. Use the tutorial center and it’s programs throughout the semester. So you have a good grade through the entire thing.

For more information on the tutorial center visit www.fresnocitycollege.edu/tutorialcenter/index.html