Academic Resources and Tutoring Services
Do you want better grades? Do you want more support in helping you succeed in your classes? Students who use academic resources and tutoring services succeed at a rate of one to two grades better in their classes than those who do not. Take advantage of the following resources available to LAVC students!
Biological Sciences Resource and Tutoring Center
http://www.lavc.edu/biology/TutorLab.htm
AHS 232
Karen Roy, Department Chair
(818) 947-2516
The Biological Sciences Resources and Tutoring Center, also known as the Tutoring Lab, is located in AHS 232 and provides tutoring for Anatomy, Biology 3, 6, 7, Marine Biology, Physiology, Medical Terminology and Microbiology (tutor availability for this course varies; call for availability). The Lab also offers a wide variety of resources, such as textbooks, charts, videos, microscopes (restricted use), slides and models to help students understand and learn class materials using a variety of methodologies. Available practice quizzes/mock exams and worksheets reinforce information taught in class. Experienced Peer Tutors are trained in effective communication and work with individual learning styles. Open hours of the Lab include Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays with a modified schedule during Finals Week. Call (818) 947-2516 for scheduled hours each semester or other inquiries. Important note: The Lab is closed the first week of classes and holiday weekends.
Career/Transfer Center
http://www.lavc.edu/transfer
Student Services Annex
Clive Gordon, Director
(818) 947-2646
The Career/Transfer Center provides a wide variety of services to help students succeed in completing their certificate or A.A. degree, transfer to a four year college, or choose their major and career path. The Center offers workshops on exploring careers and majors, college applications, how to transfer to a four year college, resume writing skills, interviewing skills, job shadowing, and four year college financial aid. Students can explore four year colleges and universities by making appointments with visiting college representatives and peer mentors, attending college fairs, and joining us for free bus trips to four year colleges and universities. There is a library of transfer and career information that includes college catalogs, articulation agreements with four year colleges and DVD's and videos of various colleges and careers. There is also a computer lab available for students to access online career and transfer information. After attending a workshop, students can make appointments for individual career advisement.
Center for Career and Technology Training (The CCaTT Lab)
Business-Journalism Room 103
Ken Freeman, Lab Supervisor
(818) 947-2568
The Center for Career and Technology Training (CCaTT) Lab offers software resources to students currently enrolled in any of LAVC’s Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs. The resources include AutoCAD, Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Office Suite, Quickbooks Pro, Adobe CS4, respiratory therapy simulators and typing course support. We also support Internet and hybrid CTE course offerings. The lab has printing, copying and scanning capabilities. While the CCaTT Lab does not offer tutoring, we encourage students to bring in tutors or work in groups to complete their coursework.
The CCaTT Lab has temporarily expanded access to all currently enrolled LAVC students during the library construction process but preference will be given to LAVC CTE students. Lab use is restricted to faculty assigned coursework only for all students. Check with the lab for hours of operation.
EOPS/CARE Tutoring Center and Computer lab
Student Services Center (SSC), 2nd Floor
Veronica Enríquez, Student Services Assistant
(818) 947-2338
enriquv@lavc.edu
For EOPS/CARE students only, the EOPS/CARE Tutoring Center and Computer Lab offers free, individualized help with subjects, such as English, Math, and the sciences. Students can receive assistance through one-to-one or group tutoring sessions.
The EOPS/CARE Tutoring Center and Computer Lab also has computers and a printer for EOPS/CARE students to work on their assignments independently and print them out for submission. Services also include Internet access for class projects and job search, resume and cover letters revision, and interview techniques.
Foreign Language Media Lab Services
Foreign Language 101
Rhonda Eisner, Manager
(818) 778-5545
Dr. June Miyasaki, Chair of Foreign Languages
(818) 947-2382
The Foreign Language Media Lab offers free, unlimited access to students enrolled in French, Italian, German, Spanish and equivalent Chicano Studies courses. Students may use computer hardware, software, instructional media and electronic resources to practice language learning skills in a comfortable setting. We provide 27 semi-private multimedia computer stations equipped with headsets which enable access to language and culture acquisition virtually via the Internet. A library of current textbooks with ancillary workbooks, CDs and DVDs is maintained and available for students to use while in the lab in order to complete required assignments and enrich their learning. Also, the resource collection includes music CDs and foreign language films on DVD, dictionaries, grammar books and handouts with various links for research and language practice.
While working on their assignments independently, students may ask the lab assistants for help with any questions about word processing, printing, Internet research, and accessing course management and language program software. Most foreign language courses currently require basic computer literacy. Students who need additional support in learning computer skills are encouraged to use the Foreign Language Media Lab, and benefit from the assistance of the staff to effectively use current and new technologies. The lab assistants are trained to help students with their technological questions, but they are not instructional assistants/tutors. Students needing help with course-related or content-based difficulties must seek out the help of a language tutor, either through the Learning Center’s tutoring program, or our lab’s limited volunteer tutoring service.
In addition the Foreign Language Media Lab monitors and reports total visit hours to instructors who require lab time for course credit. Each semester, the lab provides on-site group orientations for classes to learn about its services. For more information and online access to current textbook links, please visit http://lavc.edu/fl/LAB.html
Learning Center
http://lavc.edu/learningcenter/index.html
Located behind the Cafeteria and between the Library and Business Office
Phyllis Yasuda, Director
(818) 947-2744
The Learning Center General Tutoring program offers tutoring in basic skills and subjects for which tutoring is not available in the other campus labs. Although we cannot guarantee a tutor for every subject, we strive to meet the needs of all students. We offer drop-in tutoring primarily in chemistry, physics, accounting and economics. Depending on availability, we may offer other subjects as well, including math, psychology, philosophy, and sociology. No appointment is necessary to use the drop-in lab, and students may request individual appointments for certain subjects. All tutees must be currently enrolled at Valley. Our hours vary depending on funding. For detailed information, please call (818) 947-2744.
The Media Center houses print and non-print materials (audio and video tapes, etc.) available to students, and provides an environment for the self-paced individualized use of instructional media materials. The Media Center may be used for credit courses in Developmental Communications, ITV, and Learning Skills. Available hours are the same as General Tutoring.
Library
http://www.lavc.edu/LIBRARY/library.html
Located behind the Cafeteria and between the Learning Center and Business Office
Georgianna Sampler, Department Chair
(818) 947-2763
The college's library, one of the largest in the San Fernando Valley, has more than 125,000 books and subscribes to over 200 magazines and newspapers. The Library also provides access to a number of electronic databases including full text journals, newspapers, e-Books and reference sources that are available from on or off campus. Students should consider the library their first and best source of learning materials. Students can access these online resources using their campus UIA network account ID. The Library's home page on the Internet, http://www.lavc.edu/LIBRARY/library.html, provides a link to the online catalog and resources. A staff of experienced librarians and library technicians is always available to assist you. The Library's Reference Desk can be reached at 818-947-2763. All registered students are eligible to check out library materials by showing their LAVC student ID card.
Math Lab
http://www.lavc.edu/math/mathlab.html
MS 106
John Kawai, Director
(818) 947-2863
All LAVC students are free to use our Math Lab, located in the Math Science Building, room 106. Tutors, skilled in mathematics, are available to work with any students on math homework assignments or in preparation for a math exam. Check out the online Math website for more information.
Nursing Tutoring
http://www.lavc.edu/VocEd1/VENursing/Nursing.html
AHS
Kim Hollingshead RN, MSN
(818) 947-2838
The Los Angeles County -Department of Health provides the Nursing Program here at Valley with a Tutoring/Mentoring Grant designed to assist students with success in the program and in passing the National Licensure Exam known as NCLEX-RN. It is a 2 year grant currently in its second renewal that provides over $180,000. All currently enrolled nursing students are eligible to participate in the programs offered such as Math tutoring, clinical skill simulations in our nursing lab, clinical workshops where the students work in very small groups with an experienced clinical instructor to concentrate on proficiency and competency in providing and managing client care, test-taking and critical thinking workshops and tutoring sessions and a wonderful nursing review program designed to assist and evaluate the student's progress over their 2 years in the nursing program. The grant sponsors a free NCLEX REview course twice a year.
Reading Center
http://www.lavc.edu/Psychology/programs/ReadingCenter/index.htm
Bungalow 45
Ron Mossler, Ph.D., Director
Ann Harootyan, Instructional Assistant
(818) 947-2481
Harootar@lavc.edu; Mosslera@lavc.edu
The Reading Center is part of LAVC’s Developmental Communications program and is administered by the Psychology Department. In the Reading Center you will find a range of modular, multi-media, self-directed programs that teach and reinforce phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension, grammar, spelling and study skills. Students may enroll sequentially in up to three units per semester during open-entry enrollment. Units are earned through independent work in which students fulfill requirements utilizing the Reading Center’s various computer, reading, and learning resources.
Students work at their own time and pace to fulfill the requirements of each unit. While traditional one-on-one tutoring services in reading are not available, students can learn about how to use and benefit from the Center’s full range of resources by consulting with our knowledgeable staff.
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD – formerly DSPS)
Student Services Annex, Room 175
David Green, Director
ssd@lavc.edu
(818) 947-2681
SSD provides specialized services, accommodations, and courses for students with verified disabilities. Specialized services may include priority registration, sign language interpreters, alternate text production, assistive technology, note-taking and test-taking assistance, campus and community referrals, and/or liaison with the Department of Rehabilitation. Courses offered include Adapted Physical Education, Learning Skills, and Personal Development. The SSD office is located in the Student Services Annex, Room 175
Speech Lab
http://www.lavc.edu/speech/essl.html
Located in the basement of Campus Center
Josh Miller, Department Chair
(818) 947-2470
The Speech Lab, located in the basement of Campus Center, offers students who wish to reduces accents (English as a Second Language or regional) computerized lessons featuring American English pronunciation. Students may schedule their attendance to fit in with their own schedules. There is also opportunity to join conversation groups to practice using English to exchange ideas and information.
STARS (Strategic Team for the Advancement and Retention of Students)
Most sessions held in the Fireside Room of Campus Center
Deborah Kaye, STARS Committee Chair
(818) 947-2712
The STARS program offers events and provides resources that support student success and promote dialogue between faculty and students about teaching and learning. Interactive workshops and roundtable discussions explore the learning process and help students set goals for learning and monitor their progress to be more successful. Useful resources are provided at the sessions and on the STARS website – both for students and for faculty to use in their classes. Contact us to be put on the mailing list to receive announcements of upcoming sessions.
“We create STARS at LAVC!”
TRiO/Student Support Services
Student Services Center, Room 228
Barbara Schneider, Director
(818) 947-2487
TRiO is a federally funded program that allows service to 160 students. Upon acceptance into the program, students are encouraged to sign up for free tutoring services. These tutoring sessions are by appointment only and include some evening hours. Tutoring services are done on a one-to-one basis and include English, math and many of the humanities and science courses. A computer lab is also available for the use of TRiO students.
Writing Center
http://lavc.edu/Writingcenter/index.html
Humanities 100 and 102
Scott Weigand, Director
(818)947-2810
writingtutor@lavc.edu
The Writing Center offers all students at LAVC free, individualized help with any kind of writing, reading, or critical thinking assignment in a comfortable setting. Students can receive assistance through one-to-one and group tutoring sessions, writing workshops, and instructive handouts. These different resources allow students to practice writing as a process, which is a guiding principle of the staff. We believe that writing has definite stages including prewriting, thesis statement development, drafting, revising, and editing. To develop and hone their own writing process, we encourage students to seek help from the beginning to the end of their assignments.
To work on their assignments independently, students are encouraged to use our computer lab where an assistant is always on duty to answer questions about word processing, MLA format, printing, and Internet research. If students have an Internet connection at home, then they can take advantage of the Writing Center’s comprehensive website, where we offer online tutoring, instructive handouts, self guided tutorials, assistance for non native speakers and students writing across the disciplines, and various links for research. Visit www.lavc.edu/writingcenter/index.html.
In addition to the free services available to LAVC Students, the Writing Center also offers classes where students can earn college credit: English 67, ½ unit course writing laboratory, is designed to give students extra practice with writing academic essays; English 68, a ½ unit reading laboratory, helps students improve reading comprehension and develop critical reading skills necessary for colleges classes; English 69, a one unit course, provides students with practice formatting and revising papers on the computer, researching on the Internet and using databases, and drafting resumes. For more information about these Writing Center classes, please check the catalog and schedule of classes.