Queens College students understand the hassle of starting a new semester, but there is a service that provides an oasis of guidance to students called the Learning Commons (LC).
The LC aims to help both undergraduate and graduate students, through a series of workshops, bootcamps, recitations, and other helpful resources to effectively match everyone’s unique learning styles. Although on the surface the LC may seem like an average tutoring center, it encompasses much more than just that and provides students with an environment to network and foster their innovative process. The LC’s mission and rich history are a testament to the QC spirit reflected in the college’s main mantra, “We Learn So That We May Serve”.
Director of Learning Commons Academic Support Center Donna Smith states, “Our goal is to provide a space where students, whether aiming to enhance their A to an A+ or simply pass a crucial class, feel comfortable and inspired to seek support.”
The current iteration of the LC began in 2020 when Smith was given the task of revamping the college’s academic support services for remote conditions. Although the transition from in-person to remote conditions proved to be a challenge for everyone, the LC transformed into an effective tool during this time. As Smith states, “With the help of strong leadership, vibrant collaboration with other departments, and the addition of Assistant Director Allan Edmond, who brought extensive experience from the QC HSI STEM grant, the Learning Commons has flourished into the dynamic support service it is today.”
Thus the LC was born and has been pursuing its mission, of providing students with the opportunity to pursue new and exciting levels of academic and personal achievement free of cost, ever since.
Fast forward to the present-day, and the LC has expanded significantly from 2020.
Although the LC originally started with the goal of revamping the college’s academic support services to better conform to remote conditions, the LC has a physical location in Kiely Hall rooms 131 and 144, where students can access a study space, modern computer lab, printing station, and tutoring center. As Smith states:
“LC offers tutoring for over 80 courses, with a focus on Computer Science, Math, Psychology, and Economics. While LC is known for its renowned peer tutoring (in-person and virtual), LC also offers additional academic support services, including workshops, bootcamps, recitations, study spaces, computer labs, printing services, and charging stations. In the academic year 2023-2024, the LC employs 67 peer tutors and provides a supportive learning environment for students through these resources. The LC recorded close to 10,000 student visits in the same academic year, and we are proud that our academic support services made a difference to the college community.’’
The Learning Commons hosts unique bootcamps that aim to challenge students’ skill sets and help them get a headstart. These workshops provide support throughout the semester and specifically target high demand fields such as Psychology and Computer Science. The LC has facilitated student-led panels in their recent workshops to help foster nuanced connections. Smith states, “Recently, student-led panel-style workshops have gained significant traction, demonstrating that students value the opportunity to learn from their peers. Tutors occasionally initiate informal group sessions when they notice multiple students seeking help on similar topics.”
The LC’s mission is nuanced, and this hidden part of their mission is what sets it apart from anything else. Most tutors focus on interpersonal skill development, which has contributed to their career development. As Smith states, ‘‘Some of our tutors have gone on to secure internships or start their careers at notable companies like Bloomberg, Amazon, and Google as software engineers, while others have become adjunct professors on campus. And in a few happy cases, personal connections have blossomed!’’
The Learning Commons team focuses on balancing professionalism with connection, constantly refining this through their services. More than just a support space, the LC prides itself on being a safe haven where people feel their passions are valued and seeking help is encouraged on the path to success. In the constantly evolving college landscape, the Learning Commons acts as a support center and a thriving garden where students can nurture their true potential and flourish into their best selves.
Students can find more information about LC services and courses, access the Zoom room for assistance, and make an appointment on the department website.
