Student Success Center/Tutoring

What is the Student Success Center?
The Student Success Center (SSC) is a well-equipped facility located on the second floor of the main campus that provides individualized and small group tutoring. With support, students can improve their academic skills. Tutoring reinforces motivation and supplements classroom instruction. Our philosophy is that every student can learn.  Please visit our FAQ page.

The following services are free to all PSC credit students with a current PSC ID card:

• Tutoring
• Computer lab, equipped with more than 50 PCs and three Macintosh computers with up-to-date software, with assistance always available
• Study skills workshops and audiovisual library
• Subject area handouts such as math reviews, grammar tips, research paper (MLA & APA), study skills, time management and Internet information

Where is the Student Success Center and when is it open?
We are located on the second floor on the far north side of the building.
Hours vary for the various services during the semesters.

Tutoring Schedule: Professional Tutoring - Math and Science, Other Subjects: By Appointment 

View STEM Calendar  View Math Calendar

Day	Lab Hours
Monday - Thursday	7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday	7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday	9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Make-up Testing (Room 2639)

A valid PSC ID OR a State Issued Picture ID and a copy of your current schedule is needed to take an exam.

Monday	Dorothy: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.	Becky: 4 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday	Heather: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m	Becky: 3 - 8 p.m.
Wednesday	Heather: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Becky: 3 - 8 p.m.
Thursday	Heather: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Becky: 3 - 8 p.m.
Friday	Dorothy: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday	By appointment only

What services are available if my students need tutoring?
Whether trying to avoid failure or achieve honors status, all students can benefit from tutoring in Student Success Center. The main focus is to provide individualized and small group tutoring to improve skills, reinforce motivation and support classroom instruction.

The Student Success Center staff is composed of part-time faculty, educators, and peer tutors who are trained to meet students' needs and to help them achieve their potential.

Are any other services offered?
Printed handouts for English, math and study skills are available in the tutoring area. In addition, study skills videos, such as time management and test-taking techniques, are available for viewing by students or groups. The center also offers links to online resources for Math and English.

Is there a student-dedicated computer lab?
Yes, an open computer lab is part of Student Success Center's services (located in Room 2645). It includes a library of computerized learning programs for students needing review or reinforcement in a particular academic area, word processing program, other course-related software and access to the Internet. No computer experience is needed to use the lab facilities; assistance is always available.

Are there any specific workshops available to help students succeed?
The Student Success Center periodically conducts workshops on various topics of interest to students. Topics include: grammar reviews, nursing skills, math anxiety, research papers, study skills and time management.

What are the cost of services provided by the Student Success Center?
All services are free to currently enrolled Prairie State College credit students.

Innovative Exam Kiosk
The Innovative Exams Kiosk will now be housed in room 3211.

Online Resources

Online Math Resources

• Math 090 Elementary (Beginning) Algebra
• Math 095 Intermediate Algebra
• Math 151 College Algebra
• Math 165 Pre-Calculus

Online English Resources

• General Writing Help
• Student Success Center On-line Writing Lab (SSCOWL)
• Son of Citation Machine (for MLA, APA, and more)
• ALA Style Book
• MLA Style Book

All Disciplines

• Kahn Academy
• TED Talks

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tutoring Does the SSC Offer?
We offer tutoring in many different areas - math, English, writing, reading, chemistry, physics, biology, and Spanish are only a few areas in which we have tutors. Just ask us.

Do students need a referral from a professor?
No! It's entirely your choice to come see a tutor - if you feel like you need extra help or are having trouble understanding a concept or need help writing a paper, come to the SSC and request a tutoring appointment.

Is there a fee for tutoring?
No! If you are a Prairie State credit student, tutoring is free. You can get up to an hour of tutoring every week in each subject you are taking free of charge.

How do I get a tutor? What do I need to do to sign up?
Come to room 2643 or email Lisa Hansen at ahansen@prairiestate.edu. We will have you fill out a form and get you signed up for an appointment.

What happens at a tutoring session?
Essentially, you need to have questions in mind when you come to a session. Where are you having problems? What do you not understand? The tutor will help you with these concepts.

How long does it take to get a tutor after I submit my request?
We will try as hard as we can to get you in as soon as possible to see a tutor. Remember, tutoring is by appointment - so get in early to sign up.

Where do I meet my tutor?
In the SSC - if you are unsure of who your tutor is, ask. We will be glad to introduce you to your new tutor.

What happens if I miss my appointment?
Please try to make your appointment if you schedule one - or call to cancel (708) 709-3663. The time you have signed up for has been set aside for you - so calling early to let us know you cannot make it will allow us to free up that spot for another student.

Who is eligible for tutoring?
If you are currently taking credit or developmental courses at Prairie State College you are eligible for free tutoring.

How long are the sessions?
We schedule appointments for half-hour blocks.

Does tutoring really help?
YES! A survey of students using the tutoring services was taken and we received high marks.

• 100 percent of the students who used tutoring felt their grade improved in the subject that they received tutoring.
• Over 60 percent would have withdrawn from the course without tutoring help.
• 100 percent would recommend the SSC to their friends.
• Of those returning in the spring semester, 100 percent said they would return to use the SSC's services.