Math Learning Center provides support for students

February 5, 2010

Students looking for extra support in mathematics should consider visiting the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s new Math Learning Center.

Since opening last fall on the fourth floor of McCutchan Hall, the Math Learning Center has been put to good use by students.

"We have already been surprised by students' use of the center considering that its only been publicized by word of mouth so far," said Julie Letellier, chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. "During exam week it was very busy with student study sessions."

The facility is open to any student taking a math class and has been used by students for group study as well as by professors who have held test review sessions there. No appointment is necessary to visit the center and it also features one-on-one tutoring from faculty members.

Sharon Weinstein, a junior business major, started using the center this semester and said she would definitely recommend it to other students.

The Math Learning Center features three large whiteboards for working out problems and equations, a conference table for group study, smaller tables for one-on-one tutoring sessions, soft seating and two computers. Much of the furniture in the room came from Carlson Hall, and Letellier, and the academic department associate, Marni Carter, worked diligently for the last six weeks of summer to pull the facility together.

Letellier said the center's location in McCutchan Hall has been key to its success.

"We jumped at the space because of its location with most of our faculty offices on the same floor," Letellier said. "We're hoping students view this as the math department welcoming them to come and visit professors in their offices, while also providing a place to study."

Faculty members currently provide most of the tutoring, but Letellier said she hopes students may also offer services in the future. A study center for math majors is also located on the floor and Letellier looks forward to a possible link between the two facilities.

She wants students to make use of the Math Learning Center and be comfortable doing so. It's a resource she's glad the department can offer.

"Going to the Math Learning Center helped me get a better grade on a quiz," freshman math major LaRoy Saddler said. "The quiet, comfortable environment really helps when doing homework; it's a cool place to be."