The Learning Commons

Drew Gonrowski, Ph.D., associate director for peer-assisted learning

The Learning Commons offers tutoring services in a variety of subjects to help University of Portland students improve their academic skills and learning strategies while better understanding course content. Students can work with Co-Pilots (peer tutors) by scheduling appointments, visiting the Learning Commons during drop-in hours, participating in Co-Pilot-facilitated study groups and by attending Co-Pilot-led workshops. The Learning Commons also provides embedded tutoring and Peer Assisted Learning (P.A.L.) tutoring services for accounting and nursing courses.

The Writing Center and Math Resource Center, two branches of the Learning Commons, are overseen by faculty coordinators who work closely with the writing assistant Co-Pilots and math Co-Pilots. UP students can work on strengthening their writing skills through peer feedback during any stage of the paper-writing process by working with writing assistant Co-Pilots in the Learning Commons. The Math Resource Center hosts drop-in hours in the Learning Commons to encourage a collaborative working space where students can get help from math Co-Pilots and work through problems together with their classmates.

The Learning Commons works with faculty and staff across campus to provide tutoring services in a variety of subjects and skills, including:

  • Group Work
  • Languages
  • Learning Skills
  • Math
  • Nursing
  • Pamplin School of Business Courses
  • Philosophy
  • Sciences
  • Shiley School of Engineering Courses
  • Theology
  • Writing

For more information, contact the Learning Commons at (503) 943-8002,  learning@up.edu, or visit the Learning Commons webpage at www.up.edu/learningcommons.