Peer assistance is an integral part of studying at Swarthmore. Academic support can be accessed through academic departments, the Writing Associates Program, the libraries, the Student Academic Mentors and the student deans. No additional fees are required for these services. Support includes:
Department Peer Support: Seven departments, mostly in the Natural Sciences, offer peer-led sessions designed to facilitate collaborative interactions around homework and course content. These sessions provide an opportunity for any student enrolled in introductory (and some intermediate-level) courses to get help with homework and to work actively with peers.
Tutors: Individual tutors are arranged through the Office of the Academic Success or, in some cases, are arranged through the individual academic department.
Writing Support: Writing Associates (WAs)collaborate with students during all stages of the writing process and in various disciplines.
Not sure who to ask your academic question? Ask a SAM.
Student Academic Mentors (SAMs) are sophomores, juniors, and seniors specially selected and trained to work with students on the development of skills necessary for academic success at Swarthmore. Important skills include time management, organization, study strategies, and reading techniques.
The Teaching and Learning Commons offers a summary of resources for Getting Support.
In partnership with students, faculty and staff, the Office of Academic Success offers workshops on time management, study skills, class participation, and other topics. Recent workshop topics included time management and effective class participation strategies.
The workshops are a collaborative effort of the Division of Student Affairs staff, faculty, and the Student Academic Mentors (SAMs). If you have ideas for new programming, please let us know.
