Need academic support? Don't stress, ask andye shall receive

It's 11 p.m., your chem lab report is due in the morning, and you're still stuck on the second question. Your English 129 professor has scribbled an ominous note on a draft of your paper. Your Math 120 midterm is tomorrow, and you think you're coming down with the flu.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, or if you just have a few (hundred) questions about your courses, Yale has a variety of resources to help. Your residential college dean is the first person to see when you need academic guidance. He or she can advise you when you're choosing courses or settling on a major, and can provide help when you find yourself in an academic bind. Not only can deans set you up with a regular tutor, but they can also issue the "Dean's Excuse", which allows you to postpone an exam or paper due to extenuating circumstances.

But what if you just have a quick question on a problem set or want someone to read the rough draft of your paper? Yale also offers tutors you can visit on an informal, drop-in basis when you need help with math, science, or writing.

Math and Science Tutors: Old Campus has two math and science gurus who work with freshmen. According to Aimé Fournier, a former math and science tutor, "Tutors don't provide answers, but will help students figure out the problems themselves." Both tutors are usually available for a five-hour stretch one night per week.

Each residential college also has a math and science tutor accessible to any Yale student during regular office hours. Students working at all levels can come in for help, and the casual atmosphere can be a welcome change from the classroom. "Students can get personal attention that may be unavailable in their classes, and many students like it because tutors are completely separate from the grading process," Fournier explained. He said that his students range from the "totally confused" to those seeking an extra challenge and a different perspective on their coursework.

Most tutors are graduate students who can handle the material from introductory math and science courses. For upper-level coursework, each tutor offers expertise in his/her specialty and an advanced knowledge of several other areas. You can find a tutor in almost any field at Yale, and there are no restrictions on who can help you with your work.

Writing Tutors: The writing tutors in the residential colleges offer similar assistance for all types of writing, from the first freshman English paper to the final draft of a senior essay. It is important to realize that thesetutors offer more than remedial help.

"People come in at all stages of the writing process," TD writing tutor Diane Charney said. "Some people come for polish, some people come because they can't get started. Writing tutors have tricks to get people over the hump. The writing tutor is always on your side."

Students who are too intimidated to approach a professor may feel more comfortable in the supportive, informal atmosphere of their writing tutor's office.

So when that problem set or paper starts to worry you, or when you just want advice, don't forget the valuable resources located right inside the residential colleges. Yale academics might sound intimidating, and with good reason, but there is plenty of help and support available when you need it. There is little cause for concern.

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