The Learning Services Department is part of the Arts and Letters, and Learning Services Division. It consists of instructional labs designed to assist students in completing specific assignments intended to supplement and reinforce classroom instruction, and to help students succeed in specific classes through individual tutoring appointments.
Reading and Language Labs
Students practice the skills they learn in class by working on computer-based programs
and exercises individually or in a class.
Tutors are available to help students with the programs and answer any questions they
have about the skills they are studying.
Writing Lab
Students are referred to the Writing Lab by their instructor, or they come in on their
own to receive help on specific writing assignments and to develop their writing skills.
Students make appointments (face-to-face or online) with a writing tutor at a time
that is convenient for both of them. The tutor reviews the student's essay, heighlights
the effective parts, and explains how to improve the weak areas. The student then
works on improving the paper and is welcome to see the tutor again for a follow-up
on the assignment.
If a student who is scheduled for an appointment doesn't show up, another student
can be taken as a walk-in at that appointment time.
The Study Skills Center (SSC) has qualified tutors for all classes offered at IVC,
and serves students participating in various counseling programs (EOPS, DSP&S, SSS,
etc.). Students may be referred to the SSC by an instructor or a counselor, or may
take the initiative to seek tutoring in a particular class.
Students meet with the same tutor once or twice a week throughout the semester. The
tutor helps the student understand not only course content, but also the thought process
required for effective learning. The SSC also offers conversation classes to help
ESL students become more familiar with English and more comfortable speaking it.
Workshops on various study skills are also offered throughout each semester.
Walk-in tutoring for various subjects is offered at various times, based on tutor
availability.