On the Brownsville campus, the Writing Center is located on the second floor of the University Library. Emilio Suarez / Vaquero Radio
Writing, Learning Centers provide assistance to students year-round
With final’s season right around the corner, UTRGV offers some resources to help students during long days of assignments and exams.
Writing Academic Tutor Gabriela Segura said the Writing Center tutors anybody from any academic background and major.
Segura said the Writing Center gives feedback on papers or assignments so students can improve their work.
She added one of the most common challenges students face during finals involves formatting and citation styles.
“The APA format, the MLA format, even Chicago at times, it can be difficult for students to learn all the different styles and they may need help on how to properly cite. So, that’s what we are here to help with,” Segura said.
Segura said the Writing Center hosts writing workshops and open walk-in sessions throughout the semester to help students manage their workload.
She added the workshops help students in how to properly write and structure their writing.
“Some people just turn to AI or just wait until the last minute and procrastinate,” Segura said.
The Writing Center offers online tutoring and reviewing options for students’ convenience.
“You can submit your paper and usually within 24 to 48 hours, we will provide feedback as comments on a Word document, ” Segura said.
Another resource UTRGV offers is the Learning Center.
Program Manager Julio Mireles said the Learning Center provides multiple services designed to support students at any stage of the semester.
“We offer one-on-one tutoring,” Mireles said. “We also offer [Peer-Led Team Learning]. We also offer supplemental instruction, and we also offer academic coaching and peer coaching,” Mireles said.
Mireles said the biggest challenge students face during finals season is finding an effective study strategy.
He added the Learning Center offers several academic coaching and tutoring options in person and online to help students stay on track.
“Academic coaches and peer coaches are here for students if they need help planning out their schedules, like finding a time to study, finding a goal for themselves. We also have one-on-one tutoring. Those are available in person or online,” he said.
Mireles said the Learning Center is also preparing for finals with some workshops to also help with test anxiety. He said he encourages students to ask for help.
“Talk to your professors, use the services, use what’s available to you so that you can succeed,” Mireles said.
The Writing Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays on the third floor of the University Library on the Brownsville campus and in Student Academic Center Room 3.119 on the Edinburg campus. The Learning Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday on the second floor of the Music, Science and Learning Center Building 2.118 on the Brownsville Campus and in the Learning Center Building on the Edinburg campus.
For more information, email learningcenter@utrgv.edu or wc@utrgv.edu.
