The mission of the Academic Resource Center (ARC) at Saint Anselm College is to support all students in their efforts to develop, refine, and practice the academic habits and skills that lead to college success. To achieve this, the ARC offers numerous academic workshops and programs throughout the year. We are committed to our role in developing well-educated and independent learners.

In support of this mission and the mission of Saint Anselm College, the ARC seeks the following:

  • To promote optimal student learning by offering peer tutoring, writing assistance, workshops, academic counseling, and other services that enhance learning skills.
  • To work with faculty and college administrators to uphold the high academic standards of the Saint Anselm Benedictine tradition.
  • To recruit and train academically-oriented peer tutors and writing assistants.
  • Peer Tutors

    The Peer Tutor Program is designed to provide all Saint Anselm College students quality academic assistance free of charge by offering individual and small group tutoring in most courses. This program supplements the assistance provided by faculty members.

    Peer Tutors are Saint Anselm sophomores, juniors, and seniors employed by the Academic Resource Center. All peer tutors have been recommended by faculty and have participated in ongoing staff development workshops. Currently, more than 50 students tutor across the curriculum. With more than 1,500 tutoring sessions held each year, the Peer Tutor Program has become a vital academic support service at Saint Anselm College.

    Requests for Peer Tutor  

    To schedule an appointment with a Peer Tutor, please call the Academic Resource Center at (603) 641-7017. Most tutor sessions are approximately one hour in duration. Students and Tutors meet in the ARC.

    Peer Tutor Shifts

    Tutoring is Available for most subject areas. For example: Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Economics, Elementary Biochemistry, Humanities, Modern Languages, Nursing courses, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, and Theology.

  • Writing Assistance

    The goal of the Writing Assistance Program is to help students help themselves become better writers. Writing assistants do not evaluate or correct essays. Rather, they assist students at various stages of the writing process from brainstorming to proofreading. They will discuss essay topics, review drafts, and encourage students to revise their work. Writing assistants work with students to help them develop composing and revising strategies they can apply in all writing assignments.

    Writing assistants are available at the Academic Resource Center (ARC) seven days a week morning and evening hours. Drop-in service is available, but appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment with a Writing Assistant, stop by the Front Desk in the ARC to reserve a time or call the ARC at (603) 641-7017.

    Online Resources

    Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL)

    Writing Assistance Hours

    • Monday - Thursday:  9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
    • Monday:  4 - 6 p.m.
    • Tuesday: 6 - 9 p.m.
    • Wednesday:  6 - 8 p.m.
    • Thursday:  4 - 10 p.m.
    • Friday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    • Saturday: 3 - 5 p.m.
    • Sunday:  1 - 6 p.m.
  • College Achievement Program (CAP)

    Introduction: The objective of this non-credit, eight-week program is to help students make a successful transition from high school to college. Participants in CAP meet once a week for a 75 minute workshop. The program is tailored to the freshman curriculum and provides students with the opportunity to develop and strengthen the academic skills essential for success in college.

    What is covered: Inspired by the well-known textbook Becoming a Master Student, by Dave Ellis, now in its 16th edition, the CAP program includes lessons in the following: time management, organization, study skills, reading and note taking, attending lectures, communication, participating in seminar, preparing for mid-term and final exams, and critical thinking. In addition, through learning style and study skills inventories, students discover their academic strengths and develop strategies to work more efficiently and productively.

    How it works: Participants in the program are introduced to strategies for efficient and effective learning. Skills and habits are developed through application to actual class materials, such as lecture notes and readings from texts. Individual assistance is also available, as needed, from the program instructor.

    Who should register: College Achievement Program participants are expected to attend scheduled workshops and to engage in exercises and activities. In addition, the maturity and willingness to self-reflect and participate meaningfully, a serious commitment to growth and self-development, and an earnest desire to learn are prerequisites for this program.

    To register: Enrollment is limited. Please complete the CAP Registration Form (PDF/479KB). Registrations will be accepted up until August 17, 2018. Once maximum enrollment is reached, students interested in registering will be placed on a waiting list and notified as openings become available. Registered students will be placed in a workshop section compatible with their class schedules and will be notified by email of the day and time of their CAP section. Workshop sections will not conflict with Fall Sports as weekly sessions are held in the mornings and early afternoons. Workshop sections will begin the first week of the fall semester. Each section meets for 75 minutes per week for eight weeks.

    Materials Charge: There is a materials fee of $225.00 for CAP (billed to student's account), which covers: Becoming a Master Student textbook, note pads, three ring binders with dividers, multi-color pens, and other essential supplies.

    For more information:  Contact Kenneth Walker, Director of the Academic Resource Center, at (603) 641-7193 or kwalker@anselm.edu.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I make an appointment for peer tutoring or writing assistance?

    • To schedule appointments with peer tutors and writing assistants, you can either stop by the ARC or call the front desk at (603) 641-7017. If you find that you are unable to keep an appointment, kindly call this number to cancel your appointment, so we can make this time available to another student.

    Are appointments required?

    • Scheduling appointments allows students to reserve time in advance according to their convenience and schedules, but drop-in service is also available whenever peer tutors and writing assistants are not booked or meeting with other students.

    Where is the ARC located?

    • Roger and Francine Jean Student Center

    What is the ARC's phone number?

    • (603) 641-7017

    When is the ARC open?

    • Monday - Thursday: 8 - 12 a.m.
    • Friday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
    • Sunday: 12 p.m. - 12 a.m.

    What can be expected from a tutorial session at the ARC?

    • Our primary objective at the ARC is to help students become independent learners. To this end, peer tutors and writing assistants are trained to assist students in identifying appropriate study strategies and in developing practices and skills that lead to academic success. As with most other practices (e.g. athletics, music), learning is a process, so the amount of time and effort invested is proportionate to results. Plan to arrive to your appointments on time, prepared and focused.

    What should I bring with me to a peer tutoring session?

    • Please arrive to all appointments prepared with questions, worksheets, assignments, quizzes, exams, notes, books, everything associated with the course and lesson/chapter about which you have questions. You should also bring in your course syllabus as another tool to help peer tutors and writing assistants assess your learning needs. Please attempt all assignments and worksheets before your appointment.

    What should I bring with me to a Writing Center appointment?

    • Writing assistants can help you with any stage of the writing process, but if you wish assistance with an essay, you must bring in a printed copy of your essay draft. You should also bring in your essay assignment prompt.

    How much does it cost for academic support services at the ARC?

    • ARC services are available free of charge. The cost: your time. We expect that you will be fully present and focused during your appointments. To minimize distractions, we expect you to adhere to the College policy "On the use of Electronic Devices" in the Student Handbook. No texting during ARC appointments. Cell phones should remain off and out of sight.

    Whom should I contact if I have questions or need assistance in a course not listed in TutorTrac?