As exams, papers and projects pile up, students are turning to proven strategies to stay organized and finish the semester with strong grades.

Looking forward to the next semester, students can look at their syllabus to understand the work they will be doing.

“Students can spend the winter break previewing their Spring ’26 course info, such as the syllabus, to get an understanding of the work they’ll need to focus on. Students should also think about using available campus resources as part of their weekly routine, such as tutoring, a place to study and work, when to meet with an advisor and other available supports,” said Travis Brown, director of Learning Commons and Falcon Learning Your Own Way (FLY) program.

The tutoring center is located on the first floor of the Jerome Library and is open during the first week of classes.

“Tutoring will be up and running the first week of the semester. We’re open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then again Sunday nights from 6 to 10 p.m.,” Brown said. 

The tutoring center does peer-to-peer tutoring, which is students from Bowling Green State University helping other students, but the tutoring center does not offer every class.

“We are a peer-tutor support. Undergraduate and graduate students work as math and stats tutors, writing tutors and course-based tutors. We also have peer Academic Coaches who can help with overall good student habits,” Brown said. 

Reflecting on last semester could help students concentrate on what they need to focus on in the next semester.

“Students should reflect on how the prior semester went. They should think about did they study enough, did they complete all assignments or did they put forth their best effort. It is important to think about how one learns and approaches school to position yourself for success,” he said. 

Brown highlights the role campus resources play in supporting students through challenging coursework.

“Being a university student is challenging and tutoring is a nice resource to help students strengthen their understanding and knowledge in difficult courses. We’re fortunate that leadership supports students by having a dedicated tutoring space,” Brown said. 

Brown said he hopes students understand that tutoring is not a negative thing. Students should be open to using the tutoring center for help. 

“I don’t think all students understand that using tutoring isn’t a negative or bad thing. It’s actually a normal part of being a university student and students should be open to using it on a regular basis,” Brown said. 

If students come to the library for course-based tutoring and the math and stats lab make sure to bring the BG1 ID. For the writing hub just submit the draft and students will receive personalized comments from a writing hub tutor. 

For more information about the tutoring center: https://www.bgsu.edu/learning-commons/tutoring-services.html