Amarillo College’s Science Enrichment Center helps those who are struggling.
By Shai Vogler
Ranger Reporter
Science can be a struggle for many students whether they are taking the most basic or rigorous courses.
Amarillo College has a Science Enrichment Center in 110 Warren Hall to help those struggling students.
Louise Franks, a science enrichment monitor, said the SEC provides free tutoring for students taking any science class, even online ones. The only thing students need is their AC ID.
Sonny Peacock, a mathematics and science double major, said the SEC is “a very nice, quiet place to study, get help and tack up more points on tests.”
Walk-ins are welcome, but students can secure their time with a tutor by making an appointment. Appointments are scheduled in 30-minute blocks and can be made by calling 345-5536.
The SEC’s hours this fall semester are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. Dalila Paredes, SEC supervisor, said extended hours during midterms and finals are being considered.
Tutors are available for anatomy and physiology, biology, microbiology, chemistry and life science, although much of the focus is on biology and chemistry. Right now, tutoring for physics is available only in the mathematics study center.
Paredes described the SEC as “a resource for the students that need it that provides the extra love an attention to reach the individual.”
She said it has a “passionate staff, microscopes, models (of the brain and body), copies of textbooks and two separate group study rooms.”
Although tutoring is optional, professors of certain courses make tutoring mandatory for students when they fail a test. Paredes said when that happens, the SEC not only focuses on preparing those students for their next test, but tutors also go over the content covered on the failed test to ensure that students understand the content in case they see it again, which is likely.
“It’s our goal to make sure you understand what you didn’t when you walked in,” paredes said.
The six tutors and Paredes’ position are the new additions to the SEC, which used to be called the Science Study Center. Dr. Kathryn Wetzel, the mathematics department chairwoman who advocated for the new additions, said putting them in the budget was the biggest hurdle but that she has “very high expectations for the impact it will have on the students.”
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