Tutoring Services at the Learning Commons

Welcome!

Free tutoring for all Utica University students

Why Peer Tutoring

More students than ever are using Peer Tutoring! We could all use extra support, so why not come meet with a peer tutor who may have taken the same class as you? Our tutors are friendly and approachable, and 100% of students who came to tutoring last year said on an anonymous survey that their tutor made them feel welcome.

All peer tutoring is free — you’re already paying tuition, so why not take advantage of this fantastic resource?
Our main location is the Library Learning Commons (on the first floor, directly to the right as you walk in), but we have a satellite location in Hubbard 109 (Learning Services Office), which will be open to all.
Tutors are available for most subjects including writing, math, science, business, criminal justice, and cybersecurity. We also have tutoring in study skills and writing for any class. Click here to see a list of current courses we cover. If you need a tutor for a subject or class and can’t find one, you can email us at tutoring@utica.edu.
Tutoring is available in-person both by appointment and by drop-in. View tutor bios below!

Course List

How To Use Tutoring Services

Book appointments with these peer tutors on Navigate:

Amia Hall

Major:
Nursing

Tutoring Subject Areas:
A&P, Upper-Level Nursing

Bio:
Hi! My name is Amia Hall and I am a senior nursing student here at Utica. I’ll be graduating in May of 2027 with my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. I plan on working in emergency medicine after graduation. Outside of school I enjoy hiking, reading, going to concerts, and traveling to new places.

Bella Jayson

Majors:
Business Administration & Business Data Analytics

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Accounting, Business/Economics, English/Literature, Math, Management, and Writing

Bio:
Hi, my name is Bella Jayson. I am a junior here at Utica University, and I am majoring in Business Administration & Data Analytics. I can be found in the Peer Tutoring Satellite location, HUB109!

Charlie Higgins

Major:
Cybersecurity

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Cybersecurity, Gen Ed, Math

Bio:
My name is Charlie and I went to Smithtown East High School in St. James, NY. I am in my junior year, studying Cybersecurity. I play for the Utica football team.

Evan Kay

Major:
Health Sciences - PT Track

Tutoring Subject Areas:
A&P, Psychology, PT-Major Related, Sciences

Bio:
Hi, My name is Evan Kay and I am from Plattsburgh NY. I am a junior at Utica University majoring in health science in the DPT program. In my free time I enjoy weightlifting and professionally I hope to be a travel or home health physical therapist.

Grace Maury

Major:
Construction Management

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Construction Management

Bio:
Hi, my name is Grace Maury, and I am a senior at Utica University majoring in Construction Management. I am from Pennsylvania. I am the president of Women in Construction, and I am on the Women's Soccer team.

Grant Conlee

Major:
Construction Management

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Construction Management

Bio:
Hello, my name is Grant Conlee and I am a Construction Management major here at Utica University. My hometown is Troy, NY near Albany and my hobbies consist of basketball and watching sports.

Jack Lafayette

Major:
Construction Management

Tutoring Subject Areas:
A&P, Biology, Nursing

Bio:
Hi, my name is Jack LaFayette, and I am a senior at Utica University. I am currently in my last year of nursing school, and I plan to graduate in May 2027. One day I hope to become an ICU or ER nurse. I love to play golf in my free time. I really enjoy helping students improve their understanding of course content and improve their study habits. Feel free to book an appointment with me!

Katie Mattes

Major:
Chemistry

Tutoring Areas:
English/Literature, Science

Bio:
My name is Katie and I am a senior Chemistry major. I like to read, paint, and go kickboxing! After my time at Utica, I plan to go to graduate school to get my PhD in Chemistry. I tutor the sciences and English!

Khinh Chau

Major:
Biochemistry

Tutor Subject Areas:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Bio:
Hi! My name is Khinh Chau and I am a third-year student at Utica. I am majoring in biochemistry. I am really into skin care and I plan on going into a field that deals with skin whether it is formulating skin care or diagnosing skin conditions.

Liv Burns Leider

Majors:
Criminal Justice & Psychology

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Criminal Justice, Psychology

Bio:
Hi! My name is Liv, and I am a senior from Miami, FL. I play on the volleyball team here at Utica. I'm a dual major in psychology and criminal justice, with a minor in criminal intelligence analysis.

Lois Mensah

Major:
Nursing

Tutoring Subject Areas:
A&P, Biology, Chemistry, Gen Ed

Bio:
My name is Lois Serwaa Mensah. I am an international student from Ghana majoring in Nursing and in my junior year. I plan to be a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Psychiatry and Mental Health . I like to place soccer and I enjoy going to church and participating in church activities.

Matthew Reichel

Major:
Cybersecurity

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity

Bio:
Hi, my name is Matthew Reichel. I am a senior at Utica University majoring in Cybersecurity. I am from Amsterdam, New York. In my free time I enjoy bodybuilding and martial arts. I hope to help students learn and grow.

Megan Wright

Majors:
Math & Physics

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Education, Math, Physics

Bio:
Hi! My name is Megan Wright and I am a third-year student at Utica. I am majoring in mathematics and physics with a minor in education. I am a member of the Utica University Dance Team and the Society of Physics Students here on campus! I split my time between the Tutoring Center in the Library, and the Tutoring Satellite Location in HUB109.

Natalie Trophia

Major:
Communication & Media

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Communications, Journalism, Public Relations

Bio:
Hi! My name is Natalie Trophia and I am a senior here at Utica University, I am majoring in Communications and Media with a concentration in Public Relations. I work at the Utica TV station and write for The Tangerine. I am also the President of Model UN.

Nate Sand

Major:
Chemistry, with a Minor in Physics

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Chemistry, Gen Ed , Math, Physics

Bio:
Hi! My name is Nate, and this is my fourth year at Utica University. I am majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Physics. My hometown is Morrisonville near Plattsburgh, NY, and I'm also on Utica's Cross Country/Track and Field team. Feel free to reach out and book an appointment!

Olivia English

Major:
Health Sciences - OT Track

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Biology, Health Sciences, OT-Major-Related

Bio:
Hi! My name is Olivia English, and I am in the first year of the Occupational Therapy program here at Utica, and I was in the Health Sciences undergraduate program here as well. I am from Syracuse and I enjoy reading, exercising, and watching movies. I also enjoy helping people better understand human anatomy and kinesiology!

Santi Consalvo

Major:
Dietetics & Nutrition

Tutoring Subject Areas:
A&P, Biology, Chemistry, Math, Nutrition, Spanish

Bio:
Hi! My name is Santiago Consalvo and I'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina. This is my second year at Utica University, where I'm a senior majoring in Dietetics & Nutrition. I'm also part of the Men's Soccer team, and a big fan of sports in general. My professional goal is to help athletes achieve their best performance through their nutrition.

Savannah Dewitt

Major:
Psychology

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Criminal Justice, Psychology, Writing

Bio:
Hi! My name is Savannah DeWitt, and I am a second-year student with Junior standing. I am a psychology major with plans to pursue a doctorate in forensic psychology after graduation from Utica University. In my free time, I like to read, hang out with my girlfriend, and catch up on movies and tv shows. I am looking forward to helping students succeed in their educational endeavors!

Shaiza Sajjad

Major:
Biochemistry

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Biology, Chemistry

Bio:
Hi, my name is Shaiza Sajjad, and I am a junor at Utica University majoring in Biochemistry. I am originally from Pakistan and currently in my second year. I enjoy helping students understand their coursework and feel more confident in their studies. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and gardening.

Ty Tsukayama

Major:
Business Management

Tutoring Subject Areas:
Accounting, Business/Economics, Philosophy, Writing

Bio:
Hello. My name is Ty Tsukayama, and I am a Senior Business Management major going for my second bachelor's degree. During my first bachelor's, I studied the humanities- religion, philosophy, and history. In my free time, I enjoy studying martial arts, where I used to teach private students in self-defense, simple anatomy, and culture. I look forward to meeting you.

Graduate Assistant Consultants

Alyssa Camilo

Hi! My name is Alyssa and I am a second-year Occupational Therapy graduate student at Utica University. I am the graduate assistant and facilitator for UCC105 - A&P Guided Study Hall. After working as a peer tutor in the Learning Commons, I'm excited for my new role as a Graduate Assistant. I enjoy helping students gain confidence in their coursework and believe the best learning happens in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Katie Whitney

Hi! My name is Katie Whitney, and I’m an occupational therapy doctoral student pursuing my OTD. In addition to my studies, I’m a Graduate Assistant Writing Tutor, here to support students at every stage of the writing process. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas, developing a thesis, strengthening your arguments, or putting the finishing touches on a final draft, I’m here to help!

Writing can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. My goal is to provide a supportive, collaborative space where you can ask questions, work through obstacles, and refine your ideas. I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your academic writing goals!

Find me on Navigate

Book an online appointment on Outlook

Aydin Parekh

Hi everyone, my name is Aydin Parekh, and I am a first-year graduate student in the MBA program here at Utica University specializing in Business Data Analytics. I graduated with my undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Cybersecurity in May 2026 from Utica University. I am from Nobleton, Ontario, Canada. After graduation, I intend to use my software engineering background to pursue entrepreneurship opportunities. I am a member of the University's Men's Hockey and Golf teams, which I spend most of my free time on apart from my studies. I am the GA Advanced Business/MBA and Math Tutor, and I support upper-level undergraduate and graduate business and math courses, along with serving as an embedded tutor for my current MBA coursework. Some of the MBA courses that I will be tutoring include: BUS611/612, BUS621/622, BUS631/632, DSC501, DSC523, DSC654.

I have both online and in-person hours. In-person, use Navigate to book an appointment; for online appointments, use Outlook.

Find me on Navigate

Book an online appointment on Outlook

Help Docs

See below if you need help with ...

Sharing an MS Word Doc
Navigating MS Teams
Citation Styles

Information on Upper-Level Writing Support:

The Graduate Assistant Writing Consultants work with Utica University upper-level undergraduate and graduate student writers across all subject areas to:

Help you gain confidence as a writer
Learn how to understand writing conventions in your chosen field
Learn strategies for drafting, revision, proofreading

We can work with you at any stage of the writing process - from brainstorming to revising- come anytime for help- no draft necessary.

Sessions will run approximately 50 minutes in length, and are available for Utica University graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students (300-level or above).

Undergraduate Students (upper level) and Graduate Students: Limited in-person hours are available in the Library–for these appointments, please use the Navigate student App.

Graduate Students: Online hours are available– for these appointments, please schedule with me through Microsoft Teams using your Utica email.

Library - Grad/upper-level writing support

Available in the Library Learning Commons Tutoring Center
Online video appointments through Microsoft Teams
Both open to all graduate students and any undergraduate student who needs writing support taking a 300 level or above course

Azure Hance
Peer Tutoring Marketing and Scheduling Graduate Assistant

My name is Azure Hance, and I am a fourth-year student at Utica University. I earned my Bachelor of Business Management with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Accounting in May of 2026, and I am currently in my first semester of the MBA program. In addition to my academics, I serve as a captain of the Utica University Dance Team, where I have developed strong leadership, communication, teamwork, and organizational skills. I am passionate about marketing, creativity, and connecting with others, and I look forward to bringing my experience and enthusiasm to my role as a Marketing Graduate Assistant for Peer Tutoring.

Cara Patterson
Student Success Operations Coordinator

Hi! My name is Cara (they/she), and I have been the Student Success Operations Coordinator since September of 2025. I graduated from Utica in 2022 with a BS in Psychology, a BA in Sociology/Anthropology, and a Minor in Gender Studies. I grew up in Utica and have some great recommendations for local restaurants!

Kat Savino
Director of Tutoring Services

Hi there! My name is Kat (she/they) and I have an MFA from Columbia University in Writing and a B.A. in English from Montclair State University. I've been a Writing Consultant and Instructor at various institutions, including Columbia University and Baruch College. In my free time, I like to tend to my many houseplants and cook. I've been the Director of Tutoring Services since 2022!

To make appointments or see drop-in availability, please use the Navigate Student app and select tutoring. (You can find the app on Google Play or the Apple App Store; you can also access the system via the web interface. For instructions using the app, view this brief explainer.)
- You will then select what kind of tutoring you want from the drop-down menu: course content, study skills, subject specific skills, such as Biology study skills, writing, or grad/upper level writing.
- Sessions are 50 minutes.
Library Drop-in Appointments. While most tutors will be available via appointment in the Library, you can also feel free to drop in. A tutor may have an opening or, if another student misses their appointment, you can take that appointment.
Our main location is still in the Library Learning Commons (on the first floor, directly to the right as you walk in), but we have satellite locations in Hubbard 109 and The Cube. Check the Navigate Student app for appointment and drop-in appointments.
Link for growth mindset: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/dweck-growth-mindsets

Open Navigate
- Mobile app: Launch Navigate Student and sign in.
- Web: Go to the Navigate login in the Utica University Logins page OR scan this QR code to open Navigate:
Tap / click “Appointments”

On the home screen, select Appointments (or under Explore → Appointments in the web view)
Choose “Schedule an appointment”

Press Schedule an Appointment:
Pick the appointment type → select “Tutoring”
- When asked “What type of appointment would you like?” choose Tutoring, then click Next / Answer Next Question
- Choose whether you want Course content, Study skills, General writing, or another tutoring type that best fits your need.
  
  *** Note: we have a limited number of study group appointments for courses, which allows a group to meet at one time with a tutor. Sessions will be limited to a small number of students, typically 4, but will vary.
Choose location / delivery mode

Select a location for your tutoring session-most sessions are in the Library Learning Commons Peer Tutoring Center, but we have one satellite location in Hubbard 109, open to all.
Select the course you need help with

A list of courses you’re registered for should appear — tap the correct course/section for study groups.
Pick a date & time

Browse available times and choose one that fits your schedule.

***Note: schedule appointments at least 2 hours in advance; drop-in times are also available and you are always free to drop in as someone may have not shown up for an appointment or a tutor might be free.

If you take a class we have a study group for, you should see it on the screen as shown:
↓
Confirm the appointment

Review the info and tap Schedule.

Review the info then tap Confirm appointment. You should see a confirmation screen and receive an email confirmation. Sessions are typically 50 minutes.

Mobile Guide

Use this link to guide you through this process on a mobile device using the Navigate App.

Mobile Guide

Need help?

Email tutoring@utica.edu and kmsavino@utica.eduwith questions or concerns.
If Navigate won’t load or you can’t find appointments, try signing in through the Utica portal and selecting the Navigate link there, or contact Student Success for assistance.

CLICK HERE to view the list of courses for which peer tutoring is currently available.
Most tutoring sessions will take place in-person at the Learning Commons in the Library. However, some upper-level writing sessions take place online. For more information, see: Graduate/ Undergraduate Upper-level Writing Support.
Tutoring sessions are conducted by trained and qualified peer tutors who are selected based on academic achievement, supportive faculty recommendations, and an application and interview process.
Tutoring services are FREE to all matriculated Utica undergraduate students. You are already paying tuition, so why not take advantage of this support?

What your fellow students say about Tutoring

Here are a few of the things Utica University students have said about Peer Tutoring:

ThinkingStorm Online Tutoring

ThinkingStorm is an easy-to-use online tutoring service available to Utica University students. ThinkingStorm can help with a variety of subjects, many of which are available 24/7/365.

ThinkingStorm tutors are expert tutors who are trained to help you succeed in a personalized, one-on-one session. Every ThinkingStorm tutor is a college graduate with previous teaching or tutoring experience, and 85% have advanced degrees.

What can I expect from ThinkingStorm Online Tutoring?

With ThinkingStorm Online Tutoring, you can:

Access 24/7/365 drop-in live tutoring for topics in Math, Science, and basic Statistics
Receive comprehensive feedback on written drafts via ThinkingStorm’s 24/7 Writing Center
Schedule online tutoring appointments for a wide variety of subjects

How can a ThinkingStorm tutor help me with my writing?

ThinkingStorm can help you improve your writing skills by providing guidance on the following elements of academic writing:

Organization
Argument
Clarity
Cohesion
Grammar
Formatting (APA, MLA, Chicago)

Writing support is available across the curriculum and through the doctoral level.

How do I get started?

Just log on to ThinkingStorm with your Utica username and password. It's that simple!

ThinkingStorm

More Information

"For me, peer tutoring at Utica University has been an incredible experience. Utica's tutoring program has truly helped me overcome academic challenges to succeed in my studies. Peer tutoring has the power to transform even the most apprehensive students into enthusiastic, highly motivated learners."

- Kimberly M., Criminal Justice, Class of 2022

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower Utica University students to become independent, successful learners by providing academic skill-building, resources, and learning opportunities through quality tutoring.

The Peer Tutoring staff hold equity and inclusion at the heart of our student support practices. Our tutoring space is an open, welcoming, comfortable, and mutually respectful learning environment which allows student clients and tutors to ask questions readily, express themselves fully, and evaluate their learning fearlessly. We do not tolerate speech or actions that disrupt this core value. Our aim is for peer tutoring to be easily available, accessible, and beneficial to ALL students. If you feel it isn't, please speak up! we appreciate hearing from you and improving our practices as a result. To get in touch with Kathleen Savino, the Director of Tutoring Services, send an email to kmsavino@utica.edu or tutoring@utica.edu.

We believe:

Learning is an ongoing, recursive, and collaborative process that requires individual curiosity, resourcefulness, and creativity.
Learning involves crossing boundaries, taking risks, reflecting honestly on one’s needs, and being vulnerable in seeking help.
Meaningful academic support honors each student's unique learning journey, meets them where they are on that path, and guides them in developing growth mindset, self-awareness, self-advocacy, and autonomy.
Active learning environments produce engaged and effective learners with the metacognitive tools to transfer their knowledge and learning to new contexts.
A community of learners is best served when all academic support staff, including student tutors, are facilitated in their pursuit of professional development and growth.

Still having trouble finding tutoring help?

Special Requests: If you are unable to find a specific undergraduate course or subject offered by either peer tutors or online tutors, contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your request. However, we cannot guarantee a tutor for every subject/request. Please be sure that you have viewed all schedules and tutor availability on Navigate and on ThinkingStorm before making a special request.

The tutoring experience is collaborative, and both the tutor and the student play a role.

Tutors Offer:

Clarification of material
Practice with course concepts
Assistance with skills and strategies for how to learn course content
Test preparation and test-taking tips
Help with the writing process

However, Tutors Do NOT Offer:

A quick fix the night before a test or quiz
A substitute for attending class
A substitute for meeting with the course instructor
An editing or proofreading service

A Tutor’s Goals Are To:

Promote student success by offering academic support in a variety of subjects
Assist students in becoming independent, confident learners
Provide a supportive and stimulating active learning environment

Students Who Make the Most of Their Tutoring Sessions:

Plan tutoring appointments well in advance of upcoming assignments or exams
Go over the material to the best of their ability before the session
Come prepared with a plan of specific questions and problems to discuss with the tutor
Bring relevant course materials (writing prompts, rubrics, texts, assignment sheets, class handouts)
Actively participate in the session

Why should I use tutoring?

To identify and clarify key concepts
To organize and remember information
To integrate text and lecture notes
To prepare for a test or quiz
To learn and improve study strategies

What should I bring to the tutoring session?

Textbooks
Class notes
Text notes
Syllabus
Past quizzes and tests
Homework
Assignment sheets
Writing prompts
Rubrics

What about confidentiality?

Tutors maintain strict confidentiality and do not share any information regarding student clients and tutoring sessions with anyone other than the Director of Learning Commons. Tutors have permission to share information about your tutoring with the Director of Learning Commons if necessary. This is for your benefit. The Learning Commons keeps record of all tutoring activities, and all Learning Commons tutors sign a Confidentiality Agreement as a condition of their employment.

What can I expect from a tutor?

Tutors are expected to facilitate student learning by:

Discussing specific course content
Promoting and modeling the use of appropriate study strategies
Emphasizing active learning techniques
Practicing good listening and communication skills
Maintaining scheduled hours
Respecting students’ rights to confidentiality

It is important to note that tutors are not “homework machines” or miracle workers. If you procrastinated throughout the semester, cramming with a tutor the night before a major exam will not produce good results. If you plan to visit a writing tutor, keep in mind that last minute revisions are not effective.

What will a tutor expect from me?

Tutees are expected to be active participants in their tutoring sessions. Bring relevant materials to the tutoring session. Come prepared by:

Attending class
Taking notes
Reading assignments
Trying homework problems
Preparing questions
Attending tutoring sessions on a regular basis

When can I meet with a tutor?

Tutoring typically begins during the third full week of classes. Currently, all peer tutoring takes place in-person and appointments can be scheduled or drop-in times can be viewed on the Navigate Student App.

There are also options for study group appointments for specific courses. If you want to explore these options, please select “study group” when making an appointment in the Navigate Student App. If you would like a study group option for a course, please email us at tutoring@utica.edu

Are there other options available for tutoring?

Yes! ThinkingStorm online tutoring offers:

Access 24/7/365 drop-in live tutoring for topics in Math, Science, and basic Statistics
Receive comprehensive feedback on written drafts via ThinkingStorm’s 24/7 Writing Center
Schedule online tutoring appointments for a wide variety of subjects

Just log on to ThinkingStorm with your Utica username and password. It's that simple!

Questions about tutoring?

Please contact Kathleen Savino, Director of Learning Commons, at 315-792-3369 or at tutoring@utica.edu.

Utica’s peer tutors are a select group of students who demonstrate subject proficiency as well as the interpersonal skills necessary for good working relationships. Working as a tutor offers you many benefits and valuable experiences.

What are the requirements of a peer tutor?

'B+' or above in the course you wish to tutor, and a 3.0 (or higher) cumulative GPA
Completion of two semesters of college
Ability and commitment to work at least one full academic year as a tutor (preferred; exceptions are made on an as-needed basis)
Enthusiasm for your academic subject and an interest in helping your peers learn

How much will I be able to tutor?

Peer tutoring is a paid position, and tutors typically work a set schedule of 5-6 hours per week, but possibly more depending on the tutor's schedule and available funding. Tutoring as part of work study for undergraduate applicants is preferred but not required.

What does tutor training involve?

You are required to complete several hours of (paid) training before beginning work as a tutor. Training topics include:

Tutor role do’s and don’ts
How to be an effective facilitator of student learning
Conducting a successful tutoring session
Dealing with difficult situations
Listening and communication skills

I'm interested! How do I apply?

Review the Peer Tutor job description
Complete and submit an application via Utica University's Student Employment Portal
Send an email to Kathleen Savino, the Director of the Learning Commons, indicating your interest to work as a tutor after you have completed all the steps above. Please email Kathleen at tutoring@utica.edu.