Welcome to the Academic Commons
Academic Commons provides comprehensive support through academic coaching, peer mentoring, and specialized subject tutoring. AC's commitment is to empower students to build confidence, achieve their academic goals, and ensure a successful and rewarding experience here at BYU–Hawaii.
Contact Us
Academic Commons' Language & Speech tutors help students achieve their language and speech goals. Whether a beginner or advanced language learner, we offer a wide range of study materials for foreign languages. To help students grow, we provide materials including dictionaries, exercise books, test prep books, and DVDs with quizzes. All of these are available to check out with current student IDs.
- Trained pronunciation and presentation tutor
- Books, videos, and audio language materials
- Computer lab and laptops
And even if you just come to browse or talk to our staff, we would be more than pleased to assist you.
If you need additional support with academic skills such as time management, study strategies, or effective note-taking consider connecting with a Learning Foundations missionary or peer mentor. They can provide guidance and practical tools to help you strengthen your academic habits and succeed in your coursework. All missionaries and peer mentors are FERPA certified, and any sensitive information you share will be kept private.
STDEV 101R: Introduction to University Life
STDEV 101R is a course that you can enroll in each semester that introduces you to university life and campus resources at BYU–Hawaii. The senior missionaries at Academic Commons teach the sections of the course.
Understanding the BYU - Hawaii Learning Process
- The BYU - Hawaii Framework for Learning
- How you learn, including the benefits of mindset and gratitude
- Being intentional in your learning process.
Enhancing Life-Long Self-Reliance Skills
- Decision making, critical thinking
- Setting and achieving goals
- Effective note-taking and listening skills
- Spiritual self-reliance
All students are welcome to additional support from the Academic Commons Math tutors. During open hours, students may stop in at any time to receive help with their math work. Tutors are available to answer questions, review homework problems, and help clarify concepts from recent assignments or tests.
To ensure a tutor is available for your specific course, please check the tutors' schedules on the Appointments page. Math tutors will also host class review days when students from a specific course are encouraged to come and review together. These review dates will be posted on the Academic Commons Events page.
Academic Commons Reading & Writing provides a welcoming, collaborative environment where students from diverse backgrounds can strengthen their English reading and writing skills while building confidence in their academic abilities.
Each year, the Reading Writing Lab conducts more than 3,000 face to face tutorials. Students can receive support through one on one tutorials, group tutoring sessions, reading appointments, and teacher recommended English Lab appointments. Tutors come from a wide range of academic disciplines and have experience supporting many types of coursework and assignments, allowing them to provide guidance tailored to each student's needs.
Learn more about the types of appointments available
Services for Professors
English 101 and 315 professors may enroll students in the weekly lab program if they would benefit from additional writing focused support. These sessions help students develop stronger essays and learn strategies to identify and address writing challenges.
Enrollment for weekly labs is open during the first two weeks of the semester. English 101 and 315 instructors will receive the lab request form by email, and students may also complete a request form in person at JFS 110.
Academic Commons also offers reading and writing in class workshops. Instructors who would like to schedule a workshop should contact the assistant coordinator at least two weeks in advance. Workshops can be customized to match course topics or selected from the workshops offered during the semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Toggle ItemWhy should I come to Academic Commons?
Come to Academic Commons and learn how to make the most out of your educational experience here at BYU–Hawaii. You can meet with an academic coach or peer mentor and learn specific skills or strategies to improve study habits and routines. You can also meet with a tutor and improve your knowledge and skills in reading, writing, language and speech, and math.
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Toggle ItemWhere are the Academic Commons locations?
- Academic Coaching (Learning Foundations) and Reading and Writing— Joseph F. Smith Library
- Language and Speech— McKay Building
- Math— Science Building
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Toggle ItemCan I drop in, or do I need to schedule an appointment ahead of time?
You are always welcome to walk in! Assistance will depend on the availability of tutors, mentors, or academic coaches at that time. However, it is recommended to schedule an appointment beforehand to ensure availability.
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Toggle ItemWhat should I bring to my appointment?
Bring any relevant materials such as laptop, notebook, assignments, syllabi, or class notes. Most importantly, come ready to learn and engage!
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Toggle ItemHow can Academic Commons help me improve my grades or study habits?
The Academic Commons has a dedicated team of creative, organized, and proactive students and staff committed to supporting student success. Tutors and mentors are fellow students who can connect with their peers and understand their academic needs. The Academic Commons also offers personalized support through one-on-one coaching, tutoring in various courses, and resources that help students build strong study habits and skills.
