University of Portland Bulletin 2016-2017

The Learning Commons

Jeffrey S. White, M.A., M.S., program administrator

The Learning Commons provides opportunities for students to practice with peer mentors what they are learning in their courses with the goal of deepening learning through questions, review, and application. Housed within the Learning Commons, the Writing Center supports student writing across an array of disciplines, and the Math Resource Center engages students in practicing and refining their mathematical skills. Other areas of peer mentoring include foreign languages, chemistry, biology, speech and presentation, and group process. The Learning Commons peer mentors are trained and supervised by faculty in their disciplines and by professionals in the field of learning strategies and improvement. The Learning Commons Coordinator, discipline-specific coordinators, and staff support the peer mentors and collaborate to assess the student experience and effectiveness of the Learning Commons programming. The Learning Commons serves students’ learning and strengthens their motivation, confidence, and ability to demonstrate their intellectual growth.

The Learning Commons is located in Buckley Center 163. For more information, contact the Learning Commons at (503)943-8002 or go to the Learning Commons webpage at www.up.edu/SARC.