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Peer Academic Support

When it comes to learning, it’s what you DO that matters. Learning with a peer fosters self-testing for understanding, connecting concepts, and improving memory. 

At USM, there is an entire team of trained peers to assist with a wide array of learning goals. These student employment positions include:

While each of these roles target specific tasks, disciplines, or courses, they all share the following approaches to the work:

  • Providing informed, actionable feedback
  • Creating opportunities for active practice
  • Building confidence with a concept or skill
  • Raising awareness of how to use other resources to achieve an academic goal

You do not need to be struggling in a course to use these services. Peer academic support is for any student who wants to strengthen understanding, practice concepts, or get ahead!

To maximize both the short and longer-term learning value, peer academic support is NOT designed to:

  • Replace time spent in the classroom
  • Provide students with the answers
  • Complete graded assignments during time together

While the Learning Assistants are embedded in specific USM courses to facilitate group learning in the classroom, the other roles listed above are available by appointment, with options to meet in person or live online via Zoom. 

To learn how to schedule an appointment, visit our Scheduling an Appointment page!

Being Prepared

All USM students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities for active learning with peers. A key to getting the most out of each of these experiences is to arrive prepared. This means that you have all of the information and tools associated with the task or goal. Examples include:

  • Course syllabi
  • Descriptions of the assignments
  • Textbooks or other needed documents
  • Calculators, laptops, or other technology
  • Drafts of your work
  • Graded exams/papers containing faculty feedback

Interested in learning more about our peer academic support programs, or applying for a position? Check out our Student Employment Opportunities page.