Learning is better together.

Whether you’re preparing for an exam, writing a paper, or looking to improve your study strategies, USM’s Learning Commons offers free Subject-Based Tutoring, Writing Assistance, Academic Coaching, and Technology Coaching to help you learn more effectively, build confidence, and achieve your academic goals. Connect with one of our trained peers in Portland, Gorham, or online via Zoom.

Wondering if we support your course? Subject-Based Tutoring is available for 60+ USM courses during the academic year. View this semester’s current list of supported courses before scheduling.

Accessing the Scheduling Calendars

Use the following self-service calendar links to schedule an appointment with a:

In-person appointments are available on both the Portland and Gorham campuses. Online appointments can also be selected from either campus schedule and are conducted via Zoom.

The Tutoring: Subject-Based Assistance and Tutoring: Writing Assistance links can also be found in the MyUSM Portal under the USM Quick Links tab (view screenshot) or on the right-hand side of the USM Brightspace student landing page (view screenshot). Before scheduling a Subject-Based Tutoring appointment, please review our current list of supported courses to confirm that tutoring is available for your course this semester. Don’t see your course listed? Subject-Based Tutoring is not available for every USM course. Explore our What to Do When Tutoring is Not Available resource for strategies and other ways to connect with support.

For step-by-step guidance on how to schedule an appointment, please refer to the following resources:

If you need assistance with scheduling, please call The Learning Commons at (207) 780-4228 or email usmlc@maine.edu.

Laptop displaying the Learning Commons online tutoring schedule, where students can select a subject and view available appointment times.

Additional Scheduling Information

To learn more about the peer academic support services available to USM students, please visit our Peer Academic Support Overview page. You may also find a comprehensive overview of resources and services on our Learning Commons homepage.

USM students can enjoy the benefits of two Subject-Based Tutoring appointments per week per subject area. For example, a student can schedule two chemistry appointments as well as two math appointments. Students may also schedule up to three Writing Assistance appointments per week, two Peer Academic Coaching appointments per week, and two Technology Coaching Appointments per week. 

Appointments are 50 minutes in length and begin at the top of the hour (e.g., 11:00am).

All USM students can choose from appointments on the Portland and Gorham campuses, and also select to have appointments delivered live online via Zoom.

The location of an appointment will depend on the selection made when scheduling a session. 

  • Portland-based tutoring/coaching appointments will be held on the second floor of Glickman Library.
  • Portland-based writing appointments will be held on the second floor of Glickman Library, room 217. 
  • Gorham-based tutoring/coaching appointments will be held on the first floor of the Gorham Library (120 Bailey Hall).
  • Gorham-based writing appointments will be held on the second floor of the Gorham Library, room 223E. 
  • Online appointments can be accessed via Zoom by logging into the scheduling calendar, opening the appointment, and clicking JOIN MY APPOINTMENT to start the online session.

NOTE: All of the technologies associated with the scheduling and virtual delivery of peer academic support services are optimized for mobile devices and fully accessible.

  • “I love the tutoring service at USM! I was very hesitant to go, but meeting with my tutor wound up being the best experience for me and my college career.”
  • “As a non-traditional student, I cannot express how much tutoring has helped me. I went into a science degree without a lot of science background. Tutoring made me feel comfortable with the material.”
  • “Seriously, my tutor is the best! You can totally tell that she loves what she does and genuinely wants to be there. It’s so clear that she is invested in seeing me succeed, and that makes all the difference. I appreciate her so much!”