Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ARC provide services in person or virtually?

Both! The ARC provides students with the option to choose the format in which they would like to engage with the ARC. Students can meet with an academic coach or a peer tutor in person or virtually via Zoom, and they can choose to attend in-person workshops or virtual workshops. College students can attend accountability hours in person or virtually via Zoom. 

Where is the ARC located?

The ARC is located at 1414 Massachusetts Avenue, floor 3R (above the Bank of Amerca). It is an accessible space.

Clock outside 1414 Mass Ave

When is the ARC open?

The ARC's physical location (1414 Mass Ave, Floor 3R) is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can view the available times for ARC services (academic coaching, accountability groups, peer tutoring, and workshops) on the ARC Scheduler

Who should go to the ARC?

All College and GSAS students are welcome at the ARC.

Students enrolled in a degree program at the Harvard Extension School and Harvard Kennedy School are also welcome.

Whether you are a first-year student or about to graduate, the ARC has something for you: we believe in continual learning and improvement, and we believe that everyone can benefit from academic support.

Why should I come to the ARC?

Would you like to get more out of your classes? Read more effectively, finish your assignments with time to spare? Would you like to find that “aha!” feeling more often? Would you like to feel in charge of your schedule (and not the other way around)? The ARC is here to help with this and more – come see us to learn more!

Who can use the ARC?

The ARC supports enrolled degree candidates from: Harvard College, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Extension School. GSAS enrolled degree candidates need to apply for funding to participate in the English Language Conversation Program. HES enrolled degree candidates need a referral from HES for Academic Coaching and Peer Tutoring.

Does the ARC have student employment opportunities, e.g., Peer Tutors?

The Academic Resource Center operates under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and all medical and personal information reported to ARC is protected under the parameters of this law. College officials who have a legitimate educational interest in obtaining information about student academic needs may request this information from the ARC on a need-to-know basis without further authorization from the student. The ARC strives to respect student privacy and takes care in staying within legal compliance with their information.

Furthermore, to safeguard the confidentiality of individuals with disabilities or physical or mental health conditions, the ARC may withhold or redact any portions of ARC coaching or tutoring notes that are not directly relevant to the specific request for information.

 

Am I in the right place for peer tutoring?

Yes! The ARC oversees administration of Peer Tutoring. Starting in Fall 2021, students will have the option to choose how they would like to meet with a peer tutor: in person or virtually via Zoom.

To learn more, visit our Peer Tutoring page

The peer tutoring program typically starts accepting tutoring requests from tutees around the 2nd and 3rd weeks of the term. If you need assistance before then, e.g., tutor help for an off-cycle or late exam, we encourage you to talk with your instructor or please email academicresourcecenter@harvard.edu for additional help.

Where can I go for one-on-one academic support?

Use the ARC Scheduler to schedule a one-on-one appointment with an Academic Coach or Peer Tutor. Starting in Fall 2021, students will be able to choose how they would like to engage with the ARC: in person or virtually via Zoom.

Please see our Academic Coaching page and Peer Tutoring page for more information.

Do I need a referral to use the resources at the ARC?

All Harvard College and GSAS students can access the full range of offerings at the ARC at any time. Please explore our services online or send an email; we are here to help!

GSAS enrolled degree candidates need to apply for funding for an English language conversation partner. HES enrolled degree candidates need a referral from HES for academic coaching and peer tutoring. 

HES admitted ALB and ALM degree candidates and Pre-medical Program participants should complete an ARC referral form and send it to Sue Albrigo for additional guidance. 

What programs does the ARC offer?

We offer Academic Coaching, Accountability Groups, English Language Conversation Partners, Peer Tutoring, and Workshops. Please explore our services page to learn more! 

Please email the Academic Resource Center, if you have questions or suggestions for additional workshop topics or programs. 

Is the ARC a confidential resource?

The Academic Resource Center operates under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and all medical and personal information reported to ARC is protected under the parameters of this law. College officials who have a legitimate educational interest in obtaining information about student academic needs may request this information from the ARC on a need-to-know basis without further authorization from the student. The ARC strives to respect student privacy and takes care in staying within legal compliance with their information.

Furthermore, to safeguard the confidentiality of individuals with disabilities or physical or mental health conditions, the ARC may withhold or redact any portions of ARC coaching or tutoring notes that are not directly relevant to the specific request for information.

 

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