Apply Today!
Completing your application takes less than 30 minutes! We’ve created an application guide to help you quickly and easily complete the steps to apply and enroll.
The mission statement needs updating: At the Merritt College Learning Center, we are dedicated to creating a student-centered academic environment built on respect, inclusivity, and professionalism. Our mission is to: Promote clear and effective communication among tutors, students, and instructors. Foster mutual respect, adaptability, and collaboration. Support independent learning through personalized guidance.
Build confidence and competence by nurturing strong academic relationships. We are committed to cultivating a culture of academic excellence and integrity. By embracing diversity as a strength, we empower our community to thrive together and make the Learning Center a space where every student feels seen, supported, and capable of success.
To receive free tutoring, you will need to enroll in the zero-unit course LRNRE 501 (42287)
Fall 2025
Monday - Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 3pm (zoom only)
In person: L121 – One floor below the library
Throughout my tenure at Merritt College, I have maintained a close connection with the Learning Center, contributing to its growth and development. My research interests are diverse and impactful, focusing on culturally relevant pedagogy, culturally relevant literature, critical pedagogy, and the incorporation of hip-hop pedagogy into first-year composition. Additionally, I am passionate about cultural competence and student-centered education, continuously seeking innovative methods to enhance learning experiences.
As a retired military veteran, I bring a unique perspective to my role, combining discipline and leadership with a deep commitment to educational equity and inclusivity. My work is driven by a belief in the transformative power of education and a dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for all students at Merritt College.
Andrea Henderson has been teaching English courses consistently at Merritt College since 2013. While she is a veteran, credentialed educator who has been teaching at various schools throughout the Bay Area region for over 15 years, her experience as an Adjunct English Professor began at Merritt College as an Intern in the Adjunct Internship Program during the 2010-11 academic year. Upon completing her MA Degree at San Francisco State University in English Literature in 2012, she returned to Merritt College where she has been teaching regularly since 2013. When she is not in the classroom, Andrea enjoys reading and writing poetry and fiction, traveling, camping, hiking, practicing Yoga, and studying Eastern Philosophy / Mysticism.
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I grew up in West Oakland where I attended public schools within the OUSD system. After graduating from McClymonds High I attended Merritt College before transferring to San Francisco State University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Information Systems. I began my career at Merritt College as the college Bursar and am currently the Learning Center Coordinator. The Learning Center gives me the continued pleasure of interacting with our students and witnessing their success as they embark on their personal journeys.
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I served in the U.S Air Force from 1961 – 1964, on a line launch team. Upon discharge I attended Howard University from 1965 -1969, earning a B.S. in Physics/Math. I worked at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory locating specific events as a result of bombardment of heavy water by high-speed particles. I then became a community organizer in West Oakland advocating for health care for low-income neighborhoods. I attended Colombia University and graduated from UC Berkeley in 1975 with a M.S. Health Sciences. Subsequently, I taught middle school in Richmond and Oakland Unified School Districts. Prior to coming to Merritt College, I served as a nuclear engineer at Mare Island Naval shipyard overhauling and repairing nuclear submarines. I am presently employed at Merritt as a computer assistant/instructional aid and have served as an adjunct professor in Biology.
Did you know that students who seek tutoring from our very own Learning Center tutors are 5%-30% more likely to successfully pass a tough class? Tutors are paid through student enrollment fees, so take advantage of this service!
Learning Center Tutor Job Description
Comprehensive Study Guides and Strategies
Year | LC Student Survey Results |
2021 | LC Student Survey Results 2021 |
2018 | LC Student Survey Results 2018 |
Stay tuned for upcoming LC workshops
SPRING 2023 | Time Management View Slides |
Freddie Ika | 2/28/2023 | Watch Recording |
SPRING 2022 | ASMC Scholarship | Doris Hankins | 4/13/22 | Watch Recording |
SPRING 2022 | Plagiarism | Anthony Bennett | 02/14/22 | Watch Recording |
SPRING 2022 | Faculty Senate Scholarships | Nghiem Thai | 02/22/22 | Watch Recording |
SPRING 2021 | Essay Structure and MLA Format Workshop | Dana Rhodes | 03/25/2021 | Watch Recording |
SPRING 2021 | Student Wellness Workshop: Managing anxiety | Stefani de Vito & Andrea Henderson | 03/05/2021 | |
SPRING 2021 | Student Wellness Workshop: Self care + Self talk | Hilary Altman,PhD | 02/10/2021 | Watch Recording |
FALL 2023 | APA Workshop View Slides |
Amy Stewart-Deaker | 9/8/2023 | |
FALL 2022 | Personal Narrative: The Thesis Statement | Lynsie Falco | 10/28/2022 | Watch Recording |
FALL 2022 | Stress Management | Orly Suveda | 10/21/2022 | Watch Recording |
FALL 2022 | APA Workshop View Slides |
Amy Stewart-Deaker | 9/14/2022 | Watch Recording |
FALL 2021 | Time Management and Organization | Sabina Letang | 11/18/2021 | |
FALL 2021 | Student Wellness Workshop: Therapeutic Listening workshop. | Stefani de Vito, Hilary Altman | 10/29/2021 | |
FALL 2021 | UC Applications (PART 2): More 1-on-1 time | Anthony Bennett & Isela Gonzalez Santana | 10/19/2021 | |
FALL 2021 | Peralta Foundation Scholarship | Mashariki White | 10/7/2021 | Watch Recording |
FALL 2021 | UC Applications (PART 1): Personal Statements / Recommendation Letters | Isela Gonzalez Santana | 09/21/2021 | Watch Recording |
FALL 2020 | Study Guide Workshop | Alba Lopez | 12/09/2020 | |
FALL 2020 | Test Taking Strategies: Reducing the stress and increasing results | Kenny Masha | 11/20/2020 | Watch Recording |
FALL 2020 | Exploring S.T.E.M. Careers | Dr.Brad Balukjian & Feather Ives | 11/19/2020 | Watch Recording |
FALL 2020 | Scholarships & Personal Statement | Isela Gonzalez Santana | 11/12/2020 | |
FALL 2020 | Free Immigration Legal Services | Ramon Becerra | 10/21/2020 |
Workshop Handouts
Recorded Workshop Archives
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Professor Dan LawsonSubjects: Math (All) Fall 2024 Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays 12:30pm – 1:30pm Appointment Link: https://appt.link/merritt-college-tutoring/professor-dan-lawson-math-statistics |
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Malia Jenkins |
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Cindy Taj Taj |
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Aitanna Parker |
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Rachel Parks |
The tutoring program serves students by offering academic assistance across the curriculum. The Learning Center’s objective is to prepare and assist students in academic advancement and improved self-esteem. Free tutoring is offered individually or in a small group setting and is available on a drop-in basis or by appointment. (See tutor schedule on left)
Tutoring is available Monday & Wednesday 9am-6pm; Tuesday & Thursday 10am-5pm (in person & online) ; Friday 10am-2pm (online only)
Online Tutoring
Learning Center Zoom Hub: Learning Center Tutoring Hub on Zoom
nettutor: (note – these are not Merritt tutors)
Students can access additional online tutoring with nettutor . Currently enrolled students can take advantage of this service in most subjects 24/7. For questions, contact Walter Johnson at wjohnson@peralta.edu or ask your instructor to enable nettutor in their canvas shell.
Prof. Nichols’ Best Practices for Utilizing Embedded Tutoring
Lowell Bennett’s Video on Personal Statements
Lowell Bennett’s Video on the “Bennett Detective Model” for Easy Essay Writing
Barbara Dimopoulos’s video on working with students with Learning Differences
Mario Rivas’ Video #1 on Motivation
Embedded tutors are “peer tutors who work in an academic course with individual students and in small groups to increase students’ understanding of course material, in a program that offers additional in-class support to students who may be wary of seeking academic support on their own.” (Defined in “Embedded Tutoring,” by Loren Kleinman, Candice, Kaup Scoisia, and Roseann, Torsiello, Handbook for Training Peer Tutors and Mentors, CRLA).
Dedicated tutors are peer tutors who do not offer in-class support but are available to assist students in the Learning Center, either virtually or face-to-face. Dedicated tutors will provide assistance in the LC Zoom and/or in the Tutor Commons, L-126. Instructors who request a dedicated tutor are encouraged to meet periodically with the dedicated tutor to discuss assignments and provide the tutor with instructions and guidance on how to help students.
Although the LC does not guarantee an embedded tutor for all requests, we try our hardest to match tutors with instructors. To help us determine whether or not an instructor can be matched, we look at tutors’ availability (class schedule, work, and other obligations) and instructors’ needs (class schedule, office hours, etc.). If you submit a request for an embedded tutor, feel free to check in with us as the semester approaches. If an embedded tutor is assigned to your class, you will receive an email introducing you to the embedded tutor with their contact information.
If you would like to request either an Embedded Tutor or a Dedicated Tutor, please complete this form:
Faculty Request Form for Dedicated or Embedded Tutoring – Fall 2024
If you would like to hold an office hour or two in the Learning Center, either virtually or in person, please complete this form:
Faculty Virtual & F2F Office Hours in the Learning Center Fall 24
Faculty Recommendation Form for New Tutors
It is important for the course instructor to consider how the tutor will be engaged in class during each individual class meeting, and design class activities that include active tutor participation.
The program provides peer-embedded support for a wide variety of courses in basic skills, transfer, STEM, and courses that lead to degrees or certificates.
To become an embedded tutor, one must have:
Please complete this form if you are interested in holding your office hours in the learning center.
Use this file to submit a receipt for tutoring provided:
Completing your application takes less than 30 minutes! We’ve created an application guide to help you quickly and easily complete the steps to apply and enroll.