Tutoring Support for Distance Students
WHAT TYPE OF TUTORING SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE FOR DISTANCE STUDENTS ONLINE OR OFF-CAMPUS?
For students who cannot attend tutoring sessions in the Writing and Learning Commons (WaLC) , tutoring support is available through Smarthinking, a free, online academic tutoring
service for subject areas and writing. Students can also use the WaLC's online writing resources and learning resources .
WHAT IS SMARTHINKING?
Sponsored by The Division of Educational Outreach, Writing and Learning Commons, and
Office of the Provost, Smarthinking offers online academic support in the following
disciplines: Math, Bilingual Math, Biology, Intro Human A&P, General Chemistry, Organic
Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Accounting, Introduction to Finance, Statistics, Spanish,
and Writing. New subject areas include Nursing and Allied Health, Computers and Technology,
and Reading.
WHO CAN USE SMARTHINKING?
Smarthinking is available for students taking courses online, at Biltmore Park, and
other off-campus locations. All eligible students are pre-registered for Smarthinking
each semester after the drop/add period. Cullowhee campus students may be granted
access to Smarthinking by contacting Distance Learning at distance@wcu.edu . Remember, you have ready access to the on-campus Writing and Learning Commons and the WCU Math Tutoring Center .
WHAT ARE THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS TO USE SMARTHINKING?
To use Smarthinking youmust be using Firefox 12 or higher, Internet Explorer 9 or
higher, Safari 5.0 or higher, or Google Chrome 2.0 or higher. Students who use older
versions of these Web browsers may experience connection issues.
WHO ARE THE SMARTHINKING TUTORS?
Smarthinking tutors hold Masters or PhD degrees in the subject areas for which they
provide support. They undergo extensive training and ongoing professional development
in working with students.
HOW DO I ACCESS SMARTHINKING?
Go to http://services.smarthinking.com and log in, based on the following guidelines:
· Your username will be your Catamount email address, and your password will be Western.
· If you are having trouble logging in, contact Distance Learning Smarthinking Support by email or by calling 828.227.7397 or toll free at 866.928.4723.
For papers longer than 10 pages:
· Login to your personal Smarthinking account.
· Click on "My Account."
· Click on the little red schoolhouse to extend your account.
· Enter the following information in the spaces provided:
1. Username: wcuncgraduate
2. Password: learn
· Click Add.
· Go back to your student homepage.
· When you submit your writing, be sure to select Essay Center - 1 hour from the drop-down menu.
WHAT KIND OF SUBJECT HELP CAN I EXPECT FROM SMARTHINKING?
The full list of subjects and hours of service for scheduling live help is available online or you may print the subject and hours of service information (PDF).
WHAT KIND OF WRITING HELP CAN I EXPECT FROM SMARTHINKING?
Students can receive feedback on any aspect of academic writing, including help with organization,
idea development, documentation, writing style, punctuation, and grammar. Nursing
and Allied Health students can submit essays by choosing Nursing or Allied Health
essays from the Submit Your Writing drop-down menu.
NEED TECHNICAL SUPPORT?
Please contact the Smarthinking Technical Support team Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
(EST): Call toll-free: 888-430-7429, ext. 1
Email: support@SMARTHINKING.com , and receive a response within 24 hours.
IS MORE DETAILED SMARTHINKING GUIDANCE AVAILABLE?
Yes! More detailed information is contained in the faculty and student handbooks linked
below:
Smarthinking Introductory Student Video
WANT TO TELL US ABOUT YOUR SMARTHINKING EXPERIENCE?
Please take a few minutes to complete the Smarthinking survey . Your valuable information will help us better our services to our distance education
students.