Marymount College MAAP Program

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The Mariner Academic Assistance Program – MAAP

The Learning Center provides peer tutoring and a limited number of hours of faculty tutoring to all Marymount College students as part of their tuition. Peer tutors support most of the courses taught each semester, and faculty tutors provide tutorial support in business, English, math, reading, and study skills. Tutoring appointments are limited to no more than two appointments in a week for the same subject, and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may also “drop in” for tutoring when they have a quick question; this type of tutoring depends on the expertise and availability of tutors on duty.

Some students may want or need more intensive and consistent tutoring than the Learning Center provides as part of tuition. The Mariner Academic Assistance Program – MAAP – is a value-added program that has been designed to meet the needs of students who want standing appointments throughout the semester with a faculty tutor. MAAP tutoring is available for math (all levels), English (grammar and composition), and reading. Students select the level of support they desire: two, three, or four appointments per week.

Goals of MAAP:

  • Strengthening academic skills
  • Self-advocacy – asking questions in class and seeking assistance from the classroom instructor during office hours
  • Improved self-confidence
  • Improved awareness of meta-cognitive learning styles
  • Recognition of what interferes with student success and what strategies might enable students to achieve success
  • Use of appropriate technology, including scientific calculators
  • Reduction of anxiety, including test anxiety
  • Use of goal setting as a motivational tool
  • Fostering independent learning
  • Enhancing problem-solving strategies and critical thinking
  • Developing sound academic habits (e.g., attendance, plans to study, timely completion and submission of homework and assignments, and long-range planning)

Expectations of Participants:

Tutoring is effective only when students are actively engaged in the classroom and in tutoring itself. Students must be willing to commit to adequate independent study time outside the classroom and tutoring as well as, and to completing assignments in a timely manner.

Students who are distracted by imprudent behaviors will not benefit fully from the program. Students who do not take prescribed medication for a disability may also be disadvantaged. 

Although the underlying goal of MAAP is to improve college success, the program cannot guarantee success in any particular course, nor can it guarantee graduation in any particular time frame. Student success depends on student effort, and the MAAP tutor is available to assist students in developing strategies to overcome obstacles to success.

Who should apply?

MAAP for Math – students who are highly motivated to succeed in math courses will benefit:

  • Students who place into developmental math courses (MTH 50, MTH 60, or MTH 90).
  • Students who experience math anxiety, including test anxiety.
  • Students who have had a gap in math coursework (i.e., those who have not taken math in the senior year of high school).
  • Students who have always “struggled” with math.
  • Students who passed high school math with a marginal grade (C or below).
  • Students who are repeating a math class taken at the university level.
  • Students who have disabilities that affect math.

MAAP for English or Reading – students who are highly motivated to succeed in English courses or who want to improve writing and reading skills will benefit, especially:

  • Students who place into developmental writing or reading courses (ENG 106, or ENG 108).
  • Students who believe they have “never been good at writing.”
  • Students who want to better understand grammar and mechanics in college writing.
  • Students who have difficulty in selecting the main idea in assigned reading.
  • Students who want to improve reading comprehension, and learn to read textbooks more efficiently.
  • Students who passed high school English with a marginal grade (C or below).
  • Students who are repeating an English or reading class taken at the college level.
  •  Students who have disabilities that affect reading or writing.

How to Apply for MAAP:

Students submit the completed MAAP application to the Director of the Learning Center, Sharon Johnson.   Applications will be accepted up through the Add/Drop period of fall and spring semesters; however students are encouraged to apply early as space in the program is limited. Upon receipt of the MAAP application, the Director will arrange for an individual interview. Demonstration of strong motivation and commitment to the program is essential. The Director will assign students to MAAP faculty tutors and establish the tutoring schedule for those students accepted into the program.

MAAP Fees: Students may opt to enroll for two, three, or four appointments per week per subject (math, English, or reading) for the entire fall or spring semester:

2 appointments per week for $1650
3 appointments per week for $2475
4 appointments per week for $3300

Active participation is a student responsibility – there will be no refund for missed tutoring sessions.

For additional information, contact Learning Center Director, Sharon Johnson: 310-377-5501 ext. 360 or by email – sjohnson@marymountpv.edu.