Moorpark College is revamping its Tutoring Center, introducing subject-specific tutoring and a Supplemental Instruction program, all set to start this semester.

The main objective of the Tutoring Center, located on the third floor of the LLC building, has been to aid students in core Math and English classes. The new changes are adding to that.

“We want to focus on development and growth,” said Kyle Loughman, tutorial services specialist II.

Drop-in tutoring is available for a variety of subjects including History, Political Science, Philosophy, Sociology, and Chemistry, said Loughman. Students can come during designated hours and receive assistance from a tutor in the subject of their choice. This type of tutoring is available from 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Under the Supplemental Instruction program, that will began next week of the semester, a tutor will accompany students to the classroom and sit in during the lectures. The tutor will then work with the students outside of class. This method helps the tutor better understand the material and become familiar with the students and their learning techniques.

“It is one of the best ways for learning,” said Loughman.

Although many colleges have received state funding, these programs are unique to Moorpark College. They are success based, meaning that they are used in areas with lower success rates than others. Loughman believes they should be used anywhere where there is room for improvement.

“They should be used on classes with lower success rates, if it’s 70 percent, why not 80 percent, or 90 percent,” Loughman said.

There are a wide variety of qualified instructors available to students. The Tutoring Center hires students, former alumni and outsiders who possess the skill and motivation to help students

Kyle Ruiz, a tutor and UC Berkeley graduate, feels this program will be very effective in getting through to the students.

“I think we can get into the minutia of the subjects with the program,” said Ruiz.

Vanessa Ortiz, a fifth semester student majoring in sociology, takes full advantage of the Writing Center by coming in weekly for help with essays.

“It’s free,” Ortiz said. “There are great tutors, they answer all my questions, they’re amazing.”

After learning about the new changes, she plans to attend the drop in tutoring that will be offered. She anticipates getting help in philosophy and sociology, said Ortiz

Loughman believes the greatest issue is getting the word out. Student traffic needs to be increased, letting them know we’re here to help, for free. He hopes the Tutoring Center will become a bigger hub on campus, but for that to happen, the students need to take initiative.

“The students need to come and ask for help,” Loughman said. “100 percent of them need to know about it.”