General Academic Areas (GAA) - Tutoring Center

The General Academic Areas (GAA) Tutoring Center is a tutoring and student resource center that offers drop-in and appointment-based tutoring, both in person and online, for a variety of academic subjects. We promote active, collaborative learning, where students work with a tutor in either one-on-one and small group sessions to help clarify course concepts and build study skills to foster independent learning. All GAA resources are available for students in both on-the-ground and online current QCC courses, and are available only to current QCC courses for which a student is registered. 

Watch how we can help you in your coursework! (6-minute video)

GAA Tutoring Schedule 

Schedule an appointment and view all tutoring hours and availabilities. You will be asked to log in with your QCC student credentials. Follow the instructions for assistance viewing availabilities or booking an appointment.

You can still view a PDF of our entire schedule, but please use the link above to schedule an appointment. 

In person sessions take place in Room 222 in the Harrington Learning Center at the main QCC campus, building number 9 on the map, unless otherwise noted on the schedule. Online sessions take place via Zoom. A link is provided for both drop-in and appointment sessions when you view the drop-in hours or schedule an appointment using the link above.  

Individual and Small Group Tutoring

You can sign up for a one-on-one session, or a small group session. What's the difference between individual and small group tutoring? Check out the benefits of both. ​

Additional Online Tutoring

ThinkingStorm is an online tutoring service that offers live, on-demand and by-appointment tutoring for a variety of subjects. Students can chat live with a tutor, submit a question or problem, or submit a paper for review. Students communicate with the ThinkingStorm tutor via an online whiteboard, and have the ability to upload or share documents or images to work on together. ThinkingStorm is free and available to all current QCC students, and can be accessed through their QCC course's Blackboard dashboard. See the information about ThinkingStorm's Login Instructions on the right.

Study Resources 

The GAA Tutoring Center has a variety of free study skills resources, including handouts, visuals, and videos. You do not need to have a tutoring session to use or access any of our study skills resources - you can use them any time. Visit us in person during our open hours to view or take our free study skills handouts. Or, view and use our entire collection of study skills handouts, visuals, and videos on the GAA Tutoring Center Blackboard, on the left side under "Study Central." 

Technical Assistance

For assistance with navigating Blackboard or online academic course products, you can drop into any of the three QCC Tutoring Centers (GAA, Math Center, Writing Center) on the second floor of the Harrington Learning Center during our open hours at any point during the semester. 

For further questions on Blackboard, Zoom, Microsoft Office products, or any other technical product, use the QCC Help page. 

Resources for Faculty

Referring Students to the GAA

If you are a faculty member, advisor, or online learning coach, please feel free to use Starfish to refer your students to us during the semester. If you do not use Starfish, please feel free to email us at gaa [at] qcc.mass.edu, or please encourage students to refer to the outreach they receive from us.

Sample Text for Syllabus

If you would like to include us on your syllabus, please consider our syllabus statement.

Linking the GAA Blackboard Within Your Course's Blackboard

If you would like to link the GAA's Blackboard directly within your own course, please follow the Blackboard Job Aid for quick and easy instructions. 

Class Orientations

We offer a ten-minute class visit orientation from one of our tutors. The orientation can be done either in person or virtually, and at any point throughout the semester. To sign up for an orientation, please follow complete our orientation request form.

Peer Tutor Recommendations

Tutoring is an excellent way to allow high-achieving students to gain experience by working with their peers. It is also a good resume-builder, leadership opportunity, and opportunity for students who may be inclined towards careers in the education field. Recommendations from QCC faculty members for outstanding, qualified students are enthusiastically encouraged and sought throughout the academic year. The application process is rolling, as tutoring positions may become available before, during, or after any semester. Please feel free to submit a recommendation at any point on our new tutor faculty recommendation form.