Your Partner in Academic Success
At Academic Commons, we believe every student can succeed. Explore our services, connect with our team, and discover the resources available to help you achieve your academic goals.
Whether you’re learning a new language, improving your English, or preparing for a presentation, our Language & Speech tutors are here to help. We offer personalized support and a variety of resources to help you build confidence and achieve your language goals.
Resources and services include:
- Pronunciation and presentation coaching
- Foreign language learning resources
- Books, videos, and audio language materials
- Laptops available for checkout with a valid student ID
- Computer lab
Language learning materials, including dictionaries, exercise books, test preparation books, and DVDs, are also available for checkout with a valid student ID.
Even if you’re just stopping by to browse or ask a question, we’d love to help!
Need help building better study habits or adjusting to university life? Our senior missionaries and peer mentors are here to support you. Whether you’re looking to improve your time management, strengthen your study strategies, or develop effective note-taking skills, we’ll work with you to build the habits that lead to academic success.
Our Learning Foundations team can help you with:
- Time management and organization
- Study strategies
- Effective note-taking
- Goal setting
- Building successful academic habits
All senior missionaries and peer mentors are FERPA certified, and any sensitive information you share will be kept private.
STDEV 101R: Introduction to University Life
New to BYU–Hawaii? STDEV 101R is designed to help you make a successful transition to university life. Taught by the Academic Commons senior missionaries, this course introduces students to campus resources and provides practical skills for academic and personal success.
In STDEV 101R, you’ll learn about:
- The BYU–Hawaii learning process
- Developing a growth mindset and practicing gratitude
- Learning intentionally and effectively
- Decision-making and critical thinking
- Goal setting and achievement
- Effective note-taking and listening skills
- Spiritual self-reliance
Starting college can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. STDEV 101R is here to help you build confidence, connect with campus resources, and start your BYU–Hawaii journey on the right foot.
Need help with math? Our tutors are here to answer your questions, review homework, explain challenging concepts, and help you prepare for quizzes and exams.
You’re welcome to stop by during tutoring hours or schedule an appointment for additional support.
Looking for help with a specific course? Throughout the semester, we host review sessions for select math classes. If you are taking the specific math class, you are encouraged to come and review together.
Be sure to check out our Events page for upcoming dates.
Whether you’re brainstorming ideas, writing an essay, or polishing a final paper, our Reading & Writing tutors are here to support you every step of the way.
We offer one-on-one tutoring, group sessions, reading appointments, and instructor-recommended English Lab appointments. Our tutors come from a variety of academic backgrounds and are ready to help with assignments across many subjects.
Each year, we provide more than 3,000 tutoring sessions, helping students build stronger reading, writing, and academic skills.
Learn more about the types of appointments available
Services for Faculty
English 101 and English 315 instructors may refer students to the weekly English Lab program for additional writing support. These sessions help students develop stronger essays and learn strategies to identify and address writing challenges, and build confidence throughout the writing process.
Enrollment for weekly labs is available during the first two weeks of the semester. English 101 and 315 instructors will receive the English lab request form by email, and students may also complete a request form in person at JFS 110.
In-Class Reading & Writing Workshops
Academic Commons also offers reading and writing in class workshops.
Instructors who would like to schedule a workshop should contact the assistant coordinator at least two weeks in advance. Workshops can be customized to match course topics or selected from the workshops offered during the semester.
You can also check our Events page for upcoming workshops and events.
Book an Appointment
Need help with a class or assignment?
Schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of our tutors, peer mentors, or senior missionaries.Contact Us
Got questions?
Contact us by phone, email or stop by our office. We're here to help you find the right support.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Toggle ItemWhy should I come to Academic Commons?
Come to Academic Commons and make the most of your educational experience here at BYU–Hawaii. Whether you need help with study strategies, time management, reading, writing, language and speech, or math, our tutors and peer mentors are ready to help you build confidence and achieve your academic goals.
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Toggle ItemWhere are the Academic Commons locations?
Visit our Academic Commons Locations and Hours page to find the specific locations and hours for each of our academic support services.
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Toggle ItemIs Academic Commons only for students who are struggling?
Not at all! Many students visit Academic Commons to strengthen study habits, prepare for exams, improve writing, practice presentations, or stay on track academically. Our services are for everyone.
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Toggle ItemDo I need to make an appointment?
You are always welcome to walk in! Many services offer both appointments and walk-in support during open hours. However, we recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure someone is available, but you're always welcome to stop by.
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Toggle ItemWhat should I bring to my appointment?
Bring any relevant materials such as laptop, notebook, assignments, syllabi, or class notes. Most importantly, come ready to learn and engage!
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Toggle ItemHow can Academic Commons help me improve my grades or study habits?
Our tutors, peer mentors, and senior missionaries are committed to helping you succeed. As fellow students, our tutors understand the challenges of university life and are ready to support you with personalized tutoring, academic coaching, study strategies, and resources that can help you improve your grades and build lasting study habits.
