University of Washington

THE IC

1307 NE 40th St
Seattle, WA 98105
206-543-4240

The Instructional Center is a place where students can take their time to learn and where students are not afraid to ask questions. It is a place where students study together and develop support groups and lasting friendships. The IC is truly a special place at the University of Washington.

SSS Instructional Support

Math Instruction

The SSS Math Instructor and tutors provide one-to-one tutorials for SSS students in the following courses: Math 100, 102, 103, 111, 112, 120, 124, 125 and QSci 291/292.

Workshops will be offered to SSS students when there is a minimum of five students interested.

It is recommended that SSS students taking any of these courses meet with the instructor and tutors at the beginning of the quarter. We have found that students learn better if they study their material every day. Students need to study at least 15 hours per week for Math 103, 111, 112, 120, 124, and 125 in order to do well.

Writing Instruction

Writing tutors are available to help you with ANY type of writing project - from essays to lab reports, resumes, and personal statements. The SSS writing Instructor also offers workshops for students enrolled in English 109 and English 110.

The SSS writing tutors can help you to:

  • Understand exactly what a writing assignment is asking you to do.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of your course readings.
  • Organize and focus your ideas.
  • Structure your thoughts and arguments clearly and logically.
  • Add fullness and depth to your arguments and discussions.
  • Revise a paper in accordance with your teacher's comments.

The SSS Writing Instructor and tutors are available on a drop-in or appointment basis for one-on- one tutoring. The Instructional Center Writing area is open M-F from 8:30-5:00.

Tips from the Math Instructor

In order to succeed, please remember:

  • You should attend class regularly.
  • You should be prepared to do your own work.
  • You should try to study in groups of two or three so you can learn from each other.
  • Seek help from your instructor when you do not understand concepts or problems RIGHT AWAY!

Students seeking help late in the quarter (when in academic trouble) often do not learn the material well enough to get a passing grade in these math courses.

Tips from the Writing Instructor

To get the most out of a writing tutoring session:

  • Seek tutoring well before an assignment is due. Don't wait until the last minute to seek help from a tutor! A tutor can't help you much on the day an assignment is due.
  • Bring all relevant materials to the tutoring session (written assignment sheet, course readings, class notes, early drafts of your paper if you're working to revise, instructor's comments).
  • Tell the tutor how you feel about your progress on the assignment so far, and explain what you would like the tutor to work on with you.
  • Be open to the tutor's suggestions, always keeping in mind that the tutor is your advocate.
  • Don't expect the tutor to do your work (or proofreading) for you!


Leah Spence
Writing/Study Skills Instructor
leahs@u.washington.edu
206.543.4240

Getachew Zeleke
Math Instructor
zelekg@u.washington.edu