Academic Resource Center

1414 Massachusetts Avenue, Floor 3R
(617) 495-5734
 

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) supports the academic missions of Harvard College and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences by providing foundational skills and strategies that empower students to reach their full academic potential. Drawing on research in the behavioral and learning sciences and working in collaboration with faculty and staff, the ARC offers students the tools they need to optimize their intellectual engagement during their time at Harvard and beyond. 

All College and Harvard Griffin GSAS students are welcome and can access the full range of ARC support throughout their time at Harvard. No referral is needed. Students can choose to engage with the ARC in person and virtually. They can find information on all ARC resouces through the website and can register for most services using the ARC Scheduler. Students, faculty, and staff can get in touch with ARC staff by sending an email to academicresourcecenter@harvard.edu

The ARC offers four main services: academic coaching; accountability groups; workshops; and peer tutoring, as well as the English language conversation program.  

Academic Coaching 

Students can meet one-on-one with an academic coach to work on optimizing their learning experience. Academic coaches introduce students to techniques for managing time, reading strategically, studying effectively, and more. They also help students prioritize their goals for the semester, identify effective work habits and ideal learning environments, and plan for when they are returning from leave or recovering from an injury or illness. ARC coaches support students from all disciplines and will direct students to other appropriate resources on campus as needed.   

Accountability Groups and Accountability Hours 

The ARC is committed to helping students connect with a key resource at Harvard – their fellow students. ARC coaches facilitate accountability sessions where students come to the ARC (in person or virtually) to work towards a specific goal in the company of other students. At the start of an accountability session, students set a goal and share that goal with the group. These sessions help students because they create opportunities for weekly structure, social connection, and peer motivation.  

Workshops 

ARC academic coaches also facilitate various workshops throughout the semester. These workshops center around building and strengthening the skills necessary to succeed academically. Workshop topics include time management, strategic reading and note-taking, semester planning, problem set strategies, and more. 

Peer Tutoring 

The ARC oversees the Peer Tutoring program, connecting Harvard students with a network of trained peers who can support their learning in a variety of courses. Peer Tutors can provide an extra layer of academic support for students by reviewing critical concepts and materials from class, clarifying points of confusion, and developing study strategies for upcoming exams. 

English Language Conversation Program 

ARC-trained conversation partners provide support for students who are non-native English speakers, offering assistance in developing speaking and listening skills, understanding local idioms, learning more about the US and Harvard cultures, or practicing for oral presentations. Primarily for graduate students. 

For more information about the ARC or any of our services, please contact us by email and visit our website.