STEM Career Community

Tutoring is a powerful tool that all students should take advantage of, whether or not they are struggling in a class. Tutors are PCC students who can help you in a wide range of subjects and can also model the techniques, strategies, and beliefs that successful learners use to acquire new knowledge, solve problems, and complete academic tasks. In short, tutors help PCC students develop the skills they’ll need to do their work independently.

We offer tutoring and academic support in 35+ subjects. Use the Academic Support Schedule to connect with a tutor!

Go to Tutoring

Examples of Questions to a Tutor: 

• What are some things you did to be successful in your courses?
• Is there anything I can do before I ask for tutoring to help my session be productive? 
• As a student, do you have any advice on the courses I will be taking or general advice on being a student here at PCC?
• What are some outside resources and/or tips I can use to help me prepare for an exam?

Student Success Coaches are available to help you adjust to all aspects of college including how to do well in your classes, how to connect to clubs and other opportunities to make friends, and how to find school/life balance.  We are your advocates and partners here to help you navigate college successfully and can connect you to a wide range of supports and resources both on and off campus. We will reach out by email to introduce ourselves, so be sure to check your PCC email regularly.  

Examples of Questions to Ask A Success Coach

• Where can I go for help with _______________?
• How do I navigate Canvas, Lancerpoint, or my student email?
• I got this email from PCC. What does it mean?
• How do I choose which professors might be a good match for me? 
• I am struggling with balancing school, work and other responsibilities, what advice do you have?
• I am experiencing food and/or housing insecurity.  Who can I reach out to for help?  
• I need to see a counselor.  What should I do to prepare before I go so I get the most out of my appointment?  

Counselors are available to answer your academic, career, and personal questions and to help you to develop an educational plan. We are here to help you plan out your semester-by-semester course selections to maximize your chances of completing your degree, certificate and/or transfer goals. We can also help you learn how to choose a career, major, and transfer institution and provide strategies for being academically and personally successful. Be sure to visit your counselor regularly to update your education plan based on your major and transfer goals. Make an appointment with a counselor here:

Visit Counseling

Examples of Questions to Ask Your Counselor:

• What courses should I take to meet my career/academic goal(s)?
• How do I receive credit for AP (Advanced Placement) test scores?
• How do I receive credit for coursework completed at another college?
• How many classes should I take each term? 
• How many units are needed to meet my academic goal? 
• How can I improve my current academic standing?

PCC Librarians are experts with academic research and citation. We can guide you through all phases of the research process: understanding research assignments, selecting a topic, developing research strategies, finding credible sources, and citing information. We provide one-on-one research assistance at the Reference Desk every hour the library is open, and 24/7 live chat support online. No appointment is required.

Get Your questions answered by a librarian anytime, anywhere!

Chat Now

Call (626) 585-7360 during our library open hours to speak with a PCC librarian.

Examples of Questions to a Librarian: 

• How do I use library databases to find resources relevant to my assignment? 
• Can you help me understand my research assignment? 
• How can I determine if the information I found online is credible?  
• How do I cite an image I found online? 
• What’s the difference between MLA and APA citation format? 

The career team supports you in reaching your career and educational goals. We can help you discover your dream career, identify majors that can help you get there, and develop the skills needed to land an internship or job. If you are unsure about your major or career, considering changing your major, or need help finding work, the career professionals at the Freeman Center are there for you.  We can support you in making informed career decisions, building your resume, developing your interviewing and networking skills, and searching for jobs & internships. Visit the Robert G. Freeman Career & Completion web page to make an appointment with a career specialist, sign up for a workshop, and learn about our upcoming career events.

Visit the Career Center

Examples of Questions to Ask a Member of the Career Team:

• What steps can I take to learn about what career and major best align with my interests, values, and skills?
• What career opportunities are available within the major I am considering?
• What internships or other opportunities are available to help me develop my job readiness skills?
• What jobs are available in my area of interest?
• How can I prepare myself to increase my chances of securing a job?
• Which career community is best for me based on my interests?

Instructors can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in your academic and professional careers. You can reach your instructor through their PCC email, which you can find using the directory link on the PCC website homepage.  You can also find their preferred contact information through the course syllabus. The syllabus will also provide information about faculty office hours, which are times outside of class specifically designated for meeting with students. Office hours are a great place to ask questions and build professional relationships with faculty members.  It is important to get to know your professors, especially in your major, because they can provide valuable career and/or transfer advice and may be able to provide references/letters of recommendation when you need them.

Reach out to Faculty via email, during office hours, or on Canvas.

Examples of Questions to Ask Your Instructor:

• Can you please clarify this assignment? 
• How can I best prepare for your exams?
• What strategies do you recommend for reading the materials/texts in your class? 
• Where can I go for tutoring and/or supplemental instruction?
• What are the common habits of your best students?
• Why did you decide to major in this field?