New Location, Same Mission: Aggie Math Learning Center Reduces Barriers to Success

While many of us would shy away from biting into a whole, raw onion, the savory veggie is often one of the first ingredients we reach for when preparing our favorite culinary creations.

And so it is with mathematics and statistics. Not all of us will dive directly into advanced mathematical and statistical theory, and yet all of us need foundational quantitative literacy to pursue aspirations ranging from careers in science, health, education, and agriculture, to engineering, business, arts, and so much more.

“Utah State University’s Aggie Math Learning Center exists to help with each student establish firm, foundational knowledge on which they can progress,” said Brent Thomas, AMLC director and assistant professor of professional practice in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “We’re here to ensure learning math and completing quantitative literacy requirements aren’t barriers standing in the way of any student’s dreams.”

The AMLC, available to all USU students on the Logan campus and remotely at statewide campuses, has settled into its new, temporary location on the fourth floor of the Merrill-Cazier Library, during renovation of the department’s permanent location in the historic Animal Sciences Building on the USU Quad.

“We’re in LIB 411 and online at amlc.usu.edu,” Thomas said. “We’re open Monday through Saturday. Our phone number is 435-797-0970 and our email address is aggiemath@usu.edu. We are eager to provide free help to Aggie scholars throughout the university system.”

Thomas notes many students seeking assistance from the AMLC are not STEM majors, and may be facing challenges with math learning.

“For many Aggies, a serious barrier to staying in school and successfully completing their degree, is mastery of foundational mathematics or statistics,” he said. “Maybe they’ve had a bad experience with math in the past and have lost confidence. We provide a non-threatening, non-judgmental environment with the resources they need to overcome this obstacle.”

AMLC tutors are primarily math and statistics majors who are committed to providing meaningful, effective help.

“Our tutors are peers or near-peers to Aggies seeking help and we’ve found this enables tutors to connect well with students,” said Randall Haws, learning specialist with the AMLC. “Each tutor has not only achieved mastery of their area of tutoring expertise, they have also completed a teaching training program we’ve developed that is certified by the College Reading and Learning Association.”

This curriculum, Thomas said, teaches tutors how to work with students and help them feel comfortable in the tutoring center environment.

USU’s 2025 Science Valedictorian and first-generation college graduate Makenna Roberts said her experience as a tutor was a highlight of her undergraduate career and helped her get into a competitive graduate program.

“I got to know all of the math and statistics department faculty and staff,” said Roberts, who was accepted into five graduate programs and is currently pursuing a rigorous degree in statistical science at Duke University. “The whole tutoring experience helped me build confidence and really learn math and statistics as I helped others.”

Thomas says tutors are trained to welcome each student to the center and discuss their specific learning needs.

“After receiving assistance, the student can remain and work on their homework and simply drop a question in the computer queue, if they need additional help,” he said. “It’s a convenient, non-intimidating environment.”

In addition to being equipped with teaching and communications skills, AMLC tutors have guidance from faculty.

“Our tutoring center doesn’t exist in a vacuum,” Thomas said. “We work closely with USU mathematics and statistics faculty, along with teaching assistants, to ensure our tutors are ready to help with the curriculum being taught at Utah State. Faculty share their teaching materials, Canvas notes and exam study guides, so we have the resources that will benefit students using the AMLC the most.”

He added that math and statistics recitation leaders have their office hours at the AMLC, so students can discuss returned assignments and exams, and get feedback on their progress.

“We also encourage students, even if they don’t have specific questions, to bring their homework and study at the center,” Thomas said. “That way, if they hit a snag while working on homework, they have immediate access to someone who can help them.”

He said the center also encourages students to visit the center with their classmates, where they can study together.

“Often, these groups are able to work through obstacles on their own, without consulting a tutor,” Thomas said. “Study groups can be a very effective way to master concepts and motivate students.”

A recent development at the center is a collaboration with USU’s Center for Civic Excellence.

“The Center for Civic Excellence has asked the AMLC for support for the quantitative literacy courses CIVC 1000, 1020, and 1010,” Haws said. “These are quantitative literacy courses designed to frame, model, and interpret real-world problems using mathematical reasoning, computational tools, and data analysis. We’re excited to partner with the CIVC to enhance these class experiences for students.”

Thomas thanks USU Libraries for welcoming the AMLC into its new space and providing help in getting the word of the resource out to students.

“Jennifer Duncan, dean of libraries, and Associate Dean Britt Fagerheim have gone out of their way to help us get settled and integrate us into their efforts to serve Aggies,” he said. “We’re very grateful for their support and assistance.”