The SMART Learning Commons supports and enhances student learning, writing, research, numeracy, and use of technology at the University of Minnesota. As a central feature of the undergraduate learning initiatives within the University’s strategic positioning plan, SMART is a unit of the office of the Vice-provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of Undergraduate Education.

Through collaborative partnerships we provide expertise, services, and resources to support the University's strategic goal of being a learner-centered and research-intensive institution. We demonstrate an intentional commitment to fostering a culture of learning through the creation of new scholarship on learning, and development of programmatic, informational, attitudinal, and physical environments for our diverse communities of learners.

We support students at all stages of learning and content mastery as they develop and refine their ability to think critically, evaluate information, propose and apply solutions, and assess results. This process includes understanding that making mistakes is how most solid learning takes place. SMART is a safe place to make those mistakes in a non-judgmental atmosphere.

SMART employs a peer model for its service delivery components, which means students help students. SMART consultants and PAL facilitators are experienced students endorsed by faculty and trained in effective methods. 

Each of our three locations provides the same core of services for students in high enrollment “gateway” courses and writing. Additionally, each location is home to additional services designed to meet the needs of the geographic constituency most likely to access it. Therefore, services provided by SMART are richly varied:  

·           one-on-one consultations with an experienced peer

·           facilitated group study sessions (PAL)

·           individual and group study spaces

·           exam review and academic skill-building workshops

·           test bank

·           Internet/library research assistance

·           writing support for native and non-native speakers of English

·           multimedia curriculum integration facilitation

·           technology education

·           multimedia equipment checkout and production support

·           test prep for high stakes normed tests (MCAT, GRE, TOEFL, etc.)

We strive to meet the dynamic needs of the campus community; this list of services is anticipated to expand.  

SMART Learning Commons: your one-stop study/research/learning spot!