Learning Commons

The Learning Commons is located on the entire 2nd floor of the E-Wing.

E.J. Shaheen Library

E. J. Shaheen Library

Interlibrary Loan Resources

Michigan E-Library logo

Need a book we don’t have? Find & order materials yourself from other Michigan libraries with MeLCat and we’ll call you when it arrives.

WorldCat logo

Can’t find the book through MeLCat? Submit an Interlibrary Loan Form and we will request it for you through WorldCat. WorldCat is the world’s largest online catalog.


Articles & Databases

If you are off-campus, you will be required to have a User ID and password to use the following online resources.

Featured DatabasesDatabases by SubjectA-Z List of DatabasesNewspapers

Choose one of our featured databases below, or select one of the other Article & Database tabs for more specific searching.

General

Agriculture

Allied Health

Art

Automotive

Business

Children's Resources (K-8)

Computers

Education

History

Humanities

Literature

Nursing

Psychology

Science

Social Science

Spanish Language Resources

A-B | C-D | E-H | I-L | M-N | O-P | Q-S |T-V | W-Z

B



D



H



L



N



P



S



V





Jump to Top

Digital Newspapers

Newspaper Source Plus logo

Newspaper Source Plus provides a full-text digital collection of the world’s major news content.

NewsBank icon

Full-text available of the Sturgis Journal through Newsbank from 11/16/98-present.


Print Newspapers
The following print newspapers are available on-campus:

  • Kalamazoo Gazette

  • New York Times (Sunday Edition)


  • Sturgis Journal

  • Three Rivers Commercial


Library Services

Borrow, Renew, Return

  • GOCC or State Issued ID required
  • 2 week loan period for most items
  • Renew items by phone or in person with GOCC ID two times
  • Return the items in the library, outside under the concourse in the dropbox, or in the library door

Instructional Services

Interlibrary Loan

  •  Need a book we don’t have? Order the item yourself through MeLCat and we’ll call you when it arrives.
  • Can’t find the book through MeLCat? Submit an Interlibrary Loan Form and we will request it for you.
  • May take up to 2 weeks to receive item
  • GOCC Library fines are $1 a day for late items
  • The lending library determines the replacement costs, additional fines, and processing fees for lost, damaged, or late items


Print, Copy, Scan

  • Printing is FREE
  • Scan to email or flash drive
  • Color copies and prints are ¢50 a page
  • Printing only available through Glen Oaks computers, not via WiFi

Studying & Computing

  • Find the perfect spot to study. Many areas have access to electric to plug in your devices. Please ask at the front desk if you are having trouble locating these areas.
  • Computers are available


Tutoring & Testing Center

Tutoring & Testing Center

Our Center provides a friendly place where you can receive academic assistance for your classes. Our goal is to help you build the skills and confidence needed to be successful in your coursework and in your academic, professional, and personal pursuits.

Tutoring ServicesNetTutorACCUPLACER TestTutors Needed

Glen Oaks’ Tutors
Glen Oaks Community College has tutors
serving the academic needs of all
students. All tutors have received a 3.5
or higher in the class for which they
tutor, or the tutor was recommended by a
Glen Oaks Community College instructor.
Free peer tutoring is available to any Glen Oaks Community College student with an academic need. Peer tutors are selected for their communication skills and excellence in specific academic areas. Many tutors are certified through the College Reading and Learning Association. We will do our best to match you with a tutor that fits your needs. To determine if a tutor is available, contact the T.T.C. at (269) 294-4270, or submit the online Tutor Request Form. It’s the smart thing to do.
Tutor Request Form
For On Campus Tutoring:
  • Students interested in receiving on campus tutoring should fill out a Tutor Request Form and turn it into the Director of Tutoring and Testing or apply through the online Tutor Request Form.
  • The Director of Tutoring and Testing tries to find a tutor for the student, then contacts the student with the time and date of the tutoring session.
  • Tutors and students conduct the tutoring session in the Tutoring and Testing Center.
  • Tutors are available by appointment.
On-line tutoring is also available via NetTutor.

From Algebra to Zoology, NetTutor Tutors are Here to Help

NetTutor is research-based and has a rich history of providing online tutoring and academic support to educational institutions in a variety of disciplines and academic programs. Partnering with NetTutor means giving your students the assistance they need from experienced and qualified online tutors.

A User-Friendly Platform That Connects Students to Great Tutors:

Tutoring is facilitated by our proprietary whiteboard, created specifically for online collaboration in education. This easy-to-use interface combined with NetTutor’s first-rate service makes it a first choice among educators across the nation. The WorldWideWhiteboard provides a large whiteboard canvas area where both the tutor and the student are able to type, draw, and use symbols from the subject-specific symbol palette.
Subjects:

  • Mathematics
  • Sciences
  • English
  • “Reading and Writing”
  • World Languages and Social Studies
  • Humanities and Communications

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Economics
  • Business
  • Allied Health and Nursing
  • Computer Science and Information Technology

NetTutor Tutor's Information

The majority of our tutors hold advanced degrees in their subject specialties. Regardless of their knowledge and experience, however, tutors must successfully complete a month-long training period that focuses, in particular, on the study of teaching and technical challenges that differentiate online tutoring from in-person tutoring. In addition to rigorous testing and tutor training, an extensive amount of time is dedicated to mastering our platform and technology systems.
All NetTutor tutors have:
  • A four-year degree from an accredited university
  • A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in any subjects for which they will be providing tutoring
  • Teaching or tutoring experience in the American education system
  • The combination of personality characteristics –empathy and patience, in particular– that underlie the ability to connect in a meaningful and supportive way with a diverse range of students
  • Excellent communication and writing skills
  • A deep and personal commitment to Student Success

For NetTutor support, please contact the Tutoring & Testing Center

The ACCUPLACER tests are given to incoming students enrolling at Glen Oaks to determine their skill level in the areas of Math, Reading, and Writing. The college courses you can take will be determined by your scores on the tests, so it is important to take the tests seriously. Prepare for the tests, take your time, and do your best!

Additional ACCUPLACER Info

ACCUPLACER tests use a multiple-choice format. There’s no time limit on the tests, so you can focus on doing your best to demonstrate your skills. Again, THE TEST IS NOT TIMED, you can take as much time as you need to finish the tests.
ACCUPLACER uses the latest computer-adaptive technology. Questions are presented based on your individual skill level. Your response to each question determines the difficulty level of the next question. It’s important to give each question as much thought as you can before selecting your answer.

What is on the ACCUPLACER Tests?
Glen Oaks administers three parts of the ACCUPLACER:
1. Math (the Math portion consists of three sections)

Arithmetic
The Arithmetic test, comprised of 17 questions, measures your ability to perform basic arithmetic operations and to solve problems that involve fundamental arithmetic concepts. There are three types of Arithmetic questions:

  • Operations with whole numbers and fractions: topics included in this category are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, recognizing equivalent fractions and mixed numbers, and estimating.
  • Operations with decimals and percents: topics include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with decimals. Percent problems, recognition of decimals, fraction and percent equivalencies, and problems involving estimation are also given.
  • Applications and problem solving: topics include rate, percent, and measurement problems, simple geometry problems, and distribution of a quantity into its fractional parts.

Elementary Algebra
The Elementary Algebra test, comprised of 12 questions, measures your ability to perform basic algebraic operations and to solve problems involving elementary algebraic concepts. There are three types of Elementary Algebra questions:

  • Operations with integers and rational numbers: topics include computation with integers and negative rationals, the use of absolute values, and ordering.
  • Operations with algebraic expressions: topics include the evaluation of simple formulas and expressions, adding and subtracting monomials and polynomials, multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials, the evaluation of positive rational roots and exponents, simplifying algebraic fractions, and factoring.
  • Solution of equations, inequalities, and word problems: topics include solving linear equations and inequalities, solving quadratic equations by factoring, solving verbal problems presented in an algebraic context, including geometric reasoning and graphing, and translating written phrases into algebraic expressions.

College-Level Math
The College-Level Math test, comprised of 20 questions, measures your ability to solve problems that involve college-level mathematics concepts. There are five types of College-Level Math questions:

  • Algebraic operations: topics include simplifying rational algebraic expressions, factoring, expanding polynomials, and manipulating roots and exponents.
  • Solutions of equations and inequalities: topics include the solution of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, equation systems, and other algebraic equations.
  • Coordinate geometry: topics include plane geometry, the coordinate plane, straight lines, conics, sets of points in the plane, and graphs of algebraic functions.
  • Applications and other algebra topics: topics include complex numbers, series and sequences, determinants, permutations and combinations, fractions and word problems.
  • Functions and trigonometry: topics include polynomials, algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic and trigonometric functions.

2. Reading Comprehension

The Reading Comprehension test, comprised of 20 questions, measures your ability to understand what you read, to identify main ideas and to make inferences. You need to distinguish between direct statements and secondary or supporting ideas.

3. Sentence Skills

The Sentence Skills test, comprised of 20 multiple choice questions, measures your understanding of sentence structure — what makes a sentence complete and clear. Some questions deal with the logic of the sentence, and others with the relationships between two sentences.


Study Resources for the ACCUPLACER Tests
We want you to study and practice BEFORE you take the ACCUPLACER. Your test results will impact the courses you can take at Glen Oaks and possibly how long it will take you to finish your program of study! It is to your advantage to study and practice, that way you’ll have the most accurate course placement possible.

Free Study
Groups and Bridge Classes
We offer study groups that focus on math, reading, and sentence skills that will allow you to brush up on these basic skills to score higher in order to place into higher-level courses. The Bridge classes are offered twice during the year (Summer and Winter) and taught by tutors and instructors. These will save you time and money. Contact the TCC to register because space is limited.

CollegeBoard
ACCUPLACER App
This website includes practice items for the Math, Reading Comprehension and Sentence Skills portion of the test. When you sign up for your account, the second screen will ask you which sample test you would like to view. Please be sure to choose the “Next-Generation Accuplacer Test” option as this is the current test set that Glen Oaks uses.


ACCUPLACER Practice & Study Sites:

Math:

Arithmetic – Fractions
Arithmetic – Decimals
Algebra – Basics
Algebra I
Algebra II

Sentence Skills:

Grammar
Grammar – Particularly the Word & Sentence Level


EBSCO LearningExpress - LearningExpress Library

Reading Comprehension:

See the Reading Comprehension practice items on the ACCUPLACER website.

The Glen Oaks Tutoring & Testing Center is always on the lookout for new and qualified on-campus tutors.

All tutors must have received a 3.5 or higher GPA in the class for which they tutor, or must be recommended by a Glen Oaks Community College instructor.
If you meet the above requirement and are interested in tutoring, please fill out and submit our Tutor Application Form then contact Shaphan Lavinghouse at (269)294-4270, or call toll free 1-888-994-7818.

Distance Learning

Distance Learning

Our Mission

The Distance Learning Center will provide a quality learning experience that supports unique educational needs of distance learners.

Welcome to Distance Learning!
You’ve taken your first step toward completing your educational goals with your needs in mind.
GOCC collaborates and supports Michigan Colleges Online (MCO) to deliver education to you via the Internet.
Michigan College's Online logo

What is the MCO?
The Michigan College’s Online, with support from the Michigan Virtual University, has created a virtual learning collaborative among Michigan’s community college students to take courses from other member colleges while still receiving support services and maintaining their academic record at their designated home college.

Important Distance Learning Information
Location

Distance Learning is now in the Learning Commons located in the E.J. Shaheen Library. If you require password assistance or assistance with any other issues related to your distance learning class or experience, please do not hesitate to stop by or message Distance Learning.

Canvas

We are using Canvas as our learning platform for Distance Learning classes. Below is the information on how to access the system. Since Canvas is linked to your WebAdvisor account, please make sure you have access to WebAdvisor prior to attempting to sign into Canvas.

Canvas Login Screen

Logging Into Canvas Is Easy!

  • Go to Canvas (the link is also on the glenoaks.edu homepage)
  • Username: Your first initial, last name, and last three digits of your GOCC student ID number (this is the same as your WebAdvisor username and is commonly referred to as your Viking ID)
  • Password: Your password is the same password you use to access your WebAdvisor or email account

Free, Live, Online Tutoring

All Distance Learning students (currently enrolled in this semester’s classes) will have access to a link called “NetTutor ” on their Canvas homepage. This link will provide you with helpful, online academic resources and live access to Glen Oaks’ free tutoring services.

Distance Learning Orientation

There is a Distance Learning orientation available through Canvas, if you would like to review it. It will provide you with information and show you how to move around in Canvas.

Hours

Learning Commons Hours

E.J. Shaheen Library
Monday thru Thursday:
8:00am – 8:00pm
Friday:
8:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday:
9:00am – 12:00pm
Closed on Sundays

Distance Learning
DL Center
Monday & Tuesday:
8:00am – 1:00pm
DL Office
Monday thru Thursday:
7:00am – 5:00pm


Tutoring & Testing Center

On Campus
Walk-In Tutoring

Monday thru Thursday:
8:00am – 5:00pm

Friday:
8:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday:
9:00am – 12:00pm
Closed on Sundays

Other tutoring times and subjects are available by appointment.

Monday thru Thursday:
8:00am – 8:00pm

Friday:
8:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday:
9:00am – 12:00pm
Closed on Sundays


Summer Hours

E.J. Shaheen Library
Monday thru Thursday:
8:00am – 8:00pm
Closed – Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Distance Learning

DL Center
Monday & Tuesday:
8:00am – 1:00pm

DL Office
Monday thru Thursday:
7:00am – 5:00pm

Tutoring & Testing Center
On Campus Walk-In Tutoring

Monday thru Thursday:
8:00am – 8:00pm

Closed – Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Other tutoring times and subjects are available by appointment.

Contact Us

Contact Us

Learning Commons General Contact Number: (269) 294-4295

Directors

Shaphan Lavinghouse

  • Position: Director of Testing and Tutoring
  • Office Location: The Learning Commons, Tutoring & Testing Center
  • Phone Number: (269) 294-4372
  • Message Shaphan Lavinghouse
   No Photo Available

Trista Nelson

  • Position: Director of Learning Commons and Library
  • Office Location: E-Wing, E231
  • Phone Number: (269) 294-4293
  • Message Trista Nelson
   Trista Nelson

Library Staff

Message Library

Judith Fetch

  • Position: Library Technician
  • Office Location: Library, E215
  • Phone Number: (269) 294-4211
  • Message Judith Fetch
   Judith Fetch

Tonya Miller

  • Position: Library Clerk
  • Office Location: The Learning Commons
  • Phone Number: (269) 294-4245
  • Message Tonya Miller
   Tonya Miller

Tutoring & Testing Staff

Message Tutoring & Testing Center

Lynne Holtz

  • Position: Tutoring & Testing Staff Technician
  • Office Location: The Learning Commons, Tutoring & Testing Center
  • Phone Number: (269) 294-4270
  • Message Lynne Holtz
   Lynn Holtz

Phyllis Guijosa

  • Position: Tutoring & Testing Staff Technician
  • Office Location: The Learning Commons, Tutoring & Testing Center
  • Phone Number: (269) 294-4270
  • Message Phyllis Guijosa
   Phyllis Guijosa

Distance Learning Staff

Message Distance Learning

Dawn Wood

  • Position: Executive Assistant to the Dean of Academics and Extended Learning
  • Office Location: Student Services, A34
  • Phone Number: (269) 294-4276
  • Message Dawn Wood
   Dawn Wood
Academics
Departmental Pages
Today @ GOCC
April 19, 2019