The Ohio State University at Marion recently opened The Learning Commons, a newly designed academic support hub that offers peer tutoring, study resources, and guidance for students navigating college life.
Located on the second floor of Morrill Hall, The Learning Commons opened August 24 as more than 500 new students arrived on campus for the start of autumn semester. According to Assistant Director of Student Success at Ohio State Marion Michelle McKinniss, the space was intentionally designed to foster collaboration, academic growth, and student success. "Everything is built around the idea of collaboration," McKinniss said. "Working with tutors and learning alongside other students helps students engage more deeply with both the material and their classmates, and that leads to academic success."
Now in week 2 of the semester, students regularly use the space to study, get tutoring support, and collaborate with their classmates. “The number of students who have visited The Learning Commons in the first two weeks has been inspiring. If these numbers are any indication of what’s to come, it going to be a very successful semester”, said McKinniss.
The Learning Commons provides writing support across all courses and course specific support in more than 100 courses during autumn semester 2026, with all services included as part of students' tuition. The Learning Commons relies on peer-to-peer support delivered by students who understand the challenges of college coursework and campus life.
"The value of peer tutoring is being able to connect with someone who can explain the subject matter while also understanding a student's experience," McKinniss said.
For senior primary childhood education major Shaylynn Morris-Montgomery, who serves as a peer tutor, the program's greatest strength is its relatability. "It’s kind of intimidating and scary when you first step into an environment like this. I think the biggest benefit is having someone your own age for tutoring," said Morris-Montgomery.
Beyond academics, peer leaders see The Learning Commons as a place where students can build relationships and develop a sense of belonging.
"It gives us an opportunity for one-on-one relationship building," said sophomore primary education major Lily Watkins.
Students who are working in The Learning Commons were selected not only for their academic achievements but also for their ability to support students across a variety of disciplines and experiences. Representing every class rank, they bring expertise in areas ranging from science and mathematics to English and education.
Junior English major Kailee Cotter believes that passion for a subject can inspire others.
“Each of us brings in our own area of expertise and our own focus. To have something academically that you're really excited about can be motivational for other people to see. This person's found their thing and they're doing it and they really enjoy it,” said Cotter
Sophomore education major Samantha Strong said many students struggle to balance coursework, jobs, and personal responsibilities.
“As students, we carry a lot of responsibilities. It's not just school, there's maintaining our social lives and doing all this homework and managing our time and going to work. The peer tutors are in The Learning Commons to help students better manage that because it can be a lot to tackle on your own,” said Strong.
Senior psychology major Katie Tibbals believes the peer tutors share a common commitment to supporting the Marion campus community.
Tibbals shared, “I think once you get to know the people who have been on campus a little bit longer, you realize that there is that special bond between us. We all care for each other and have a strong bond that maybe not all the other campuses have.”
As students from different majors and class years, peer tutors serve as both academic resources and campus mentors. Whether students need help with coursework, writing assignments, study strategies, or finding the right campus resource, The Learning Commons is designed to connect them with the support they need to succeed.