Covel Peer Learning Labs (formerly Covel Tutorials) provides free academic support for all undergraduate students at the University of California, Los Angeles. Under the justification of “restructuring,” Covel will be closed on June 10, 2011. However, no concrete contingency plan exists to provide this essential student peer tutorial service to the undergraduate population in the coming years.

While we understand that UCLA is facing severe budget difficulties, we believe this decision was not made in the best interest of students. Covel Peer Learning provides free study help in math, science, and writing to more than 3,000 students a quarter while nurturing a unique and collaborative learning environment. Because Covel is open to all students, its closure affects over 20,000 UCLA undergraduates.

Peer learning plays an integral role to both student life and academic success. Its role in constructing an intimate community, innovative learning, and peer mentoring environment cannot be replicated through other academic resources. Covel peer learning diversifies students’ learning experience beyond the confines of the classroom and thus cannot be imitated by alternatives such as departmental tutoring or guidance counseling.

We additionally believe that UCLA is failing its mission as an institution that prides itself in quality education and student resources. While this will undoubtedly tarnish our reputation as a school that values student learning, we consider the true tragedy to be the loss of invaluable help and guidance to our present and future Bruins.

For more information on our campaign to protect the student service of Peer Learning, visit www.savecovel.com .  For questions, contact savecovel@gmail.com