Mount St. Joseph University

The mission of the Learning Center is to provide a level of academic support that enhances the ability of every motivated student to succeed in his/her studies at Mount St. Joseph University.  The Learning Center services include a Writing Center, Math & Science Center, Peer Tutoring, placement testing, instructional and adaptive software, and support for students with disabilities.

To contact the Learning Center, email learning.center@msj.edu .

The Learning Center is located on the first floor of Seton Center, Room 156.

Due to COVID 19 writing consultations and tutoring appointments are currently offered remotely.

For appointments with the Math & Science Center or the Writing Center please email learning.center@msj.edu .   

Math and Science Center Schedule

Writing Center Schedule S221.docx

Stacy Mueller

Director of The Learning Center, Disability Services and Project EXCEL, M.Ed., Northern Kentucky University, Stacy.Mueller@msj.edu

Mary Brigham 

Associate Director of The Learning Center, MA, B.S., The Ohio State University, Mary.Brigham@msj.edu 

Tips for managing screen fatigue in online classes

Excessive screen time can damper productivity and cause headaches or eye strain.  Consider these tips for avoiding screen fatigue while keeping up with your online classes.

Take breaks

1. • It is important to break up screen time to allow your eyes (and mind!) a chance to rest. 
   • Try the Pomodoro method: set a timer for 25 minutes and concentrate on a task without interruption.  When the alarm goes off, reset the timer for a 5 minute screen break.  Repeat this cycle 4 times, then take a longer break (20-60 minutes depending on your energy and work load).
   • If you find that these time increments do not work for you, adjust as necessary, maintaining the principle of taking frequent breaks from looking at your screen.

Plan screen time strategically

2. • While your class schedule and personal commitments may dictate when you are able to do your work, try to design your study schedule to reduce screen time at the end of the day when your eyes are more tired.

Adjust your screen settings

3. • The default display settings on your computer can sometimes be straining. 
   • On a PC: check out the Night Light feature, which allows you to display “warmer” colors at certain times of day to reduce blue light.
   • On a Mac: try switching to Dark Mode to reduce screen brightness.
   • Try downloading f.lux, which adapts your screen brightness to the time of day.
   • Increase your scale settings to enlarge all text that appears on your screen.

Use dictation and read-aloud

4. • By speaking aloud rather than typing, you reduce the need to concentrate intensely on the screen (just make sure to go back later to make edits).  Dictation is available on Microsoft Word and Google Docs
   •  There are also options to have text read aloud to you to give your eyes a break.  Check out read-aloud options for pdfs and Word documents.

Consider light-blocking products

5. • Some students benefit from products like blue light screen overlays, tinted lenses, or simply wearing sunglasses while looking at screens. 
   • We recommend you consult with an eye doctor before using any new products.