The Science Learning Center (SLC) is an interdisciplinary resource center sponsored by the College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA) to support teaching and learning in the natural sciences at the University of Michigan. The natural science disciplines at the U of M include astronomy, biology, biophysics, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences and physics.
The SLC Main Branch is located adjacent to the atrium of the Chemistry Building on Central Campus. The SLC Main Branch is home to several areas of activity including computer labs, meeting alcoves, individual and group study space, a tutoring Help Room, and a loan desk for reserve and research materials.
The SLC Satellite Location in 2165 Undergraduate Science Building houses a study lounge, flex space, and computers.
Welcome to the Science Learning Center (SLC) at the University of Michigan!
On behalf of the entire SLC staff, I’d like to welcome all of our first-year students and returning undergraduates for the Fall 2026 term. I love the palpable energy that arrives with students on campus along with the promise of another outstanding year for Michigan football.
This fall brings the debut of a brand new program called First-Gen STEM Scholars, a collaboration between the SLC and the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI), designed to enhance support for first-generation students enrolled in Chemistry 210 and 215. We know these courses are historically among the most challenging offered at the university, and they can be particularly difficult for first-gen students navigating a complex campus like Michigan’s for the first time. This program will weave together resources offered by the SLC, including study groups and tutoring, with peer academic coaching and STEM Success programming offered by OAMI. If you or someone you know is a first-gen student enrolled in either Chem. 210 or 215 during this academic year, please share this program website with them.
After a very successful first-year pilot of UMStudy, our new software platform and mobile app for study group registration and tutor appointment scheduling, the platform has expanded to eight other academic support units across campus, including: the Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP), Department of Math, Engineering Center for Academic Success (ECAS), English Language Institute (ELI), Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI) SuccessConnects, Physics Help Room, Ross School of Business Academic Success Programs, and the School of Nursing. Finding academic support on campus is now easier than ever for UM students, who can access UMStudy from the web or the app, available at the Apple App Store for iPhone or the Google Play Store.
As you settle in on campus, please remember the SLC strives to provide exceptional study spaces for all students at both our main location in 1720 Chemistry and our satellite location in 2165 USB. Whether you are looking to spend several hours in an environment where you can focus, need a table to study collaboratively with classmates, or just need a place to check your email or print a document, the SLC has just what you need. If you’re enrolled in one of the courses we support with study groups or tutoring, you should receive emails and other messages about when the programs begin (you can also find this info on our website, along with the schedule for Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) Office Hours for many foundation science courses).
We wish you all the best for the 2026-27 academic year and look forward to seeing you at the SLC!
Warm regards,
Joe Salvatore
Director, Science Learning Center
Mission Statement
The Science Learning Center (SLC) advances undergraduate learning and success in foundational natural science courses at the University of Michigan through peer-led study groups, tutoring, and cross-campus collaborations. We expand access to evidence-informed academic support, assess our programs to strengthen student learning, and develop peer educators as rigorous thinkers, skilled communicators, mentors, and leaders who help students become active, independent learners.
Core Values
- Diversity: We welcome, acknowledge, and appreciate our similarities and differences.
- Inclusion: We actively work to increase access to learning opportunities and build communities that welcome differing perspectives where each person feels a sense of belonging and purpose.
- Innovation: We promote creativity and curiosity to tackle challenges and inspire new ideas.
- Integrity: We act with honesty in alignment with our collective values. We take responsibility and embrace accountability for our actions.
- Learning: We create opportunities for students to learn, promoting metacognition, collaboration, research-based learning strategies, and a growth mindset.
- Student-Centeredness: We focus our efforts on helping students thrive and supporting those who need our help most.
- Well-Being: We recognize that taking care of ourselves and one another is a shared responsibility, and that everyone needs support to thrive.
