Students struggling in accounting are looking toward alternative sources for help — their peers.

The ISU chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an accounting and finance honors service fraternity, is offering a free help lab for accounting students in 331 Carver Hall. Help is available Mondays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“For many students, it is easier to ask a fellow student for help rather than a professor,” said Katie Wallace, service chairwoman for Beta Alpha Psi. “It can be less intimidating.”

The lab focuses on students in introductory accounting courses, but is open to everyone, said Wallace, senior in accounting.

James Mazzitelli, adjunct instructor in accounting, said the lab should supplement, not replace, other help methods.

“Because [introductory accounting] classes are so large, [the lab] is another resource for students,” he said. “If they can’t meet during office hours, they can talk to someone and get some help.”

Mazzitelli said supplemental instruction sessions are also offered twice each week in accounting classes.

Wallace said the lab fulfills a need at Iowa State.

“[Introductory Accounting classes] 284 and 285 are very challenging for many people, so some help is nice,” she said.

“[Associate professor of accounting] Marv Bouillon has said many times that his students need the help lab.”