Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the tutors?

Tutors are freshmen and sophomores, your fellow students, who have been recommended by faculty to work with other students.

How are they trained?

Most tutors attend a six-hour summer training session and group meetings throughout the year. A review of the training course, located on ANGEL, is required. In addition, students watch and respond to 8 videotaped tutor-training modules, as well as complete English and math review projects. The College Reading and Learning Association provides the training guidelines. To be certified by CRLA the tutors must complete required training, tutor for 25 or more hours, and be formally observed by their supervisor in both math and English tutorials.

What are they paid for all this?

Minimum wage.

How can I become a tutor?

Come to the learning center and talk with the coordinator. She will give you a job description and talk with you about being a tutor. You should be able to provide faculty references.

Do you have tutors for every course?

We try to cover math and English courses, including writing papers, along with “high demand” courses. The learning center coordinator tries to have a balanced staff, i.e., one that can at specified times tutor in business, physical and natural sciences, social sciences, liberal arts, and computer languages. Please ask about availability of tutors for specific courses.

I don’t understand my assignment. Can the tutor help?

If the tutor is in your class, perhaps he or she can help clarify the assignment. But most of the time we recommend that you speak with your instructor for clarification of assignments. By the way, it helps us if you bring copies of the assignment with you to the tutorial.

How can I get a tutor?

Just come to the learning center (or call 376-7516) and request one for a particular time and subject. We’ll try to match your schedule.

How many tutors are on at one time?

Depending on the time of day, usually one or two.

Do I have to make an appointment to get help?

No, you can just drop in. But you have a better chance of getting help and a tutor who is most knowledgeable in the course if you make an appointment.

How often can I come?

We have no set limit. However, if you sign up for a number of times and don’t use them, we’ll ask you to limit your appointments. Appointments usually last one-half to one hour.

Can I have the same tutor all semester?

Yes, if you and your tutor’s scheduled times match.

Is the learning center open over breaks in the semester?

The Computer Center is open. Limited tutoring hours will be posted.

What if I don’t like my tutor?

That sometimes happens. Please request someone else. Don’t hesitate to work with more than one or two tutors to find one that’s most compatible.

What if I don’t get the right answers?

Let the tutor know. We’re all learning here. It’s much more helpful to let us know than to leave and tell others that “the tutors were wrong.”

What if I don’t get the grade I want?

We don’t guarantee or predict grades, but keep us informed about instructor expectations.

Can anyone help with study skills and strategies?

Most tutors can offer suggestions. Do check with the learning center coordinator, however, for assistance. Test analyses and study plans are part of our offerings.

Can I come to the learning center if I miss a class?

Sure —  but after you meet with your instructor and get class notes from someone else. Tutorials complement class instruction; they are not substitutes.

What are the computers used for?

Course-related software, word processing, Internet research, and, occasionally, email. They should be used primarily for academics.

Can we have food and drinks in the learning center?

Food and drinks are allowed in the group study room and break room.