Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my tutor is qualified?
All prospective tutors must submit one positive reference form, earned at least a B or higher or tested out of the course they want to tutor, and complete an interview to be considered for the position. Once hired, tutors attend a tutor orientation session and are evaluated periodically by both the students they are tutoring and by ASC staff members.
Where will I meet with my tutor?
Tutors are given the freedom to decide the location of their tutoring sessions. The ASC requires all sessions take place at a public, on campus location.
What happens if I miss a tutoring session?
If you must miss a session, please make sure you call your tutor ahead of time and let him/her know. You are allowed to miss only 2-3 sessions before you run the risk of being dropped from the group. Please refer to the policy statement.
How do I cancel my tutor?
If you decide to cancel your tutor, you will need to fill out a cancellation request.
What is expected of you (tutee)?
- Be punctual and reliable
- Come to tutoring sessions prepared to participate.
- Write down questions and ideas when you study and bring them with you.
- Do your homework prior to the tutoring session, so your tutor may identify both strong and weak areas in your work.
- Give your tutor feedback about his/her effectiveness in helping you. Tutoring is a partnership which requires input.
- Keep your tutor informed about your academic progress. Complete a Tutor Evaluation form.
What can you expect from your tutor?
- Your tutor has been through a comprehensive interview to assess his or her communication skills, interpersonal skills, knowledge of the fundamentals of successful learning strategies, and commitment to assisting tutees.
- Your tutor has shown that he or she is knowledgeable and proficient in the course material. Tutors may not know the answer to every question, but they have a good basic knowledge and will help you to find answers to your questions.
- Your tutor should treat you with respect and understanding. If this is not true, please notify us immediately.
- Your tutor should give you honest feedback about your academic performance. Your tutor should be punctual, reliable, and accurate in keeping records. (Please inform us if this is not the case). You may ask to be assigned to another tutor if your tutor misses tutoring sessions without notifying you.
- You and your tutor should maintain a friendly but professional relationship. Please notify Tutoring Services immediately if you feel that your tutor has made inappropriate advances or behaves in an unprofessional manner.
Other Resources Available
We have agreements with several agencies on campus for the payment of all or part of the cost of tutoring for students who meet their requirements. Please ask Tutoring Services staff for more information if you need help paying for tutoring.
The Academic Consulting office provides many resources that can help you to be a successful student. There are programs to help with time management, study skills, note-taking, reading for speed and comprehension, and strategies for specific course areas. ALL is located next to Tutoring Services. Stop in and ask for more information.
Tutoring Services staff members are generally knowledgeable about campus resources. If we cannot help you, we can probably refer you to someone who can. As part of the Dean of Students Office, our goal is to help you to make the most of your Iowa State experience!
