Tutoring Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What do I do if I have to miss a tutoring session?
The first thing to do is contact your tutor, as soon as possible. If at all possible, reschedule the session for a different time that week or (if you must) early the next week. Rescheduled sessions do not count against your allowable number of absences.
We require students to give notice of cancellation at least 4 hours prior to the scheduled tutoring session, out of courtesy to the tutor. If notice is given less than 4 hours prior, the absence will count as a no-show rather than a regular cancellation, meaning it will count as 2 of the allowable 3 absences.
But I was sick/couldn’t get to campus/had an emergency!
The three allowed absences for the semester are meant to be used for exactly this type of situation: you are ill, you have an emergency, or you are unable to make it to campus for some reason. Use those absences sparingly, with the understanding that tutoring is a scarce resource and that if you are not making the most of your tutoring, there are other people who could.
If something is happening that means you may have to miss several tutoring sessions (severe illness, death in the family, or other personal emergencies), TELL US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We are happy to accommodate you based on that kind of information, but we need to know what’s going on.
What about if it’s snowing really hard?
If the University is closed, you are not expected to meet with your tutor. If the University is open, your attendance is expected. Tutoring should be treated like a class in that respect.
Can I have extra tutoring this week?
In general, we do not allow people to receive extra tutoring on an ad hoc (inconsistent, as-needed) basis. If you want to request more tutoring time for every subsequent week of the semester, and your tutor is willing/able, please contact TRIO SSS Tutoring.
If you have an exam or other exigent circumstance, you and your tutor can agree to “borrow” an hour of tutoring from either the preceding or following week’s sessions. What that might look like: you normally meet with your tutor on Monday and Thursday. You have an exam in that class on Friday. You and your tutor agree to “borrow” next Monday’s session for this week, add an hour to your Thursday session for exam prep, and just meet once the following week.
Can I stop tutoring before the end of the semester?
You can, but only do so if you are sure that you no longer need help. If you stop your tutoring, we are unlikely to match you again that semester for that same class. To stop tutoring, make sure you contact the Tutor Coordinator directly.
So when should I contact the Tutor Coordinator?
There are several reasons to contact us:
- To tell us the date of your first meeting with your tutor
- If you have a complaint about your tutor/would like to change tutors
- If you need to change your room reservation
- If you are going to stop tutoring
- If you are having life events that will result in absences: family emergencies, long-term illness, or similar issues
Most other issues can be worked out between you and your tutor. Rescheduling an individual session, letting someone know that you are running late, trying to figure out alternate meeting times, those things should be communicated directly to the tutor.
What is the deadline for signing up for tutoring?
Generally, the deadline is somewhere between the 8th and 10th weeks of the semester. For Fall semesters that is usually around the end of October, for Spring semesters it is usually near the end of March.
I don’t like my tutor, can I get a new one?
We will consider changes to existing tutoring relationships on a case-by-case basis; personality conflicts may not be sufficient reason to change tutors. Any problems or complaints should be brought to the Tutor Coordinator before such a step will be considered.
