Tutoring Services

To request a tutor, please follow these steps:

  1. Download the app for Android or Apple devices, or visit UMaine’s Knack site in your web browser at https://www.joinknack.com/school/university-of-maine.
  2. First time using the new Knack app? If so, create an account by using your MaineStreet account.
  3. Select the course in which you wish to request tutoring from the drop down menu in Knack. You will be able to include how often you’d like to meet and exactly what you would like to cover!
  4. Tutors will review your request and respond with their offers of help. For best results, plan ahead to give several tutors the time to respond.
  5. Review tutor offers to determine which tutor is best for you.
  6. Message through the app to schedule a tutoring session with your preferred tutor.
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Knack Tutoring Frequently Asked Questions

orange K wearing an orange graduation cap and tasselHow much does tutoring cost?

Tutoring is completely free to UMaine students.

When is tutoring available?

Tutoring is available during the Fall and Spring semesters as well as during Winter Session and Summer University.

Which courses have tutors available?

Tutors are available in a wide variety of undergraduate courses and we are recruiting new tutors all the time. If you can’t find a tutor in your course, email um.osas@maine.edu, call us at (207) 581-2351,or stop by our office in 104 Dunn Hall during business hours and we’ll add that course to our recruitment list.

Who will my tutor be?

Tutors are UMaine students—peers who have earned a B+ or better in the course for which you are seeking tutoring. They are paid, trained tutors.

Where will tutoring take place?

Students will work with their tutor to determine where the tutoring session will be held. Typically, tutoring sessions are held on campus in a common area such as the library, a study lounge, or a classroom. In addition, there is the option to meet online through the Knack virtual platform. Tutoring sessions may not occur in a dorm room or an off-campus residence.

How long do tutoring sessions last?

Tutors and students can set the length of a session between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on their preferences. This range is supported by several factors, including attention span and learning effectiveness, Cognitive Load Theory, and engagement and interaction in learning.

How do I contact my tutor?

Communication will take place through the Knack app. Students and tutors will be able to message each other through the app to plan tutoring sessions and send each other updates.

Can I meet with my tutor on a regular basis?

Students and tutors determine how often to meet. For example, it could be just once, or it could be twice a week for the entire semester. Students and tutors decide if they will continue to meet and what the planned schedule will be.

How much tutoring can I receive in a week?

Students are permitted to receive tutoring for up to 3 hours per week for each course, with this maximum resetting on Sundays. This limit aims to encourage independence, optimize learning, avoid overdependence, and promote effective study habits. In addition to peer tutoring, students are highly encouraged to utilize other Academic Support available at UMaine.

Can I receive tutoring in more than one course?

Students can receive tutoring in any number of courses in which they are currently enrolled, and can meet with different tutors for the same course.