Faculty Frequently Asked Questions About Knack Tutoring
How much does tutoring cost?
Tutoring is completely free to UMaine students.
Who are the tutors?
Tutors are UMaine students—peers who have earned a B+ or better in the course. They are paid, trained tutors.
Which courses have tutors available?
Tutors are available in a wide variety of 100 to 400-level courses, and we are recruiting new tutors all the time. Contact us at um.osas@maine.edu or 207.581.2351 if you want to know if your course is available for tutoring.
Where does 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 virtually through the Knack online classroom. Tutoring sessions may not occur in a dorm room or an off-campus residence.
How does a student arrange a tutoring session with a 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.
How often and for how long can students meet with tutors?
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. Tutors and students can set the length of a session between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on their preferences. To avoid overdependence and promote effective study habits, students are limited to 3 hours per week of tutoring for each course.
Can students receive help in more than one course?
Students can receive tutoring in any number of courses, and can meet with different tutors for the same course, up to 3 hours per week for each course.
Is tutoring available during Winter Session and Summer University?
Our hope is that Knack tutors will want to work all year long including Winter Session and Summer University. The Office of Student Academic Success will work to recruit the necessary tutors. Please reach out to us if you want us to recruit for your class at: um.osas@maine.edu.
As a faculty member, how can I help?
- Tell your students and advisees about UMaine Knack tutors! It’s always helpful for students to hear that there is assistance from multiple sources.
- Please send us a copy of your syllabus. Tutors who have the syllabus are better able to help students to prepare for quizzes and exams.
- Encourage your successful students to apply to be a tutor! Send us their names and we will reach out to them to tell them of your endorsement of their abilities. Often students become tutors based on faculty encouragement rather than our pleas to become a tutor!
- Request Knack flyers or posters for your department or office.
- Invite Office of Student Academic Success staff to come speak with your class!