The Academic Assistance Center (AAC) is a place where students with a variety of academic needs can come together to receive learning assistance. The AAC strives to provide UMC students an opportunity to further develop their learning skills and build new relationships in the process. The AAC's environment encourages the development of a collaborative working relationship between tutors, tutees & AAC staff.
Benefits of Working with a Peer Tutor
A tutor is someone who can help you to help yourself!
A tutor can help you:
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Answer questions
• Organize course materials
• Practice good study habits
• Improve self esteem
Requesting a Tutor (On Campus Students)
1. Get a blue tutor request form from the AAC for each class you are requesting a tutor
2. Complete the form and have the subject instructor sign it.
3. Return the form to the AAC Tutor Coordinator
Requesting a Tutor (Online Students) - New in Fall 2012
1. Complete the form on this link to request a tutor http://umncrookston.us2.qualtrics.com/SE/? SID=SV_dbapH96B6JgBrlW
(Note: click link and complete form for each class you are requesting a tutor)
2. Online Student Personnel Coordinator will contact you to discuss procedures and rules
3. It is recommended that you download Skype onto your computer and create a user if you haven’t already.
Responsibilities of Tutee
• Complete "Request for Tutor" (card for on-campus students/online form for online students) and meet with a Tutor Coordinator to discuss procedures and rules.
• Study the course material before each tutor session. Come to each session prepared with specific questions.
• Attend and participate in EACH class. A tutor session is not an acceptable substitute for a missed class.
• Be regular and prompt to tutoring sessions. Bring along any materials you may need at the tutoring session.
• Notify the tutor in a timely manner of illness or any other need to cancel a session.
• Implement suggestions for improved study habits as suggested by your tutor.
• Show appreciation for your tutor's efforts.
• Notify the tutor program coordinator of any issues that arise.
• Complete program evaluations as requested by the tutor program coordinator.
General Policies
1. The Tutor Coordinator will reasonably accommodate all tutor requests, but tutoring is not guaranteed. Tutoring is dependent on finding a peer tutor who is qualified, willing and available during the tutees available times.
o The more hours the tutee is available, the higher the chance they will be matched with a tutor.
2. Students must be enrolled in the class they are requesting a tutor.
3. Each tutee is able to receive up to two hours of tutoring per week per UMC class.
o Exceptions can be made per the Tutor Coordinator’s discretion.
4. Students are not allowed to request a specific tutee/tutor. All assignments will be made by the Tutor Coordinator.
5. Tutoring sessions are scheduled as soon as possible after the request form is turned in. Students are then notified by their tutor when the tutoring sessions will be held.
o This notification is done through UMC’s primary form of communication, campus email.
6. Tutoring will be conducted through one of the following options:
o Face-to-face in the AAC
o Internet /Video Chat (for online students)
7. The last day of tutoring for the semester is the last day of class for that semester.
8. Tutoring in the AAC is typically done in groups. One-on-one tutoring is not guaranteed. Exceptions can be made per the Tutor Coordinator’s discretion.
Expectations:
What to Expect from a Tutor:
Tutors will make recommendations to help you become a more efficient student.
Tutors supplement your work, provide hints, suggestions, etc., but cannot replace good honest hard work.
Tutors will assist you in setting goals.
Tutors will help you with challenging problems, but will not do your homework for you.
Tutors are excellent sources of information regarding resources available to you on campus.
What A Tutor Expects from You:
Do your best to understand the material before coming to your tutoring session
Do your homework prior to your tutoring session
Read the syllabus. Understand what is expected of you in each class.
Be an active student in class. Ask questions, participate, and take notes in class.
Be aware of test and due dates so you can pace yourself and avoid cramming and panicking.
Bring a list of questions or problems you would like to discuss with your tutor.
Tutors do.....
…explain concepts that students have difficulty understanding.
…use alternate methods of explaining content and give examples that may help students better understand.
…share successful study strategies based on experience and training.
…believe a student's work should reflect their own ability.
…give positive reinforcement - help students become more confident in their own abilities.
…honor the privacy of the client.
Tutors do NOT.....
…do assignments for students - including lead them through assignments.
…assist in take home exams.
…grade assignments or discuss assigned grades.
…attempt to judge the acceptability of completed assignments from the instructor's point of view.
…comment on an instructor's grading policy, teaching style, or personality.
…proof read drafts of papers, although we may read for logic and clarity.
…discuss client's progress, achievements or abilities with others.
