Course Tutoring FAQ

Course Tutoring includes all tutoring that helps you master the content specific to a course or discipline. Course Tutoring covers a broad range of classes, disciplines, and tutoring styles, and may look quite different depending on the discipline.

In Math tutoring, students spend much of their time with their tutors working through practice problems together. In Language tutoring, students mostly practice speaking the target language with their tutors and receive feedback and clarification on grammar. In Philosophy tutoring, students might go through class readings with their tutor, engaging in discussion periodically to better understand the text.

What these tutoring sessions have in common is that they focus on completing assignments, preparing for exams, and working toward a better overall understanding of course material. Course Tutoring is not, however, specifically geared toward helping with writing. For help with writing, please visit the Writing Center.

Sessions generally last 30 minutes, but they may last longer depending on the course. In most cases, tutors are happy to continue working with students for as long as their availability (which is always listed on our online calendar, WC Online) lasts. If other students are present, tutors may have to split their attention between students, unless the students are working on the same material or assignments and would like to work as a group.

For Math tutoring, Study Hall sessions are available every Monday through Thursday evening, from 6pm to 8pm. Students are welcome to come to these sessions, work in groups or alone with the help of a tutor, and stay for as long as they like. For one-on-one Math tutoring appointments, students are welcome to book another 30-minute appointment after their first one ends, provided one is available on the online calendar.

For most disciplines, sessions are available for multiple students to book, with a maximum occupancy of 3–5 students, depending on the discipline. However, most sessions only see one student booking. This is especially the case early in the semester and in the weeks immediately after midterms. In the weeks leading up to midterms and finals, tutoring demand increases, and it becomes more likely that multiple students will have booked the same appointment time. Group sessions are very productive and enjoyable for students, but for students who would prefer a one-on-one session, it is recommended that they attend tutoring at those times of the semester when demand is low.

For Math tutoring, the distinction between one-on-one and group sessions is built into the online calendar system, WC Online. Study Hall sessions, held Monday through Thursday from 6pm to 8pm, are held in a group tutoring format with multiple tutors present. One-on-one sessions are available by appointment only on WC Online and guarantee that the student will work one-on-one with the tutor.

If the ARC doesn't offer tutoring for the course you are taking, you have a few options:

First, if you need help with a writing assignment for your class, keep in mind that you can always visit the ARC's Writing Center for help.

If you need help with other kinds of assignments, or with understanding the course content broadly, then please feel encouraged to fill out the Tutoring Request Form here. We are always looking for more ways to help students and will be happy to evaluate the possibility of adding tutoring for your course, especially if there are other students indicating a similar interest in tutoring.

It takes time for the ARC to add a new Course Tutoring option, so in the meantime you should visit your professor's office hours or form a study group with classmates. For help with forming a study group, please feel free to fill out our Study Group Interest Form here.

Study groups are student-facilitated and do not include the presence of an official ARC tutor. Our office will help students connect with each other and offer advice to get them started on their study group. If the ARC does not currently offer tutoring for a particular course, students can use study groups as an alternative form of academic support. Students may also wish to use study groups in addition to ARC tutoring. If students in a study group need a place to study, they are always welcome to reserve space in the ARC's building, Daum Hall, by visiting the "Room Reservations" calendar on our online calendar system, WC Online.

Course tutors at the ARC are hired primarily by faculty recommendation. The best way to become an ARC Course Tutor is to excel in your classes, get to know your professors and classmates, and express your desire to become a Course Tutor to your professor. Please feel free to contact the ARC for more information.