Tutoring

Visit the Extending the Classroom (ETC) page for groups, times, and locations.

Q: Who is eligible to receive tutoring?
A: Any University of Minnesota Crookston student enrolled for credit (online, on-campus, and PSEO).

Q: How much does tutoring cost?
A: Nothing. There is no charge for either online students or on-campus students.

Q: Do many students sign up for tutoring?
A: Yes! We coordinate over 300 on-campus tutor requests and 100 online tutor requests per year.

Q: How do I sign up for tutoring?
A: Complete the “Request a Tutor” form for each course you would like a tutor.  You may request a tutor for as many courses as you are taking each semester, or only one class, depending on your needs.  Please remember to complete your schedule on the tutor request form so that we can match you with a tutor at a time that works for you.

Q: Am I guaranteed to get a tutor?
A: Although we do our very best to identify tutors and coordinate tutorial groups, we cannot guarantee tutorial sessions in all classes. (Keep in mind, our program is designed to support 1000-2000 level courses.) However, if a tutor request is submitted, the SSC will work with the department and your instructor to identify a tutor for you. Until a tutor is found, be proactive! Utilize instructor office hours or form your own study groups for outside class assistance.

Q: How does tutoring work?
A: After submitting a tutor request and schedule, the Tutor Coordinator will get in touch with you. Students are paired with a tutor to meet with on a regular basis, typically for the remainder of the semester. Sessions are usually one hour long and are either one-on-one or small group sessions. Tutors will help you with course content and understanding homework, but are not allowed to help you with quizzes or exams.

Students requesting a tutor must be attending class on a regular basis to be eligible for tutoring. Tutor sessions are not to be considered as a substitute for class attendance.

Q: Will I be tutored in a group?
A: Depending on availability, you may be tutored one-on-one or in a small group.  If possible, we try to schedule tutor sessions in groups of two to four students as generally students learn from each other as well as from the tutor.  Students are encouraged to create study groups with each other outside of tutoring times as well.

Q: How do I get private/individual tutoring?
A: You may be assigned to a tutor individually, but be aware that additional students may be assigned to your tutor session time as more requests for the same class are received. If you feel you require individualized tutoring, please contact the Disability Resource Center for accommodations.

Q: Where do tutorial sessions meet?
A: On-campus tutor sessions are held in the Student Success Center (Owen Hall, Room 270). Occasionally tutor sessions are held outside the SSC but prior approval by the Tutor Coordinator must be obtained.

Online tutor sessions are held using video conference software. Generally, Google Meet or Zoom are the primary software packages our tutors use.

Q: What technology requirements are needed for online tutoring?
A: You will be required to download the plugin for Google Hangouts. While it is nice if you have a webcam for online tutoring, the webcam is not required. The only requirement is that you have a microphone for your computer to pick up your voice.  You will spend most of your online tutor sessions sharing your screen with your tutor and discussing your homework problems and course content. You are also highly encouraged to use headphones to reduce background noise. Most headphones that are available today include an in-line microphone.

Q: How often will my tutorial group meet?
A: Depending on your needs, you will meet either once or twice a week with your tutor for an hour. At the tutor coordinator’s discretion, additional tutoring time can be approved if needed.

Q: Do I need to prepare before my tutorial session?
A: Yes! The tutors expect that you will be an active participant and contributor in their sessions.  You should come with your course materials, along with questions about the material you have covered and having attempted your homework. If you don't prepare, you won't benefit from the session.

Q: What happens if I can’t attend a session?
A: If you must cancel a session, please contact your tutor and inform them of the cancellation at least two hours prior to the scheduled session. As long as your provide a two hour notice, it will not be considered a “miss”.

If you do not inform your tutor that you are unable to attend, it will count against you as a “miss”. Each student is given one warning miss, then dismissed from tutoring for that class. However as long as you communicate with your tutor that you are unable to attend in reasonable amount of time, it will not count as a “miss”.

If you are continually cancelling sessions, your tutor may ask to reduce the number of tutoring session per week.

Q: What if I'm dropped from tutoring but I still really need it?
A: Depending on the circumstances, you may appeal by speaking to the SSC Director and Tutor Coordinator.

Q: Is there drop-in tutoring available?
A: The SSC prefers to regularly schedule you with a peer tutor throughout the semester. However we recognize that there are times where you have a quick question that you need answered. The SSC has some drop-in tutoring available. Contact umctutor@crk.umn.edu for subjects/days/hours.

• Kelsey Torgerson - (218) 281-8559, kwatkins@crk.umn.edu - Math & Science related classes
• Josh Parrill - (218) 281-8558, parr0061@crk.umn.edu - Acct, Finance, & Comp Applications related classes
• Writing Center - (218) 281-8556, umcwrite@crk.umn.edu - writing questions

Students may email in, call in, or drop into the SSC with questions any time, however tutors may not be immediately available to help you outside of these times.

Q: Who are the tutors?
A: Tutors are primarily peer students from University of Minnesota Crookston who have taken the same course and earned an A or B in the course they are tutoring and approved by and instructor. These tutors compete a tutor training course to help you improve your academic skills. The SSC staff also includes professional tutors in writing, math, and science.

Q: Where is the Student Success Center (SSC) located?
A: The SSC is located in Owen Hall 270.

Q: Are there any other services I can use?
A: Yes! Our professional staff can meet with you individually or will work with you to schedule a group meeting to help with time management or other study skills. Email us at umctutor@crk.umn.edu set up an appointment.

Q: I am interested in becoming a peer tutor, how do I apply?
A: Click the Apply to be a Tutor accordion on this page to learn more about becoming a tutor and for the application link. Contact umctutor@crk.umn.edu for questions.

Want to help other students? Interested in becoming a peer tutor?

Apply now to become a Tutor

Purpose of Job

The primary role of the peer tutor is to assist the students to become successful, independent learners. Peer tutors integrate effective study and learning strategies with course content to maximize the student's potential for academic progress and enhance mastery of concepts or applications of a specific course of study. All UMC Student Success Center tutoring services at UMC are provided at no additional charge to UMC students.

Benefits of Being a Peer Tutor

• Tutors start out at a compensation of $11.00 per hour. Pay may increase with completion of UMN Crookston Peer Tutor Certification, Level and years of experience
• Tutors develop skills in leadership, interpersonal communication, professionalism, time management, and critical thinking
• Tutors generally experience further mastery of foundational course content, improved personal study skills, and enhanced self-confidence
• Tutors develop improved connections with UMC students, faculty, and staff members
• Tutors have the opportunity to help fellow students succeed academically

Qualifications

• Recommendation from a faculty member in the specific subject area
• Demonstrated success in the course to be tutored (received A or B in a course)
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
• Demonstrate an excellent level of responsibility, reliability, punctuality, friendliness, patience, and sensitivity to a diversity of students
• Good academic standing (3.0 GPA is preferred)
• Enrolled in one of UMC's programs (minimum 6 credits)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work with minimal supervision

Responsibilities & Expectations

• Treat all students, staff, faculty, visitors, etc. with respect
• Support and encourage independent learning by applying training and following expected procedures
• Coordinate meetings and schedules with tutees as appropriate
• Check your UMN email account daily
• Communicate scheduling conflicts with UMN Crookston Tutor Programming Coordinator
• Respond to tutor assignments within 48 hours of notice
• Tutor specific academic subjects to individuals or small groups
• Communicate students' attendance and progress
• Refer students to tutor coordinator:
• When they are continually absent
• When unsatisfactory progress is noted in sessions
• If additional difficulties are encountered in the tutoring sessions
• If tutor suspects student requires additional University resources
• Serve as a resource for other tutors in same academic subject
• Perform miscellaneous duties as directed