What is Tutoring Services?
If you are struggling in a subject, or know you will be struggling soon, you can get help by signing up for a Peer Tutor. Our tutors are Grinnell students who have been recommended by professors for demonstrating expertise in their subject areas. They will meet with you individually, work with you at your own pace and give you help in the specific areas you need most.
As a Grinnell student, you can receive up to 4 free hours a week of tutoring in one or two of your classes. You and your tutor will decide when to meet and every attempt will be made to work around your schedule. Because the tutor has had the class before, you will benefit from his or her experience and focus on the specific requirements of the class.
How do I get a tutor?
To obtain a tutor, you must come to the Academic Advising Office, JRC 3rd floor,and meet with Hanna Langley (x3702). She will hear from you what concerns you have about the course, including your areas of improvement, and she will match you with a tutor. It is your responsibility to contact the tutor(s) and arrange mutually convenient meeting times. If you and your tutor cannot find a time convenient for both of you, ask for another tutor contact. If you have any difficulties with the tutoring arrangement, be sure to meet with Hanna to resolve the issue. We want every student to have a strong chanceof being successful in their courses.
What do I do once I decide on a tutor?
You will also be given a time sheet (white form) to fill out and submit twice each month. Keep a record of the times that you have been tutored and submit it to Academic Advising on the 15th and last day of each month. Further, you must complete the web form, which Hanna will show you. If you do not submit both records, your tutor will not be paid.
How do I prepare for my first session?
An "Identifying Needs" form will be given to you when you ask for a list of tutors. This form should be filled out and discussed with Hanna when you select a tutor. Then you should share it with your Tutor also. The form will help your tutor identify problem areas, and therefore better assist you.
What if I don't like the tutor I choose?
You are welcome to change tutors at any time. It would be polite to inform your current tutor that you will not be needing their assistance in the future. We provide numerous tutors so that you are more likely to find someone with whom you can work successfully.
What should a tutor be able to help me with?
Tutors will help you find strategies to succeed in your specific class. This may include working on note taking skills, comprehension of basic concepts or key ideas, and organizing materials for the course.
What should a tutor not help me with?
Your tutor should not assist you with take-home exams or any other assignment for which the instructor has explicitly stated that you should do your own work. Grinnell's academic honesty policy lists examples of academically dishonest work you should avoid.
Also, you should avoid discussing with your tutor any issues that do not pertain specifically to the course for which you are tutored (such as homesickness, roommate problems, health issues). These concerns are important and should be brought to the attention of a Student Affairs staff member (SA, RLC, Academic Advising Counselor, etc.) Tutors are not trained in personal counseling.
I have more questions!
Have no fear, the tutoring coordinators are happy to answer any and all questions. Hanna Langley works closely with the tutoring program and would would love to talk with you.
