Frequently Asked Questions: Academic Resource Center
How much does tutoring cost through the ARC?
Tutoring is offered free of charge as one of many academic support services that the School of Arts and Sciences provides to its students. There is no limit to how many tutoring sessions a student may receive. For that reason, we have nearly 30 highly-trained tutors on staff. Tutors will attempt to honor all requests provided that time is available. Time is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
For what courses does the ARC offer tutoring?
The ARC offers tutoring for a number of courses in the social sciences, natural sciences, and the humanities. We tend to offer tutoring for classes that students request most often. See the Tutoring Schedule (PDF) to see a list of the courses.
Should I wait until I am in trouble with my class before seeing a tutor?
Absolutely not. You should see a tutor before you get into trouble. In fact, many students who utilize ARC tutoring are actually performing quite well in their classes. These students aim to gain an edge in their coursework. A big mistake that students make is to think that tutoring is for students who are doing poorly in their classes. Sometimes students procrastinate until it is too late to earn a good grade in the class. Tutoring is best used when students access tutoring on a regular basis to affirm learning and develop course mastery. Tutors help students to develop course competencies as well as study skills such as time management, test preparation, and note-taking.
Does the ARC offer tutoring by appointment or can I just walk in?
Both. See the Tutoring Schedule (PDF) for the courses and times tutoring is available.
What should I do if I have to cancel a tutoring session?
Please call the ARC at 412-648-7920 as far in advance as you can to cancel a session. If you have your tutor’s contact information, you may contact the tutor directly. The tutors’ time is valuable, and many students are competing for that valuable time.
Do I need to prepare for a tutoring session?
Yes. You will get the most out of your session if you come prepared with specific questions and topics. You should also bring your textbooks, hand outs, syllabi, and any other materials that your professor provides. You should also bring exams, quizzes, and other graded work so the tutor can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
How do I become a Master Tutor?
Master tutor training is a comprehensive program consisting of a series of lectures, exercises, and discussions on such topics as study skills, roles of tutors, learning strategies, and effective facilitation techniques. The class meets two hours a week for 10 weeks. As the training progresses, trainees become increasingly aware of how learning takes place and how various strategies affect learning. Upon completion, trainees are able to utilize peer-helping techniques and increase their ability to evaluate their own performance. To find out more about the Master Tutor program, students should contact the ARC Tutor Coordinator by calling the ARC at 412-648-7920.
Are tutors evaluated?
Yes. Students are asked to fill out surveys to assess all of the services in the ARC. The services are assessed on a regular basis. To date, the tutoring service receives very high ratings and students who use the ARC tutoring generally do well in the courses for which they were tutored.
How can I get study skills help?
Check out the Study Skills Workshop schedule (PDF) for topics, dates, and times.
What do I do if I get a "U" on my midterm progress report?
Call the ARC at 412-648-7920 and ask to meet with a retention specialist. The specialist will provide you with assistance in improving sub-standard grades.
How do I get help when I'm on academic probation?
Call the ARC at 412-648-7920 and ask to meet with a retention specialist. The specialist will help you to devise an Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) to get you back on the right academic path.
How do I find out if I am eligible for Student Support Services?
Call the ARC at 412-624-6588 or stop by our office in G-1 Gardner Steel Conference Center to see if you qualify for our program. Student Support Services is a Trio Program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. We offer additional academic support, cultural events, workshops, trips, and social events to students who fit certain criteria set by the government.