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The Tutoring Center | The Math Study Center | The Writing Center
The Tutoring Center
How can I become a tutor?
To become a tutor, several requirements need to be met. First, all tutors are required to have a 3.2 overall GPA or higher. Second, all tutors must have received an A- or better in the course they wish to tutor. Third, all tutors must be recommended by the professor of the course they wish to tutor. Finally, all tutors must complete the Tutor Qualification Course.
How many hours can I work?
Campus student employees are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. The Tutoring Center requires all tutors to post a minimum of 10 hours per week, though tutors only work when students sign up for appointments.
What are the hours tutors work?
Tutors set their own schedules. Typically, appointments are set between 7 am and 7 pm. Tutors are free to post hours during the library hours of operation.
What are tutors paid?
The Tutoring Center starts new tutors 10 cents above the campus minimum for student employees. Tutors can receive periodic raises with the completion of start of the semester tasks and experience.
How often can I visit a tutor?
Students are allowed to visit a tutor for a specific course up to three times per week. Exceptions to visit a tutor more frequently than this are handled on a case by case basis.
How much does a student have to pay for tutoring?
Tutoring is a free service offered by the university. However, if a student schedules an appointment and fails to show up, a fee will be charged to the student account.
How should a student prepare for a tutoring appointment?
Students should prepare for a tutoring appointment by first completing assigned readings and course work. Then, students can bring specific questions with them to discuss with a tutor. If a student habitually comes unprepared, the tutor may cancel the appointment until the student becomes prepared.
For which courses is tutoring offered?
Tutoring is offered for many knowledge-based courses. If a student requests a tutor for a knowledge-based course for which we don’t have a tutor, we will attempt to find a tutor in a timely manner. Tutoring is not offered for skill based courses (example: racquetball, guitar, dance, etc.).
How long is a typical appointment?
Most appointments are an hour long.
Is online tutoring available?
Yes. Online tutoring is offered for students who are not in Rexburg, Idaho. A student can sign up for an online tutoring session through the regular scheduling system, but the student needs to indicate in the comment box that the session will be online.
Is there a drop-in lab?
The Tutoring Center does not offer any drop-in tutoring services. Volunteer Connections offers select drop-in labs run primarily by volunteers.
How is a tutor different than a TA or a lab assistant?
It is not uncommon for a TA to grade papers or assist in teaching class. Also, it is not uncommon for lab assistants to run drop-in or scheduled labs. Tutors are not permitted to do these tasks. Tutors are to post availabilities on the tutor scheduling system for which students can sign up, and tutors are required to tutor in the Tutoring Center.
What is the process of hiring a tutor?
When we know we have a position available, we contact the professor(s) to ask for recommendations. After students are recommended, we ensure they meet Tutoring Center requirements. Then, students are contacted and interviewed. Once these steps have been completed, the student is eligible for hire. If a student is interested in tutoring, he or she should have the professor send an email recommendation to the Tutoring Center.
Are other tutoring resources available?
Yes. The Tutoring Center has created video tutorials for students. These can be found on the same page which a student would sign up for a tutoring appointment.
The Math Study Center
How much do I have to pay to get tutoring?
Nothing. Labs, groups, and 1-on-1 tutors are free to all students who don't abuse the system.
Why do we need to check in to use the math lab?
We keep records of all of the visits to the math lab so that we are able to staff the lab with enough tutors of the right subjects.
What is the difference between using a 1-on-1 tutor and going into the math lab?
The math lab is open for many hours for the entire week. You can just walk in, work on your homework and ask questions when you get stuck. The 1-on-1 tutoring is for students who need more specialized help or have been struggling with their class. With this option you have the benefit of having 1-on-1 attention and guidance, but you need to make an appointment.
The Writing Center
How should I prepare for my visit?
Come prepared with:
- Specific questions or concerns about the assignment.
- Hard copy of the assignment.
- Willingness to make changes.
- Twenty to thirty minutes to spend in a session.
- Enough time before assignment is due to make changes.
Does my paper have to be for a class?
No. The BYU-Idaho Writing Center works with resumes, cover letters, letters of introduction (for student teaching and graduate school applications) as well as creative works.
Can you guarantee me an "A"?
No. The Writing Center can work with students to help their assignment meet the guidelines, but the tutors cannot guarantee an "A".
What if a tutor gives me advice that I or my teacher disagree with?
Writing tutors are your peers--fellow college students with experience in writing college papers. Because tutors are not familiar with the specifics of your assignment or your instructor's particular expectations, their comments should be understood only as suggestions. Always defer to the advice of your instructor and remember that the paper is yours; you must take responsibility for the suggested revisions you choose to incorporate in your final draft.
How long are sessions?
On average, sessions are around twenty minutes. This does not mean that for quick concerns students will be required to stay there for the full twenty minutes, or that students with many questions will be cut off after twenty minutes. International students on average have thirty to forty-five minute sessions in order to address and concerns with the language itself.
How much time before the due date should I come in?
At least a few hours before class, but preferably at least a day or two in advance. This allows the student plenty of time to be able to correct or change any parts of their assignment that were worked on, as well as allowing enough time for the student to make any further changes or ask their teacher questions regarding the assignment.
Can I request an online session if I'm on-campus?
No. On-campus students are required to come in to the Writing Center in person. The online sessions are strictly for those students who are off-campus.
Where are you located?
On the second floor of the McKay Library, near the Reading Center and Tutoring Center.
Are all the employees at the BYU-Idaho Writing Center English majors?
No. Some of the employees are, but others are biology, political science, health administration, or sociology majors. Being an English major is not required to work at the Writing Center.
My teacher is requiring or giving extra credit for my visit. How will he or she know I have visited?
We will stamp your draft or provide a kind of receipt, whichever you prefer. However, do not come with the attitude of "I'm just here to get my points." In order for us to provide evidence of your visit, you must visit at least 6 hours before the paper is due AND come with a draft copy (not the final copy you plan to turn in). If you come with your final copy, it will be obvious you have no intention of making changes, and therefore your visit is pointless.