The primary goal of the SSU Tutorial Program is to help students succeed in their SSU courses.  Tutors are trained to encourage and assist students in developing their own potential as independent learners in a challenging, non-threatening environment.

Research indicates that students learn more efficiently if they are actively engaged in the learning process.  In keeping with this finding, our tutors help tutees engage with the course material as much as possible.

Tutoring methods employed by SSU tutors emphasize the sharing of ideas and solutions, the use of multiple probing strategies, and the value of group discussions.  Tutors not only have an excellent grasp of the subject matter, they are trained as facilitators to aid in discussions.  These methods promote both academic success and confidence.

Procedures and Policies

Scheduling an Appointment

1. In order to schedule a tutoring appointment, or to attend a Tutorial Program study group, students first must complete a Tutee Intake Form each semester appointments are made. This form must be received prior to making appointments in person or by telephone.  The Tutee Intake Form is used to contact tutees to inform them if a session must be canceled, to discuss no-shows by the tutee, and to verify that tutees are enrolled SSU students.  Forms can be found at the Tutorial Center in Salazar 1040.

2. Ask the Tutorial Program receptionist for the Master Schedule in the subject for which you are seeking tutoring.

3. Check the Master Schedule to determine which appointment time matches with your availability.

4. Make the appointment with the receptionist—at least one day prior to the appointment time—and obtain a reminder card.

Attendance Policy

Tutees are expected to be present in the Tutorial Center at least five minutes before the beginning of the appointment time.  Tutors are not paid unless the tutee actually receives tutoring, so not showing up for an appointment is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.  If a tutee fails TWICE to cancel a session PRIOR to 8:00 a.m. on the day of the scheduled appointment and/or is more than TEN MINUTES late to an appointment, the tutee will be subject to dismissal from the program for that semester.  We have an answering machine (664-2429), so you can leave a message when Tutorial Program staff aren't able to answer the telephone.  Tutees who are late to appointments can be replaced by any tutee who is waiting for assistance, at which time the late tutee will be subject to forfeiting his/her appointment with the tutor.  Tutees who are not prepared for their sessions may be refused service at the discretion of the tutor.

Usage Policy

1. All tutoring appointments must be made at least one day prior to the appointment time.  NO SAME DAY TUTORING.

2. Tutoring appointments are 50 minutes long and can be made from 9:00 to 4:00 (4:00 appointments go to 4:50) from Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 to 2:00 (2:00 appointments go to 2:50) on Fridays.

3. Tutees may request up to two hours of one-on-one tutoring per week per course.  Four hours per week maximum.  Additional hours must be approved by the Director.

4. Tutors are not paid unless tutoring actually happens.  They usually call the morning before a session to check if any appointments have been scheduled.  If an appointment has not been scheduled for a certain hour, the tutor will not be present in the Tutorial Center for that hour.

The SSU Tutorial Program, in conjunction with Associated Students and the faculty and staff of SSU, take the learning needs of students seriously, and we are responsive to your concerns and constructive feedback. If at any time you have concerns, problems, or comments you would like to express regarding your tutoring, please contact Tutorial Program staff.