Students interested in working as an ASC tutor complete a tutoring application. The ASC reviews the application and the student's academic transcript, then the coordinator of the tutoring program meets with the prospective tutor for an interview. In most cases the ASC will contact faculty references for a recommendation.

Does the ASC have tutors available for all classes?

We try to provide tutoring for all classes for which we get requests. Because we depend on students to work as tutors, we’re not always able to provide a tutor for each student or for every class. We attempt to fill each request, but there are often a few courses for which we are unable to find qualified tutors. In those cases we work with faculty to recruit additional tutors. We provide tutors on a first-come, first-served basis, so your chances of getting a tutor are greatest if you submit your request early in the semester.

May I request a particular tutor?

We match tutors with students on a first-come, first-served basis, so we are unable to guarantee that you'll be able to work with a tutor you choose. However, we feel that all of our tutors are well-qualified and well-supported, so we're confident that you'll be matched with an effective tutor.

What are my responsibilities as far as tutoring goes?

The responsibilities of students seeking tutoring are explained on the tutoring agreement section of the tutor request form.

When and where do I meet my tutor?

When the ASC matches you with a tutor we notify both of you by campus mail that we've made a match. We leave it up to you and your tutor to determine the best time and place to meet. We require that all tutoring take place on campus and in a common area (not in a residence hall room, apartment, or townhouse). We have limited tutoring space available at the ASC, and many students meet their tutors in the library, in an empty classroom, or in a study room in a residence hall.

I'm having a problem with my tutor. What can I do about it?

We hire tutors who have effective interpersonal skills and we train them in a variety of different techniques for interacting with students. Infrequently, however, problems do occur. If that happens, we urge you to contact Susan Dawkins, the coordinator of our peer tutoring program. She may have ideas for ways to smooth the interaction between you and your tutor, or she may decide to offer you another tutor. In any event, we're here to help, so please contact us if any problems arise.

What if I need more help than tutoring can provide?

You may request one hour of tutoring per week in one or two courses. If you feel that you need additional academic assistance, you may attend any drop-in or group review sessions for your course. We encourage you to meet with your professors during their office hours if you're having a specific problem. You may also make an appointment to meet with one of the ASC's professional learning specialists.

Disability Services Questions

What disability services does the ASC offer?

For more details about our disability services, please see our disability services web page.

I have a diagnosed disability. Who do I talk to for help?

Students with disabilities should contact the Coordinator of Disability Services to set up an appointment to discuss the ways that UPJ can address the students' disabilities. Students who would like to request academic accommodations should also notify their instructors of their disability.

Does UPJ provide academic accommodations for students with disabilities?

Yes—and the ASC is the office that coordinates disability services on our campus. Students who want to learn more about disability services should contact the Coordinator of Disability Services.

Do I have to tell my professors about my disability?

No, you don’t, but it's often a good idea to mention it. All of the ASC's disability services are confidential, and if you wish to request accommodations in one class but not in another one, you may. It’s important to tell your professors that you have a disability if you wish to request academic accommodations, but you don’t need to discuss details of your disability with your professors (but you do need to discuss them with the Coordinator of Disability Services).

I think I might have a learning disability. Will the ASC help me find out?

UPJ does not offer any formal diagnostic testing. However, we are able to conduct informal assessments with students who think they may have a disability, and we can refer students to a number of local psychologists who can conduct formal evaluations. The professionals at the ASC work closely with Dr. Bob Yaskanich at the Personal Counseling Center, and the ASC often recommends that students with questions about diagnosing a disability talk with Dr. Bob.

Are your disability services confidential?

Yes, absolutely. We do not discuss our students with outside agencies or with instructors without the students’ explicit permission to do so. We recognize that confidentiality is crucial to our ability to assist students effectively and professionally.

I’ve just moved to UPJ from another school where I worked with the disability services office. Will my records transfer?

Probably not. It’s important to register with the ASC for disability services in person—and to re-register at the beginning of each semester.