Tutorial Services Center
Director: Dr. Connie Michalos
“Students helping students succeed”
FAQs
What services are available at the TSC?
Peer tutors are trained in a variety of subjects. Besides providing assistance in content areas, tutors help students understand general concepts; for example, what are the elements of fiction or how does a democracy differ from a republican form of government? Though tutors will not edit writing assignments, they will guide students through the process, pointing out problems such as unclear thesis statements, grammar errors, and weaknesses in organization and development.
The TSC also offers monthly workshops in thesis development, the research paper process, writing a successful essay examination, and identifying academic integrity issues. Please check Campus Announcements and the TSC website for these dates.
Remember, tutoring services are free.
When should I get a tutor?
Students should always first meet with their professors during office hours to discuss any problems. Sometimes, professors will require or recommend attendance at the TSC. Nevertheless, students should monitor their own progress and seek assistance as soon as they encounter difficulties in a particular subject. If they do not understand the foundation of a course, they will have problems with more complicated concepts later. Students may need tutoring for a single issue or they may need help on a continual basis. Either way, students are always welcome at the TSC. However, we do caution against a last-minute tutoring fix just before an assignment is due. Student success is a process to which we must all be committed. No real learning can occur without that commitment.
The word “tutoring” is often associated with remedial help. However, even students who are doing well in a subject area visit the TSC in order to put the finishing touches on an assignment, to let an objective reader make useful suggestions, or to get confirmation of a job well done. We are happy to provide such reinforcement and to be a part of someone’s academic success.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No appointments are necessary. Peer tutors are available M-TH from 9:00-7:00 and F from 9:00-2:00. However, other than tutoring in writing, not all subjects are covered each day. Students must check tutor schedules in the TSC. If there is a conflict, students may leave their contact information and a tutor will set up an alternate time. If a number of students from a particular course share the same problem, group tutoring is available. Otherwise, tutoring occurs on a one-to-one basis.
The Tutorial Services Center (TSC) is certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) under its International Tutor Training Certification Program (ITTCP). The TSC tutors receive ongoing specialized training and are certified in three areas, depending on their experience.
History
Since 1989, the CRLA has certified over 1,000 college and university tutorial programs in the United States and other countries.
Purpose
The ITTCP recognizes and reinforces successful tutoring services by setting common high standards for tutor skills and training. Three levels of certification are available:
Each level requires an additional 10 hours of training and 25 hours of tutoring. The CRLA’s ITTCP has certified the UST TSC program at all three levels.
Endorsements
The following entities have endorsed CRLA’s ITTCP:
- National Association for Developmental Education
- Commission XVI of the American College Personnel Association
- American Council of Developmental Education Associations
- Association for the Tutoring Professional
- National Tutoring Association
The University of St. Thomas is a private institution committed to the Liberal Arts and to the religious, ethical, and intellectual tradition of Catholic higher education. |
